I have no pictures of eats from yesterday because you’ve seen them to death lately. Breakfast was more pumpkin scones (only 2 left – must make more stat!), lunch was zucchini lasagna, and dinner was buffalo chicken chili, three ways. Kelly, to answer your question, chili three ways is just chili served over elbow macaroni or spaghetti with cheddar cheese – five ways would be with sour cream and chopped onions, and you know I am not doing the onions! 😀
This flashback Friday is about my step-son Joe. Many new readers will be like “who the hell is Joe?” Well, I don’t write about him a lot because he lives in Texas with his . . .fiance! Yep, Joe and his girlfriend Lizz are getting hitched next summer, so that means your dear Biz, at the young old of age of 44 next summer, will be a step-mother-in-law!
I have to tell you that I was quite worried about Joe being independent. Tony and I got married when Hannah was 8 and Joe was 11. He lived with his Mom and his mom did everything for him – including when Joe was in high school – as soon as his mom heard him enter the shower, that was her cue to go sit in his car and warm it up in the winter.
But I am very proud of him! He moved out after high school graduation. When he called he would say “I made a great JoeVcipe” (a Joe recipe) and would tell me that first you heat up a pan, add some olive oil, add a boneless chicken breast and sprinkle it with Weber Grill seasoning he bought at the store. He declared it delicious!
So last year, after only knowing Lizz a few months, they decided to relocate their jobs to Austin, Texas last July. Joe was 20, Lizz was 19 and away they went to start their new life. And enjoy it, they have! They have an apartment, they have a cat named Jasmine, a dog named Cinnamon Bun (love that name!), and have decided they are the one for each other.
While I still think they are a bit young, all I want is for Joe to be happy and I know he is. 😀
This family photo was taken a mere 3 weeks after Tony and I met – it was at my then law firms annual summer picnic.

These are pics before my time, but they are some of my favorite:
But then he started growing up:

Joe and Tony having their first drinks together at the bar after Joe turned 21:
Joe in action at work – he’s on the left 😀
Here is Lizz’s engagement ring:
I hope you have a happy life together! I look forward to getting to know Lizz better. I love you!
congrats to the happy couple!! weddings are alwaysss exciting :). most especially when they’re in your own family!
– Beth @ http://www.DiningAndDishing.com
If I’m not mistaken, the last picture (“kissing.jpg”) looks like it was taken about twenty steps behind my office. I’ve gone for walks down there from time to time.
Awww, congrats to Joe! Before you know it you’ll be a step-grandma! 🙂
Congrats to Joe & Lizz! When you know it’s right, it’s right! 🙂
Good luck at WI. I am regretting my salty meal out last night. DUMB, Nicole! DUMB! 🙁
Aww, congrats to Joe, how exciting!!
How exciting! Her ring is gorg! I never had an “official” engagement ring. I had a promise ring, knew we were going to get married, then did it! A little unconventional, but it’s a fun story to tell!
Awww. What a lovely couple! Congratulations to your whole family!
aw, how sweet! congrats to all of you!
Did I miss something? I don’t see the picture of the ring but I do see all the others…
What a lovely post. Congratulations Joe and Lizz – may you have many wonderful years together! Beautiful ring, too. 🙂
Awwww so sweet! Congrats to Joe, Lizz, and the fam!! They are young, but sound very responsible and mature from your stories!
Your comment about my dad’s sausage cracked me up!
Thank you Beth! This means a lot to me, I love you!!!!
I love you back! 😀
I don’t know what is more beautiful – your picture timeline with y’all, or the happy couple or her gorgeous ring.
You all must be so proud! How wonderful.
Please send them the best, happiest wishes from Virginia. We live in the state whose motto is “Virginia is for Lovers” after all. giggle
All the best. and YAY!
[twice in a week you made me jump and down bizzy – stop it – heehee]
Congratulations to the cute couple! You have a lovely blended family Biz!
What a beautiful tribute to Joe! He’s got excellent taste in rings 🙂