A wedding, a hangover, and a really long road-trip

I'm sure you're all dying to see pics.....we kind of are, too. :) Days before the wedding Crissy's laptop decided to stop working and apparently needs the motherboard replaced. My laptop doesn't really work either. Fortunately, we have our iPad, but sadly....our photos won't upload to blogger from it. Sadness. You'll all see them in due time, though....

First, we really have to thank all of you for the really awesome wedding we had two weeks ago. Seriously. We couldn't have asked for better family and friends to help out, each in their own way - or for a more fun time. I'm not sure if you noticed or not, but Crissy and I really enjoyed ourselves. We loved being able to spent time with all of you, dance with you, chat with you and just all be in the same place at the same time. We're so happy to have moved the wedding indoors (even if it had not stormed during our ceremony) - and we can now say that we had a wedding at a funeral home, with a beverage tent inside. I mean, that's just not something the average person can say. :)

As I mentioned above, Crissy and I had a fan-freaking-tastic time. So much so that we've discussed the idea of a potluck BYOB Labor Day anniversary party each year. I mean, who doesn't want to get together each year, have a reason to celebrate, and party? Anyway....we might have had a tiny bit too much fun. Scratch that. We didn't have too much fun - we may or may not have had too much to drink. Someone made those cranberry & vodkas a little on the strong side. Shame on her. :-/ So, we have a few moments that we now find funny from the end of the night when I was feeling less than stellar.

Those hangovers we had though did not result in a great start to our really long road-trip to Florida for our honeymoon. We still weren't feeling all that great by Sunday evening when we, after showering and opening up a few presents, set out for our 21+ hour drive to Pompano Beach, Florida. Needless to say, we only made it to Marion, Illinois our first night. Feeling more rested, we got up early Monday morning and set off with the whole goal of making it to Florida. Well, stupid Tropical Storm Lee had a different plan. He decided to drop massive amounts of nasty, nasty rain on every state from Tennessee to Florida. It, no joke, rained from almost the moment we entered Tennessee to about 45 minutes from our destination in Florida (with the exception of a few moments of non-rain here & there). The rain through TN and GA was some of the worst I've ever driven through - and resulted in us pulling over several times because we couldn't see. That's also not counting the numerous times traffic was only moving at about 20mph due to visibility. Seriously - don't drive through a tropical storm. They're nasty beasts. We finally made it, though....and it was sunny! For the first 20 minutes we were at the condo. Clearly, we were doomed....the rain had followed us.

The rain did follow us - but only in the evening, after we were able to enjoy time at the beach each day. I wish I was able to post pics here right now....because everything was gorgeous. The beach was lovely - the sand was perfect and the water was clear. The condo was mere feet from the beach - and overlooked the ocean. There was typically a fantastic breeze while we were at the beach, keeping us from being too hot. Neither one of us got sick on the trip from heat or anything else (a first for us on a long trip). We took time each day to find somewhere new to go - different bars, restaurants or a new walk. Crissy refers to some of our nights as "food crawls" because we would find a local place, order a drink & an appetizer/tapas, sit for a while and enjoy that particular place - and then move on to somewhere else. We took full advantage of the 2-for-1 drinks most places offered before 7pm and the frequent half-price or $5 tapas at a variety of places. So, we tried new things and shared stuff....originally with the idea of saving a little money, but ending up just to have fun.

The best part of it all? Spending time together....time that we haven't had for quite some time. We were able to take walks, enjoy bands, have drinks, watch crap TV, enjoy a glass of wine outside, talk, laugh and have fun. Seriously, we just had fun...we enjoyed each other. And, it makes it that much harder when I return to work tomorrow and don't get to see Crissy as much.

We're home again, have put lots of things away, and are nearly back to "real life" again. I'm not sure there are words to summarize the feelings that come from the wedding and everything else. Our gratitude to people and our excitement for what our wedding was is nearly indescribable. We love all of you for your part in it. So, thank you. :-)

(ps - we'll probably keep blogging, so keep checking sometimes. :) We'll post wedding pics when we have them. And, you'll luck out - after that, it probably won't be about wedding stuff anymore. haha.)

Hair Nerves

First of all, thanks for your votes for my hairstyle, people.  :)  I will tell you that the winner is definitely one that was posted here on the blog.....I just won't tell you which one.  If you're bored already by the fact that this post is about my hair....well, then, you probably don't want to keep reading.

Here's the deal:  If you know me, you know how important my hair is to me.  Now, have I sometimes slacked on my care of my hair due to financial struggles....yeah, sure.  But, if money were not an issue, would I have my regular trim every 6-8 weeks and use high-quality shampoo and conditioner....and my fave highlights & lowlights every 3-4 months?  You bet!  Sadly, my hair has suffered.  It's always the poor unsuspecting ones who suffer the most....  But, seriously - my hair is a big deal to me.  Always has been (at least since high school and beyond).

