The Next Chapter Begins With "I Do"

Perfect.

Thats the only way to sum up the wedding. 

Everything was just like we wanted. Everything went smoothly and everyone had fun.

It was perfect!

And if there was some mishap no one told me about it ;)

Saturday morning I awoke early and showered. With my hair wrapped up in a towel I took my time as I went around making sure that I had everything and double checking that it was all packed in the bags by the door.

Most things had been taken up yesterday but there are always those few things that get forgotten about. Plus I had the bags with the Groomsmen and Bridesmaids gifts. 

The Groomsmen gifts were so cute, I thought! Marine got each guy a small bottle of Gentleman Jack and a cigar and then we placed those inside cigar boxes. Each box was a little different. And the guys loved them!

The bridesmaids gifts were a combination of things. First I purchased black tote bags from Oriental Trading and then in Photoshop I created a layout and printed it onto iron on transfer paper, ironed them on and WAHLA! Each bridesmaids bag was customized with their name and the meaning of their name. They were all the same layout but I also changed up the color trying to make the background each girl's favorite color.

They turned out so good! Inside each bag was a bottle of wine, a Bath & Body works purse size lotion and hand sanitizer, Mason Jars with Bath Salt that I fixed up and something for them to wear the day of the wedding. I saw these little rings on Etsy and loved them! I ordered them with black bands and ivory flowers.

I also made Alice and Red a bag and gave them a ring as well as their gifts for keeping the guest book and passing out programs.

Vixen and Blondie arrived at the house about 9 a.m. Chick-fil-a mini's in hand. The curling iron's and rollers were plugged in and we quickly got to work. 

By 11 we were leaving the house and I was texting everyone to tell them we were heading to the wedding location.

I stopped along the way and picked up Roomy-Wife so she could spend the day with us instead of the boys. Of course I had forgotten the wine to drink while we got ready, because of course you have to forget something on a day like this!

No worries though. Roomy-Wife and I picked up a chicken finger tray, a bottle of wine and stuff for mimosa's. Yep we were ready! lol

Once we arrived at the Cabin we the other girls were there already getting ready and scrambling around. Hollywood sat me down and started on my makeup. I was transformed formed from my previous plain Jane state. The make-up was subtle but really made my eyes pop. I have to admit, I'm not sure I had ever looked more beautiful. 

Then it was time for the dress. With help from Vixen, LC, Giggles and Nurse Betty I was able to step into the dress and then it was time to slide on my boots...

The day went so smoothly and we stayed on schedule all day! Which is pretty hard to believe! Pictures started at 1 p.m.




My Bridesmaids and I went first. We had quite a large wedding party...... On the bridesmaid side was Giggles (matron of honor), Vixen, Nurse Betty, Hollywood, LC, Blondie, Conscious, and Babbles.

They all looked beautiful! Instead of having them get identical dresses (which our way to expensive) I had told them to all just wear a knee length black dress. The affect was beautiful. 

After our pictures I was whisked back upstairs to wait while it was the guys turn to take pictures. 

Me & Giggles enjoying a Mimosa

The girls were all afraid I was going to spill something on my dress, because lets face it my Klutz track record is not so good, so they made me put the robe I had worn during hair and make up on over my dress.

I said it made me feel like a boxer! lol

Everything was done, now it was just time to wait. I of course paced a little, anxious to get the show on the road.

Not once though was I ever nervous. I was so calm and relaxed the entire day. I think it helped that everything was on schedule and I wasn't having to rush for anything. 

Also my dress was so comfortable it was easy to be relaxed.

At 3:45 I headed downstairs and outside to wear Miss B awaited.

She stood so patiently like she knew that today was different than every other day. It was special.

I swung up on her and Vixen arranged my dress before heading back inside to wait on her cue. 

I road Miss B down the road a short ways so that I would be out of site of the house and the guests. 

I was so anxious.

I'm not very good at waiting.

