So Much Yet To Come!

Hello everyone!

 

It has been a long while since I have checked in but life here has not quieted down in the least, in fact, it has gotten even more crazy but in the best possible ways!

First, we had an amazing Thanksgiving break. It kickstarted in NYC. We were there on some important business and got to see and stay with our amazing friend Marj! It was so great to see her and catch up! Taking in the city was amazing and Shannon and I realized how much we both missed it! And, we are lucky enough to be heading back there next week with our families and a few friends for New Year’s Eve … life doesn’t get to much better!

We also got to see mom and dad’s new house in Vermont! It is amazing and it was the most relaxing time we have had in a long time! It is the proverbial small New England town. Family, animals and quiet … basically perfect haha!

Shannon had his 34^th birthday on December 9 and we had an amazing weekend together. I got him Book Of Mormon tickets for his birthday and he absolutely loved it! I got them over the summer and for anyone that knows me, I can barely keeps surprises like this a secret but I did it and I have no idea how but it was a success! I am so happy that he enjoyed it and seeing him that excited and happy made it all worth it!

Shannon and I have also made the decision to become parents, to the most adorable baby girl French Bulldog! We rented a car a few weeks ago and drove the 2 hours to meet her and put a deposit down! I literally cannot put into words how excited we are! She is perfect and we can’t wait to have our new addition in the new year!

Sue is coming this Saturday for Christmas! We will be staying her in Chicago for Christmas (the first away from my family but I have to be a big girl once in a while lol!) We are so excited that she is coming and we are going to attempt a more traditional Australian Christmas which means food, food and more food hahaha … I think I can do it! Then we will be spending some time in Vermont for my dad’s birthday followed by one life altering trip to New York City for New Year’s Eve. It is one we will be sure to never forget!

On a random but happy note, I have been doing Christmas Around The World in my class and Shannon is taking the afternoon off of work and coming in to share with my kids about Christmas in Australia! We got the book “Christmas Wombat” and Shannon will be reading it and staying for our holiday party! I just don’t know what I would do without this amazing human in my life!

The last few months have been busy but in amazing ways and I can truly say that I cannot wait to see what 2013 holds for us! This past year has seen some lows which were lessened by amazing highs and I wouldn’t change any of it! It had gotten us to this point and well, all I can say is that I am truly blessed to have this crazy, messy and absolutely beautiful life that I will continue to share and merge with the love of my life.

Happy Holidays everyone and a very HAPPY NEW YEAR (incase I don’t post before the new year!)

With Much Love Always,

Katie

 

PS ... THIS IS MATILDA "TILLY" CRAWFORD!!!!!!!

 

Where Has The Time Gone?!

Hello everyone!

I thought that I should do a quick check in, since it has been ages since I last posted. Instead of my normal ramblings, I am going to touch on highlights!

·         Mom & Dad sold their home in Virginia and are officially Vermont residents!! (Anyone that knows them is aware of the arduous process this has been. I am just so thrilled for them!)

·         I am working at my 2 positions and now that we are in full swing it is exhausting but I love working fulltime again. The only downside is the only break I get is the 15 minute cab ride between jobs but all my students are awesome, what more can you ask for?!

·         Shannon and I are deciding whether to stay in our current apartment or move to another location in the city … time will tell and we still have 3 months on our lease so there is time.

·         We are getting ready to do our registry and are thrilled!! I have dreamed out getting to scan anything and everything I love … somehow I think Shannon will get in the swing of it ASAP!

·         Shannon has been loving all the election excitement … fingers crossed for 4 more years!! (I also get to really vote for the first time versus absentee ballots in the past!)

·         Shannon and I are going to NYC for a few days to catch up with Marj then it is off to Vermont for Shannon’s first Thanksgiving in America! We have had it in London in years past but this will be one to remember … I think it has to go in our First Book!

·         We have some exciting things coming up in the next few months, all good and more details to come! Slowly but surely!

·         Finally, we still have our fingers crossed for a puppy in the near(er) future! I can’t take much more lol!

I hope that gives everyone a brief peek into our lives.  I can't believe it is almost November, where has the time gone?! We have both been battling colds on and off for the last few weeks, so we have been pretty quiet! We may have to have a walk around town this weekend and take in Shannon’s first American Halloween! So much to do, such little time!

 

Best Always,

Kate

PS - Happy belated 29th Anniversary to my parents!!! What an achievement!!

Who Knew You Could Do All That In A Week?!

Hello everyone.

Where do I begin? We just got home from Williamsburg and all I can say is, what just happened?! I say that in the best possible way because we did so much in such a short amount of time with all things WEDDING! Here is a little peak into the last week of our lives and as well as an update! So sorry this is long but this is also for posterity sake, so we can look back and reminisce on this time in our lives.

