Everything was perfect.
More to come as soon as I get them from our photographer!
P.S. Yes, Rachel, I stole these from you!
Showing posts with label wedding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wedding. Show all posts
Thursday, September 24, 2009
The Hnou Mrs. Gonzalez
Get it? teehee.
Everything was perfect.
More to come as soon as I get them from our photographer!
P.S. Yes, Rachel, I stole these from you!
Everything was perfect.
More to come as soon as I get them from our photographer!
P.S. Yes, Rachel, I stole these from you!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Just around the corner
The wedding is in 5 days. 5. Days.
I can't believe I'm getting married!
I know I haven't posted much wedding ideas and stuff on here to chronicle-lize everything, but I am doing wedding stuff, promise, haha...
I'll be crazy busy this week (duh), but I'll be back with wedding pictures. I promise on top of a promise.
I can't believe I'm getting married!
I know I haven't posted much wedding ideas and stuff on here to chronicle-lize everything, but I am doing wedding stuff, promise, haha...
I'll be crazy busy this week (duh), but I'll be back with wedding pictures. I promise on top of a promise.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Wedding stuff
Okay, so it's about time I try to share some details about the wedding.
This is the look of the ceremony that I'm going for:
*kelly moore photography
I'm not much of the frilly tulle and flowers everywhere type of girl so this is perfect. Candles everywhere!
Instead of candelabras, I'm going for these to be lit during the ceremony:
www.nettletonhollow.com
Eee! I can't believe it's only 30 days away!
Side note: I realize I've been pretty sporadic about posting and commenting on blogs. I'm still around, just kinda swamped and trying to get things done :) I know, I know, I wish I would be better about posting about wedding details and just photos, period. Forgive me?
This is the look of the ceremony that I'm going for:
*kelly moore photographyI'm not much of the frilly tulle and flowers everywhere type of girl so this is perfect. Candles everywhere!
Instead of candelabras, I'm going for these to be lit during the ceremony:
www.nettletonhollow.com
Eee! I can't believe it's only 30 days away!
Side note: I realize I've been pretty sporadic about posting and commenting on blogs. I'm still around, just kinda swamped and trying to get things done :) I know, I know, I wish I would be better about posting about wedding details and just photos, period. Forgive me?
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
I know, crazy.
I know. So lame that I haven't updated as much as I would like. I need to make sure that I do keep updating... I miss writing.
Wedding planning and the details are still in order. I have lots I have to share regarding colors and decorations/layouts-- you know, the goods!
It's been a busy summer so far.
Chris' stay was fabulous. His parents loved it here, I think. They were kinda bombarded with my side of the family (srsly, uncles, aunts, cousins... and when you're Hmong, you're related to EVERYONE. Srsly.) but were such great sports! Hah. My parents' bash was a hit :)
The 2 family reunions I had this summer were great. I'm surrounded by the best family evAr. Srsly.
I'm headed out to SoCal in 2 weeks to apartment shop with the soon-to-be-hubby and then we're heading up north to see his family for the weekend. It'll be somewhat wedding-planning free which will be a nice break for me. *grin* Can't wait for lunch at the beach!!
There's one last camping trip in August to plan for after I get back from CA. Excited about that too. I love camping. As long as there's running water... and a flushing toilet. Hey, it's camping-- I'm sleeping in a tent, aren't I? :P
On a serious note, I've been reading Francis Chan's "Crazy Love." It's a dangerous book to pick up. God's voice is loud and clear through that book. This week has been designated as "outreach week" for our church and it's been a struggle to really remember that sharing God's love should be my lifestyle-- not an event that occurs only once or twice a year-- if even. I want what breaks God's heart to break mine as well.
On Monday, I met a girl who just recently came to the US from Cambodia when she married her husband 1 1/2 years ago. She talked about how lonely it is sometimes to be here and not know anyone, but she loved that our church was so nice welcoming as we taught her how to play volleyball. I just pray that God would begin to reveal Himself to her in whatever way He wills.
Yesterday, there were just all kinds of roadblocks and excuses for why I wouldn't be going. And yet there came that still small voice that unmistakingly was the Spirit prompting me to go. There weren't as many people at the park, but I realized that it wasn't about whether I came into contact with someone or not, it was about being obedient to just go.
"Give me one pure and holy passion; give me one magnificent obsession, give me one glorious ambition for my life, to know and follow hard after You..."
And the battle between the Spirit and the flesh continues.
Wedding planning and the details are still in order. I have lots I have to share regarding colors and decorations/layouts-- you know, the goods!
It's been a busy summer so far.
Chris' stay was fabulous. His parents loved it here, I think. They were kinda bombarded with my side of the family (srsly, uncles, aunts, cousins... and when you're Hmong, you're related to EVERYONE. Srsly.) but were such great sports! Hah. My parents' bash was a hit :)
The 2 family reunions I had this summer were great. I'm surrounded by the best family evAr. Srsly.
I'm headed out to SoCal in 2 weeks to apartment shop with the soon-to-be-hubby and then we're heading up north to see his family for the weekend. It'll be somewhat wedding-planning free which will be a nice break for me. *grin* Can't wait for lunch at the beach!!
There's one last camping trip in August to plan for after I get back from CA. Excited about that too. I love camping. As long as there's running water... and a flushing toilet. Hey, it's camping-- I'm sleeping in a tent, aren't I? :P
On a serious note, I've been reading Francis Chan's "Crazy Love." It's a dangerous book to pick up. God's voice is loud and clear through that book. This week has been designated as "outreach week" for our church and it's been a struggle to really remember that sharing God's love should be my lifestyle-- not an event that occurs only once or twice a year-- if even. I want what breaks God's heart to break mine as well.
On Monday, I met a girl who just recently came to the US from Cambodia when she married her husband 1 1/2 years ago. She talked about how lonely it is sometimes to be here and not know anyone, but she loved that our church was so nice welcoming as we taught her how to play volleyball. I just pray that God would begin to reveal Himself to her in whatever way He wills.
