What Inspires You Wednesday

Love

Twenty six years ago today, G and I got married. 

 I know. Can you believe it? 

Can't deny it with the 26 year time machine landing smack dab in the 80s with those sleeves, right?

Neither one of us can honestly believe it's been that long. If you're young, we're here to tell you it's not all ballyhoo- it really does go by in the blink of an eye.

Just yesterday we were starting life in a studio apartment above our friend's the Harrington's garage. It was perfectly wonderful.

There have been so many good times along the way. Of course, life is not all rosebuds and fairytales and neither is marriage. It can be challenging and it can downright hard work. In the end though, that's what makes loving someone awesome. Knowing that no matter what, you've got each other's back, your in it together, and that's the way it will always be. Life and love are good that way.

Our 2013 Annual Christmas Morning Champagne photo.

Happy Anniversary Babe- wouldn't want to be on this crazy ride with anyone else.  It's you and me. Always and forever.

Do you remember when we met?

The other thing that's inspiring me today are baby photos.  I've been pinning ideas for the 'first family photo shoot' I have today with my neighbor friends and their new little one Piper. She's a peach. And a month from now, the shoot I'll have with my niece and her husband when their first baby arrives.

There are so many wonderful shots to love by very talented photographers.  

Check out all the baby preciousness here on my pinterest inspiration board.

So peeps, back to relationships. Make me feel super old. What's the longest relationship you've ever been in?

Ciao for now,

 

5 Years Gone And Giveaway Time....Almost

 

Five Years Ago Today

Time goes by in the blink of an eye.  On this day, five years ago, we were in Dublin to celebrate the wedding of Gar's younger brother Niall and Caragh, our current visitors.  And I do mean celebrate. Have you ever been to an Irish wedding? A real Irish wedding? They go on, and on, and on.  We started in the morning and we ended in the morning.  It was one fabulous time.

Gar, Niall and I remembered to put the Infant of Prague out for good weather. He worked his magic.

 

It was a bit cloudy as the bride stepped out of the limo but that all changed.

Don't you just love a wedding? The happiness? The love?

 

Gar was the best man. He cleaned up nice.

He doesn't like this picture because his coat is askew.  Ah well.

Like I said before, nobody was happy. Not at all.

The Brothers Bates.

Then we danced and sang.

All.

Night.

Long.

First to the dance band. Then to the traditional band.

We even danced in our pajamas.

It was one helluva wedding.

I don't know why I look so scared in this picture.

Happy Annivesary Caragh and Niall.

We love you guys.

Wishing you many happy returns of the day.

The Giveaway Is Coming

Soon.

Just so you know, in case you were wondering, this is just a tease.

Be sure to be here next week for the official start.

Are We There Yet?

The Bates of Lucan aren't our only visitors.  Bonnie from {PaperKeeper} also swung in on her coast to coast trip.  OK, it's was a virtual visit. It was fun just the same. You can read about our visit here.

Freeform Friday

This is for you Caragh and Niall.

Here's a little clip of the girls dancing. Sorry it's dark.

I think of your wedding day everytime I hear this song.  Click here if you're reading by email.

Happy Friday,

Labor Day Celebrations

Anniversary

Today is my parent's (Marge & Jerry) anniversay.  Do we really want to say how long they've been married? A LONG time. OK, if I'm not mistaken, it's 58 years this year!!! Like I said, a LONG time.

Always have loved this pic of them putting the 'do not disturb' sign out on their wedding day.

Very cheeky.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Mom/Mrs.D & Dad/Mr. D!!!

BIRTHDAY

It's really a roundup of celebrations. Tomorrow is my sister-in-law Kelly's

50th birthday. Did you think we were going to let that one slip by Kel? Yup. The Big FIVE-O.

That's her in this pic with my parents. She's in the front on the left, next to my sister Dianne.

Looking good Kel! AND, her eyes are even open!!! A rare moment in photos for Kel.

You know you love me, Kel. Love you back. Happy Birthday!!!!

BIRTHDAY

Yesterday was Gar's sister Grainne's birthday. Happy Birthday Gra!!!

I'm sure you celebrated in style.

And if you haven't yet, I know you will.  Hope you liked your birthday song, I was singing from the pool.

Labor Day

Today is Labor Day in the States. A day for the working folks to enjoy doing nuttin' much. Sit back and relax people. That's what today is for.....enjoy it.

"Sometimes it's important to work for that pot of gold.  But other times it's essential to take time off and to make sure that your most important decision in the day simply consists of choosing which color to slide down on the rainbow."  ~Douglas Pagels, These Are the Gifts I'd Like to Give to You

And since our latest illustration available at Bates Mercantile Co. seems to go with that rainbow theme, here's a sneak peak.

Enjoy your Monday, wherever you are.