Shannon and I flew to Williamsburg on Friday, August 24^th and did not get home until a little after 1 a.m. We awoke early the next morning to begin the first round of interviews with vendors, first up, florist. After an amazing meeting, where everything I have been dreaming about and obsessing over on pinterest began to come alive before our eyes. We began to talk about what we envisioned for the day when we finally become Mr. & Mrs.!! When Shannon and I first talked about the wedding, we thought we might do it mid-summer since I teach. We imagined a Great Gatsby garden party with peach and coral undertones. However, we quickly realized that neither of us do well in the heat. After this trip, Shannon finally got to experience what Williamsburg is like, humidity and all and needless to say, we were both very happy that we chose an October date. It definitely suites us better.  As our first meeting went on, for the first time since we got engaged, something about our wedding began to feel very real. Here we were talking about the flowers that would create my bouquet, Shannon’s boutonniere, the bridal/groom’s party flowers, our mom's corsages and the centerpieces, it was really happening and more importantly coming together just as we imagined it! (Good to know that I wasn’t too out of touch with what I was creating in my mind lol!)

Next, we went to our venue and had an amazing wine tasting and tour at The Williamsburg Winery. Shannon and my father had never been there and they were both truly taken aback by the beauty of the location. Shannon totally trusted my taste and agreed to the winery without ever seeing it and his reaction to the space surpassed anything I could have hoped for! It made me so happy to see him excited about the location where we will become man and wife. We had a brilliant tour guide that was a biology professor at William and Mary by the name of Joe Scott! We highly recommend him! We sampled some amazing wines in the wine cellar (and got some ideas for where to take pictures post ceremony!)

On Monday, my mom, Tiffany and I went to Richmond to wedding dress shop. In 2 ½ hours, we found my gown and accessories as well as Tiffany’s dress and accessories. The experience was wonderful and my bridal consultant was amazing and he is the reigning Mr. Gay Virginia! It was such an amazing experience to have one of my best friends and my mom there to experience this with me. By the end of the appointment we had a small entourage of consultants around us who stayed to just watch me play dress up. One even commented that she should be working but we were so nice that she wanted to stay and watch for a bit! We just had the most amazing time, only to followed with lunch with one of my mom’s oldest, nearest and dearest friends, my Uncle Bryant! All in all, it was a day that I will never forget and could not have asked more from! The support and love felt was unparalleled!

On Tuesday we interviewed the DJ’s. We definitely saw what we liked and what we did not. It became very clear that it is so important to find vendors that align with who you are as a couple and maybe more importantly who you are not! Our DJ is so great and we got along from the moment we started chatting. She came highly recommended and was everything we had hoped for. We know she is going to do an amazing job and will blend beautifully with our friends and family and strike the balance of fun and elegant … what more can you ask for?!

On Wednesday, we met with photographers. The ones we met with were exceptional. Again, getting someone that aligns with your personal taste and style is so important. We have said it before and we will say it again, the overarching theme of the wedding is simple and elegant. We do not want or need overstated photographs. We want the classic moments captured alongside the ones that could easily be missed if someone wasn’t documenting it. We think that the person we are going with is going to do just that and we could not be more thrilled.

On Thursday, we began our day with the caterers. We discussed the menu for cocktail hour, starters and main courses as well as the décor they supply including sinner chairs, linens, napkins etc. (When we saw what the food being offered will be more or less, we were salivating! I want that dinner now quite frankly hahaha.) Next, we met with my Mate of Honor and cake man, David Garrett and we sampled cakes. We solidified the cake and grooms cake and both Shannon and I are beyond thrilled with the options we chose! As I write this, I am a little sad that I don’t have any to eat right now haha.

After solidifying the food we ran home to prep for our Engagement Photo shoot. Tiffany Rudy of Tiffany Rudy Photography a.k.a. my Matron of Honor took our photos all over the campus of William and Mary and Colonial Williamsburg. We have gotten a sneak peak and we are in awe of how she captured us as a couple. I love knowing that one day our children will look at these photos and we ourselves will look back at the beginning of the rest of our lives. How much these pictures have captured of who we are now and all I can think of is where we are heading!

Friday, Shannon and I ran errands for my parents, as we prepared for our Engagement Party hosted by my mom and dad at our home on Saturday evening. Having our nearest and dearest friends from home come together with my amazing family to celebrate this monumental milestone in me and Shannon’s lives meant more to us than words could ever express. The love felt that night doesn’t compare and all I can say is how lucky we are to have such amazing people in our lives. The hugs, laughter, stories and my mom’s toast will live in our memory and made the evening that much more special. The only thing that would have made it better would be if Shannon’s family and friends could have been there to celebrate as well … but now we have something to look forward to with all these amazing people converging on Williamsburg to share our wedding with us!