Yesterday, there were just all kinds of roadblocks and excuses for why I wouldn't be going. And yet there came that still small voice that unmistakingly was the Spirit prompting me to go. There weren't as many people at the park, but I realized that it wasn't about whether I came into contact with someone or not, it was about being obedient to just go.
"Give me one pure and holy passion; give me one magnificent obsession, give me one glorious ambition for my life, to know and follow hard after You..."
And the battle between the Spirit and the flesh continues.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Lookey.
I want this dress.
*it's on www.asos.com
Busy, busy! 88 days until the wedding! Chris & his parents are coming out this weekend! Can't wait to see my Baby!
My parents' bash is also this weekend. Fingers crossed for GREAT weather. We made the cutest napkin "rings" with raffe & a stamp on yellow construction paper. I'm thinking we'll duplicate the idea for the wedding reception as well.
I had a family reunion to go to this past weekend in Missouri. It was good to see everyone in one spot for a weekend. There were cows. And chickens. And ponies. We ate. A lot. We laughed. We cried. We shot off fireworks. We chased after fireflies. And watched the stars come out at night under the countryside sky. I got some color on my face. And didn't wear make up all weekend long! hah.
Sometimes it's nice to take a breather just to do those things.
*it's on www.asos.com
Busy, busy! 88 days until the wedding! Chris & his parents are coming out this weekend! Can't wait to see my Baby!
My parents' bash is also this weekend. Fingers crossed for GREAT weather. We made the cutest napkin "rings" with raffe & a stamp on yellow construction paper. I'm thinking we'll duplicate the idea for the wedding reception as well.
I had a family reunion to go to this past weekend in Missouri. It was good to see everyone in one spot for a weekend. There were cows. And chickens. And ponies. We ate. A lot. We laughed. We cried. We shot off fireworks. We chased after fireflies. And watched the stars come out at night under the countryside sky. I got some color on my face. And didn't wear make up all weekend long! hah.
Sometimes it's nice to take a breather just to do those things.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Milestone!
Guess who gets to spend their mini-honeymoon here ? We do! We do!
We actually had our first date at Pismo Beach which is right close to there so it's kinda sentimental as we'll get to go to the same beach where we shared our first sunset together.
*all images from Sycamore Springs website
I'm excited!
On another note, dude, has anyone tried this yet:
*from here.
If you haven't, DO! & if you have, why haven't you told me?
Lastly, guess what?
We get to call ourselves Mr. & Mrs. in 100 days.
We actually had our first date at Pismo Beach which is right close to there so it's kinda sentimental as we'll get to go to the same beach where we shared our first sunset together.
*all images from Sycamore Springs website
I'm excited!
On another note, dude, has anyone tried this yet:
*from here.
If you haven't, DO! & if you have, why haven't you told me?
Lastly, guess what?
We get to call ourselves Mr. & Mrs. in 100 days.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Short-term "Cannot wait" list
- Tomorrow's 2 mile run after work. Believe me, I've missed it!
- Summer's arrival!
- BBQs at the park
- My first bridal shower in 3 weeks!
- Bridal portraits with my sisters when I get my dress back from the seamstress
- Chris' next visit in approx. 3 1/2 weeks!
- MI in about a month
- Our parents' surprise bash at the end of June
- SoCal at the end of July!
- Camping trip at some point this summer! I love it!
- September 19th, 2009!! Eeep!
What's your list?
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
I know. I know.
Inexcusable. Unpardonable. Unforgivable. Unjustifiable.Indefensible. Intolerable. Deplorable. Awful. Unwarrantable. (Anymoresynonyms? My thesaurus stopped at those.)
I’ve been MIA. And I have so much catching up to do.
It’s been a long, LONG, week and a half since Chris left to go back home. Crazy how it feels like it’s been weeks upon months already. I never thought this would be harder than it was a year ago. It totally is.
Anyway, there have been lots to do and be busied with. My parents’ surprise bash is coming along well. We’ve set the menu, reserved (almost, anyway, just getting the contract in it’s final stages) the place, set our guest list, invites are in the making… the plan is in the making! It’s at a cute little nature center with an apple orchard next to the site itself with a concrete path that winds around the trees. As far as décor, we’re thinking simple and clean tea lights in mason jars on shepherd’s hooks. So excited!
Wedding plans are also in a fuller swing. The 3 bridesmaids dresses are in—though I’ll need to exchange Rachel’s -- and then send them out to the girls. Hli’s dress has been purchased as well and so has my mom’s. The only person left is Pa Houa. I’m so glad everything seems a little more set. I do have to get crackin at my invites though. Whew. Set. In. Stone.
Oh! We’ve also decided on the guys’ attire-- we’re going to go simple and clean with a gray button up shirt and charcoal tie and Chris is going with the suit vest but without the actual jacket with a white shirt and the charcoal tie. I love it and it looks so great on him.
Our menu is set as well. Yum. I. Can’t. Wait.
Speaking of yum, Easter was peachy. The potluck after church was nice and I’m realizing how much I honestly love my little church family.
On a deeper note, Anela, Kayla, & Meya reminded me this weekend of what matters most during this remembered day. You see, they had an egg hunt on Saturday with the rest of the kids’ program where my sister is the children’s programs director. There were eggs filled with candy scattered everywhere and among them also sat the completely empty ones that many times were thrown to the side because they were empty. Kayla, Anela, & Meya (& Kezzy!)were excited regardless of if the eggs they found were empty or not. Turns out, every one of the eggs that they picked up were empty. They smiled and laughed and were ecstatic, anyway.
As the kids sat down, the story of the death and resurrection of Christ was shared and I wondered if those little girls understood what was being shared at all.
Later that day, I told Anela to tell Tais-Tais & PaPa what they learned and she went through the whole finding the eggs and then I asked her if we should be sad when the egg is empty. She goes “Noooo. Jesus is not dead.”
Amen.
I’ve been MIA. And I have so much catching up to do.
It’s been a long, LONG, week and a half since Chris left to go back home. Crazy how it feels like it’s been weeks upon months already. I never thought this would be harder than it was a year ago. It totally is.
