Fall Fashion 2011

For those of you who have known me the longest and the best, you know that Fall is not my favorite season. So there are really only 3 things I enjoy about the weeks between <3 summer <3 and my least of all favorite season. (The only good part about winter is Christmas and the occasional snow day.)

Those 3 enjoyable things are:
1. JMU/HHS football season. Yay for something to listen to on Friday and Saturday nights! I couldn't care less about the NFL until the Super Bowl comes around, and only then if I team I remotely care about is in it. But, oh, give me some high school and college rivalry games and I am a happy woman.

2. The food. Apples, pumpkins, Thanksgiving...Lovin' the comfort foods of autumn!

3. 3/4 sleeves. Seriously. I ADORE 3/4 sleeves. They are seriously the most comfortable and most flattering sleeve on the planet. Wear them down when it's a little nippy, or roll the sleeves up on days like today where you want to scream at the Heavens "MAKE UP YOUR MIND!!!!!!!!" (PS-I hate humidity. Passionately.)

If you pay any attention whatsoever to fashion, or at least glance at magazines as you walk buy them at the store, you know that one of the most discussed fashion terms right now is "the Kate effect". I am a believer and supporter of said "effect" and though I am in no way a "copyKat" (seriously, that's what they're called!) I am very pleased with the style changes I've seen over the summer and into the fall. It isn't so much what you may see on the fall runways--high fashion, especially in NY tends to be more avante garde (term used for fashion "ahead of it's time", "innovative", "experimental"...what I prefer to call "icky")--but it is what you'll see thumbing through David's Bridal catalogs, women's home and fashion magazines, and clothing companies like NY&Co, Coldwater Creek, Newport News, and the like.

Now for those who have no clue what that last paragraph is about, let me briefly explain. The "Kate effect" is what the media and fashion industry are calling the influence of the Duchess of Cambridge (the former Kate Middleton). Since her engagement to Prince William she has singlehandedly caused the sell-out of several dress styles, which now have 1 word names "the Shola", "the Issa", etc. The results of the "Kate effect" include: the rise in popularity of any knee length short sleeved dress that even slightly resembles one worn by Kate, and an increased interest in hats, fascinators, trench coats, nude pumps, and even pantyhose. The broader effect is simply this: it is now fashionable for my generation to wear modest hemlines and necklines, ladylike shoes and coats, and elegant accessories.

So here are some of the trends I've noticed while shopping at my favorite stores--Ross & TJ Maxx--and browsing at my favorite "if I had money to spend on more expensive stores" stores (NY&Co, Newport News, Coldwater Creek, etc).

1. Color. Bold and bright. I'm seeing a lot of bright pink, aqua, coral, and purple. I don't wear a lot of bright colors, but I did add a bright pink tee and several purple pieces to my closet this fall.

My favorite part of this trend? PURPLE! :)

2. Lace. This trend has been increasingly popular over the last year or so, which is why so many of us were correct in predicting that Kate's wedding dress would be lacy. Thankfully that look is becoming increasingly more popular in the wedding industry, something I really wish would have been available in '07. Some of the "lace look" though is incredibly fake. Lace prints? Um, no thanks. I don't want the LOOK of lace, I want LACE.

3. White. Black & white together has been a popular trend over the years, but this season has shown an increase in simply white. Little White Dresses (LWDs) are easier to find these days and I think it's darling, especially the ones with the white lace. And while I can say confidently that Kate has definitely increased the popularity of white clothes--She once stated that if she had a favorite color she guessed it was white, and she certainly wears a lot of it--but the popularity of white dresses can actually be attributed more towards her sis Pippa, who singlehandedly made white bridesmaids dresses the "It Thing" for Summer 2011. (Though technically I guess you'd have to give Kate most of the credit for that too since it was her wedding and therefore her fashion decisions. Pippa just wore it really well.)

Anyway, I love this trend, BUT REMEMBER: YOU STILL CAN'T WEAR THEM TO WEDDINGS PEOPLE!!!!

4. Florals and animal prints. This is one trend that 1. I'm not that big of a fan of, and 2. Does not fit under the "Kate effect" umbrella. So there really isn't much to say except if you like bold floral prints or animal prints, wear them to your heart's content just don't wear more than 1 print at a time. Pair your 1 "loud" dress, shirt, skirt, or accessory and wear it with some solids in a complimentary color or a neutral. :)

5. Gray is the new black. While there is still quite a bit of black out there, and always will be, gray is the favorite neutral this season. It's softer and usually more flattering than black, and pairs wonderfully with the pinks, purples, and blues. I prefer brown/khaki with the warmer corals, peaches, etc.

Since I love gray, I am very glad to see so much of it in the stores. At Ross a few weeks ago I added a 3/4 dark gray shirt and a short sleeve lighter gray shirt to my collection. I also have 2 pairs of gray dress pants and a gray suit I never wear since my 2 jobs are not exactly suit-type careers. ;)

6. Ruffles. Love love love! The little girl in me can't get enough. Ruffled edges on cardigans, ruffled hems on trench coats, ruffled shirt collars...It's an added feminine touch. <3

7. Skirts. Pencil skirts, a-lines, "midi" skirts, maxi skirts...The only thing to say here is thank heaven for longer hemlines. :)

For pictures of some of the looks I'm talking about, visit this link:
http://pinterest.com/kbarb/my-style

Let me know other fashion trends you see that you love, hate, or think are silly...And let me know which of the ones I mentioned you love (or hate)! Also, if you have a particular fashion topic you'd like me to address in my next fashion-related blog. I have no idea from post to post if I'll be talking fashion, parenting, or what so it's nice to get ideas. :)

How to Be a Good Wedding Guest

I am constantly amazed at the number of people who simply don't know how to behave at weddings these days. I'm sure I have countless friends who--as brides, guests, ushers, pastors, and so forth--could tell a number of stories on guests. I know I would hate to be the guest that the bridal party remembers for years to come because of a faux pas (like Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie for there infamous hats), so I'm writing this blog to share some tips. Hopefully when you read this you'll be relieved since you already know and put into practice these, but in the rare case that you find out something--gasp!--You'll know better next time. Here's to being wedding guests that future brides, grooms, ushers, and wedding coordinators will love to have on the special day! :)

Tip #1: Know what to wear. I've already covered this on a past blog, so check that one out if you have questions. Generally, think about location, time of day, and the formality of the invitation. It's always better to be over-dressed than not.

