Thanksgiving Trip and Exciting News

We went down to Tampa for Thanksgiving this year and had a really nice time, well most of the time. We really didn't get to do all of the wedding things we had planned thanks to a certain professor who had Matt sitting in the back of the car while I was inside spending a few hours with family…I’m not bitter or anything. However, I feel that Ashlee has forgiven me and I hope to be able to make it up to her in February. That’s right! I’ll be back in Tampa because Julie, Tracy and I were finally able to set a date for the shower that will be held down in Tampa!

I'm also currently looking at DJ's for the wedding reception. If you can recommend anyone, feel free to drop me a line!

Exciting news about Matthew! He successfully defended his thesis last Friday and is waiting for minimal corrections to begin the submission process to the library. He took his last final yesterday morning! Also, he signed an offer letter for temporary employment until his research position is posted and goes through! DOUBLE YEAH!!!

Honeymoon Booked

Last week was a very busy week for us! As many of you know, I have changed jobs and took an extra long weekend between jobs! During that time, I was able to book our honeymoon! We are officially going to an all inclusive resort in the Mayan Riviera of Mexico! We have heard lots of wonderful things about this resort and we are very lucky to have booked a room with a balcony overlooking the gulf! We are both very excited and looking forward to seeing the sights and relaxing!

Also, my last day at CCS (my old job) Matt was able to come over and have lunch with me. We planned to go to Jubilation's to taste test cheesecake for his groom’s cake. All I can say is Yummy! Yummy! And that we found one that was delicious! That was a hard day, glad it’s over! haha!

The Wedding Party

Julie - My Maid of Honor and my oldest friend. We met in 5th grade at Mitchell Elementary School. She has really kept me on track and been a blessing to help me get things ready for the wedding!

Tracy – My Bridesmaid, former roommate and the reason how I ended up in Mississippi. We went to high school together, but really became friends in junior college then came to MSU together. She keeps me laughing and I will be putting her to work soon!

Ashlee – My Bridesmaid and oldest niece. The child I would carry around when she was first born and call her mine. The young lady who still acts more like me then her mother at times!

Kayleigh Ann – Our Flower Girl and former little Miss Sweet Potato. I was in her parents wedding, her mother is a close friend, and her father will be an usher in our wedding.

Josh – Matt’s Best man and older brother. Let’s just say that you would want him on your side!

Wes – Matt’s Groomsman and college friend. All I have to say is that we spent some long nights and great times at The Grill!

Jamie – Matt’s groomsman and my oldest nephew. I worry about this young man, little mister trouble maker who loves his bb guns!

Ethan – Our Ring bearer and Matt’s nephew. The little heart breaker who loves his books that Uncle Matt and Aunt Monica gave him!

The Proposal

2007, was Matt and I’s year to go down to Tampa for Christmas. Matt knowing me all too well realized that he would not be able to get me out of the house the night before we left because I would be packing, but he could two nights before. So on December 19, 2007, I talked to Matt while I was still at work and he suggested that we take Sassy up to campus for a walk and to look at the Christmas Tree in the Junction. I agreed so we would be able to spend some times with Sassy before we left and had to kennel her for too long since we went to the Liberty Bowl once we got back from our Christmas travels.

Once we arrived at the Junction, Sassy was busting at the seam to get out and play. Matt and I walked Sassy to the tree, we stopped to look at it and I began to walk around further with Sassy. Matt said where are we going and I said that Sassy is too full of energy and I was going to walk her around further. (I did not know that Matt was or wanted to propose by the tree!) We began to walk around together and decided to go by the Union to peek in since it was just remodeled. Matt knowing that one side of it was still blocked off suggested that we walk towards that Drill Field.

We walked out to the middle of the Drill Field by the flag pole holding hands and playing with Sassy. We stood there hugging as Sassy wrapped our legs up with her leash, and Matt said that he had been meaning to ask me a question. Matt said “He was wondering if I would marry him?” I said “Yes, whenever there is a ring,“ like I did all the times that he asked me to marry him. Then he reached his hand into his pocket, pulled out a ring, and stuck it in my face. Standing there shock I said “Yes, and asked him if he got it out of a Cracker Jack box!” He said he didn’t and we laughed. I was so absolutely shocked because I was not excepting this at all! Matt and I had talked about marriage numerous times, but we agreed that we needed to wait until he finished his Masters for financial reasons.

As soon as we got home, we called our parents and close friends who were just as shocked. My dad and step-mother were very shocked because Matt had already talked to them asking for permission, but they thought that he was going to ask on the 20th and not the 19th!

About Us

Matt and I met over six years ago while working together at an establishment that we try not to think about. We would normally hang out in a group of people and over time it ended up being just the two of us. I was living in a townhouse with Tracy at the time when Matt came to pick me up for our first date. On October 2, 2002 we had our first date at Applebee’s. Little did I know, but as soon as we walked out the door, Tracy called Julie and told her that I just left to go on a date with a 20 year old! As most of you know, I am almost 4 years older than Matt. I did not know his age at the time we started “talking”. One date led to two, then three, and here we are today planning our wedding!

We were also both undergrads attending Mississippi State University. Since then, I have earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Counselor Education. Matt earned his bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering and is almost finished with his thesis then will receive his Master’s in Electrical Engineering.

We still live in Starkville, MS. I have recently taken a job with the Starkville School District working as a Mental Health Counselor with middle school aged students. Matt is a graduate student for the Center of Advanced Vehicular Systems (CAVS) with the university, which is where he will continued to work once he graduates and his thesis is finished.