I'm married!

Here I am! What a wonderful day we had for our wedding! The weather was perfect and all of our friends and family were there to help share in our day. Here's a few pitcures from our day.

Here we are listening to Lorrie talk about the meaning marriage. She did a wonderful job marrying us. We were her first ceremony and you would have never guessed! Phil did have tears in his eyes when I came down the aisle. It was so sweet. I smiled the entire time and teared up when Caroline sang beautifully.

Here are my brothers. They read a poem about hands. I loved it when I saw it and wanted them to be a part of the wedding so I knew this would be perfect for them. They did a great job!

Announcing...Mr. and Mrs. Matthews!

This shot I love. I was playing with Phil's toes since he was so nervous and was trying to get him to look at me some. He was listening intently to Lorrie.

We partied into the night. Then we woke to smoke in our room. There was a 4 alarm fire 2 buildings over from ours. We had to evacuate the hotel and ended up going home to sleep for a few hours since we live close. Then we got up and went back to the hotel to get our things and head to Miami to get on our Honeymoon Cruise.

I'll post some reception pictures soon! I need to get them off the photographer's website.

Here's some pictures from our Cruise. We went to Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and St. Martin/St. Marteen. Wonderful!! The water was so clear and so blue. In St. Thomas, we had a few Bushwakers-our cruise director told us to only have one because at 2 we may not make it back on the boat. Well, we had 4 and we made it back on the ship. Our room was amazing. We had a balcony room-I will never go back! The cruise was long, so when we got bored we would grab some drinks or a bottle of wine and sit on the balcony and relax.

St. Thomas pics:

Here we are in the water in St. Thomas. It was amazing and so refreshing!

This is a view of the beach we are at in the above picture.

Awwww!!! Same spot overlooking the beach in the above picture.

This was the first Bushwaker of the day before hitting the beach in the above picture.

Stay tuned for Puerto Rico, St. Martin and reception pictures.

Amazing!!

So much has happened since the last post!
The RAYS in the World Series!
Only 15 days until the wedding!

It's all so amazing! The rays spirit is definately alive in our house. Phil and I have been diligently watching the games and even ventured out to Ferg's to watch one of the games. Just to be here in the heart of it all is awesome! This city has come alive and of course everything is RAYS and BLUE! Each week, during the post-season, we have had Crazy Rays day at school. The kids have been allowed to paint their hair blue, wear a "Rayshawk" and wear temporary tatoos. The kids have loved it. There have been many cowbells at school on those days and of course those horns.

On the wedding front...I had an awesome shower at Robin's! The girls went all out and it was just what I was hoping for! We got lots of great gifts and I'm dying to open them and use them but we are waiting.

There are only 15 days left! I had my hair trial yesterday and it was interesting! She really curled my hair and it was a little much for me. Haven't seen my hair curly in a LONG time! We will work on the hair and I'm not worried. It will be perfect!

Also picked up some paper to start cutting for the guest book. Kip's going to take pictures of the guests as they arrive and each guest can write us a message or sign their name. Then I'll take the pics and put them in an album with the messages from our guests.

We met with Lorrie-our officiant and my good friend. I wrote out the ceremony and it was so nice to check that one off my list. Remaining on the list: buy cake servers, pay the vendors, get the card box ready, wrap my girls' gifts, deciding on our girls' day before, figure out where everyone is sitting (I dread that task!) and a few other little things...

I'm getting really excited and I'm especially looking forward to the honeymoon to be able to relax!

This weekend though, Robin, my mom and her friend are going to Mount Dora for our annual craft fair shopping day. We're meeting at 5:15am and will not return home until after dark. I am excited!!! I always look forward to going.

Not sure when I'll post again...maybe when I'm Mrs. Matthews?!

One month left!

Yikes! It's getting soo close!

Boston was a blast! We all had soo much fun and laughed quite a bit. It rained all weekend but that didn't dampen the fun. We had many tasty drinks and took in the sights of Boston and Providence. Cari showed us the town and was a great tour guide! As soon as I get everyone pics I'll post the ones I can...

My shower is this weekend and I'm getting excited! It'll be at Robin's house-THANK YOU ROBIN!!

Now if people would just send back their RSVP's for the wedding I'd be a happy camper! We still have several out and Phil thinks we will just tell them they can't come...I tried to explain that they may just show up and we won't have food or seats for them...so I'll be making a few (several) phone calls next week!

