Thursday, May 1, 2014

April Showers

May is here and I have yet to blog about my fabulous wedding showers!  I was blessed to have two showers.  The first shower was thrown by my sister (MOH) and one of my oldest longest friends.  These two are a party planning team match made in heaven.  If you ever need a party planned, get a hold of these two because they know their stuff.  They decorated beautifully with some help from my ridiculously creative momma, my bridesmaids pitched in yummy food, we had games, great conversations, and they generously spoiled us with gifts for our home.  Overall, it was an amazing time (minus the awful chubby bunny/how well do you know your fiance game-ha!). There is not better way to describe it other than with pictures!
Nana-Aly-Me-Mom

Party Planners

Bridesmaids minus my Jourds!






Aren't they just the best!? I love all of the details and thought behind all these things.  I also had a shower at school.  The people that I work with are so kind and generous!  I am blessed to be surrounded with amazing people.  Thank you to all those that planned, pitched in, and attended.  I am so lucky to have you all in my life.  Finally, let's check in on that good ol' to do list!
Wedding To-Do List
-finish registering
-pick out tuxes (The groomsman will be looking dapper in this)
-book honeymoon (yay!)
-finalize rehearsal dinner (hello Scotty's!)
-finalize flower arrangements (On Monday!)
-hair/make up trial (it's booked so I'm crossing it off)
-purchase groom's wedding band (yeah mine was purchased a month ago)
-figure out what I am going to give my wonderful bridesmaids 
-pick out my wedding jewelry (if this damn ear piercing would heal. ugh!)
-order invitations-Shout out to my momma for handling this one!
-book transportation for the bridal party (this is on Jeremy so...check!)
-food/cake tasting; finalize the menu (again, this is booked)
-finish wedding website
-programs
-rehearsal dinner invitations
-order thank you cards 
-order favors
-finalize music (church/dj)
-scope out some outdoor picture sites for the bridal party
-props for photo booth
-marriage license
I cross one thing off and add many more!  Isn't that how it always is though!?

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Wedding Registry

So I've had this post just sitting as a draft for over a month.  It was written when I had only gone to one place, so I guess I'll go ahead and rewrite it.  Here goes! 

Well, we finally did it.  We have completed our wedding registry.  This was so much fun and overwhelming at the same time.  I read that you should register at 3 places to give your guests a lot of options.  I see the logic behind this but it would be so much easier to register at just one place! Anyway, we started at the place that has [almost] everything, Bed Bath & Beyond.  The lady that helped us was so nice.  She did have a tendency to force more expensive items on us, but little does she know...this bargain shopper went back in and took that stuff off. Boom!  

I totally thought that I wouldn't want to register for much because I have had a house for the past 6 years.  Then I decided, what better time than now to replace everything!  So we had a lot of fun picking out new dishes, glasses, cookware, kitchen gadgets, etc. etc.  We stuck with mainly kitchen things at the beginning because I wasn't sure about the bed and bath part.   Reason being,  I am hoping that we move into a bigger house within the next year or two and I'm not sure what my taste will be.  So here was the dilemma: pick out brand new things and hope that I still like it in a few years, or get new things that are more neutral and will go in a new house no matter how I decide to decorate it.  #firstworldproblems  Yes, I just hashtagged in my blog post.  

I ended up deciding to venture into the world of bed and bath when I went to Macy's.  They have amazing towels and bedding.  We picked out a new comforter and I am in love.  I am half tempted to go buy it myself because last time I checked it was 50% off!  The only downfall to this new bedding is that it'll require a paint change in the ol' master bedroom.  Again, do I repaint and use this right away if or do I save it for when we move?? A friend of mine saved a lot of her wedding gifts for when they moved into their new house.  I think this is really smart but at the same time I know that it will be hard for me not to open up all the brand new things.  Decisions, Decisions.  

Anyhooo, the last place we registered was Target.  By the time we were done with Bed Bath and Beyond and Macy's, we had most of our bases covered.  Our Target registry is pretty teenie weenie but we did find a few things that we liked there.  Although Target is cheaper, they don't offer the great coupons that the other stores do, so I'd rather have more things on those two registries I guess!  

Overall, this was a really neat experience and Jeremy and I had so much fun doing this together!  Lot's off laughs and silliness, no surprise there!  Now let's update the checklist, shall we?
 
