Can you imagine the uproar?

Forgive me for this brief rant, but I have to get this off my chest:

Reading the comments on Yahoo articles pisses me off so bad. What if all the Jews voted to make bacon illegal, and anyone who chose to eat bacon would be deprived of 1/2 their social security/tax benefits and health insurance, because the Jews didn't want to finance those benefits out of "their tax dollars." And we all know it is not healthy for children to be cared for by bacon-eaters, so lets make their families second class. Can you imagine the uproar? So let me marry my damn woman and give her insurance and equal recognition under tax and social security codes/laws. That's all.

Awwwwwwwwww! That feels so much better!

Excuse me if I offended anyone, that is far from my intent.

Note: I like bacon and I have no problem with anyone's religious identity. I just have a problem with people who try to infringe on the rights of others.

Proof of my affection for bacon.

In other news, wedding planning is going splendidly! We're visiting Kim's family in South Carolina the first weekend of April and shopping for wedding dresses. We've also hired our wedding planner, photographer, gotten the ceremony venue secured, and decided on an all-around theme/feel for the wedding. We had to adjust the date for the wedding, some friends won't be able to make it due to pregnancy (we're talking due date the same day as the wedding!) and being out of the country for work, but it is hard to accommodate everyone. The good news is that we chose a bye week, so no one will have to miss a big game to help us celebrate... And neither will we :)

Allllllllrighty, back to work!

<3 Lacey

Decisions, Decisions...

Ever planned a wedding in the DC area?  If so, you would find yourself deciding whether you will wait fifteen years to have children and having your ceremony and reception at one of the popular local venues.

We don't want to wait fifteen years to have kids.  So, that has left us looking for alternatives.  Hmmmmmmm... Where could we possibly host a wedding for our family and friends, but not completely blow every dollar we have and put ourselves in $major debt$?

My first thought was the back yard.  Kim has all but vetoed that idea.  As much as we love the big tree and everything, she just doesn't see it as practical and beautiful (insert sad face) for a ceremony.

I was at a loss... I really want to get married in Maryland now that it is legal here, but all of the historical buildings cost $1000+ for a few hours on the weekend and have a bunch of crazy restrictions about food and alcohol service, insurance, permitting and licensing... They kind of kill the joy of wanting to do anything celebratory!

And then yesterday I got off work at 8am after a 24+ hour shift, took a nap, and found myself with some time to explore the local area.  I loaded up one of the little dogs and drove a few short miles down to Fort Washington Park, a historic Civil War fort.  Let me tell you, this place is cool AND beautiful!  After texting a few pictures to Kimmy and relaying the fact that a permit for an event at a National Park is only $50, Kim was sold :)  She loves that being down by the water reminds her of her hometown, Charleston, and the Civil War heritage also reminds her of her Southern roots.  I love that it is cool, an unlikely spot, and picture perfect!

 A view of Fort Washington down by the water.  I took this with my iPhone on a cool/cheap app called "Photosynth." 

 I definitely recommend it when you're taking touristy pics or setting up a "photo tour" for something.

One details down a million to go!  I am still lobbying for the reception at our house.  We aren't planning to have many guests and I think we could make it warm, inviting and fun for our friends and family.  Am I crazy?

Happy Tuesday!
Lacey

Love and MARRIAGE in MARRYland!

I nearly forgot, one of the most exciting recent developments...

Maybe we had foresight wise beyond our own dreams, but it seems as thought we chose the perfect place to live.

Yes, the fifth house on the left is a nice place to park our cars and lay our heads to rest each night.

Yes, our dogs are loving the yard and lots & lots of places to lay down and get comfy.

Yes, our neighbors have been nothing but pleasant.

BUT, best of all, these neighbors of ours have voted to acknowledge our civil rights.  They have voted to affirm our right to marry in the State of Maryland, and for this we are eternally grateful! 

I would like to put out a huge THANK YOU and CONGRATULATIONS to the people of Maryland for their historic vote on Question 6.  Also a huge thanks and congrats to the voters in Maine and Washington for doing the same... and to Minnesota voters for voting against the proposed constitutional amendment that would limit the definition of a marriage to one man and one woman.

I don't like to post political things but I think this one gets a pass :)

Toodles!
Lacey (a very, very happy Lacey)

YES!!!!

So it's official....WE'RE ENGAGED!!!

Details...
Answer: She obviously said yes!
Ring:  My grandmother's ring that I inherited
Location:  On the front step of our new house
Wedding: Sometime in 2013
Who proposed to who and why: We don't have any rules or "roles" when it comes to this stuff.  It was whoever popped the question first.  I already had a ring to give her (we both will wear engagement rings) and since I don't do well with surprises (I always ruin them)...I secretly decided that I would make sure I'd propose first!

Preparation and planning...

The carved pumpkins were probably my 4th or 5th idea!  This idea was more controllable and in my hands.  I was so nervous that something wouldn't work out!!

I was able to work on these guys all morning (ps - I ruined one poor pumpkin and had to go out and find a replacement...so needless to say, we'll be eating a lot of roasted pumpkin seeds).  Thank goodness for the days I'm able to work from home!

I took both the pumpkins outside to clean them and I accidentally broke off the center piece of the U...before I could even reach down to pick it up to try to add it back on with a toothpick...my lab mix was already eating it! Beast!!

Anyways,  I sat in front of them as Lacey pulled in from work. She had no idea until she walked up to the front porch.  4 watering eyes, so many tight hugs, tons of kisses, at least 20 OMGs and 1 big yes!

We couldn't be happier!

~Kim