We have a cake tasting on Saturday and my dress fitting next weekend. We are getting our marriage license next week too. I picked up the favors today and am getting together with Faylene for my flowers this week or next. It's all coming together and though I'm a little worried, I am trying to stay positive and not let the little things get to me. I know I need to keep thinking that way.

ONE MONTH!!

45 days and Boston bound!

Today we have 45 days until the wedding! It's getting so close and still a lot to wrap up. But no time for doing wedding stuff...I'm going to BOSTON for my Bachellorette Party this weekend! I am packed, Peanut's packed and my sub plans are finished. Robin's meeting me here and then we will take Peanut to the vet for boarding and then off to the airport to meet the rest of the gang at Friday's for a pre-flight cocktail and a bite to eat. It's supposed to be chilly up there and I am sooo not ready for that! I live in Florida where we are only chilly for a few days and I try not to leave my house those days, except for going to work...

Anyway, I'm sure a lot of pictures will be taken. I'll try to post some of the better ones, but I understand I will be drinking a little bit this weekend, so no embarrassing pictures will be posted!

45 days...

2 months!!!

Today is 2 months until we get married. Kinda weird to think about it. You know when we first got engaged I knew the date would come, but it was soo far away. Now that we are 2 months away, I am freaking out. Is everything going to be ready? Will the DJ, photographer and drummer show up? Will it rain? Will I have a zit? Haha!!

I know-I need to stop stressing about things that I can't change or do anything about at this point.

There is still so much to do. Like write out the ceremony, write our vows, confirm the flowers and figure out what she's going to do, decide on and order the cakes, find a cake topper, buy the unity candle, finish buying the girls some things, OH and the 2 BIGGIES-figure out what Phil and the guys are going to wear and plan the honeymoon. We have been getting back the RSVP's and it's exciting that everyone is so excited about coming. Every once in a while, someone writes a little message on the card and it's so nice.

We got our first gift today! Phil's grandma sent us a check!! A big one too!!! So far she is the only one that won't be able to make it.

So with 2 months left, I better get off here and get to work! Oh and I need to make hotel reservations for the night before and night of, work on the guest book, the list goes on and on...

God was on our side!

This weekend was our Cuzzins' Campout. My mom's side of the family gets together every Labor Day for the past 12 years and camps. We stay in cabins with AC and have meals together and play games, etc. Well this year we went up the Swannee River. Our place was really cool. It was a huge campground. Lot's of activities and of course the river.

My grandma's brother in law, Chuck and his son John brought their boats with them. Saturday, John took some of the little kids and a few adults for a ride. He also had his wife and their dog with him. Chuck brought the kids' parents and some other adults. A few hours after they left, we got a call that there was an accident. John's steering stopped working and the kids were thrown from the boat. The boat them crashed into a tree on the bank. The kids were all wearing life jackets and the adults jumped out and helped the kids to safety. His mom was hurt really bad-a large gash in her head and injured her foot. Also my cousin, Bryn hit something-not sure what-and had a large gash in her head. They had a difficult time turning her over and getting her to the bank. All the others have minor scrapes and bruises.

John's dog wasn't so lucky. She was lodged into one of the compartments in the front of the boat and died. They tried pulling her out but her body was lifeless. The boat the adults were one were not close. Someone from John's boat called them and said the kids were ok. When they caught up to them it was chaos. Kids were crying, adults were crying, John's wife was very upset-the dog was their baby. John was in shock. Bryn and Karen were rushed to the Hospital. It was quite a scary day. Lots of hugs, crying, and praying. We are thankful that all walked away and the EMS couldn't believe that the injuries were as minor as they were. On the other hand, John and his wife are mourning the loss of their baby. I feel so terrible for them and couldn't wait to get home and hug Peanut. The weekend went on, but John and his wife couldn't bear the pain so they went home. I think it was probably good so the mourning can start and help them as they prepare for a life without their girl.

I'm sure we will never forget this camping trip and thank our lucky stars that no person was severly injured.

We had a low key Sunday. None of the kids wanted to go to the river after what had happened. Instead we went on a slide they had there. It was like a long slip and slide but had a hill it went down. It was soo much fun. Phil slipped on the way down his first time and hurt his lower back so he sat out after that. The rest of us couldn't get enough. Phil and I were supposed to go horse back riding later that day but due to his injury we decided against it.