A huge THANK YOU to my parents, David & Tiffany who spent so much time with us over the week. And, an added thank you for giving us such amazing recommendations. You helped to hone this entire process, making it possible for us to plan almost an entire wedding in a week lol! I also need to thank our amazing family and friends, who made the time and effort to celebrate with us, it means more than any of you will ever know!

With all that said, now Shannon and I will hopefully settle into a somewhat normal routine. I will be splitting my time between 2 preschools, both are amazing and I am looking forward to the upcoming school year. That is all for now. Thank you for reading this insanely long entry but I hope it was mildly entertaining and more importantly informative, so everyone is up to date with the awesome craziness that is our lives!

As of today, we have 410 days to go … but who is counting hahahaha! J 

Best Always,

Kate

 

 At The Winery.

 

In Wessex Hall!

Dress Shopping!

Sneal Peek At The Engagement Photos!

Toasting!

 

My Mom Giving The Toast (Made Me Cry!)!

Chantilly Cake!!

The Family At The Engagement Party!

I Truly Believe That Everything Happens For A Reason

Hello everyone!

Life has been a bit crazy the last few weeks but in great ways, hence, no updates. So very sorry for that.

Shannon and I are going home next week, which is much needed! I would say it will be a great time to relax and catch up with family and friends, and although that will happen, we are also planning the majority of our wedding in this visit. It will be busy and I am guessing somewhat tiring but when we are done we should have (fingers & toes crossed) our DJ, photographer, florist, caterer, wedding cake, wedding dress, bridesmaids dress, engagement photos and our engagement party ... here goes nothing!!! This is the longest I have ever been away from home (almost 9 months) and having some time with my favorites is long over due!!

Yesterday was my last day at my summer job. I will be splitting my time between 2 preschools in Chicago and could not ne happier about it! They are both wonderful schools and I can't wait to see what this next academic year holds. I was working with 2 little girls, Sarah (8 months) and Liora (13 months) and they have my heart! I became especially close with Sarah's parents and coud not have asked to work for more amazing parents! It was the best way to spend the summer. Playing, cuddles, walks, naps and more playing, cuddles, walks and naps ... and there was an amazing puggle named Scout (loved her too). As the summer and the job came to an end I had a few revelations. I am a person that had always believed that certain things happen at certain times in ones life. At first I was just excited to have a job working with children over the summer but as the days went on and I began to grow closer and closer with these amazing little girls, I realized that I am ready for a family! Shannon and I have talked about having children from nearly the beginning of our relationship, so this is not some out of the blue revelation. However, I have spent so much of my life focused on school and getting to my career, having my own children always seemed so distant. But, spending this summer with Sarah and Liora, watching them explore a world that is completely new to them, amazed me every day. My little Sarah learned to crawl and stand while I was with her and the way in which this opened up such new learning opportunities and it blew me away. I left each day a bit tired but in awe of these little humans. I felt as though this position happened for a reason. It allowed me to step back from worrying about everything the future holds (that I may not be able to control) and understand that Shannon and I can handle anything that comes our way, babies included. You just make things work. If anything has shown us that, it has been the ups and downs of the last year of moving to a city where you know no one and you have to start your lives from scratch! I just recognize how excited I am for me and Shannon to embark on that chapter in the next few years.

That is just about it for now! I will post about how everything wedding planning goes at home! I can't believe we are heading into September ... when did that happen?! Although, I am an autumn girl and it can't come soon enough for me. I am planning on taking the future hubby pumpkin and apple picking! I think he will love it and make for some fun memories!

Best Always,

Kate

A possible glimpse of the future ...

Sarah, Liora & Scout!

And this is me with my 2 little pumpkins!

Sarah, Ms. Katie & Liora

Announcing Our Wedding Date & Location!!!

Hello everyone!

There has been a lot that has happened/confirmed regarding the wedding so I knew I need to do a post and update everyone ASAP! 

First, Shannon and I have set a date & a venue!!

We will be married on October 19, 2013 at The Williamsburg Winery!

I have actually seen weddings at the winery over the past few years and fell in love with it. When we investigated dates on October, they only had one Saturday left and we knew it was our date! I just have to give another special thank you to mom, David and Tiffany who went all over the place to check on venues! We know for sure this is the place for us but it was amazing to see all the options available! THANK YOU!!

Next, Shannon and I will be home at the end of August to start making the next round of decisions! We are so excited to see everyone and just take a small vaca from living in downtown Chicago.

