Eric, honey, could you get the Thanksgiving turkey out of the freezer? Oh, wait. It’s a 20-pounder. Donna, could you get the Thanksgiving turkey out of the freezer? -Kitty, That 70′s Show

This year’s Thanksgiving festivities were so much fun. I still can’t believe this was my third Thanksgiving with Match and his family. Time has flown by and so much has changed for the two of us. Match’s Parents hosted Thanksgiving this year which was really nice for us. We were able to have Monkey there and we didn’t have to drive since we spent the long weekend with them.

I got up early and helped Match’s Dad with the cooking. I made cornbread and stuffed mushrooms by request. I make them every year and they a huge pain in the butt. They’re worth it when everyone eats them before I can get them on the plate!

Match’s four aunts were there along with their spouses and a few of Match’s cousins. I liked that it was a fairly small group this year. Everyone was just so relaxed and comfortable. As we sat down for dinner a few of the aunts made a toast to the family. I never make toasts but I felt that this year I had to say something. I stood up shyly and said, “This is my third Thanksgiving with you all, and my first as an official member of the family, and I just wanted to say, I couldn’t be happier.” It was short and sweet, but it teared everyone up, especially my mother in law.

I love that there was no reason to take pills for acne, no one stressed out, no one argued. It was just a warm family dinner. After dinner we played Catch Phrase and Match’s mom led me in a very clumsy (on my part, I have two left feet) dance around the living room.

We had Celtic music playing, Irish coffees, and lots and lots of laughter.

How did you celebrate your Thanksgiving?

Red: Pork chops? I thought we agreed to stick to a budget! Pork chops aren’t cheap!

Kitty: Well, you know, on the way to the market, I tried to run over a cat. But they are just so darn speedy! -That 70s Show

I always knew weddings could be expensive, but I was ignorant to just how much they could cost. I just assumed I could budget and I could still have a nice wedding. But living in Sonoma County I’ve been struggling to find any venue within our small budget. I considered having the wedding in Oregon, but it would be too hard to plan a wedding a state away.

I found this site that talks about  30 Ways to Save Money and I got the idea that I should come up with a few ways to save money for our wedding. I came up with 10, and maybe you all can give me some more money saving tips. It’s not like I need some fancy over the top affair, but I just don’t want it to be obviously low budget. Here’s my list so far: (more…)

We can’t compete with a bunch of cars. Wheels are like bosoms to men… and a car has four. -Kitty, That 70s Show

This past weekend was spent pretty much doing nothing. Both Match and I were sick, which zapped every bit of energy we had. That didn’t stop me from going a little bit stir crazy.  I spent some time scrapbooking my new life with Match. I’ve already filled up an entire album and I’m not even into October with it! As fun as it was to reflect on our relationship up to now, it was also a bit depressing, because it reminded me of how active we normally are, and how sedentary this stupid cold had made us both.To top that off Match had become completely obsessed with buying a Subaru WRX. (more…)