Wedding To-Do List
-finish registering
-pick out tuxes (The groomsman will be looking dapper in this)
-book honeymoon (yay!)
-finalize rehearsal dinner (hello Scotty's!)
-finalize flower arrangements (On Monday!)
-hair/make up trial (it's booked so I'm crossing it off)
-purchase groom's wedding band (yeah mine was purchased a month ago)
-figure out what I am going to give my wonderful bridesmaids 
-pick out my wedding jewelry (if this damn ear piercing would heal. ugh!)
-order invitations-Shout out to my momma for handling this one!
-book transportation for the bridal party (this is on Jeremy so...check!)
-food/cake tasting; finalize the menu (again, this is booked)
-finish wedding website
  (yeah, I forgot about the following... whoops!)
-programs
-rehearsal dinner invitations
-order thank you cards 
As always, if you are reading this and think I'm leaving something off, feel free to leave a comment!  Looking forward to spending time with all of the wonderful ladies in my life at my bridal shower on sunday!! 72 days to go!

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Not Wishing Away Time & Premarital Counseling

As of last Friday, we are 3 months away. Three months. 90 days. 12 weeks. Holy freakin' Moly that's soon.  When I had lunch with my sister today, I was telling her how much I was just ready for it to be here but at the same time, I don't want to wish away time because time is precious and I want to savor every moment of these last three months, the wedding day itself, and our honeymoon.

 I was reminded of just how precious time is late last night, when my aunt passed away after a very long/hard battle with cancer.  She was so incredibly strong and taken away from us way too soon.  I try really hard not to take things or the people in my life for granted but when something like this happens, you are immediately reminded about just how precious life is.  Hug your loved ones a little tighter and don't let a day go by without telling those that you love, that you love them.

And now onto premarital counseling...this is something that was required by our church.  A seminar from 9-4 on a Saturday.  Sounds like a snooze fest right!? WRONG.  I definitely thought it was going to be a long day and that I was going to be really irritated by the end of it but it turned out to actually be quite fun.  We did a lot of exercises that required team work, sharing our feelings, getting to know more about each other, etc.  It was put on by a family/marriage counselor and the pastor that is going to be marrying us.  I was so excited to meet him and we'll have an individual session with him in May.  I thought I'd end this with some perils of wisdom that I took away from yesterday's seminar.  I think these things can apply to any relationship [engaged, married, friendship, anything].  

1.Tell people what you appreciate about them and cite specific examples of why.
2. It's ok to take a time out during conflict to cool down, in fact it's recommended.
3.When someone is unloading about an external factor (usually work), LISTEN. Agree. Be supportive.  You don't necessarily need to give advice unless the other person asks for it.  
4. Relationships are not about keeping score and we all have an emotional bank account.  You can add to said bank account by doing things together.  I have a whole list of ideas if you need some! ;)
5. The Love Maps Questions Game is really fun and you should download the app.  You might actually learn a little bit more about one another even if you think you know everything.  Jeremy wanted me to add in for number five that he knows more about me than I know about him (by 3 measly points). 
6. There are scientifically researched steps that you should take after a fight to get things resolved. 
7. Conflict is most likely to end the way it begins, so be mindful of how you approach things.
8. If Jeremy and I get caught on desert island and we can only pick 10 things from a list, he is going to pick as many things that will help us get off the island and I am going to pick things that will help us survive on the island. ;)

Sunday, March 9, 2014

yeah, mon

Yes, you read that correctly.  I am just over here brushing up on some slang because we are going to Jamaica!  That's right, we finally booked our honeymoon and I couldn't be more excited.  After many, many months of researching and constantly checking for deals on Groupon; I woke up Saturday morning and decided that it was time to make a decision.  

For those of you who know me, you know just how hard it is for me to make any kind of decision, so this is huge!  Wow, I must be growing up! I was all about the amazing deals that I found on Groupon but unfortunately they come with a lot of restrictions and I just haven't heard of many people using them, so it made me a little nervous.  This coming from the girl who went on spring break via craigslist last year [a story for another day].  This is a way more important and expensive vacation, not to mention out of the country, so I wasn't willing to take any risks.  I decided to book through my trusty old friend Expedia and I think we still got a great deal.  I am so excited because I have a passport but have never been out of the country and I've never done anything all inclusive before.  All of my friends recommended going the all inclusive route and I'm so glad we did.


We decided to book at the Secrets St. James Resort.  This is an all inclusive/adults only resort.  I think this will be perfect for honeymooning!  I am just so excited and I can't stop looking at the resort website.  Check it out if you are interested (Secrets St. James)!  
I mean, seriously!? I wanna go right NOW.

I can't wait to wake up to an ocean view for 7 days straight.
Last one, I promise. I am just beyond thrilled.
Now that we are all ready to jump on the next plane to the Caribbean, let's check in the the To-Do List, shall we!?  

Wedding To-Do List
-finish registering
-pick out tuxes (The groomsman will be looking dapper in this)
-book honeymoon (yay!)
-finalize rehearsal dinner (hello Scotty's!)
-finalize flower arrangements
-hair/make up trial (it's booked so I'm crossing it off)
-purchase groom's wedding band (yeah mine was purchased a month ago)
-figure out what I am going to give my wonderful bridesmaids 
-pick out my wedding jewelry
-order invitations
-book transportation for the bridal party (this is on Jeremy so...check!)
-food/cake tasting; finalize the menu (again, this is booked)
-finish wedding website

With 104 days to go, I think I'm doing pretty good!  Now if only this school year would go a tiny bit faster, so I could go into full wedding mode...



