Catnap

Exactly what I would like to be doing on this rainy day...

Thankful Thursday #6

I wasn't sure what exactly I would write about this Thursday.  This is, of course, not because I am out of items to be thankful for, but rather because there are too many!  And then as if she knew, sister and MOH K texted me.  "Where's thankful Thursday?" she asked.  I reminded her that Thursday wasn't over yet and then started thinking about her message.  It made me so happy to know that there was someone specifically wondering about where a post was.  Therefore, this Thursday I am thankful for my readers.  I am so thankful that there are people out there that care about me enough to come here and read my random ramblings.  Extra points to those of you who leave me comments! :)

Because I obviously can't link to everyone I love, be assured that if you are reading this you are included in this Thankful Thursday.  Just to name a few though, let's go with Alyssa, Jessica, Marlin, Tracey, Mallory, Sarah, Lydia, Angie, Sheri, Jennelle, Liz, Brit, Jenn, Stephanie, Nicole, Maria, Lynsey, Jessica and LauraAnn.

Since I hate posting without a picture, I've decided to break out some oldies (if you could call within the last 5 years old) of some of my favorite readers.  Now if I could just succeed in teaching a few more how to comment!  (Hint, hint Mom & Dad)

The inspiration for today's post: Sister and MOH K

Sister and Bridesmaid A

Mom & Dad

photo by Seelen Photography

So, K thanks for the reminder and everyone thanks for reading! :)

Happily ever after

One month from today will be the first full day of our honeymoon!  We haven't been on a vacation since 2007 so this is a long overdue trip.  I think we are both very excited just to see some state other than IL and MO!

If you are wondering where we are going this item we received in the mail last week might be a nice clue:

For all the haters

I could go on and on about all my stories of people telling us "you can't do that" for the wedding or "that's a wrong choice."  I was even told (to my face) "well, that's stupid!" on more than one occasion!  It seems that weddings must be really good at bringing the worst out in some people, or at the very least their unsolicited opinions.  I'll spare you all the gory details for now, but let's just say we've dealt with more than our fair share of wedding haters.  However, when I saw the picture below in one of Darbi's recent wedding blog posts I knew I had to write about it.  

Dear multiple people who told us the guys could wear nothing but dress shoes at the wedding,

You all thought we had just come up with some crazy idea.  Even though I insisted it was a wedding trend and that it could look really cool you judged us and looked at us like we were insane.  When we bought our guys Vans to wear for our wedding, one of you even went so far as to forbid a guy to wear them because that was just "our dumb idea."  It didn't matter that all our guys were overjoyed to not have to wear dress shoes.  It didn't matter that we were really excited about the shoes and that we had carefully gone to multiple stores to get the right size for everyone.  It's our wedding and we are going to do what we want anyway, but here is proof we aren't crazy.  And see how nice they look!

Love, Jamie

Ok, so I've tried really hard not to let the haters get to me, as incredibly hard as that's been.  But I just couldn't resist posting this after I saw this gorgeous picture from Darbi's post.  Now after that brief pause for a little therapeutic moment, we will be back to regular wedding details tomorrow with a look at our to-do list before our wedding in 27(!) days.  :)

Thankful Thursday #5

This week I am thankful that I can see an (at least temporary) end to my CPA studying!  I am taking my next section Saturday at 8 am.  Then I will be CPA review free for one glorious month!  So that we can keep this a happy thing let's not talk about how my break is only on account of my ever looming and increasing wedding to do list, ok?  Thanks.


see more dog and puppy pictures

Thankful Thursday #4

This week's Thankful Thursday is sort of two parts.  I am thankful for both independently but was spurred to write this post based on the combination.

Part 1) I'm thankful that I work in an iPod friendly workplace.  First because I love music.  My dad is most definitely the reason for this, both for my love of music in general and for my love of such a wide variety of music styles.  One of our greatest bonding activities is seeing concerts.  We've seen Styx, REO Speedwagon, 38 Special, Journey, Foreigner, Kansas, Brian Culbertson, Michael Buble, Chris Botti, Kenny Chesney, some others I'm probably missing (and some boy bands too since, yes, I was a teenager in the late 90's.)  The songs on my iPod probably span all of the music genres because my dad has cultivated within me both an interest in and respect for almost all music styles.