Miss B as if sensing turned around and touched her nose to my boot. She twitched her upper lip across the top of my boot while looking up at me. Her way of telling me "It's ok, we got this."

And with that lip twitch a wave of calm once again washed over me. 

I leaned down over her neck stroking her flowing mane. 

I couldn't believe this was all really happening. Her I was astride Miss B in a beautiful wedding dress about to marry the man of my dreams.

How did I get so lucky?

From where I sat I could hear the music playing telling me that my bridesmaids were now making their way from the cabin to the ceremony below. Then I could hear the laughter rise from the crowd. I smiled to myself as I pictured one of my ring bearers (Hollywood's son) heading down the aisle in his wolverine mask. 

And then I heard the music change and it was my song. 

"Ok Miss B, lets go." I tapped her sides slightly with my boot heel and guided her around the cabin and down into the grass. 

As we rode along a million things crossed my mind, the main one being 'please let me dismount without flashing anyone'.

Luckily I was able to do so and then handed Miss B off to a friend before proceeding to where Mom awaited me.

We held hands and proceeded down the aisle to wear she gave me away to Marine. 

The ceremony was short, sweet, and to the point - just the way we wanted it.

When the Preacher said "You May Kiss Your Bride" I expected a soft quick kiss..... boy was I wrong!

Marine grabbed me tightly and nearly swept me off my feet as he dipped me back and kissed me. We both came up laughing at the surprise.

We headed back down the aisle as Mr. and Mrs. Marine both just smiling from ear to ear.

Afterward we did some group pictures and a few quick shots of the two of us. Honestly we didn't spend that much time doing pictures because we didn't want to keep our guests waiting.

We had said the reception should start without us and boy did it ever!!

When we walked up the hill the drinks were already flowing and the food was nearly gone. We had prepared for a 100 guests when in reality we ended up having around 130. 

But it was ok. The DJ was in full swing and everyone seemed to be having a great time!

Upon our arrival the DJ asked us to come to the dance floor where he explained the story behind our First Dance song and how Marine had chosen it while he was in Afghanistan. The song was Josh Turner's Soulmate.

Marine and I danced and then the rest of the wedding party joined in.

Afterward the party really started! I danced so much my feet hurt.

Everyone kept telling us it was the best wedding they had ever been to.

Between dancing Marine and I tried to mingle and talk to everyone. Talk about exhausting!

Then Vixen called for a toast.

She got a little chocked up and nearly made me cry. As the tears welled up in my eyes I had to remind myself I wasn't sure if my face was waterproof!! I dabbed at my eyes trying hard not to let the tears fall.

Next up was Hollywood who gave a funny toast about my and Marine's first date.

Then Ford Guy took the microphone and with a deep breath started his toast of marriage advice for Marine. It was hilarious, I will have to see if I can get a copy of it from him.

After the toast we headed over to cut the cake.

Bridal Cake

Grooms Fishing Cake

I wish I could tell we I knew from personal taste testing that this cakes were delicious. Sadly this is not the case. Marine and I even forgot to feed each other cake!! WHOOPS! lol

Marine and I were so busy we didn't get a chance to eat any of the food or cake. But from what we were told it was all delicious. At least we had some cake left over so we could decide for ourselves ;)

We danced the night away. I had so much fun! And I love Marine's Marine friends. They are just the best group of guys. And 2 of them were definitely the life of the party, dancing the entire time and encouraging everyone else to dance.

Roomy Wife about my girls, "You have the best group of friends! They are all so nice."

They are the best and I am so lucky to have them!! They truly made our day wonderful!

At the end of the night on the way back home Marine and I realized we had not eaten all day and stopped at McDonald's Drive-Thru where we ordered 2 double cheeseburger combo's and large sweet tea's....

Marine, "Happy Wedding Dinner! Maybe we should have sprung for the supersize......" lol



More to come................

Lily: So that's what happened to the bouquet. Well, good for Victoria, that's an evil tradition.
Ted: So wait, you're not gonna have one at your wedding?
Lily: Hell, yeah, I'm gonna throw that flower grenade and yell "Crawl for it, Bitches!" 

