So, how is the Bronx treating you? Are you having fun with Ian and Allison? Allison is a swell homemaker. She is going to take such good care of you.

I never got to say a proper good-bye.

I’ve said some mean things about you, in the past, but I just wanted to thank you for being our couch for the last five years.

You know, because you heard me say so often, that I am not a fan of the sectional (I am sorry if that hurt your feelings) and I am also not a big fan of microfiber (- again, sorry).

But OH! remember how wonderful you looked in our little Boston apartment. You were made for that place.

Good times, you rocked that little apartment.

Remember how we turned you into a  nest the first night we moved in and slept on you. That was kind of fun, huh? You held me up while I was sick for months when I was pregnant with Millie. Cameron slept on you a bunch when he came to stay – he told us you were pretty comfy. We sat on you when we watched those darn Red Sox pound our team – I think you’re a Sox fan, I could tell you were pretty happy. But you kept it to yourself. Kudos for that.

Then we moved to NJ and you never looked right in our new house. We both felt it. But you were still a faithful couch.

Then the moment came for you to go and I got a little sentimental. You looked so pretty after we had you spruced up for your new home in Le Bronx. It made me excited to think of you doing what you do so well – letting people place their bottoms upon you and rest a while – at Ian and Allison’s home.

And we had one last final HOORAH playing on you and dancing to They Might Be Giants. That was fun, for us – not quite sure if you loved it.

You’ve been true blue.

Thanks, old couch.

We’ll come and see you in the Bronx. I am sure that Clara would happily spit up on you again when she next gets the chance.

oxoxo,

Lize

Allison Cutler Kelly, perhaps you are lucky enough to know her?

She is different these days…

Not only is she smart as a whip (and we’re talking Magna cum laude smart, suckaz!)

Award winning (recipient of one of four awards given at graduation)

And drop dead gorgeous (that’s not new).

SHE IS OUR NURSE KELLY!

I think her man is pretty proud of her, what do you think?

I was thinking about her mom and dad, Vickie and Keith, they must want to shout from the highest mountain top, “This darling girl is OUR daughter! Once we rocked her to sleep at night, helped her learn to read, taught her to love asparagus – and now just LOOK AT HER!”

(It’s too bad the Cutler family couldn’t be more attractive, you feel kind of sorry for them, don’t you? NOT!)

We met up with these cutie-pies right after Allison’s graduation ceremony and had a lovely meal with them. It was such a treat! (Thanks, Keith!)

Here is the thing that makes what Allison has accomplished so remarkable:

[WARNING: If you don’t want to hear me gushing about my sister-in-law’s accomplishments then you’d better stop reading, because GUSH I MUST!]

Allison was accepted into a very competitive program to begin with. She got straight A’s while she was… teaching early morning seminary, serving in the Young Women and Primary auxiliaries, playing the organ, attending all Youth Stake activities (including trek and girls camp) supporting her husband, Bishop Eno, making their house into a beautiful home, cooking dinners, cleaning the bathroom, killing the bugs that infested their kitchen, rescuing furniture off the side of the road and refurbishing it etc, etc, etc.

And she is only 23 years old!

You get the idea.

The woman is a marvel.

And I for one am BURSTING WITH PRIDE!

Way to go, Alli!

P.S.

She is also the proud owner of some sweet graduation gifts!

(Millie picked out the rose clip, not bad – eh?)