Wedding - Getting Ready

I have been quite slow on the wedding posts these days. I actually only have one written about the accessories,  rehearsal, and the morning of the wedding. I just want to take my time so I can really remember the details and write from the heart of how I was feeling. And boy was I feeling a lot. Slow and steady wins the race, right?

As Jeff and I were driving by Men's Wearhouse last night I have sudden rush of memories flood in. I started remembering the times Jeff and I went to pick out the tuxes and what he was going to be wearing standing there to take my hand as his bride. I remembered the time he got fitted for the last time and how handsome he looked. Then I started thinking of all the planning we all did. The work. The memories. The time, blood, sweat, and tears so many people put into our wedding. I was really just floored with thankfulness, yet again. Oh how I miss planning with my mom, family, friends, and Jeff.

Today is all about the pre-wedding. The one thing I will not include just yet is when I talked to Jeff before the wedding. That is a whole other post in itself. Today will be everything else that happened before I actually walked down the isle with my handsome dad and said "i do" to my husband. Those moments that were so special to me. So special to my family. And boy oh boy I may never make it through the wedding series without losing all my tears.

When people say your wedding is the best day of your life (thus far), I now understand what they were talking about.

So before the wedding we had our hair done, had mimosas and breakfast, got my make-up did, and set back to the church for pictures. One thing I forgot to include in my morning before the wedding post was my dad. It may seem small, but it still makes me tear up. Every time I saw or thought about my dad I would just break down. The thoughts of him being my true hero. Walking me down the isle. Making sure he knew I would always and forever be HIS little girl. So many emotions and so much love. Thankfully I finally stopped tearing up because my pictures would have been rooooough.

Getting ready with my girls, mom, and aunts was so much fun and made the whole mess of emotions turn into laughter and fun. After they all (seriously, all) helped me into my dress full of lace and sparkles, we just sat around and talked, drank more mimosas and just enjoyed each other. It had been so long since all of my friends had been in one place, and having them there was beyond perfect for me.

What I really remember about getting ready was towards my mom. I know, I am seriously writing a book. You don't have to read it. And I know most won't, but I will. I remember taking each second with her in. The moment she helped me get into my slip. When she zipped my dress up and tied my ribbon. The conversations we had. How special each and every moment was with her. She made me feel comfortable, relaxed, and so very loved. That mom of mine, she is something special.

As it was getting closer to the time to walk down the isle and everyone left me, I was just standing there. In my my dress I had fallen in love with, holding my bouquet filled with a variety of white flowers, part of my grandma's dress, and my other grandma's rosary. It took all that I had not to break down right then and there.  I tell you, these emotions. I was once again overwhelmed with happiness. Love. And was quite literally shaking in my ruby red high heels. The thought of all of those people watching me walk down that isle was....terrifying.

And then I saw my dad. My handsome, amazing dad. I swear God put him on the Earth to show people what God's love is really like. Okay, I am stopping. The tears are flowing. Anyway. He smiled his ever so loving smile and took my arm. We watched the bridal party, flower girl, ring bearer, and sign holders walk down the isle. And then....it was all eyes on us.


*Stay tuned......

just a man and his dog

Last night was just one of those nights you can't help but soak up. After having quite a rough start to the day/week, I think God must have known I needed a good end to the day. Like, really really needed it.

The day started getting better when our secretary delivered one of the perdiest flower arrangements I have been sent yet. I was seriously beaming.

It was actually quite awkward. All of mystudents were staring at me and asking me who they were from. I wasn't sure if I should tell them, but I told them Jeff. And they were so confused who Jeff was. I forgot I had never called him by that and only by my husband. I totally should have told them my secret boyfriend. But needless to say, I needed it and it couldn't have been more perfect timing.

After we both got home from work we just kind of slowed life down and enjoyed each other, which is hard to do when two people are so busy. It was so nice. And so very, very needed.

It wasn't anything crazy. Nothing fancy. Just two people, with their furbaby, some country music, and steak. Sometimes. Okay, most times it doesn't take something extravagant to be happy. It takes those small little moments. Those moments that make your heart so entirely happy that you can't quite smiling. Those.

And to top it off, this gal saw a falling star. I am so darn in love with the sky. To me it was a little sign God was giving me to let me know it was all okay and everything was going to be juuuuuust fine. Funny how that man works. He is very perfect in his timing.

rock chalk

If you know me, you would know I have quite the relationship with the University of Kansas, my alma mater. And tonight just so happens to be a big night for them.  Tonight is the the night where we play our "rivals" in their house. It is also the night where I have to go to a PTO meeting at the exact same time the game starts. I guess that could be a positive thing for my heart.

So if you are a KU lover like myself, check out this music video. It sure makes my speakers go boom, boom. Jayhawks for life baby. Rock chalk until the break of dawn. And cross your fingers for a KU win! (Or else I will never hear the end of it tomorrow at school)

insta-weekend update

On a scale of 1-10, I think I am at a 5068.56 level of happiness to have the day off. Thank you Martin Luther King, Jr. for being just so utterly wonderful and having the best dream ever.