Other than that, Shannon and I are just enjoying a little down time after all of our visitors. I am just loving the little one I am watching ... she definitely keeps me on my toes all week! We have been taking these walks around her neighborhood which isn't far from where Shannon and I are hoping to move. It is wonderful because I am getting a real feel for it and really enjoying it. 

That is about all for now ... and I think that is more than enough haha.

Up Next:

Meeting with DJ's & Photographers
Start Planning Wedding Menu

Wedding Dress Shopping

Engagement Photos

Engagement Party
Cake Tasting

Best Always,

Kate

So, We Actually Decided Autumn 2013!

Hello out there!

I am going to keep this post fairly short and simple ... shocking, I know haha!

*Shannon and I had a great 4th of July with Danielle and her friends! But, late in the afternoon Shannon came down with the start of an upper respiratory infection. (He is on antibiotics!)

*We had a lovely weekend with Doug & Marj!It was great to catch up with old friends. Side note ... we met 24 hours apart and this was the first time all 4 of us were back together ... much needed! We also caught up with Shannon and Doug's old friend Lesley and her new husband Chris ... it was a great brunch!

*I started a summer babysitting job watching the sweetest 8 month old, named Sarah! Today I took her and the family dog, Scout, for a walk and was truly happy. Something so simple made my heart so happy! Dog and baby, definitely looking forward to that step!

*Shannon and I are planning to go home in August to see the fam and do some wedding prep, which brings me to my final update ...

*After this ungodly hot summer, we have evaluated our idea of a summer wedding and nixed it and will most likely be going for an autumn wedding ... late September or early October 2013! I was a little sad to have to push it back but so many things were already taken. I also want our family and friends to enjoy the wedding and I think that will be easier when it is not 103 degrees ... I know it will be better for us hahaha!

Lastly, a huge THANK YOU to my mom, David & Tiffany who spent their entire Sunday going all over to look in venues and skype us in during that terrible heat wave! You guys are amazing and I truly can't express our gratitude ... we love you guys so much!

HAPPY WEEK ALL!

Best,

Kate

The Official Engagement Ring!!

Hello everyone!!

So sorry that we have been MIA! Our computer screen broke and it was being fixed. Life here in Chicago has been great. The weather has been amazing and Shannon and I have really started exploring the city! We are searching new neighborhoods because we want something a little more quiet and with some greenery. Also, we will be getting a puppy when our lease is up and we want something with parks nearby as well! I am working on getting my subbing license for the fall and just gearing up for autumn and teaching! Fingers crossed but I definitely have a position at FXW next year and I could not be happier, I just love it there! Finishing up there for this year was so hard! But, it is great to love where you work … it’s been a while since I have felt like that.

We have also had visitors!!Our wonderful friends Daniel and Danielle have graced us with their presence. We had an amazing time catching up! Next week, Danielle is back for 4^th of July and then Doug & Marj are coming for the weekend! It will be great to eat, drink and be merry!

Shannon and I are going to try fly to Williamsburg so we can do some wedding planning in Virginia! Mom is going to look at venues this weekend with the bridal party hehehe … how lucky are we?! Other than that I think we have done the majority of wedding planning we can at this point. It feels so good!

On the note of the wedding … WE GOT THE OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENT RING! We are over the moon at how beautiful and perfect it is! Our jeweler, Donna Liu (and her family) did the most exquisite job! Shannon got the ring Monday night. He made sure I didn’t know when it was ready because I would be on pins and needles until I got the ring. So, he came home and I hear a knock at the door. I went to the door and peeked through the peep hole and saw the top of his head. I truly had no idea what he was doing and when I opened the door he was on bended knee. He asked me again if I would marry him and of course I said yes hehe. He was so cute and all I could do was jump up and down wanting to see the ring! He kissed me, open the box and I was literally speechless (yes, speechless, believe it or not haha) as he slipped it onto my finger. I told Shannon it was just perfect … better than anything I ever dreamed of. It was the perfect ring the way we are perfect for each other! I just want to say thank you, a thousand times thank you Shannon!

One last thing before we go, CONGRATS to David Garrett!! He played Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music and we could not be any prouder of him!! We wish we could have been there but we heard how amazing you and the entire cast were! CONGRATS!!!!!! We love you!

Best,

Kate

Oh, and this is the ring!!!!! :)

Wedding Bells, #2

Hello All!

Well, life here at the Czajka/Crawford residence has a definite underlying theme of wedding! Tiffany & Jake sent us the cutest planning binder/American groom guide ... so cute! Even for Father's Day we got dad a survival guide for the Father of the Bride! My nights are filled with pinterest and bridal sites, trying to figure all this out! Mom and I email throughout the day with ideas and then I shoot emails to Sue, it has been so fun! Shannon and I have made a promise, we talk about everything regarding the wedding so I can get a sense of what he does and doesn't like. From there, I narrow it down to three or so options and we choose together. So far, it has been a great success.

