Jonesin' for the Jones'

But you hate dogs!

2010-05-06T08:26:00.000-07:00

I remember the first time I told my family and friends that I wanted to get a dog.. Every single person had the same reaction.. jaw drop.. bug eyes.. gasp.. "YOU want a DOG?! But you hate dogs!?!"

And it was true.

But it was really more of a fear than anything else. And it wasn't all dogs.. it was the big guys. I was petrified of big dogs.. but small dogs I could always handle. At the time, I was living with a few friends and bringing a pup into the picture wasn't an option. When I moved out and moved into my own apartment, I began my search and started the adoption process. About that time I met Matt. I suddenly found myself spending all of my time with him at his place. He already had a dog so I decided that it wasn't the best time for me to adopt and I backed out. I spent the next few years wishing I had gone ahead with the adoption. Wishing I had adopted my puppy when I had the chance..

Once Matt and I moved in together.. getting another dog was no longer an option. He wanted no part in it and no matter how hard I tried.. I couldn't convince him. Fast forward two years and countless conversations ~~of my begging and pleading~~ and he finally agreed.....but under one condition. I am responsible for all training of my little man. Deal.

For the next few months, while we were on our puppy search, it seemed like every single person we know 'warned' me about how hard it is and how much work it is to have and train a puppy. My mind had been made up for years so there was no deviating from my path.. no changing my mind.

Now that I have my little man.. I understand why they warned me. I've never trained a dog before and yes.. it is a ton of work. I haven't had a good nights sleep since we got him.. I get up 2-3 times each night to take him outside. I have to keep my eyes on him at all times to make sure he isn't chewing on something he shouldn't be.. sniffing for a place to go potty.. etc. It's only the beginning of my journey and I'm tired. But.. as tired as I may be.. I'm so happy to have my puppy. It's definitely worth all the sleepless nights and lack of relaxation.

Shiner

Avery girl and Shiner

I've always been told to wait to have kids until it's all I can think about.. I've never understood that statement more than I do now! 5 year plan.. best idea ever.

Meet Shiner!

2010-05-03T11:11:00.000-07:00

After nearly a year of talking about it.. researching options.. spending every weekend for the last 4 months visiting every pound in central texas.. we finally pulled the trigger and added another addition to our little family......

Meet Shiner!

He is a 6 week old Boston Terrier and weighs in at a whopping 4lbs.

We searched and searched for the right dog at all the area shelters hoping to find one there.. but ultimately decided that getting a little puppy was the best choice for us so that we could train him and he wouldn't have picked up bad habits elsewhere. I love our little guy!

Being a new puppy mommy is tiring but so far he's really taken to his training. He goes potty almost instantly when I take him outside and he comes when I call him. He very much looks up to our Avery girl and mimics her every move. Lucky for us she is an amazing dog and if I may say so.. the world's greatest dog. Hopefully Shiner will pick up all of her good habits :)

It's so cute watching them try and play together.. he's only 4lbs and Avery is 60lbs. He seems to like to chase her tail. He has very little coordination and struggles on our tile floors.. every time he sits his butt slides and next thing he knows.. he's laying down! I'm soaking up all this puppy love while I can!

Passport Drama..

2010-04-19T08:45:00.000-07:00

Remember my "I swear I'm no terrorist" post?
Oh, are you new here? You haven't read it? It's a doozie!

Now that I'm officially Mrs. Jones.. I have to get a new passport.

I can't lie.. I'm really not looking forward to this. I would assume that because I already have a passport and am merely trying to change my last name, it will be easy. But honestly.. who would've thought I'd be denied the first time I applied and would find myself in a situation where I have to send in 42 documents to prove my birth and my citizenship?

We have a trip planned to Mexico at the end of June to watch our dear friends, Mark and Marzena, walk down the aisle. This means that I have to use my passport again. This means I'm in a time crunch to get my new passport. And to be honest.. I'm afraid to send it in because what happens if we have to go through that whole process again? If it runs smooth, I will get my passport back just in time for our trip.. so what happens if it doesn't run smooth? Should I keep my current passport and just take our marriage license with us? I know I can leave the country.. but it's the whole part about getting back into the country that I'm worried about.. and that is of course the most important part.. *sigh*

The story of my gorgeous Maggie..

2010-04-05T13:50:00.000-07:00

Growing up I don't ever remember being the girl who dreamed about her wedding.. I remember having one conversation with my then neighbor (and now step-sister... long story) about what our 'dream wedding' when I was 8 years old.. but that is the only time I ever remember even so much as thinking about it. Much less talking about it..

I didn't begin thinking about or talking about my wedding until he proposed.. I was plum shocked when he asked me to marry him. We had been dating for 11 months... living together for 6 months.. and I while I had already determined for myself that he was 'the one'.. I didn't anticipate our engagement for at least another 6 months to a year.. but there I was.. my 24th birthday.. surrounded by 50 or so of our family and friends.. and Matthew down on one knee.