The Royal Wedding & Bachelor / Bachelorette Party Weekend

Getting ready for bed......

E, "So you gonna get it up with me in the morning to watch the Royal Wedding?"
Marine, "Sure."
E setting the alarm.
Marine "What are you doing?"
E, "Setting the alarm so we can get up and watch the wedding."
Marine, "Oh you were serious?!"

Every little girl at some point or other pretends to be a princess. She dreams of growing up and marrying a Prince, and riding off in a horse drawn carriage to live her life happily ever after inside a magical castle.

Today Kate Middleton got to live that dream.

Images Take From MSN

Kate was stunningly beautiful. Her dress classic and timeless. 

I would like to tell you that I woke up and watched the wedding. In reality my alarm went off at 4:30, I turned on the TV and fell back asleep. But I had recorded it so when I was getting ready for work I watched a replay plus the live coverage still going on Good Morning America. 

Today Will and Kate got there fairytale wedding and it was lovely.

I wonder though if that was really the wedding they wanted? Or would they have rather had a small ceremony with just close friends and family out on an English hillside?

Interesting thought, huh?

Well my household is in full wedding swing! Marine leaves this afternoon for his bachelor party. They are taking their horses and going riding / camping. The campsite has been set up so that some of his friends who don't ride can still meet them and camp. 

We went grocery shopping last night for the trip and 2 cases of beer, a pack of steaks, and buggy full of  food later I was left to believe there may not be as much riding as there is drinking and eating! ;)

Tonight I plan on frantically finishing up favors, working on programs and on center-pieces........ and oh yeah trying to clean because our first wedding house guest arrives WEDNESDAY!!!!

Have a mentioned we are in the new place? Have I mentioned we still have boxes that have not been unpacked? Have I mentioned there IS STILL a pool table in the middle of our living room that needs to be moved? Yeah, still lots to do!

Then tomorrow is my bachelorette party...... and I have no clue what we are doing! Giggles and Vixen have kept it top secret and all I've been told is to pack 2 bags and to be at Vixen's at 1 p.m. One of the bags is supposed to be work out clothes and high heals........ what kind of combination is that?? I'm scared. I admit. lol

Monica: Who else do you want to invite?

Chandler: Uh, no no no. Just Ross and Joey is embarrassing enough.

Ross: Actually, sorry, I can't even make it. I'm seeing Mona again tonight.

Chandler: I understand. Who'd cancel an actual date just to go to a fake bachelor party?

Joey: (On the phone) I'm sorry, I've gotta cancel tonight, baby.

~ Friends ~

Picture Perfect Vintage Wedding

To say Blondie's wedding was GORGEOUS would be putting it mildly. It was truly picture perfect in every way.

Her Step-dad is also amazing and did such a wonderful job decorating the old barn that was used as the wedding back drop.

Words just don't do it justice so allow me to show you.......

Location

Bridesmaids Flowers

Boutineer

And Blondie's mom came up with a very creative idea that totally tied in to Blondie's "Vintage" theme. Instead of a guest book, guests signed an antique window.

Guestbook

Bridal Cake

Groom's Cake

Cutting the Cake

Delicious looking fruit that I was to busy to try :(

Me & Marine

The groomsman decorated the car......

This is just a sneak peak...... more to come!

Friday Fun Day

So I decided the new job would be the best thing in the long run for Marine and myself.

I tried to quit my current job........ and apparently I don't know how to quit right....... because somehow I was told to think about it over the weekend and let them know my decision Monday.

That makes twice this week I have tried to turn in my notice and failed....... is the universe telling me something?

**Sigh**

So the flood of confusion and indecision is back. What to do, what to do?!?!?!?!?!?!

Ok. Enough of that! It's FRIDAY!!!!

Marine and I spent our first night in the new place Wednesday night.

It was wonderful!

