(haha. I’m so original with titles, I know.)

I can’t believe it’s already been a week since arriving in Indiana for our visit and, you guessed it, my best friend’s wedding. What I can’t believe even more is that it’s been over 4 years since we first met face to face. By the grace of God, I found a MSN message board called “Adoptions of Love” while I was pregnant with Kaylee. And on that board I came across Breanna, who had a daughter she placed in an open adoption. We immediately became close friends and had so many similarities (from calling our daughter’s “Baby Girl”, to our favorite meal is pot roast and mashed potatoes). For Kaylee’s birth, she and her mom drove the 14 hours to be by my side as I went through the hardest weekend of my life. She was there when I signed my rights away, encouraging me and crying with me. She was the only one in that room who truly knew what I was going through, and it meant the world to me to have her there. Even after she left for home and months after Kaylee’s birth, she was the one I called when I missed Kaylee so much that all I could do was cry and she would listen. We used to be able to visit more often, but as we’ve grown up, our lives have gotten busier. So to spend this past weekend with a dear friend like Breanna, and the honor of getting to share in her special day, was truly a blessed time for me.

Last Wednesday we left home and headed to Tennessee to start our visit out with Mark’s brother and his wife. I didn’t cry when we drove away and left Savannah behind (Oh, yes, I did), though I did consider changing plans at last minute and pack her up with us! Our drive wasn’t too bad, 7.5ish, and we each drove half way. Once arriving in the beautiful TN, it was a short and simple visit, but still enjoyable.

I also spent the night texting Jill (who had a root canal this morning so go give her some love!) from Live, Laugh, Blog to make plans because we (or I?) was too shy to call. And so, my in-laws joked that Jill would actually turn up to be some scary kidnaping ice cream lady since I only know her from online. But finally, she did call me (and I had proof she wasn’t a man or a scary lady) and we made plans and wha-la! I got to meet Jill and her two cute daughters for a yummy brunch at Cracker Barrel the next day. And I can tell you, she is as sweet in person as she is on her blog. But of course, silly me forgot to take a picture! Even though I had clearly made a point to put my camera in my purse. Oy.

Thursday we made the 3 hour trip to Indiana but, we got there earlier than planned and Bre was out running errands, so 2 hours later she finally arrived. And I have to say, even after not seeing her for over a year, we immediately were just how we left each other: Comfortable friends. Meaning, it wasn’t awkward. That just amazes me! I also got to spend a lot of time with Bre’s daughter and adoptive parents. Which, they are awesome and I loved watching all of them interact together.

Friday we got our nails done for $7.00 being the cheapo’s we are. And now we know why it was only $7.00: they sucked. We all went home and redid them our selves and it looked more professional than the salon job’s. We also decorated the reception space, which looked amazing. Bre chose beautiful colors (pink and brown), flowers, and fabrics (with her mother’s help, I’m sure!) so everything looked really simple, but elegant. We went through the motions of rehearsal and then went off to dinner (which was absolutely one of the best meals I’ve ever had!).

Saturday came before we knew it and Breanna surprising was really calm throughout the day. We got our hair done at 12. I loved my hair, it was the prettiest I think it’s ever been done. And ya know, Bre’s and the other ladies’ were beautiful as well. We all got ready, had pictures done, etc. We all shoved down some lunch, got all pretty, dressed and took pictures. Breanna looked gorgeous with her long train and beautiful curly hair.

And ya know, Mark and I looked pretty good too. I was worried Mark was going to be bored this whole trip but he was amazing. He bonded with the other guys in the house, took pictures for Bre, helped iron clothes. Bre’s Mom even told me one night, “You are one lucky girl to have a guy like him! He irons!” Indeed, I am lucky.

I also found something interesting in my dinner: A heart in my chip! Surely, it’s a sign from God that good things are destined for Breanna and Aaron, right? Right now she and her new husband are probably enjoying the sun down in Jamaica (Is anyone else jealous? I am!). Sounds like a great start to a new life together already :-)

Congrats Breanna and Aaron!