Anyway, there have been lots to do and be busied with. My parents’ surprise bash is coming along well. We’ve set the menu, reserved (almost, anyway, just getting the contract in it’s final stages) the place, set our guest list, invites are in the making… the plan is in the making! It’s at a cute little nature center with an apple orchard next to the site itself with a concrete path that winds around the trees. As far as décor, we’re thinking simple and clean tea lights in mason jars on shepherd’s hooks. So excited!
Wedding plans are also in a fuller swing. The 3 bridesmaids dresses are in—though I’ll need to exchange Rachel’s -- and then send them out to the girls. Hli’s dress has been purchased as well and so has my mom’s. The only person left is Pa Houa. I’m so glad everything seems a little more set. I do have to get crackin at my invites though. Whew. Set. In. Stone.
Oh! We’ve also decided on the guys’ attire-- we’re going to go simple and clean with a gray button up shirt and charcoal tie and Chris is going with the suit vest but without the actual jacket with a white shirt and the charcoal tie. I love it and it looks so great on him.
Our menu is set as well. Yum. I. Can’t. Wait.
Speaking of yum, Easter was peachy. The potluck after church was nice and I’m realizing how much I honestly love my little church family.
On a deeper note, Anela, Kayla, & Meya reminded me this weekend of what matters most during this remembered day. You see, they had an egg hunt on Saturday with the rest of the kids’ program where my sister is the children’s programs director. There were eggs filled with candy scattered everywhere and among them also sat the completely empty ones that many times were thrown to the side because they were empty. Kayla, Anela, & Meya (& Kezzy!)were excited regardless of if the eggs they found were empty or not. Turns out, every one of the eggs that they picked up were empty. They smiled and laughed and were ecstatic, anyway.
As the kids sat down, the story of the death and resurrection of Christ was shared and I wondered if those little girls understood what was being shared at all.
Later that day, I told Anela to tell Tais-Tais & PaPa what they learned and she went through the whole finding the eggs and then I asked her if we should be sad when the egg is empty. She goes “Noooo. Jesus is not dead.”
Amen.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
American Express sales guy aka Willy-Wonka's Chocolate distributor?
Yes. A little bit of amazing-ness settled onto my desk at approximately 1:30 this afternoon. No, not the guy-- believe me, NOT the guy. This little(big?) piece of I'm-gonna-make-your-Tuesday-better-ness:
It wasn't very rich, but perfectly milky. If you have to ask, yes, I unwrapped it right after the guy left my office.
The golden ticket?
I know, I couldn't even wait to break off a chunk before taking a picture of it with the seal opened (with my crappy phone camera, by the way). Ohh me. It even has the imprint of the card on it.
I don't need your services, American Express, but thanks for the chocolate!... that I just now ran an extra couple miles to make sure I burned your pleasure off... but it's gorgeous again outside today so I do forgive you!
Anywho, wanna see the flower girl dresses?
I know you do.
All 3 are different in style & slightly in color, but I think it matches the 3 girls perfectly.
Kayla will be wearing this little number from J.Crew
(by the way, am I the last to know that you get a 15% discount if you're a college student or a teacher?! I'm not either one of those and I told him that, but the guy *so* hooked me up anyway. And NO, I didn't flirt with him)
Anela gets this little number from Bloomingdale's. How cute is this?? I loved it on her when she tried it on and *had* to get it.
And my lovely little Meya get this one. This is dressier, but Meya was A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E in it so I couldn't *not* get it. I picked it up from one of the wedding boutiques down in Stillwater that were discontinuing their flower girl dresses altogether so it was quite a steal!
I think I'm having them all wear slippers to complete their little looks.
Yay!
Excuse the crappy picture quality. I'm using my phone because I don't currently have access to hooking up my digi-cam.
On another wedding-related note:
I don't know if I'm seriously stressing or what, but I had the 2nd-straight-in-a-row dream (read: nightmare) of everything completely going wrong either during the ceremony rehearsal or the wedding day itself.
I dreamed that the rehearsal was SO poorly organized because strangers were sitting in the pews already and no one was running the sound system AND the wedding party was scattered around the church not even caring about being present during the rehearsal itself and then I burst into tears while people watched. I even made my way up to the sound system area to try to dink around with the sound...
And then last night, I dreamed that for some odd reason, the wedding day came without me knowing and NOTHING was set; the guys didn't have their suits-- well only their vests and my brother's was too small, and my makeup artist wasn't there at my house because I couldn't remember if I had told her about the wedding date. Eep!
Oh I need to calm down...Where's the rest of my American Express chocolate bar?
It wasn't very rich, but perfectly milky. If you have to ask, yes, I unwrapped it right after the guy left my office.
The golden ticket?
I know, I couldn't even wait to break off a chunk before taking a picture of it with the seal opened (with my crappy phone camera, by the way). Ohh me. It even has the imprint of the card on it.
I don't need your services, American Express, but thanks for the chocolate!... that I just now ran an extra couple miles to make sure I burned your pleasure off... but it's gorgeous again outside today so I do forgive you!
Anywho, wanna see the flower girl dresses?
I know you do.
All 3 are different in style & slightly in color, but I think it matches the 3 girls perfectly.
Kayla will be wearing this little number from J.Crew
(by the way, am I the last to know that you get a 15% discount if you're a college student or a teacher?! I'm not either one of those and I told him that, but the guy *so* hooked me up anyway. And NO, I didn't flirt with him)
Anela gets this little number from Bloomingdale's. How cute is this?? I loved it on her when she tried it on and *had* to get it.
And my lovely little Meya get this one. This is dressier, but Meya was A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E in it so I couldn't *not* get it. I picked it up from one of the wedding boutiques down in Stillwater that were discontinuing their flower girl dresses altogether so it was quite a steal!
I think I'm having them all wear slippers to complete their little looks.
Yay!
Excuse the crappy picture quality. I'm using my phone because I don't currently have access to hooking up my digi-cam.
On another wedding-related note:
I don't know if I'm seriously stressing or what, but I had the 2nd-straight-in-a-row dream (read: nightmare) of everything completely going wrong either during the ceremony rehearsal or the wedding day itself.
