It Only Took Me Three Years

David and I celebrated our third wedding anniversary at the end of July.  Ever since I got our wedding photos back from the photographer I've been, on again off again, scrapbooking our wedding. 

Well, a little over a week ago my good friend Becky came to visit me for the morning/early afternoon.  There was a scrapbooking convention near my house that she really wanted to attend.  So we went!  It was a super fun girls' day where we went to the convention, out for a delicious lunch and then...both of us being bookies...a couple book stores.  Super fun!

Well, this convention inspired me to finish our scrapbook.  I knew I was well over halfway done, I just hadn't spread out my pictures and scrapbooking accoutrements lately. 

In case you're wondering...this was how I spent my Labor Day afternoon and evening...it's done! 
And I couldn't be happier with it...unless a professional had done it for me, haha!

A sneak peek inside...

Flowers

Bride and groom.

The ceremony.

All my girls.

My cake.

Generational pic of married hands.

My "thing that went wrong on my wedding day" was that my maid of honor tripped and twisted her ankle the morning of...so, of course, this documentation got it's own page.

Family having fun and shakin' their booties.

Our send off...

Happy Anniversary to Us!

Today marks the five year anniversary of mine and David's first date. 
Plus, our three year wedding anniversary. 
So, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite pictures from our wedding day,
which seems like forever ago and just yesterday.

Some of My Favs...Honeymoon Edition

I haven't fully gotten all of our wedding pictures back from the photographer.  In the meantime, I thought I'd treat you with some of my favorite pictures from our Hawaiian honeymoon.  We did a lot of super fun things liiiiiike...

Take a helicopter ride.

Here's a snip-it of what we saw, lava!!



We also saw some beautiful beaches, here's one of the many with black sand.

Of course, we took the road to Hana in Maui.  Yes, that little crevice on the left side is the road outline.



One of my favorite things was ziplining, here I am messing around with David before our next zip.



It was so beautiful.  Here's a pic that I took while we were zipping.



We also went to see Haleakala Crater...it was 10,000+ feet up and felt like we were on top of the world.  Can you see why?



The view of the crater was amazing.  That's Kilauea and Mauna Loa in the background.



Of course, there was also relaxing and enjoying the simple things in life, like the sunset.



Overall, we had an excellent time and I would highly recommend going if you ever get the chance!  I'll close with one of my favorite pics from our last day...a pic of me and a manta ray at the aquarium!

The Bible and James Earl Jones

Is it bad if I admit to never having sat down and reading the Bible from cover to cover?  Sure, I've read the stories in church, Bible study and all those Sunday schools.  But sitting down and starting with page 1 and reading through all the way until the very last page?  Nope, never did it. 

Well, now I can say I've read ALL of half of the Bible, the New Testament specifically.  Just last week I finished the 14 CD edition of The New Testament, as read by James Earl Jones.  I don't know about you, but I could listen to James Earl Jones read the dictionary and not be bored.  In fact, when I purchased this jewel at Half Price Books, both my mom and David laid dibs on being the next to listen to it.  It was a fine choice if I do say so myself...

Now, I just need to find the Old Testament and listen to it...though I can't seem to find a version read by James Earl Jones.  I suppose I'll have to settle for someone else.  Phooey.

If you're a little rusty on your biblical reading and want try listening to it this way, I would highly recommend this version!

*This will probably be my last post for two weeks as I'm getting married on Saturday and don't intend to take my laptop with me on my honeymoon.  Please hang in there, there will be recipes, book reviews and wedding pictures coming soon!  In the meantime, I'll leave you with this engagement picture.

Less Than Three Weeks...and Counting

So, we're looking at less than three weeks here...crazy that I'm still not that nervous!  Maybe it's because everything is coming together so perfectly...

For example, last week David's cake topper came in the mail...an oil pumping unit.  It's actually a small toy and is battery-operated.  I can't wait to see what our cake baker says when she sees it!  The last time I talked to her, she was excited to see what David came up with.  I think she is going to laugh herself silly when she sees what she has to work with!

On Friday night, my mother and I made a semi-last-minute trip to Hobby Lobby to pick up some items I was still needing.  Ribbon for my cake, the ring bearer pillow and thread to hem my bridesmaids' skirts were the items we were after...but, when we got there we discovered ALL bridal items were on sale, 50% off.  Sweet!  I found some flutes for $50 that I bought for just $25. 

