Almost Friday

It's been a crazy week at work. I'm supposed to be off tomorrow so I hope it stays that way and I don't get pulled in.

Yesterday evening I got away from the work craziness and headed up to Windy City Scrapbooking. The had all the new Quickutz fonts and I came home with 'Chocolate' and 'University.' I can't wait to use them on some layouts. I also picked up some new Teresa Collins 8x8 Christmas papers. I know, it's a little early to think about Christmas, but I know these papers won't last long in the store. I still need to share the album I made in Teresa Collin's class 2 weeks ago. I've put all my pictures in the mini-album and just need to add some journaling. I'll post pictures soon.

I've signed up for a Learn to Sew/Quilting class at my church next week. I figure it is a great opportunity to use my new sewing machine and get some practice. Tomorrow I'll be running out to get the supplies. Hopefully I'll have a picture of my small quilt to post the following week. I'll need to be disciplined to stay on track and get some work done on the quilt in between the two classes. Wish me luck!

I'm looking forward to spending some time relaxing this weekend at the beach. Ah...sometimes there is nothing better than a weekend with nothing planned.

Gedeon Conclave 2008

The second annual Gedeon Sibling Conclave was successfully held in Chicago last weekend. We hosted Peter's siblings and all had a great time together. Last year we all went to Washington D.C. in July for the first time. Since we are spread out in D.C., Ohio, Denver, and Chicago, it's wonderful to plan an event each summer where we can get together.

Friday night we hosted drinks and appetizers before we headed to dinner at Greek Islands in Greektown. We had flaming cheese, gyros, and Greek wine. Dave kept wanting to throw plates but of course, that wasn't allowed. After dinner, we hung out at our place and spent time catching up. We got the details of Dave and LeeAnn's wedding plans for Labor day weekend of 2009.

On Saturday, we headed up to Wrigleyville for the Cubs/Marlins baseball game. Fortunately, our seats were in the shade because it was definitely a warm day. The game ended up going into extra innings and the Cubs ended up losing by one point. :(

After the game we headed to Taste of Lincoln on Lincoln Ave. We looked at all the vendors, got some food, and listened to some music. Then it was time to head to Navy Pier for the Venetian Night activities. We boarded a tour boat and headed out to Lake Michigan for the Venetian night fireworks. It was a beautiful night and the city put on a great fireworks display.

Dave and LeeAnn had to head out early Sunday morning. The rest of us enjoyed breakfast at Hashbrowns. John and Kierston then headed to the airport and Nancy hung out with us the rest of the day until her flight.

The weekend went so fast but it was so wonderful to be together, even for a short while. We hadn't see them since Christmas and it will probably be December before we see them again. Here is a couple pictures from the weekend.

Peter at Wrigley Field

Peter & I on the boat

The Gedeon Siblings

(Peter, Dave, John, and Nancy)

Let Summer Begin!

This weekend I got to the beach for the first time this summer. Peter and I headed up to North Ave. Beach with our friends Karri, Megan, and Brad. The guys got in some volleyball while us girls soaked up the rays.

On Sunday, we helped throw a shower for our friends Eric and Liz. They are expecting a baby girl on Aug. 2nd. We're really happy for them and looking forward to meeting her.

Work has kept me really busy lately and I'm hoping it is slowing down...

Celebration

God is faithful. This Sunday was Park Community Church's first Sunday in the new building. When we moved to Chicago in 2005 the church had started to started to "Imagine More." We have been preparing for this church for what seems like a long time now. The church has been at 20 locations in over 20 years and now we have a place to base our ministries from. It truly is a special time at PCC. The new building is not the end but only the beginning of more change us as a church body and the city of Chicago.

I'm a Survivor...

of a great wedding weekend. I am sore from head to toe and exhausted but it was a lot of fun. It was so special to see two of people that mean SO much to me, come together in marriage. My friend of 24 years and my cousin wed in Northern Michigan on Saturday, June 14.

Here are some numbers for you from the weekend:

800+ miles in the car
1 Bridal Shower
3 hours of sleep Friday night
2 (pm) Saturday
9 pink cala lilies
5 Bridesmaids
1 amazingly beautiful bride
2 become 1

Peter took over 500 pictures the day of the wedding. He is really liking our new camera. I love seeing him get comfortable behind it. He has learned a lot about the manual functions and is interested in learning more. I love to see him enjoying it as much as I do.

I look forward to sharing some pictures soon!

Wedding Time

Yes, June 11th has arrived. We are heading up north tomorrow morning to be part of the union of two people so close to my heart. My best friend JJ is marring my cousin Charlie. They have been engaged for a year and a half so I thought it would be forever before the day would come!

I've been spending the last 2 weeks getting everything I need for the festivities. I have a new dress to wear for the rehearsal, shoes for the wedding, and everything possible to make everything comfortable!

I'm really looking forward to seeing JJ and spending so much time with her. We'll be together all day Friday getting ready for the big day and then staying together Friday night. I'm SO glad to see her happy and can't wait to see her come down the isle. I know she'll be grinning from ear to ear. It will make it so special to have many family members present. I feel like we get to see them so rarely now. I really miss them.

The weather is finally warming up here which is WONDERFUL!!

As for scrapping...I've been working on a mini book from our trip to the zoo. I've altered some coasters I found at Goodwill. I'm really pleased with how it is turning out so far.

Love and Blessings for a great weekend!! (I know it's only Wednesday but let's get it started!)

My how time flies...Another week has started and it's shaping up to be a busy one. The next couple weeks are the busiest of the year for me at work. I'm hoping I can still accomplish all my goals outside of work.

Peter made it back from Seattle on Friday afternoon. It was so nice to have him home. Although I had a nice time with my friend Liz on Thursday night. We had a sleep over since both our hubby's were out of town for work. I always love "girl time."

We had a great weekend. On Saturday, we went to the Brookfield Zoo in the 'burbs with our friends Andy and Jen. Their daughter came along that is only a year old. She is such a doll and kept us all entertained. It was her first trip to the zoo and I can't believe what a good girl she was. We were out ALL DAY and she did not cry or fuss at all. She took a short nap during the day in the stroller but that was it. We even went out to dinner afterwards where she was also really good. I hope I'm blessed with such good children. Unfortunatly, if they are anything like I was, I'll have my hands full. :)

Here are a few pics from our day at the zoo (we're still learning our new camera):

(Peter and Andy - BFFs)

(Andy, Jen, & Kate)

(Peter & I)