Hijacking Millie's blog to wish Mat a Happy Anniversary! It's been a fabulous 3 years. It's so amazing to see how our lives have changed. I am just thankful we are still such good friends.
One of the best Christmas gifts I got this year was the extended version of our wedding DVD. Several thousand hours of editing and put together by my mother. She did an amazing job. So many fabulous memories. To see more pictures, of our fabulous day, click
here.
And who could forget the video that my Dad put together for us. To watch that again, click
here.
And a big THANK YOU to my father for transcribing Dr. Riedel's ceremony. Here it is in it's entirety.
"On behalf of Kenzi and Mathew, let me welcome each one of you to this place, to share in this occasion, where two individuals draw their lives more closely together than ever before. Will you pray with us? Eternal God, we you thanks for the love that Kenzi and Mathew have discovered, and nurtured for each other. We thee thanks for the life and sense of completeness that they feel and find in each other's presence. And as they come to make a public commitment of this love, and offer themselves more deeply to each other, may they know of the love, prayers and kind wishes that surround them, not only in this hour but in all their life, as we worship in your living presence, Amen.
We gather together this evening. In a celebration which brings two people born into two faiths, trying to incorporate each one of them in the fabric of their lives. They have determined that, as they come together, they Kenzi and Mathew, have the opportunity to learn to appreciate the differences in their faith, and learn that being together if far better, than being apart from one another. The vowels will take place under the hoopa, the Jewish symbol of the new home. Long after the tent had disappeared from the Hebrew landscape, wedding ceremonies were conducted in the out of doors in the hopes that the marriage would be blessed with as many children as the stars in heaven. This covering was employed to create a more modest and sanctified space. The bridal canopy, or hoopa, as I understand it, is a symbol with many meanings.
It symbolizes modesty in the presence of God, it signifies the safety of the home, the protection of the garment, the intimacy of the bed cover. It is open on all four sides, to respect the ancient patriarch Abraham who had doors on all four sides of his home so that visitors would always know they were welcome. The hoopa does not promise that love or hope or .... will keep out weather or catastrophe, but it's few lines are a sketch for what might be. The flimsiness of the hoopa, is a reminder that the only thing that is real about a home, is the people in it. People who love and choose to be together, to be a family. The only anchor that they will have, will be holding on to each other's hands. The hoopa then, is a house of promise, it the home of hope. Traditionally the hoopa has seven ribbons that are attached and they contain blessings that are wished upon the bride and the groom, and in these moments, the bridal company will share those blessings with this family.
Kenzi and Mathew, your marriage is intended to join you for life, in a relationship so intimate, and so personal, that it will change your whole being. God offers you this hope, and indeed the proper type of love that is true and mature. I now ask you to confirm your commitment to one another.
Mathew do you take Kenzi to be your wife, do you commit yourself her, to be responsible in the marriage relationship that will exist between you, to give yourself to her in love and work, to invite her fully into your being, so that she can know who you are, and cherish her above all others, and to respect her individuality, encouraging her to be herself, and to grow in all the ways that God intends for her to do. Do You?
Kenzi, do you take Mathew to be your husband do you commit yourself him, to be responsible in the marriage relationship that will exist between you, to give yourself to him in love and work, to invite him fully into your being, so that he can know who you are, and cherish him above all others, and to respect his individuality, encouraging him to be himself, and to grow in all the ways that God intends for him to do. Do You?
Who gives Kenzi to be married to Mathew?
Who gives Mathew to be married to Kenzi?
Now Kenzi and Mathew, we come to the solemn moment that you make your vowels of marriage to one another. Vowels are an ancient part of the marriage ceremony. The earliest vowels of which you read in the Bible were between God and his people. They were a part of a potential relationship. Vowels in marriage are important, because they are said in the context of what God has done for his people. If you are true to the spirit of the vowels which you are about to make, and regard them with the kind of holiness they truly deserve, they will become a blessing all of their own. They will be the anchors that steady you in your times of self doubt, they will be the stars that guide you in the dark night of your moral confusion. They will be the iron tracks that carry you safely on your way through the wilderness of human experience. Are you willing to proceed in taking the vowels?