Tip #2: Always enter the church or ceremony location through the main entrance. Side entrances may or may not be locked, but just because it's unlocked doesn't mean you should use it. The main entrance will have the guest book, programs, and ushers to seat you. From an ushers perspective (thanks Josh & Jeremy Barb), guests who seat themselves and enter from other directions only mess things up for the small number of guys responsible for making sure everyone gets into the right spots. So enter through the main entrance and wait for an usher to show you where to sit.

Tip #3: Going along with #2, if a wedding begins at 4, do NOT show up AT 4 or AFTER 4. You won't be allowed to be seated and you'll only be in the way of the wedding party. Brides and coordinators will not love you for this. Plan ahead and arrive 10-20 minutes before. This will give you time to sign in and be seated before the ceremony begins. Arriving too early will leave you standing around as last minute details are being arranged and--often--pictures are wrapping up, so do not arrive more than 30 minutes ahead of time unless requested.

Tip #4: It's generally frowned at to take pictures from your seat during the ceremony. If you must, make sure the camera flash is off and your camera doesn't make a loud noise.

Tip #5: This is a favorite tip of brides everywhere. Do NOT bring uninvited guests with you. The invitation tells you who is invited and only those people may attend. If the invitation says Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Barb & Aedan, I know that children are welcome. If the invitation does not include my child's name, I find a babysitter and enjoy! If you are not married your invitation may or may not include "and Guest". If it does, invite your girlfriend, boyfriend, or best friend to come along. If it doesn't, there is probably a space issue at either the ceremony location or the reception and your bringing a guest could leave him or her without a seat-or worse, take the seat of someone who WAS invited. So pay attention to that invitation!

From The Knot: "In one poll of Knot brides, nearly half said that at least one guest had responded for someone who wasn't invited." <--Why it's a big deal to follow Tip #5!!!

Tip #6: RSVP as soon as possible. The invitation usually has a date on it, but the sooner you RSVP the more time the bride has to get final things worked out with the caterer, etc. In addition, if you discover you need to cancel, let her know ASAP so that she has the opportunity to either scale down or invite someone else who she couldn't invite before.

Tip #7: This goes back to clothes, but I feel it must be reiterated because people JUST DON'T GET IT! While black is becoming more acceptable, especially at evening and/or formal weddings, WHITE IS STILL A NO-NO. I saw a lady at a wedding I was at recently wearing a cream skirt suit. She looked lovely, but I'm sure more guests than I were shaking our heads at her from behind our punch cups. DO-NOT-WEAR-WHITE-TO-A-WEDDING. Having white on your outfit is fine, be it stripes, polka dots, flowers, etc, but NOT SOLID WHITE. And white includes all shades of cream and ivory too. Just don't do it!!!

Tip #8: After the wedding, follow the directions of the officiant and/or coordinator and go to the reception area. For many couples, not all the pictures--if any--have been done ahead of time and the sooner the area empties the sooner they can get the pictures done and head over to the reception themselves. Stick around only if asked (unless an extended family picture is planned, usually only grandparents, parents, and siblings need to stay close). Wedding coordinators and photographers can get quickly irritated by others snapping pictures, getting in the way of the photographer, or having loud conversations while they are trying to get their jobs done and get the happy couple to their party.

Tip #9: More often than not, the gift table will be at the reception area. If possible, leave your gift in the car until the reception. It's less work for you and for the groomsmen or other friends who would be responsible for moving them all later anyway.

Tip #10: Keep an eye on your children, or get a babysitter. If children are welcome to attend, some couples provide some form of childcare during the reception, but during the ceremony they are expected to be under the supervision of their parents. Running, messing with decorations, loud crying or talking during the ceremony...These are all reasons why many brides shudder at the thought of even inviting children. If you have children old enough to sit quietly for 30-45 minutes, keep their hands to themselves, and not try to serve themselves cake and food from the buffet line before invited to, no worries. If you're not sure...Play it safe and leave them at home. If you're from out of town, see if you can work out with other friends or family to find a neighbor or family friend who would be willing to watch a group of children during the wedding. Check with the bride or groom's parents about the possibility of having a room available during the ceremony for childcare if you provide the babysitter.

Your job as a wedding guest is to help celebrate the happy day. Do your best to always "do what you would have others do to you", and help make the day as special for the newlyweds as you can.

Have fun!

The Very Hungry Hobbit

The Very Hungry Hobbit
by Jeremy Barb, written by Kristin Barb
with Apologies to JRR Tolkien & Eric Carle

In a hole in the ground a little hobbit slept.
On Sunday morning the warm sun came up and out of the hole
came the little--and very hungry--
hobbit.

He started to look for some food.

On Monday he ate one apple cake.
But he was still hungry.

On Tuesday he ate two slices of bread with pear preserves, and one apple cake.
But he was still hungry.

On Wednesday he ate three plum puffs, two slices of bread with pear preserves, and one apple cake.
But he was still hungry.

On Thursday he ate four strawberry pies, three plum puffs, two slices of bread with pear preserves, and one apple cake.
But he was still hungry.

On Friday he ate five biscuits with orange marmalade, four strawberry pies, 3 plum puffs, 2 slices of bread with pear preserves, and 1 apple cake.
But he was still hungry.

On Saturday he ate one carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, one plate of eggs n' onions, one plate of nice crispy bacon, one wedge of cheese, one bowl of vegetable medley, one raspberry tart, 1 sausage, 1 jar of blackberry jam, one bowl of coney stew with taters, and one mushroom pie.

That night he had a stomachache!

The next day was Sunday again. The hobbit ate one nice hobbit-sized breakfast and after that he felt much better.

After that he didn't eat all his favorite foods at once. He spaced them out between breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, luncheon, afternoon tea, dinner, and supper.

And he lived happily ever after, till the end of his days.

The End

The Way We Do Things, Part II

For Renee :)

Four years ago this evening I married Jeremy. And a week later we moved into our new townhouse, unpacked and unwrapped all our gifts, and set about making the house a home. We arranged and rearranged furniture, went shopping for curtains and lamps, and did all sorts of husband-wifey newlywed new-house type things.

Oh and random fact. I must sleep on whatever side of the bed is furthest from a window and closest to either the bathroom or the nearest light switch. Thinking back, this has been the case in 99 % of rooms I've slept in for as far back as I can remember, unless my sister claimed the side I wanted first, in which case I rarely slept as well as I would have had I slept on the side I wanted.

