One day at a time...

Wedding

2009-10-07T08:04:00.000-07:00

Our wedding was amazing...

It was a perfect day, full of joy, laughter, many photos and lots of LOVE...

And yummy CAKE!!

Ode to Coffee

2009-10-07T07:21:00.000-07:00

Oh Coffee, how I miss thee; the sweet, smooth taste of cream and sugar amidst the luxurious flavor of perfectly roasted beans...

As I was walking out of the house this morning my Hubby had just started a pot of Coffee and the aroma was almost too much to take. I have been suffering from heartburn, unlike any heartburn I have ever had in my life, for the past six months. Every time I try to drink a cup of coffee the heartburn will flair up really bad. This is a major problem!! I love Coffee!! I have been seeing my doctor regularly about my heartburn and we have tried many different medications, but it is not going away. I will be going in for an Upper Endoscopy next Thursday to find out what is going on. I have been drinking coffee for so long, I can't imagine not being able to drink it ever again. I want to find out what is wrong, fix it and go buy a Starbucks, Caramel Machiato!

In Love... A Glimpse at some of our Engagement Photos

2009-08-28T09:35:00.000-07:00

Our Photographer, Lem Montero is AMAZING!

Crazy Wedding Planner Continued.....!!

2009-08-11T16:26:00.000-07:00

So, the thing is, you (or maybe it's just me) really don't realize all of the details that go into planning a wedding, until you are in the midst of it. There are sooooo many things/details to think about and decide upon.

I guess I was clueless on wedding planning because a lot of things came to me as a surprise, like choosing a song to cut the cake to, or a song to do the "dollar dances" to, or whether or not to introduce the bride and grooms parent's before the reception begins, at dinner, or before the bridal party dance (which by the way, you are supposed to pick a song for too)!

You know what has really stressed me out though!? RSVP's. Oh yeah. I have a whole new appreciation for RSVP's. Oh, I sent out the invitations, along with an RSVP card and the RSVP cards had stamps too, so they could be returned without a hassle (so I thought). Apparently, it is very difficult to put a stamped post card in the mail to let someone know you are or are not attending their event! OK. So, I have probably been one of THOSE people before, so I understand, but it still sucks! So, here I am making up pretend numbers for my caterer and baker because I have no REAL number... I just have to assume THOSE people are coming because I cannot have my guests starving and I want them all to be able to EAT CAKE (the very delicious, scrumptious, yummy cake that we picked out for them to enjoy on our beautiful wedding day)!

Well, I feel better now. So, really, no hard feelings to the anti-RSVP people out there, or those who lost their invitation along with the RSVP amidst their stack of mail on the table (I am guilty of the piles of mail on my dining table), their dog ate it, their kids painted all over it, or those that simply forgot because life gets busy and sometimes people forget. : )

Crazy Wedding Planner!!

2009-08-11T15:48:00.000-07:00

I have been going crazy planning this wedding! The stress has provided me with some "lovely" heart burn for months; hopefully it will not stick around after the wedding. The wedding is in less than two weeks! OMG! I have been contacting every vendor that we have hired to coordinate times, last minute details, etc.

Monday morning I met with my decorator, Annet to go over the final details for the decorations. She put together one of my centerpieces for me to see and it was awesome. My wedding colors are pool blue and royal blue. My centerpieces are going to be fish bowl shaped vases with pool blue and royal blue gems layered in the bottom, with sparkly water/gel, several white and blue lights in the bottom and a pool blue gerbera daisy floating on the top. Annet, is going to be putting together a backdrop for the bridal party table, all the lighting underneath the table skirts and drapery. She is very talented and really puts her heart into her work, so I know that she will make my wedding reception beautiful.

After my meeting with Annet, D.J. and I went to apply for our marriage license. (No, not "last minute" at all.)

Don't get me wrong, there have been many fun parts about planning this wedding. I loved choosing the flowers, choosing the decorator and the decorations, finding the PERFECT wedding gown... but these last few weeks have been really stressful. I just want everything to come together and for the day to be fun and stress free.

I am so excited! I am getting MARRIED! I can't wait for OUR day to be here!

Getting to know you...getting to know all about you...

2009-07-31T07:32:00.000-07:00

Here are 25 things about me. Tell me 25 things about you!

1. My favorite color is blue.

2. My family has two horses.

3. I grew up in a town that had one four way stop light, a post office and a general store. (Ok, for a little while we had a gas station, but they didn't make it.)

4. I have worked as a nanny, toddler teacher, server, barista, receptionist, loan officer and sales consultant.

5. I met my Fiance when I was 18 years old and he sold me my first car off of a car lot, a beautiful black Dodge Neon, with a sun roof. I loved that car. Oh the nostalgia.