This means that I don't just trust anyone to do my hair.  This leads to hair nerves #1.  Someone new will be doing our hair for the wedding.  Now, this has nothing to do with our undying love for Jenn....the famed hairstylist many of you have come to know and love, as well.  Seriously.  We love her.  But, sadly.....she's gotten too fancypants now and her prices are really just more than we can afford.  So, we're pretty lucky and know some other people who do (or did) hair.  Now, I'm really okay with the lovely Chaylene who will be doing our hair for the wedding.....and I *think* she'll do a great job.  The deal is, I just don't know.  We all know how I do with not knowing, right?  Yeah, I thought so. 

The real reason for the hair nerves, though?  Pictures.  No, I'm not really nervous that I won't like my hair.  It's honestly that I won't like the rest of me in the pictures.  You see, even if I don't like the rest of me in a picture, I can usually say that I like my hair.  It's the hair....it's always the hair.  The super awesome Clare took some amazing pics of us this past weekend that we'll post some day, we swear.  But, I'm pretty sure they wouldn't look nearly as amazing if my hair were back/up.  It's because my hair is down that I like them, I'm sure.  I mean, I will admit my smile isn't weird in a lot of them and my eyes are actually open....that totally helps.  Not to mention Crissy is in them....so gorgeous right there, right?  (cheesy, I know)

So, it leaves me wondering....how happy will I be with ME if I wear my hair up for the wedding?  I mean, I know it's hot out and all....but....you know.  What if my hair pulled back and up makes for less than pretty pictures - or even less than pretty in person?  We all have insecurities, right?  Well, there you go.... mine just went public.

Sorry & Hooray

First, I have to apologize for the weird formatting of the "home" page of the blog.  In order to accomodate the width of the RSVP option, I had to make some adjustments.  I swear after the whole RSVP thing is done, it will go back to "normal."

Along those lines, though....I'm pretty impressed with my RSVP page.  Google Docs has amazed me with their fancy forms and the ease and ability to embed things in Blogger.  That includes the whole Google Maps thing. 

The hooray is reserved for the fact that our invitations should be mailed out in the next few days (hopefully and fingers crossed).  This means that everyone will really be checking out the blog since it's how you all have to RSVP.  :-)  So, if you've never checked it out before now - the RSVP page is really the most important if you want to ignore all of the rest.  But, the other pages listed at the top are pretty great too....they let you find out about overnight accomodations, what we'll be eating and lets you request music for the reception.  Please comment for this...we really do want to know what people want to hear. 

Decisions, Decisions

Okay, so I've been able to make plenty of wedding decisions without input from others, but I'm really stuck on hairstyles.  The problem is that there are so many that I love!  I thought I knew what I wanted, but I just don't know.  So, that's where all of you come in.  Here are my main criteria for a hairstyle: (1) pretty; (2) will appear "loose" in the front (aka shows plenty of hair - aka not flat against my head); and, (3) can accomodate a large feathery flower.  I apologize in advance for how many choices there are - it really just shows how difficult of a time I'm having.  :-/

Here are your choices (letter corresponds to the picture above the letter):

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

A Sneak Peak

Okay, so I just cannot ruin the surprise of the invitations with a whole preview of what's to come....but I can give you little sneak peaks.  Trust me, there would be such a let-down if I showed you the whole thing on here before it even arrived to you in the mail.  So, without further ado....here are your invitation "teasers:"

BIG News!

We decided on a last name!  And, more importantly....we decided that we are changing last names.  BUT, we're not disclosing it yet!  You'll just have to wait and see....

Oh, and my cranky pants disappeared once I started working on the addressing of envelopes for the wedding invitations.  Let me just tell you that I LOVE them!  I can't wait until all of it's put together!

Cranky Pants

I try not to wear my cranky pants very often.  I mean, if you know me, you know they come out sometimes.  You also have figured out by now that when they do, they are for real CRANKY pants.  Lots of things can contribute to cranky pants.  And, I'm not the only one who gets them.  For some people they might look more like they're wearing "sensy slippers," but nonetheless....cranky pants happen.  And, man it sucks when they do.

As great as some things have been this weekend (Sugar Creek Arts Festival, time with friends, baby shower for Amanda and Doug, etc...) - my cranky pants are on BIG TIME right now.  I mean, we went for our first dress fitting yesterday morning.  Yay.....but Cranky Pants reason #1.  Both Crissy and I spending about $150 each to alter our dresses.  Ugh.  And, it just wasn't money we thought we'd have to spend up front right now.  We thought it wouldn't be due until the alterations were done.