The second reason that I'm thankful for an iPod friendly workplace is because of the escape it has given me during all these wedding related frustrations.  It's easy to say that work should be enough of a distraction, but that doesn't work for me.  I'm a thinker and those of you who know me IRL know that I will keep thinking forever, especially when it comes to problems.  The work and tunes combo, though, has been just the ticket for me to be able to escape the problems for a bit.  I get to just sit in my cube and work and listen to some great music and I've found that very relaxing.  I'm able to focus on those two things and not on the problem of the day and it is a great feeling.  Sometimes I have to resist the urge to do a little singing and dancing in my chair there in my cube, but I think it's worth the risk. :)

Part 2) One of our favorites to see, Edwin McCain, is my part two to this Thankful Thursday.  Lately, almost all of the time my iPod is set to my Edwin playlist.  It is 100% the best for my distraction/relaxation plan.  So not only did he give me the perfect father daughter dance song, but he is apparently very key in my anti-wedding stress plan as well.  If you've read my last post about him you won't be surprised and neither am I.  I'm not sure I could even begin to explain why his music is so powerful to me but I am so thankful for it, even more now that it has provided me so much relaxation lately.  Maybe this can help explain:

From his bio:
“But the highlight of what I do is playing for and connecting with the people that come out to see me live. The fans - and I hate to call them fans - the friends of music that survive the advertising campaign long enough to understand what music is truly about, and have incorporated my music into their lives to the point where it is a part of their memories and emotions - those are the ones I do it all for....  It’s not about chart positions or record sales or anything like that,” insists the man with 11 albums, a wall of platinum and gold albums that have sold in the millions, and reams of Top 10, 20 and 40 hits, “it just has to do with people coming together and sharing a moment, that's it. And that’s all I ever wanted to do. I just love that moment in the small club and bar where every single person in there has a moment where it’s silent and they get it and it’s beautiful, that moment where the music that’s coming off the stage is much more than the players and much more than the audience and something happens and you’re sitting there and your hair stands up. That’s it, man. I love it.”

I think he represents all that is good about music and what it can do for people.  We actually just saw him at The Pageant one week ago and that night was exactly what I needed.  A relaxing night of good food, great music, and awesome company in my dad.  It was a great show as always and we will never miss any show he has in St. Louis.  And my offer in my last post about him still stands of course, buy some of his stuff if you haven't heard more than "I'll Be" or "I Could Not Ask For More" and if you don't like it I'll reimburse you.  I don't expect to put any money out here because I know you'll love it.  Feel free to ask for a recommendation on which album to start with. :)

So this week let's say I'm thankful for my anti-wedding stress plan with two independent but equally important parts.  I only see it becoming increasingly more important as we get closer to wedding day.  We've been in the double digits for quite a while but now the first number is only a 3 and to say I'm terrified is an understatement!

Invitation Reveal

Now that the USPS has had time to deliver our invitations to our guests, it is time to reveal them.  I think they turned out great and to be honest after all the time and frustration that went into them I welcome positive comments and/or questions only. :)

Of course, no invitation photo shoot would be complete without the mustang in the background.

These are almost completely DIY, only the pocketfolders and monogram were purchased.  They were a pain at times but totally worth it.  As I've already mentioned I welcome questions and comments but keep any negative thoughts to yourself please. :)

Thankful Thursday #3

This week I am thankful for big families and good examples.

This picture is from my shower and with the exception of one Grandma represents just one side of my family.  In the front row we've got paternal gma and maternal gma.  Then we've got sister and MOH K, Aunt K, Aunt P, me, Aunt R, my mom, Aunt F, Aunt S, Aunt C, and another Aunt S.  And we are even missing one - Aunt J.  Yep, my mom is one of nine and I think that is awesome.  Big families rock.