6. I enjoy Karaoke. My Karaoke songs are, "Bette Davis Eyes" and "Something to talk about."

7. This Saturday is my Bachlorette party!

8. I love to have my toe nails painted in the summer. I just don't feel the same if they are not painted a bright pink/red color.

9. I am most comfortable in my pj's or a tank top, shorts and my Chaco flip sandals.

10. I am a Michigan gal all the way! I love all of the seasons.

11. I lived in Bozeman, Montana for 2.5 years. (It is absolutely beautiful there and very dog friendly.)

12. My favorite adult Halloween costume I have is "Little Red Riding Hood."

13. I prefer my hair long, but I have had it cut up to my chin before. (It looks cute short, but I like being able to pull my hair up into a pony tail real quick.)

14. I am NOT a picky eater; I like all kinds of food.

15. I like all kinds of music.

16. We have a dishwasher in our house, her name is Christina. LOL! (I want a dishwasher someday.)

17. My favorite make up to wear is under eye concealer, bronzer and mascara, but I don't wear mascara everyday because I don't like taking it off at night.

18. I have been seeing my hairstylist for 2.5 years. She is wonderful. That's the thing about hairstylist, when you find one who does the job right, you are a loyal customer. It is too scary to venture out to someone new who may make you look like a smurf gone wild!

19. I love CHOCOLATE! Chocolate candy, chocolate ice cream, chocolate cake, chocolate cheesecake, chocolate brownies, chocolate mouse, chocolate pudding... Does anyone feel like having a piece of chocolate?

20. I make my bed every night before I go to bed. (Yes, I know this is weird.)

21. I really like to go garage sale-ing.

22. A couple of the crafty things I make are diaper cakes, towel cakes and quilts.

23. I love giving gifts.

24. I like SURPRISES!

25. I like the insurance commercial, Gecco. He is so cute.

Yesterday

2009-07-31T07:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday D.J. woke me up to go for a walk with the dogs at 7 a.m., before work. Our conversation went as follows:

D.J.: Do you want to get up and take a walk?

Me: I probably should. (Note: We have been talking about how we should/need to be working out regularly for months now, but we keep NOT doing it. Of course I may be partially to blame, as I do not enjoy waking up real early in the morning.)

I did get up and we walked the dogs in the baseball park a few blocks from our house. I really like the ball park. Especially when it is empty. There are trees all around it. Earlier in July wild mulberries and blackberries grew along the edge of the fields. The dogs and I enjoyed snacking on them as we walked. It is quiet and open. The dogs can run free and I can walk, relax, catch up with friends on my phone, whatever... It's nice.

Although, I did not enjoy the "getting up" part, I really enjoyed the walk. Thanks for getting me going in the morning D.J..

After our walk D.J. made some very YUMMY smoothies! His smoothies are always sooo good. I got ready for work, stopped at McDonald's on the way for my morning COFFEE and started the count down until 6pm.

Work was ok. Went fairly quickly. The last hour is usually the most drawn out.

I went to pick up my wedding band and my engagement ring, which were re-plated and cleaned for me so it is shiny and new for the BIG DAY!

So, I decided just to Blog about anything and everything. My day. My life. My journey.

Have a blessed day!

How many kids do you want?

2009-07-19T11:31:00.000-07:00

Lucy was my little helper. She always has to get her hands into everything you are doing!

I was TRYING to break those ribbons!! I think I broke one or two at least!

More Guests!

2009-07-19T11:15:00.001-07:00

My little helpers. The girls helped throw all the wrapping paper away.

No one made Mackenzie put the clothes pin on her face; that was voluntary.

Brinidie made that pearl/bead necklace for me. So sweet.

My Mom helped with all of the games, prizes, the cake and other necessary details. Thank you Mom. You were awesome, as always! For some of the prizes we received tomato and pepper plants and flowers. That was a great idea! I love them; the flowers are planted in our front yard and the veggies are growing nicely in my back yard. I love fresh tomatoes!

Gramma Vroman and Mary (our family friend for years).

Guests!

2009-07-19T11:07:00.000-07:00

Brinidie, Mackenzie and Kelsey

Lexie and I

Kristin and I

My sister, Stacey and my nephew, Gavin.

Mira and I

The Cake!

2009-07-19T10:59:00.000-07:00

I loved this cake! It was so beautiful! It tasted amazing too!

The Hostess with the Mostess

2009-07-19T10:45:00.000-07:00

Mackenzie, the Kids Host. : ) She did a great job keeping the other kids entertained. I am so proud of her. Such a big girl! This picture was from the end of the day, after everyone had gone home. I guess all the kids wore our Little Host out!

Bridget is my Maid of Honor's Mother and she was so sweet to Host my party at her BEAUTIFUL home. Thanks Bridget!

