Trick or Treat!!!

If this is the prelude, we can't wait for the real deal!

When Michael's parents told us they wanted to throw a luncheon for some of our closest friends and family to celebrate our engagement, we were thrilled. After all, who doesn't love a party? But this proved to be more than a beautiful afternoon, it was an event which illustrated how lucky we are to have such awesome people in our lives.



It was an affair to remember....There were animated bears singing the song "Love & Marriage;" big bowls of M&Ms on every table, coupled with centerpieces created by our super-creative cousins Joy & Ron; overflowing glasses of wine and really amazing food (I could eat nothing but that cake for a month and be more than content.). Plus, we were able to have those closest to us meet each other. Many of our guests were meeting Mitzi's family for the first time.

Both moms spoke from the heart about what our marriage means to them; Michael and Fay showed off a comedy routine which seemed rehearsed but wasn't; our favorite Floridians Julie and Jeff provided some wonderful advice on sharing (Michael was taking notes); and our pals from North Carolina, Sammi, Jacob, and Jennifer reminded us that once we are married, it's time "to hurry up and have a baby;" (That left Michael with a perplexed look his face). To top it all off, Mom-Mom surprised us with one of her trademark poems which left us tearing up one minute and giggling the next:

I remember it was December and it was very cold
When the telephone call came with the best news over told.

Pam had delivered her first child; a bouncing baby boy.
Nothing else in all the world could create such joy.

He was named Michael Jarrett Sacks and he soon came to be
The greatest gift that G-d above could ever give to me.

He is not just my grandson, but also my best friend as well.
There was never anything in my life to him I could not tell.

And now my Michael has grown into a young successful man.
It seems that life for all of us has provided a new plan.

We got the word somehow that Michael met “the one”.
Although we found it hard to believe, in fact, we were all stunned.

But then we got to know Mitzi and soon understood why.
She won over Michael’s heart and brought a twinkle to his eye.

Mitzi is a truly remarkable and very special girl.
One in a million, or maybe a billion, the most precious pearl.

The two of them have so much in common I really must admit.
It’s as though they were for each other they’re such a perfect fit.

She will make a wonderful addition to our family tree.
And I know how happy it will make her to share Michael with ME!

I wish you two a lifetime of love and joy and harmony.
Another blessing G-d has given me.
The female copy of Michael---our magnificent Brittany (we love that Mom Mom wanted Brittany to know she could never forget her adorable granddaughter.)

We had an amazing time. Thanks so much Mom & Dad, and everyone who attended.

Sunday, Mom & Mitzi were off to florist with Mitzi's Aunt Barbara on the cell providing helpful advice and suggestions along the way. I could tell you what they are planning but I would be risking my life. :) You will just have to wait to see, but I am certain that the room will be almost as beautiful as my bride-to-be, and that is a tall feat.

Tomorrow, we are off to NYC to see Les Miserables with Brittany. Hope your week is going well.

New Hope and a New 2 Year Old....

I can't believe it's Monday already. Where did the time go? sigh....so much to do, so little time to do it. Mitzi just reminded me that we only 6 1/2 months away from what I am sure will be the best day of lives. (Brittany, stop gagging.)

Saturday was the first time in a while that Mitzi and I had the chance to take a romantic excursion...so I surprised her and we went off to New Hope, a quirky town full of fun restaurants, shoppes, art galleries and unique people.

Eating food that isn't good for us and spending as though we don't have to save for a wedding, we trekked through the town recklessly and happily. It was "Second Saturday" and we had the chance to meet up with several artists, including one who looked just like Jerry Garcia. The leaves were crisp, the air was brisk and the company was perfect.

Mitzi made a new friend:


and the mojitos at the Cuban restaurant put a smile on my face:


Sunday we spent the day at a birthday party for 2-year-old Ilana, daughter of David and Meredith. We are so happy to have our friends so close. They recently moved two blocks away after living way too far. The birthday girl looks like the spitting image of Strawberry Shortcake and most importantly to Mitzi, she knows Mitzi's name. If I heard "what's my name?" one more time, I thought I was going to scream!