Here is a little sneak peak of our weekend through instragram and delightful iphone pictures.

• One. We spent the weekend in Tulsa, OK getting our wedding on. We stayed in little "lodges" and I loved every little second of it. It was located in the country but on top of the hill you could see the towering buildings of downtown Tulsa. We stayed up until 2 am on Friday chatting in the lodge drinking some coors light with one of Jeff's good friends from Cali.
• Two. Bloody mary while watching KU barely beat the Longhorns.
• Three. Oh you know just a random picture before the wedding waiting on the boys. Btw, if you haven't been to Express this weekend. Get there. The sales are just unreal.
• Four. A sneak peek of where the wedding reception took place. We happened to get to see it the night before when we arrived. I didn't bring my camera to the actual wedding.
• Five. Of course I couldn't leave Piper out. She spent the weekend with my parents and obviously had a blast. She has currently been sleeping all day long.
• Six. Okay I lied, I guess I did bring my camera to the wedding. 
• Seven. My little bro and mamacita cooked up a mean shrimp scampi when we came to pick up Pipes.
• Eight. Fresh nails that were yelling for some attention. Gotta rock that KU red for the game tomorrow.
• Nine. New label maker. My dreams have come true. 

I hope you all had a wonderful three day weekend. And if you didn't have the day off, I say you quit whatever job you are currently working at. Only kidding, maybe.

the life and times of 3rd grade

So I was just thinking that  I really never talk about my job. And let me tell you, there is a lot to say. The things that come of these kid's mouths are just too darn funny not to share sometimes. I love these kids. Even though sometimes they may drive me up a wall. A large wall. I flipping love them to death.

And they are FUNNY. Boy are they funny. I would have never guessed in a million years that these kids would think spelling the word trapped was hilarious. When I spelled it out, I was so confused. T-R-A-P-P-E-D. And then they died. Straight up laughed hysterically. I quickly realized if I spell a word with "p-p" together they will instantly think of the word, well you know.

I also realized to never again talk about peanuts, ever. Peanuts are the funniest word ever to them. I told them I just don't get what is so funny. They responded "pee-nuts", GET IT?! No my children, I don't. So then somehow I ended up laughing too because there were eight sentences in a row with the word peanuts in it. Never will I think of a peanut the same. Lucky for me they were thinking of the word "pee" and not the word I was thinking of. Whew.

Lastly I learned that if I show them a brain pop video on digestion, expect them to think seeing the "waste" was the most amazing thing in the universe. Another laughing spree went on for a good five minutes. I was actually a bit surprised it showed it (animated and didn't really look like it) but hey, what's real is real I guess. They wanted me to play it again. Sorry, kids....

I may not be the best teacher ever, but holy cow do these kids rock my socks off (most days). They teach me so much each and every day. It's just beyond me how each child is so different, yet special little people. Some more talkative and crazy than others, but still special nontheless.

I can't wait to actually write down and remember the things they say. You will die just like I do. Oh kids.

hot and bothered

So this post is just a little spur of the moment on something I've been thinking about the past few weeks. It all has to do with being skinny, healthy, and what the difference is.

I'll tell you skinny and healthy are not the same thing. They can go together, but they are definitely not the same thing. That isn't what I've been thinking the past few weeks though.

What I have been thinking about is how people perceive it. What made these thoughts come visit is when I was talking with others about working out and eating right so I wouldn't feel so flipping tired all.of.the.time. It was getting old and I felt old.

I am telling you they looked at me with the "um, seriously" look and the words "uhhhh, ok" and "what are you doing it for?" came into play. No, to get some energy IN. Just because I am small, does not mean I am healthy. And the last few months after our wedding, I have been everything but healthy. It was getting a little ridiculous.

Even though my figure may have made it look like I was healthy, my insides were so po'ed about how they were being treated. I felt tired about 24 hours of the day. I had no energy to do anything, and this resulted in being a lazy teacher. I was short fused and just not...me. Well, not the good me at least. I got to a point where I said no longer will I feel this way. I can't do it.

And I am still not the healthiest person out there. Not by any means. But I've been trying the best I can and I already feel so much better. For the first time probably ever, I got something "healthy" out on our date night. I am trying. Key word, trying.

So when I get the "you are a freak" looks when I tell someone I'm working out and trying eating better, it's a bit...what's the word...frustrating. Maybe I just don't understand. That is definitely possible, but it just bothers me.

End rant here.

On a positive note....My Erin Condren planner (yes, I caved) arrives soon and so does my new camera strap. Ow owwwww.

office update (part 1)

This weekend my parents came up to our neck of the woods and we had a guh-reat time as usual. I absolutely love it when they come up. And so does miss Piper. She adores her grandparents.

Piper & Grandpa Aka "Farty" (You will only understand if you've seen Parental Guidance)

We spent the weekend finishing up my little 8 x 8 office in the basement. My little space where grading papers will be bearable. It's crazy how it started out as a concrete playroom. I am so over the moon on how it is coming along. Thank you so much to my dad and husband for their handy work and hours they poured into my room. And thank you mom for keeping me company and being the very best.