I don't think I even took a day or two to let it settle before I started on my research. First with venues.. dresses.. colors.. etc. As some of you know.. I posted a few months back about my dress fiasco and how.. although I had already purchased a wedding dress.. I suddenly found myself dreaming of another. Eventually going in to try it on only to fall more in love with it and ultimately.. decide that I had to change dresses.

It was by Maggie Sottero. The Dallas Marie. It stole my heart. It was everything I loved and nothing I expected.

I loved the elegant simplicity. The drape in the fabric. The soft neckline. The bubblehem. The corset back. The color.

But that damn bow.. it just wasn't working for me..

Now for a girl who has a smaller chest.. I'm sure the placement of this bow is fine. However, I'm not that girl.. and the placement simply didn't work for me. So we had it removed.

But the sash still wasn't going to cut it.. so eventually.. I decided to have it removed as well.

Mind you.. this decision was made the Thursday before my wedding. My heart could barely contain itself. I was a nervous wreck.. praying that the dress would look the way I imagined it once the bow and sash had been removed.. and given the time frame.. there was no reversing this decision.

The first time I saw my dress and put it on once alterations were complete..

It was more than I ever imagined. It was better than I could have dreamed. I giggled. I cried. I stared. I was completely infatuated with my dress. And on the day of our wedding.. it truly made me feel like a bride. And a smashing bride at that!

I intended to wear a white dress.. and when we went to try this dress on I was determined that although they didn't carry it in white.. I would order it in white. But that color just stole my heart. It was a champagne.. a light gold.. and (if I do say so myself..) looked fabulous with my pale skin and blonde hair. It photographs light.. but is just breathtaking in person. I've always prided myself on being a little left of center.. Making my own path versus trekking through the roads already laid in front of me.. so I guess it only made sense for me to end up with a dress that wasn't the standard white or ivory.. and I couldn't be happier with my decision!

By the way.. if your looking for the best seamstress in town.. Check out Classy Concepts in Round Rock. Sue and Janet are amazing! My dress arrived a mere 17 days before my wedding. I usually joke and say that.. I'm not short.. I'm fun-sized. But let's face it.. I'm short. At a mere 5ft 2in tall even the 'petite' version of my dress was still a fabulous 3 inches too long (and that's with my boots on). Janet sized and pinned me up.. Sue cut and stitched.. and vuala! Perfection.

So.. Check them out.

Classy Concepts

http://www.classyconceptsdesign.com/

Ste 36, 3000 Joe Dimaggio Boulevard

Round Rock, TX 78665-3994

(512) 276-2045

Holiday Fever

2010-04-01T16:52:00.000-07:00

I love holidays. I don't know why.. but I really do. I love the cheesy traditions most. From kissing your husband (or whoever it is you kiss) at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve to the smell of fresh roses on Valentine's Day (thank your lucky stars if you have a man who actually celebrates this Hallmark Holiday because mine.. as wonderful as he is.. does not)... Wearing too much green and drinking green beer on the Irish Holiday.. Painting eggs at Easter.. Sparklers and fireworks on the forth of July.. Carving pumpkins and wearing crappy costumes at Halloween.. eating way too much food on Thanksgiving followed by a day of setting up your Christmas tree and pulling out all of those wonderful Christmas decorations.. and birthdays. I've spoke many times of my love of birthdays.

Something about the holidays just puts this big cheesy grin on my face.

What's better than all of that cheesiness? Spending time with my family. I love that 90% of those holidays mean family gatherings.

Growing up my family has been quite the roller coaster. Everyone has their story.. and I sure as heck have quite the novel! But even through the drama there is a certain amount of security found in a family.. it's knowing that regardless of how well you might get along with your sister-in-law or how angry your Mom made you last week.. they will always be there when the tide rolls in.

I spent too long unable to truly appreciate spending time with my family. It's a happy life when you have those who love you and support you by your side.

Whatever you do this Easter, make sure you take a moment to visit with your family. If they're close by.. go have lunch. If they're far away.. give them a call and catch up for a minute. Life is short and you never know what tomorrow will bring.

The other form of puppy love..

2010-03-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

Remember what it was like when you had your first boyfriend? Celebrating you 'anniversary' every month.. Scribbling your name out to see what your signature will look when you two get married..

I feel completely silly saying this but.. I feel like that again..

Now that we are married.. I find myself writing my new name just see what it looks like.. I know that today, we have been married for one month! What's worse than that? I really want to go out to dinner to celebrate :) My face lights up when I know he has just gotten home or when I see his picture pop up on my phone because he is calling me.. Don't get me wrong.. I've always been happy about these things.. but it's different now because we are married! Am I completely silly? Yes. That's ok. I'm good with that.