The place is not done. But its closer. The Dish guy is coming today to hook up our service. The new patio doors should be installed next week....... so now we just have to get the pool table out of the middle of what will be the living room and get it into the other part of the basement!!!!

Hopefully Marine can recruit a few friends for man power this next week! ;)

This weekend is Blondie's big day!!

We have the wedding rehearsal tonight and the wedding is tomorrow at 2:00.

Last time I will be a maid of honor.

I am SO happy for her. And I wish her a lifetime of smiles and happiness.

Chandler: You told us both we could be in the wedding? 

Rachel: Well, in my defense, you were not supposed to tell each other. 

~ Friends ~

Standing At The Crossroads

Sometimes in life we stand at a crossroads. 

When that time comes we all asks ourselves a question we have no way of knowing the answer to, "Which path is the right one to take?"

~ E. ~

Life happens fast.

And mine seems like a whirlwind lately!!

So lets update.

The wedding will be here in 25 days. 3 weeks.

Taken From Google Images

Wow, I have so much last minute little details to do!

Plus a zillion other things it seems!!

Marine also started school last week. He is going to farrier school (a.k.a. horse shoeing school).

They offer a 2 week program, a 6 week program and a 12 week program.

Since the G.I. bill covers the tuition Marine is taking the 12 week course. Today starts his second week. After this week though he will take off till after the honeymoon and then start back up.

The class week is Wednesday thru Sunday and then he is off Monday and Tuesday. The school is about 2 hours away and board is included in the tuition so with the price of gas so high he has been staying over during the school week.

So far he is enjoying it. Which I am so glad!

Now for me?

Well remember those crossroads I mentioned earlier?

Yeah I'm standing there unsure of which way to go.

When I started my current job I took it with the idea in mind that it was only temporary till I could find something else...... that has been 3 years ago come July.

Now at first I wasn't to crazy about the job. But I've actually come to really enjoy it. I like the change of pace and I love all the people that I work with. Not to mention I have GREAT bosses.

But in the past year it has gone from 40 hours a week to 32. I still get benefits (vacation time, and personal time) as if I were working 40 hours though.

When i got cut back I just picked up a second part time job.

Not the most ideal situation but its worked.

I still new that this job was just that.... a job. It's not a career. It's not something I see myself doing in 5 years.

Its more like I'm in a comfort zone and until something better comes along I'm content staying right where I'm at.

I know this isn't the best attitude to have and I think it really all boils down to the fear of failure.

Silly I know.

And that I'm not a big fan of change.

However this week I have been presented with a job opportunity. The company that Blondie works for is looking for a full time person.

The pros:

• It's a steady 40 hours a week. 
• It's Monday thru Friday
• They offer paid Vacation Hours
• They offer insurance that would not only cover me but Marine also

The con's

• It would pay a $1 less an hour than I make now
• It's would be a commute of about an hour and half --- so have to figure in rising gas prices

If I were to be totally honest I really don't think its a job I would like. It's the same thing everyday. But I don't know till I try. 

The bottom line is it would give us insurance. Something which would save us about $600 a month. Plus if I have a job with insurance I know Marine won't join the reserves. Something I really don't want him to do.

The only other reason I hesitate is because Blondie says they would want me to start the end of April. 

A new job a week before the wedding? Thats a lot of extra stress.

Plus what about the honeymoon? I'm sure you have to work there so long before the vacation time kicks in.... Right now I have over 90 hours of paid time off saved up at my current job. I had planned on using some of this for the honeymoon and to take off the day before the wedding. I really can't go a week without a paycheck......

Ahhh what to do what to do.

All of these are questions I will address at the interview. But of course I worry about all the angles upfront. I mean heck they may not even offer me the job! But what if they do?

Which path is the right one to take? Do I stay at the job I enjoy? Or do I take a job that would be best for our family?

Blondie's Last Night

Sunday morning I stood under the shower letting the warm water wash off the drunk from the night before. Hot water may have never felt so good.

Saturday night was Blondie's lingerie / Bachelorette party.