And second random fact, I like to color code things. Like notebooks and clothes and stuff. Most people would call that organization I guess. I do it because 1. things usually look better that way, and 2. I don't like labeling stuff. Shocker I know. I keep the "labels" in my head. Like when I was homeschooled--and I actually wrote a paper on this in college--Our curriculum was 5 subjects in 5 colors. Blue = science, red = math, green =social studies, purple = Bible, yellow = language arts. For years afterward, through middle school and into high school, I organized by subject materials (folders, notebooks) by these colors. And I have never liked the color red. Ever. Coincidence? I think not!

When I started teaching at Stepping Stones, I went to Staples and bought clear take-home folders to match the cubby color for each child. This only worked for the first 5 since we only used 5 different paint colors, but for the 6th child I picked purple to go with her yellow cubby because purple is opposite yellow on the color wheel and therefore complimentary. However, when the 7th, 8th, and 9th child joined our class, I didn't get around to purchasing new folders since it was so close to the end of the year. In the fall, however, they will also have folders that match their cubbies and their weekly file will also be color coded to match their folders which match their cubbies. Cause I love color.

Back to the newlywed story.

Anyway, so it was my self-appointed task to set up my new kitchen exactly the way I wanted it. I think it's safe to say that newlyweds the world over either relish or dread this task of epic proportions. I dreaded it with relish. It was such a huge job, but oh the organizational possibilities! I finally worked out my system and went about filling in the cabinets. Glasses went on the top shelf above the dishwasher, plates went on the next 2 shelves below, balanced by size so it looked even (small to the left, large to the right on the middle shelf, then large to the left, small to the right on the bottom). My pretty mugs and African elephant collection went on the shelves above the sink, handles turned just so and elephants arranged tallest in the middle like a pyramid. My tea pot and tea cups went on the next shelf up, etc. Bowls and mugs went in the cabinet above the silverware drawer that held the forks and spoons. Mugs on the top shelf, entertaining pieces on the middle shelf, and bowls on the bottom. The big bowls stacked in the back corner and the smaller bowls in 2 stacks, one in the back, one in the middle front flanked with the extra matching mugs that didn't fit on the shelf above the sink. (The bowl cabinet is the area most often messed with by helpful people and "fixed" most repeatedly by me.) In the corner cabinets my mixing bowls and growing collection of Pampered Chef gadgets reign supreme, below on the counter is the Queen of the Kitchen my Kitchenaid mixer. Below that, in the lower corner shelf is the oversized things--the crock pot, quesadilla maker, cupcake pans, baking stones, panini maker, pots and pans, and ridiculously heavy things. Beside that, under the silverware drawers, is where the bakeware (cutting boards, my solitary non-stone baking pan (lol), and my cake pans), and appliances live (smoothie maker, blender, food processor). The large griddle takes up an entire shelf above them cause that's the only place it fits. Between the oven and the fridge, the cabinet above holds cookbooks and spices. Top shelf cookbooks, 2nd shelf sweet stuff for baking and decorating, bottom shelf duplicate and oversized bulk seasonings. Seasonings I use most frequently, of course, are in my spice turn-about on the counter with my 2 large cookbooks (ala Vicki Barb and Betty Crocker). Under that is the junk drawer (which pains me, but what can I do? It must exist), the dishcloths and oven mitts (though these love to travel down a drawer which will often put me in a tizzy), the dish towels are in the next to last drawer, and the bottom is the one with all important kitchen and house related papers (user manuals, bla bla bla). The thing to notice here is that the top shelves are arranged by USE (baking separate from cooking), and the bottoms are organized by SIZE (large towels below smaller cloths, tiny junk on top).

Finally, the silverware is arranged by size. Knives in a bamboo box next to the oversized items that don't belong in my tool turn-about in 1 drawer. Forks in another bamboo boxs, large ones facing up, small ones facing down, next to the box with spoons arranged the same way, with other misc. smaller items, like sugar spoons, spreaders, and serving spoons in the extra space (larger serving spoons and whisks parallel to the boxes and smaller items at the bottom perpendicular in their own space so they don't get "lost".

And that is the Way I Do Things in my kitchen. For the most part. I don't have the time or energy to explain how I fill the dishwasher and by now I hope I've gotten everyone laughing (or sighing) enough. :)

I'm taking requests for future blogs, just leave a comment here or on Facebook. :)

Thank you for reading and supporting my amusing little habit. :)

The Way We Do Things

I tend to get domestic right before bedtime. My parents can attest to this. 11 PM rolls around and suddenly I'm in the mood to do the dishes I was complaining about doing at 7. Sadly, for me, I didn't always have the freedom to do the dishes whenever I felt like it, I had to do them when my parents felt like it was time for me to do them...Which was usually at the "normal" time called "right after supper". ;)

All that to explain why at 11:30 PM I'm emptying the dishwasher that has held clean dishes in it since last night. And why I'll probably be washing the other dishes still in the sink after I post this blog. And why the pile of Aedan's toys and the blanket lying on the couch in my peripheral vision is driving me nuts even as I type.

For the record, I do not have OCD. I have been accused of this since being caught in college sorting my M&Ms by color before eating them. But I am not OCD. If I was, I would always sort my M&Ms and I would probably always eat them in the same color order, neither of which I do consistently, though I do like to eat the warm colors before the greens and blues.

I do however have "methods". Especially in my kitchen. Ok, perhaps only in my kitchen. ... No, pretty much all over the house. The toothpaste has a "spot". My hairbrush has a "spot". The washcloths are usually all folded so that the fold faces out when they're put away. I think it looks neater. When I clean up Aedan's toys, the tall ones go in back and the short ones are lined up in front. The blanket on the ocuch goes on a certain way and the pillow goes in a certain corner, "just so".

And the dishwasher is loaded and unloaded according to the best method for getting as much in it as absolutely possible. And, I will confess, if someone other than myself tries to do me a favor by filling the dishwasher or putting dishes away in the cabinets--thank you by the way, I appreciate the gesture--I always re-do it. I confess. I always do.

And I was planning on telling you more about this, but Aedan has just decided to start crying and by the time that's taken care of, it will be past midnight and I will no longer have time to write a blog about how I organize my kitchen cabinets.

So goodnight. :)

The Fashion Code

THE FASHION CODE

Would you wear jeans to your senior prom? A sweatshirt to your graduation? Of course not! Whether you’re punk or glam, a tom-boy or a princess, it’s important to know the etiquette of what to wear, and what not to wear, when you attend a special event. Different events have different dress “codes”. Know the code, and you will always know what to wear.

