I have a confession.

I didn't want admit to it, maybe because if I don't say it out loud it isn't true, but deep down it is and I can't pretend anymore.

No, I didn't cut my hair and I'm not changing my gender, I'm homesick. 

So far I've been beyond lucky to have extremely mild weather, we haven't been blanketed with snow for weeks on end and we've had days of temperatures in the 40's and 50's.  I really enjoy my job so far, it's very interesting and I think I like working in a larger office.  Sophie Jean and I are adjusting to living with a boy and it's going well.  I'm slowly learning how to get to all the places I need to go, although these darn U-Turn turnaround things still get on my nerves.  All in all, the transition wasn't that difficult.

Now I believe that, deep down in my soul, a part of  me will always be on Tulsa Time.  This will be my excuse every single time I am late for the rest of my life, sorry...must still be on Tulsa Time.

For those that aren't from the southern midwest amazingness that is my hometown, here are the reasons that I find myself counting the days until I am able to step on that red soil again, in no particular order...

Awesome storm clouds

Running on Riverside

Taco Bueno or just decent mexican food in general

Being able to carry one of these in my purse.

Red Dirt Roads

Moons that look like this

Please don't take this as a post saying that I dislike New Jersey, honestly I don't. There are pros and cons with living anywhere, but at the end of the day when I'm on the couch with Sophie and my dishwasher (seriously, he does all the dishes! bomb!) it's all good. 

I didn't even begin to list the people that I miss, it's too difficult and would most likely cause me to cry, my make up looks far too good today so I refuse.  I miss all your pretty faces more than you know.

My life in Jersey - Commuting

I'm sure that most of you probably figured out that my life has changed a bit over the past few months, you're all smart cookies.  I figured that I'd write a few posts about the various changes, expected or not. 

Commuting

When I lived in Tulsa my commute was usually around 12 to 15 minutes for about the same number of miles, a total of 11.  There was one time that it took about 45 minutes, but the overturned Guinness truck might have had something to to do with that. 

My daily Tulsa commute

I liked my commute, mostly highways and a rather constant 65 mile an hour pace.  My Grand Prix, Gordon Timothy Perry, liked the commute as well.  Refer to my earlier posting about our recent wreck for his current feelings.  We just fixed his headlights and grill this weekend, dude looks brand new!  

When it comes to commuting in Jersey I have to say that I am one of the lucky ones.  My commute is against the flow of traffic, since I'm not trying to squeeze myself onto the island that is Manhattan, and I've been able to find a route that has a good flow.  I'll give you a map and some of the highlights...

Jersey Commute

I do go a slightly different way back to avoid the traffic heading toward the Lincoln Tunnel, especially on Friday, but otherwise it's similar.  I journey out of our little neighborhood, which I LOVE, past the Hudson County Courthouse, hook a right and drive past an area called Five Corners.  Bet you can't tell me why it's called that!

Five Corner - Red Ribbon is a cake shop...need to visit that...

I continue on Summit Avenue past the Jersey City Fire Department station where my father-in-law works, Reservoir Number 3, and Pershing Park.

Pershing Field Park

With stoplights at least every other block I usually have to stop at least three times before I reach the southern tip of Union City.  From there I make a slight left to get on Paterson Plank Road, on my right is the Teamsters Building.  The drive is fairly boring for quite some time as I make my way through part of Secaucus to get onto Route 3.  I pass this piece of wonderfulness...

Seriously, how has this not given someone a seizure?  It blocks my morning commute view of Giants Stadium!  Once I reach this point I'm almost at work, just an exit toward Route 17 and about a quarter of a mile on the service road and I'm there!  I park on the second level of the 4 level parking garage, take the stairs down to the ground level, walk into the building, and after a 7 floor elevator ride I'm ready to work!

When quittin' time rolls around I take the same method of exit, only backwards, get into my car and take Route 17 to Route 3 toward NYC.  After just a few moments I see this...

The Meadowlands!  (AKA - Giants Stadium!)

 

This is what it looks like if you're NOT taking a picture while driving...

MetLife Stadium

And in the distance I can see this...

See it in the distance? - just to the left of the road, it is much easier to see in person.

Again, if you're not in your car and a MUCH closer it's more recognizable...

YAY! Empire State Building!

I believe it was Red, Red, and Green that day in celebration of Christmas!  And next week it will be all blue for Big Blue!!  If you ever want to know what color it will be you can go to this website...it's kind of neat to know why they have picked the colors for that day.

