Ronan's Expressions: Taken within 2 minutes (oh how his mood changes!)

What did we do tonight?

We played at Shelley's pool.  

Click here to see the pictures/video Shelley took.  (I forgot my camera.  What kind of good Asian am I, to have forgotten my camera.)

Could they be...

any cuter?  I know, they are my kids, I'm supposed to say that...but there are just some days when they are so much cuter than others!  Yesterday, was one of those days.  Riley had her first grade picture taken yesterday.  She had originally chosen this outfit that was so wrinkled, you could barely make out what print the shirt had on it.  So, I axed that and said, "pick something else."  

Well, I didn't really look at it until she had it on and told her no way.  The skirt was the same wrinkled skirt she had previously picked and the shirt, well, it just wasn't what I would have picked.  BUT, rather than get into a fight with her about the outfit, I said, "okay, it's cute...although I wish you would wear this (pointing to a solid colored shirt.)"  She had a disappointed look on her face, and wanting to not have her be all puffy-eyed from crying, I just went on to say, "oh Riley, you'll look beautiful in whatever you wear.  You made a good decision.  I like what you picked out."

Reverse psychology baby.  

She immediately perked up and said, "No momma, I wanna wear what you picked."  I responded by telling her, "no baby, just wear what you picked, it's adorable."  She then insisted, strongly, that she wear what I picked telling me that, "Momma, I love what you picked, I WANT to wear it."

Well, after she put it on, I told her she made a great decision and that the outfit SHE decided on was perfect.  She was happy because it really sounded like SHE made the decision and in the end, I had her wearing what I wanted her to wear.  Mean?  

Anyway, I didn't get to snap a picture of her wearing it, but I did manage to take a bunch of pictures last night at home.  

This is the two of them posing together...when I told Ronan I wanted to take a picture of him standing with Riley, he pleasantly obliged.  I couldn't believe it.  I even got a picture of them hugging, if you can believe that!

And here he is hugging his doggy from Build-A-Bear.  No, I didn't get one for him yesterday. This is the same dog that Riley talked me into getting for Ronan because SHE wanted something and I refused to buy her something without getting something for Ronan.  After that trip, I vowed to NEVER go to that store again.  Cute and all, but man, too expensive.  And all they do is throw them around....

"Family?"

I have to vent.  Get ready.

If you have been reading my blog from the beginning, you know that the term "family" is loosely used in our home.  We've been burned by biological family members -- on both sides -- and in our journeys across the country with the Coast Guard, we've adopted and been adopted by amazing and great friends who ARE and have become our family.  We've been extremely fortunate and lucky, despite the fact that we've had major "family" issues.

Ryan's sister is getting married sometime next month.  Obviously, we weren't invited to the wedding or else I'd be able to tell you the date.  BUT, Ryan opted to not be a part of her wedding when she asked and that brought upon a fury like you would not believe.  He didn't choose to not be a part of it 'just because'...there was a lot behind that decision and one that I am glad he made.

That brings me to my sister-in-law, Courtney, and her family.  They ARE a part of the wedding and it's funny because my in-laws are treating them just like how they treat us.  They don't call, they don't visit and you would think they were outsiders.  I just find this so strange.  Ryan's sister has her brother, niece and nephew IN the wedding...yet, my in-laws don't call and don't visit them...I just don't get it.  Courtney and her family have tried.  They have gone to family functions.  They have made calls, yet it isn't reciprocated. 

So you ask, "What business of this is yours, Maria?"  It's not.  I just am frustrated for them.  I think that it's really awful that people who claim to be your family can treat you this way.  I think it's atrocious that they have all these grand expectations of people and then turn around and treat their children like they are complete outsiders.  I have no doubt whatsoever, that my MIL, Mt. Lebanon's National Enquirer, has made horrible statements and comments about us -- knowing that we wouldn't be there to defend ourselves.  To her, the world revolves around her and her feelings... no one else.

While Ryan, the kids and I have been completely cut out of the "family" -- I take it as a blessing. I only think about it when Courtney and I chat about it...but on a daily basis, I don't stress about it.  Am I a heartless person for feeling that way?   Maybe.  But, can't I just be done with it all?  Can't I just say that I'm tired of being made out to be the bad person when for years and years all I did was go above and beyond to be accepted into that family?  Can't I just move on?