Why Are There Rules? Etiquette tells us what is appropriate and what is not. Dress etiquette has four major codes, formal, semi-formal, informal, and casual. These labels can be used in the invitation itself or hinted at through the event location and time of day. For example, a wedding held in the evening in a cathedral or country club would be formal and an afternoon wedding held outdoors would be casual.

Why Does it Matter? Special occasions wouldn’t be as special if the guests didn’t make an extra effort to look nice. Imagine you’re having a birthday party. You bought a new dress for the occasion, you painted your nails a complimentary shade, and you’re wearing a cute pair of wedge sandals to show them off. When your guests arrive in the same jeans they wore to school that morning, how do you feel? Taking a bit more time in your appearance shows respect for the host and lets them know you take the event seriously. After all, they took the time to invite you.

Formal Attire Preferred. Formal events are the rarest and the easiest to identify. Look for the clue on the invitation; often it will have “Black Tie”, “White Tie”, or “Formal Attire Preferred” written at the bottom. Evening weddings in formal venues, military or political functions, and high school proms are examples of formal events. When choosing what to wear, take your cue from the actresses who walk the red carpet at the Oscars. Floor length gowns, dressy heels, a small purse, and carefully styled hair are musts. If you are wearing a sleeveless or strapless dress and want a more glamorous look, wear long white gloves. Just remember to take them off before you eat!

Semi-Formal Events. “Semi” is a Latin prefix meaning “half”, so semi-formal events are ones that are still very dressy, but tuxedos and evening dresses are considered overdressed. Typically if an event does not include a request for formal attire or casual dress, then it is semi-formal. Another clue comes from the alternative name for semi-formal, “After Five”. If the event is held in the evening and it is not formal, you should wear semi-formal attire. Some examples of semi-formal events include weddings, holiday parties, school dances, and funerals. The wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton is a perfect example of a semi-formal event. The guests wore knee-length or longer dresses, skirts, or dress suits paired with nice shoes (heels not required), and many wore hats or fascinators which are delicate, slightly frivolous headpieces (usually made of flowers or feathers) attached to a thin headband. A small purse is also appropriate for carrying small items like lipstick and your keys. If you don’t like to wear dresses, a pant suit or dressy slacks and a blouse are proper alternatives.

Informal versus Casual: What’s the Difference? There is a lot of confusion about these two fashion codes since they both have several subcategories, which is why they are the hardest events to dress for. Most fashion experts agree that informal is similar to semi-formal, though a little less fancy. A good rule of thumb is to make your decision based on the event. If it is a wedding, go informal with a dress, suit, or a skirt and blouse. If it’s an evening event (not a wedding), wear your “Little Black Dress” (LBD) with a light wrap. If the special event is held during the day, on the beach, or in a barn, just to name a few, go for casual. The casual dress code can also be called “dressy casual” or “business casual” which means a blouse or nice sweater, dressy pants or skirt, and a cute pair of wedge sandals or ballet flats. A nice pair of jeans, preferably dark wash, may be worn if paired with a dressy top and shoes. However, never wear jeans to a wedding or a funeral as it is seen as disrespectful.

What About my Style? If dresses and skirts just aren’t your thing, or you’re concerned about looking like everyone else, use color to make a statement. Show your individuality with patterns, colors, and accessories. Add jewelry—either an eye-catching necklace with smaller earrings or a dazzling pair of earrings and a bare neck. If you like to go wild with eye shadow, choose a palette that compliments your eye color but doesn’t match your dress. The same rule applies to nail polish. Choose a shade that compliments your dress color or matches an accent color (a secondary color in your dress or a metallic gold or silver). A classic French manicure is always a good choice when you don’t know what color to use. Finish your look with a natural lip color. If you prefer a bold red or pink lip, choose natural eye shades that won’t compete for attention. Top off your look with a unique hat or fascinator and a small bag or clutch in a wild print or metallic fabric. The only rule with accessories is to be sure they finish your look, not compete with each other, and that they are appropriate for the party venue.

What Not to Wear. Tee shirts, shorts, tennis shoes, and flip flops are not appropriate for the majority of special events, with the exception of some birthday parties and outdoor barbeques. It’s usually considered better to show up in a summery dress and sandals than to arrive in shorts and a tank top. When in doubt ask your host or hostess, or bring a change of clothes in a beach bag or large purse. For most semi-formal and informal parties, a little black dress (LBD) is considered appropriate combined with some colorful accessories, but choose a dress in a seasonal color or fun print when attending a wedding. Wearing black to a wedding, unless you’re a bridesmaid, is still considered a sign of disapproval. Avoid all white outfits as well since it’s seen as disrespectful of the bride. Even though flower girls, and now bridesmaids thanks to the Middleton sisters, can wear white, their dresses have been chosen by the bride and yours has not.

Be Fabulous! As the song says, “you’re never fully dressed without a smile!” Choose clothes and colors you love and that look good on you. People will notice! Pair your outfits with accessories that are tasteful, yet also fun and that show off your personality. Know the code and you will always be fabulous!

The Royal Wedding, Part 4

6:56 AM

1156: Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry, Pippa Middleton and Mr and Mrs Middleton follow the couple into the Shrine of St Edward the Confessor for the signings.

1158: Sarah Bell BBC News, in central London With impeccable timing, the sun has come out in central London. :)

The choir is singing. I'm going to make breakfast and say good morning to my husband. :)

7:01 Whew! Just in time! The parents return to their seats...

1159: The future queen's dress has been praised as "elegant and chic" by German couturier Karl Lagerfeld. He told French TV: "It's very pretty, and relatively classic, but that goes with the decor, with a little touch of the 1950s."

The clergy exit...

Fanfare!

1204: A further fanfare sounds, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge walk down the aisle.

A curtsy to the Queen...

1205: The London Chamber Orchestra is playing Crown Imperial as the couple, holding hands, bow to the Queen.

The Queen, Catherine's mom, and Camilla look marvelous and can't stop smiling. :)

1212: As the newlyweds get into their carriage, the BBC's Gabriel Gatehouse, outside the abbey, notes that despite predictions, the rain has held off in London.

Waiting as guests leave. Breakfast time!

The Royal Wedding, Part 3

6:24 AM: Catherine's brother James gives the Scripture reading from Romans 1. Excellent reading and wonderful Scripture choice.

6:26: I'm going to miss some while I go get Aedan...

6:28: Ok, choir is singing again. I just love the song choice...Have I mentioned that?

1128: The choir now sing an anthem by John Rutter has been especially composed for this service.

