WW: Reid's Baptism

As stressful as it was leading up to the big day, it turned out beautiful.  The weather was perfect, the food was delicious and the kids didn't destroy the church.  What more could we ask for, really?

But can I be honest with you for a second?  I had such a hard time in the few days leading up to Reid's Baptism and party.  The entire time I was trying to clean, make lists, shop and get things ready, all I could think about was my dad.

This has, by far, been the hardest time for me to date.  Harder than Christmas.  Harder than New Year's.  Harder than anything leading up to this point. There was just a huge, gaping hole in my heart all week and boy, was it hard to handle. I miss my dad every second of every day, but it really hits home when you hold family events like this.

So yeah, there's that.

But the event itself went really well and the food was amazing.  We had some of it catered, but the yummy main dishes were made by my mom, mother in law and a good friend of the family and I am just the luckiest person in the world to have so many wonderful people in my life {that are also good cooks... BONUS!}

I don't have any pictures of the party {way too busy running around} but here are a few pics from the ceremony and just after.  The weather was a perfect 72 degrees =)

 

I love this sequence of Reid with his Godparents, Chris and Reenie! He's a lucky guy =)

I still want to get a few pictures of just Reid in his gorgeous outfit, but I had no time on the day of.  Hopefully this weekend so that I can order Thank You cards with his sweet little picture on it =)

Happy Baptism Reid Joseph! You are so very loved.

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Google Reader is going away on July 1st, and I don't want to lose you in the shuffle!

WW: Thankful

After having a rough couple of months, it can sometimes be difficult to just stop, look around, and continue to be thankful for all of the wonderful things that you still have in your life.

This past weekend? I got a chance to do that.

A benefit was held in loving memory of my dad. It was a light-hearted and fun event, just like my dad would have wanted. Good food, drinks and lots of family and friends.

{Stephanie Glover Photography}

The room was filled to the brim with 250 of our closest friends and family members as we laughed and raised money for some pretty wonderful things.

I have a huge post planned for tomorrow, so don't forget to check back as I tell you how this whole fabulous benefit came together :)

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Oh, and happy spring! Now if it would just start feeling like it, that would be fantastic.

 

I'm going to #BlogHer12!

Can you believe it?  Yes, me.  At 34 weeks pregnant.

I will be roaming the streets of NYC, going to sessions, eating lots of food, party hopping like it's my job {because really? It will be my job while I'm there.  And it's hard work ;} Oh, and you best believe that I will be keeping up with everyone {maybe sometimes waddling a little behind, but still} because I get to see these lovies from BlogHer11 again...

Andalso?  I get to see and meet even MORE girlies.  You know, the ones that live in my computer.  Girls that I've been talking to for years.  And I finally get to meet them in just a few short days.  SQUEE!

I really lucked out that the conference is in NYC this year though, otherwise, I probably wouldn't have been able to go {um, no more flying for this mama.}  I get to road trip it up from Philly to NYC with this awesome girl.  And I will be rooming with her, her and her and I simply can. not. wait. to squeeze them.
Packing will be a bit rough this time.  It's not that I have to limit my baggage or anything {though, I'm sure everything will fit into 1 wheely suit case} it's that I feel like I don't have a ton to wear.

Being 8 months pregnant and walking around NYC in August, I'm obviously shooting for comfy summer dresses or skirts during the day a few nicer dresses at night.  But, since this is likely my last pregnancy and I'm nearing completion here, I also don't want to spend a lot of money on clothes that I won't get much use out of.

So I figured, instead of going out and buying this dress... {how perfect is that for Sparklecorn? Sigh.}

I could be a good girl {darn!}, save some money, and just accessorize some of the dresses I already own.  So?  I went shopping in my closet.  {Um, and my sister's closet too.}  Here are some of the dresses I picked out...

And I stole this one from my sister... {a shot from her maternity session with Steph!}

It's orange.  I love it.  I also stole a hot pink dress and an orange halter top maternity shirt as well.  Thank gawd she's pregnant too ;)

And with a few fun accessories like these..

 ...along with some glitter, sparkly shoes and a few surprise elements, I think I'll be just fine. {And it's okay that the necklace rests right on top of my belly right?  Almost like it's sitting on a shelf.  Okay, I thought it was fine too.}  I'll also pack a few casual outfits as well- capri's, tanks, jeans, comfy shoes (!!!) and a few skirts- and I'll be on my way!

Oh, and one other thing I want to add {that I am super excited about}... Jenni from the Blog was just named as one of the Top 20 Finalists for the 2012 BlogLuxe Awards!  Ahhhhhhh!!  There were nearly 200 amazing blogs nominated for the awards, and I am so honored to be among the top 20.  I mean, really!?!  How did that even happen??  Thank you to all those who voted for me!  The 5 winners will be announced on Thursday night, August 2nd at the SocialLuxe Party!  Can't wait =)

So, if you're going to BlogHer12, SAY HI!  I'm not scary. {Well, maybe a little.} And you certainly won't miss me.  I look like this...

...and I'm the girl with the big belleh. =)

Sending a huge thank you to Medifast. The program helped me lose 30 pounds of baby weight after Brynn and I'll do it again after delivering this little peanut!  If you are interested in starting the Medifast program or have any questions, feel free to ask me!

Steppin out ON the field...

Um, so yesterday? Was slightly amazing.

A few months ago, my friend Amy entered a raffle at our college during an event that they were holding and won... get this: 4 tickets to the Phillies game yesterday which included seats in the Hall of Fame Club, dinner in the Diamond Club, a tour of the stadium, and being on the field {!!!} during the Phillies batting practice.

We about had a heart attack.

Here are a few pictures...

Amy, Troy, Bob and I on the field.

I made sure to take a pic of us standing on the field. Bob wanted to steal some dirt. He didn't. But he wanted too.

Ya know, just a little batting practice.

That's us. And that's Ryan Howard.

J Roll. Love him.

Utley, Howard, Victo...

The Phillies head coach {Charlie Manuel} and GM {Ruben Amaro}

Utley & Victorino

Ryan Howard... just playing a little golf.

The Phillies were playing the St. Louis Cardinals.... and that right there? Is Mark McGwire. Yep.

We got to see some pretty amazing things on the tour, including standing right next to Charlie Manuel and walking right by Vance Worley in the press room... ya know, just a normal day.

I wanted to get on the stage. I thought they might tackle me though.

Off to the broadcast booth.

Look familiar, Phillies fans?

We then headed next door to the press box. What a view from there, I'll tell ya...

After the tour, we headed to dinner in the Diamond Club and then took our seats in the Hall of Fame Club just as the first pitch was thrown. We had quite the view...

One of my new favorite players... Hunter Pence!

Yeah, so not only was this day amazing enough, but the Phillies had a chance to clinch the NL East if they won the game.

They did.

What an amazing, amazing day! And I just want to send a shout out to my good friend Amy for inviting us to go with them. We had SUCH a great time with you guys! Thank you!!

How's that for Steppin Out? =)

Vote for amazing Saturday's with old friends!