Cutting our first Christmas Tree

Off toward Palmer on 181 - just outside of Belchertown, we found this little Tree farm and stopped to search for a tall tree. They didn't have much, but we looked around... There was a note on the door saying they were not home and could not assist us because of an emergency. We were in a hurry to get Schuyler to school so it was just right.... Schuyler was a little chilly, thrilled to be there with us, but cold - so he stayed in the truck as we looked some more.... We traveled down the road to another place that Steve remembered but they were not open, they were on their way out and let us know they were closed Mon - Thursday.

So we went back to the farm, and this very nice man showed up - he used to own the farm and was stopping in to check in. A very nice man - - we talked a little bit and then eyed our tree - - both of saw the same tree - - but as we got closer it was a little small... we walked around a little more, others were just a little bigger, but not so full. So we went back to our tree.... cut it and picked out a beautiful wreath on the way home too.

Looking forward to our first Christmas together... happy, family, and in love....

One in a Million

How did I get here, I turned around
And there you were
I didn't think twice or rationalize
Cause somehow I knew
That there was more than just chemistry
I mean I knew you were kind of into me
But I figured it's too
Good to be true

I said pinch me where's the catch this time
Can't find a single cloud in the sky
Help me before I get used to this guy

(chorus) They say that good things take time
But really great things happen in the blink of an eye
Thought the chances to meet somebody like you were a million to one
I cannot believe it, (whoa oh)
You're one in a million

All this time I was looking for love
Trying to make things work
They weren't good enough
Til I thought I'm through
Said I'm done
Then stumbled into the arms of the one

You're making me laugh about the silliest stuff
Say that I'm your diamond in the rough
When I'm mad at you
You come with your velvet touch
Can't believe that I'm so lucky
I have never felt so happy
Every time I see that sparkle in your eyes

- song by Hannah Montana - another great one! This song says a lot!

The CAKE

Our selection from Irene's cakes in Ludlow, Vermont (and everyone said it was quite tasty - we only had a few bites each... too busy dancing!):

#1-Chocolate Cake w/ vanilla buttercream
3 tier cake for 80 guests- no layer to save; One layer vanilla, 2 layers chocolate
Design notes:
3 tier, green circle on the bottom layer side, blue square on the middle layer side,
top of middle layer molded with lumps (moguls), top layer black diamond on side
and top with red roses and our custom glitz topper letter. We will supply
the roses

Top photo - the cake!
Bottom photo - Irene's liscense plate (cool eh?)

Wedding Portraits - Jana's photos!

Live Love Laugh

Pre-wedding prep slide show - Jana's pictures!

Celebrating every day...

We received a package from my Gram today - - this book of poetry with a bookmark inside.... to our delight it was marking a poem written by my Aunt Sandy who we visited in upstate NY 2 weeks ago.... Sunrise.... so we had to share it with all of you...

if you click on the picture you can read the words - -

After a little "Cook's" champagne our new favorite - - "the cocoa cola of champagne" in our new Tiffany glasses from Lesley & Charlie - - this message comes your way wishing you all the love in your relationships (kiss your partner today!) xxoo ....

With these rings - we thee wed...

On our honeymoon now - so no time to blog, but .... stay tuned. The wedding was truly an amazing memorable day - - can't wait to write down the stories and Monique & Nichole video taped the whole thing.... so with Jana's incredible photos will round it all out for telling the story of the best day of our lives....

The ring photo above is one of our rings before we left home for Vermont on Friday.
Love to all - back to enjoying Montreal!

Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Cook

1 more day.... true north

So much to do and so little time, but I find myself looking outside and the beauty of all that is around us and thanking God for my life here.... I took some photos, helped Schuyler with his bionicle creature and now We need to pack!

But I took this photo and thought it appropriate for the last post before THE DAY... then looked up True North on google to find this:

"A lot of people know that there are 2 norths in terms of maps and compasses. A map shows true north, or the Geographic North Pole where all lines of longitude meet. The earth rotates around an imaginary axis that runs through the North and South Poles.
A compass needle points to magnetic north, which is determined by the earth’s magnetic field. The location of magnetic north moves over time, at about 5 miles per hour. Right now it is slowly creeping around somewhere NW of Hudson’s Bay in Canada, about 450 miles away from true north."

We have found our "true north" in eachother - this strong magnetic pull to eachother..... AND on the "map" this is where we should be.... one more day.....

2 days.... final details.....

The official invitation - didn't quite make it in the mail. (so much to do and so little time!)