I would have taken pictures if I was not busy eating birthday cake and chocolate covered pretzels.

Man, did this girl get a lot of toys...a bike, dolls, a huge easel, games...the list went on. Mitzi almost stole her new Tickle Me Elmo, but I convinced her not to. Maybe we should register for one....

And speaking of registry, I know it's tacky, but many people have asked to alert them when our items on our registry is on sale. Bargain-hunters rejoice! There is a big sale this week at Macys. (Mitzi is now screaming....."HUUUUUUUH----NEY! Take that off." I love her twang...I would call her my hee haw honey but she'd be pissed.)

Have a great week.

What a weekend!

A big steak dinner at the Borgata, Kathy Griffin, a great shore day with fun people and to top it all off, Dr. Ruth! After spending most of our Summer weekends soaking up the Margate Sun, it was time to once again get out and about.

Both Mitzi and I are fans of Kathy Griffin...she's brash, trashes on everyone and has a lot of great Hollywood stories. The four of us (Mom, Dad, Mitzi and I) trekked to the Borgata for a fantastic, red-meat filled dinner at Old Homestead. Such extensive dining left us full and somewhat exhausted. But, Kathy's concert woke us up...from the rowdy audience who was ready for fun to the colorful anecdotes, we spent 90 minutes laughing non-stop. She insulted almost every celeb you could think of, but her imitations were by far my favorite part of the show, including her robotic Paula Abdul and her poised yet stammering Barbara Walters. We also liked the fact that she had no problem laughing at her own misfortunes, including a really class-less story about her work at a children's charity auction. You will have Mitzi about the "wah wah wah" story. We ended the evening winning $25 in multi-strike video poker (my favorite slot).

Saturday took us to Long Beach Island to visit our friends Jen and Patrick for their annual shore hang. This was Mitzi's first time in LBI and she convinced me to stop at a couple shops along the way....where she shopped until she dropped. There were some great sales, so thankfully we still left with a little cash in our pockets. We had an awesome time visiting old friends, and we were thrilled to see our pal Trish back on her feet following surgery earlier this Summer, and her pug Rosa.





Dinner was terific (Risotto and pasta!!!!--BRING ON THE TREADMILL) and we loved the conversation, covering everything from politics, to dieting, to funny commericials and most importantly to Mitzi, bridesmaid dresses. (The thought monopolizes her mind most days.)

And just when we thought the weekend couldn't be any more fun, we caught up with the one and only.......


DR. RUTH! Both Mitzi and I remember secretly watching this pint-sized dynamo with a very thick accent discuss the foreign topic of sex when we were kids. Her accent is still thick but man, is she funny. She covered everything...and we mean everything. She was speaking at the senior expo at our synagogue, so here we were, with my mom mom on one side of us, and my parents on the other, in the room we are getting married in. Many words and terms were thrown out with reckless abandon...I would include them, but this is a family-friendly blog. Needless to say, there was a bit of discomfort on my end. The best was when my fiancee asked my grandmother if she wanted Mitzi to buy her a "massager." You can just imagine the look on my grandmother's face. It was a scene right out of sitcom. I swear I heard a laugh track. Add to that, it was a senior expo, so we were the youngest in the room by a long shot, and the loud hum of a hearing aid went off somewhere in the middle of the speech. But, Dr. Ruth was very sweet and it was an experience we will always remember. And my mom-mom, like always, was a great sport. I think she enjoyed the talk (even though she told me later she didn't understand a word Dr. Ruth said...I told you she has a thick accent.)

Later that day, I visited my grandmother's new apartment. It is spectacular...huge, luxurious, comfortable and impeccably furnished. I am so thrilled for her. The neighbors were all introducing themselves. I know she will be very happy and we are so forutnate that she will be so close. We ended the weekend with more fantastic food when my grandmother treated us all to dinner at Redstone. (and everyone wonders why I do so many stomach crunches each night!)

I am tired just writing this! Hope your weekend went just as well and you are enjoying a productive week.

The Best Gift My Parents Gave Me....

Happy Birthday to my baby sister and Mitzi's maid of honor!
We hope your 31st year is the best one yet! xxxxoooo