You know those lovely blush colored high wedges in one of my recent posts?  Yeah, they're not really comfortable.  I wore them for about a whole whopping 15 minutes during my dress fitting so the height was right....but they hurt my feet.  This wasn't initially a cranky pants reason....but it became one today when I checked out the sale room at Von Maur for some of their options.  One, wedges either suck and aren't that great looking.  Or, the ones they have don't fit my feet.  Beyond that, I don't like wedges.  Honestly, they're so not my favorite shoe at all.  I love heels.  Love them.  I just want to wear heels....not stupid wedges.  The only wedges I liked today were these:

They're pretty cute on, really.  But, they're super slippery on the bottom.  And, they're made by Paris Hilton.  Ugh.  I don't want to support her.  They don't exactly scream bridal.  And, I'd love to think I'd wear with them with lots of other things - but again, I just don't love wedges.  But, after trying on all of these stupid wedges today....my cranky pants came on again.  So, cranky pants reason #2.

It's hot out.  I mean, that's not a shocker to anyone.  But, today's heat makes me cranky for some reason.  Reason #3.

Sometimes wedding stuff makes me cranky.  It's not that I don't want to get married.  It's that I don't want to stress about things.  Some days it's just so darn tempting to have a cookout and tell people if they want to come, they can.  No biggie.  But, then there are all of these pretty things sitting taking up space in our house...and man will it all look pretty.  And, it's what we want.  Really, it is.  Today I feel cranky, though.

I HATE having to stay in Farmersville all week, every week.  No offense to Crissy's parents - because it has nothing to do with them.  In reality, they take really nice care of me each week when I'm there.  It's just not home.  Crissy's not there.  I live out of a suitcase ALL the time - there and at home now.  And, I'm just tired of it.  I really can't wait for wedding expenses to be over so that our extra money can be used for gasoline in my car to get me home more often.  Today, this makes me ULTRA cranky.

We have lots of wedding tasks to do, lunches to pack, and my clothing packing to do for the week.  I don't want to make lunches or pack my clothes.  I don't want to do laundry.  I don't mind the wedding tasks....in fact, I really wish we could just sit down, have dinner and enjoy the evening making some of the other things for the wedding.  But stupid packing has to happen too.  Ugh.

Today I just feel like this:

Sorry for my ranting, rambling post.  But, now I need to go pout and do laundry.  :-(

Almond Joy's Got Nuts...

Crissy and I have been discussing a dessert table since about the time we got engaged.  I like variety...and really, I typically prefer about 2 bites of 3-4 different things.  Who on earth wants to commit to a full dessert, anyway?  So, we've been discussing things like cupcakes (obviously), lemon tarts/bars/tasty-goodness, fruit snacks, mini-pies, gluten free yummy-ness, and well, whatever struck our fancy.  As great as all of that is, Crissy doesn't LOVE any of it.  She'll eat some of those things....but she just doesn't love them.  What she does love is/are almond joys.  You know, those tasty little chocolate covered coconutty bites that come wrapped like this:

Wrapped candy just doesn't strike my fancy, you know?  So, I decided I'd experiment with a few recipes to see what was feasible for me to make for the wedding and not take up too much time.  I first tried an almond joy cookie recipe.  And, they turned out okay.  But, really - just okay.  Nothing spectacular, in my opinion - though, Crissy did like them more than I did.  So, this weekend I decided to try a recipe for "almond joy balls."  It's really a recipe for the actual candy.  They taste pretty darn close to the real thing.  Here is the recipe I used as my basis (from here):

Almond Joy Balls

Ingredients

• 2 (16-ounce) boxes confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
• 1 (14-ounce) package shredded coconut
• 1 1/2 cups chopped nuts
• 1 (12-ounce) package chocolate chips

Directions

Cream together sugar and butter in a bowl; add milk. Stir in almond extract, coconut, and nuts; mix well. Form candy into 1-inch balls. Place on waxed paper and refrigerate at least 3 hours. Melt chocolate in top of double boiler, stirring well. Remove from heat but allow chocolate to remain over hot water. (If chocolate becomes too thick, return to heat for a minute or so to thin). With a toothpick, dip each ball in chocolate and place on waxed paper until set.