My friend, Tara, inspired me with her blog.  She questioned when she should be able to wipe her hands clean of all that is negative in her life.  Of course it made me think about our life and the negative forces around it...I hope that this is one of the last times I have to vent about them. I hope that if I ever write about them again, it'll be in my next book:  How to Divorce Your In-Laws...and who knows, maybe I'll have to thank them in the preface for making me millions.

  

I won?

I don't win stuff.  I don't.

BUT, I decided, what the heck.  Enter the contest.  

It was at Beloved Keepsakes and guess what, I won!

I'll show you the prize when it gets here...but I got a sneak peak of it and man, it is one of the coolest things I have ever seen.

Getting creative....

It's not often I find time to work on little projects and it's even more rare that I have time to finish and make more...but I did the other night!  This album above is one I made for my neighbor's daughter, Thalia.  She's about 5 months now and I thought, what a better way than to have a little album with pages for each month until she turns 1.  I used Stampin' Up! DSP Berry Bliss (from the last catty), along with Purely Pomegranate, Close to Cocoa and Regal Rose.  I used a couple punches from Stampin' Up! and baubles and stickles.  Bound it together it with one binder ring.  

My other friend, Joanna, just had a baby about 5 weeks ago named Ryan...so while I was at it, I made him one, also.  I couldn't decorate this with flowers and baubles, but I think it turned out great.  The paper is from Stampin' Up! (Home Again package), Chocolate Chip, Old Olive and Bashful Blue and River Rock Cardstock.  I also used Close to My Heart's stamp set for each page (Month 1, Month 2, etc.)  This one was also bound with one binder ring.


And then I got my second wind when I decided yesterday after I picked Riley up from school that I would grab a stack of paper I had lying around and make another mini album.  This one uses Stampin' Up! DSP Cutie Pie (from last  year) and coordinating cardstock.  It's a "Friends" themed album -- which I had a lot of fun making.  I used some stamps in there...ones that I had randomly lying around and it turned out pretty cute...at least I think so!

Sometimes I shock myself at what I can come up with.  By no means is it crazy creative like some of the projects I have seen on scrapbooking websites and blogs...but for me, I think it's pretty good.  It is amazing how much the mess and the chaos can relax me (although while I'm in the process sometimes, I get majorly stressed!) but in the end, I have this finished project I can be proud of...

I think I am going to try and sell some...don't you think they would make great gifts?  Especially with the holidays coming up, some mini holiday albums would be soooo cute for friends and family (grandparents would probably love this...)  So, if you know of anyone that might like one or if you want one, let me know!!!  I could probably even do it with pictures already in them (if you email me the pictures!)

Anyway...hope you like it.  Maybe I'll get creative today and make something else.

Garage Sale Haggling

I don't think that if you are a push-over, you should be allowed to have garage sales.  I have had them in the past and I know that the early birds show up as you are setting up (still in the dark) and that those very people are the ones that will offer you pennies for that treasure you spent hundreds of dollars on years ago...

Today was our "multi-family garage sale" that I had spent days advertising on craigslist.org.  I had enlisted several of my friends to come and bring their stuff and experience this garage sale phenomenon.

It's scary.

I wasn't selling all that much.  What I was planning to sell, wasn't anything I was in any hurry to get rid of, so I figured that if I didn't get close to the price I was asking, that it was no love-loss and that I would hold onto it until the next time.

Well, for something I had tagged for $75, I had someone offer me $30.  I thought he was joking. I quickly said no.  To which he then said, $35.  Joke again.  I told him the lowest I would go was $50.  He offered me $40 and I told him there was no way I would go any lower and that I would rather keep it in my closet than give it to him for that price.  I had already gone as low as I was willing.  He later agreed, but not without more pressure.

Much of the day went the same way.  I had people offering me nothing for things I wasn't willing to budge on.  I know, garage sale...you gotta be willing to give.  BUT, most of the stuff I practically did give away...it was the stuff I wasn't going to settle for that gave me the most grief!

Anyway, the garage sale ended up being a success for most of us.  A few friends that dropped off their stuff made some money and those of us that manned the tables couldn't complain.  For the time of just chatting with girlfriends and laughing at the ridiculous offers we received, it was worth the work...

Until next time!

Our little rockstar...

Check out Shelley's blog for some video and a picture of Ronan...I lost this off my camera the other night...

