Isn't it funny...?

I love it when I hear the phrase, "I'd like to settle down." You know when you're talking to someone who is still exploring what life has to offer and they say, "I think I'm ready to settle down. Get married, have kids." Whoever said anything about settling down? I, for one, don't consider this whole marriage thing to be a "settling down" experience. I mean, sometimes growing up sucks the big one. I find myself thinking that once I get past school things will "settle down" a little bit. ::Snort:: Riiiiiggggghhhhtttt.... When someone finds out how to get life to settle down, let me know. Mmmkay? I'm really interested.

I got on blogger today with good intentions of updating my look and making a post about changing up my blog in conjunction with my transition into life as a married woman, but alas, the internet here is getting a big fat 650 kbps. For all you non-techies out there that's called slow as molasses. So, there will be no fabulous pictures and no face lift because I refuse to wait 10 minutes for a picture to upload.

So, hopefully tonight, while I'm procrastinating on my homework I will get some motivation to use our sweet 15mbps connection at home and get some stuff going.

On a lighter note, consider this an interim post until I get in a better mood. :o)

A Long Time Coming

Yes, I'm still here. No I haven't given up on my blog. I'm just EXTREMELY busy.

I keep wanting to post, but I have so much to say that I can't even begin to comprehend where to start and the longer I wait the worse it gets. So here's what I'm gonna do, I'm listing below all of the topics I will blog about in the hopefully near future (pending homework - although I'm reaching for activities to use as an excuse to procrastinate...). My hope is that listing these topics will inform my lovely readers (I'll know who my fair weather fans are!) of what's to come and give me a little boost of motivation to actually post about these numerous topics.

Coming soon to Purely. Simply. Love:

• Updating the blog. Now that I'm married, do I change my title? Add a catch phrase? What will the new look be?
• Married life: Living it - the good, the bad, and the super-fabulously ugly (and cuteness you can't deny)
• My babies (not human, thank you very much)
• James (the other love of my life - okay, I have a lot of loves, but he definitely tops the list next to Rob)
• Isabella - My Squishy!
• Worky work!
• Preparing for student teaching - ICK.
• Decisions I've Made - Why?
• Things I'm looking forward to
• The newlywed nine... :(
  
• 101 in 1001

 Okay, I think that's enough for now. Bear with me as I try to get my life a little organized and  catch up on this hobby I truly enjoy. To all of my readers, I'm so glad you're still around, I apologize for not posting more comments, but I still LOVE reading your blogs!!!

Leaving you with a glimpse into my stressful life:

Okay, it's not THAT bad, I just needed to have a picture... :)

Decisions, Decisions...

I hate decisions. Especially the small ones. See, usually the big ones aren't that hard to decide on. But when it comes to deciding where we're going to eat tonight or where to put that picture in my house, I totally sink.

Getting married? A lot of people say that is the biggest decision of their lives. For me, there was no question. How could I not marry Rob?

This is different, though. I have a really big decision to make. One that could, and will, ultimately effect the rest of my life. I don't even know where to begin. The worst part? I have to decide by Friday.

I've mentioned before about second guessing my decision to become a teacher. Especially a public school teacher. Let me start from the beginning.

Last summer I landed a job working at a summer camp mainly helping in the preschool. I was working with 2, 3, and 4 year olds all day. At the time I didn't really like the job too much, because I never knew what I would be doing from day to day and if I'd be stuck doing something I didn't really want to (teaching the elementary kids). This is one of the places that made me realize that I don't want to teach elementary school. Well, I'm back at summer camp this year and am loving it! I'm teaching 4 year olds in my own classroom. It's awesome. I really love the age group and the atmosphere of a private Christian school. This is where things turned on me.

One of the assistant teachers had a baby in June (he's so cute!). She won't be coming back. This means there is an opening in the fall for an assistant teacher. They wanted me to do it! I was so super excited and said yes right away. Of course I want a full time job working with the kids I love! Then my little bout of joy came to a screeching halt. This job is for the school year. Which in the fall is cool. I'm only taking night classes (boo.). But... I'm supposed to student teach in the spring. NOOOO!!! I DON'T WANT TO!

I don't want to be an elementary school teacher anymore. I don't want to teach middle school math anymore. I don't want to have a full time job I don't get paid for and not have a job to pay bills with. I don't want student teach!!!