I dreamed that the rehearsal was SO poorly organized because strangers were sitting in the pews already and no one was running the sound system AND the wedding party was scattered around the church not even caring about being present during the rehearsal itself and then I burst into tears while people watched. I even made my way up to the sound system area to try to dink around with the sound...
And then last night, I dreamed that for some odd reason, the wedding day came without me knowing and NOTHING was set; the guys didn't have their suits-- well only their vests and my brother's was too small, and my makeup artist wasn't there at my house because I couldn't remember if I had told her about the wedding date. Eep!
Oh I need to calm down...Where's the rest of my American Express chocolate bar?
Monday, March 16, 2009
Update of sorts
I have lots of catching up to do on my blogger; I haven't forgotten about you, I promise :)
I don't have pictures yet, but I do have some fews updates and random things that are making the Monday blues.. well, not so blue.
I jogged outside today right after work. It was GORGEOUS out.
Sunny
64°F
Feels Like: 64°F
Wind: 10mph
Humidity: 52%
Needless to say, I am a happy girl!
And!
Tada! This is the dress that I'm opting to get for the bridesmaids. It's a simple clean-classy grey dress that can be dressed up with the right magenta-accented sash or brooch or shoes. I'm letting them pick which one they're going to do.
I found it at Urban Outfitters in the perfect heather grey color that I've been dying to find!
I know. I know. It's not the typical bridesmaids dress and it's not fancy enough, but I really like it and I think the girls are going to wear it so well. I just want a really clean and put together look rather than the traditional bridesmaids dresses. Please tell me that's okay. (I've already gotten a little of the whining from one of the girls about how not-fancy-enough it is. :( Believe me, I really have the best intentions for each of my girls and I'm not trying to "uglify" them, just trust me. Plus, at the risk of sounding like Bridezilla... IT'S MY WEDDING. /rant over. Despite that, I love the dress. Too bad :P )
Happy Monday, sweets!
I don't have pictures yet, but I do have some fews updates and random things that are making the Monday blues.. well, not so blue.
I jogged outside today right after work. It was GORGEOUS out.
Sunny
64°F
Feels Like: 64°F
Wind: 10mph
Humidity: 52%
Needless to say, I am a happy girl!
And!
Tada! This is the dress that I'm opting to get for the bridesmaids. It's a simple clean-classy grey dress that can be dressed up with the right magenta-accented sash or brooch or shoes. I'm letting them pick which one they're going to do.
I found it at Urban Outfitters in the perfect heather grey color that I've been dying to find!
I know. I know. It's not the typical bridesmaids dress and it's not fancy enough, but I really like it and I think the girls are going to wear it so well. I just want a really clean and put together look rather than the traditional bridesmaids dresses. Please tell me that's okay. (I've already gotten a little of the whining from one of the girls about how not-fancy-enough it is. :( Believe me, I really have the best intentions for each of my girls and I'm not trying to "uglify" them, just trust me. Plus, at the risk of sounding like Bridezilla... IT'S MY WEDDING. /rant over. Despite that, I love the dress. Too bad :P )
Happy Monday, sweets!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Lovely!
So it's that time again. My Baby's flight leaves at 12:30 tomorrow morning-- yes, he flies the red-eye for me :P
It was quite the day to end my work week with! So much to do with what seems, so little time. Whew! Glad that's over. I got home and cleaned like a mad woman since Chris will be staying here for the next 5 days.
We have lots to plow throw this weekend:
- pre-marital counseling/seminar
- pre-marital counseling session with Pastor Sid
- get the last save-the-date cards out
- visit Men's Warehouse for Chris' suit
- Get "engagement" pictures done
- check out options for setting up at the reception site
- Plan, plan, and plan some more.
But I look forward to spending time with my Baby. It gets to be so draining sometimes to do this long distance deal! It's gonna be LOVELY come September 19th to not have to do this like this anymore.
I'll be better about posting pictures.
So 1 last thing before I head out:
You should totally head over to Whitney's lovely blog for a fun spring swap :) I already did!
Toooooodles!
Monday, March 2, 2009
It's March already?!?!
So I know, I know, I'm lagging in posting on my bloggy-blog. I've missed it. I've also been completely busy and really just... stressed. Oy.
I can't believe it's already March! I have so much to do in regards to the wedding. We've made some progress, but that doesn't mean I've stopped worrying about every little detail. Gah!
Chris is here this Thursday! I've missed him so much and this wedding planning via long distance is taking it's toll on me. I'm uber sensitive to how he's saying things or whether or not we're doing this or that the right way. Blah. It's been a tough month. What do I do?!?! Give me some advice, girls!
I had my first fitting this past weekend. I know, super early, but the seamstress wanted to have an idea of what she's working with. She actually altered my bridesmaid dress for Pang's wedding and was fabulous! So I'm sure she'll be taking good care of me. Good news-- I actually lost 3 inches around my waist since I bought my dress!! Yay me! Now it's just a matter of maintaining my weight. I looked AMAZING in my wedding dress and cannot wait to wear it! Heehee.
Anyway. There's so much to do, I hardly know where to start.
We did figure out what we're doing for the rehearsal lunch or dinner. We're actually doing a rehearsal BBQ lunch right before rehearsal since Pastor Sid will have to leave by 5 for a Friday night wedding he's officiating. It works out well since we weren't sure how much we'd be able to dish out for the rehearsal dinner. Chris really wants to BBQ so I'm leaving that up to him. My responsibility? Finding a dress for that afternoon. haha.
I really want to show you guys my Save the Date cards. I'll have to do that. *note to self* And the invites need to be made soon here too. Chris and I are getting our engagement pictures done this weekend as well. My sister just bought new gear and does a fantastic job at photography so she'll be helping us out with that :) Chris is also bringing the studio's camera just in case Hli wants to try using it too. Yay! And yes, I've already shopped for the outfit(s). haha.
Anyway, I'll be around more often. Promise. I apologize for the MIA-ness.
I can't believe it's already March! I have so much to do in regards to the wedding. We've made some progress, but that doesn't mean I've stopped worrying about every little detail. Gah!