Shannon and I spent this past weekend finalizing the official engagement ring. We got to see the center diamond which arrived and it is stunning. I almost cried and Shannon had spots in his eyes for quit a while after our jeweler showed us it in the sun! It will take a couple weeks to get the wax mold then we will take a final look and then have the ring! Shannon said it is going to be a surprise when I get it! I am going to be like a kid leading up to Christmas hahaha!

We have made an important decision. We are planning on 2 weddings!! The first will definitely be in America, most likely next July. (We are figuring out dates and locations right now.) And we are also planning to have a ceremony in Australia, some time after that for our family and friends in Oz that may not be able to make the American one! But for now, we are simply focusing on the first wedding ... one step at a time, right?

Updates, at this moment:

Bridal Party: David Garrett & Tiffany Rudy!!!

(Thank you both, it means the world to me to have you by my side!)

Colors: We think we know, but not telling yet

Our Song: Think we decided Saturday night

Dress: Narrowing down styles and fits

Up next:

Engagement photos

Solidifying a venue

Solidifying a date

All I can say is, so far so good. No stressing and enjoying the planning process. I am falling a little more in love with Shannon each day! Today is my last day of teaching for the year so let fulltime wedding planning begin, NOW! Everyone have a great week!

Best,

Kate

Our jeweler took this pic while we were finalizing ring details!

First Wedding Update!!

Hello everyone!

Well, it may only be a week since we got engaged but the wheels are already in motion! I have obviously been thinking about my wedding since ... oh ... FOREVER lol! But, now it is real and I just can't believe it! Mom and David already had a meeting and Tiffany has made a pinterest board devoted to the future Mrs. Crawford. I don't know what we did to get such amazing family and friends! With that said, thank you for all the calls, emails and facebook messages! It has truly meant the world to us.

Shannon and I were talking and this blog is a great way to keep our family and friends (near and far) abreast of all things wedding. It is also wonderful for posterity sake. Hopefully, one day our children can read this and see where their parents once were and how our family all started!

At this moment, we are thinking:

Inspiration: Vintage/Art Deco

Date: Summer 2013

Location: Virginia

Size: 50-75 people

Up next:

Looking at/choosing a venue

Choosing the bridal party

Setting an official date

Dress Shopping

The one thing that Shannon and I know for sure is that we are keeping this wedding simple. We are having a wedding so we can finally call each other husband and wife and share the love we have for each other and share it with everyone. We are not going to get bogged down with the small stuff. Life is full of such craziness that this is not going to be one of them. To have our friends and family in one place to celebrate our love and devotion to each other is all that matters!

This week also marked better eating/more exercise. The one thing we have especially loved about Chicago is the amazing food! Unfortunately, my metabolism is not as accepting of it hahaha. So, off to the gym I go!

We hope everyone has a great week. It is my second to last week at work and I am so sad that it is coming to an end. I just love the school, the kids and the teachers! I am going to be working on transferring my certifications and getting my sub license for the fall because it will be here before we know it!

Best Always,

Kate

We Are Engaged!!!!!!!

Hello everyone!!

Well, I can say unequivocally that this is the most exciting update yet because WE ARE ENGAGED!!!!

For those of you that may not know, Shannon and I met over Memorial Day Weekend in 2010. We often reflect on the fact that the chances of us meeting were slim to none and yet destiny beautifully intervened on our behalf and here we are! This anniversary was particularly special for us because it was the first one we have gotten to spend together i.e. in the same country, at the same time! Needless to say, the events that unfolded this weekend made it more than an anniversary for us; it also marked the next major phase of our lives together. Without any further adieu, I give you our engagement story!!

The long weekend started like any other. We came home, relaxed and made a plan for the weekend festivities. We decided that we were going to go talk to our jeweler about my engagement ring, go to the Memorial Day Parade and the fireworks on Saturday for sure and play the rest of the weekend by ear. (What most people do not know is Shannon and I had started looking at rings together and sought out a local Chicago jeweler.) We hadn’t been back in a few weeks and the fact that he said we should meet with her and hammer out some of the details of the ring, I never once thought that Shannon would ask me to be his wife this weekend! Boy was I wrong haha!