My Maid of Honor. The Host. Thanks for a great time Amber! You provided me with beautiful memories to last a lifetime.

MY CAKE!!! My Mom and sister, Mary made my cake. Decorated it and everything! It is amazing. They even hand made the veil for the little Bride! I absolutely Love it. She is so beautiful!

One of the dresses that was made for me! LOL!

Shower for the Bride to Be

2009-07-19T10:22:00.000-07:00

Everyone had lots of FUN! We played the "Make a wedding gown for the bride out of toilet paper" game.

Left to Right: Lin (my Sister in law to be), my Mom, Ruth and Mother in law to be, Mei-Hsia.

My Niece Lucy. She is so precious.

The Bride to Be. Me.

A walk down "Dollie" Lane

2009-07-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

As a child I loved my Dollies!! I still have many of them tucked away for my children someday. Remember "Baby Alive," I had her. Remember the "Water baby," and the "Water dog," "Cabbage patch Kids and Baby," the baby that had "real" bones ..... I had them too. I had soooo many babies and stuffed animals. I took them everywhere with me. In their stroller, their baby backpack/carrier, in their car seat and I made sure they were tucked in at bedtime too! I hope my daughters love their dolls as much as I loved mine.

My DREAM has always been to become a Wife and Mother. I love children. I have always loved children. When I was little I would dream that a baby would be left on our doorstep and I could take care of it. (Of course, I had no idea of the true responsibility a real baby requires.) I have always wanted to be a STAY AT HOME MOM. I have held many different jobs, but my favorite jobs have always been with kids. I worked as a child care provider for several families throughout most of my life and in a daycare setting as a Toddler Teacher. Currently I am working in a Sales Position.

Next month I am getting married to the most amazing, loving, generous and hard working man, D.J.. We have decided to start "trying" to get pregnant six months to a year after we are married. (We have been together for three years.) My DREAMS are finally coming true. I can't wait to get married to the love of my life and start our beautiful family together. I can't wait to fulfill my dream of becoming a SAHM. (Well, I want to enjoy the next six months to a year of newlywedness first. Wink. Wink.)

I am blessed. I am so thankful for everything and everyone in my life.

FAMILY

2009-07-07T12:47:00.000-07:00

I love my family (as you may notice from the many photos I have posted of them). I love family events, get togethers, the idea of families and the TRUTH about MY family. We are NOT perfect, but we love each other unconditionally and that is PERFECT. (OK, I am done using CAPS).

I have a large immediate family... two older brothers, one younger brother and three younger sisters. I have a very large extended family. Growing up I saw my Cousins, Aunts, Uncles and Great Grandmother almost every Sunday for "Sunday Dinner" (although technically it was lunch because we ate at Noon). Some of my fondest childhood memories are of those Sunday afternoon's at my parent's house full of people. I loved the hustle and bustle... the boys running in and out, meanwhile I spent time playing "house" with my dollies, my cousin Jessica and my sister's Mary, Mandy and Stacey. My Mother would always cook her famous Mashed Potatoes and my Grandmother would help her cook the chicken. My Great Grandmother and Great Aunt would bring over lots of sweet goodies, freshly baked cookies, pies and sweet rolls. I miss those Sunday afternoons.

We have all grown up now; my youngest sister, the "baby" is 19. We don't get together every Sunday for our "Sunday Dinner's," but we still get together regularly. We set dates for family outings and get togethers. We make time for each other, both my immediate family and the extended family. We are a FAMILY and we LOVE each other. That's the TRUTH. (Sorry, I felt the caps were needed.)

More pics of Memorial day with the FAMILY

2009-07-01T17:55:00.001-07:00

Daddy snatching his hat off of a barrell while he races around on Morgan. Dad is amazing with horses! He's the "Horse Whisperer."

I was riding Morgan...while Dad lead him for me. I like to ride, but Morgan still needs to be broken in some.

D.J. giving Milky Way some love.

My beautiful nieces. Start them riding young! They love the horses! Lucy (1) and Brin (5)

Lucy and Brin were having so much fun playing together. I loved watching them giggle!

Memorial Day with the FAMILY

2009-07-01T17:47:00.001-07:00

Left - Lucy (1 year old)

"Corn is sooo good."

Left - Lucy and Dad riding Morgan

Uncle Phillip and my nephew Shane

Mom and our dog Bella

Yummy Perculated coffee!!

2009-07-01T17:44:00.002-07:00

I love coffee.... especially early in the morning, while camping.

Yummy Perculated coffee!!

2009-07-01T17:44:00.001-07:00

More Pics from Memorial Day!

2009-07-01T17:41:00.001-07:00

Playing Catch Up!!!