Chris is here this Thursday! I've missed him so much and this wedding planning via long distance is taking it's toll on me. I'm uber sensitive to how he's saying things or whether or not we're doing this or that the right way. Blah. It's been a tough month. What do I do?!?! Give me some advice, girls!
I had my first fitting this past weekend. I know, super early, but the seamstress wanted to have an idea of what she's working with. She actually altered my bridesmaid dress for Pang's wedding and was fabulous! So I'm sure she'll be taking good care of me. Good news-- I actually lost 3 inches around my waist since I bought my dress!! Yay me! Now it's just a matter of maintaining my weight. I looked AMAZING in my wedding dress and cannot wait to wear it! Heehee.
Anyway. There's so much to do, I hardly know where to start.
We did figure out what we're doing for the rehearsal lunch or dinner. We're actually doing a rehearsal BBQ lunch right before rehearsal since Pastor Sid will have to leave by 5 for a Friday night wedding he's officiating. It works out well since we weren't sure how much we'd be able to dish out for the rehearsal dinner. Chris really wants to BBQ so I'm leaving that up to him. My responsibility? Finding a dress for that afternoon. haha.
I really want to show you guys my Save the Date cards. I'll have to do that. *note to self* And the invites need to be made soon here too. Chris and I are getting our engagement pictures done this weekend as well. My sister just bought new gear and does a fantastic job at photography so she'll be helping us out with that :) Chris is also bringing the studio's camera just in case Hli wants to try using it too. Yay! And yes, I've already shopped for the outfit(s). haha.
Anyway, I'll be around more often. Promise. I apologize for the MIA-ness.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Okay, Okay... so I lied...
A little. About posting "tomorrow." But technically, today is yesterday's tomorrow and I didn't say which one's tomorrow I'd post them sooooo there. Okies? Okies.
Ohh I can't believe Chris has been gone for only a week. It feels like a good couple weeks already. And we're back to the abnormal swing of things. We didn't get a ton of pictures because we were quite on the go the whole weekend, but we got this one:
He's so handsome. And I look pretty "yay me" too :)
Our weekend went so well. We met with Pastor Sid and we love him! He's so sweet and personable and funny! I'm so thankful that he is our officiant and we get to do pre-marital counseling with him! He helped us map out our entire ceremony already which was fantabulous! I was going to wait until a month before the wedding-- oops. haha. Pastor Sid goes "Ohhh no, I don't want you to stress about that then!" So its roughly mapped out and I love it!
Chris played with the nieces as much as he could and misses them so much. I can't wait to see him as a Daddy. He's going to be so good :) We actually taught them how to play Red Rover (remember that game??) and now they want to play it all the time.
Other than that, we had dinner with my family at Olive Garden the last night he was here and Chris and I had our fabulous Caribou Coffee run every morning... their hot chocolate is SO good! Sorry Starbucks lovers, Caribou is just better. AND their banana bread-- OMG! YUM! Best ever! AND! It's low-fat! Steal!
May not be so crazy to everyone else, but Chris has never stayed the night at my house. Culturally, that's just frowned upon, so Chris always stays at the hotel which is like 2 houses from our house. Well, my dad wasn't really around this time because he had a conference to teach at and just saw Chris the last day he was here long enough to have a conversation and goes "Next time, stay here so you guys can save some money and not worry about getting a hotel room." You see, my dad is NOT one to be nice to guys who come around. But he loves Chris. And this just meant so much more. It was funny cause Chris was completely speechless. My dad is so awesome.
It's hard seeing him walk into the terminal without me. I hate it. But soon. Soon.
Anyway, with all that said, I didn't work out last week at all. And believe me, I paid for that slack tonight! I lasted 15 minutes on the track before I felt like my lungs were going to explode and my back was going to break from cramping so bad. UGH! But I did the 1 mile mark in about 8 minutes. I'm back to working up my cardio again and doing sit ups and the sculpting of my thighs/legs & arms/back. It sucks cause once I get the hang of it again, 30 minutes or so doesn't seem so bad on my body, but I haven't worked it enough to get to the point where a 1 week haitus wouldn't be so bad. Does anyone else have this problem?
Anyway #2, or is it #3? Meh, we got our Save the Dates ready for sending! The first batch is already out and were hand-delivered at church! It was so exciting to see everyone so excited for them! I'll scan them in soon :) The rest are going out next week when all our addresses are in. *gushes* This is really happening!
AAAAAND I got this from the lovely Miss Ivy!!
Thanks lovey! I want to pass it on to you girls for continuing to read these blurbs of mine :)
Now that wedding planning is in full swing, wedding planning updates will be in order and I'll be good about them, I promise. I think?
Oh! And I saw Bride Wars... Um. Not really worth the hype in my opinion... *sigh* But oh how I love Kate Hudson and how amazing she always looks!
And... it was my birthday on the 15th.
Toodles!
Ohh I can't believe Chris has been gone for only a week. It feels like a good couple weeks already. And we're back to the abnormal swing of things. We didn't get a ton of pictures because we were quite on the go the whole weekend, but we got this one:
He's so handsome. And I look pretty "yay me" too :)
Our weekend went so well. We met with Pastor Sid and we love him! He's so sweet and personable and funny! I'm so thankful that he is our officiant and we get to do pre-marital counseling with him! He helped us map out our entire ceremony already which was fantabulous! I was going to wait until a month before the wedding-- oops. haha. Pastor Sid goes "Ohhh no, I don't want you to stress about that then!" So its roughly mapped out and I love it!
Chris played with the nieces as much as he could and misses them so much. I can't wait to see him as a Daddy. He's going to be so good :) We actually taught them how to play Red Rover (remember that game??) and now they want to play it all the time.
Other than that, we had dinner with my family at Olive Garden the last night he was here and Chris and I had our fabulous Caribou Coffee run every morning... their hot chocolate is SO good! Sorry Starbucks lovers, Caribou is just better. AND their banana bread-- OMG! YUM! Best ever! AND! It's low-fat! Steal!