Ronan on the Potty

Don't expect to see a picture of my little dude on the potty...because when I tried to upload it, it WASN'T on my camera.  Not sure what happened, but pictures from the last few days are gone...

Anyway, the big news is that two days ago, we put Ronan on the potty (a little one we bought him) and he loved it.  He sat naked on it for a while in the morning and after we dropped Riley off at school, gave it another shot AND...he PEED on the potty.

This wasn't without help from me turning on the water on the sink, but it was pretty cool.  He was so proud of himself (although he jumped up when he heard the music blasting from the potty!)  I took a couple pictures of him standing next to it, before he decided that he was going to point at his pee and touch it.

YUCK!

He's only 2 weeks shy of 22 months and so I'm not pushing it.  I have read that boys take longer than girls to potty train, so I don't plan on forcing him to sit and sit and sit and sit and sit...but, it was really impressive that he has taken such a huge interest in it at such a  young age.

I only wish I could share the picture...

Date Night

Ryan didn't want me to post a picture of him on here...and I was going to blur his face out so he wouldn't be mad...but I'm proud that he's my husband and I was excited to have a picture of us together -- so here it is!

Last night, thanks to Shelley, Ryan and I were able to go out on a date.  Becktor had tickets to a Mixed Martial Arts fighting thingy at the St. Pete Times Forum and we figured it would be fun to get out.  Ryan and I went out to dinner at a place in Channelside called Tina Tapas and it was DELISH!  One of the two best places I have ever eaten (the other is Sinigual, in Brandon.)  If you have never been to a "tapas-style" restaurant, they basically have all appetizer-type foods. You order as you feel like you want it and you share.  Ryan and I loved everything we ate. It's definitely a place we would go again (whenever income becomes disposable!  haha).

Anyway, it was nice to get out and have some adult time and "be on a date with daddy," as Riley would say.  Thanks, Shelley, for putting up with the nuggets...and thanks Becktor, for inviting us out!

My babies...

I have no other reason to post this, but for the simple fact that I thought this picture of Riley was cute.  This was her this morning, with bed head.  

Riley went to a birthday party today at the new bowling alley for a classmate and one of her BFF's, Hannah, was there...couldn't resist taking a cute picture...
After a fun time at Becky's Latin Girls Night, I came home to see this little man passed out on our couch.  Too stinkin' cute.
And I had to get a picture with my girl today while at the birthday party.  I realized that I don't have many with me and the kids and need to make more of an effort to get those special pictures (even if I hate how I look sporting a double-chin and bingo arms.)

Tuesday Dinner with Shelley

We had our regular dinner with Shelley this week (except instead of Wednesday, we did Tuesday because of a commitment Shelley had on Wednesday -- whatever, Miss Important.) I made tacos. Yum. The kids, of course, LOVED the visit, as both Shelley and Elsie provide a great deal of entertainment for them while they are here. Poor Elsie was tortured by Ronan...after he held her for a bit and then decided to take her shopping in his cart. He pushed her to the couch before she decided to jump ship.
And what dinner with Shelley is complete without a few minutes of Wii play time? They were playing Mario Kart (Ronan, not so much. His controller was sans batteries.) Riley was not too happy to be in 12th place (out of 12.) She's over the whole losing thing, I think.
Ronan plopped his little chunky body down right next to Shelley when he knew he would be able to play with Elsie. Lots of laughter and lots of wet kisses from that tiny dog.
And thanks to Riley, this is what we caught Ronan doing at the end of the night. She likes to do handstands and then flip onto the ottoman. Ronan didn't do a flip, but he did walk his legs up the side of the ottoman to get into this position. He should be in gymnastics with Riley, huh?

My Workout

To keep me somewhat accountable, I said I would post if I worked out. I did. That's what started all this Ronan madness...because while Ryan and I tried to workout in the garage, Riley had a meltdown and Ronan had a freak out and I was completely stressed. The exact opposite of how you are supposed to feel when you work out.

Here is what I did: Lots of sets and reps of each -- and I did them quickly!!!

Shoulders -- shoulder presses with the kettlebell and shoulder raises with the dumbbells
Triceps -- overhead tricep presses with the dumbbells and tricep dips on the bench
Biceps -- bicep curls and hammer curls
Chest -- Incline bench press and dumbbell flies
Legs -- squats with the kettlebell and stationary lunges on the bench
Abs -- crunches on the big squishy ball

Ryan and I couldn't complete too many of these together...but I finished them off on my own. I'm proud of myself and I hope I can motivate myself to get another workout in tomorrow...we shall see, I guess.

