Falling slowly...

Autumn is in full force, friends, and I couldn't be happier.  Kenny probably didn't know he married a homebody, but I am thoroughly enjoying being in our warm home, lighting candles, and drinking hot chocolate. Oh- and I am taking up baking. Suddenly, since using my Kitchenaid a few times for banana bread and cookies, all I want to do is find fun recipes and bake.  If you need something, I will bake it for you.

I know. I. Know.

Have not come far on the cooking front, however, and don't see that changing anytime soon. I begrudgingly made stew the other night and meatloaf the night before and I plan on riding the credit for those out for at least another week.  I'm great at "making dinner," a.k.a. reheating and making the table look pretty.

On another note, I am now 27 years old.  I would like to stress that normally I would not point out my age in a post, but this one deserves some attention because it has grabbed mine.  Suddenly, I woke up and was 27, I swear.  Now I know this isn't true, but all I remember is turning 21, going to the Irish Emmigrant on the Ave and, once home, having a long talk with my sober roommate about how I really appreciated  this neighbor of mine named Kenny Soldano, but still would not admit how much I liked him.  :)
And then I must have been sleeping through any more aging until BAM- I am 27.  It just hit me.  There's nothing wrong with it, of course, and I plan on keepin' on just like I have, but it's definitely "no excuses" time.
I'm pushing 30, friends.

For Now

Here's my theory- posting a couple of photos forces me to smash through the proverbial "picture posting block" that I have been experiencing for over a month now and gradually introduces me to the valuable skills of discernment and selectiveness. Plus, it's a fun little taste.  :)

Just us.











One of the best moments that day- and meaninful photos

 

A Larson Lost

You know, this period of settling in has been great.  At first, boxes were everywhere, his stuff was meshing with mine (i.e. we were giving a lot of his away...), and we were facing loads of potential in this little house we call home.  And I have enjoyed setting stuff up and seeing it come together, little by little.
But considering for most of my adult life I have only had to worry about decorating a little room with pictures of my friends and maybe contributing a couple of candles to the common living space shared with roommates, this is a big leap.
Martha must be out of town 'cause I've been trying to channel her for weeks.
The trouble is patience.  That, my friends, is not a revelation.  I am just so darn IMPATIENT. I want it all DONE.  YESTERDAY.  Once I buy something, I want it outoftheboxandputinitsspotrightthen.
But our little place has been coming along quite nicely.  It actually feels like home.

On another note, I have officially changed my name.  No longer a Larson, I am legally a Soldano.  After sitting at the DOL long enough to panic, thinking "Gosh darnit,Natalie- why didn't you take any time to consider Larson-Soldano, for crying out loud," it was done and it was right.
I don't think that fact has quite settled in me yet.  I don't feel or look any different.  I haven't really had time to think about how I am now a part of Kenny more than ever, that our children will never be Larsons, and that the Natalie Anne Larson Of Old was once a toe-headed girl who loved purple and jungle green, collected Polly Pockets, and wore stirrup pants.
...and that girl is no more (well hallelujah- why wouldn't you want to leave that uncool girl behind, you ask?).  ;)  Now I am Natalie Anne Soldano, part of a new family and filling the new role of wife.  I haven't had to introduce myself yet or sign a receipt, so those will probably be the kickers.
And let's be real- this Soldano will always be a Larson. :)