Let us pray together. Our wills or ours oh God, in order to make them yours. We stand in your presence now with an awareness of the seriousness of what we are about to do. Hear our words and bind them upon our hearts that we may serve you with the observance of them for all time to come, amen.
Mathew, if you are ready to make your commitment to Kenzi, please repeat these vowels after me and speak them to her. Kenzi, I take you to be my life's companion, I choose to share with you my heart and my home, my work and my play, my burdens and my joys. I promise you my love, my respect and my devotion as we travel life's way. And I ask God's help in keeping this vowel that I have made to you.
Kenzi, if you are ready to make your commitment to Mathew, please repeat these vowels after me and speak them to him. Mathew, I take you to be my life's companion, I choose to share with you my heart and my home, my work and my play, my burdens and my joys. I promise you my love, my respect and my devotion as we travel life's way. And I ask God's help in keeping this vowel that I have made to you.
The wedding ring is an outward and visible sign of something very inward and spiritual. It is a sign and a symbol of a man and a woman uniting together in marriage. Each of these rings are made of precious metal. Our prayer is that your life together will be made precious by your love and commitment. Each of these rings is a circle that is unbroken, anyone that lives in this world with any kind of compassion, knows that there is brokenness everywhere. But there must be places where we can grow. There must be relationships where the wholeness that God intended for our lives is truly fought and felt. Our prayer is that your life together will be that place of wholeness. So let us pray. Bless oh Lord these rings that the one who give and the one who bears will abide in your peace and continue in your favor until their life's end.
Kenzi, with this ring, I promise to share my life with you, I pledge to you my faithful love.
Mathew, with this ring, I promise to share my life with you, I pledge to you my faithful love.
I read some words written by Someone much wiser than I, and this is what he said, "Marriage is love, walking hand and hand forever, its laughing with each other about silly little things, and learning to discuss big things with care and tenderness. In marriage, love is trusting each other, particularly when you're apart. It's getting over disappointments and hurts, knowing these are present in all relationships. It is the realization that there is no one else in the world that you would rather be with, than the one you are married to. It's thinking of new things to do together, it's growing old together. Marriage is being in love......for the rest of your life.
Someone explained these words in this way, It is difficult for us to accept ourselves for who we are, until those who are around us demonstrate that we are acceptable to them. It is therefore especially dynamic when someone reveals that deep inside us there is to them, much that is of habit, something worth sharing, worth their trust, something that is sacred to their touch. It is this love that we share with each other. Real love, Real love is something that will outlive the glow of romance. It is when another person's needs become as important as your own. It is looking in the same direction together. Love makes burdens lighter by dividing them, joys more intense by sharing them, it makes us stronger so that we can reach out and take risks that we could have never done by ourselves. On behalf of all the people that stand and sit behind me, I want to share these thoughts with you. I would remind you that no minister or priest or rabbi would come to this place or any other place to marry you, because only you can marry each other. You do this by your mutual love and that by the help of God creates care, consideration and respect. Those things necessary to fix all the tensions and anxiety that underlie human life. By God's grace and your efforts, you can have a married life full of vitality, and one that truly relies in peace. Second, I would remind you that you are at a crossroads in your life.
After this day, some things will remain the same. After this day like before, you will truly need to be yourself, and recognize the finest gift you can ever give to another human being is being exactly the person that God created you to be. You are each unique. Never be afraid to give and receive that, as the finest of your gifts. After this day some things will be different. You will live with a commitment that simply does not give up on the other person. It continues to grow, it grows to change, you are going to experience many changes in your life. And your love I know will be great enough to meet these changes with grace and patience and love. That commitment is now a different aspect of your life together because you have come to this place. Finally, many people will wish you many things on this day. I would dare to say to speak on behalf of everyone here and wish for you a love that will make you better persons, a home which has nothing to do with wood and stone, but a place you can always go and know that another is happy to see your face, for as the poet said, "A home is anyplace on this earth that you are together with God's love." I wish for you a family, and I wish for you peace and well being and as you embrace together the love of God, the love of each other, a life of service to others on this day. So live together in forgiveness, for without it no human relationship, least of all marriage, can stand. Don't insist on you own rights, your going to, but try not to. Don't blame each other, don't judge or condemn each other, don't find fault with each other but take one another as you are, and forgive each other every day from the bottom of you heart. This is the word of God for your marriage, thank him for it, thank him for bringing you this far. Ask him to establish your marriage, to confirm it now and preserve it forever. Will you pray with us?