I don't begin to think that I know anything about marriage and I wouldn't dare give anyone marital advice.. but I do think that being married is the best feeling in the world. The best thing I have ever known. When you are dating someone.. no matter how you long you have been together or how secure you are in your relationship.. it is my belief (please note this statement refers to my personal opinion. I'm not asking you to agree. In fact.. I don't really care if you do because this is strictly my opinion!) it is my belief that there is always a certain level of uncertainty. A tiny inkling of wondering.. what is going to happen in this relationship? Where is it going? Is he really Mr. Right? or merely Mr. Right Now?

When you get engaged the feeling begins to disappear as you know now exactly where the relationship is going.. once you are actually married.. it's the most amazing thing in the world. Saying those vows.. kissing your new husband.. being announced as Mr. and Mrs. *sigh*

Being married, for me, adds a completely different dynamic to our relationship. I can't begin to explain that statement.. people told me that 'nothing changes when you get married'. While I agree that is absolutely true.. it does feel different. In the most amazing way.. it feels completely different. I couldn't possibly happier.

I Love You Mr. Jones. Happy One Month ;)

pros and cons to puppy love!

2010-03-25T14:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I posted about my love of Boston Bulldogs and how we are considering adopting one.. then I was offered a precious red boston terrier!

So how do I decide between the two?? I had my mind made up. We were going with a boston bulldog over a boston terrier.. but now.. I'm torn!

The terrier is already housebroken.. 1.5 years old.. much less expensive adoption fee.. still has the same type of look that I love.. but the bulldog would be a baby puppy.. much more expensive.. but we get to train it and watch him grow up from a wee little tot and I prefer the size and look of the bulldog..

So should I wait and get my perfect little bulldog puppy?

or do I save some money and get this adorable terrier?

Save the Date!

2010-03-25T13:48:00.000-07:00

I received a comment today on an old post asking me to post one of our engagement pictures.. more specifically.. the one of Matthew and I on the railroad track that we used as our save-the-date..

I'm dying of curiousity on who asked for it! It was posted as anonymous.. please e-mail me!

{ jennifer798 at gmail dot com }

Image by Christina Carroll Photography

Puppy Love

2010-03-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

When I was young, I think maybe around 8 or so.. my family got a puppy. We named her Keisha and she was just precious! The first day we had her I was outside with her when another dog attacked her! Being young and naïve, I picked Keisha up so as to get the other dog to leave her alone only.. I got bit!

In high school my parents recued a Chow. This dog had some serious issues. I was bit twice.. my sister-in-law once.. and a friend of mine from school was bit.. suffice it to say the dog was put to sleep.

All these mean dogs led me to a great fear of dogs! I hated them. Mostly because I was terrified.. but still. Obviously I developed a reputation for not liking dogs. Now imagine my friends reactions when, at the age of 22, I began talking about how I wanted to adopt my own little pup. I spent the next year trying to determine the breed that would be best suited to me.. eventually deciding on a Pug. In the middle of the adoption process I met Matt. I began spending so much time with him.. that I determined this wasn’t the best time for to adopt as I wasn’t home enough and didn’t think it would be fair to the pup. He had a dog.. Avery. A lab Catahoula mix that is sweet as can be. She is the first big dog I have ever fallen in love with (and even then.. she is only considered a medium size dog). Now that we are married.. we are our own little family. Me, Matthew and Avery.

But here we sit, 3 years later.. and I’m still yearning for ‘my own’ pup! I think Avery would enjoy having a brother.. but finding a pup that Matt and I agree on has been quite the task! He hates pugs so that is out the window.. he wants a chocolate lab.. I say no thank you. I want something small but nothing too girly. A short stout little guy with a flat face and wrinkles.. so cute! Matt doesn’t think it’s all that cute.. Anyway.. I think we have finally agreed on a breed!

A Boston Bulldog!

It’s a mix between a Boston Terrier and an English Bulldog

We are considering adopting one of these little boys. Aren't they precious!

Puppy Love.

Wedding Stuff Galore!!!

2010-03-24T08:43:00.000-07:00

Now that my wedding has come and gone.. I'm left with a garage full of stuff to sell!

I have everything.. vases.. polished river rocks.. tree slabs.. plates.. silverware.. candy buffet jars.. linens.. wooden flowers.. table name photo frames.. Ivory fabric pomanders.. etc.

If you need it.. let me know and I will send you pictures and pricing!

(I'm working on getting everything posted on CL but haven't finished up just yet..)

Welcome to the world sweet girl!

2010-03-23T09:43:00.000-07:00

I am extremely proud to announce the arrival of my beautiful new niece!

Miss Sarah Marie Lewis

Born March 23, 2010 8:15 am
7 pounds 15.5 ounces
20 inches long

and she has my middle name!
I love being an Aunt!!!

We're Back.. and We're Married!!!