Now, mind you - I don't typically truly follow directions or measure.  The only thing I did NOT measure this time was the almond extract.  Though, I should first note what I did differently than the recipe.  I did NOT use the chopped nuts - I used whole natural almonds (no salt or anything) and placed on top of the coconut ball portion before refrigerating.  I accidentally melted my butter rather than it just being softened.  Oops.  And, in addition to not measuring the almond extract, I used a little vanilla extract, as well.  I like almond - but it can be a really overwhelming flavor, in my opinion.  So, I used a little of each and I think it was a nice balance.  Oh, and I didn't dip into the chocolate....I spooned the chocolate on top.  I like it better.

BUT...here's what I would do differently next time:  I would use slightly less powdered sugar.  The full 32oz is really too much - and these are pretty rich and sweet.  I would use a smidge more coconut.  And, most importantly....I would make them into MUCH smaller balls than I did. Seriously, the way I made mine made somewhere around 40.  I think I should make them in such a small size that it makes at least 60, if not more.  They're so rich they really deserve to be 2-bite-size.  Tops.

Here they are in their delicious goodness:

Wondering if these will make an appearance at the wedding on the dessert table?  You bet your booty they will!  Crissy loved them (they really are pretty tasty) - and they're pretty easy.  Plus, it turns out....I think only one batch is needed.  Even better. 

Ta-Da!

Sorry, this post won't actually include any pictures - or really any "finished product."  However, that's how it feels to get so much done this weekend.  Sadly for us, "so much done" translates to "lots of money spent."  But, seriously...check out what all we have accomplished since I got home Friday night:

• Tried on, picked up, and paid final amount for my wedding dress.  Did I mention a woo-hoo for this one?  Because, seriously....I LOVE my dress!
• Ordered wedding bands through a lovely Etsy designer.  We can't afford the "ideal" wedding bands right now (we found those...they have diamonds and are lovely....just out of the "now" budget).
• Ordered Crissy's wedding shoes for the wedding.
• Ordered my shoes for the wedding.
• Picked up a very pretty pair of earrings for Crissy for the wedding - and they were a fantastic buy!
• Bought a whole bunch of wine and 2-18 packs of beer for the wedding.  No worries, there's more beer on the way....
• Found an AWESOME dress for me to wear for the bachelorette party and some other fun stuff coming up.  I don't always like things once they're on me....and finding a dress that fits really well isn't the easiest thing.  But, this one....it's fantastic!
• Bought bamboo torches to use with citronella for the reception area to keep some bugs away.
• Found Crissy a bachelorette party (and other fun stuff) dress.  It's such a fun dress - and she looks great in it!!!
• Crissy also found a fantastic pair of heels to wear with her sassy new dress.  Well, in reality - I found her a pair of shoes.  But, they're for her....
• We each found hair accessories.  I'm so excited to wear mine!

On top of that, my parents were wonderful enough to make a trip to UFS today to pick up far more vodka than most people buy in one trip and a bunch of other beer.  Not only were they nice enough to go and buy it, but it's even more appreciated since they didn't have much warning for it.  Thanks dad & Linda! :-)

While the rest isn't done as of this very moment....Crissy's parents are also buying/ordering some of the other stuff we need this coming weekend.  Things like paper lanterns, tablecloths and our remaining mason jars.  Thanks Mark & Ladonna!!

So much is finally coming together!

For the love of shoes

Do you know how hard it is to find a great pair of wedding shoes?  No?  Well, to complicate it further, Crissy and I decided we wanted/needed wedges for wedding shoes.  Not because we particularly love wedges.  Not because we found a pair we loved.  But, because it seemed like the practical thing to do.  You see, with a wedding and reception on grass...heels seemed impractical.  Which caused a lot of crying on my part.  I LOVE heels.  Gorgeous, impractical, lovely, tall, heels.  Like these:

Oh, how I wish I could justify these shoes.  I mean, I could justify them....just not for the wedding.  So, that leaves us with practical....which sometimes translates to not as fun.  Crissy's dress requires (or so she says) shoes that "go" with the dress more.  Mine?  Mine absolutely allows me to wear things like I normally would - loads of necklaces and "more" fun shoes.  I've done A LOT of searching for shoes.  A LOT.  But, when it came down to ordering them -I just couldn't spend extra money on shoes.  This is pretty tragic, really.  Well, at least if you know me.  I wanted to spend the $70 on this great pair with a row of organza flowers up the front with lovely straps all over the place.  And, really....$70 isn't that much.  But, for us....right now....that's a lot.  So, frugal it is.  And these are our wedding shoe selections:

Crissy's shoes (found on www.endless.com)

My shoes  (found at, you guessed it....Target)

Now, what you may or may not be thinking to yourself right now is....."Um, aren't these shoes just going to further emphasize Crissy's midge status?"  And, the answer is yes.  Of course.  Crissy will appear just as short as usual on our wedding day.  I know some brides refuse to wear heels on their wedding day so that their height is more similar to their groom's; however, I see a few things with this that I just can't get on board with.  1.  That whole groom thing.  That doesn't apply.  2.  Crissy is, and will always be, shorter than me.  Always.  3.  I love heels.  So, if I can't have some rockin' heels like I posted, I might as well be able have the extra heigh from these. Until, you know, several hours into the whole deal when they come off - as is typical for me.