Anyway, that is basically my commute.  If yours is shorter than mine you should be thankful, I'm thankful for the fact that mine is by far shorter than most other commutes.  I am quite lucky in that regard.

Allow me to introduce ...

... some people that I think are extremely awesome.

The In-Laws

Husband's parents were married the same year I was born and are members of the married-for-a-long-time-club, respect.  Since I have been married for 75 days, that's three days longer than that Kardashian chick *whoop whoop*, I feel that I'm an expert and can note that it's an awesome feat.  They have both welcomed me in from the start and while I'm sure the long distance relationship thing was probably odd to them, they never made me feel odd.  I feel comfortable enough to drool nap on their couch, which is high on my how much I like you scale. 

Obviously, we were super happy to have them there on our wedding day and grateful for the support along the way.  We had a second reception in New Jersey after our honeymoon, since we were basically MIA for a week we couldn't have pulled it off without their help!  Recently, we celebrated a Giants win with them and plan on adding a Super Bowl win to that list!

My Dad

I'm so much like my Dad it would truly scare most people.  We are, what I like to call, reasonable perfectionists.  We do have the ability to go with the flow, but we might be slowly dying on the inside.  That probably makes us sound bad, but I swear we aren't!  Dad is easily the hardest working and loving person I know.  I might be biased, but I'd go to the mat on that one with just about anyone.  It would be easy for me to write a short novel on why I think he is the bee's knees, but it's a blog and I don't have a book deal.  Since this is a wedding focused kind of thing I will say that he never once told me I couldn't have, do, or spend during the planning process.  He listened to the small details with genuine interest, gave his opinion when asked, and a ton of hugs when things were difficult. 

Dear Dad,

It was perfect.

Love, Sis

My Mama

I've been thinking about how lucky I am to have my mama recently.  Born way too early and at just over 2 pounds she wasn't supposed to live and if she did she was supposed to be blind, she was supposed to be deaf.  I've only known her for a little over 30 years, but I'd be willing to bet that she's been a blessing since the day she was born.  My personal opinion is that she is the cat's pajamas and the best mama a kid could ever dream to have.  Her worst quality is that she gets too darn excited and can't keep a secret, if that was my worst quality I'd be dancing in the streets.  I enjoyed sharing the wedding planning process with her more that words could ever say.  She never told me what to do, but would give her input when asked and helped with every little project.  I'm not embarrassed to admit that I talk to her on at least a daily basis and I'm mighty lucky to call her my best friend.

The wedding posting will continue...soon...

**All photos by Goodhue Photography ** 

Fatty McChunky Pants Has An Annoucement...

She joined a gym, this is just a short post about the increasing waistline and the goal to decrease it, quickly.

You'll gain weight as a newlywed. With my whole heart I believed that I would be the exception to this old rule, epic fail.  I have very few negatives regarding our wedding, but the date did not help the weight.  Cool kids rhyme, believe it.



aren't we precious?!



We got married, moved, honeymooned over Thanksgiving, and then BAM! It's Christmas.  Hello, Mr. Yummy Food it's been about an hour since I ate you let me shove some more in my chunky face. *nom nom nom* ... Fast Forward to me flinging myself all over the bedroom in an attempt to get the skinny jeans on the fat thighs.  May God bless the long cardigan and boots to the knees look, and I pray that no one has noticed the massive muffin top. Amen.

Obviously, something had to be done.  I bit the bullet and joined a gym.  I'm a huge fan of the Jazzercise method, don't knock it until you've tried it, it's a-freaking-mazing and gives me a reason to bust out my awesomesauce moves.  Try as I might I just couldn't fit it in the schedule, so I've been sentenced to free weights and the treadmill. 



Club Metro - Lobby


The good news is that the gym, Club Metro Fitness, is just minutes from work so I'm usually able to elbow my way in before the after 5:00pm crowd really shows up.  The bad news is that I think I've found the location in Northern New Jersey that all the DJ Pauly D wannabes gather to work out and grease their hair.  I have to say that, as a current resident of NJ, this state gets a bad name from the wonderfulness that is reality TV.  However, the closest likeness has to be this crowd of high schoolers that roll into the gym just minutes before I do, or maybe they have been there for hours...I can't tell if it's sweat or hair gel on their brows.