Our Father, life if full of your grace and beauty and we are grateful for the eyes to behold this, and yet it is also often a struggle, a pilgrimage in which we learn things we wish we had known in the beginning. We pray for Mathew and Kenzi as they begin their journey, Teach them how to share so intimately, all their thoughts and hopes and fears. That each will take courage from the other and learn to deal more confidently with themselves and their partner. Let them learn quickly how to express love within the marriage relationship. That in expressing it, they may also discover how to love better. Grant that they may be accepting and forgiving of each other's faults and shortcomings, that each may more readily deal with his or her interproblems in a supporting atmosphere. Teach them patience and kindness. And if it is you will to bless them with children, grant them strength and wisdom and tolerance to be helpful caring parents. Give them a sense of humor about themselves and about their relationship, that they may keep their smaller differences and misunderstandings in true perspective. God, above all, grant them a steady awareness of your loving presence, that they may live with the assurance of the meaning of your relationship and existence, knowing that what we have now sealed here, is guaranteed by you. Amen
Will you join your right hands. Mathew and Kenzi, you have committed yourself to each other in the midst of this joyous celebration of the covenant, become one. Fulfill your promises, love and serve your God. Friends, by the promises that they have made before us this evening, Mathew and Kenzi have united themselves as husband and wife in a sacred covenant, Now, by the authority given to me by the State of Ohio, I pronounce you husband and wife. What God has joined together, let no one separate.
The ear infections might go away eventually, as she gets older. Or we can do the surgery and she might not have an ear infection ever again. It's an outpatient surgery but she will be put under.
Hijacking Millie's blog to wish Mat a Happy Anniversary! It's been a fabulous 3 years. It's so amazing to see how our lives have changed. I am just thankful we are still such good friends. 
It symbolizes modesty in the presence of God, it signifies the safety of the home, the protection of the garment, the intimacy of the bed cover. It is open on all four sides, to respect the ancient patriarch Abraham who had doors on all four sides of his home so that visitors would always know they were welcome. The hoopa does not promise that love or hope or .... will keep out weather or catastrophe, but it's few lines are a sketch for what might be. The flimsiness of the hoopa, is a reminder that the only thing that is real about a home, is the people in it. People who love and choose to be together, to be a family. The only anchor that they will have, will be holding on to each other's hands. The hoopa then, is a house of promise, it the home of hope. Traditionally the hoopa has seven ribbons that are attached and they contain blessings that are wished upon the bride and the groom, and in these moments, the bridal company will share those blessings with this family. 
Kenzi and Mathew, your marriage is intended to join you for life, in a relationship so intimate, and so personal, that it will change your whole being. God offers you this hope, and indeed the proper type of love that is true and mature. I now ask you to confirm your commitment to one another.
After this day, some things will remain the same. After this day like before, you will truly need to be yourself, and recognize the finest gift you can ever give to another human being is being exactly the person that God created you to be. You are each unique. Never be afraid to give and receive that, as the finest of your gifts. After this day some things will be different. You will live with a commitment that simply does not give up on the other person. It continues to grow, it grows to change, you are going to experience many changes in your life. And your love I know will be great enough to meet these changes with grace and patience and love. That commitment is now a different aspect of your life together because you have come to this place. Finally, many people will wish you many things on this day. I would dare to say to speak on behalf of everyone here and wish for you a love that will make you better persons, a home which has nothing to do with wood and stone, but a place you can always go and know that another is happy to see your face, for as the poet said, "A home is anyplace on this earth that you are together with God's love." I wish for you a family, and I wish for you peace and well being and as you embrace together the love of God, the love of each other, a life of service to others on this day. So live together in forgiveness, for without it no human relationship, least of all marriage, can stand. Don't insist on you own rights, your going to, but try not to. Don't blame each other, don't judge or condemn each other, don't find fault with each other but take one another as you are, and forgive each other every day from the bottom of you heart. This is the word of God for your marriage, thank him for it, thank him for bringing you this far. Ask him to establish your marriage, to confirm it now and preserve it forever. Will you pray with us?