Shannon and I had a meeting with our jeweler followed by the parade! The weather was beautiful and it was a wonderful way to start the weekend. We went to lunch and walked around the city before coming back for a little nap and pizza for dinner before the fireworks at 10:15. Shannon and I strolled through Chicago on an especially beautiful night. He was so calm so everything seemed normal. We found a spot that perfectly overlooked Navy Pier and was very quiet. We took some pictures and settled in for the fireworks. As the fireworks began, Shannon stood behind me and wrapped his arms around me. All day I kept talking about how perfect everything was and he began to reiterate that to me and how much he loved me but there was one thing that would make it even more perfect for him, if I would be his wife. Now, I have to say, Shannon and I have been talking about being married for a long time and I thought it was just a comment like that, about how us being together and married will be perfect! So, I wasn’t thinking that he actually was asking me to marry him. He gently turned me around and got down on one knee and said “Katie Czajka, I love you, will you marry me?” and pulled out my temporary engagement ring from his bag! (He totally threw me off with going to see our jeweler that day!) I asked him if he was serious and when I realized he was, all I could do is say “Yes!!!!!!” and give him the biggest hug and kiss!!

I was shaking and we called my parents immediately! What I didn’t know is my parents and his mom knew it was happening that weekend! Shannon called my parents to get their permission (which I love that he did)! We called his mom too and then celebrated the rest of the weekend.

For me and for us, it was the perfect proposal. Simple and beautiful, the way that we like things! I have waited my entire life for Shannon and now we get to start this next chapter together. I love him more each day and nothing in this world makes me happier than knowing I am going to be Mrs. Shannon Joseph Crawford.

Best Always,

Soon To Be Mrs. S.J. Crawford

PS-Here are some pictures from the greatest night yet!!!!

At the touch of love everyone becomes a poet.

Hi everyone!

My apologies for being MIA lately. Life at the Czajka-Crawford’s has been intense to say the least. Shannon and I have been challenged on so many levels lately. Shannon’s wonderful Nan passed away a few weeks ago and we couldn’t be more sadden by the loss. Shannon has recounted amazing stories of one of the most integral women in his life outside of his mom. I am so thankful that he has had strong women in his life who have made him who he is today. Dealing with the loss of such an amazing person is always hard and I am just trying to be the support Shannon needs.

I had an interview and demo lesson for a local school but didn’t get the job. I am excited that I had the opportunity to demo and the lesson went so well but my credentials are just not what they need. This is the other side of having such an awesome but very specific degree … having an Ed. Theatre/Social Studies degree is not the best certification during a recession lol! Shannon has been great and had some reservations anyway!  So, I am trying to think positively and I guess it just wasn’t meant to be. I must say though, my position as an After School Teacher is my bright spot. The kids are amazing and make me feel so complete. The teachers and school are great too which just gives me something to look forward to each day and I haven’t been able to say that in a while with regard to a job haha. I am starting to explore some options ... we shall see.

On a selfish side not but still sad, Shannon and I can’t get a puppy. We live in a pet friendly building but our landlords said they can’t add it on to our current lease but if we choose to stay here again they might consider it. We are just very ready for an addition … a little dog of our very own. Like everything else it will come in time but I could have really used that now, not down the road lol! When we get the little guy/gal, he/she will be perfect. In reality it has worked out for the best because we may be going to Australia for Christmas! The pup will be the best belated Christmas gift/great way to start 2013!

These are just a few of the updates on our lives. There have been some bumps and bruises over the last few weeks but there is no one else I would want by my side, getting through it all. I think that is the telltale sign of love, real love. When the hard times hit and you have the partner to help you, be with you and see it through. As random as it is, Shannon and I went to see The Five Year Engagement and there is a scene that we just loved. Jason Segel is upset and says he needs some alone time but when Emily Blunt gets up to give him space, he tells her to stay. That he needs and wants her there, even when he is seeking that alone time. Shannon and I have needed our own versions of alone time but always with the other right there … it is just what we need. Sappy I know, but truthful.

I cannot express how happy I am that May is here! It is one of my favorite months and this Memorial Day Weekend will mark the 2 year anniversary of me and Shannon meeting. If you would have told me 2 years ago that I would be in Chicago with an amazing Australian man, I would have told you that you were crazy. Yet, here we are, living our version of Happily Ever After (the real edition). It only makes me wonder where our lives will take us 2 year from now?! Who knows but I couldn’t be more excited to continue this journey with Shannon!

Best Always,

Kate

PS-This weekend is Mother's Day! I know I am blessed with the most amazing MommyLou ... I don't know what I would do without her!! Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful moms out there! And a special shout-out to Sue (Shannon's mom) & my mom!! WE LOVE YOU GUYS!

Spring Break ... The Grown Up Version!

Hello All!

I hope everyone out there had an amazing Easter/Passover ... I know we did! So, a quick update on our lives in the Windy City.

Shannon and I thought we would be going away for the weekend but ended up staying in the city and immersing ourselves in one another! It was a great time and we actually got out and did a few things but it was equally paired with laying low with great food and movies, which is what we love!