The list of adjectives that can describe these awesome women includes but is not limited to: wise, kind, strong, fun, crafty, sincere, witty, loyal, caring, faithful, protective, understanding, and generous.  I am so lucky to have these women in my life and I thank God this Thursday for the great examples he has given me to learn from.  Their support has also been invaluable to me during all of this wedding stress.

2nd vendor review: Looks by JLW

Let me just start by saying I love Jenn of Looks by JLW.  Now that we've got that out of the way, I can tell you why.  First of all, she put up with me rescheduling my makeup trial about 5 million times and was so nice about it every time.  It actually worked out very well because she was available the morning of my shower and it was so nice to not have to worry about my makeup.  I also asked her if she could help me with my hair and she happily obliged.  Second, I think we could have chatted for hours, she is so personable and sweet.  And most importantly, I loved my makeup and hair!

I basically gave her no guidance whatsoever and it was like she read my mind!  I have never received more compliments about my hair and makeup in one day and I have to thank Jenn 100% for that.

I obviously already had Jenn booked for both my and my girls' makeup for wedding day but now I am also going to be scheduling my bridal pics around her availability as well.  I will certainly be recommending Jenn to other brides!  Rating: A+

Tuesday Shoesday Fail, a.k.a. life with cats

This week I wanted to do a Tuesday Shoesday à la Brit with my wedding shoes.  And so I set out to photograph them.  Apparently fuschia heels by Chinese Laundry are very interesting to cats.

Photo attempt #1: one cat laying behind the shoes and one cat getting blinded by my camera's flash

Photo attempt #2:  Still a cat napping behind them, but somewhat better

Photo attempt #3: Yep, still a cat but check out those 4 inch heels!  I know, what was I thinking?  Don't worry I ordered an extra pair of the flip flops I bought my girls for myself!

I guess professional pics will have to wait until we are in a cat free zone, so look for those after May 22.  I at least get credit for trying right?

Invitations are on their way!

After several frustrating weekends, our invitations went in the mail this morning!  One thing after another seemed to get in our way such as the printer refusing to print the right color, my custom made map looking bad when shrunk to the size it needed to be, and my adhesive choice being a miserable fail.  I am so thankful that my mom didn't give up on me and my very specific vision sometime in the last few weeks!

All the details are to come after we give the USPS some time to deliver these to their (hopefully) excited recipients.

Thankful Thursday #2

Oh my, we can officially say we are getting married NEXT month!  That is so exciting while simultaneously being terrifying that I can't even begin to explain it.  But that's not what this post is about, it's Thankful Thursday #2!

This Thursday I am thankful for a boy.  A boy that can make me laugh in about 3.5 seconds even when I'm really upset.  A boy who supports me through everything.  A boy who indulges my requests even when he thinks they are silly.  A boy who my parents love and who loves my parents.  A boy whose spontaneity drives me crazy (but makes me smile at the same time).  A boy who will be my husband 50 days from today.

The last few weeks of wedding planning have been increasingly difficult for reasons best left unsaid here, but it has left me all the more thankful for the strong relationship we have that has and will enable us to weather the storms.  It is a comfort to know that even through the challenges we have been facing we are still as committed (and excited!) as we have always been about getting married.

Photo by Clary

And to piggyback on my picture here, this is something we will be including in our ceremony that is very special to us.  I originally was introduced to the idea by Megan, but have since somewhat crafted my own version from various internet sources.

Blessing of the Hands

Jamie and Doug, as an expression that your hearts are joined together in love will you please face each other and hold hands, so you may feel the gift that you are to one another. These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever. These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and tears of joy. These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children. These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one. These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it. And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours.

Dear Father, bless the hands that you see before you this day. May they always be held by one another.  Give them the strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. Keep them tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their love. Help these hands to continue building a relationship founded in your grace, rich in caring, and devoted to reaching for your perfection. May Jamie and Doug see their four hands as healer, protector, shelter, and guide.  We ask this in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you now and forever. Amen.