Vases - the glass is beautiful! Sue Ann and any committee members around on Saturday will be decorating with the roses and these vases.... can't wait!

Getting stuff done... finishing as many work projects as possible... going to Montreal for Sunday through Wednesday - so no work during that time (promise!). Family dinner last night, Samantha came home despite cramming for her exam... Grama Cook & Uncle Tom came over for dinner and got to meet Schuyler for the first time - sorry no pictures, I was enjoying the moment.

THE DAY is fast approaching!

4 days... the tuxedos are here!

The boys in tails ... although Stephen's photo is missing - the tuxedos have arrived and I have had the pleasure of seeing them all dressed up and ready! I love these photos and having been blessed with the most beautiful men ever in their tux's.

5 days... marriage licence, rings & cake!

Busy weekend with Schuyler's birthday party, soccer and traveling to get it all done - we are in our last week before the wedding.... Went to Windsor County - this little town of Putney to get the marriage lisence before Schuyler's soccer game. The lady was so sweet and typed in all our information. ALL SET!

We went to Silverscapes for the rings that we special ordered - WOW do they sparkle! It was amazing - afterwards we went to Thornes and talked to Brandy - later on the story of our new friend Brandy. Flower's A La Carte.... these beautiful Freedom roses. Brandy is an incredible person....

And one last detail nailed down... Irene's cakes in Ludlow is working with our design for the cake!

tick, tock, tick, tock..... VERY exciting!

8 days -- our first wedding present & card - to Mr & Mrs Stephen Cook!

It arrived yesterday - and we opened it up last night while drinking a bottle of Blackstone Chardonnay (our latest favorite) we opened up the package (I myself thought it was a wrong address.... confused person... BUT NO - it was for US!) From the PSIA-E office - 2 glass etched glasses and this cool card that is totally US - and signed by the whole group!

How appropriate - knowing that was how we met (at the Level 2 event at Pico) - to get our first gift from the PSIA staff.


CHEERS!

10 DAYS! "What a pair!"

Don't our feet just look "perfect" together. I love feet - they show balance, strength and beauty - - what a pair...

Top photo: Belchertown - watching Schuyler play soccer
Bottom photo: On the CT river after a water ski run

13 days.... in Chicago for the weekend

We are in Chicago - the heat is incredible, but a fun trip! Taking the day off tomorrow and sleeping in to recover- hanging out in the Residence Inn watching movies, and shopped all afternoon after the marathon. How did it go at the marathon? more about that on my personal blog - - >> ... Need to do some wedding stuff while we are here and we leave town around 3!

Steve and his "tiger" (gotta love running in costume! out of the box!)

15 days - - the committee

Cake = Tina (pick up and delivery)
Flowers = Sue Ann = (pick up, decorate)
Band = Jeannette (keep them in line!)
Music = Stephen (IPOD)- our "playlist"
Facilities = Jessica (Hawk staff)

16 days! the planning continues.....

Crunch time - - making decisions on the cake, the flowers, dress shopping, shoe shopping, tux shoppping and measurements..... at first I said it was so easy.... well it is great doing it TOGETHER! as a familly... makes ALL the difference in the world!

Called Thornes market florist to check on the roses and it looks like the FREEDOM rose is it! How appropriate ... to be free and married, that is our new life. LOVE it!

P.S. Kidding about the nuts in the mocha cake, but was going with a black diamond theme, so maybe coconut? I will have to check with my "other half". More to come on the cake!

The picture of the day is Schuyler's artwork from last month - we look so PERFECT together.... don't you think?

17 days... the cake....

Working with Jeffrey at King Arthur bakery in Norwich Vermont to create a cake with our vision... and creativity. At first we were looking at a mountain cake and then when presented the options, started "thinking". So on a run one morning I came up with this concept and talked it through with my "twin", my "partner" = he thinks like me so..... check it out on paper (know that it will be much more beautiful than my raw sketching)! We are very excited about the cake and Jeffrey is up for the task!

Flavor? Mocha with nuts for the top layer, Chocolate for the middle layer and vanilla for the bottom layer. A decadent vanilla buttercream frosting ..... Yummmmm if you aren't aware of King Arthur Flour you MUST check out the website! I call it "miracle" flour! DElicious!

King Arthur Flour ---> http://www.kingarthurflour.com/

18 days ... in a heartbeat.....

(one my favorite photos from the 'Big Mac' photo booth....


Marry me! (in the front seat of the white Ford ranger...
"in a heartbeat...." - - - the rest is history....