Tuesday, February 11, 2014

130 Days

That's the number of days until I transform from a Miss to a Mrs.  130 days until I marry the love of my life in front of all our friends and family.  130 days until I put on that beautiful white dress and spend hours in hair and make up like some kind of movie star getting ready for the Oscars.  130 days until what I expect to be one of the best days of my life.  130 days until the biggest party of my life with all the people I love the most-heyyyyo! 130 days until we have our first dance as husband and wife. 130 days until I have a presumably emotional father/daughter dance. 130 days and I am starting to panic.  

I should clarify, I am panicking from a planning stand point.  Everyone tells you that when you plan a wedding; there is a lot to do in the beginning, a lull in the middle, and a lot to do closer to the time.  Well my friends, I am starting to come out of the lull and right back into full planning mode.  There is so much to do still and every time I talk to my mom, we panic a little.  We need to take a deep breath and realize that everything will get done. As I am ready for the day to get here, I'm not at the same time.  So for my own sanity and because I love writing lists, here is a list of what we still need to do.
Wedding To-Do List
-finish registering
-pick out tuxes
-book honeymoon (yay!)
-finalize rehearsal dinner (hello Scotty's!)
-finalize flower arrangements
-hair/make up trial (so excited for this)
-purchase groom's wedding band (yeah mine was purchase a month ago)
-figure out what I am going to give my wonderful bridesmaids 
-pick out my wedding jewelry
-order invitations
-book transportation for the bridal party (heyyyy party bus)
-food/cake tasting; finalize the menu
-finish wedding website
I'm sure there are things that I'm forgetting, so please let me know if you think of something! Why didn't we just do a destination wedding!?! Just kidding! :)  

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Bridesmaids and Friendship

In honor of our Friendship Valentine's Day Party at school on Friday, I thought I would give a well deserved shout out to my bridesmaids and my best friends.  I am blessed with 8 bridesmaids that I have been so fortunate to have in my life for many years, so here we go (in order of how long I've known them-ha!):

Aly-ahh my sister, my partner in crime (especially when we would throw wild parties when mom and dad went out of town), the person I can have the most horrible screaming matches with but at the same time, would be lost without.  We've definitely had our ups and downs but I trust you with my life and know that you always have my back. I am in awe of the woman you have become but you will forever be my little sister. I love you dearly.
                                                              
Jenn- friends since 5th grade, going on 19 years [gasp].  I am so blessed to have met you in Mr. Alka's 5th grade class.  We have had some wild times, fabulous Halloween costumes, countless inside jokes, classic photo ops, the list goes on and on. I could write a novel about all the amazing memories I have with you but I'd rather cherish them instead.  You have been there for me in my toughest times and are part of some of my best memories.  You are my thithter for life!

                                

Jess-ok, first of all there are way better pictures of us, but this one makes me laugh and have vivid memories every. single. time.  I can't remember if we became friends in 7th or 8th grade. Does that make me old?  Anyway, some of my best memories involve you.  Our Spring Break in Vegas is one of my favorite trips to date.  Who knew two girls could cause so much trouble at the MGM Grand and I still don't know how we made it back to our room through that crazy casino every night.  Maybe I shouldn't admit that online.  Regardless of when we met, we've been friends for a very long time and I am still bitter that you didn't come to IU with me as my roommate but I'll get over it one day! ;)  Even though we went to separate schools, we have remained very close.  I was so honored to stand up with you on your wedding day and I am so glad that you will be with me on mine.  I can't wait for you to live closer.  I miss having you as a "neighbor"!!

                                         
Meghan-I am thinking we became friends Freshman Year- lunch with Jess, Michelle, and Kelly??  Who the heck knows.  All I know is that we have a tendency to be innocent double trouble from time to time and most of the stuff I want to write about isn't appropriate for two elementary teachers! ;) We have remained friends through 4 years of going to different colleges and I am so lucky that I get to see one of my best friends every day at work.  I don't know how I would get through some of my days without you listening to me vent and being one of the most supportive people I know.  Not only to me, but to your students and everyone around you.  That's why you were teacher of the year! ;)
                                              