Now, I don't know if it's just me, but that has been one of the wedding items that the price has just floored me on.  Everywhere flutes and servers appear to be priced anywhere from $50-$300.  Ummm, excuse me?  It's a couple glasses and a cake server...where's the extra "umph" causing the 500% mark-up?  Regardless... 

Unfortunately, Hobby Lobby didn't have the matching servers, but hopefully in the next couple weeks I can find a deal on those.  Honestly, that's all I have left to purchase (other than wedding party and parental gifts, of course).  How exciting is that?

This past Saturday, David and I had engagement pictures taken and judging from the sneak peek I received today...they're going to be fabulous!  My photographer's blog is here.  Hopefully, he'll post some of us soon and you'll see what I'm talking about...

I'm loving engaged life, and every day we're getting closer and closer to married life!  I can't wait!

Countdown to the Big Day!

I've been a little high dry these past few days...but, you'll forgive me since my wedding is in ::gasp:: twenty-three days, right?  Now, how did that happen?  It seems like yesterday David was proposing at Christmas time...sheesh, time sure does fly when you're havin' fun! 

This past weekend was out fifth...yes, FIFTH...and final shower up in Kansas.  Phew!  Thank you cards have been my best friend lately...and taken up valuable blogging time!  But, it would appear I'm nearing the end...or should I say the beginning?  After all, David and I are just beginning...

Regardless, I just wanted to throw it out there that I am still alive and well...though slightly stressed...as I near the wedding day.  Luckily, I only have a handful of items to still take care of (veil, ring bearer pillow, ribbon for the cake, etc.) and those items will do very to stress me very much. 

Throughout this entire process, I have to say that I am so thankful for the friends and family that have showered us with the excitement and joy this occasion brings.  I love it and wouldn't trade any of this for the world!

All of this hoopla is keeping me away from the blogging world more than I would like, but just hang in there with me!  I have a couple book reviews and recipes to come shortly!

Finally, Finally, Finally!

This is my house...wait, scratch that...WAS my house.  It is finally sold.  Finally!

Isn't it a cute little house?  This house has been so good to me and I will never regret a day of living in it. 

I bought this house the April prior to graduating from college in May of 2004.  Six-plus years ago.  Wow. 

I was still working as a teller at a bank and I'm not quite sure how I was able to afford it then.  I probably really couldn't because I needed a roommate and was only working part-time.  Honestly, it was probably my connections at this bank that got it done for me, otherwise it would have never happened.

This selling experience has been on intense ordeal.  The gentleman that bought this house from me is a veteran and is receiving a VA loan.  All the paperwork is that much more cumbersome, not to mention the fact that appraisals and loans are getting more scrutiny now after the mortgage industry fall-out the past few years.  He's also receiving that lovely tax credit from the government because we closed prior to the end of this month.  The appraisal seemed to take forever to get done and turned in plus the lender has been slow moving the paperwork through.  Aren't paperpushers supposed to be good at pushing paper??  Because of all this, closing was rescheduled FIVE times.  Yes, five.  I was about at my wits end. 

But, it's done.  And I'm glad.  Relieved really. 

And a little sad. 

The selling of this house represents the closing of one door (and of course, the opening of another).  When I purchased this house, I told myself (and anyone else who would listen) that this house was going to last me until I got married.  Finding David seemed to take me a while and two years ago I attempted to sell this house and upgrade.  I actually had it on the market when David and I met.  But, that didn't workout...which actually has turned out best in the end.  My original plan was actually "the plan" all along. 

And it's worked out wonderfully. 

And I'm happy.

The End.

Finally.

It's Raining, It's Pouring...No, Wait It's Just SHOWERS!

As I mentioned yesterday, this past weekend was my first two wedding showers.  Because it was going to be a nice, long holiday weekend...and because David and I usually drive up to Kansas on holidays, David's aunt Bev asked me if she could schedule a shower from their side of the family.  Bev is Richard's (David's dad) sister-in-law.  We'll simply call this the "Z Family" shower.

The "Z Family" shower was fabulous!  All of David's cousins, their spouses and children, plus one aunt showed up.  We had a fun family picnic and played games.  One was a fun matching game where you had to match famous lovers from history, literature, etc.  Of course, David and I were one of the couples included in the game.  Others that were listed were Romeo & Juliet, George & Martha Washington, Lancelot & Guinevere, Homer & Marge...well, you get the idea.  Whomever finished their matching list first and got all the answers correct won. 

