The marathon.

Between normal holiday activities, a new job, & wedding planning the Badger and I feel like we are running a marathon these days. With just 10 days left until Christmas, I did manage to get out our holiday cards this year. You can't beat Tiny Prints for their creative and fun patterns! I apologize for my lack of frequent posting. I'll be back to it when time frees up a bit!

Merry Merry!

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Aching feet.

With my new job I'm on my feet a lot. In fact, I'm looking forward to my first weekend off in a while and resting my footsies. I think I've mentioned before my super narrow feet (that makes shoe buying expensive & difficult.) Through the grapevine I've heard these shoes are the most comfy out there, and are now at the top of my Christmas wish list! Any other comfy shoe suggestions?

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RfY: A Call to Action

Since the turkeys are cooked and the wreaths are coming out, it is that time of year again when registration opens up for the Third Annual Run for Young, a 5K run/walk that will take place Saturday, January 9^th at 10 a.m. in downtown Raleigh.

he Run for Young honors the memory of Sadiki Young, who was a member of my church and a senior at Wakefield High School when he lost his life as a passenger in a drunk driving accident in 2007. All proceeds from the race will go toward the Christ Church Youth endowment Fund, set up in Sadiki’s memory, and the Wakefield High School Just Think First Program. I became involved in this race because I taught Sadiki when he was in a middle school confirmation class and have seen the wonderful impact that this event has had on family and friends each year. It takes a village to raise a child and we gather together to celebrate life and remember those who’s spirits live on.

Start the year with a fun stroll or a 5K personal best – either way, enjoy a fun day with great folks. This year we are proud to be a part of the Second Empire Grand Prix Race Series.

You can register at www.sportoften.com.

If you have any questions you are more than welcome to email me.

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Backwards Bird

I may not have a wedding date yet (fingers crossed we'll have one tomorrow or even this week!) but I did accomplish one "bottom of the list" wedding checklist item on black Friday.

I present you, bloggie friends, my rehearsal dinner dress. (Please ignore my rainy day hair and messy in the midst of unpacking bedroom)

(The photo doesn't do the gold and silver embroidery justice!)

Since I had to work black Friday evening, Mom, Sister, and I headed to a short list of places on the Friday after Thanksgiving. I found this beauty at Saks for about 75% off! It called to me from the hanger. Once I put it on I couldn't believe the perfect fit. The sales lady said it seemed to be made for me and my tall self! I may be a little backwards in my checklist but I'm excited to have one thing checked off!

Dress: Aidan Mattox via Saks Fifth Avenue

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A note from Pete

Hi Bloggies Mom asked me to post for her since she is super busy getting everything up and running with her new job. She has a point, she and dad are busy with work and such and I usually sneak onto the couch for a nap and watch food network during the workday. This week my cousin JJ is visiting me so I'm happy to have a friend. I digress.

Mom wanted me to thank you for all the kind words regarding the 2 big developments her her life: new job & engagement. I see her get so happy when she reads the nice comments after a long day.

Have a great weekend! I hope she lets me blog again!

Lots of puppy kisses,
Pete

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Surprise!

I'm engaged!

What I thought was going to be a fabulous and relaxing weekend in the blue ridge mountains with the badger, beaver, & flamingo, turned into a FANTASTIC surprise! The badger and I headed up to Blowing Rock on Friday afternoon. I was under the impression that our friends would meet us early Saturday morning. The weather cleared as soon as we hit the the parkway and we enjoyed some beautiful sunset mountain views. Upon arriving at the house we discovered that the heat was not working and it was chilly! We made the best of the situation and bundled up for the evening. The badger awoke early Saturday morning to, what I thought was, to start calling fix-it companies for the heat. I stayed in the warm bed with my personal heater Pete. I decided to get up about 7:30 to call our friends to see where they were on the road. When I walked into the living room I found the Badger had made a roaring fire and was standing in front of the fireplace. He started talking to me then got down on one knee and asked if I would marry him! Of course I said YES and he placed the perfect ring on my finger. After some "am I awake?" moments, I saw that he had champagne for mimosas waiting, my favorite bottle of wine (for later), and a beautiful bouquet of daisys. The sneaky badger smuggled all the goodies up without me knowing! He had everything packed into a cooler waiting for the right moment. (He later told me he didn't want to ask me on Friday the 13th which is why he chose the morning surprise!) We spent the rest of the day spreading the good news to friends and family, exploring the high country, got in a little fly fishing, and had a wonderful dinner. All in all it was a perfect weekend!


And now another surprise. I've decided to post a few photos for you to share in our exciting news.


The bird, badger, and Peter-dog in a pre-dinner pose in front of the fireplace. Don't worry, Pete isn't being strangled!
A view from a parkway over look.


What we saw upon arriving home Sunday afternoon. Mom & my sister had decorated my door and left some yummy red velvet cupcakes!

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Hilarity at the hands of my little sister.

Days are long for the next 2 weeks while I'm transitioning between my nanny gigs and my new job. It's a very happy tired though! Imagine my delight when I came home to find this little gem from my sister sitting in my email inbox tonight. I heart you sissy!

_____________________________________________________________________
subject: what mom & i saw at nordstrom today...

Guess what this is --













If you guessed 6 colorful meercats standing in a lineup then you are a winner. However, you do not win this $78 Marc Jacobs tee. You get a pack of chicklets.

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