"One of these days...

...you're gonna get hurt". I swear, that's my mantra living with two very active children. I think I probably say it in my sleep. Low and behold it happened. While pretending to be his favorite character, Captain Jack Sparrow, and jumping off his "ship" and into the "water" Gavin broke his arm. Actually he was jumping off the couch and onto a pillow on the floor. As soon as I heard the scream/cry I knew this wasn't going to be good. I ran down the stairs to see my son's arm a bit twisted. Give me blood any day I can handle it. Show me an extremity pointing in the opposite direction and watch out. Just thinking about it my head gets all tingly. Never having been in this situation before but having watched lots of 'Trauma in the ER' on the Health Channel I quickly sprung into action or as I like to call it sheer panic. I had visions of me fashioning a splint out of my husband's scrap wood in the basement wrapped in paper towels of course.

After a failed attempt at reaching my next door neighbor I called my good friend, Lunell, up the street. I think told her "Gavin broke his arm and I'm kinda freak'n out here". She came right down. As soon as Mira knew she'd be spending time with her best friend Ciara, the sweet sister who, prior to this, was so concerned for her big brother actually pushed Gavin aside and ran for Lunell's car. I think her parting words to him were "Adios muchacho, I'm going to McDonalds" (I kid of course).

Anyway, I took Gavin to the hospital a mere 5 minutes from my house, parked in the wrong parking lot, proceeded to carry him up two flights of stairs (note to self: get to the gym) and brought him into the ER. Thankfully the ER was empty and we were taken care of immediately. After four nurses plus me holding him down and 2 failed attempts at putting in an IV, Gavin finally got the relief he needed with pain meds. I have to say I was a little jealous. He looked so calm and happy. Thankfully the x-rays revealed only one broken bone in his forearm rather than both. The doctor gave him his cast, did some more x-rays and then we were on our way home.

So, the G man will be docking his ship for at least 6 weeks. At least he's got a cool story to tell his friends at school.

9/6/08 - Mary Grace and Roi - Tunxis Plantation

Well, they say that rain on your wedding is good luck. So, I predict that Mary Grace and Roi will be married forever. Narrowly avoiding the torrential downpour, Mary Grace arrived at Tunxis Plantation for her 5:00 ceremony under the Pavilion. I have to say that the space looked amazingly beautiful. The huppa served at the room's centerpiece while the floral centerpices of pinks, white and greens and specialty linens in hot pink lamour on guest's tables really made the space come alive. Incorporating both Christian and Jewish traditions a Rabbi and Minister co-officiated the touching ceremony.

Mary Grace wore an amazing lace fitted gown with crystal detail. While bridesmaids wore sage tea length dresses and ivory sash. The guys chose a classic black tie tuxedo.

Having to get creative with the post ceremony photo shoot, husband and wife team of Generations Photography managed to capture some gorgeous shots of the couple and their bridal party against the wooded background while remaining dry under the Pavilion. After cocktail hour Mary Grace and Roi opted out of traditional introductions and went right into their first dance as husband and wife. The weather certainly didn't dampen the mood of partying guests as they danced to the tradtional Jewish horah and Italian Tartantella provided by Dave of Mike Connolly Productions.

As they celebrate their honeymoon on the beaches of Hawaii I want to wish them a lifetime of happiness. It was a great pleasure working with you these past months. As you settle back in at home in Zurich be sure to drop me a line I'm sure I'll be up at 3 am to receive it.

8/30/08 - Taylor and Jared - Norwich Inn & Spa

So the weather wasn't perfect, one of the jr. Bridesmaids tossed her cookies during the ceremony and my computer's mother board was fried upon returning home from the wedding (well, that had nothing to do with the wedding but it delayed me putting pictures on my blog) but I have to say despite everything the wedding was beautiful. Taylor looked radiant in her strapless gown with crystal detail. Taylor and Jared said their "I do's" in on of the Inn's ballrooms. Decorated by Jane at Just for You Florals, she took a blank space and made it shine. Music for the ceremony was provided by guitarist Chris Jarvis of Bare Bones Band. Even the couple's dog Bear had a part in the ceremony as ring bearer.

Following the ceremony Taylor and Jared headed outdoors for a photo session with their bridal party while guests enjoyed cocktails in the foyer and outdoor patio. Photographers, Shari and Jay of Dreamscape Studios captured some really great shots of the couple.

Taylor's color scheme included navy, green, white and a touch of coral. Perfect for the grand ballroom. Centerpieces were done with white flowers and a touch of coral to compliment the coral in the ballroom's decor. Following dinner guests danced to music provided by Powerstation DJ and right before the end of the evening a candy buffet was open for the guests (and vendors) to enjoy.

I had such a great time getting to know Taylor these past few months. I hope the happy couple enjoy their life together in North Carolina.