You want a larger WHAT?!?

I feel like I'm starting a pattern of Friday or Monday blogs, probably because those are the days where I am either extremely productive or not productive at all. Today is the latter. I will get to work soon, I promise!!! There are just so many wonderful things going on this weekend that I couldn't contain myself any longer and needed to share.

First, my future brother-in-law and his wife are coming over tonight for dinner (shout out, Sonia, I know you read these!). The rule in the Gutzler-Hoey household usually goes: If something Stephanie should make turns out to be a disaster (ask me about the Nutella cake sometime), a pizza will be ordered on the house. Luckily, in all my years of entertaining, I've never had such an occasion. Tonight, however, I'm feeling like the odds are in favor of pizza. What on Earth am I making that could be so difficult, you're probably wondering?? The dish actually couldn't be simpler, but the kicker is it in now in our current crockpot...which is probably older than Bryan and I...combined. Add to the mix that I have a deep-rooted fear of never having enough food, and this crockpot is stuffed to the brim...and when I say brim I mean the top barely closes...for 4 people.
(Side note: I'm not exactly sure where this fear of never having enough food comes from. It's like I expect Jon and Sonia to say, "We're still hungry...what, you're out of food?!? You can't marry Bryan! You're a horrible excuse for a future sister-in-law! Come on, Myko!") If you know them, you know that wouldn't be their style. I don't think I know anyone who would react so harshly, but I am always anxious about having enough food. Is it because I'm Italian and have the genetic predisposition to feed people? Is it because I have a slight bit of Irish in me and am afraid of famine?...I can't figure this out.)
Anyways, between 4 pork chops (which Bryan swears is actually 8 because each equals 2), the sweet potatoes, apples, and onions that are cooking (or not cooking?) in the crockpot with the meat, the additional sweet potatoes apples, and onions that I will subsequently roast later, roasted asparagus, crusty bread, and a salad, I think we should be covered. Oh gosh, I should make brownies, shouldn't I?

The moral of the story? Tomboy Bride needs a re-do on the registry for a larger crockpot (we want 2-3 kids, you know...and Bryan says they're all going to be boys. We might need 2 crockpots!)

What does tomorrow bring in store for Tomboy Bride? After a morning tutoring session (AP Bio which is my favorite!), I am meeting my lovely in-town Bridesmaids (Tatum, Lindsay G., and Nicole) for a dress session at David's Bridal!!! I can't wait to see how everyone looks in each of the styles we selected....yep, that's all the info you get :-)

On Sunday, our goal is to have a half-marathon training session (we must run 5 miles, at least...well, run, walk, crawl, whatever) then head to BBB to re-adjust (bigger crockpot) and finish up our registry!

While there are many other things to do and discuss, Bridesmaid Mrs. Smith mentioned that her advice would be to not check my registry (reference the China excitement of my last blog) because I won't be surprised at bridal showers and the like. I agreed with this statement. If a guest has been generous enough to give a gift, then why should I rob them of seeing my reaction when I open it? Makes total sense. However...
Last night when this whole crockpot thing came to light (I was stressing about how much food I could fit in the current one as to not starve our guests), I decided to take a look-see and determine whether anyone had purchased the crockpot yet. As the BBB page opened, I saw SOMEONE PURCHASED OUR 13" CHINA PLATTER!!!!

So yes, I am publicly freaking out NOW and I'm sure I will probably actually kiss the platter when I do see it which would be my reaction whether I know it's coming or not. I think I opened the page around 11:30 last night and I am STILL excited. I can actually picture the types of delicious foods (antipastos; meatballs, sausages, and braciole! roasted vegetables; cornish hens...I could go on all day) that will be presented on that platter to the family and friends gathered around the dining room table that Bryan and I don't yet have! But we will! And when we do, we will be wow-ing our gathered crowds and I can not wait. Ok, I promise...no more looking at the registry. Say it with me, "I will not peek at the registry, I will not peek at the registry, I will not peek at the registry..."

And with that, I hope everyone enjoys their weekend. I'll post a follow-up on my crockpot success/disaster as well as keep everyone informed as to how the wedding-related events of the weekend turn out. I really am going to get work done today, I am!!!