Today will be my 3rd visit and I plan on logging at least three miles on the hamster wheel (aka - treadmill), if I'm still breathing I'm going to attempt a horrible looking abdominal routine I found on Pinterest.  It was wedged between recipes for pasta and brownies, go figure. 

I'm debating on posting my progress, thoughts on this one friends?  I think it would encourage me to continue it and improve as well, but it could also let the world in on the little secret that I'm not perfect *GASP*  I know ... I know ... it's hard to believe, but it's true.  I'll probably screw it up a time or two, but here's to a long healthy life!!  and a large plate of nachos from time to time...mmm...nachos... 

I continue to ask you to pray for Mr. Killian, his story continues to inspire me and many many others!

Wedding People

I already noted those people that weren't able to be with us on our big day, but what about those that were able to be there?! We personally think we are thebombdotcom and I'm sure many of you think the same. 

Bridesmaids

Abby, Me, Chandra, and Erica

It was so difficult to pick just three lovely ladies to stand to my left as I exchanged vows with the mister. They did much more than just stand as I reviewed in my bridal showers post not to terribly long ago and I was happy to have them there for all of it.  Of course, I wish I could have had more like 15 of my favorite ladies up there with me. I'll keep these little write ups short and sweet, but I could easily write a blog post about each one!

Me and Abby

Abby and I met at the Kappa Delta Sorority house many moons ago, shared an apartment one wonderful summer, and too many adventures to name.  Easily, one of the nicest people on planet earth and a class act.  Since Abby married John just a few months earlier in August she was a great resource and all of her advice came in very handy! 

Me and Erica

Erica is Kenny's younger sister and I believe we met in October of 2011.  She kept form with the rest of her family and has lovingly welcomed me in without hesitation.  I'm so grateful that she made the long trip from Jersey to be there with us, and it was a blessing to have her there with us on the most important day or our lives!

Me and Chandra

Like Abby, I met Chandra at the Kappa Delta Sorority house a few years ago and was honored to be her New Member Educator.  She married Ryan in 2007 and I think that contrary to popular trends we became closer after that wonderful day!  Also a great resource during the planning process, she's a fantastic mom to Mr. Caden James and a steadfast friend that you can count on no matter what.

Groomsmen

Kyle, Kenny, Nathan, and Matt

I think Kenny would have asked at like 30 people if I would have let him and if they could have all made the trip to Tulsa.  He is a likable dude so narrowing down his group was kind of difficult for him, I think.  Please note that this is all speculation on my part since Kenny is actually at work this Sunday afternoon, which he is not happy about!

Kyle and Kenny

I'm assuming that Kenny met Kyle back in the days of diapers, since they are cousins that aren't too many years apart.  He's all kinds of awesome and has spent a number of hours at our apartment, always a blast!

Nathan and Kenny

Nathan was a belated birthday gift for my 3rd birthday and I think he wins the award for most miles traveled to attend.  I'm so lucky that Kenny and Nate get along so well and we can't wait for him to visit in May!!

Matt and Kenny

Matt and Kenny met through their love of fire, more accurately fire fighting.  He is always a fun time and we think the weekend was a little more interesting with him there!

Even More Lovely People!

So, lots of help is needed during a wedding...below are those that pitched in and we are grateful! 

Layna, Me, Kenny, and Megan

What about the readers?!  On some level I think these two ladies might have been separated a birth.  Both fun loving, helpful and energetic ladies that performed their duties flawlessly!  Layna is my cousin and Megan is Kenny's cousin/Kyle's sister.  Love them both!!


Miranda, Alli, and Jossilyn helped out with the guestbook and programs.  I just realized that we didn't get a professional photo of them hard a work!  Miranda is my cousin and with the help of her little girls I believe that everyone had a program in their hands.

Me and Adrienne

I honestly don't know how we would have gotten everything done without this lady.  Adrienne was on my shortlist of bridesmaids, but at the time we made the final decision she was in Morocco and wasn't going to be able to make the journey.  Things changed and she is now stateside, unfortunately it was just weeks before the wedding so we couldn't alter the bridesmaid list, but she was so willing to help out and she really made stuff happen.  Couldn't thank her enough!!

Parents

Last but certainly not least...the PARENTS!  They are so important that I'm giving them their own post.  check back soon :)

**All photos by Goodhue Photography **

I am going to rant and praise!

