Tampa Shower

I flew down to Tampa last weekend for my shower. It turned out really great and everyone had a really nice time. I would also like to add that everyone was on their best behavior, which was a big relief for me! While I was in town, the girls and I were able to pick out their shoes and jewelry, so they are set! I just ordered my shoes today and elected to go for comfort, yeah!

Matt and I have both been very busy getting all the paperwork finished. In less than one week we took our blood test, applied for our marriage license (which we can pick-up Friday), ordered our passports, and met with the priest to go over the ceremony order. We have also started addressing invitations which is a bigger process than I originally thought. I also never understood why everyone suggests getting extra envelopes until now!

As of today, Matt and I are at the 2 month mark/count down! I’m sure these last two months are going to fly by and the big day will be here before we know it!

My Birthday and CEE Weekend

WOW! I don’t even know where to start! Things have been so crazy and busy over the past few weeks. To start, I have turned 30 and love it! I’m a firm believer that you are only as old as you feel and act for that matter, so I think I’m pretty safe for awhile.

As far as wedding stuff goes…we have booked a DJ finally, which is the last of the bookings that we needed to do! We have got our favors in and just have to put them together at some point in time. We purchased the rest of our attendant’s gifts which should be arriving today. We ordered invitations which should be coming in tomorrow depending on the weather! Finally, we picked out tuxes this weekend! What a relief to get all of these things done!

Matt and I had to attend a Catholic Engagement Encounters Weekend as part of our per-marriage counseling. So this past weekend we made the trip down to Jackson and spent the weekend listening, writing, and discussing. The great part is that Matt and I passed with flying colors (so we say) because we had previously discussed 98% of the presented topics. It was nice to revisit the topics and make sure that we were still on the same page!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

The two week Christmas break was very nice and well needed! For the first week, Matt and I went down to Jackson to spend some time with Matt’s mom before making our way to Meridian to see the reset of the family. Besides eating too much, the week was relatively stress free which is always a plus! The second week we were back in Starkville, where we spent New Year’s Eve and had a lovely dinner with great friends!

Throughout last week Matt and I were able to accomplish tons of wedding stuff! From arranging the transportation to getting reception items in to ordering our cake at 930 in the morning! We were disappointed that we did not get to taste the cake, however very pleased that we were able to get what we wanted without going that far over budget! We were even able to get our Starkville shower scheduled around b-ball! Way to go team!

It’s hard to believe that it's already 2009 and the wedding is less than 4 months away! I’m sure the time will fly by, but I will do my best to keep everyone updated!

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!