To kick off the weekend, I made my mom's famous Easter Cupcakes with homemade cream cheese frosting and Shannon loved it! YEAH!! We met up with some friends  and then Shannon and I found this great local pub and the food was awesome! We also went to our first Cubs game ... which they won!! Shannon couldn't believe how American it was with the singing, hot dogs and beverages ... it was right out of a movie ... we even got to sing, TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME! We walked around the city and took in the exceptional weather. Honestly, it was a pretty great Easter!

Shannon and I were a bit under the weather for the last day or so, so we cuddled up and watched movies and he got to catch up video games, which meant I caught up on calls hahaha. We make a great team. It has become pretty obvious that we can do the adventure thing or sit on the couch and either way, have a phenomenal time. To us, that is what it is all about. Just being together makes us so happy, what else can you ask for? My mom once told me that when you find the right person, you become your own nucleus or unit. I thought she was crazy but there it is again ... she was right! We also got to chat with Sue, Shannon's mom, and she did an AMAZING job painting the house!! Go Sue!!

That is it for now ...

Best Always,

Kate

Where Oh Where Did March Go?!

Hello out there!

Well, I am happy to report that life seems like it is back on track! I am back working as an extended day teacher and it is great! The staff is lovely and the children are too adorable for words.  Being back in the classroom is wonderful!

Shannon and I are really enjoying it more in Chicago now that the weather is far more conducive to being out and about. We spent Saturday out wondering and shopping, it was truly great. We watched some great movies.

Somehow we are now nearing April … I don’t know how that happened?! It will be Shannon’s first American Easter, let’s see what I have up my sleeve. Shannon calls me his little “TOTT” which stands for "too over the top" … he says all Americans suffer from this and with honesty, it is true. But, I/we love our holidays and I will have it no other way hehe.

The weekend is on the horizon … YEAH! 2 whole days to love and explore …what else could you ask for. Have a great weekend everyone!

Best Always,

Kate

PS - A huge CONGRATS to one of my my Tiffany!!! She and her husband Jake become homeowners tomorrow and Jake graduates from Officer Training this weekend! CONGRATS ON THIS NEXT CHAPTER!!!!!!! XOXO

Our Lives In March!

Hello out there!

So, somehow it is mid-March and I am left wondering where a quarter of the year went?! Here is a brief update on all things Katie & Shannon!

v  Mom came for a fun weekend visit, which was great!

v  The weather has been AMAZING … It has been anywhere from the mid 60’s up to 80!

v  We had our first Chicago St. Patrick’s Day …watched the river dyed green!

v  Dan & Lindz are here for a visit and I think really enjoying it here!

v  I got a job … I will be an afterschool teacher at a local Catholic School!

v  I have been cooking, including but not limited to eggplant parmesan gaelic chicken, scones and baked French toast with a streusel topping!

v  Just learning more and more about each other with every day and growing together and falling more in love!!

Those are some of the major highlights here in the Windy City! If this weather is a glimpse of what the spring and summer has in store, we are very lucky and more than ready to get out and really explore the city. That will do it for the brief update, I promise more exciting things to come.

Best Always,

Kate

Here we are in front of the very green river!!

A Brief Update

Hello world!

Well, I don’t know how it happened but it is almost March! Chicago has had a freakishly uncommon mild winter. I am definitely not complaining but am still looking forward to warmer weather and getting out to really explore our new city!

Shannon and I are doing great. The apartment is more or less finished and we could not be more thrilled. Life here is starting to feel more like home each day! I am still on the hunt for a job but fingers crossed that I will find something soon. It is very interesting, I feel like I am at a precipice with regard to my career. I am open to what the universe has to offer for any direction in this area of my life. I am at a point where these decisions are no longer about a mere job but about a career, my career. I guess we just have to wait and see what the next step is. But, as I have stated before and will say it again and again, I will do any job since Shannon and I get to be together. I have dreamed of all of this and what we are together and what we mean to each other, surpasses anything else. This economy is horrific, so I just need to sit back, put my big girl pants on and get out there! I am an expert at writing a cover letter, editing a cover letter and editing my edits! But, if that is our biggest struggle, I think we are pretty darn lucky!

Switching gears, one of my oldest and dearest friends lost her grandmother, NannyMamma. I knew this wonderful woman almost as long as I have known Bobbie. She was an amazing soul that brightened the day of everyone around her. Words cannot express how much she is loved and how much she will be missed. Bobbie, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers, I love you!

I LOVE A MAN, A ONE, S.J. Crawford

He loves me. Sometimes, I don’t know why but he does and I could not be more thankful that he does. He makes me better, stronger and strive for more than I ever through possible. He loves me in the good times and more importantly in the bad. He supports and loves me unconditionally, long story short I am blessed to have an amazing boyfriend.