Oh and have I also mentioned Aedan slept from 7:30-10, then 11:30 PM till 6:20 AM?! Yay Aedan!!!

1134: Professional lipreader Tina Lannin tells the Press Association that Prince William cracked a joke to his future father-in-law at the altar, telling him: "We were supposed to have just a small family affair."

6:32: The message

1134: Richard Chartres, Lord Bishop of London, is now giving an address. He says many people are feaful of the prospects for the world. But this is a joyful day, it is good that people in every continent are able to share. This day is a day of hope, he says.

With the exceptions of my wedding and my sister's, this is one of my favorite wedding messages. There are some fabulous lines.

6:40 Singing again.

6:44: The Lord's Prayer and other prayers from different denominations.

The prayers seem a lot shorter than Charles and Diana's wedding...Though maybe they're just doing it differently.

1147: The Dean of Westminster reads a blessing for them, followed by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
1148: Jerusalem, by William Blake, is now sung.

6:51 Trumpet fanfare

"God Save the Queen"

6:53 The family goes up to leave for the signing of the register.

1154: The couple and witnesses move to a side chapel for the signing of the wedding registers. Three registers must be signed - two for the abbey and one royal register.

Some beautiful shots of the cathedral as the choir sings.

Time for breakfast!

To be continued in Part 4...

The Royal Wedding, Part 2

5:46 AM: The Queen and Prince Philip leave Buckingham Palace!

The Queen looks radiant in a lovely yellow dress and hat. Philip is dashing as always in a red uniform.

Trumpet fanfare for the Queen.

5:51 Everyone stands for the processional of Charles, Camilla, followed by the Queen and Prince Philip.


5:52 AM:
1052: We can now see Kate inside the car. Her hair is down, she's wearing a veil, and we can see her dress has long lace sleeves.

YES!!!!!!!

1053: Miss Middleton is now waving at the crowds - just caught a glimpse of a tiara under her veil.

1050: Marie Claire UK tweets: Kate Middleton has left the Goring and her hair is DOWN. Repeat, the Middleton mane is flowing free #royalwedding

Attendants arrive....ADORABLE! Love the dresses!

Pippa looks amazing!

Clinton Kelly says Kate's neckline is "stunning"...SO EXCITED!!!!!

Here she comes!!!!

The crowds are going crazy.

AH, LOVE the dress! Shorter veil, but long train! :)

103: She is now walking into the abbey on her father's arm. The dress has a long full skirt, the top is a fitted bodice with long French Chantilly lace sleeves. The tiara has been loaned to Kate by the Queen. The train is 2.17m long.
1101: Miss Middleton gets out of the car and we get a full view of the dress - which we now know was designed by Sarah Burton.
6:02 AM Show time!

William looks so happy. I love the processional, a coronation theme called "I Was Glad".

1112: Kate has lifted her veil. The Guardian newspaper reported that Prince William said "you look beautiful" when she arrived at his side.

6:10 AM "Come, O Thou Great Jehovah". I love this song, it's so elegant and the words are so powerful.

I love the formality. :)

No mistakes in the vows. ;)

1117: Catherine, taking Prince William by his right hand, says after the Archbishop: I, Catherine Elizabeth, take thee, William Arthur Philip Louis, to my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse: for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health; to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy law; and thereto I give thee my troth.

Still don't quite understand why William doesn't want to wear a wedding ring. :(

1118: The Archbishop blesses the ring: Bless, O Lord, this ring, and grant that he who gives it and she who shall wear it may remain faithful to each other, and abide in thy peace and favour, and live together in love until their lives' end. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

6:21 AM: Singing again. Sun is rising here and Aedan is just beginning to make noises again. I don't think I'll miss much if I have to go get him now. Thank you my darling son for sleeping through the most important parts!!! :)

All my copy/pastes have been from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13132410

The Royal Wedding, Part 1

4:30 AM Woke up, made a pot of tea in my pretty china, and turned on my computer.

The Queen announced she has bestowed William the Dukedom of Cambridge. (Yes!) William and Catherine, will now be known as HRH William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. Pleased as punch as this was my favorite of the available titles! :)

The British Monarchy
The Queen has today been pleased to confer a Dukedom on Prince William of Wales. His titles will be Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Strathearn and Baron Carrickfergus. Prince William thus becomes His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge and Miss Catherine Middleton on marriage will become Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge

4:45 PM Wedding preparations and watching guests arrive at Westminster Abbey.

Oh there's Elton John! Wearing a light yellow waistcoat and purple tie with his morning suit.

Seeing some beautiful hats and fascinators.

Whoa! I don't know who that lady is, but that is an intense purple and lime ensemble!

Loooove that pink one! Pretty!

Beckham looks smashing, but Victoria looks like she's wearing a gray sack. :(

4:54 AM: "0953: Just to keep you up to speed on the timetable. We're expecting William and Harry at the abbey by 1015 BST. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall are due at 1042 and the Queen and Prince Philip at 1045"

4:58 AM: Seeing a lot of gray, aqua, and pink on the ladies.

5:01 AM: It's like the Oscars watching these ladies walk up the carpet. Everything from Oh cute, Very nice, or Oh my gosh she DIDN'T!

Oh honey, that is SO not a good color on you!

There are live trees inside the knave. Gives it a elegantly fun look.

5:03: British PM and his wife, David and Samantha Cameron, arrive. She's wearing a short-sleeved fitted jade green dress, with jeweled hair clip instead of a hat, and he's wearing a blue tie. Very nice.

5:07 Aedan hasn't made a peep since 11:30. This is very peculiar.

Oh, Greensleeves is playing!

There is some white, black, and red outfits too. Interesting.

The prelude music is lovely. The strings are beautiful.

5:15 AM: William & Harry leave Clarence House dressed in their military uniforms. (Yay!)

5:18: Amidst tons of cheers, bells, and flag waving, William and Harry arrive. Harry is in a black military uniform and William is wearing red with a blue sash-thing. His uniform reminds me of the one Prince Albert wore when he married Victoria. <3

Harry looks tired. Will looks rested and happy. :)

"Prince William has chosen to wear the uniform of Colonel of the Irish Guards on his Wedding Day. Prince William, who is commissioned in all three Armed Services, and who has served actively with the Army (The Household Cavalry Regiment) and with the Royal Air Force (Search and Rescue Force), chose to wear the uniform of his senior honorary appointment in the Army.
Prince Harry will wear the uniform of a Captain of the Household Cavalry (Blues and Royals)."

