Celebrating Awesome Girlfriends on Love Day.....The Best Seat in The House!

It all started with an awesome morning of prayer with about eight other girls who come over once a month for breakfast and a prayer gathering called ::refresh on a Sat. morning.  Shortly after that Mandy, Sadie and I took the Amtrak to San Juan Capistrano for Brunch at The Ramos House.  We had the best time eating the yummiest of cuisine with the best seats in the house to boot.  The patio heater was blowing out warmth onto our feet and we had blankets that they place on each chair to keep you warm as all of the seating in on an outdoor, covered patio.  Towards the end of our meal, one of the waitresses came and asked us if we would like to join the owner on his patio for a mimosa on the house.  We enjoyed some great views from the train, amusing people watching and some laughs too!  In the evening ten of us went to see the movie, "He's Just Not that Into You" and ended the evening at Wine Steals.  It was a very memorable Valentine's Day and I am SO grateful to have such wonderful girlfriends to share it with.  

Matty Gets Married........

Last Friday, my little brother married the love of his life, Jami.  I guess you wouldn't really call him little, he is twenty-eight years old; however, to me he is still my little Matty.  The wedding was in Nassau, Bahamas at The Grand Bahamian Sandals Resort.  Needless to say, there were brides and couples everywhere I turned.  Matt and Jami were blessed to have about 45 guests all-together and though the weather wasn't ideal, the ceremony, reception and pretty much the whole occasion turned out beautifully.  I stood up as one of the bridesmaids for Jami and I had a bird's eye view into my brother's eyes as he spoke his vows to his almost bride.  That is definitely one of the memories that I will hold with me in my heart forever.  When we caught each other's eyes and he began saying those words with sincerity and deliberateness I "lost it".  The tears began to flood down my face and I made that sound you make when you know your heart really wants to burst out sobbing; however, you know that it would be not only embarrassing, but disruptive.  I am excited to see how their life unfolds and I am grateful that they had so many faithful friends who wanted nothing more than to support and affirm their marriage by coming and celebrating with us!