Per her request we had rented a cabin for the night. All the bridesmaids brought a tailgating dish and adult beverages. 

I got there early along with Blondie and Nashville Chick (who is another bridesmaid). We sat on the porch visiting and enjoying listed to the creek flow by down below. 

That was perhaps the only calm part of the evening!

Soon the other girls and guests began to arrive and the fun began!! I had prepared a batch of Pink Panty Droppers (a Vivi Special) for the party, the drinks were poured and the party began!

Blondie opened her scandalous presents. Some tasteful, some down right slutty. I of course was guilty of getting her the latter of the two. ;)

We have all been taking bets on how long it will be before Blondie gets knocked up so one of the other bridesmaids slipped in a pregnancy test with her gift.

I truly admire Blondie and her confidence. I myself am so shy that I'm practically a prude (sad but true). Blondie had invited her mother and future mother-in-law, who are both great, but I couldn't help thinking how uncomfortable I'd be opening these type of presents in front of my mom and future mother-in-law. Don't get me wrong I'm tight with both of them but no need to show "this is what I'm going to wear when I do your son later." lol

It went great though! Both mom's even participated in our little game of pin the penis! haha

We didn't have a blindfold so Blondie put one of her new presents to work........ (thanks to Conscious for the leopard print blindfold).

It was an interesting game to say the least..... and like usual Vixen won. We all think she cheats.

Then Vivi had to go and pull out the veil.

Now there is some back story to the veil. Everybody gets a turn with it! Giggles refused to wear it at her bachelorette party and we decided to leave it at the hotel. So when Vivi pulled it out several of us gasped in shock!

"The veil lives!"

Blondie takes one look at it, "Ah hell."

Yes this veil has a little bit of everything on it..... KY, Condoms, Empty Birth Control pack...... you name it!

Vivi also pulled out THE monster bottle of crown she bought on the last cruise we all went on together.

We all laugh and say that when we're 80 we are going to be sitting around on a front porch somewhere still drinking on this bottle of crown!

 It was a fun night and my only regret was not spending more time right here.....

Robin Scherbatsky: Check out what I got Lily for her shower! It's kind of racy; think you can handle it? 

Barney: I've been in a ten-way, so... yeah. 

~ How I Met Your Mother ~

Ten Years.... where did it go?

Last night I went to diner with the girls; Red, Giggles, Conscious, Babbles, and Blondie. Over diner the topic of high school reunions came up. For us older ones in the group our 10 year reunion is fast approaching. As in few months.

As we talked it really hit me. I've been out of High School TEN years. Now thats just not something you think about on a daily basis. TEN years. Wow. Where has the time gone?

I enjoyed high school but I was happy to leave those days behind. I feel like I should still be in college or college age though instead of approaching 30's door.

TEN YEARS!

Kinda makes you think..... All those teenage dreams that have fallen by the way side. The things that didn't turn out as planned. The things that turned out better than you could have hoped. Ten years.

Are you the person you thought you'd be?

Romy: The reunion is less than two weeks away. I just can't believe that you turned down a job! 

Michele: Well, I thought the whole point of going to the reunion was to impress people. I mean, how am I gonna impress ANYBODY by selling ban-lon smocks at Bargain Mart? 

~ Romy and Michele's High School Reunion ~

Something About A Guy With A Guitar

There's just something about a guy with a guitar.

Maybe I should back up here.........

Friday night Blondie, Babbles and myself went to the local pub for diner and drinks. On Friday nights there's usually somebody playing music.

We got there before the music had started and chose the only open table, which happened to be right in front of where the musician had set up. As our food arrived so did the musician.

He was mid-20's. Kinda cute but didn't give it much thought as I dove into my diner.

And then he started to sing.
Oh my gosh. He sounded just like Jason Aldean --- who is so on my top 5 list by the way.

Needless to say Blondie and I just kinda stared star struck.

This guy was awesome.

In that instant he went from normal 'everyday guy' to 'hot guy with a guitar guy'.