                                   
Jourdan-I don't even know where to start.  We had some great times in high school but memories from IU, life after IU, and being roommates definitely trump all of that.  First of all, I couldn't have asked for a better roommate.  Being 22, fresh out of college, and buying my first house was a little scary but the fun we had in that 1 short year we lived together are some of the best times of my life thus far.  In my opinion, we have had more fun together in the last 10/11 years then some people have in a lifetime.  As with all my bridesmaids, you have been there through great times and hard but I know I can always count on you.  You have given me some of the best advice, especially when it comes to relationships and I will be forever grateful for that.  You are one of the kindest people I know and a role model when it comes to being a wife and a mother. I am so lucky to call you one of my best friends.
Sarah-do you know how hard it was to find a picture of just the two of us where we don't look like we've had way too much fun, if you know what I mean!? What does that say about us!?  It says that we are a darn good time and have way too much fun when we are together, especially in Bloomington and also our most recent trip to Nashville! ;) I am so glad that you didn't stay in Boston long and that we were able to pick up right where we left off when you moved back to Indy.  I have so much fun with you and you are one of the sweetest, smartest, funniest girls I know.  I am so thankful to have you as one of my best friends.
                                                   
Traci-Can I just copy and paste my maid of honor speech because we all know I'm not going to be able to talk about how much you mean to me without breaking down and crying hysterically.  Deep breath, here we go.  My freshman year, four years of college, would not have been nearly as memorable if it wasn't for you.  I am so glad that you stalked me that first week of college because you quickly became a lifelong friend.  We are sisters, heck we are twins [insert AXiD shout out here]. You leaving me for grad school in Minnesooooota was not my favorite choice of yours, but even with the distance, you remained one of my dearest friends.  Notice I'm not even going to talk about all of the amazing times we had in the dorms, the villas,  on 3 Spring Break trips, hanging with "our boys" (so possessive), watching the notebook together on Valentine's Day, rolling around the formal living room and eating Aver's, being asked to leave various establishments in Broadripple etc. etc. etc.  See what I did there? ;)  We are so fun and I am eternally grateful to have you in my life.  Oh and not to mention that if it wasn't for you and Seth, I wouldn't have met my future husband, crying during a bar crawl, I mean at your wedding.  No big deal!
                                             
Jes(s)- Last but certainly not least.  I have known you the shortest amount of time 9/10 years -ish but I feel like I have known you all my life.  You are my other half (aside from Jeremy of course-whoops!), the Ethel to my Lucy, my roommate during the Summer of Love, even though my parents didn't understand why you always spent the night (this is starting to sound really bad), one half of the 96th/Lantern dining room dream team, and you will forever be my moo.  I could write a book about our fun times, shared love of  Zoey,   Blake, cows, all things haunted, and all the shenanigans we have had but no one would think it was funny or interesting but us. STORY OF OUR LIVES.  We share one mind and even though we "broke up" (sorry, I had to), we are closer than ever.  I am so glad that I transferred to 96th and Lantern, who knew I would have met one of the best friends a girl could ask for.

This blog post has taken more time than anything I have ever written but I think it's my best post to date.  I am so grateful for all of these amazing women that will be standing with me on my special day.  I love you all so much.  I cherish the memories that we have and I look forward to the ones to come.  You all mean the world to me!


Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Winter Blues

This is IU, my alma mater, and a much prettier picture than my backyard.
One thing I love about living in the Midwest is the the change in seasons.  I am usually not one to even complain about cold, dreary winters.  This year is different.  Don't get me wrong, I love snow.  I love the way it looks, I love the crisp fresh air that comes along with it, I love the occasional 2 hour delay, I love one or two snow days, and I love watching my pup frolic through it.  But mother nature, enough is enough.  I have had it.  With each passing week, we get more snow or subzero temperatures and I'm done.  

For starters, we had an extra week of Winter Break which sounded nice at the time but since December, we have had countless delays and snow days and I am dying to have my routine back.  As a third grade teacher, I know the importance of routine, both for my kiddies and myself.  I don't know what it's like to work a "normal/full week" and I am hating it.  All you non-teachers out there can roll your eyes and make comments about how easy I have it, but until you teach a classroom full of 28 kids, you can't even begin to relate to what I'm talking about.

There are two main reasons why I am stressing about this excessive amount of 2-hour delays/snow days.
1. I teach 3rd grade in Indiana aka the year of the standardized tests.  We have both IREAD and ISTEP coming up and I need full days to help my kids prepare! If you are unfamiliar with these tests, they are high-stakes and unfortunately part of my teacher eval/pay can be affected by the performance of my students. NO PRESSURE.

2. As if you didn't already know, I'm getting married in JUNE.  You would think picking the third weekend in June would give you a nice cushion of time between the end of the school year and your wedding to finalize details, relax, and work on your tan.  Well the polar vortex has up and ruined that plan for me.  For now, we are only going into the 1st week of June with our make up days but it's only February and in Indiana, snow into April is possible.  

I guess I just need to take a deep breath and "cross that bridge when I come to it."  Easier said than done.  And yes, as I type this, I am at home and we had another snow day.  Sigh.