My wants....wait, I mean needs

Damn you, Coach! For making such irresistible handbags!

Shoe Drama!

I began my wedding shoe "hunt" months and months ago. I found, with the help of my internet searching boss, some very adorable shoes at Macy's. I had my handsome fiance order them off the internet, and when they came in the mail, I couldn't have been happier! They were very delicate and glamorous, exactly what I was looking for.

Then came the day to try on my wedding dress with all of my accessories (shoes, bra, etc) Wouldn't you know that my 5'7 3/4" frame, and these 3" heels caused my entire foot to show underneath my wedding dress! Mild panic set in, but I prayed that my magician of a seamstress would be able to do something to make my gorgeous shoes work with my dress! Unfortunately, her suggestion was "You need some lower shoes!! 3" heels are not going to work with this dress! Flats, in fact, would be perfect." Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Flats!!!! With my wedding dress!?!?!?!?!? Nooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, I reluctantly began my search for shoes that would work with my dress. I didn't want to do the "flats" thing, but after some long hard thinking, and deep soul searching, I decided that I'd probably be far more comfortable in flats. So, without further ado, here they are. I promise they look cuter on.

And the nice ting about these, I'll wear them after the wedding!!! Oh, and they were $50 less expensive than the first shoes I purchased. Oh, I suppose everything happens for a reason!

Also, I just had to add a photo of the adorable shoes I bought Tayler for the big day. She's going to look beautiful!!!!

Pom-Poms and Luminarias

Yesterday while browsing marthastewart.com, I found these absolutely adorable pom-poms! She gives complete instructions on how to make them if you should decide that these would be perfect for your next get together. I, myself, can not wait to use this idea to decorate for the next shin-dig I hold. Possibly Tayler's birthday...but I'm not sure I can wait that long!! These are too cute!!





Also, there is a suggestion of making smaller pom-poms and using them as napkin ring adornments. That Martha Stewart never ceases to amaze!





Here are the step by step instructions, should you decide you love these as much as I do!

Beacon Rock, here we come

Brian and I have been flirting with the idea of taking a camping trip this year. We took one together to Beacon Rock State Park when we first began dating, and really love the place. So, we've been trying to work another trip there, with Tayler this time, sometime this year. Honestly, it has not been easy! With one of my closest friends getting married August 25th, and me putting her shower together August 11th, PLUS the planning of our own day of union, it's been a challenge. BUT, we think we've got some stuff worked out, and we're aiming for a trip the last week in August! So, hopefully, if our work schedules cooperate, we'll be camping in no time!!!

Harry....Peter?

I just got a phone call from my mom, who is currently babysitting Brian's and my pride and joy. Evidently, her and my stepdad, Scott had a bit of a disagreement earlier today over the television in the family room at my mom and stepdad's house. In a nutshell, Tayler had been watching something, but Scott came in and changed the channel, MID SHOW (how dare he!), and Tayler was NOT happy about it.

Anyway, later in the afternoon, Tayler and mother were driving down the road when suddenly Tayler said to my mom "I'm really mad at Scott about Harry Peter!". My mother did not know what to think/reply/do about this statement! It made her wonder #1 what Brian and I were teaching Tayler and #2 how on earth she associated it with Scott. Come to find out, the movie Scott had turned off to watch television was Harry Potter, and our little sweetheart just was a bit confused on the title. My mom was more than relieved the actual reason for Tayler's fury.

Reunited (almost) and it feels so good!!!!

I just received an email from my best friend since the 6th grade. She currently, much to my dismay, lives in Ohio. BUT, she's purchased her plane tickets for our wedding!!!! Yeah!!!!

In celebration / anticipation of her arrival, I've decided to post a "blast from the past" photo.


I believe this photo dates back to around 1992. She's in the maroon t-shirt (Stussy, I'm fairly certain) and I'm in the mock-vest circa 1989, right next to her with the perm that just won't quit.

My Bridal Shower

My Bridal Shower was on Saturday July 14th at my good friend Mary Elizabeth Diaz's (almost Ennis!!!) house. (Yes, it took a while to get these pics downloaded) It was almost a surreal experience. As I sat there, surrounded by my friends and family, I kept thinking to myself "This is my BRIDAL SHOWER. Holy Cow!" I think maybe it made all of this that we've been planning for the past 8 months so real! Like, now that I'm having a shower, I must really be getting married!

My friends and family were there, and it was an amazing experience! My future sister in law Robin, my future mother in law Gwen, my mom, my sister, and of course, my wonderful friend Mary put so much work into putting together a really fun party with games, delicious food, and awesome "bride to be" type activities. I enjoyed every single minute of it. AND, as if the shower wasn't enough....