Then the wheels started turning. Maybe I don't have to student teach. I can graduate in December with my bachelors in educational studies, work full time at the preschool, go back and get my masters (which I planned on doing anyway) and get certified in early childhood there. But, if I student teach, I can graduate certified in elementary and middle school math, take my Praxis in early childhood and get certified that way. But, then I'd be losing out on an awesome opportunity to get some experience for my resume, which is SOOO important in finding a job!!

Then, another idea popped into my head. I could take all of the early childhood classes in the next two semesters and student teach in the summer. Well, they don't do student teaching in the summer (boo, again!). So, maybe I could student teach in the fall.

Or, I could take all the early childhood classes and not student teach at all. And go get my masters.

I don't know what to do!!! I REALLY want to work next year. Rob and I want to pay off some bills and start saving. I really DON'T want to student teach next spring. But, maybe I should anyway? I'm so confused and hate this feeling. I wish I could fast forward time and see what each decision's effect would be on my life.

Anyone have any advice?

I'm Baaaaaaaccccckkkk!!!

Ladies and gentlemen, I'm married!!! What an amazing week and a half it has been! The wedding went off without a hitch and our week off of work was way too fast. But, I'll start from the beginning.

The week of the wedding was crazy. We were so busy decorating and making sure everything was ready. The rehearsal and dinner were great as well. I was really proud of myself because I never really felt very nervous beforehand. The day of, however was a different story.

I took everyone's advice and made sure I tried to take everything in as well as stayed hydrated and kept food on my stomach. We all met on Friday at the church to get our hair done at about 8am. Deanna, who is AMAZING, was there bright and early and did everyone's hair. She was literally working from 8am until 3:30pm to get everyone done. I couldn't thank her enough! She did a great job on everyone' s hair and kept a beautiful smile on her face all day long! My only pictures from the day of the wedding are of us hanging out getting ready so, here goes!

Deanna (she's gonna hate me for this picture!)

Doing our hair

Playing spoons while waiting...

Doing my makeup

Steaming my veil

I must say, also, that God is good! I literally sat and stared out the window ALL DAY as it rained CONSTANTLY from 8:30am until Clary (our photographer) got there. It didn't stop!! I was pleading with God to make it stop! He did! So, we tramped out in the wet grass in the wooded area behind the church for some pictures. I'm anxiously awaiting these! I'll definitely let you know as soon as they're posted.

The week after the wedding was a great week off. Not exactly what I had pictured, but still wonderful. Remember how I said Rob hadn't moved anything yet? And he promised he would be moved by the wedding? Well, the day after the wedding he breaks the news to me that he doesn't have any UNDERWEAR! What?! So, we head back to his parents' house to get some of his stuff. We also had a LOT of company the week after. I was hoping for some more alone time, but I still had a good time.


One thing I really loved: spending some good quality time with my babies! I got a whole week to love on them and get them used to their new house. They're loving it here! As am I!


Unfortunately, I had to head back to work today... it was bittersweet. I missed my class and am anxious to establish our routine. However, I don't want to start up the day to day boring stuff. Such is life.

More to come later!

PHEW!

I'm so tired. Not that I'm tired for a bad reason. This weekend was a LOT of fun. But, I'm tired. Saturday I had my bachelorette party! It was a blast. Low key, which is what I wanted. We went to Ariake Steak House and then bowling at Brunswick Zone after which we went back to Casey's house (my future sister-in-law) and just hung out. I know it doesn't sound like much fun to some, but I loved it and I'm the bride, so there. ;o)


Saturday, Rob's dad threw him a surprise party. This was AWESOME! As much as his dad complains about Rob's friends coming over (being noisy and leaving a mess) he's gonna miss it when Rob moves out! So, Don decided to have a last hurrah and had a big poker tournament with all of Rob's buddies. Us girls hung out all night and ate pizza... :o)

Sunday, we took some groceries to the house and then a birthday party for Rob's little cousins, Max, Camille, and Alexandra. It was fun! James, Camille, and Sophia practiced walking down the aisle (hallway) for the wedding. They are going to be great!

On a side note, I went grocery shopping this week. I've definitely been worried about this. We're on a budget, obviously and I was really worried about how much money it was going to cost to get all of those basic things for the house - salt, pepper, vegetable oil, etc. But, I've been clipping coupons, and I went through the ads for the week. Overall, I think I did really well! And, I LOVE Super Walmart! As much as I really don't like shopping at Walmart, you can't deny it when their prices are lower than the grocery store's on sale with a coupon!