20 days to go.... friends and family!

We tripped to upstate NY to visit with Alex, Betty, Mikey, Harrison & then to McBride road to see gram, Aunt Sandy, Uncle Tom, Susie, Bonnie, Tommy & Steve and kids....

Here are some pics!

21 days - - --->>>>

22 days.... the story of the rose...

It began at the Boston marathon - Steve was waiting for me at the finish line... I was running in a noreaster and he was there with a heavy jacket, change of clothes... rallying the few people that made it to the middle of Boston for the finish!

So proud - and running as fast as I could to get there ... (ha ha ha) after 26.2 miles of pavement from Hopkinton in a time of 3:05:59 - I arrived, 72nd overall woman and 7th master. Knowing my goal was 3:05 and barely hitting it under the wire - it was truly like someone was watching over me - giving me that extra fuel to suceed. Seems like the current story of my life... How COOL was that??? Well Steve and some of his recruits (all female - surprise... I call him my "eye candy") were yelling my name like I was a rock star! I was thrilled - he passionately kissed me from across the fence and followed me along the empty corral (not too many people there at this point - or they were all in the medical tent - ha ha), so I waited as he went under the street and in his duffle bag he shoved a dozen red roses.... almost too shy to give them to me, he says "it was my mom's idea - I am not much of a flower guy...." with a smile. It was the sweetest thing ever. I beemed... so much in love, I dragged that dozen flowers to Kansas City, Vail and Snowbird ... I still have a bud hiding in my drawer that he pressed for me to keep foreer.

I bought him a single rose at Thornes in North Hampton the other day. Put it in a hand blown glass vase on the table, but missed writing a card or note... I quickly mentioned it to him on the phone in a flury ... but he didn't realize and asked me on the phone "who is the beautiful rose from?" -- we were in the middle of craziness at the time and I said "me! for you!" -- He told me it was the first rose he had ever received. And it bloomed big, bold and beautiful for 2 weeks!

Another example of how God's gifts represent a True Love.

23 days.....

Toppers with Glitz!

24 days to go!

So... what do you think about the cake designed as a mountain? Two little skiers, male/female skiing down.... chocolate with white frosting... We may surprise you!
Can't wait for the DAY!

(Steve & Nancy)

Killington cake - some chocolate spots and some chocolate sticks (because we LOVE the trees at Killington), lots of rope and bamboo -- with maybe a few more skiers just to make it interesting...

Mt Sunapee cake - just a LITTLE smaller of a cake, definitely not big enough for 100 people, but fun none the less, and VERY tasty...

more to come - (trying to be creative - - this cake is going to cost a fortune!)

Looking for skiers for the cake, I came across these choices - - very funny - - I think Steve would like the last one....

26 days till WEDDING Day!

We went to the site this weekend - - saw the bridge to the area for the wedding... I took a bunch of photos and here's the LINK.

We talked to Herb VanGuilder who will be performing the ceremony and what a wonderful man.... next flowers, and CAKE! : )

---------------

Typical Weather for October 20
Here are average weather conditions for the day of your wedding:
Average High Temp:54°F Record High Temp:72°F (1984)
Average Low Temp: 29°F Record Low Temp: 13°F (1972)



Past Weather for October 20
Here's a look at past weather in your area for the past three years.
Year Weather Hi/Lo (°F) Rain (in.) Details
2006
Rain/Thunder/Wind 58/34 0.89 Hour-by-Hour
2005
Partly Cloudy 51/33 0.00 Hour-by-Hour
2004
AM Fog/PM Sun 53/29

29 days before the big day!

Counting down to make sure that everything gets done.... staying on timeline... so there were some pretty significant confirmations yesterday and this morning.

1. Mr. VanGuilder is going to perform the ceremony. Jeannette recommended this wonderful man and he got back to us yesterday.

2. We are thrilled that IC Nutz is going to play for the wedding! We spoke with our mutual friend Keith Hopkins last night! IC Nuts is a 5 person band out of Killington (crazy enough they began as the "Show Dogs" reminding me of my days as a Sled Dog....) -- see this link from 2005 for a little more info on them and bring your dancing shoes! This is going to be fun!

The FAQ is updated as we get questions from everyone... it looks like there will be more than 10 rooms at Hawk reserved for the wedding..... make your reservation soon. The 2 night minimum is waived because it is the end of their season, so Saturday night is open for reservations at our rate.