Why Won't He Stop...

CRYING?

Ronan had such a good day today and for the last 3 hours since Ryan has been home, I swear all Ronan has been doing is cry. Or whine. Or freak out. Enough that Ryan decided he was going to take a drive and return some things.

All I wanted was a shower and I got one, in less than 2 minutes. He started freaking out when I walked into the shower. Freaking out.

I pretty much can't do anything without him...I swear, sometimes I think he wants to get back into the uterus. (Which, would be the most utterly painful feeling at this point, considering how big he is and how much he squirms...yuck.) But, I'm getting a little frustrated and all I want to do is cry.

I can't make phone calls. Did you know that? Because when I pick up the phone, he screams for me to pay attention to him. And when I make lunch, you would have thought that I took away his birthday or something, because he cries. And even though he is happy to see Ryan when he gets home from work, he stays with me. He might run to give Ryan a quick hug, but then he's back in my arms again.

Many times, I have to remind myself that he's still a baby and that these moments will only last for so long. But, it's hard to do anything for myself when you have a little person who won't give you but one minute to sit on the toilet and pee. (He used to freak out when I did that. Now, he'll just stand there, hand me toilet paper, say "stinky" and wave bye-bye when I flush the toilet...and that's just for the peeing part of it.)

Right now, while I type this post, he's standing on my right foot, holding onto the mouse and moving it all over the place and grabbing onto my hand. I know he loves me and that's what I have to remember. But, it still doesn't mean I can't cry for a couple minutes because motherhood has made me forget about who I am sometimes...

The Sopranos Obsession

About 2 months ago, Shelley lent Ryan the first season of the Sopranos on DVD. She had put it in a bag with leftovers and Ryan put the entire bag of food and the DVDs in the fridge (for almost 10 days!) BUT, luckily for us, they weren't damaged and from that moment on...I have been obsessing over this show.

I didn't watch it when it was on HBO. Mainly because we didn't have HBO, but beyond that -- I didn't think I would be interested in it. I'm more of a reality tv person. But, this family intrigues me to no end and sometimes, I feel like it's sorta like how I grew up (without the 'whacking' and drugs and what not...but whatever!)

We finished Season 4 last night and I wanted to start Season 5, but forgot that Ryan has to go to this thing he calls "work" and we couldn't watch another hour...

The last episode of Season 4 was so emotionally draining for me. If you haven't watched it and plan to...well then stop reading. But, if you have watched it and know what's happened...it's the episode where Carmela finally had enough of Tony's cheating and lying and she literally breaks down and asks him to move out of the house. The kids were devastated.

It drained me. Ryan was over her acting, but man, I could feel her pain. (Not that I'm going through that!) But it was after years and years of his cheating and she put up with it and finally she was done. I was relieved for her...as if to say, "Finally!!!"

Anyway, I'm glad Shelley let us borrow all the seasons because I know there is no way I'd be able to wait months before seeing the start of the next season. We'll see...who gets whacked next? Haha.

I will survive...and I did

but not without the help of some happy gas and novacaine. I had my fillings done (the ones I had put off for like 3 years...) at my dentist today and I made it through without an anxiety attack.

It only took 4 hours for the novacaine to wear off and believe it or not, I am looking forward to my next appointment for my cleaning. (I think it's because it's completely covered by my insurance and I don't have to shell out any money out of pocket!) Haha.

Stampin' Up! Bella Rose Mini-Album

I made this mini-album on Saturday, during a little get-together at a friend's house. I can't take full credit for this, as I scraplifted the concept from Shelley. Using Stampin' Up!'s new DSP, Bella Rose, along with Kiwi Kiss, Chocoloate Chip, Riding Hood Red and Pink Pirouette Cardstock, I covered 6 coasters (purchased from Outback). I used some SU! rub-ons and embellishments as delicate touches.
On the above picture, the right side is actually the front of the album. I have yet to add a little title to it...