You'll know it's a good party if my shoes are off at the end of the night.  :)

Have I mentioned how excited I am to marry Crissy? Because I am. :-)

Silverware Transformation

Remember how way back when we blogged here about our love of sporks?  You know, those cute and fun little bamboo utensils?

And, then....we were faced with the reality of the size of these things!  They're super small.  It was nearly impossible to hold one without your thumb taking up the whole "spoon" portion.  I mean, they are adorable and bamboo and easily compostable, but that wasn't enough to make up for the fact that they would irritate the heck out of almost all of our guests.

We then moved on to the idea of larger bamboo utensils.  Like these:

But, then we decided to consider other compostable utensils.  Stuff like this:

These are actually really cool - they're made from biodegradable starch.  You can buy them here.

We had some people make recommendations about the "Reflections" disposable silverware - you know, the plastic ones that supposedly look real.  Well, I'll be honest - tonight is the first I've ever looked into it...because they're plastic.  And, that's just not what we're (okay, we'll be honest again - *I'm*) going for.  But, I'm pretty impressed with how they look.  They really do look real - at least in pictures.

In the end, I totally lucked out, though.  I've been on the hunt on Weddingbee Classifieds for silverware (of the real variety) that some already married bride might be selling for super cheap.  Not to mention, I'd been checking places like Sam's Club and other places for affordable silverware.  And, then.....I lucked out last week.  I found a listing for someone selling something like 200+ sets of mismatched silverware - AND - they hadn't sold it to someone else yet.  So, for only $0.50 a set (yes, for a real knife, fork and spoon), we got the silverware we need for the wedding.  Plus, because Priority Mail ships for a flat rate regardless of weight....shipping wasn't horrendous either.  Hooray!!!  Crissy isn't nearly as excited as silverware as I am - but she does like that they're mismatched because it appeals to her whole eclectic/weird side.  :-)

So, we've now been spending the last few days running all of the silveware through the dishwasher for what is likely only round one of cleaning.  We're also pretty excited for when we buy the last thing needed for the silverware/napkin combos for the tables...so we can put it all together. 

I want this bedroom

Crate and Barrel

Holy Moly!

I think my "updates" status was a little premature.  I should have waited, really.  Because, while I was off of work this afternoon, Crissy and I spent some quality time at Michael's shopping for wedding goodies.  Crissy has told me stories about when she and Darci would go run errands and only one would be mentioned prior to going, but really....so many more would await one of them.  Somehow this was called "playing games" (or something like this - I can't remember every story I've heard).  So, I didn't hide any of my agenda items from Crissy today, but as we were walking out of the door is when I told her all of the things that were on my list to look for while at Michael's specifically.  To top it off, because of how our paychecks have fallen currently...it all also meant she had to pay today.  I think she wasn't a fan of "games" today.  She was a super trooper though.  Even after what may have been an hour or more in Michael's.

We picked up flip flops for the "flip flop basket" for only $0.80 a piece!!  Between a sale they were having today and a coupon I had, $0.80 is totally justifiable for this extra little thing we wanted to do.  Plus, I've wanted all of these cute little mini chalkboards to write the names of foods and desserts on, so people know what they're eating  - and what's gluten free.  But, seriously - those chalkboards are so stinking expensive, based on what they are.  So, Michael's had these little rectangular pieces of wood for $0.29 plus my 20% off coupon on everything - and I picked up some chalkboard paint....and (one day) voila!  We'll have mini chalkboards.  Not to mention, we picked up larger rectangles for the same process to take place - to use as table numbers/names. 

We also picked up more ribbon - we needed more to finish ribbon wands, more to use for big bows on the "drink tent," and some to use to wrap around the napkins/silverware.  Crissy and I spent some time tonight finishing up ribbon wands.  Check out all 80 of them:

I mentioned earlier that I've been on a hunt for labels in a very particular shape.  Well, before playing shopping games with Crissy today, I had decided that it might be more frugal of us to just buy a large scrapbooking punch and use the same shape for labels for the invitations and for the chalkboard labels for our mason jars for drinks.....plus anything else we might need that fun shape for.  Michael's had nothing.  Well, they had one mondo large scalloped circle.  But, boring, really.  So, we checked out Hobby Lobby, too.  And, Crissy is a savior.  Because in the midst of my grumpiness....she found a shape that is almost exactly what I was looking for.  Almost.  But, it's so exciting.  Check out the new shape with the chalkboard labels.  I can't wait to punch all of them out!