Brian's sister immediately had her pictures developed, organized the advice cards people filled out, and put together the most beautiful scrapbook album I've ever seen. All for me! She presented it to me later that evening when we had her over for a BBQ and I couldn't help but choke up! The things people wrote to me were so sweet and heartfelt, I felt so loved! I have such beautiful family and friends. I am so very blessed!

Later that night, Brian got to hear ALL about the festivities! If you look closely, you can see the scrapbook Robin made me in his lap!

Now, it's time for me to plan Mary's shower........it's coming up very quickly, and I hope I'm able to throw a party for her that is as wonderful as mine was!

"Whatever souls are made of, his and mine are the same." Emily Bronte

Hydrangeas!

I've been dying to plan hydrangeas for years, but haven't ever gotten around to it and or wasn't exactly sure where I'd place them. Ina Garten (Food Network's Barefoot Contessa) always has them blooming in her yard, and in vases on her tables. They look beautiful and I absolutely ADORE them!!

My wonderful fiance is creating an area in our yard, as we speak, for the beautiful hydrangeas (and a few other varieties) we purchased yesterday. I can't wait to have these gorgeous flowers growing in my yard!

Once we get them planted, I'll post photos.

If I Am Missing or Dead by Janine Latus

What a good book!!!! This is the true story of author's life, and the life of her family. It tells the story of her unhealthy marriage, and the story of the multiple unhealthy relationships her sister has. One of which that leads to her death. It discusses the short and long term affects of verbal and physical abuse. It really was interesting to read the author describe the excuses she and her sister made for the unfavorable men in thier lives.

This is the author's first book. I'm hoping there are more to come!

Family Day

I had such a wonderful day yesterday!

First thing in the morning I met with my trainer (6:30 am!) She worked me hard! My muscles are wonderfully sore today! Then, I went home, showered, and leisurely began to get ready. My mom came over a little bit later because Brian and I had an appointment with Pastor Martens about our wedding, and she was going to babysit Tayler and my two cousins, Trenton & Matthew, who'd spent the night. She brought everyone breakfast and began to do little chores around my house for me as soon as she arrived. She told me she had a lot of energy that morning, and that I should take advantage of her and get all of my laundry that needed to be washed! Wonderful!

Brian and I headed to our visit with Pastor Martens. We got the results back from a personality test we took at our last visit with him. It was really interesting. Brian and I each took a test for ourselves, and then took another answering for the other person. I got choked up because it made me realize Brian thinks I'm a better person than I give myself credit for. We then talked about details of our wedding ceremony and a little bit about our relationship. It's so nice to talk to Pastor Martens. He is really knowledgeable and often is able to put into words things that Brian and I have been feeling. We really enjoy chatting with Pastor Martens and are very excited for him to perform our wedding service!

From there, we decided to do a little bit of running around. We picked up Tayler, and went to lunch at the Village Deli. I just love that place. It's pretty small, but they have great soups and sandwiches.

After that, I went to get my hair cut and colored and Brian took Tayler to Home Depot where the bought some things for our yard.

When we got home Tayler laid down for a much needed nap, while Brian and I began some yard work. Well, Brian actually did the work. I picked some ripe strawberries and tomatoes out of our garden and washed them to snack on later!

After Tayler woke up, we had a small 'family pool party'. We swam, splashed and watched Tayler do some of her most recently learned tricks.

For dinner, we BBQ'd pork chops and enjoyed our meal outside on our patio. It was hot, but because we were all still wet from the pool, it was perfect!

I seriously don't think the day could have been better. I love my family so much!!!

Independence Day

Fireworks, friends, family, freedom and FUN!!!!

Happy Birthday Amber!

Today is the day, 27 years ago that my best friend since the 6th grade was born. Amber has been my friend through so many life changing events. She's seen me at my best, she's seen me at my worst. And through it all, she's remained a shoulder to cry on, a ear to vent to, and a person to laugh with. Her and I get together, and laughter comes so easily. My world is defiantly a brighter place becuase of the friendship I share with her.





She is one of the most generous, loving, and considerate I know. I love her dearly!

Welcome to Dayshift

Graveyard is over.......bring on the sunshine! Today is my first day of dayshift and can I just say, I couldn't be happier about it! Oh, I'm sure that in a few short weeks I'll be sick and tired of it, but right now...yeee haw!

Woodland Park Zoo

Play Ball!

Saturday we drove to Seattle to watch the Mariners play the Toronto Blue Jays. My uncle is able to get pretty good tickets for free through his job so our seats were close and the price was right! Ashlee and Dan drove up as well, and we took Trenton with us to the game. And since Trenton is Tayler's "boyfriend" it was basically a triple date. We all had a great time, even though the Blue Jays got their rears kicked!