2010-03-16T08:01:00.000-07:00

I think it's been nearly a month since my last post.. with all the wedding crazyness before.. then the wedding itself.. and our honeymoon.. then straight back to work. Our house is a total disaster at the moment. Trying to get unpacked from our trip while replacing all of our mix-matched dishes/pans/etc. Getting rid of our blender that is older than we are and replacing it with a brand spankin new one we received as a gift.. ditto on the crock pot and many many other items. It's very exciting but leaves me feeling like a slob while we are in transition..

Anywho.. the wedding. Ahhh the wedding.

I don't think we could have had a more perfect wedding. Truly.. my only complaint was my bouquet. It was not what I expected.. it was pretty.. but not what I wanted. Our DJ - Awesome. Our photographer - Amazing. Our Catering - Superb. Our Venue - *love*.

Oh and by the way.. remember a few months back when I talked about changing dresses.. well.. now that the wedding is here and gone I can tell you my secret.. I definitely changed dresses!!!! and I couldn't be happier about my decision!!! I didn't talk about it on my blog because.. I didn't tell anyone! Not even my bridesmaids. My mom is the only person who knew..

I'll post a full rundown of my reviews soon.. in the mean time.. take a look at our 'teaser' photos our photographer posted on her blog!

Christina Carroll Photography

My Matron of Honor realizing this isn't the same dress she remembers....

And the rest of girls come to the same realization...

My Great Grandmothers Makeup Compact..

My Brother walking me down the isle.

You may kiss the bride!

Mr. and Mrs. Jones

Check out the rest of her teasers here

Or if you love her work as much as we do.. go here!

Maya Riviera... OK!

2010-02-05T08:24:00.000-08:00

I love weddings. I'm not sure I truly enjoyed them when I was single.. but now.. I love them. I had experienced love before Matt.. but never they way that I love him. I have loved people.. but I had never experienced what being 'in love' was really like until I met him. It's the most amazing rewarding feeling in the world. The thought of exchanging vows and dedicating ourselves to eachother and to our relationship thrills me in ways that I can't explain. To think that other people out there are also able to experience these feelings excites me and makes me so happy for them.

One of Matt's best friends (and one the Groomsmen in our wedding) is getting married in June! They have decided to go the destination route and are going to Maya Riviera, Mexico! What does that mean to me? Aside from the excitement I feel for the couple, I'm also excited because that means matt and I headed to Mexico!!!

{ Mark and Matt }

{ the happy couple }

{ the beautiful beach in maya riviera }

Jamaica in 3 weeks then Mexico 3 months later... Yes Please!
What could possibly be better than two all inclusive beach vacations with the love of my life?
Nothing my friends. Nothing,

Bridal Shower!

2010-02-04T08:47:00.000-08:00

Ok so maybe I'm a few ~~days~~ weeks late posting this.. but my Matron of Honor threw me what was quite possibly the best Bridal Shower ever.

{ wishing tree }

{ i ♥ fondue }

{ notice the resemblance to our monogram }

{ just thought this was so cute }

{ momma and me }

Our friends and family were so generous! Unfortunately, my sister-in-law got sick at the last minute and given that she was 8 months pregnant.. we couldn't chance it. She went to the doctor and had to miss the shower after traveling in from Baton Rouge to attend. Aside from the worry over her and the baby.. everything went perfect and everyone had such a good time! A huge Thank you to Kristi and my bridal party for working so hard on it. I love you girls and I feel so blessed to have you in my life!

Engagement Band Swap.. Update!

2010-02-03T08:47:00.000-08:00

So I spent two hours at Jared's last night as they sorted through all of their repair tickets for the 5 days surrounding when I dropped my ring off.. and when I picked it back up the next evening. They can't find any other ring that looks even remotely close to mine. So on their end.. it MUST be the same ring.

Wrong.

My ring was a size 4.5. This ring? Well that depends on who measured it. One guy measured it at a 4.25 and when I threw a fit.. another guy found a tool that measured it at 4.5. Well sorry buddy, you already told me it's a 4.25.

They say the side stones could have been worn down during the polishing process and that is why they are now flush. My response? I didn't ask you to alter the shape and design of my ring. I asked you to dip it and fix the areas that appeared tarnished. He appologized.

The stone? The major blemishes and flaws that suddenly appeared? They have no response on that. Literally. Nothing to say and that is exactly what he said. Nice.

The worst part? Everytime a ring comes in for repair the diamontologist is supposed to plot the diamond. This shows every flaw that exists in the diamond and exactly where the flaw is located. They are supposed to plot the diamond as it comes in.. and compare the diamond as it goes back out. This is a security on their end to ensure that this type of thing doesnt happen. Ever. Did Jared's do this? NO. They did not.

The solution? They don't have one. They don't know how it could have happened and can't prove one way or another whether or not it did. They offered to allow me to trade in this band for an identical ring that does not have the flaws.. don't get me wrong, I'm taking them up on that offer because these black flaws are major and it will drive me crazy.. but it still doesn't make the situation 'right' in my book. It still won't be MY ring.