Did I mention there was great food?  We had barbecue with different salads and beans.  The absolute BEST part was the dessert though.  Let me tell you, this family knows how to do dessert!  We ate homemade ice cream, fresh from the garden strawberries, poppy seed cake, PW chocolate cake AND peanut butter cake.  OH. MY. GOODNESS.  There is nothing better than...well, any of this! 

David's family introduced me to poppy seed rolls when I first met them.  They are to-die-for!  They look like the picture to the right...and Donna, David's mom, told me this was one of my "tests" on whether or not I was a keeper.  You HAVE to like poppy seed rolls to be a member of this family, haha!  Luckily, David's sister's boyfriend passed this test as well.  If you have never had a chance to try these...you must!  That black stuff inside is the ground poppy seed spread and it is deeeeeelish.  They're like little black, crunchy seeds that are sweet with a tiiiiiiny bit of bitterness.  Perfection.  Hmmm...maybe we'll get a poppy seed grinder at some point throughout this whole wedding stuff...  This is definitely something I'm going to want to learn how to make someday!

Anyway, all I had ever had was poppy seed roll...when I saw the poppy seed cake I HAD to have some...but, I couldn't pass up the PW chocolate cake.  I mean, HELLO!  Oh yea, and the homemade ice cream AND fresh strawberries.  Alas, my tummy was too full to make it to the peanut butter cake.  But, I heard it was scrumptious as well. 

Getting back to the shower...we also opened presents.  Lots and lots o' presents.  The Z's also bought us one big present, David's newest pride and joy:

We can't wait to try 'er out!  Plus, if anyone has any tasty ice cream recipes, I'm all ears!

David's church was also chomping at the bit to throw me a shower and since we were already up that way this weekend, they scheduled theirs for after the service on Sunday.  Because we both have/had established households (I'll give an update on my house-selling adventure soon-promise!), they ran with the idea of a recipe shower.  I had never heard of this before, but I was game.  What the attendees bring is one of their favorite recipes along with a utensil or appliance required to make the dish.  This was A LOT of fun!  David was extra excited to see what I came back with because the women in this church have a reputation for being great cooks/bakers. 

I received everything from a crock pot to dish towels (my favorite one was embroidered with "Crystal's Kitchen") to servers to a cookie sheet to a cake pan to a peeler and many, many more items!  One of my favorite items that I cannot wait to try out are silicone cupcake liners.  They look exactly like this...only different colors.  Don't worry, there will be a review on these cuties!  My other favorite item was a custom-made modern-looking apron in colors of red and purple.  I'll have David take a picture of me wearing it some time.

Of course, I received TONS of recipes as well.  A lot of these women couldn't pick just one, so it wasn't unusual for me to open a present with 2-3 recipes and 2-3 items for these recipes.  You can be sure I'll be trying a bunch of these recipes out (everything from muffins to cakes to meat marinades to casseroles) and if they're goodies, I'll be posting 'em!

To say that David and I made out like bandits this past weekend is an understatement.  I am so incredibly thankful for this new family and church environment that David has been raised within.  These are some great people and I look for many years to come with these generous and warm-hearted individuals!  I am truly blessed to have found this man and his delightful family and friends.  More wedding updates to come!

Inspection and Sale Time!

OK, so I haven't said anything because I'm scared half to death that I'm going to jinx it, but I have a buyer for my house!  He is pre-approved and we have a signed contract. Tomorrow afternoon is the inspections and I'm crossing my fingers that everything will go well!  Barring any unforeseens, we will be closing on May 21st.  Keep your fingers crossed for me!  Everything has gone relatively smooth thus far, I just hope that continues!

So, guess what all this immediacy means...I'm finally having my garage sale!  Actually, it just means that I've been too lazy to host one yet and now I don't have an excuse.  And next weekend is just too hectic...David has one of his groomsmen coming in town for graduation (PhD, woot woot!) that also needs to be fitted for his tux, plus we have to make a mini-trip to Kansas for a wedding.  Oh yes, and I have a friend that is graduating with her bachelor's degree.  Then, the weekend after that will be AFTER closing...sooo....you get the picture.  This weekend is IT!

While I am ready emotionally for this garage sale, I am soooo not prepared...yet.  I will have all evening Friday to prepare...it's probably going to be a loooooong night.  While most everything is out in the garage...none of it is organized or priced. Yippee for me! (this is when you really need a sarcasm font)

Wish me luck on all of the above...and I promise I will be a better blogger soon.  Between house, wedding, Junior Hospitality stuff and life in general, I just have no time right now!