I like to end things on a positive note, so let's start with the rant.


via Pinterest

I saw this on Pinterest earlier today and had to restrain myself from jumping out of my chair for a big loud Hallelujah, Amen, Brother Ben shot a rooster, killed a hen.  I just realized that if you're not a member of my immediate family (on my mothers side) you  have no idea what that means, to be honest I'm not entirely sure I know what it means.  Either way, it's so true in life, at my job, basically every day.  Why is that?  Why is it my problem when you screw up?  I don't want to fix it either, friend, and I sure ain't gonna rush to do it for you.  I'll let it go for now, but I have a request for all humanity...start planning a little bit.  It isn't hard, I promise you, it can actually be fun too!  I do guarantee that it will save you time and heartache in the long run, about 99% positive on that one.



Now, onto the positive things in life and some praise where praise is due...


Mr. Killian


If you haven't read about this little guy I urge you to do so, all your issues (like the above rant) will seem trivial at best and your heart will just fill up with love for him.  In a nutshell, he was given little hope by the doctors less than 48 hours ago, but yesterday that story changed!!  His numbers have improved and he is holding on like a champ.  I know that there are prayers being said from coast to coast, north to south and probably across oceans for this guy and they are working.  If you don't believe in the power of prayer then I dare you to explain this miracle.  Keep the prayers coming people!!!  He is on facebook too!  You can 'like' him and receive the up to date news!  Just search for CDH Cherub Killian.

Making a Pinterest Project My Own

I love Pinterest.  If you don't do it or don't know what it is...well...you're majorly missing out.  I will say that it is mostly the ladies sharing their crafty ideas an inspiration, but there are a few guys that have joined in as well.  I see a sports inspired pin from time to time!

I took a few ideas that I had re pinned over the course of the past few months and made a new wreath for our front door!  (Wreath Inspiration and Flower Inspiration) My parents sent us a beautiful Christmas wreath in early December, but it was loosing more and more needles every day so we decided that it had lived a nice long life.  We gave Winston the Wreath a nice burial and suddenly our door was way too bare! 

We made a quick stop off at the Michael's in Clifton, NJ on our way out to the in-laws to watch the Giants kick some Packer rear!!  GO GIANTS!  I was sad to learn that this is a Michael's that does not carry fabric!  WHAT?! I didn't know they existed, but with some help from my other half we figured out an alternate plan that actually turned out to be an awesome plan!

I picked up the following items ...

L to R
8 pieces of felt in 4 colors  ...  29 cents each x 8 = $2.32
Wooden Letter 'e'  ...  $1.99
Paint  ...  $1.39
Two Paint Brushes  ...  7 cents each x 2 = $0.14
Scissors (already owned - not sure why I put them in the photo...)
Glue Sticks  ...  $3.99 x 2 (aka - way more than I need!) = $7.98
Hot Glue Gun  ...  $2.49
Grapevine Wreath  ...  $4.99 - $2.00 (40% off coupon) = $2.99
Wreath Holder (not pictured - but it's cute!)  ...  $6.99 - $2.80 (40% off coupon) = $4.19

Total Project cost (with lots of left over materials!) = $23.49
I made the husband join me so we could get two items at 40% off.  He must love me!

Quickly painted the 'e' a goldish / yellow color

I just realized that I didn't take nearly enough pictures, hopefully you can follow the method with the two links I posted above. 

Next on the list was to make 'roses' out of the felt.  I cut the felt into strips that were about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch wide.  Then I rolled the felt tightly about 4 to 6 times around and secured that with a small amount of hot glue, that creates the 'center' of the rose.  Then you twist the felt around in random spots to create the 'petals'.  The felt that we purchased was rather short so the roses were small...I tried to piece a few together to make larger ones, my success rate was around 20%, but at least I had a few that worked.

Small roses - simply hot glued them to death.

After the letter 'e' had dried I hot glued the crap out of it placed it in the wreath and then added more roses around it until it looked okay to me...I could have easily added about 30 more roses, but that might have been overkill. 

End product!

The only flaw in our great and wonderful plan is that our door is brown...and the grapevine wreath is brown, but I still think it looks cute.  Just something that I will have to remember for future projects!



If you took the time to read this blog then you have a few minutes to say this little prayer for Killian ... you're a fighter and a warrior little guy! 

