#377

****This post is photo heavy!****

This past weekend was my second bridal shower in the muggy and friendly Midwest. I am as behind in my thank you notes as I am in writing this post. Oh well. Tincture of time and I will catch up.

The shower was hosted by Tom's mother, Lynne's, best friend and co-workers. Seriously, these ladies drove 300 miles from Indianapolis to St. Louis just to spend the day with Lynne and me (and Tom). That sentence alone should explain how much Lynne means to her friends (yes, I am that rare breed with a wonderful future mother-in-law), and the kindness they showered me with was truly touching. The shower was held at La Bonne Bouchee, a darling French bakery with some of the best pastry cream I have ever tried. And that's saying a lot.

(Three of the four wonderful hostesses, and four of Lynne's wonderful coworkers.)

The day began with Lynne, Gary, Tom and I frantically running around town due to a last minute oversight on my part. (Still sleep-deprived from my sub-I, I guess...) We stopped at Party Pastry to pick up treats for Lynne's friends for their drive home.


Always thinking of others, Lynne remembered to pick up a box of Tom's favorite cookies so he would get a present, too.

Next, it was off to the shower. Each guest was greeted with a homemade jar of hot fudge sauce, courtesy of Jane. The label reads: "All you need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt"...


...as well as an overwhelming table full of presents.


I sat square in the middle of the table with a view to the far left of a painting of the Chateau Frontenac, where Tom and I stayed last summer in Quebec City. Lunch was salad followed by pastries.




Tom and I received many wonderful gifts, including this silly apron which reads, "If you want breakfast in bed, sleep in the kitchen." To be honest, I think I deserve that sentiment more than Tom. He's the hard-worker.


But I was most surprised to receive a pair of earrings that Lynne wore on her wedding day. They are beautiful gold filigree drops that are so perfect and antique-looking. They are one of those "I am not worthy" gifts.



The day ended with a photo-op in the beautiful patio garden.

The women in Tom's life: Carol, Lynne, Becky, me, Jodi, Cindy, and Mandy

Aunt Simmie, Tom's 93 year old great-aunt, made a guest appearance at the end.


Gary and Tom relaxing after all of their hard working loading the presents into the car.

The shower was followed by an impromptu dinner in which 25 - ! - of Tom's relatives and friends appeared. To be so loved...And then Sunday was spent meeting the family Rabbi to discuss the wedding ceremony. And now, my friends, properly showered and dressed, we near the two month mark.