Speaking of the wedding, did I mention we have set up the tuxedo rental, booked the rehearsal dinner and started two registries?  All this past weekend.  Go us!

It's all coming together...

Update Update Update!

Have you looked at my wedding countdown ticker lately???  It now shows less than 100 days! ::squeal::  Obviously, this post is going to be an update regarding the status of the wedding... 

As I type, my beautiful invitations are sitting next me.  My friend who is preparing them will be giving me the last section of the invitations tomorrow, the sealing stickers to be specific.  She does this on the side, is very affordable and does a fabulous job!  If you would be interested in contacting her for an estimate, just shoot me an email and I'll give you her email address.

As for what I have purchased since my last update?  Two of my flower girl baskets plus my "well wish" vases.  There will be a total of four flower girl baskets and I've decided for each of the baskets to all have a different look.  Therefore, the two I have already purchased are different brands and styles.  All of my bridesmaids are wearing a different style of dress (though, same fabric), why not continue the theme with these darling little baskets?

As for the vases...if you haven't heard of these, they're vases that guests put cards containing their advice, wishes, hopes, etc. for the newlyweds.  I will have a total of three.  The first one's contents we will read on the way to our honeymoon.  The other two will contain "wishes" that we will read on our 1st and 5th anniversaries.  These vases will be denoted as such at the reception, so if perhaps someone wants to wish for us have twins, they'll probably put them in the later dated vases.  Or at least I would hope so!  Haha!  I laugh about this...but, David's mother is a twin.

I'm currently patiently waiting for my monogrammed unity sand holders and engraved guest frame (in lieu of a guest book) to come in the mail.  I decided to go with the unity sand instead of a unity candle because I'm leaning towards the ceremony being outside...barring 115 degree weather.  And well...it's Oklahoma.  There's a reason our state song refers to the wind sweeping down the plains.  As for the frame...David really liked the idea over a guest book that we probably won't ever look at again.  So friends and family will be using an engraving pen to sign the frame and we'll hang it up in our house after the wedding.

Wish me luck for the rest of this process to go smoothly and stress-free!

Hanger Snob

Everyone has something they're a "snob" about.  Whether you insist on buying all organic food or only buy Charmin toilet paper, everyone has something.  I'm just going to give you a sneak-peek into one of mine.  As I've admitted before, I'm obsessive compulsive about a few things...this is just one of them. 

Amongst other wedding plans, part of my time has been spent moving non-essential clothes and other items that aren't needed daily or at this time.  I've mentioned this before...Christmas stuff, winter clothes, etc.  I've also mentioned how reorganizing David's house has also taken up some of my time...that includes his closet.  Well, the master closet.  Soon to be "our" closet. 

As I was moving in wool blazers, slacks, hoodies, jeans and boots...I remembered my hatred.  My hatred for these.

David, like many other people, has a small collection of these wire hangers that reside in his closet.  I don't.  They're very flimsy, bend easily, cut into your clothing, clothes slide off them and and and and...I just don't like them.  I used to feel bad about not keeping wire hangers, but then I found a solution: my dry-cleaners "recycles" wire hangers.  So, every time I drop off some skirts, slacks or blazers I also drop off a handful of wire hangers courtesy of my last pick-up.  You might want to check with your local dry-cleaners to see if they do the same.

What do I use instead of wire hangers?  As you can probably guess I love using plastic hangers.  My closet is full of different variations and colors of these...though, they're mostly white.

 

I know this is weird, but I don't mind being considered a "hanger snob."  And it's not like it's an expensive indulgence...just this past weekend David and I bought some more from Target priced at $2.99 for a package of 20 hangers.

The weird things you do and talk about in preparation for marriage and moving in with someone...

Four Months and Counting...

Are you ever in a situation where you feel like you should be nervous...but, you're not?  Today I am exactly four months from my wedding date.  Weird, huh?  And no, I'm not feeling nervous or jittery or anything.  I know that's probably because I still have four WHOLE months left and I've already done most of the biggie stuff.  But, I do still have a lot left to take care of...though, generally I feel this is all going very smoothly.