Lord Jesus Christ, Good Shepherd of the sheep, you gather the lambs in your arms and carry them in your bosom.  We commend to your loving care this child, Killian.  Relieve his pain, guard him from all danger, restore to him your gifts of gladness and strength, and raise him up to a life of service to you.  Hear us, we pray, for your dear name's sake.  AMEN!

Wedding Details - Part Deux

Ready for this?!  I think I am - although I just finished an art project and burned the ever loving crap out of my index finger on my right hand.  I wonder if I can strategically avoid certain letters...so far it's been a failure.  *sigh* onto the photos and details!

Hair and Make Up

I was really happy to find Faccia Bella in Tulsa.  I know a few people that have used their services before and were pleased, so it was an easy choice.  Plus, they come to you at nearly any location, a huge time saver!

Gettin my hair did

While some of us were getting our hair done, the others were getting started on the make up process.  When I joined Kappa Delta way back in 2002 I met a wonderful lady, Beth!  She was always helping the girls get ready for dates, dances, and parties in college and has since made a wonderful career out of it! I loved my make up SO MUCH!

My pretty Mama

The Lovely Abby Jane

Caden's Mama, aka - The Wonderful Chandra

Getting my make up done!

A small note about the above picture...Chandra had this tank made for her wedding to Ryan in 2007.  Abby wore it for her wedding in August of 2011 and I wore it on my wedding day in November of 2011.  Hopefully the good luck wears off on all three of us!

Important Details

We have all lost people close to us, we've lost to many to name, but there were five that we really missed on this day.  We wanted to note that they were there with us in some way. 

Kenny's Maternal Grandmother, Uncle, and Grandfather / My Fraternal Grandfather and Grandmother

We lost my grandpa back in 2005 and I wanted to do a little something special.  He always wore Wrangler pearl snap jean shirts and we saved a few after he passed.  I took a small piece of his shirt and put it close to my heart.

Did some last minute sewing

Something Old

Grandparents Wedding Bands - I carried all four on a ribbon in my bouquet

Something New

Dress, Shoes, and the Pearls that my brother gave me for my 30th birthday

Something Borrowed

Veil - I wore an altered version of my mother's veil

Something Blue

Garter and the heart shown above

I also did have a sixpence in my shoe, found by my wonderful groom!

**All photos by Goodhue Photography**

It's all in the details

If/when you plan a wedding you'll probably understand how hard you work coming up with all the details that will make the big day what you and your future spouse want it to be. Certain things just fall into place, some make you want to pull every last hair out of your scalp, but when it's said and done you just have to kick back and go with it. Let's get started ... hold onto your seats kids...

 

 

Dress your BEST!

Bridesmaids Dresses - Alfred Angelo Style #7017 in Tealness and Charcoal - Necklaces made by Marty - Wraps (not pictured) purchased at Target 

Abby, Me, Chandra, and Erica

Bridal Gown - Maggie Sottero - style Kirstie

Bridal Shoes - Badgley Miscka

later on I changed into Ariat Cowboy boots!

 

Groomsmen / Grooms Tuxedos - Jos. A Bank Radnor Tuxedos with Bali Silver Vests and Ties (Diamond White for the Groom), white microfiber shirts, and basic black shoes

Kyle, Kenny, Nathan, and Matt

Location, Location, Location

Ceremony - Trinity Episcopal Church - Tulsa, Oklahoma

Reception - German American Society Center - Tulsa, Oklahoma

Reception Details

Table Set Up - Teal Tablecloths, Gray (silver) runners, cylinder vases with submerged red Gerbera Daisies, Wedding Favors, table numbers, and a few small candles.

Favors - Mug with wedding logo, small jar of Grandma's famous jelly, and we also had donuts in honor of Kenny's Great Grandfather!

Table Numbers - I ordered these cuties (that nearly gave me a heart attack since they arrived on FRIDAY!) on etsy.

Bride and Groom Luminaries

Seating Chart - made this bad boy myself and had it printed at Staples.  Hours and hours of formatting, editing, repeat.

Bridal Cake - 4 tiers from Ludgers Bakery - vanilla sponge cake with alternating layers of strawberry and vanilla bavarian cream!

Groom's Cake - half chocolate with chocolate filling, half vanilla cake with raspberry filling with Kenny's favorite teams logo - Lauren did such an amazing job!!!

Well, I think I've probably overwhelmed you enough with all the photos!  I have many more to go and will get to that as soon a possible! 

**All photos by Goodhue Photography**