5:28 Carole Middleton and her son James have just left the Goring.

5:30 AM: 30 minutes till show time! (approximately 20 minutes till the first dress glimpse!)

5:31 AM: Carole and James Middleton arrive looking very nice, Carole in a light blue --almost gray-looking--dress and matching hat.

5:35 AM Military processionals.

5:38 Andrew, Duke of York, and his daughters, princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, leave the Palace.

Choir assembles and walks up the aisle.

Bells are constantly ringing now.

The Duke and Duchess of Kent, etc. arrive

Ok, girls. Odd hats. Very odd.

5:42: William's uncles Edward and Andrew have arrived with their families. Princess Anne is also here.

5:43 AM: Prince Charles and Camilla arrive.

Waiting on the Queen now, then Kate's dress!!!

I do's and don'ts for wedding guests

A great article from www.post-gazette.com. I believe it was posted in March 2007, but nothing has changed. ;)

Monday, March 12, 2007
By Lesley Kennedy, Scripps Howard News Service

Take this pledge on the road to better guest-dom

I, (your name here), take responsibility to respond to wedding invitations promptly and to refrain from bringing uninvited guests.

I promise to abstain from wearing white or something too sexy or something too casual, like (gasp!) shorts, and will dress appropriately for the occasion.

I pledge to give a thoughtful toast that is not degrading or embarrassing, but respectful and heartfelt.

I will give you a gift you can use and will appreciate in a timely manner.

Above all, I vow to be a gracious wedding guest, through sickness and in health, from this day forward, as long as I stay on wedding invitation lists.

To stave off unseemly embarrassments, fashion faux pas or other etiquette mishaps, we offer these vows to help renew your position as the perfect wedding guest:

Invitation etiquette:
Those invitations are sent out for a reason: The paying party needs to know how many people will be attending. Some general tips from the wedding experts at www.theknot.com:

RSVP is short for, "Repondez, s'il vous plait," which means, simply, "Please respond." That means you should respond either way, whether you're able to make it or not. If the couple has included a response card or postcard with the invitation, it's easy: Just send the card back, saying you will or will not attend. "Regrets" or "Regrets Only" means that only guests who can't make it need to respond.

Respond as soon as you get the invitation. The couple needs a final head count no later than two weeks before the wedding. And let the hosts know if you must cancel at the last minute; don't just not show up.

Don't assume you can invite a date (unless it says "and Guest") and/or bring along your children or other family members whose names are not explicitly included on the invitation.

Toast tips:
What's a wedding without a touching toast or two? Some do's and don'ts from Peggy Post's Wedding Etiquette:

The best man gives the first toast. It's perfectly fine for his to be the only one offered. Often, both fathers offer welcome toasts to each other's families and guests. The maid or matron of honor and other members of the bridal party may propose toasts, and the groom may toast his bride and new parents-in-law. We say the bride should toast her husband and new parents-in-law as well.

Everyone should rise for the toasts to the newlyweds except the bride and groom, who remain seated. If a toast is directed to the bride only, the groom rises; if it is directed to their parents, both the bride and groom rise. They do not drink a toast to themselves.

Wedding toasts are best prepared ahead of time, as you may be more nervous or emotional than you might expect. Keep what you say short and to the point -- the spotlight should be on the bride and groom. Comments should be in keeping with the occasion. This is not the time for long stories and humorous anecdotes. Those are more appropriate at the rehearsal dinner.

What to wear:
Dressing for a summer wedding can be tricky, especially if it's held outdoors. You don't want to melt, but you don't want to look too casual, either.

Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine, in their book "What Not to Wear for Every Occasion," suggest the following for women:

For day: a floaty summer dress that flatters the body shape, along with a hat that picks out the palest color in the dress (not the darkest) and a key accessory, such as a large cuff bracelet or signature clutch. Shoes can be sexy, but should give enough support to walk on grass. You don't want to get stuck in the mud.

For evening: A sexy dress to dance in, along with a slinky cardigan and fab evening bag. If you opt for a shorter dress, look for detailing, such as sequin details, to make it still seem formal.

And on the oft-asked question of whether wearing white is OK at a wedding? Just don't go there. There are plenty of other options, and there's no need to compete with the bride.

As for the guys, when in doubt, wear a suit. If the invitation says black tie, dress in a tuxedo. But if it doesn't specify the type of attire, says www.askmen.com, base your decision on the time of day.



Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07071/758448-355.stm#ixzz1KgaAW03b

Right to Life, continued...

My dear friend Lindsay shared a story on my Facebook account about a "for the health/safety of the mother" situation, which led me to consider my position in more detail.

To be clear, I believe life is precious and the life of the unborn needs advocacy from those of us with a voice. Simply making all abortion criminal, while it may save lives, does not solve the problem that abortion has become in the world. There are situations where, for reasons unknown and often unsolvable, the life of the baby jeopardizes the life of the mother. It is for this reason that I am thankful for C-sections. Both because it enabled my mother to safely bring me into the world, and also because it enabled me to bring my own son into the world.

Choosing one life over another is never an easy decision, nor should it be. My issue with abortion in America is that it has become too emotionally detached. I am not saying that women who have abortions do not struggle with the decision--They do and should.

Abortion is always the ending of life. When that is recognized and the life lost is mourned, the world will be a better place for it. Ending one life to save another should only be an option when both lives cannot be saved. In my other post I said I would give up my life to save the life of my child. Obviously, I would have to make a more difficult choice should the life I want to save not be saveable. In early pregnancy when the baby cannot live outside the womb, ending the life of the baby--though a horrible tragedy--is better than losing the lives of both mother and baby. However, this type of abortion is not the type done in most abortion and Planned Parenthood clinics. THAT type of abortion--done more often than not for the convenience of the mother, not for sound medical reasons--should have more severe consequences.

As I said above, making abortion illegal does not completely solve the problem. Many argue we can't make it illegal because it would drive it underground where it is more dangerous for the mother. Which is essentially, "they're going to get an abortion anyway, so let's make it safer and easier for them". This reminds me of the "safe sex" argument. "Our teens are going to have sex anyway, so let's make it safer and easier for them by providing condoms and trying to rid premarital sex of the consequences". The difference is with abortion you're dealing with the lives of THREE (or more), not just one or two.

