I'm a Mrs!

Finally the day arrived...I wish I could remember all of the details of this very special day, but it was such a whirlwind that really all I can remember is being very, very happy! Thanks to the hard work of my mom and friend Amy Newton everything went off without a hitch. It was truly a magical night. The off and on day of clouds and rain parted right on cue as the sun peeked out just in time to shine on me and my sweetie as we said our vows and became husband and wife. I was thrilled to have my other sweetie next to me (Alix) and was so proud when she shared a poem she wrote during the ceremony...truly she is one amazing kid! The night continued with a fun dinner and dance inside the pavillion. To get the festivities started Steve and I did a quick salsa for our first dance, Me and my dad spent a wonderful moment during our dance together and we capped off the ceremonies with Steve, Alix and me doing a family dance to 3s the Magic Number...a little cake cutting (no one smooshed cake on the other person...although don't think it didn't cross my mind)...a great slideshow (despite the technical difficulties of a burnt out bulb making things a little hard to see)...and a very moving toast by my sis started out the evening. Much to my happiness the night continued with people dancing as well as enjoying the great outdoor scenery. The photobooth also seemed to be a hit (I am still awaiting the posting of pictures so that I can enjoy everyone's messages). The thing I really remember though, is just looking around me no matter what I was doing and noticing that I was surrounded by people that I care about. What a great feeling...so many people taking time out of their busy lives to be part of my special day...I am truly grateful! Of course what is a wedding without the bride and groom hoofing it down the street after the reception was over to spend continued time with friends at the local bar. While perhaps not the classiest of moves, it was fun!! Sadly the evening had to come to an end, but not without priceless memories of family, friends and lots and lots of love!

Mr and Mrs!
Here comes the sun!
Steve walking in with his mom
The crew getting ready to pose for pictures before the ceremony
Kristin taking a moment to pause and think before the craziness begins

Spring Showers bring...wedding fun!

My future mother in law Sharron and Steve's dear cousin Deb were kind enough to through me a shower with the girls from the family. We had a great night celebrating the upcoming wedding at a local wine bar...Good Friends, Good Food, Good Wine...what more could a girl ask for?!

Another wonderful night full of family and friends came just a few nights later as Chad and Nicole Mc Guire hosted a wonderful couple's shower for us. Thankfully there are no pictures to share (nothing I hate more than taking pictures ;) but a good time was had by all and it was nice to see everyone one last time before the big day. It was also fun to meet new friends as the very pregnant, soon to be mom, Becky Leahy joined in the festivities. As far as I remember it was our first meeting (but my memory often fails me) and it was truly a pleasure! The night ended with a rousing game of Boy v Girl 80's Trivial pursuit in which the girls kicked the boys' asses (well, as far as I remember it anyway ;)

The crew at the wine bar...minus Susan who was taking the picture...thanks ladies!!

And the Diploma Please!

My cap is falling off, my hair is mussed, my flowers are all droopy...but I have my diploma in hand and can now call myself the holder of a master's degree!! At times I never thought this day would arrive...but thank god that it did ;) I've actually been done with classes for a couple of months now, but there was something very special about the day anyway...it wasn't the lame speaker that wasted 10 minutes of my precious weekend day, or the fact that I got to sit on a real comfy folding chair in the beautiful auditorium of the shrine center, or those crazy batwings of arms on my gown...but it WAS the one last time to see my cohort and appreciate the gifts each of them shared with me during our time together, it was the fact that my family was there to support me and cheer me on down the aisle (thanks mom, dad, amy and al!), it was hearing my name and seeing the hood be placed around my neck and knowing that all those nights I spent in front of the computer or reading some lame book was definitely worth the effort. When it comes right down to it...and I'm sure this will sound kind of full of myself... if I'm to be totally honest, I am quite proud of myself! Not for the academic stuff--I know I'm capable of doing well in that arena, but for finding the balance needed to complete the program while everything in life continued to go full speed ahead--changing jobs, being a single-mom, dating my future husband, training for a marathon, moving, etc. However, I won't pretend I did it by myself...it was actually due a great deal to the beautiful people you see below in my picture--my mom and dad! Without the support of them I never would have had the flexibility to keep the kind of schedule that allowed me to do all of the things that make me whole. It was nice to know that in a time of need Alix was in good hands and with people she loved, and who loved her! So, thank you mom and dad...thank you for your time, your support and your love! Now I am off to teach, but somehow I'm not sure much of what I learned in my master's program will come in handy on these last couple of days of school...perhaps I should have taken some type of survival courses instead ;)

My loving mom and dad celebrating with me on my big day!