Shannon J. Crawford, I love you, more than mere words can or will ever express but thank you for being the man you are, the man by my side every step of the way.

Happy Valentine's Day ... a story for the grandkids. ;)

Love Always & Forever,
Your Kate

Life As Of Now!

Hello all!

Life here is finally starting to look normal. We have the majority of the furniture in and a few more pieces on the way!! And now it is on to the fun stuff ... the pictures, lamps, pillows and all the fun gitchy accent stuff that Shannon could not care less about haha. I got all the pictures we have now hung up and have begun arranging the accessories! All in all, it is really starting to look and feel like a home, our home!

As for me, I am really starting to feel like myself again. I feel like a new person and now the job hunt begins. I have already had an interview and another one at the end of the week! This is not the market to be looking for  job but being happy & healthy again are all I (and Shannon) could ask for. We have just really been enjoying ourselves in the city, getting out here and there and sometimes just hunkering down on the couch to enjoy a movie or The Office.

That is about it here, now we are looking forward to our 1st Valentine's Day together (i.e. in the same country)! I don't need a special day to tell Shannon how much I love him or to know how much he loves me! We are very blessed but will enjoy it nonetheless, how can a day devoted to love hurt, right?!

Best Always,

Kate

An Ode To Shannon

True Love. Since I was a little girl this notion has spun around in my head in the hopes that one day I would find just that, true love. The great news is I have found it with a man that can be paralleled by none. He is the love of my life, Mr. Shannon J. Crawford.

For anyone that knows me, the last few months have been some of the hardest for me in recent history. I have not been particularly pleasant to be around and yet this man, this incredible man, has stayed by my side being a constant support and my number 1 fan. I quit my job this week and am needless to say, already feeling better. However, such a major decision that carried its various pros and cons was wholeheartedly supported by Shannon. There was no pause in his support, all he merely asked was would this decision make me happy?! In the day and age of the all mighty dollar, to have a partner that cares more about my well-being and happiness, well words can’t express what he means to me. All I can say is I hope there is a day when I will be able to repay him with the same amazing outpouring of love and sustenance that he has given me.

Shannon, I LOVE YOU far more than mere words can or will ever be able to say. The love we share is indefinable from the outside and indescribable from the inside. Thank you for all you have given me, especially your love over the past few months.

And, I just have to say it once more, THANK YOU & I LOVE YOU!

Home Sweet Home

Hello out there!!
Well, it finally happened ... WE SIGNED A LEASE!!! It has taken looking at 20 apartments, dealing with some interesting characters, had 2 places fall through and a few mental breakdowns along the way but we found one amazing apartment and that is all that matters. Shannon and I have a lease with our names on it and I have never had so much satisfaction from merely signing my name, well maybe the first time I ever did it but this is satisfying in a far different way!This experience has allowed us to grow together and learn so much about how each of us operates. This seemed more like a sociology experiment than merely finding an apartment.

The apartment is in the theater district and there are amazing restaurants and shopping, some of my favorite things. Just wanted to announce it finally! If I were to recount the whole thing, no one would believe me haha but this is the story of Katie and Shannon, so it is pretty fitting. At least we have a treasure trove of entertaining tales. Hope 2012 is off to a great start for everyone, I know we could not be happier about the way it is beginning, we are truly blessed!

Best Always,
Kate

Here is a pic of us in front of our door, Apartment 3207!! That is pure elation/exhaustion but it wouldn't mean as much without having gone through all of this together!

Day 1 of 2012

Hello all!
I hope that everyone had an amazing New Year's Eve ... I know that we did! We did a family dinner at an Italian restaurant and then met David and Darran for First Night in Colonial Williamsburg! It was truly a perfect start to the new year.

Today was spent lounging and enjoying Downtown Abbey ... the women in this house may be slightly obsessed haha. We are preparing to go back to Chicago on Tuesday and I am sad to be leaving. Something about being home this past week has struck a cord and I realize more than ever just how blessed I am with amazing family and friends. But, our life in Chicago is finally ready to officially start and I feel like I can give it a real shot now that I am on the mend. Shannon and I should be in our new place more or less, this time next week. Having a place to call our own makes me so excited. So, here is to really starting our lives in Chicago!

As for resolutions for 2012, I think it is just working on getting our lives on track in Chicago (and some gym/yoga time). We are going to hit the ground running and I am going to try my hardest not to stress about it too much. Shannon and I have an amazing way of balancing each other so there is enough push for every pull. I may not know what 2012 has in store but I know I have the perfect person by my side and with that we can handle anything that comes our way!

To 2012, the best year yet!

Best Always,

Kate