FAQ - UPDATED

Where should we stay?
We would love for you to stay with us at the resort that Saturday night and have a special rate. It is the closest and easiest option for the cost and hassle of having to drive into Ludlow or up to Killington which are both 15-20 min drives from the resort. The minimum stay is waived and we have a block of 20 rooms. Make a special note -- Peck/Cook Wedding. Breakfast is included in that cost. We hope to have a planned breakfast at the resort in the morning before we head to a short / sweet honeymoon!



What to wear?

Semiformal night wedding - fall - cold weather (maybe? 50's). The ceremony is outside but the reception and dinner are inside. We are all wearing the typical "wedding" attire - so please dress up, but be comfortable in what you are wearing.... we want you comfortable and to be yourself! : )


____________________________________________
Why are you getting married?
Life is too short not to be completely connected to the one you LOVE. This is NOT a test drive.... When you see us together (if you have not already) YOU will know.. - - why this is what we need to do. We belong together forever - a perfect match.

Are our kids welcome?
Schuyler wants all the pretty girls to come! The menu for those 13 and under will be off the children's menu - and the older ones are counted as adults. Just let us know who is coming!

Should we bring skis?
Bummer - there will be no snow - - we need to talk to Gary about bringing the Master Craft if you want to hit the water, but we don't think the lakes allow motor boats.... more on that one later. : )

What do you guys want for gifts?
The reason to invite everyone we care for to this union is to share the love, so don't worry about the gifts. Your friendships is the gift you give to us. If you want to donate to help cover the costs associated with the wedding that is appreciated, but not necessary. Use your imagination, which we know you ALL have - but be sensible and just COME! Have a great time with us at our PARTY! That is what means the most to us, you BEING THERE!

One other option is that you can make a donation to the American Cancer Society as a donation to our Relay team! Haven't decided which event to team at this year, so consider being a part of that too! Schuyler LOVES to camp out!

_____________________________________________

Is the wedding outside?
Yes, the ceremony is on the resort across the bridge at the sanctuary.
The cocktail reception is planned at the pool.

What will the weather be in Vermont on October 20?
Weather.com is great for tracking weather --> 05056 is the zip.

Will the leaves still be colorful?
If they haven't fallen off and the snow hasn't fallen yet (which by the way WE CAN'T wait for the snow to fly. This is a great site about fall foliage in Vermont CHECK IT OUT.

Please enter a comment below and ask any question!
Looking forward to the day!

30 days to wedding day - - the countdown continues....

A little more background for those who are curioius....


How did we meet?
February Level 2 teaching exam at Pico – Steve was one of 4 examiners, the last one before ending the exam that I, in the end, passed (although he docked me for teaching the class in the middle of the trail – what was I thinking?). Hanging at the bar with another person from my group, Steve joined us to “ski chat” before hitting the road home….

When did we realize the connection?
After the time on the phone before going to Lesley’s house one night, in addition to the back and forth on email incessantly, finally meeting again face to face in Framingham for dinner – the rest of the story, knowing the destiny of our souls to be together. When in Stowe the connection was solidified, and from there knowing that we would marry….. Meeting Steve’s mom in Keene, going to the Schwartz bah mitzvah all decked out, meeting the Cook family - - we were a couple, it seemed from day one, and as if we had been together forever, or at least should have been….

We are a like in so many ways…..
Two very physical people brought together in love, in passion, skiing, waterskiing, with friends….. – we match in so many ways… here are a few more examples…

• Favorite sport? Well…. Besides THAT…. Of course it is skiing (anyone that knows either one of us would figure that one out).. although in our minds it is the same . Hard to separate the two, because of the passion for both.
• A dream of our own lakefront property – together with the boat, the water, water skiing….. the yellow lab…and more..
• Favorite color: Purple
• Breakfast of choice: 2 eggs over easy, wheat toast, bacon, black coffee (no home fries)
• Wine – we love wine, we can’t drink enough……
• We love tequila – we have spent the time in Belchertown with Samantha perfecting our margarita making skills….

What would Lou Peck say?
My dad would love Steve – the similarities that Steve has with Lou Peck is uncanny – the engineer, the dead Saab in the yard, fixing my brakes, keeping Samantha’s car running (but having her change her own tires…), the amazing mechanical man that reads Popular Mechanics and works all day and night. I joke with my friend Sue Ann about the men we love, and the fact that we are both marrying our dads. What a comfortable place to be with someone that reminds you of a father you loved so dearly.

I am in love – yes – truly, madly, deeply in love.