I suppose at this time I should give some updates on what has occurred since my last one...  Just this past week I got my cake topper in the mail, which is a large, pretty "Z."  Yes, I'll be moving to the veeeeeery end of the alphabet...but hey, at least it's a cool last name.  Plus, my cousin made the exact same trek to the end of the alphabet when she got married and she says all the "Z" stuff is left over when you buy monogrammed items...therefore, you typically get it on sale.  Wahoo!  The only problem I see with this, thus far, is that I don't particularly like some of the cursive "Z" products...so we'll just have to see.

Another thing, we have officially picked out our wedding rings!  Mine is still on order and David's is waiting for me to pick up at the jeweler.  I guess I should get on that, huh?  We both are getting exactly what we wanted and neither one of us could be more pleased!

Hmmmm...what else...oh, yes!  The current project is the invitations.  After fiddling around with different designs we've agreed on a slightly unique pattern.  Next is choosing the card stock, then RSVP cards, thank you cards and programs.  Fun stuff...I can't tell you how excited I am to make out each and every envelope!

I believe that's about it for now...I'll leave you with a little funny that everyone should appreciate in this day and age!

Surprise!

I'm reaaalllllly sore today.  Why am I sore?  Read on and you'll find out...

This weekend kick-started my attempt to pack up my personal items and random non-day-to-day items at my house.  Oh yea, and transport them to my future home, David's house.  These things included my jewelry box, personal files (i.e. bank statements and credit card statements), school memorabilia, etc.  I had pulled two tubs from my attic and decided to empty them out, denote one tub for garage sale items and the other for transportation to David's.  After sorting through them I was able to discard numerous items and refill both tubs.  I loaded my car up with this tub and then some on Saturday, then loaded up even more items on Sunday.  In my spare time this weekend (hahaha) I cleaned my house and made it presentable...by the way, my house went on the market first thing this morning.  After this weekend, needless to say my house is squeaky clean and ready for strangers to inspect.  My fingers smelt like bleach all day Saturday...can you guess which day I scrubbed the bathroom?

So...after reading all this you can probably guess why I'm a little sore...scrubbing, packing, hauling, etc.  But, that's not all.  David and I had tickets to the Philharmonic on Saturday night so, though I had hauled items up to his house earlier that day, I had no time to unpack anything.  The real surprise came yesterday after unloading my second mass o' stuff.  I pride myself on planning ahead and being prepared, that's why I decided to start with baby steps and move one box/carload at a time.  However, I also am an adult and know that unexpected things happen.  Especially, when it comes to weddings (I've heard enough horror stories) and selling houses (I've experienced it myself!).  This I was not planning on...

I started to try and find places for my "stuff" to go and thought that my SpotBot would go nicely set side by side with the vacuum cleaners.  Yes, I already knew that David had vacuum cleanerS.  You know how when you're single and moving into your first place everyone wants to unload all their old stuff on you...because you need it, right?  This happened to me when I moved into my first apartment in college...with numerous things: wall hangings, towels, pillows, silverware...you name it, I had 5 of 'em.  All from different relatives and friends.  Yet...you were always missing one or two necessities that no one seemed to donate...  Regardless, David has three...yes, three, vacuum cleaners.  One he bought and two "donated."  But, that's not what I was surprised by.  When I signed up to marry David and move in with him afterwards...I didn't stop to think that maybe...perhaps...possibly...I'd have to organize and de-clutter his house.  Wow.  That's all I can say.  When I opened the entry door there were coats thrown haphazardly over the rack, vacuum attachments strewn and just about every piece of sports paraphernalia known to man.  I kid you not, there was a fishing pole (with a package of lure), a baseball bat, a bag of baseballs, a football, a golf bag, a broken tennis racket and a motorcycle helmet complete with visor replacement.  There were other random items, like the original box to his Guitar Hero game...

::sigh::  I've now added "clean and organize David's house" to my list of many to-do's.  Haha, he's lucky I love him!  All this being said though, David did jump in with both feet and help me clean out and organize this closet as well as a couple of other items/sections of the house.  We definitely have our work cut out for us; I think a few more sore muscles are in store for me in the months to come!

Another thing I did, that I thought I would share...I know a lot of us will be performing some "Spring cleaning" within the next few weeks and this might help.  One of the items I transported, like I mentioned earlier, was my vat of files.  The amount of space David had reserved for me was not big enough for the quantity of paper I hauled in...so, I needed to downsize.  Therefore, I decided to call one of my best resources, my CPA...also known as my mom.  Here are some time periods you might want to consider when trying to thin out your personal records. 