May not be so crazy to everyone else, but Chris has never stayed the night at my house. Culturally, that's just frowned upon, so Chris always stays at the hotel which is like 2 houses from our house. Well, my dad wasn't really around this time because he had a conference to teach at and just saw Chris the last day he was here long enough to have a conversation and goes "Next time, stay here so you guys can save some money and not worry about getting a hotel room." You see, my dad is NOT one to be nice to guys who come around. But he loves Chris. And this just meant so much more. It was funny cause Chris was completely speechless. My dad is so awesome.
It's hard seeing him walk into the terminal without me. I hate it. But soon. Soon.
Anyway, with all that said, I didn't work out last week at all. And believe me, I paid for that slack tonight! I lasted 15 minutes on the track before I felt like my lungs were going to explode and my back was going to break from cramping so bad. UGH! But I did the 1 mile mark in about 8 minutes. I'm back to working up my cardio again and doing sit ups and the sculpting of my thighs/legs & arms/back. It sucks cause once I get the hang of it again, 30 minutes or so doesn't seem so bad on my body, but I haven't worked it enough to get to the point where a 1 week haitus wouldn't be so bad. Does anyone else have this problem?
Anyway #2, or is it #3? Meh, we got our Save the Dates ready for sending! The first batch is already out and were hand-delivered at church! It was so exciting to see everyone so excited for them! I'll scan them in soon :) The rest are going out next week when all our addresses are in. *gushes* This is really happening!
AAAAAND I got this from the lovely Miss Ivy!!
Thanks lovey! I want to pass it on to you girls for continuing to read these blurbs of mine :)
Now that wedding planning is in full swing, wedding planning updates will be in order and I'll be good about them, I promise. I think?
Oh! And I saw Bride Wars... Um. Not really worth the hype in my opinion... *sigh* But oh how I love Kate Hudson and how amazing she always looks!
And... it was my birthday on the 15th.
Toodles!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Ohh me... Ohh me...
So I'm really digging some of Bari Jay brides maids dresses-- my wedding party is pretty petite and Bari Jay is pretty affordable and just looks so stinkin good on petite-ies! The dresses I have in mind from them are pretty re-wear-able and I've in mind some dresses that I think all my attendants would at least like one. I'm supposed to order them in January-- that should be enough time right, since our wedding is in September? They're all getting to choose which one they want to wear as I won't be planning on all of them wearing the same one.
I can't decide on the attendant gifts that I would like to give. I've thought of pearl earrings that they each can wear for the wedding, but I also like the pearl necklace/choker with an attached flower to it. I'm huge on pearls if you couldn't tell.
I used to be all about diamonds and I wanted a huge diamond as my engagement ring and then just get it upgraded for the wedding-- I know, I'm so materialistic sometimes :P. But Chris and I started looking at pearl rings and I love how classy pearls are. We've talked about wedding bands and I've never really liked the idea of having a traditional wedding band. We've decided that of course I would buy Chris' wedding band, but that I would get a new ring altogether for the wedding with it engraved-- I know, sounds expensive and high maintenance, right? It was Chris' idea really-- not mine so I'm not that shallow :P. Mine was to just upgrade the engagement ring, but Chris liked the idea of a new ring and passing on the enagement ring to our kids or something. To be quite honest, I'm not sure how I'll tuck my engagement ring away--- I love it!! Everyone loves how "Hnou" it is and always comments on how different it is and unique. Thanks, Baby. You did great.
My only complaint about my pearl ring is that it calls for lots of maintenance. Pretty much, I can't put lotion on while I am wearing it, I can't spray perfume or body spray while it's on, I can't get soap on it, because all these things will start to eat at the pearl and it'll lose it's shine. *sigh* Chris would. I'm not the most "careful" person, if you will. I bang my hand on the doorframe when I walk by-- I'm clumsy-- no, really, I am-- I've bruised up my entire forearm cause I swiped the doorknob with my arm swinging when I walked by the door. Who does that?? Me. Ohhh me. But beauty has a price... my pearl's beauty that is.
I can't decide on the attendant gifts that I would like to give. I've thought of pearl earrings that they each can wear for the wedding, but I also like the pearl necklace/choker with an attached flower to it. I'm huge on pearls if you couldn't tell.
I used to be all about diamonds and I wanted a huge diamond as my engagement ring and then just get it upgraded for the wedding-- I know, I'm so materialistic sometimes :P. But Chris and I started looking at pearl rings and I love how classy pearls are. We've talked about wedding bands and I've never really liked the idea of having a traditional wedding band. We've decided that of course I would buy Chris' wedding band, but that I would get a new ring altogether for the wedding with it engraved-- I know, sounds expensive and high maintenance, right? It was Chris' idea really-- not mine so I'm not that shallow :P. Mine was to just upgrade the engagement ring, but Chris liked the idea of a new ring and passing on the enagement ring to our kids or something. To be quite honest, I'm not sure how I'll tuck my engagement ring away--- I love it!! Everyone loves how "Hnou" it is and always comments on how different it is and unique. Thanks, Baby. You did great.
My only complaint about my pearl ring is that it calls for lots of maintenance. Pretty much, I can't put lotion on while I am wearing it, I can't spray perfume or body spray while it's on, I can't get soap on it, because all these things will start to eat at the pearl and it'll lose it's shine. *sigh* Chris would. I'm not the most "careful" person, if you will. I bang my hand on the doorframe when I walk by-- I'm clumsy-- no, really, I am-- I've bruised up my entire forearm cause I swiped the doorknob with my arm swinging when I walked by the door. Who does that?? Me. Ohhh me. But beauty has a price... my pearl's beauty that is.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Please stand up.
To be quite honest, I'm a little bit nervous about starting a blog here. I've been on Live Journal for awhile ( check it if you'd like ), but there were so many ads and my account constantly was being hacked into so my entries weren't as updated as often as I had hoped when I hopped onto the blogging bandwagon.