Rooms at Hawk - discounted rate of $150/night

Mention the Peck-Cook Wedding and receive your rate of $150/night ($25 off the regular rate) for a room at the Hawk Inn & Mountain Resort by calling. You can leave a message - they will return the call: Phone (802) 672-3811; Reservations (800) 685-HAWK; Fax (802) 672-5585 The online reservation link was not showing availability - so we recommend that people call to make their reservation 1-800-685-HAWK. This is the best way to secure the
discounted rate.

We have a block of 20 rooms and are staying there both Friday and Saturday, so it would be great to have friends and family there with us, so book your room soon!

Please mention/ note the Peck-Cook wedding to secure the discounted rate. AND the 2 night minimum stay is also waived if you just want to stay Saturday night!

32 days to our WEDDING day!

VERY VERY excited about all the responses to the Evite - - and to our emails to friends and family. Our friend Susan from Oregon has said that she can come and Cousin Lynn & family were thrilled as well! This is going to be amazing to have all these great people in one room! What fun we are all going to have!

Who's Coming to the wedding?

Samantha
Schuyler
Stephen
Bev Cook (mom)
Mom & Howard VanDine
Terry & Tange & kids

Laura & Daren Sizen & family
Lesley Rawlings
Lynn Schwartz & family
Paulette & David
Matt & Serena & family
Andrew Kunhardt
Sue Ann & Jeremy
Tabi Freeman
Susan Silodor
Tina & Chris Naimie
Judy & Tom Reichling
Jeannette & Andrew
Alex Ma & family

33 days till wedding day!

Talked to Jeanette about some more of the details. This week will be a real pivot point for details so we will keep you all posted. Hoping Hoser and band will be performing - - and the celebrant confirmation should come this week too.

We have sent out most of the invitations on the evite and have designed the invitation to be sent. So glad for all the responses being posted on the evite - it is a great way for us to keep track!

My mom (Jan) and step dad (Howard) will be there as well as Steve's mom (Beverly) and his sister from Wisconsin will be there! Other confirmations from outside New England include Judy & Tom. Hoping to hear from other friends this week.

Love to all - see you all soon!

Where is the wedding?

The VERMONT option is final!

VERMONT option --> Hawk Inn & Mountain Resort. Kilington is a special place for us because of the first "ski date" we had with Samantha prepping for her Level 3. We had an amazing day there skiing as a couple less than 2 weeks later and that is engrained in our minds and hearts forever.

Having lived there and patrolled there for 10 years, Killington would definitely be our choice right now. I waited tables at Hawk in the early nineties after ski patrol. Visions of buses and weddings... this is also the location of one of the first triathlons that I completed and did well! Greg LaBella was the rec director. Now Jeanette is the Rec director and reminds me of those weddings !

Talked to Jeanette and Jessica today and we are on!

Schedule of our celebration:

Friday - those who are in town early we will have something planned for dinner to begin the celebration! Hawk is an incredible resort with a great outdoor pool and plenty of recreational opportunities to enjoy while you are in the Killington area.

Saturday (tentative)
4 PM - ceremony
5 PM - cocktail reception
6 PM - dinner
8 PM - entertainment / dancing

Plans are underway and we will update the blog as more details are finalized. This will be an amazing celebration of a powerful passionate union.

Waterskiing with Gary, Steve & Nancy Slide Show!

Truly * Madly * Deeply

I'll be your dream
I'll be your wish I'll be your fantasy
I'll be your hope I'll be your love
Be everything that you need
I'll love you more with every breath
Truly, madly, deeply do
I will be strong I will be faithful
'cause I'm counting on
A new beginning
A reason for living
A deeper meaning, yeah

[chorus:]
I want to stand with you on
a mountain
I want to bathe with you in the sea
I want to lay like this forever
Until the sky falls down on me

And when the stars are shining
brightly in the velvet sky,
I'll make a wish send it to heaven
Then make you want to cry
The tears of joy for all the
pleasure in the certainty
That we're surrounded by the
comfort and protection of

The highest powers
In lonely hours
The tears devour you

[chorus]

Oh can you see it baby?
You don't have to close your eyes
'Cause it's standing right
before you
All that you need will surely come

I'll be your dream I'll be your wish
I'll be your fantasy
I'll be your hope I'll be your love
Be everything that you need
I'll love you more with every breath
Truly, madly, deeply do

[chorus]

I want to stand with you on a
mountain
I want to bathe with you in the sea
I want to live like this forever
Until the sky falls down on me

By Savage Garden (2007)

Family & Friends Slide Show!