Bank records: keep for seven years...you can be audited up to four years prior, but if the IRS is suspicious of fraud they can go back an additional three.

Medical: keep ALL records always, this should be a permanent fixture in your records.

Automobile: As long as you own the vehicle.

House: As long as you own the home.

Credit card documentation: Once you receive your annual interest statement for tax purposes you can discard statements.

***Disclaimer: I am not an accountant nor am I a recordkeeping expert...do not take what is listed above as legal advice.  I'm just letting you know what I'm doing based upon the recommendations of my mother because I love her and respect her opinion/research.

This all being said, I had a wonderful weekend.  David and I had a fun weekend of bonding by looking at old pictures and finding little trinkets from our past.  We discovered that we're both semi-packrats...but, only when it comes to certain items.  Some of the things each of us has saved over time made the other laugh. He even had car keys to his previous vehicle that I never saw! 

I hope everyone had a fun weekend as well, whether it was nostalgic or not!

Big Changes Coming Soon!

When you start planning a wedding there are a lot of things to take into consideration.  Where, when, dress, cake, attendants, DJ, showers, etc.  David and I have had additional worries on top of these things.  Because we're both in our late 20s and successful professionals, there are a lot of things each of us already have that many young couples don't.  For example, when I move into his house I will need to get rid of most of my furniture.  We won't need two sets of couches...or two computer desks...or two bedroom sets...or four mattresses...or two dining rooms sets.  The lists goes on and on...making household consolidation interesting.  Luckily, most of his items are newer than mine and luckier still, I like his style!  Well, OK...so maybe I really like his sister's style!  She did help him pick out most of his furnishings.

The biggie, however, is that we both own homes.  David's house is a pretty good-sized house for a young couple and will be fine for us...for now.  However, my house is what you would probably consider a true "starter home."  It's pretty small with two bedrooms, one bathroom and a single car garage.  I attempted to sell it and move into something bigger a couple years ago, but it just didn't work out.  Well, I had fully intended on trying to sell it again last spring, but David and I had started dating and he wouldn't hear of it.  He liked my house and said it would be a great rental property for us someday. 

Well...now when it comes right down to it...we're starting to question our real desire to become landlords.  My stepdad (in his great wisdom) suggested us selling it now due to the current tax credit for those purchasing homes as well as low interest rates.  These items really make it a seller's market.  David decided to discuss this idea with his dad as well.  And now...with both sets of parents in agreement...we've decided to take our parents' advice and, once again, put my house on the market. 

I'm kind of scared and not looking forward to constantly being inconvenienced with showings...yet again.  I'm already starting to try and go through all my stuff and get rid of things I don't want anymore (garage sale in my near future!).  Plus, I fully intend to begin moving one box a week up to David's starting this coming week.  That way, I'm not engulfed in a huge move in July and/or August.  For example, all my Christmas stuff and random attic boxes can go now.  Then, here in a few weeks (hopefully) all my winter clothes can be moved.  I guess, now I need to concentrate on moving pictures and other personal items as well.  Anyone who's ever tried to sell a house knows that you need to take down all personal items from view.  This is so that your possible buyers can picture their stuff in your house and imagine it as their home.

Basically, I just wanted to make this announcement so that it seems more real to me.  For some reason the decision has more substance and seems more final when it's actually written down and out there for viewing.  Please cross your fingers for me and hope for the best.  Last time I received a total of three semi-decent offers in the six months my house was on the market, which all fell through due to various reasons (lack of credit approval, too low, etc.)  I have an awesome realtor and do look forward to talking to her more often than the random email and facebook comment, so there is a definite upside (apart from the obvious monetary one).  Hopefully this time it'll happen quickly, after all it only takes one good offer!

Wedding Update

I'm in the works of booking my DJ!  And no, this adorable kitten is not going to be it.  Though, that would be a conversation piece!  I'm not sure this kitten would get all the songs I've picked out played at the appropriate times...something to do with opposable thumbs.  They're kinda necessary in a DJ... 

In the meantime, I've been trying to pick out our dance/misc. songs: first dance, father/daughter dance, step-father/daughter dance, cake cutting song, bouqet toss, garter toss, last dance, etc.  (David isn't dancing with his mother in case you were wondering...they're not the dancing type for some reason)  I have some pretty good ideas, but the only one David and I are in complete agreement on is our first dance.  We'll just have to see on the rest. 