Will you join your right hands. Mathew and Kenzi, you have committed yourself to each other in the midst of this joyous celebration of the covenant, become one. Fulfill your promises, love and serve your God. Friends, by the promises that they have made before us this evening, Mathew and Kenzi have united themselves as husband and wife in a sacred covenant, Now, by the authority given to me by the State of Ohio, I pronounce you husband and wife. What God has joined together, let no one separate.
So we all went to New Orleans and came back sick. Boo! But this blog is about Millie so I will focus on her. She had an ear infection in one ear and the other ear was too blocked to even check in there. Our doctor had said that if she got an ear infection again, we would have to go see an ENT about getting tubes. Unfortunately, this was the last straw. She was on antibiotics for 10 days and seemed to be better. Today we went back for a follow up just to make sure the ear infection is gone. It's not. Boo! We have an appointment with the ENT on Thursday. They want to get her in soon-ish so this doesn't affect her hearing in any way. Keep you posted!
What did we do? What DIDN'T we do! 
Saw the Christmas lights at the Roosevelt hotel
We went to dinner for Terry's Birthday at Bacco
After a tough search, we found our perfect Christmas tree! It looks great in our front corner of our living room. We have had to remove the lights and no ornaments this year. "No Touch" is not really working to keep Millie's hands off the tree. Maybe next year!
Click here for more pictures.
Some more pictures from our day in NYC. 
We had another great Thanksgiving weekend in NJ. I managed not to gain a pound but loose one while I was on holiday. Terry and Fran agreed to watch Millie on Tuesday while Mat and I spent the day/night in NYC. We had lunch with my great friend Manashi. And then dinner with Dan-o-line. Mat and I pretty much ate our way through the city which was fabulous!
So I am a little late but better late than never! I promise to get all caught up soon. Also, get ready to welcome my Grandma Norris to the 21st century! She is attempting to get online and very soon! Can't wait! 
7. loves climbing on chairs
11. recognizes people she doesn't see everyday
It was a sad day on Thursday when we learned of the passing of a friend, Shelly. Shelly and I became friends first on my local message board. We went to the same OB and she got pregnant shortly after I did. Shelly was the president of the Atlanta Gator Club and was a big supporter of both Sidebar and Engine 11. In fact, Sidebar was the first place they took little Ella after she was born! Of course it was a Gator game. Shelly looooove the Gators, maybe a little more than Mat does. Can you believe it? She was an amazing contributor to our message board and was a lovely friend. Shelly's pregnancy was very high risk and we were sooooooo happy that she actually got pregnant. Shelly wanted so much to be a mother and on her short time with Ella, she certainly was. I love reading her blog and seeing what Ella was up to. She was so very very proud.
Shelly lost her battle with Crohn's disease on Thursday. She had been in the hospital for a few weeks, had some bleeding complications, and unfortunately, it all took a turn for the worst. I am FB friends with both Shelly and Tom and her family was great about updating friends on Shelly's status. Over these past weeks, we knew her condition was very serious, but it was so devastating to learn that she had died. Shelly left behind her 8 month old daughter and her husband Tom. Click here for Ella's blog.
We went to the memorial service today and clearly, she was love by many many people. I ask for your prayers for Shelly's family. If you would like to contribute to Shelly's family, please visit: http://shellygator.blogspot.com/
In November we started taking a weekly Music Class called...The Music Class. It's right down the street from us and is a great thing to do on Saturday mornings. She is really loving it and Meagan is too...as you can see! I'll try and get some better pictures next week!