All in all it was a good time. Stressful, scary, and sad, but we made the best of it.

Oh my!

Only 2 months and 2 weeks until we get married. I am starting to feel like everything won't get done in time. I'm short of breath right now, starting to hyperventilate and I'm sitting down. Overwhelmed is an understatement! The invites are done-for the most part. I have a few addresses I am waiting on, but the majority will be in the mail tomorrow or Wednesday! That is one major check on my ever growing list!

Now I need to help my mom find a dress, take my dress in for a fitting, find something that Phil and the guys are going to wear, nag Phil to plan the honeymoon, and the list goes on and on! I don't even think I really know what all needs to get done.

On a lighter note, this year's class is soooo sweet! I love them! They are so well behaved and actually are afraid if they have to put their head down in time out.

This weekend we are going on our Family camping trip. Peanut is going to the vet for boarding. I know she will hate it since we have been together for a long time. Not sure when it was that she was in boarding last.

Ok-time for bed. Tomorrow it will be 2 months and 13 days. AGH!!!!!!!!!!!!

Holy SH**!!

86 days left! I can't believe that we only have 86 days until the wedding.

I'm back to work and my room is ready. This year I feel a lot more prepared than last year. I know what is expected at the Fundamental school and am more comfortable. Also we only had 1 day of meetings. All the others were spent working in our rooms.

Phil and I joined the gym this week. It's only $10 a month. We started last night and tonight we are taking a break. hehe! Oh and I've eaten out every day for lunch too. Tomorrow we have an all day training to go over new Kindergarten things and of course will eat out again. But we are for sure going to the gym tomorrow!

Saturday we are going to our tasting for our reception. I'm excited to see what our choices will be! I also NEED to work on the invitations!!

Only 35 minutes until Big Brother! It's eviction night and I am bummed that either girl will be voted out! APRIL, JERRY and MICHELLE need to GO HOME!!!!

I'm back on...

My computer has been returned to me. It has been wiped clean so no more viruses and also no more documents and pictures. I do have a DVD of pictures and everything else that was on my computer when it crashed.

I am sitting here in the backroom of my place and actually scrappbooking! Well, sort of. My principal gave us 4 index cards to decorate and label with different things.
My Favorite hobby...
In the future my goal is to...
The person/people I look up to...
My favorite subject...

So being the scrapbooker that I am I decided I had to decorate the index cards with scrapbook paper and of course they all have to be scrappy. I want to use some pictures like for the goal one and people one, so I went to the dvd full of pics to get some and oh my...I didn't realize how much stuff/crap I had on there! That might have to be tomorrow afternoon or Sunday's project.

Yesterday was my birthday and it was very nice. Now I didn't get as nice of a present as last year, but really how can you top an engagement ring?! Phil made us dinner-Chicken Marsala, YUMMY, and he gave me an ipod. Yes, I am the last one to get one! It's soo cool. Love the ease of using it and the sound is amazing with these headphones!

Back to school on Monday! UGH! Actually, I am ok with it. I need to get off my rear and lose some of this weight I gained over the summer. I need to zip up that dress!! We are also joining a gym and I'm going back to WW.

Tomorrow I'm going to get a pedicure with my mom, her first, and then lunch. Later on, I'm heading out for a girls night with Diane. The boys are watching the Bucs and I'm sure will be having a few drinks themselves.

News

My laptop has been wiped clean. No more virus...

But the good news is that the man called to ask what I wanted off the computer and was able to save ALL of my documents and my pictures. He rocks!! So I will be backing everything up from now on. No more saving to the hard drive!

I just got back from the last pool party of the summer and am now going to relax for a little while until I go to a birthday dinner for a friend later.

I plan on spending tomorrow doing absolutely NOTHING since it's my last day off before school starts back. I have to help a new teacher to the county on Wednesday and babysit on Thursday and Friday.

Update

Where do I begin? Well, let's see...

my computer has a virus...
I started working on the invitations...on the computer with the virus...
I am PMSing...
Need I say more????!!!!!