I miss writing. It used to be the one thing that I really excelled at in school. I hated numbers and couldn't wrap my mind around scientific theories long enough to take interest in them. My teachers always praised me on my
writing abilities and skills, but I'm afraid that what "they" (who is "they"??) say is true-- if you don't use/fashion a skill or ability enough, you will lose it. I'm hoping that this will become a regular journal for me as I begin chronicling everything that's going on with our wedding planning and then even stuff that has nothing to do with our wedding. I don't know who will stumble upon this blog or if in the end, it's just for me. I do know that I want to learn from what seems to be a great many who are perhaps in a similar boat as me. And also, in stumbling upon a few blogs already, these are some pretty fabulous people that I can learn and aspire from. In the process of all that, I hope my writing skills are sharpened and I'm back to being a confident writer.
I used to want to be a magazine editor and a part of me longs for that, still. If anything, I suppose I half-heartedly gave up on that dream because I figured it was such a competitive market to get into. Don't get me wrong, if the opportunity presents itself, I won't say no... *sigh* I don't know. I've been in and out of school as far as college. I've transferred 3 times-- CCU to Crown to Century... changed my major 3 times--- youth ministry, communications/journalism, & now public relations. Indecisive much? Much. I did "manage" to get my Associate of Arts degree (does that really count anywhere?) and hopefully after Chris and I get married and I make the move out to SoCal, I'll be able to buckle down and finish my 4 year degree. For awhile there, I felt so unfulfilled and maybe even moreso, like I had failed because I changed my mind so often and in turn, never graduated college in the intended 4 years from 1 institute. Those days come and go still, and I know this might sound kinda stupid, but I think God really taught me patience and my significance and worth though this whole thing of waiting for what I really feel is "my area." Chris tells me to not worry about it whenever we talk about it-- apparently, it's better that I didn't get through the entire program just to figure out right before graduation that I hate what it is that I'm going into or graduating with. You think he only says that cause he "has" to? I kid, Baby.
Today marks 9 months until I officially become Mrs. CJG. We start our pre-marital counseling on January 9th with Pastor Sid. We have our ceremony and reception site reserved at Faith Alliance Church. Tell me, is it tacky to hold our reception out back behind the church we're getting married at? It'll be a late afternoon wedding and an evening reception with hanging lights and candles everywhere behind the church-- the back dips down and has this little area where we could set up tables and a projector with mics and stuff. Is that tacky? My sister had her wedding at the same church and her reception back behind the church as well and it was pretty nice-- and it was during the day. I'll have to get pics posted as some point and maybe I can get a few pointers. My wedding coordinator, by the way, is my older sister and her/my assistant in wedding planning is my younger sister. Did I mention that they're both my matron and maid of honor? Is that too much? I do have a 2nd coordinator which is Malee, but I've avoided putting too much on her yet, since it's still pretty manageable and also, she's due with baby #5 at the end of January! She'll be my day-of coordinator for sure and once she's kinda more settled with the babies, I'll be meeting with her regarding my ideas and stuff too.
This is the inside of Faith Alliance. Doesn't it look so warm & homey?? *love*
We've started our Save the Date cards and have also started cutting & folding our wedding invitations-- I'm a DIY bride, for sure. Chris works at a photography studio so he's printing our Save the Date card photos at the studio... we have to order the paper ourselves, but it saves us lots of $$. Also! Because Chris works at a photography studio ( eye-magic ), we're getting Jethro (the studio's photographer) and his fiance Theresa as our photographers and they've only asked for travel & accomodations as our fee. Of course, we'll throw in something extra for them, but it's a steal and Jethro is pretty good and I've also seen Theresa's shots which are pretty nice as well. I have to tell you, photography was my #1 item that I wanted to splurge on, but when we set our budget and saw that the one photographer I wanted was wayyyy out of our price range for now, I was bummed. But Jethro offered his services with hopes that he'd be helping us out and I saw his portfolio and he's pretty awesome, too. So. Stoked. Chris and I have decided that on our 1 year anniversary, we'd take a trip down to CO and book a session with the photographer I really wanted ( *LOVE* ) complete with our wedding attire which in turns, forces me to *not* gain the newly wed 15! I told Chris we'll have to maintain our weight from the wedding. haha.
Oh! **Important news** I do have my wedding dress and it's supposed to come in January or February. It wasn't the first dress I tried on. I had started out at the Priscilla of Boston boutique and had fallen in love with one of the gowns there and was on my way talking myself into spending a ridiculous amount on the dress while my mom and sisters-- though they loved the gown on me-- shook their heads and were like "No freakin way." hehe. I was pretty bummed and headed to another boutique and tried on another dress and liked it, but wasn't WOW!ed by it. A couple weekends after that, after much debate with my inner demons, (haha) I decided to pass up the Priscilla of Boston dress and head back to the previous boutique and try on the dress I had tried on previously there. This time, with my head a little clearer and the disappointment of the Melissa Sweet dress falling through further at bay, I actually fell in love with the dress. I requested a few changes with help from my sisters in envisioning the final dress, but it was lovely! The designer, I also found out, would make those minor changes for me without the extra charge. I, then, later found out that the store I bought the dress from is the *only* store that carries that designer and the store hasn't sold that particular style before. Score! I am one of a kind. haaaaa. Chris is a lurker, I think, (omg, he was so like "Please tell me you're kidding." when I told him my new blog name. hahaha) so I won't be able to post dress photos or give any details. But there will be lots and lots of photos to come in 9 months! teehee!
We've a couple things lined up for when Chris is here. We're opting to have the guys wear suits rather than tuxes. I'm thinking that the guys will really only have to worry about buying the jacket. Chris and I will head over to Men's Wearhouse when he's here to scope out the place. Oh, did I mention, Chris lives in SoCal and we've been long-distance since "us" began? And yes, I am moving away from MN to SoCal when we get married which is scary and nerve-wracking and crazy all at the same time (my entire family lives here and I am obsessed with my nieces and my nephew!). I miss him and I can't wait to see him! 3 more weeks!!
So anyway, I'm here at work just typing this whole introductory entry up. LONG, I know. The ones to come won't be so long, I promise. I just needed to intro-post myself.
Toodles kiddies!