I'm going to end this post telling you that I'm getting married next week! AHHH!!! I'm super excited and super stressed. But, after the wedding I have a week off! For now I have to get through a week of a period-induced headache (yuck!!) that hopefully doesn't turn into a migraine, again. I don't need that teaching four year olds.


With that said, I can't say I'll be posting much in the next couple of weeks. I'll definitely make one last post before the wedding, but hopefully after all of this is over I can spend some more time on here!

Playing Catch-Up

I've decided that I'm a bona fide procrastinator. I didn't use to be a procrastinator. This is why I never blog and never go to the gym. I keep telling myself that I'll go later, or I why bother? Nobody really reads your blog anyway. Just don't eat as many calories. I blame my new procrastinating ways on Rob. Case in point.

Me: Rob, this weekend is Memorial Day Weekend, I'd like to get you moved out to the house for the most part since this will be one of our only free weekends to do it before the wedding.

Rob: Steph, the wedding is THREE WEEKS AWAY!

Me: But, I REALLY don't want to be moving our stuff the week after the wedding when we have off. I want to relax and enjoy being MARRIED.

Rob: We have plenty of time.

Me: Fine.

See, how can I not keep a little of this from rubbing off on me? I mean, Rob is the procrastinator of all procrastinators. Example number two:

Rob: What ring size are you again?

Me: Why? (Is he going to buy me two rings!? Oh wait. Oh, no. My thoughts come to a screeching halt as I realize...) You haven't bought my wedding band yet!?

Rob: No.

Me: Babe, the wedding is in THREE WEEKS!!!

Rob: So, all I have to do is go buy it.

Me: What if it has to be sized!

Rob: Oh.

Yup. We're gonna arrive at our wedding day and I'm not gonna have a wedding band. What am I gonna do, borrow someone's? I need to take a deep breath. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Okay. It'll all be okay.

Speaking of the wedding... I've done a few things in preparation... and I have pictures!!!

Mom and I spent an entire Sunday afternoon tying tags to bubbles with ribbons. It was fun, let me tell you. I'm happy with how they turned out though!


I bought my dress for the rehearsal dinner (again.)! I had bought one earlier and didn't really like it for the occasion anymore so I decided to keep my eyes open. Well, I found this adorable dress from B. Moss for $30! B.Moss is definitely one of my new favorite stores. They have some adorable clothes! (and good deals..)


I also put together my flower girl's gifts... some hair accessories and their Build A Bear giftcards!


Another exciting accomplishment, I dyed my crinoline for the wedding blue! I debated for a while on whether or not to do this, and then thought, what the heck? So we dyed it, and I took it to the bridal shop with Jocelyn to try on with my dress to make sure it worked! I love it.


James' gift came in the mail. I doubled it as his ring bearer gift and birthday gift since his birthday is July 4th. It's a bedroom set with trucks, trains, and tractors on it for the big boy bed he's getting after I move out! He'll love it!


I also had another shower, which I mentioned last time I actually posted. It was a lot of fun. I got some awesome stuff!

My cousin, who's doing my flowers sent a bouquet to see if I like the shape and size of it. It's not at all what my bouquet will look like, but it still looks fabulous after a 4 hour trip in a warm car without water. She also sent a boutonnière, which I'm sure looked a lot better when it was fresh.


One of the gifts I got is a figurine we're going to use for our cake table! Along with this sign. It'll be great.


On a note totally not related to the wedding... WE HAVE GRASS!!! They put sod down at our house on Monday! It makes our yard look HUGE (which, it is at almost 15,000 sq. ft.). Although, now we have to figure out how to water it... since we're hardly ever there. I really don't want it to die.


On a note related to the house, we had our first security scare (and hopefully our last). I got a call from Brinks a couple of nights ago saying that our alarm had gone off in zone 4. I missed the call, so this was a message. I was thinking that zone 4 is the basement (which is guarded with a motion detector) and wasn't too terribly worried considering we live in the middle of a field and a mouse could have gotten in or something (which isn't good, but it's better than a burglar!). Turns out the alarm tripped was the glass break detector in the great room! It detects if glass is broken within a 30 ft radius. They called my house and asked if I wanted them to send the cops. Um, YES! Turns out it was nothing. A false alarm. But, regardless that was scary!

Just letting you know...