So I somehow got a virus on my computer. I looked it up and it's a low risk virus...so that's good and it seemed simple enough to get rid of. So I do what it says to get rid of it. One step says to put the computer in safe mode...I do it...and can't log in to my computer. Said computer is not owned by me. It is school property so I call the help desk. The girl tries to get me out of safe mode but to no avail. She tells me I can bring it in and they can look at it. So I do...Not so sure that was a good thing as I was kind of shunned when I walked in (another post). Anyway I am computerless. I am feeling violated as they needed my password to get into the system and since this is a school computer I was to use it for school only. HA! I have pictures of naked men on there. Only kidding. But I do have some pictures of my personal life and of Peanut's accident on there and need those for the case when we go to trial...

I borrowed my laptop from school to help ease the pain of not having a computer, and it won't connect to the internet...AGH!!!!!! Phil and I have tried everything we can think of but to no avail.

Oh and the invitations too... I started working on them (on the borrowed laptop) and a monogram too. Well, I don't have that anymore. I now have to start all over from scratch. But the borrowed laptop won't connect to the wireless router and therefore can't connect to our wireless printer...so how am I to print the invites???

I'm PMSing...need I say any more?!

So there you go...Questions???

Yes, Phil has been very supportive by saying I can't wait for your period to be over! I keep reminding him that my period is not why I am having a breakdown!

Yes, Phil has been very supportive and even looked into purchasing Microsoft Office for his computer so I can keep working on the invitations. Way too expensive...

Yes, Phil has been very supportive by still telling me he loves me. I know I am driving him crazy but what am I to do???

Last Class!

Tonight is my last class for summer session! I can not wait for my life to be back. I have some wedding planning to do and am tired of reading, reading, reading!!! One good thing is that I am halfway through and will get a pay raise in the fall! I plan on emailing my secretary at school tomorrow to find out what I need to do to get that ball rolling. More money would be very nice about now!!

Waiting...

I'm sitting here waiting. Waiting for my AC to get turned off. We are getting a new roof and our AC will be off for 2 days. UGH!! We were supposed to have this done in the Spring-when it was cooler, but now we are having it done in the heat of summer! Fun!! Now I just saw the weather for today and storms are rolling in. Oh goodie!! So maybe they won't do it today, so they can do it when it's even hotter out later in the week or next week. Well, Peanut is as close to me as she can get. She is scared of the noises they are making.

I'm also waiting as long as I can to work on a paper that needs some tweaking. The draft is due tonight and I'm not too happy with it so I need to try to fix it. I just don't even want to work on it, as it took me forever to get it finished and now to go back and change things...

I've written a letter to the hotel owner for not upholding their end of the contract with our reception. I need to send it today. I am demanding they pay me the amount they are having me pay for a new place. OR I can file a civil suit against them...I got all this lingo from my friend Caroline since she knows people-lawyers. Gotta get that out TODAY!!!

We registered on Friday night! It was an experience, but LOTS of fun! And we picked out some really great things that we both love!! We are almost 4 months away and I still have soo much to do, get my dress altered, make the invitations, figure out what the guys are wearing, decide on the cake, choose favors, help my mom find a dress, book the honeymoon. What am I waiting for?!

Catching up!

Here I am! Class has been kicking my butt but I have a moment to catch you all up.

Phil and I went to the Cubs/Rays game on Thursday when the Rays had a Grand Slam. It was an awesome game and even though the Cubs' lost, Phil still had a great time. It was the first time the Rays and Cubs played and since Phil is a big Cubs fan we had to go. That was his birthday present from me. We had outfield seats but a great view!!

Been busy babysitting my cousins on Thursdays and Fridays. They are sweet girls and keep me busy!

Our parents met on Saturday night for dinner. We were going out for Phil's birthday and figured we'd invite our parents so they can finally meet each other. It went fine. I was a nervous wreck but everyone seemed to get along ok.