I miss writing. It used to be the one thing that I really excelled at in school. I hated numbers and couldn't wrap my mind around scientific theories long enough to take interest in them. My teachers always praised me on my
writing abilities and skills, but I'm afraid that what "they" (who is "they"??) say is true-- if you don't use/fashion a skill or ability enough, you will lose it. I'm hoping that this will become a regular journal for me as I begin chronicling everything that's going on with our wedding planning and then even stuff that has nothing to do with our wedding. I don't know who will stumble upon this blog or if in the end, it's just for me. I do know that I want to learn from what seems to be a great many who are perhaps in a similar boat as me. And also, in stumbling upon a few blogs already, these are some pretty fabulous people that I can learn and aspire from. In the process of all that, I hope my writing skills are sharpened and I'm back to being a confident writer.
I used to want to be a magazine editor and a part of me longs for that, still. If anything, I suppose I half-heartedly gave up on that dream because I figured it was such a competitive market to get into. Don't get me wrong, if the opportunity presents itself, I won't say no... *sigh* I don't know. I've been in and out of school as far as college. I've transferred 3 times-- CCU to Crown to Century... changed my major 3 times--- youth ministry, communications/journalism, & now public relations. Indecisive much? Much. I did "manage" to get my Associate of Arts degree (does that really count anywhere?) and hopefully after Chris and I get married and I make the move out to SoCal, I'll be able to buckle down and finish my 4 year degree. For awhile there, I felt so unfulfilled and maybe even moreso, like I had failed because I changed my mind so often and in turn, never graduated college in the intended 4 years from 1 institute. Those days come and go still, and I know this might sound kinda stupid, but I think God really taught me patience and my significance and worth though this whole thing of waiting for what I really feel is "my area." Chris tells me to not worry about it whenever we talk about it-- apparently, it's better that I didn't get through the entire program just to figure out right before graduation that I hate what it is that I'm going into or graduating with. You think he only says that cause he "has" to? I kid, Baby.
Today marks 9 months until I officially become Mrs. CJG. We start our pre-marital counseling on January 9th with Pastor Sid. We have our ceremony and reception site reserved at Faith Alliance Church. Tell me, is it tacky to hold our reception out back behind the church we're getting married at? It'll be a late afternoon wedding and an evening reception with hanging lights and candles everywhere behind the church-- the back dips down and has this little area where we could set up tables and a projector with mics and stuff. Is that tacky? My sister had her wedding at the same church and her reception back behind the church as well and it was pretty nice-- and it was during the day. I'll have to get pics posted as some point and maybe I can get a few pointers. My wedding coordinator, by the way, is my older sister and her/my assistant in wedding planning is my younger sister. Did I mention that they're both my matron and maid of honor? Is that too much? I do have a 2nd coordinator which is Malee, but I've avoided putting too much on her yet, since it's still pretty manageable and also, she's due with baby #5 at the end of January! She'll be my day-of coordinator for sure and once she's kinda more settled with the babies, I'll be meeting with her regarding my ideas and stuff too.
This is the inside of Faith Alliance. Doesn't it look so warm & homey?? *love*
We've started our Save the Date cards and have also started cutting & folding our wedding invitations-- I'm a DIY bride, for sure. Chris works at a photography studio so he's printing our Save the Date card photos at the studio... we have to order the paper ourselves, but it saves us lots of $$. Also! Because Chris works at a photography studio ( eye-magic ), we're getting Jethro (the studio's photographer) and his fiance Theresa as our photographers and they've only asked for travel & accomodations as our fee. Of course, we'll throw in something extra for them, but it's a steal and Jethro is pretty good and I've also seen Theresa's shots which are pretty nice as well. I have to tell you, photography was my #1 item that I wanted to splurge on, but when we set our budget and saw that the one photographer I wanted was wayyyy out of our price range for now, I was bummed. But Jethro offered his services with hopes that he'd be helping us out and I saw his portfolio and he's pretty awesome, too. So. Stoked. Chris and I have decided that on our 1 year anniversary, we'd take a trip down to CO and book a session with the photographer I really wanted ( *LOVE* ) complete with our wedding attire which in turns, forces me to *not* gain the newly wed 15! I told Chris we'll have to maintain our weight from the wedding. haha.
Oh! **Important news** I do have my wedding dress and it's supposed to come in January or February. It wasn't the first dress I tried on. I had started out at the Priscilla of Boston boutique and had fallen in love with one of the gowns there and was on my way talking myself into spending a ridiculous amount on the dress while my mom and sisters-- though they loved the gown on me-- shook their heads and were like "No freakin way." hehe. I was pretty bummed and headed to another boutique and tried on another dress and liked it, but wasn't WOW!ed by it. A couple weekends after that, after much debate with my inner demons, (haha) I decided to pass up the Priscilla of Boston dress and head back to the previous boutique and try on the dress I had tried on previously there. This time, with my head a little clearer and the disappointment of the Melissa Sweet dress falling through further at bay, I actually fell in love with the dress. I requested a few changes with help from my sisters in envisioning the final dress, but it was lovely! The designer, I also found out, would make those minor changes for me without the extra charge. I, then, later found out that the store I bought the dress from is the *only* store that carries that designer and the store hasn't sold that particular style before. Score! I am one of a kind. haaaaa. Chris is a lurker, I think, (omg, he was so like "Please tell me you're kidding." when I told him my new blog name. hahaha) so I won't be able to post dress photos or give any details. But there will be lots and lots of photos to come in 9 months! teehee!
We've a couple things lined up for when Chris is here. We're opting to have the guys wear suits rather than tuxes. I'm thinking that the guys will really only have to worry about buying the jacket. Chris and I will head over to Men's Wearhouse when he's here to scope out the place. Oh, did I mention, Chris lives in SoCal and we've been long-distance since "us" began? And yes, I am moving away from MN to SoCal when we get married which is scary and nerve-wracking and crazy all at the same time (my entire family lives here and I am obsessed with my nieces and my nephew!). I miss him and I can't wait to see him! 3 more weeks!!
So anyway, I'm here at work just typing this whole introductory entry up. LONG, I know. The ones to come won't be so long, I promise. I just needed to intro-post myself.
Toodles kiddies!
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