Another biggie...David has officially booked our honeymoon.  Hawaii, here we come!  We had a little snag with the proposed itinerary getting out there...there was a thirty minute layover in the LA airport and I told David that was a big no-no.  I don't want be running late on a previous flight and miss that one!  Plus, I don't know how many times per day a flight goes out that direction, but I'm sure it's not hourly...  I wouldn't mind a tight layover on the way back, but not on the way out.  Who wants to miss a possible day of vacation?  Not me!

Things are also coming along nicely with the florist.  I've gotten some good estimates on my mine and the bridesmaids' bouqets and am looking forward to working with her!  Next: boutonieres, corsages and cake flowers!

It doesn't appear that I ever mentioned my "official" cake baker...as I look back through my archives.  And the cake is an important part!  I actually ended up picking the baker that the Dominion House typically uses if brides don't have a preference.  She works out of a small house next door to her home, but she was impressive.  She knew everything there was to know about the venue and she's, literally, across the street from it.  Plus, her cake samples were BY FAR the best.  Most bakeries give you four, or so, samples and you pay for extra tastings.  This baker, Rosebeary Designs, sent me home with nineteen, yes NINETEEN, cake samples.  My mom, David and I kinda went crazy when we got back to Edmond...despite her telling us to "take it easy."  Eh...who has will power when it comes to cake? (Disclaimer: this pic is NOT of my cake samples...it's just to give you guys an idea.  Mine were in little, plastic cups with squirts of icing on top...all nineteen of 'em!)

That's about all for now...this wedding planning is all fun and exciting, but there are stressful moments.  It's amazing the things people say to you!  Some are good, some are kinda rude...but, in the end I believe everyone has good intentions.  I look forward to planning the rest of this wedding throughout the next five months!

Wedding Update

I haven't included any information about the wedding in any blogs recently, so I thought I would give an update today.  As of right now you guys know I already have the place and photographer booked. 

I also have a photo booth rented...this will be the the wedding favors and I really hope that this will be a fun thing that will cross generations.  I can really see family and friends that are my age enjoying this idea, but I can also see family and friends that are my parents' age enjoying this too.  I'll keep my fingers crossed!  So far in the wedding this is the one thing I've just HAD to have.

I purchased my dress about a month ago and this past weekend my future mother-in-law, Donna, was in town and I took her to see it.  I was a little nervous because although my mom and bridesmaids (minus David's sister) all loved it, I really wanted Donna to like it as well.  There was no need to worry because she l-o-v-ed it!  Phew!  We went ahead and brought it home from the bridal shop because my mom is considering making the few alterations herself.  That and the bridal shop is moving...which makes my mom and my dad nervous.  They've both helped pay for this and both of them have heard stories of bridal shops going out of business and brides being left high and dry with no refund and no dress.  Both of my parents are confident in this particular bridal shop...but, also don't want to take any chances.  So!  The dress is now hanging in a safe, undisclosed place!  No peeking by anyone outside of the bridal party and mom's! 

In addition to my dress, I have picked out the flower girl/train holder dresses and, in fact, my train holder just got hers in on Saturday!  She's even tried it on and it looks so cute!  Her mom, my matron of honor, ordered the dress and shoes with a little room to grow and all looks good.  I can't wait to see how they all look on the big day!

Next, of course, would be the bridesmaid dresses...I have a pretty good idea what dresses I'm going to use, but I'm not 100% sure yet.  So, we'll just have to see on those.

As for the reception DJ...I'm having a really hard time with this.  There have been three recommendations made to me by close friends and all three are the same price.  How does one make a decision when there's no incentive to go with one over the other?  All have great reviews...so which friend's advice do I take?  I'd hate to play "eeny, meeny, miny, mo"...though I might have to!

Next...the cake.  I have already been to one tasting and have another scheduled for this week.  The one for this week is actually the baker that my wedding site typically uses and I've heard very good feedback from girls that I know who have been married there before.  Wish me luck on this decision because I really liked the first baker as well!

Lastly, I am currently considering the florist.  My dad actual had a connection in this department and I am waiting on feedback from her regarding price. 

Overall, the wedding planning is going pretty smoothly and Donna told me she's having a lot of positive feedback on David's side of the family as well.  There are already a couple groups of family members that are planning on coming from long distances that Donna was unsure of before.  It's all very exciting and been a lot fun with only mild stress to date!