Last, but not least - the state of affairs in Crissy's office.  Her office has become wedding central for the time being and has been completely taken over by wedding goodies.  Here's proof:

Seriously, check out how many jars we have just sitting - waiting for candles and a glorious outdoor wedding:

I also have to apologize for today's lame posts.  Disregard the complete lack of originality and wit.  I must have used it all on the "FAQs" page I created on the blog....because these two posts have been complete and utter lamesauce.  But, at least you know we're alive - and doing something wedding related. 

Update

Okay, so we've been a little MIA lately.  Which seems to be the trend since I changed jobs....which is somewhat ironic since I'm actually done at work earlier than I typically used to be.  Oh well.....no one sent any search parties, so I guess you all weren't too worried.

Here are some updates:

• We bought my necklaces for the wedding last weekend.  I'm SOOO excited to get to wear them - and to see them with my dress when it finally gets in.  I'm going for the whole layered necklace look....and it's absolutely not traditional for a wedding.  But, I LOVE it!  I had found a necklace on Etsy that I loved and it served as the inspiration...
• We are slowly acquiring more mason jars.  Seriously, I should have taken a picture of all of them sitting out in Crissy's office at home.  We still need a ton more - but there's a decent amount of floor space that has been taken over by mason jars.  :)
• We've been on the hunt for affordable drink dispensers for a while now.  Originally, we were going to continue to use wine bottles for water, as well as the cranberry and vodka...until we realized how many MORE wine bottles that would require us to prepare.  So, drink dispensers it is.  We found a couple at Gordman's and with my handy dandy coupons, they were each only about $16 AND 3 gallon size AND glass not plastic.  Seriously, for drink dispensers....that's exciting!  So, with them being glass, they're a bit more consistent with the whole feel of the wedding (you know, the mason jars, wine bottles, etc...)
• A date was finally picked for the bridal shower and bachelorette party - August 6.  You know you want to come party with us.
• And, to appease the people who have asked if we're registering - and for those people in our families who we know will want a registry - we registered last weekend.  It took Crissy some warming up to the idea....I'm not sure she saw the "fun" in it until we were actually doing it.  But, it was a lot of fun to walk around and pick out things we either need, want, or need to replace.  
• Ribbon wands are "almost" all made.  I think we have about 55-60 made currently - which means only another 20 or so to make.  Hooray!!!  I love finishing projects!
• We received all of the stuff we need to make the invitations (except some pretty scalloped/bracket shaped labels that I'm still on the hunt for.  Ariel found me some lovely ones, but they're a smidge more than we want to spend....so, I'm still searching!)
• Clare started to handwrite the invitation so we can figure out exactly how it will be worded, angled and written.  She's awesome.  Seriously....just wait until you see her fancy writing on the invitation you receive.  You'll be jealous your handwriting doesn't look like that.  Well, unless it does....and then kudos to you too!  :)
• A few new tabs will be added to the top of the blog soon....so you should check them out if you want answers to FAQs (aka things you just might want to know) or if you have a burning desire to buy us a present.  Which, by the way, is not required, mandated, necessary, or otherwise an expectation.  We just want to have fun on our wedding day.  
• There are probably 8 million other updates, but I'm blanking on them right now.  So, instead I'll leave you with this adorable burlap bunting that really may have adorn our sweets table....but perhaps with the phrase "Love Is Sweet" instead.  It would be super easy to make.  :)

Oh, and ps - the wedding is 71 days from today.  That's INSANE!!!  There's still kind of a lot to do.  Good thing Crissy and I don't have major plans for the weekend....maybe we can get some stuff done!  Can't wait for you all to help us celebrate!!!

Ribbon Wands, Part 1

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to my Saturday evening:

Sometimes I get a little overwhelmed with tasks that need done.  They bring me anxiety because they're not done yet.  I am very much aware, however, that there is no need for most of these things to be done right now.  The thing is, though, that if I do them now - I know it's one less thing I'll have to worry about later.  Hello, crossing things off a to-do list is pretty great.  I know you all agree with me.  Nevermind the fact that Meghan was right when she asked me what I would be doing with them between now and the wedding and why they couldn't wait to be completed sometime around a shower later this summer or something when other people would be around to help.  Pish posh, Meghan.  I know you love to-do lists and crossing things off, too.  :)

So, craft night it is at our house.  I guess in lieu of the art fair we were planning on going to, we are being the "artsy" ones instead.  I mean, if you can call making ribbon wands "artsy."  I don't really think so...."artsy" might be a stretch.  Oh well.  It's creative.  Or something.