The ribbon tying each section together is one I took from Joni (so I don't know where she got it.)
The center of the flower is a Bella Bauble.
I also used my own rick-rack I had in my ribbon stash.
All the edges of each section were distressed with SU! Chocolate Chip ink.
The flowers are Prima flowers from a swap I participated in...yeah, so mostly SU! products, but some minor touches outside of the SU! family.

These albums are adorable because you can add your own pictures to them and if you don't have enough pictures to fill it up, there is plenty of room to journal...

Needed some motivation...

and that is what I got when I slipped (or should I say stuffed) myself into my tankini bathing suit yesterday at 5:30 p.m. to get ready to go to the pool with the kids...

ICK.

I'm not blind. I've never had the bangin' rock-hard body I have dreamed of, as I flip through the Oxygen magazines every month. At the same time, I always thought, "hey, Maria, you don't look too bad for having had 2 kids..." Yeah, well that thought quickly ended when I decided to do a quick "full-body" check by standing on the kids' stool in the bathroom on my tippy toes to check out the wide load I had in the back.

We don't have a full-length mirrow. At that moment yesterday, I knew why. ICK.

I have my problem areas. Don't we all? But man, I felt like I was in some sort of clown house with those crazy mirrors when I saw what I did...and I didn't like it. Today, I confronted that bad bad "C" word. Cellulite.

I knew it was there. I mean, who DOESN'T have some, somewhere. And you skinny bi-atches who are saying to yourself, "I don't have any, Maria." Well, you just sit there and eat a brownie, for goodness sake.

It's all about diet and exercise. Yaddah-yaddah-yaddah. I know...I know. When Ryan and I were dating and even during the beginning of our marriage, man, we worked out hard. We had no kids to give us an excuse not to. Then, I got pregnant. And together, we gained the healthy 35 pounds of a normal pregnancy. Then, we lost it and a few years later, we were back on the Mint Chocolate Chip/All-You-Can-Eat diet with my second pregnancy. Now, 21 months after giving birth, why do I still feel that I look like I'm 5 months pregnant?

I saw my friend, Rhonda, last weekend at Disney and she's due at the end of January. I looked more pregnant than her...and guess what? I'm not pregnant!

So last night, Ryan and I talked about the cheese on the back of my legs and we both decided that it's time we got back into our work-out routine again. We have cleaned out the garage and are setting the gym back up, dusting off the weights and we're going to motivate each other to work out hard and hopefully soon...I can be proud of what God gave me. (Because right now, I'm really mad at him for forcing those brownies and cake down my throat. Jerk.)

To jump start me, Ryan took me to the local sporting goods store for some new shorts and tank top...I don't know about you, but new workout clothes always get me a little excited to start working out...I hope that tomorrow, when I rip the tags off and put them on, I'll work out! Wish me luck because I'll need it.

(And in future posts, you might see a sampling of my workouts -- it may be a good way to keep me accountable.)

Now, I'm off to finish the brownies. I'm kidding. I'm gonna have a beer. Kidding, again... ha ha?

Our very own "TERRIFIC KID"

After only 3 weeks of school, Riley has already earned the Terrific Kids award at school. Today, was the award ceremony. I know she was shocked to see that I was there...considering she didn't know she was even getting it! Can you spot her in this picture? (hint: she's in the first row and 5th kid from the left!)
This is Riley with the vice principal, Mr. Sims and and the principal, Ms. Cyr. And this is how happy she was when they found out this group picture was going to be in the local paper...can't wait to see it! We are so proud of her!
On that note, another thing that Ryan and I have to be proud of, is that Riley was chosen to be the Student Council Representative for her class! We don't know what that has in store for her, but it's going to be a positive experience, I think! I was involved in student council throughout high school and I loved it. I hope it gives her the boost to stay involved in school activities throughout her life!

Ronan's Baby...Thalia

Ronan loves this little girl. He is soooooo huggy and kissy with her, it's almost too cute. Thalia, as most of you know, is our neighbor's baby girl. She's a little over 4 months old and apple of Ronan's eye. When we ask him who his baby is (and she's in the room), he quickly points to her and says "baby." Just recently, when we tell him to give her kisses, he really does it. He will hold onto her carseat and lean in and kiss her little cheek...not just once...but several times.

So now he thinks he is a big boy and when Tali comes out of her carseat, he thinks he is able to hold her. The other day, we couldn't help but let him "hold" her on his lap and with that, came lots of kisses for his baby girl...