My neighbor is being a ROYAL BIATCH!!! You all know I got this new car. Well, now I can't pull into my parking spot so I've been parking in another ladies since she has no car and have requested that the board change my spot. It's the boards' decision and they assign spots and recently moved around some spots to help other residents out. She hasn't had a car for 3 years, and isn't getting one in the near future. Well, I wrote her a note-she wasn't home for me to talk to her-requesting that we switch spots-mine is only 2 over from hers. I never heard anything from her but sure heard about it from my neighbors. She was very adamant that that was her spot and she wasn't going to part with it. Our president basically says she doens't have a leg to stand on. He's on my side. Well last night as we were getting ready to leave for dinner she knocks on the door. So I go out and talk to her and she basically tells me that she's been here longer than I have and that she doesn't want me to park there. She tells me that the spot is hers and it's written in her condo documents (our documents clearly state that the board reserves the right to assign spots). She also tells me that she needs it for when she has guests over. Umm-she hasn't had guests over in a looonnngg time. And our guests are supposed to park on the street. Why she won't just trade with me is insane! She's being uncooperative and unreasonable! It's not like I'm asking that she no longer have a parking spot!! Anyway, Phil and I are Pi$$ed off!! We have a condo meeting on Wednesday and I'm hoping that the board can help. By the way there are no other available spots for me to even park in. UGH!!!! I soo want to sell this place and move!!! I can't wait to get away from these people! Between the rude people upstairs to the Biatch-enough already!

We found another venue for our reception and have it booked. I like it better than the other one!!

I sent out the Save the Dates yesterday. I set up a wep page for our guests and the info is on the postcard. We meant to bring our mom's theirs last night, but forgot them at home. I wanted them to get them first. Oh well. We will drop them off today.

This week is another busy week. Phil's birthday is tomorrow and I have class tomorrow and Tuesday nights. I have some projects due next week and are meeting with my group this week to get it all worked out. Then the condo meeting on Wednesday. Then babysit Thursday and Friday.

Hope you all have a great week!!

RUT RO!!!

I called our reception site yesterday to set up a tasting. We chat for a while and then she tells me that they are now under new owners and will be doing some construction to the hotel which should be done a week before the wedding. (Sure-we all know how construction works!! I'm sure there will be a delay!) Then she tells me that the new owners and possibly reducing the banquet room which would then not be able to accomodate our guests!! Are you kidding me?! Now what am I supposed to do?? Sit and wait for the owners to decide? Hope that the construction will be complete? Stand there and make them work faster? AGH!!!! I have been on the phone this morning to see who is available for a reception site and now I'll have to find a caterer and figure out th ebar situation. UGH!!! And I was hoping to catch up on classwork today as I have some major stuff due next week.

I can't change the date since I already have a DJ and photographer so that's out.
Keep me in your thoughts that it will all work out and we will still have a very nice reception.

On the road again...

Just can't wait to get on the road again...

That's right-we got a new car!! Here's a picture.

It's a 2007 Chrysler Pacifica with less than 4000 miles. We got it for a GREAT price from Carmax. If you haven't had experience with Carmax, the next car you buy should be from them. There is no haggling and we weren't pressured to buy. Plus they even bought my car!! Yes, the broken one with a transmission that doesn't work. They gave us $1000 for it! I couldn't believe it! It's much more than what we would have gotten for it if we had an ad in the paper.

It drives so smooth and has sooo much room. Perfect for a family (which we will hopefully have in the very near future).

Adios!

-to the kids...last day was Tuesday. It was a nice day. I'm excited to meet my kids for next year as this group gave me a few headaches along the way. I have rearranged my room and even have things copied for the new year. My teammates were so kind-they gave me a gift card to the movies and a way to go card since I had a rough group and it was my first year at the school with lots of new expectations to learn, understand and enforce.

-to my car...it has officially run out of energy to go any further. The transmission is shot and I'm not going to put $1000 into a 10 year old car. I told Phil I am alright with not having a car for the summer and just using his when I need to do things. We may decide to get a new (or new to me) car though.

-so I guess I need to cancel my auto insurance?! Hmm...more money into the wedding fund!!

We're having a shower for Laura on Saturday at Kip's so tomorrow I'll be looking for a gift and getting the food I'm supposed to bring.

Oh and on the wedding front-we get to pick up my band tomorrow afternoon!!!

That's it. Been reading, and doing classwork for my 2 master's classes...ugh!

Crazy...

Busy that is.

School is winding down and the kiddos are very excited and so am I. As of today we only have 6 days left. WOW! I can't believe this year is almost over.

On the wedding front, we went to the mall yesterday to hit all the Memorial Day sales. We were walking by the store where Phil bought my ring and he asked if I wanted to get it cleaned while we were here. So we stopped. Next thing you know we were trying on wedding bands and then we bought them. I thought we'd need more time, but we both were happy with what we picked so we did it. We will get my ring on June 6 and his ring will come in a little bit afterwards. Mine is a channel setting with 12 round diamonds (gold). It looks very pretty with my ring. Phil went with a Tungsten ring (silver) which is sturdy and doesn't easily scratch. Yes our rings won't match, but I'm ok with it. I can't wait to see my ring again.