Cracks me up. Action shot after being licked by the Miss. 

Here are some of the before pictures taken by Mr. Husband. It's hard to get a good picture when there is only a couple feet to stand back. What can ya do?

And here are some pictures after the sheetrock was installed, all the plug-ins and cable done, new wood floors, freshly primed and painted, new trim, and my glorious new light. I flipping love that light. Nice work mamacita.

Color: Behr Gentle Rain. Looks a little different and way better in person. Darn picture.

Now all I need to do is gather some decorations for inside, get a desk, and call it a day. I found a desk I wanted soooo bad at world market but of course they are discontinuing the desk and the only people who have it are in South Carolina. Road trip?

The desk I reaaaaally want.

So anyway, I am on the lookout for a white desk that is big enough to fit the mac and room for all of my stacks of papers I will most likely be grading in there. I found one at overstock and am thinking about getting it but still on the search for desk victory. Holler at me for your awesome desk finds :)

I cannot wait to see it come together and get my motivation and inspiration on in there. It may be a little 8 x 8 room, but I love love love everything about it and can't wait to put it to use.

I hope you all had a great weekend. They just seem to go way too fast. Way too fast I tell ya.

the morning of our wedding day

On the morning of our wedding day, I was a whirlwind of emotions. More emotions than I think I've ever really experienced. It was one of the biggest days and biggest commitments that I would partake in, in my entire life. The day I promised forever. Through sickness and health. That is one big commitment.

I knew of course I wanted to spend my life journey with Jeff. That wasn't a question. It was just all so surreal everything ending, and then starting a completing new life. The thought of leaving home, moving to a foreign town, and transitioning from college to "the real world". It was scary. I will be honest about that. I think leaving home was the hardest part for me. Actually, I know it was hardest part. I love my parents and getting to spend each day with this in the summer planner for the big day was beyond wonderful. Knowing that was ending just kind of really stunk.

However, I was so full of love and excitement to get to marry the man of my dreams. To start this whole new chapter in our lives and really depend on each other. I couldn't wait to move into our new home, start my new job, and figure out this whole real world thang people have talked about.  Like I said, whirlwind of emotions. 

The one thing I wanted my parents to know is that they weren't losing their daughter. I was almost terrified they thought that. And that scared me to death. I wanted them to know that nothing was really ever going to change. Just a slight change in name and a little further away.

I wish I would have written things down that down. To really remember exactly how I was feeling. However, the day goes by so entirely fast that there was no way that was happening. I wish it would have slowed down. I wish I could have really soaked it in more. But I feel like I did the best I could to really soak it in and enjoy each second. It was hard not to worry about everything "going as planned" but somehow, somehow (at least to my knowledge) it all did.

My aunts, family friends, and many others made our day absolutely perfect. They put their blood, sweat, and tears into our day. They didn't have to. They weren't asked to. They did. On that day and many days previous to that,  I had never felt so incredible blessed. There were many nights I would just well up in tears of gratefulness. My aunts. My parent's friends. Everyone was hand in hand working together for us. What a beautiful thing. I wish that I could repay them. Somehow. Somewhat. But I guess I will repay them by making someone else someday feel how they made and make me feel. Like I am special. And that I am so very loved.

Ah heck, this was only the beginning....

Oh, Piper

Since we don't have a kid, I feel it is only necessary to treat our dog like one. She is a person and all. At least, she sure acts like it.

So therefore today will be all about Piper pants. Our little black miniature schnauzer who sits like a lady, but bites like a man. Not that men bite but, well, it's all I had.

Miss Piper has changed quite a bit since we picked her up just a few months ago all bundled up in her fleece pink blanket. She still hops like a rabbit, but boy has our little Piper changed.

her furry days

Piper likes to eat about everything that exsists. You name it, it's in her mouth faster than you can say P... I mean that girl fast. I open the door to our laundry room and she darts in there just fast enough to sneak under my legs, find my underwear somewhere, run out and try to eat it. It's ridiculous.

She also has the biggest personality I have ever seen. She is too damn smart for her own good I tell ya. She knows what she wants, and exactly how to get it. Maybe that's why she is so good for her Daddy. She bats her shaved little eye lashes at him and gets whatever she pleases. Mostly snuggles, and ice. That's how they roll.

Speaking of ice, this chick also is obsessed with ice. Her go to treat. Hey,  I'll take it. And the girl even sits and stays now. Cutest thing ever. Husband is teaching her to shake but that isn't coming along as nicely. And I tell ya, those two are best friends. Jeff is so in love with that dog. And she, well she is probably more in love with him.

It's kinda funny how much a human being can love a dog. I love that little shaved leg eating pup with all my heart.

Anyway, little thang is growing up, losing teeth, and we are just so blessed to have her in our household. And yes...I really just wrote a post about a dog. It just happened. But hey, she's cute so it works.