....if only he would love his sister like that....and not torture her (poor Riley!)

Some other things we did at Disney...

Obviously, our main reason for going to Disney this past weekend was to see Rochelle, Steve and Rochelle's family...but in between our visits, we found some cool things to do while we were at Disney...

One: They have the coolest Koi fish pond at the resort. There were hundreds and hundreds of hungry fish and after spending a quarter on their fish food, we opted to feed them some Kix cereal (which lasted much longer) and then we lucked out by winning a few bags of fish food from the activity office in the resort. I can't even begin to explain how entertaining this was...not just for the kids, but for me, as well. You would truly think that these fish were never fed. They would literally jump into the air to get the food! And then the coolest part was while we were feeding them, this bird would stalk us -- so we thought that maybe it wanted some cereal...when out of nowhere, he flies into the water and stabs one of the fish we had just fed. It was as if we were accomplices to this murder. We led this fish to its death. Ryan said it's the circle of life. Frankly, I thought it was rude. Two: Wouldn't cha know there were these motorized boats nearby and each of them represented a branch of the armed forces...and surprise!!!! the Coast Guard was one of them. I only say that because 95% of the time, we usually don't see the Coast Guard represented on anything military...but at Shades of Green, they didn't forget! So here, you see Ronan "driving" a Coast Guard cutter...
Three: We did a lot of walking around the resort and allowed Ronan to show off his mohawk.
And Four: Why go on rides when your kids are completely entertained by bunnies? We spent over 20 minutes watching this bunny. It was a friendly bunny...and then it died. I'm kidding. It didn't die. (Was that mean?) No, it ran away...but it was fun to look at while it lasted.
And then, of course, we went on rides.

Our Weekend at Disney

The big news of the weekend was all for Riley...my "little" from my sorority in college (Zeta Tau Alpha) is engaged to be married and she, along with her future hubby, asked Riley to be their flower girl at the wedding! Riley was unsure at first, thinking that it would be something embarrassing...but within minutes felt the excitement and couldn't stop talking about what she would do at the wedding. Here are the three of them right after they asked Riley to be in the wedding...Steve, Riley and Rochelle... This next picture was taken in front of the Cinderella Castle while we were waiting to meet up with Steve and Rochelle.
We stayed at the Shades of Green, which is a resort specifically designated for the military and their families. I enjoyed being there -- mostly because of the cost, but I can't say I didn't miss the Disney feeling I had when we stayed in a "Disney resort." There was one big Mickey statue in the lobby which EVERY TIME WE WALKED PAST IT, Ronan had to stand next to it and pose for a picture. Ronan sported his mohawk for this trip and I don't know if it's his size, his extreme mobility or the looks on his face, but people would stop and stare at him as if he was some sort of attraction there. Most of the time, they would say how cute he was or laugh at the t-shirts he wore...but being the hambone that he is, I think he enjoyed all the attention!

Riley fell in love with Rochelle and Steve while they were here. It was obvious with all the times Riley would ask when she was going to see them next...and it was devastating to see her cry when we told her we had to leave Disney for the night and that Steve and Rochelle were going back to Pittsburgh...luckily for her, she's going to get to come with me to Pittsburgh for Rochelle's shower in the spring!

Now, for Steve! Ronan actually let him hold him for a few minutes! By the end of the three days we spent there, Ronan finally was able to say "Deeve" which was Ronan-ese for Steve and unfortunately he fell asleep the last night there too early to play with everyone. He did wake up at the last minute on the monorail when we were on the way back to the car and said good-bye to them. He loved them as much as Riley, I think... We spent a few hours at Hollywood Studios on Saturday morning, mainly to get on the new Toy Story ride...but right after we got our fast-passes, Ryan and I ran into one of his former high school classmates, Christi, and she happened to hook us up for Director's Seats at the stunt show. We literally sat in the very front and away from the crowd. It was awesome. Both of the kids loved the show and in the end, the one car jumps through this fire ball and drove right past us. I can't explain how hot it was, but let's just say I thought that I had lost all my eyebrows. I didn't, thank goodness!
It was such a wonderful trip and I know this one was especially great for Riley with all the memories she made with Rochelle and Steve. (When she was with them, she totally blew us off. Parents are so un-cool, I guess.) We are excited to get back to Disney, but even more excited to see Steve and Rochelle get married...