Bachelorette Party

GIRLS NIGHT OUT!!! On October 18th, 10 of my best friends and family hit the road for Houston and girls night out. We all met over at my mom's house and then headed to Houston. My cousin, Karen had already found us a great Mexican food place and then it was off to Howl at the Moon. That is a great place to go, home of the dueling pianos. We ate, drank, danced and laughed so much I was exhausted afterwards. It was so much fun and I am so lucky to have a great group of family and friends.

Couples Shower

WOW, what a weekend...on Saturday, Oct 11th Jeff and I had our couples shower at Buca di Peppo on the Woodlands. It was great. It was hosted by Jane/Jim, Mary/Kim, Caroll/Tom and Karl/Joy, they are all my aunts and uncles. It was a great time and we had so much fun. All of Jeff's family was there and most of mine. The food was great and we played two games. One famous couples and another "project runway" style brides show. Each group had to make up a person as a bride using newspaper, toilet paper and tape. IT WAS HYSTERICAL! Jeff and I loved it...seeing his friend Cody dressed as a woman and then there was my dad! He was a riot, very out of character for him. Both he and Jennifer's dad were dressed up and as people were saying the things they do for their daughters! It was great. Viola, Macy and Nancy were wonderful as well. It was great to see what people can do in a short time...to funny! The night was great and so much fun. Jeff and I loved it and feel so blessed to have all these wonderful people in our lives. All the more reason after the weekend of showers to be excited about the reception, it will be so much fun!

Dessert Shower

Well thanks to Hurricane Ike, my first bridal shower had to be postponed. It was a dessert and wine shower. I was disappointed to say the least but what you going to do, no lights..no water, no shower! Jennifer, Terra and Stella had wanted to host a shower for me so on, October 10 the rescheduled shower took place. IT WAS GREAT!!! We all went to Jeff and Jennifer house, which was decorated beautifully. They had so many wonderful desserts and wines to choose from. I was so happy to see all my friends and family there. Even my Aunt Caroll from Las Vegas was able to come, she wouldn't have before, so that was one positive from Ike. I got so many wonderful things, Jeff and I don't even know how to say thank you enough...it is a very humbling experience to see all the packages and know they came from people you know who care so much. Some of my family got to meet Jeff's mom and Aunt for the first time and it was an instant laugh fest. It was a great time had by all, especially me the bride. I was so honored to have a wonderful sister like Jennifer who would go to all that trouble, she is the best.

Bridal Pictures

On Saturday, Sept 20th I was supposed to have the first of my two wedding showers. Well thanks to Hurricane Ike that was had to be changed to Oct 10th. I was disappointed I will say but what can you do, we had no power. Can't have a bridal shower in the dark...no fun there. So that big event is coming up and now because of the new date, several like Caroll are coming that would not have been able to before so that is one positive and I can not wait!

On Saturday, Sept. 27th Mom, Mary, Mimi and I ventured to Rice University to take my bridal portraits. To say I was a little nervous is an understatement. I wanted everything to be perfect (I am a bit of nut about that stuff, working on it though). I had spent the morning getting my hair and makeup done and was really happy with the turn out. As Carla (hairdresser) and I said..."this will go in the hairdo hall of fame." I loved it...and then it was off to Rice.

We stopped first and got a smaller version of my bouquet that I had ordered, LOVED IT. Then it was to the area parking lot to change into my dress, yes that is right. I changed into my wedding dress and such in the parking lot of the university. Dana, the photographer and I were off with our helpers. Thank goodness Mary and Mom were there. I needed a lot of help, with my dress, flower, veil, etc. Looked like I was famous....but I think we got some great shots. I have always loved that school and all the wonderful architecture. It was also so special to share that day with my mom, Mary and my grandmother. It made the day even more wonderful! Now, I just have to sit and wait to see them...I AM DYING!

Where did the time go?

It has been so long since my last post...where do I begin. Well,I guess I need to begin at the end. The end of the last post that is...Well September, what a month.

The move went great, had few moments of WHAT AM I DOING, WHERE IS ALL THIS STUFF GOING! Slowly but surely, it is going to all be alright. I have had days were I have thought it will never happen, I will never get it all done, never get it all moved into place, never be settled but I know it will. I know that it is only stuff and I will be able to wade through it sooner or later. It is really amazing how the little things in life make you so happy. For example, working my way through the boxes and finding the front door! Jeff just laughed at me but I was so proud...WE HAVE A DOOR, I CAN SEE IT BEHIND ALL THE BOXES! I guess this is something all couples go through but I think for Jeff and I it is a little different because we are older, we both have more stuff. Tons of stuff and making it all come together (the deer heads) is our greatest challenge and biggest source of laughter.

The month was going along fine until a storm named Ike showed up. At first they told us, he was going farther south, no worries for us. Well he changed his mind and headed right for Houston and I-45. Just like they said he would, that storm right up the freeway through Conroe. We were out of school for a week, without power for about 6 days (felt much longer than that, but we made it through. Had a few limbs down in the yard thank goodness. I know many people that lost a lot more than we did. I will say that the good thing about the whole experience was learning to relay on each other so much more again. We spent time as a family outside, cooking on the grill, eating together, carrying water, etc. Just being together without any other outside distractions and that was nice. But let me say..as much as I loved it, this girl loves her air conditioner too!

After Ike, it was back to trying to return to normal. That hasn't been easy for some. I see that at school all day, everyday...but we are going to be fine and taking it one day at a time.

Coming Home Again

This past weekend I turned over a new leaf in my life. I moved out of my apartment and into my mom's house. Jeff and I had decided that I would move my stuff to his house and then I would move in in November. I didn't want to live with him before we are married mainly out of respect for my parents. They both don't like the idea and have given me so much in my life, what is waiting three months! Also, I said "I am not stupid, they are writing the checks...not going to make them mad!" ahhahaha

Well the move went fine, thank goodness for the movers. I got here and unpacked what little I brought to Mom's house. It is kind of strange and wonderful being back here at the sametime. Eventhough it is a new house for both she and I, it is still living with my mom and being with her things. I don't think it matters how old you are or where they live there will always be apart of your home, the place your parents live. I know it will be good for both of us to be living together, if we don't kill each other first (kidding of course). There is something about beginning to start a new phase in life and coming home before you do, helps to keep you grounded I think.

Pieces of the puzzle

Friday, August 29th saw the arrival of our invitations. I was so happy to see them and think they are just what we wanted. I love them! They are just the right shape, color, and wording. They are very personal for my family and I was happy to see them. Also, we got our napkins in as well. They are great! Later that evening Mom, Jeff and I ventured to Fannin Flowers again. This time we went to look at a wedding they were working on that was using some of the same colors. They had told us a couple of weeks ago to come back then and I am so glad that we did. The flowers were AMAZING! I loved all of them, I can't wait to see the flowers and how they all look. We also ordered several other things and they will all be arriving the morning of the wedding and I know they will add a very special touch to the wedding. As I told Mom and Jeff that night, it is like putting one big puzzle together and I can't wait to see all the pieces.