"If we were single we'd so be taking him home with us tonight just to make him sit on the back porch and sing." I tell Blondie.

She dies laughing, "If we were single I'd already be working on it."

Babbles just laughs and shakes her head at us.

We listen to him play as we continue to talk and enjoy our meal.

After diner I return home and am on the phone with Marine telling him about my day.....

"You know if you would learn to play the guitar and would sing to me you'd be the perfect guy."

"Sounds like somebody has a crush."

"I'm just saying there's something sexy about a guy that can play guitar."

He just laughs. Which is one of the million reasons I love him. He knows I'm crazy and yet he loves me anyway. lol

But seriously you know I'm right. There's just something about a guy with a guitar.

Ted: Have fun on your double date.

Lily: For the last time, I'm sorry, there was a lull.

[flashback to the bar]

Gael: Then, we lay on the beach and counted the stars.

Lily: Do you wanna have dinner with me - us?

[flash back to present]

Marshall: There was no lull. You just think he's incredibly hot.

Lily: No, I don't! Not incredibly. 

~ How I Met Your Mother ~

Expressing My Creative Side

I have always loved photography.

I can't paint. I can't draw (no matter how hard I try). But I can take pictures.

Taking pictures allows me to express my creative side. 

Normally I prefer to take pictures of places:

Or things in nature....

Or my animals...

Or inadament objects....

I also take lots of pictures when my friends and I go some place or have a get together ---- on more than one occasion Blondie has threatened me with death by camera strap. And poor Marine didn't know what he was getting himself into when he gave me a tri-pod!!

But anyway.....

I got my first hi-tec camera the Christmas of 2001. I was college freshman, a journalism major with dreams of working for National Geographic. Hey we all dream big, right?

A few weeks ago I took engagement pictures for Blondie as a favor. 

This weekend I got suckered into doing pictures for Hollywood; of her, her little boy, and her boyfriend. Anyone that does photography for a living..... especially child photography has my utmost respect!!!

After 2 hours with a three year old I was at my wits end. Don't get me wrong I love the kid... but in case you forgot he is also the one that left me scarred for life by this moment.

The pictures turned out quite good though if I say so myself. Here are just a few (non-faces of course):

In other posts I've been asked:

• What kind of camera do you use?

I use a Canon Rebel --- which I LOVE!!! I started out with the film version in 2001 but several years ago I upgraded to the digital version. Mine is a little older and only 8 mega-pixel, but it still works great!

Of course I have a long wish list of things I would love to have for this camera such as several new lenses, a snap on flash, etc. But all thats expensive..... So I stick with the few lenses I have and just make them work!

• What do you use to edit your photos?

I drool for a new version of Photoshop (which I will have to break down and buy soon for school) but thats expensive and if you know nothing else about me, you do know I'm a girl on a budget. With that said I use several things (sometimes all of them on one photo just to get it the way I want).

I use an antiqued version of Photoshop Elements -- seriously like 1990's version..... ok maybe not that old but early 2000's at least.

A great web based service that offers simple edits is photoshop.com and best of all it's FREE! Just upload your photo and go. This takes some time to learn to use if your not familiar with Photoshop. 

A few tips I learned the hard way..... upload the picture to "Photoshop Express Organizer" first before doing anything. In order to save the picture to your computer as a jpeg file I had to email it to myself after editing. Not really much trouble but does take some extra time. On my computer this program ran slow.... which can be a pain at times but maybe it's just my computer.

Another web based service is picnik.com -- this one has some features you can use for free but in order to have full editing access you can pay by the month or by the year. I started out using the free service and then I liked it so much I decided to try premium for a month. After that first month I was hooked and went ahead and joined for a year.

It's easy to use and you can get as technical as you want. If you just want simple they have all kinds of set filters you can use to alter you picture. Or you can manually make adjustments to achieve the look you want. It's great! And it's so easy anyone can use it!

Hope this answers those questions for those that asked!

How do you express your creative side?

"You don't take a photograph, you make it."
~ Ansel Adams ~