Bastards.

Engagement Band Swap?!

2010-02-02T15:07:00.000-08:00

ok call me crazy but I think the jewelry store swapped my engagement band.. this is why.

Last week we went in to purchase my wedding band. I have teeny tiny fingers so I had to get it resized and since that meant they would have it overnight.. and my hands have tarnished my engagement band.. I decided to leave my band there as well to get it re-dipped. It's included in our insurance so.. why not get it done just before the big day right?

Apparently... I was wrong. Big Mistake.

Now here I sit.. wearing this ring.. that isn't mine. How do I know?

First, my band is the princess cut past, present and future ring and it has 4 princess cut diamonds channel set on each side of the main stones. Underneath the main stone (so on the inside and outside of the ring) there is a small diamond. Now on MY ring.. these stones both set out.. as in they were not flush with band. Thus leading me to need a contour fit wedding band right? The band I am currently wearing.. the stones now sit flush. We have gone into that store dozens of times over the course of this last year trying to pick out a band for me.. a few weeks ago when we went, I was having my ring cleaned so they gave me another one to use to try the weddings bands on with.. I specifically remember pointing out to Matt how the ring they gave me.. the side stones set flush and how it was different from mine. I even commented that life would so much easier if my side stones set flush because then I didn't have to get a contour band!

Second.. the main stone on this new ring has not one.. not two.. but FOUR major flaws. There are 4 black spots in it that are clearly visible. Now don't get me wrong, my stone wasn't perfect.. it did have one tiny flaw.. but it looked like a cloudy spot in the diamond and you had to study that thing to find it!

I was so excited about my band and getting my stuff back, I hadn't even really looked at it when I picked it up. I look at the bottom of the band to ensure that it was not looking tarnished anymore.. and made sure the band fit my fingers.. but I never anticipated I would need to study the diamonds.

So.. I'm offer to Jared's today to ~~raise hell~~ politely ask how these changes could have taken place.. wish me luck :(

Bachelorette Party!

2010-01-31T20:46:00.000-08:00

Saturday was my bachelorette party. Let me start by saying it was absolutely the best time I have ever had downtown. We started at the hotel with shots and gift opening then headed down to 219 West for dinner. Let me chime in and explain.. my matron of honor went ALL OUT!!! There were decorations everywhere. Novelty Items galore. I had a blow up man who we lovingly named ‘Sancho’ as well as not one.. but two 3 foot blow up penis’. Not to mention the suckers, necklaces, shot glasses, head band antennas.. I could go on for a while. Suffice it to say there was no mistaking we were a bachelorette party!

So we chose 219 West for dinner because it was 21 and up only and therefore.. no kiddos to see all of our.. novelty items. Have you ever been there? AMAZING! We had 12 girls and every single person LOVED their dinner. How often does that happen?!

After dinner we went to Rebels Honky Tonk. The new country bar on 5th st (Loved it by the way). We walk in and order a round of shots when I hear squeals coming from my left. Of course I look over and all of my bridesmaids have this deer in the headlights look. Jaws on the ground. One mouths to me ‘OH MY GOD’. Confused I asked what was going on.. My fiancés ex girlfriend. HA. Apparently she works there. Now she doesn’t know me and would have no idea who I am.. until she asks ‘who’s getting married’ One replies ‘Jenni’. Now I obviously wasn’t a part of this conversation but I’m told it was at that point when they explained that I’m her ex boyfriend’s fiancé. Awkward.

My MOH and my friend Justine go to the bathroom. When they return Kristi is telling me how the ex was in the bathroom too. About the time I notice she is walking past us so I put my hand up to cover her mouth so that she doesn’t hear us… Justine yells ‘this is SO AWKWARD’ and the ex pats her in the back and says ‘I know isn’t it?’

I laughed. Hard.

I rode the mechanical bull and he kicked my ass I kicked ass at it and showed that bull whose boss! Conned a few of the girls into riding.. tried to learn a new dance.. FYI-learning a new dance when you’re 4 shots and a Mexican martini into the night.. not a good idea. Eventually we headed over to 6th. Bounced around a few bars.. met a bachelor party. Did some dares. Had more shots than I can possibly think of (although I wouldn’t take a shot unless it came from one of my girls.. or the bartender. If boy brought me shot.. I gave it away or threw it away ha!). Declared (repeatedly might I add) that ‘I’m Drunk’. Eventually I cut myself off. Went back to Rebel’s and nearly fell off the dance floor. I guess I decided to dance with some guy.. bad idea. Too much alcohol in my system to try and two step. Eventually went back to the hotel where I began telling everyone how much I love Matt and how I think he’s hot. Now that doesn’t seem like a big deal but.. Not only did I tell them he is hot.. I made them agree. And made them say it too. :)

The night went on without any drama. Not a single girl got sick. And everyone had a blast! I’m so so so happy. We made some great memories and have stories we will never forget.