I'm still around. I've been BUSY. Finals last week, projects and papers the week before. Wedding is three weeks away!!!

I'll be back soon. I promise.

Can I help you?

Yes, I know, I'm supposed to do my big post. But, I'm currently stuck at Rob's house, away from MY computer, with MY pictures on it to make the big post. So, you're just going to have to wait. Sorry.

In the mean time, Oliver has something to say...

Hi everyone, this is Oliver. I've had a little something on my mind for a while. You know, this year's been pretty rough for me. I mean, my Mom is getting married, which is cool because I love Dad, but then they decided to build this house. Now they never spend any time with me! They are trying to get this house ready for after the wedding. You mean them getting married means I have to MOVE? What? I never agreed to this! Then, they pushed it too far... they thought I'd like a companion. Someone to play with. Now I have this annoying little thing called Dudley sleeping in bed with Mom and me, where I used to sleep. I don't like it one bit! Mom swears it'll be fun! Um, guess what mom, there's no grass in the backyard! I'm not peeing or pooping on mud! And, there's no fence which means every time she tries to take me out to go pee in the mud, I have to be on that stupid leash. I've made it my goal for now to show my disgust for this whole situation by refusing to show any positive emotion whatsoever. I think she finally gave up trying to get me to look happy in a picture. But, maybe this whole thing won't be so bad after all? Mom says it'll all be okay after the wedding. She says we'll all move out to the new house (including Dudley) and they'll put up a fence, and get some sod and I'll have the backyard to play in. I'm still skeptical. Maybe I'll just go poop behind the chair and blame it on Dudley... yup, sounds like a plan. Peace out.

Don't believe a word he says people! He's just too stubborn to admit he's excited.

And, I promise, as soon as I can I'll get that post going.... I took the pictures today. Don't get your hopes too high though for an amazing transformation because it's really not THAT great.

A little late...

I wanted to make a post about my shower a couple of weeks ago so, even though it's a little late, here you go!

This was thrown by my awesome future mother-in-law, Ginger, Rob's Aunt Nina, and his Aunt Mari. They did such a great job, I was just so overwhelmed! I really wish I wasn't so sick! Hopefully I covered it up well...

Me and the girls, from left to right: Me, Valerie, Katie (and baby!), Sam, and Ashley

My beautiful cake, courtesy of Aunt Mari

The Loot... ;o)

Our new rug!

Dishes! Woo-hoo! No more styrofoam!

One beloved pot. I also got a skillet. I'm currently coveting the set on our registry...

An afghan lovingly made my mom. :o)

Me and the moms!

And of course, the real star of the show... Isabella! She is being held by aunt Deanna here...

And, since this post is somewhat wedding related... mom and I exposed our green thumbs today and made the flower pots to decorate the front entrance of the church today. I think they turned out gorgeous!

Just some interesting facts...

• I haven't been active on Stlwed in a LONG time, mainly because I didn't really have time to be active and then I felt so out of the loop with all the newbies that I never got back into it. I still lurk quite often reading about wedding stuff and checking out the other boards and apparently there's been a bit of drama over there the past week. I, as do quite a few others out there, am attributing this to the record 30 hits I had on my blog yesterday! Woo-hoo! I love the feeling that people actually read. Sometimes I feel like I just do this for myself, which I guess isn't such a bad thing either....

I don't really know what this means, but it applied to the topic and I thought I'd include it... ;o)

• Isn't there supposed to be a season between summer and winter called SPRING? Yeah. We went from a cool 50-60 degrees to 80+ this week. Bring. It. On. I LOVE summer! I've started concentrating on my tan for the wedding. I purposely bought a few tube tops (which with my figure, I shouldn't really wear) so that I could avoid those dreaded tan lines with my strapless dress.... Well, so far it hasn't worked out that well. Today I spent a LOT of time outside to get a head start on this tan and somehow have some light tan lines where my bra strap should be. Hmmm... interesting. I may have to break down and go to a tanning salon to make sure it's even. Any suggestions? I tried to get a couple of pics, but the didn't turn out that good. If anything you can see my lovely sunburn. No pain, no gain. I can't help it that God gave me some pasty white skin.

• My comforter is set to arrive on Thursday! Be prepared for THE POST! I'm excited to finally share the progress with everyone!
• We have our first marriage prep meeting with my pastor on Thursday. It was supposed to be today, but it was postponed. I'm not sure why, but I'm nervous!