2009-07-01T17:16:00.000-07:00

Sorry it has been so long since I posted. Memorial day weekend was a blast! We had a great time camping and doing everything that goes with it! We fished, cooked hot dogs over the fire, smores and hamburgers. We had freshly brewed coffee made with a perculator.

Bridal Shower Weekend!

2009-06-11T07:27:00.000-07:00

This Sunday is my Bridal Shower!! I am so excited! My Fiance's mother, Mei-Hsia and sister, Lin are coming to town for the event. Mei-Hsia (May-sha)is coming on Friday and Lin will be here on Saturday! I purchased several bottles of wine, some beer and flavored vodka, "JUST IN CASE" we decide to have a drink. (We are not lushes... I just wanted everyone to have a choice of drink.) I am really looking forward to spending time with my family and friends! Sunday will be an all "Girls day," (besides my baby nephews.) We will be playing games, eating sweets and I am sure there will be lots of laughs!!

Not Me

2009-06-01T10:17:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

NOT ME

2009-06-01T10:02:00.000-07:00

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I did not just eat way too many pink and white frosted, sprinkled "Circus Animals Cookies!"

I Did NOT start taking my prenatal vitamins last week. I am not proud of myself for being diligent and taking them daily.

I certainly DID NOT spend my Sunday afternoon watching episode after episode of "General Hospital." Not me. (Meanwhile, the Sun was not Shining Bright and it was not a Beautiful day!)

I Did Not walk my Dogs Sunday afternoon before shopping and my "General Hospital" marathon.

I see it!!

2009-05-29T13:56:00.001-07:00

And then I see it!!!...

The ring is laying on the man hole and next to it is a red rose....

I pick up the ring and look up to see D.J. on his knee with a bouquet of roses...

I am in shock! Surprised! I am so excited! I walk up to him with the ring and say, "Will you put it on?" (I'm such a dork!)

D.J.: "Will you Marry Me?"

Me: "Yes, Yes I will!"

(During this proposal D.J. recruited the AT&T guys working outside our house to take pictures... The AT&T guy: "Ahhhh." LOL)

Home Again!

2009-05-26T09:38:00.001-07:00

We're back from camping and I'm back to work. We had a GREAT weekend; I only wish it would have been longer.... The dogs had a Blast! D.J. and I really enjoyed our QT (quality time). I will post some pics asap.

Happy Memorial Day!!!

2009-05-22T07:07:00.001-07:00

We are going camping for the weekend!! D.J., Laya, Libby and I!!!

Laya

2009-05-20T20:11:00.000-07:00

Well, just look at that face.... Laya is a sweetheart. Laya is 5 years old and she was my first dog. (Libby is 2). I brought Laya home at 8wks old. From day one she has been my baby. She loves her Mommy. She is tender, loving, a little bossy sometimes, very intuitive, sweet, sweet, sweet. She picked up on potty training and tricks very quickly. (She did have some spunky teen moments, but we worked through it.) When I am down, she fill me with love. Oh, how I love her. She is beautiful.

2009-05-20T19:52:00.000-07:00

Loves her toys..."Duck" Curiosity....

Libby

2009-05-20T19:43:00.000-07:00

Libby! This is my "Wild Flower" She is competitive, always ready for a challenge, curiouse, funny, spunky, silly, sweet loving and completely loyal. She gave me a "run for my money" when I brought her home. Potty training took longer than I expected, she chewed on the leather couch, pottied in her crate over and over (I changed her bedding over and over and it didn't make a difference).... It was all worth it. I love her so much. She always makes me laugh.

Searching for some minutes continued....

2009-05-20T08:14:00.001-07:00

When Gabriel, my little brother was a boy (he is now 25 years old..Crazy) he went to our Dad and asked if he could have a snack. Dad said, "Just give me a minute and I will come help you." (He was reading a book to one of my siblings.) Gabriel left my Dad and came back a little while later and said, "Dad, I can't find the minutes!." That is so cute! Kids perceptions are so different from adults! I love it! The simplicity of it. Dad said "Give me a minute" and Gabe was going to find them!!

I love Blogs....

2009-05-20T07:34:00.001-07:00

I started reading blogs a few months ago and wanted to start one of my own, but after putting my Blog together I did not write anthing....so I am just going to do it. I love blogs. I love reading them and so often I want to comment to other bloggers, although I have not yet (that is going to change). I love that there are so many people out there going through life with some of the same questions and concerns about life, kids, etc.

Searching for some minutes...

2009-01-12T10:08:00.000-08:00

There is a story to that, but I still don't have time to tell it. I will be back soon. I was so excited about this Blog, then life got busy, as usual.

Today is the beginning...

2009-01-06T09:37:00.000-08:00

I just set up my blog and will begin sharing with you asap, but for now I have to go to work.