I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful group of girlfriends!

Blogger Friends.

2010-01-28T14:02:00.000-08:00

Austin Blogger GTG? Yes. It is that time!

I started my blog a few months back and while I have become more and more vacant in posting as my wedding draws closer.. I still keep up with those blogger friends I've found.

I've recently realized how much of impact the blogger world has on me and how much I think about my blogger friends. Honestly.. it's to a point where I talk to my fiance and say "oh Jill said (insert comment)" and he immediately knows I mean Jill from Confessions of an Enginerd. But it doesn't stop with her.. the same holds true with Stephanie from The Chipper Chicken or Kelsey of Kelsey McRae. I could list every blog I read but.. I think you get the picture.

Some of the girls I've had the opportunity to meet!

So now I'm saying.. it's time for another Austin blogger GTG. What do you say ladies?

Invitations are out!

2010-01-06T11:35:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling very excited. relieved. but yet I'm also feeling slightly overwhelmed and a twinge of nervousness.

I spent the last week designing, printing, cutting, taping, positioning, putting together, stamping, licking, and sealing 140 invitations. The final product? I took pictures.. I will post them tonight!

This has been a year in the making. And now we are only a mere 6 weeks out! I started getting phone calls today about my friends and family having received their invitation. I guess there is a part of me that still just feels this whole thing is so surreal. How could I have been so lucky.. so blessed.. to have found such an amazing man to share my life with? I can't wait to put on my dress and see his face as I walk down the aisle toward him.. to become his wife. To begin a new chapter in a our lives together. To become Mrs. Jones.

I still have so many things to do. From finishing various wedding projects to getting fitted for my dress and picking out jewelry to wear. My bridal shower is next weekend and bachelorette party.. two weeks after that. Then three weeks until our families arrive and one more week until the wedding and our fabulous honeymoon in Jamaica! I keep trying to remind myself that this is an experience I will remember for the rest of my life. To enjoy it and not allow things to stress me out. When you got married.. what was your biggest stress just before the big day?

what a lovely weekend..

2009-12-21T10:24:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my birthday! It pretty much rocked.

My fabulous brother 'gave' me the best gift anyone could ever ask for. I mentioned before that he and his wife are currently expecting baby number two and my beautiful littl niece is going to be a big sister. Yesterday he told me they picked a name for their baby to be.

"Sarah Marie"
Now this name is so very special to me because the Marie.. is me!

What could possibly be better than that?

Yesterday was also our one year engage-iversary! 68 days until our wedding!

My best friend joined me at the Bridal Store to check out my dress.. with my boots.

I opted to go with these however: I like slouch boots with dresses :)

We also determined that the alterations I want to make to the dress are completely do-able even though I had previously been told it wasn't possible. Very exciting. I can't wait to see my beautiful dress all finished and actually fitting me!

Now it's time for invitations. We had a guest list mishap and all of our addresses were mysteriously switched around. I've spent several days and too many hours playing the match maker for who lives at what address. I don't have the invitation design even finalized and yet they need to be put in the mail in two weeks.

Thank god for Christmas Break.

Longest Post Ever.

2009-12-17T13:18:00.000-08:00

I hope you all don’t mind.. I’m going to take a moment to rant. Ok maybe more than a moment.. but the answer to my question cannot be said without a little understanding of what I went through growing up.. and what I’m being asked to do now. I promise to make it as short as possible..

As are some 50% of the parents in the United States, my parents are divorced. They have been since I was roughly 8 or 9 years old. My ‘Dad’ had an affair with my Mom’s ‘Best Friend’ and due to the complications of the situation.. It’s safe to say that I’m not exactly clear when my parents officially split up or when the divorce was final.. Take it from me.. my life growing up could have been either a Soap Opera or an episode of Jerry Springer.

When the divorce was final my dad remarried the ‘best friend’. She had 4 daughters. Daughters that I had grown up with and were like sisters to me. Suffice it to say that it suddenly became quite awkward. Here I am.. 10 years old.. and caught completely in the middle of this terrible situation. My father was not a nice person. I personally witnessed physical altercations between my dad and other various family members on several occasions. Including once when he head butt my mother and broke her nose.. all the while I stood there crying and screaming.. unable to understand what was going on or why it was happening.

From that point, my world shattered. I was interviewed by the Austin Police Department Child Services to determine if I was in need of therapy and counseling sessions. It was determined that although distraught, I was in a healthy state of mind and did not need ‘help’. My relationship with my father grew increasingly strained and eventually.. non-existent. I remember my 7th grade year I went to visit my dad for Thanksgiving. I don’t remember exactly what happened.. or why.. I simply remember that my father took me home on Thanksgiving Day and left me there. By myself.

