Winter wonderland

Anyone who knows me knows I'm not a big fan of the snow. I'm still recovering from 'Snowpocalypse'. Yes, I know it was three years ago and I really should get over it but seriously people. That was nuts. I am pretty sure it's scarred me for life. However, this child of mine loves the snow so I'm happy we had a teensy bit this year for him to play in. 

Flashback to the biggest snow storm the DC area had seen in 100 years. 

Snowpocalypse 2010. There was approximately four feet of snow in our backyard for a long time. You see that fence? It's five feet high. We were trapped in our sub division for about a week. Joe was trapped at work for four days and nights. When I tried to shovel the driveway, I cried. It took me two hours to do about two square feet. And then it just got covered over again. I paid one of my neighbors $20 to plow our driveway with his tractor. 
I would have paid way more. But I had no way of getting out to get the cash from the bank. 
When I first came to the States I was so excited for snow. 
Now,  I'm good with just a dusting every other year or so. Easy on the dusting. 

My accidental wedding

I hate it when I get married by accident. I find it is always much better to be at least a little prepared ahead of time for your impending nuptials. So. Joe and I unexpectedly got married again. To each other I should probably point out. We thought the priest was simply going to say a few solemn words 'convalidating' our existing marriage in the eyes of the Catholic Church (turns out these folk are not big on Australian beach weddings presided over by civil celebrants named Jill. Who knew?!) 

And, since Sister Patricia had strongly advised me that there should be no frippery, fanfare or flower girls strewing rose petals, I didn't sweat it too much, especially since later that evening I was making my first Holy Communion in front of the entire congregation of St Joseph Church. 

One major event for the day was all I really had room for on my 'things to stress out about' schedule. 

However, Father Eric did not get that particular memo and proceeded to bless our marriage with a lovely homily and a full exchange of vows right down to the 'do you take this woman' part. 

I found it very difficult to hold back the tears. One, because it was so beautiful. And two, because I couldn't stop wishing I hadn't worn a black dress, that I'd invited a few more people to share the occasion and that I'd made sure someone - anyone - was there in control of the camera situation*. Also, I totally missed a perfect opportunity to finally score my 2 carat Tiffany solitaire. Dang.    

* Many thanks to Ben and Rebecca for snapping the pics
 that do exist of our special day.
 Anyone who knows me knows I am control
freak when it comes to photos that include me.
I vetted photographers all over
 Sydney for our first wedding. The second one,
not so much! So with that in mind, here's a pic or two
from March 2003. 

Wordless Wednesday