I knew I wanted ribbon wands, mostly since I first saw someone blog about them.  But, I didn't realize just how much I wanted them until I actually started making them.  I LOVE them!!!  They're so fun - and I have no doubt that they'll help facilitate beautiful pictures at our wedding.  Not to mention, being something people can hang on to, if they choose.  And, really....they're just fun.  Plain and simple.  Beyond loving them for what they'll do and how they look - they make me love our wedding colors even more.  The addition of eggplant couldn't be more perfect!  And, the original chocolate brown, apple green and peacock....LOVE.

Here are the whole whopping 4 ribbon wands I have made so far:

Sadly, the eggplant ribbon gets a little lost in the pictures

It's hard for pictures to really capture the fun-ness of them.  And, for you to really understand how great they'll flow when waved around.  You'll love them.  Trust me.

You're dying to see what they look like while being waved?  Yeah, I figured as much.  So you don't have to wait any longer, here you go:

Oh man, I just can't wait for it to finally be here!!!  105 days to go - holy crap!!!

Napkin Rings

I bet you're sitting there wondering why anyone would take any time to blog about napkin rings.  Well, my question back is: Are you really sitting there reading about napking rings?  The answer to both is clearly yes.  I won't bore you, though.  Know how in a recent blog I offered up some ideas for napkin rings?  Well, then I stumbled across pinback buttons and a site where you can create your own.  The fantastic thing about pinback buttons as napkin "rings" is that they would require virtually no effort on our part and they wouldn't be all that expensive.  Two completely awesome things.  So, we'd use ribbon to wrap around the napkins and pin the two ends of the ribbon together.  We could create our own design or we could use something like these:

We're nerds, so these seem fitting since we're both therapists

These clearly stay within the green color scheme

These are just fun

Buttons that promote being earth friendly seem pretty fitting with our day.....

Taking Care

You may have noticed by now that our blogging has slowed a little.  And, by "a little" I really mean that it has slowed to a turtle's pace.  We're sorry.  Well, I'm sorry.  I guess Crissy could have picked up the slack...but she's been a little busy taking care of me.

A while ago, I posted about big changes going on in our world.  One of those big changes was my change in job.  April 4 was the official first day - and well, things since about mid-March have been just a little bit nutty.  Preparing to leave ABC was difficult on many levels.  I love that place.  Not past tense...totally present.  Love.  That was a big factor as to why it was difficult.  But, beyond that - I just had a ton of shit that needed to be done before it could actually be my last day.  Case noting?  Not exactly my favorite thing to do.  Nor is closing files.  Good thing Lynn loves me despite these flaws.  So, as my days at ABC came to an end, I was spending lots of late nights at the office.....and not blogging.

Speed up a few days to the start of my new job at SIU.  And, well, it's been something of a time warp - or a time slug.  It's really hard to say whether it has flown by - or if it has taken for.freaking.ever.  Needless to say, I haven't felt like life is normal yet.  I think it's slowly starting to get there, but I just don't quite think we're at normal yet.  I now get up at 5:30 in the morning.  Every morning.  If you have EVER met me, you know this isn't exactly something I'm fond of.  My ideal working hours?  10am to 2pm.  Those are my prime waking hours.  That or about 8pm to 11pm.  Either way - 5:30am is not it.  Beyond that, there's the driving.  The anxiety.  That's a whole other paragraph, though it could be its own post, really.  There's the lunch making the night before.  There's the outfit picking out the night before.  There's really just about everything crammed in before bed.  Ugh.

Here's the deal.  I hate change.  I think I've mentioned this more than once.  Change brings me anxiety.  Not feeling confident in what I'm doing?  You guessed it, anxiety.  Driving in bad weather?  Yep, anxiety.  New social settings?  Anxiety.  Fear of failure?  Anxiety.  So, you know what this job change has done to me?  Brought on a hell of a lot of anxiety.  Seriously.  I'm not kidding.  I'm not sure I've ever needed Xanax like I do now.  But, since I hate meds...which is ironic since I now work for the psychiatrists.....I'm not going to do anything about it.  It will get better.  It has a little.  It's just slow moving.

More anxiety?  Picking out clothes.  I HATE picking out clothes.  And, subsequently....Crissy now hates picking out clothes with me.  :-/  Sorry, honey.  She's pretty great, though.  Nearly every night, we go upstairs early (so we can actually get to bed at the desired time) so we can find my clothes.  I never know where any of my things are - and she's brilliant and always finds them.  Man, I would literally be lost without her.  Or, well, I guess more technically - my clothes would be lost without her.