I didn’t see him again until I was 17. I was with my oldest brother and we had gone to take my nephew to ride go-carts. My father showed up. The first time he had seen me or spoke to me in five years.. the first words out of his mouth were “you’ve gotten a little soft there” as he poked my leg. *side step- what kind of person says something like this to their own daughter? Especially one who is at such an age where that can cause a myriad of problems with confidence and self image. You should never tell a young girl she is fat. Period. And just to note: I was 5'2 and 120 lbs. I'm sorry but that is not 'soft'.

Wanting so badly to have that father daughter connection that most girls have, I attempted to rebuild a relationship with him. 6 months later and many nights of tears and hurt feelings, I gave up.

Fast forward 2 years. My Brother Shane, and the single most important person in my life, is getting married. He is planning a destination wedding St. Lucia. Now that my Dad is divorced from the whore of a best friend, my dad invited me to go with him. Thinking that this might possibly be a chance to build a relationship, I went. From that point forward I wouldn’t say that we developed any type of relationship. He didn’t know me. He didn’t understand me. I can’t sit and talk statistics about sports. I don’t do drugs. I don’t have anything to say that he can relate to or understand to be honest.. he didn’t have anything that interested me. We simply existed as father and daughter. Getting along because.. well.. I don’t know why. I don’t even know how.

When I was 21 I bought a new car. It wasn’t new.. but it was new to me. Because I wouldn’t tell him about my financial situation and how ‘I was able to afford’ the car, he chose to believe that my (then) boyfriend must be my (and I quote) sugar daddy. It is my belief that if I have not asked you to borrow money, then my financial situation is none of your business. He however disagreed. He felt that I was his child and he had a right to know. Never in my life have I ever heard more mean or hurtful comments than the ones my ‘father’ made to me over the next two months. From a whore to a bitch and everything in between. This is the man that I called Dad.

Suffice it to say that I cut him out of my life. I had no intention of ever speaking to that man again.

About a year ago he was in a car accident. The paramedics that arrived thought for sure he was dead. And he probably should have been based on the pictures.. he was star flight lifted to the hospital and miraculously the only injuries he sustained were a crushed hand and a few bruises.

I’ve mention several times before that my brother, Shane, is the most important person in my life. After this accident, it was a personal request from him that I give my ‘dad’ another chance. He said something changed when he got into that accident. I received a few emails from my dad. Eventually Matt and I went to Louisiana to visit my brother and his family.. while there my Dad showed up.

Matt has never known my dad before his accident. He isn’t able to truly understand where I come from on my feelings towards my father. My relationship with him also isn’t something I like to talk about. Most people do not know the details I have explained above. And to be perfectly honest.. I've only brushed the surface. I will be the first person to admit that yes, my dad has changed. He is not the cruel person that he used to be. But I still cannot relate to him. He didn’t come into my life until maybe 9 months ago.

I’ve always said that I want my brother, Shane, to walk me down the aisle if and when I ever got married. Now the time has come for this to happen.

Here I sit.. two months out from my wedding.. and trying to figure out what to say. What to do. My ‘Dad’ expects to walk me down the aisle. I personally feel shocked that he even thinks that’s an option.. much less believes that it is actually going to happen. I do not want to hurt his feelings. I realize that I am his only daughter and that is a big deal to a father. But he has never been that father to me. Why should I be expected to allow this? Why should I have to feel bad for telling him no?

I would consider a compromise. Have my brother walk me down the aisle but allow my father to ‘give me away’. I know that he will not react well to the news. He will take it very poorly. My brothers are in agreement on that. I honestly believe that he will not come to the wedding if I tell him that he will not walk me down the aisle. I truly do not know how to tell him. How to handle it. What to do. I can’t tell him in person or even over the phone because when he reacts.. I will react. And it will only make matters worse. I can’t ask my brothers to tell him because that is not fair to them. They do not need to be in the middle of this. But is it fair to him if I do it in a letter or an email? It is absolutely not fair that I am being put in this position.

End Rant.

I'm a quarter of a century old?!

2009-12-15T13:57:00.000-08:00

I love birthdays. Always have. I don’t know why. Whether it is my birthday.. or a friend or family member.. I just love birthdays. And I especially love to celebrate birthdays. When love proposed.. he did it on my birthday. He wrote our proposal story a while back.. if you’ve never read it.. you definitely should. Unless you cry easy.. it’s a tear jerker.