So if making abortion illegal isn't the final answer and keeping it legal is wrong, what should we do? Tell the truth to our young people. Abortion is the ending of a life, not wiping the slate clean. Ending the life of a baby should be done only for life-threatening medical reasons, not for convenience. Adoption should be the answer for unwed mothers who cannot raise a child, not abortion. The government should not fund abortions. Pro-lifers should spend more time helping women in need at pregnancy crisis centers instead of yelling outside of abortion clinics and worse. Teens in high school health class should be shown an ultrasound of a baby 8-12 weeks old. Doctors in hospitals who perform NECESSARY abortions should not sugar-coat it with scientific wording--A "fetus" is still a BABY no matter how small.

Ending a life is a serious decision with emotional and physical consequences. My heart goes out to families who have had to make the difficult choice of choosing one life over another. But I also thank them. I thank them for RECOGNIZING the LIFE. The life of our unborn. Please, be a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.

The Right to Life

Aedan Lee Barb, 12 weeks. A precious life.

I don't usually get political on places like Facebook and such, mainly because I have friends on both sides of every issue and I'd like to keep them and not argue. However, I saw a book today at B&N that, combined with that awesome video floating around Facebook (check out my profile if you want to see it), really got me going on the topic that is closest to my heart. And I am very passionate about it, so I will not apologize if I offend you. If you're offended, stop reading because it will probably only get "worse" as I keep going. The book was called "Un-Planned".

Here's the Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/Unplanned-Dramatic-Planned-Parenthood-Eye-Opening/dp/1414339399/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1296172494&sr=1-1

I read the cover and flipped through a couple pages and, without having to read much, got that painful feeling in the chest I get everytime I know I'm going to bawl my eyes out. This is a book I would NEVER read, even though I'm sure it's superb, simply because I would cry the whole way through it and, as most of you know, I don't read books that make me cry, with the exception of Little Women.

So this post is about why I am pro-life. Why I think abortion is murder. And why I believe those who are pro-choice need to open their eyes and see the LIFE that is right in front of them. And as I said above, no apologies. This is my blog and since, thankfully, I live in the USA I can say whatever I want. If you don't agree, you don't have to read it. But I hope you do, because I believe what I am writing to be Truth. So here it goes.

In the United States, we have "been endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights"..."life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness". The right to life. Here in the US we have the right to breath oxygen, live out our sum of days, and die when God calls us home. That is why murder is a crime. Now let me define murder. I think we can all agree on this one. Murder is one human being killing another human being. Pretty straight forward. So my question is this. WHY is abortion NOT murder?

The answer for some is that a fetus is either not a human being or part of the mother so that if the MOM decides to end it's life it's not actually murder. In many states, if not the entire US, I'm not sure, if someone ELSE kills a pregnant woman it counts as the murder of TWO human beings. Yet, for some reason, if the mother chooses to end the life of the fetus, it is her "right".

So the question becomes, when does life begin? Some Christians argue conception. I'm one of them. It makes scientific sense. However, let's leave that one out for a second and go for a really easy one. How about life begins when there is a heartbeat? That makes sense. The argument against that is that a baby cannot live apart from the mother. But how does that make any more sense--a baby is not "alive" or "a human being" until 28-34ish weeks when it can technically live, albiet with support, outside of the mother? What about the fact that, even though the baby is dependant on the mother to life, it has all 5 fingers, all five toes, a heartbeat, a working brain, REM sleep (possibly dreams--I think baby's dream of Heaven personally--working organs, even fingernails and hair?

The reason why pro-choice people do not want the fetus to be recognized as a living being when the heart starts beating is clear. Most little hearts start beating when the baby is THREE WEEKS OLD. Around 22 days gestation. I think I might have just found out I was pregnant at 22 days, and that's because I was paying close attention. I would feel it was a safe bet to say most abortions happen AFTER 22 days.

In the book Unplanned, the author writes about how she helped perform an ultrasound-aided abortion and that is what led her to quit working for Planned Parenthood. She realized the truth of what she was doing. I don't know how far along the woman was who had the abortion, but I remember clearly my 12 week ultrasound with Aedan. It was CLEAR to both of us that this tiny being inside me was ALIVE! He was squirming and kicking and flipping all over the place, even though I couldn't feel him moving for a couple more weeks. This precious bundle inside me was a HUMAN BEING with eyes and ears, a heartbeat, and all his "pieces" sewn together by The Master Craftsman.

The argument behind being pro-choice is that it should be the right of the mother to decide what to do with her body. Sure, I agree with that. I have the right to tatoo, pierce, dress, and do whatever I darn want to my body. But that small being inside you is NOT YOUR BODY sweetheart. It's SOMEONE ELSE who just happens to be growing inside you because she needs a safe place to develop into the beautiful being she is and will grow up to be. SHE IS NOT YOU. HE IS NOT YOU. They are their OWN INDIVIDUAL. They have separate DNA. Their own heart and organs. No person has the RIGHT to murder another human, whether they live inside you at the moment or not.

Then there is the issue of rape and/or incest. This is the most emotionally charged argument I think. But even that horrible event does not give a woman the right to end the life of another. If a woman does not think she can love the baby inside because of the way in which he/she was conceived, the answer is adoption. Yes, she will have to life through 9 months of carrying a baby. But when I think of all the women out there who cannot have children and want them so badly, the very idea of other women purposefully killing their children is even more heartbreaking.

Finally, there is the one I never could really understand. Abortion if the baby shows signs of a disability or "to save the life of the mother". I have been blessed with a perfectly healthy baby. I don't know how I would react if my next one or ones to come have issues like Downs or something else. What I do know is that all life is precious and I am not God. My doctor is also not God. I know several beautiful children who have disabilities, heart defects, etc. Who are we to decide who has the right to live?

As for the saving the life of the mother, I don't hear much about this one. I don't know any mothers who had to go through this, or at least they don't talk about it. But for me, my life is in God's hands. I would gladly give up my life for my baby, should it one day be required of me. Because I would rather stand in front of the throne of the Father and know I gave up my life for another than know I took the life of an innocent in an attempt to save my own. My children are my future. I live on through them. They are my legacy.

"What we do in life echoes in eternity."

I want my echo to be one of LIFE. Precious, precious life.

Catching Up :)

Okay, these are the rules -

Link to the person who tagged you. <--Jodi did...I'm too lazy atm to link.
Paste these rules on your blog post.
Respond to the following prompts (in bold).
Add a prompt of your own and answer it.
Tag a few other bloggers at the bottom of the post.
Leave "Tagged You" notices on their blog/Facebook.
Let the person who tagged you know when you've written the post.


1) The best investment you ever made:

Financially, either my car or my PC business.
Generally, people. I love investing myself--my time, my energy, my love--in people. I am rich with the rewards.