There's been no time for blogging because I've been so wrapped up in dealing with all of these changes and still trying to have a seemingly normal social life, all while Crissy has been taking care of me.  Which leads me to what will likely be a sappy moment.  Consider this your warning.  You can choose to either scroll past the cute bulldog puppy and read the sap....or just stop here.  Again, your choice. You've been warned.

(This pic is special for Crissy - she'll love it)

Okay, here's the deal.  I'm in Farmersville staying with Crissy's parents right now (gas conservation, people), so this makes me typing all of this less weird.  No worries.

I've always known Crissy was amazing.  I mean, it's exactly why I want to marry her.  But, sometimes things happen in life that just reaffirm what we've always know, you know?  Crissy has always been supportive....amazingly, crazy, supportive.  Of everything.  Crissy shows her love in many ways, but since I started this new job, it's been in ways I never expected.  Crissy helps me find clothes nearly every night - even though she hates it - because she knows it will keep me from freaking out at some point.  Crissy peels my oranges, as we make my lunch for the next day together....even though her hands are *too sensitive* for the cold of the orange.  She's learned to make coffee and sometimes gets it ready at night, instead of me.  She goes to bed early with me.  She doesn't complain *too* much when bedtime ends up being later than planned because of aforementioned freakouts over clothes.  Crissy has taken care of me in ways I didn't know I needed taken care of.  I can only hope that I give as much to her as she gives to me.  Because, man, I'm one lucky lady and I love her tons.

Fun Stuff

Crissy and I definitely want a classy event.  There's really no doubt about that.  But, we also really want people to have fun.  Lots and lots of fun.

I mean, what else says fun, than something like glow sticks?!?!

See?  Fun!

And, neatly arranged before people grab them

One of the reasons I really like them, though?  They could be used to help light the way back to people's cars (or tents) at the end of the night.  I mean, I know they're not a flashlight....but they might help.  Humor me, here.  It will make people safer, I'm sure.

OMG!!! It wasn't my plan to post yet another picture of a gorgeous backyard in this post, but when you find one.....well, you just have to post it.  It's that simple.  Check it out:

Dad and Bill - I hope you're taking notes.  I'm not really sure how to make that happen...but there must be a way.  And, it will be gorgeous.  :-)  And, I'll buy you a drink that day as a token of my appreciation....hahaha...

More fun stuff?  The idea of a one-man piano show.  Think dueling pianos...but, well, not dueling.  We're not really committed to this one yet, but we know it would be fun.  Thanks, Bill, for adding more to the "dream" budget.  :-)  I can always count on you to spend more money.  Really, though, we'd love it.  We're just not sure we're going to have the money to spend.  So, you'll have to actually show up to find out if we have live entertainment or the ever-so-trusty iPod entertainment.  You'll love it and dance either way.  Guar.an.teed.  I'm not kidding.  You WILL dance.

We've already shared that people can camp out at my parent's house in the yard if they want to.  Or, maybe we haven't.  Maybe I was saving that for its own post.  Who knows.  But, the deal is:  if you can't pay for a hotel room, love camping, or just don't think you'll be able to walk at the end of the night....my parents have a large yard that you can put a tent in to sleep off your drunk in.  Just don't puke in the pool.  Or be too loud.  Or leave gross bathroom-like-remnants in the yard.  There, those are the rules.  For now.

I figure the backyard will look something like this

It seems like somewhere along the way Crissy and I channeled our inner hippies...with the whole camping, burlap, recycled bottles, glow sticks, and such.  But, we're really excited about it.  Plus, Crissy has always claimed she has an inner hippy.

Another fun idea?  Owl cake toppers.  Crissy loves owls.  I think they're pretty cute, too....but I'm not nearly as obsessed as she is.  But, owl cake toppers at one of our events would be pretty swell.  These are from Claylicious on Etsy (of course).  One in the "grape purple" and "robins egg" would be super cute together, don't you think? 

Napkin rings/napkin holders.  Yes. I'm serious right now.  I don't know that we're actually doing any of these things, but check 'em out:

And, then, I LOVE LOVE LOVE everything about this:

Source

Thanks to the site for that lovely little wooden inspiration board, I think we just found a wine box for the wine ceremony.  :-)

They have so many things!!!

Ok.  I think I need to stop.  But, seriously....there will be loads of fun stuff.  Or, well, let me rephrase.  There will be loads of stuff that I (we) think is (are) fun.  :-)

I've thought of having things like ladderball (or whatever other people call it) and bags.....but then, I fear people wouldn't dance with us.  We want dancing.

Tempting, though, right?