Technically.. my birthday isn’t until this Sunday, December 20th. But we have some things going on so we opted to celebrate with our friends this past weekend. Then last night, Matt surprised me yet again. I get home from work before him every day. Yesterday he calls on his way home and states that I am to go into the bedroom, close the door, turn on the TV, and do not come out until he says it’s ok. I obliged.. and what seemed like 30 minutes later (but was really only.. maybe 5 minutes) he came to the door. Candle lit dinner, a little romantic music, surprise birthday gifts, roses.. he even watched a chick flick with me that I have been dying to see. Love doesn’t do chick flicks. When I see a preview he will, without fail, look at me and say “Girls Night!”. Love also doesn’t do Chinese Food. Me though.. I love Chinese food. He says he doesn’t like it because no matter how much you eat.. you’re hungry again an hour later (an indeed.. he was hungry again). But he did these things because he loves me and he knew that I would enjoy it.

You know how people say it’s the little things the count in a relationship? He remembers things that I say in passing. The man who refuses to go to a Chinese restaurant with me.. knows what my favorite Chinese food dish is. He knows the CD or movie that I want or the book I want to read.. sometimes I don’t even remember telling him but he pays attention and he always knows. It’s definitely something that I had never experienced before and I am so thankful for him.

I’ve been wanting Photoshop for years. I could never convince myself to spend that much money on a product that I never actually had a specific purpose or need for.. then my birthday came!

I got Photoshop this weekend. It is the most amazing thing ever.

I’m having a ball learning all the tips and tricks and YouTube has recently become my new best friend as I rely on it to provide me with tutorials on how to do all of the fun things that Photoshop has the capability of doing. I’m quite excited to know that it will be YEARS before I feel I have a grasp on all that it has to offer.. and then there are all the things you can download.. brushes and layouts and gadgets galore!

There was one downside to my birthday celebration.. my dear friends brought me a cake. And there is still roughly ¼ of it left after my little shin-dig. The problem? It’s still in my fridge. And it’s oh so delicious!

Another great etsy find!

2009-11-21T19:20:00.000-08:00

I mentioned before ( here ) about ordering my veil from abusymother on etsy.. Well I received my veil today.

Unfortunately.. Love has been home all day so I haven't had the opportunity to take pictures.. but I will say that I am absolutely in love with it. A mere $25 (including shipping) and it couldn't be more perfect.

Currently.. she sells childrens clothes, crib sets, and veils. While I don't have any experience with the kids clothes (5 year plan..) I highly recommend her veils.

Ok.. off to watch the UFC fight with friends.. Hope everyone has a fun ( and safe! ) weekend :)

Baby Fever!

2009-11-18T08:38:00.000-08:00

Every where I look people are having babies! For some girls.. that gives them baby fever.. for me.. I'm perfectly content playing with your baby and then giving him/her back to you when I'm done. I like my sleep. I like my freedom. I like my money. I'm just not there yet. Thankfully.. neither is Matt.

But.. baby fever has affected my family! My Beautiful Sister-in-Law and Fabulous Brother are having baby number two! They currently have a little girl.. THE cutest little girl you have EVER seen!

My Brother and his wife. Destination Wedding in St. Lucia.

Their daughter on her first birthday!

Cutest little bumble bee ever???

Yes! Yes she is!

And she is going to have a sister.. T.R.O.U.B.L.E.

So excited. Being an Aunt is the GREATEST thing in the world! I am so excited for the new little one and happy for Lexi that is going to have a sister! Congratulations you two! I love you both so much and of course the munchkins too :)

Check, Check and Check!

2009-11-17T11:14:00.000-08:00

We FINALLY got our camera up and working! Well.. it never technically stopped working.. it merely didn't have any juice left in the ole' batteries and the charger was MIA.

Love ordered a new charger though.. so we are golden!

I ordered my veil last week.. single layer, cathedral length, cut edge, rounded at the end. I hadn't anticipated how difficult it would be to find such a simple style for a reasonable price. But as anticpated.. Etsy.com came through! Great purchase from abusymother. Including shipping.. a mere $25!!!

The only image I have thus far is from her posting..

And I have finally finished all the boys bouts!

I feel like these pictures just don't do them justice.. I used 13-42mm natural color mother of pearl hibiscus flower beads, copper wire, chocolate brown glass beads, brown floral tape, and assorted ribbon! I am so pleased with how they turned out! All the boys have the chocolate brown ribbon while my groom has the white ribbon and the Ushers have serene blue ribbon. I left the ends of each bow long incase the edges fray.. I'll cut them short the day of the wedding.

Mom and I went out to tour the venue (Star Hill Ranch) again this past weekend to determine the logistics for setup. Adam just keeps improving the property and adding more to it..

Every time I go I fall more in love with it.

This is my favorite picture. It's stunning.

I'm taking some insipiration from my dear blogger friend Stephanie of The Chipper Chicken and rolling with a few of her sign ideas for my own wedding. Mom is coming to visit for a few days over Thanksgiving Weekend so we are hoping to get them all knocked out!

On my current to-do list:

Determine where to buy candy for our candy buffett

Get supplies for the 'Kids Korner' at the wedding

I can't believe how close it is.

On the same note.. the closer the wedding gets the more it seems like time slows down..

102 days....and counting.