2) If you could’ve written any book, directed any movie, and composed any song, which three would you pick:

Book: Anne of Green Gables. If I was an author, I'd want to be L.M. Montgomery.

Movie: Sleepless in Seattle. It's an icon.

Song: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Classic, but I have to wonder if I could have written better words. ;)

3) Weirdest quirk:

I love owning shoes, but hate wearing them. There will occasionally be a trail of my shoes throughout the house because I take them off as soon as I can and don't always put them away. In the summer I either never wear shoes or I take my sandals off at the first opportunity. My feet need to be free!!!

4) One wish immediately granted:

To be making enough with PC and the preschool to allow Jeremy to only have 1 job and be home more.

5) Most expensive hobby:

Oh definitely shopping. My only hobby that requires money to be spent. :P

6) An inexhaustible gift-card at which store:

TJ Maxx. There is ALWAYS something I want in that store.

7) In another lifetime, you’d be:

A famous soprano, author, and talented decorator with 5 kids and a big house with furniture from Pier 1. ;)

Victoria story updated

Here is my writing course assignment 7. It's an edit of my assignment 4--"Victoria, Queen of the World". My advisor thinks this is my best piece, so I may actually try to do something with it. :) Three more assignments, then I'm DONE! Finally! (It's just sad those 3 more assignments will probably take 6 months to complete with all the time given for editing and mailing back and forth. Ah well. The end is near!!!

Without further ado, "Victoria, Queen of the World".

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a princess? Some girls think that princesses sit around all day playing with a golden ball or singing and dancing. Other girls think that princesses are always beautiful and live happily ever after. Two hundred years ago there was a princess who wrote about her life in a journal, just like you may keep a diary today. Her name was Victoria, and though she would grow up to be a famous queen, she first had to survive the “Kensington System”.

Her Royal Highness Alexandrina Victoria was born May 24, 1819. Her father was Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, and her mother was Princess Victoria Mary Louisa, Duchess of Kent. Her mother called her “Drina” because she was small and Alexandrina is a very long name!

Princess Drina’s childhood was not happy. Drina lived in London in a castle called Kensington Palace with her mother and Baroness Louise Lehzen. Her father died when she was a baby. Sir John Conroy, her mother’s advisor—someone who gives advice and manages the money—also lived in the palace with his family. The princess loved the Baroness (she called her “Lehzen”, pronounced “Letz-en”) very much, but she did not like Sir Conroy. He frightened her and Drina’s mother did everything he told her to do.

Drina’s mother was very protective. She and Sir Conroy set up the “Kensington System”, a strict set of rules that Drina had to obey. She was not allowed to be in a room by herself, she had to hold someone’s hand to go up or down the steps, and she had to share a room with her mother until she was eighteen! She did not know many children, except Sir Conroy’s, so she often had to play by herself or with Baroness Lehzen. She did not go to school with other children and her mother and Sir Conroy chose who she could play with. Princess Drina did not like the “Kensington System” so sometimes she would be disobedient on purpose. She would refuse to do her schoolwork, not listen to Sir Conroy, and be rude to her mother.

Even though Drina did not go to school, she still had lessons every day. Her mother and Baroness Lehzen, chose what she would study. The Baroness was her governess, a lady who lives with and teaches children who do not go to school. She also had tutors for some subjects, like mathematics, history, dancing, and religion. She wrote letters to her uncle Leopold too, telling him what she was learning. Leopold was the King of Belgium. He wanted to make sure that England, when Drina was queen, would continue to help his country.

Drina studied history, geography, and arithmetic as well as drawing, music, and the Bible. Girls did not study science when she was growing up. By the time she was eighteen Drina could speak and write in German, English, and French. She enjoyed reading books, playing the piano, and going to the theater. She also loved playing with her spaniel, Dash. The princess loved to draw and write, which was one reason why she kept a journal about her life. Sometimes she would add drawings, or illustrate, her entries. She continued to keep a journal, or diary, for the rest of her life!

Members of the royal family did not have jobs like your parents. The palace Drina lived in, including almost everything in it, belonged to her uncle the king. She and her mother were given an allowance to pay for their clothes, food, and to help take care of Kensington Palace.

When Drina was eleven, her uncle—King George the Fourth—died. Her other uncle, William, became the new king because George and his wife had no children. King William and Queen Adelaide did not have children either, so Princess Drina became “heir apparent”, meaning she would be the next ruler. Now her life was not so quiet and boring.

As “heir apparent” she was suddenly very important! Her uncles, King Leopold and King William, wanted her to study more about history and government so she would know how to be a good queen. Sir Conroy, though, did not want her to study because he thought she was too young to rule a country. He wanted her to sign a regency order which would give him and her mother the power to make the decisions. The princess did not want him telling her what to do when she was queen. She knew she could rule on her own. The young princess also decided that she did not want to be called Drina anymore. She thought it was childish and preferred her middle name, Victoria. Now she was called Her Royal Highness, Princess Victoria.

Victoria turned eighteen on May 24, 1837. She could now legally rule on her own without the help of Sir Conroy or her mother. There would be no regency. In her journal she wrote “Today is my 18th birthday! How old! And yet how far am I from being what I should be. I shall from this day…strive to become every day…more fit for what, if Heaven will it, I’m someday to be!” She met with the Prime Minister, Lord Melbourne, to plan what she would need to do once she became queen. As Prime Minister, Lord Melbourne was the leader of Parliament, which makes the laws in Great Britain. As queen, Victoria needed to work with the members of Parliament to accomplish her goals for improving the lives of her people.

Three weeks after Victoria’s birthday, her uncle William died. Princess Victoria was now Her Majesty, Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland! Once she was queen, Victoria told her mother she would have her own bedroom and meet with her advisors alone, both things she was never allowed to do under the “Kensington System”. She and her mother moved into Buckingham Palace, which had just been finished, and Victoria quickly banished Sir Conroy from the Royal Court, ending his control over her forever.

Sidebar: June 28, 1838 was Victoria’s coronation where she was formally crowned queen. She ruled Great Britain, Ireland, Canada, Australia, India, and parts of Africa and the Caribbean for 64 years. She is the longest reigning British monarch. She and her husband, Prince Albert, had nine children, 40 grandchildren, and 37 great-grandchildren. Her great-great granddaughter, Elizabeth, is the Queen of the United Kingdom today. Queen Victoria died January 22, 1901 when she was 81 years old. Little Princess Drina had grown up to be the most powerful woman in the world!