Oh, out photographer emailed us the other day that she will be bringing another photographer in training so I'll get her photos as well...for no extra charge!! Sweet!!!

I bought earrings for the bridesmaids this weekend too.

Later this week we will go to the beach to take some pics to use for our Save the Dates.

I started back to grad school a few weeks ago and have been up to my ears in reading. UGH! I have to read 3-5 chapters each week for 2 classes. It's not the kind of reading I like so it's pretty boring. And I have to drive across the bridge to my classes, 2 nights a week, since they don't offer them at this campus. Traffic is no fun at that hour!!

Ok-better get back to reading. Still have a few chapters to finish before class tomorrow.

Check!

The bridesmaid dresses-Check!!!

My mom saw this dress in the Sunday JCPenney's ad. I checked it out and thought it was cute. After going to see it in person, and trying one on myself. I shared it with the girls and Diane and I went to check it out. We decided to go for it. I got a dress for Cari and Robin in their sizes and they fift perfect. Ready for the best part?!! They were only $25 each!!!!

Here's a picture:

I know it's not your typical bridesmaid dress, but the colors are the colors I'm using. Also the girls can wear them again. In fact, Cari wants to wear it before the wedding. haha! I might go get myself one to wear too-not to the wedding of course.

I am soo glad that is done. I was starting to get worried that I wouldn't find a dress for the girls that I liked in a decent price range.

Resting comfortably...

Peanut is resting on her bed. She looks sooo much better that the last time she had surgery!! No drains this time, but staples across most of her back. She came home and actually ran in the house. She has barked a few times too, but I think that must hurt, because after the first bark, the second bark gets much weaker.

She has a few days of pain pills and will have a recheck in about a week to get the staples out.

We are planning on sleeping on the floor tonight. Not really looking forward to that, but I'm afraid between Phil and I we may roll over wrong and hurt her. Once Phil leaves for work tomorrow we will be jumping on the bed. I've taken 2 days off work to make sure she is ok. Oh and he is going away for the weekend, so we can have the bed to ourselves this weekend.

I wanted to go scrapbooking for a few hours this weekend and I still may, but I need to see how she is doing on Friday. I stopped at Blockbuster before I picked her up and got a few movies to keep me busy. I also have some books. I know I could work on the wedding stuff, but there isn't anything I can do right now. We had a little bit of luck dress shopping on Sunday. We found one dress that would be perfect, but it didn't come in brown. Big Bummer!!

Well, thanks for your well wishes for Peanut. I'll keep you posted.

One Word

I got this from my friend on Myspace...

You...Can...Only...Type...one...word
Not as easy as you might think.
It's really hard to only use one word answers.

1. Where is your cell phone? ..............couch
2. Your significant other?..................Phil
3. Your hair? ..........................................ponytail
4. Your mother? .....................................kind
5. Your father?........................................(for me I'll answer step dad) great
6. Your favorite thing?............................beach
7. Your dream last night?........................none
8. Your favorite drink? .......................water
9. Your dream/goal?...............................healhy
10. The room you're in?..........................living
11. Your ex?..........................................alcoholic
12. Your fear?..........................................attack
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years......motherhood
14. Where were you last night?..............home
15. What you're not?.................................slim
16. Muffins?...........................................chocolate chip
17. One of your wish list items?.............debt free
18. Where you grew up?........................here
19. The last thing you did?.......................myspace
20. What are you wearing?...................... clothes
21. Your TV?..............................................on
22. Your pets?............................................ Peanut
23. Your computer? .................................essential
24. Your life?.............................................crazy
25. Your mood?..........................................blah
26. Missing someone?..............................nope
27. Your car?............................................old
28. Something you're not wearing?......shoes
29. Favorite Store?...............................Ann Taylor
30. Your summer?....................................lounging
31. Like someone?....................................sure
32. Your favorite color?........................green

Ok, so I didn't use 1 word for some, but I did for most of them. Now you try!

A little relief

Today Peanut had her CT scan. The doctor called a little afternoon to report that everything went well. It doesn't appear to be into her chest cavity and should just be a little under the surface. He says there's only 1% chance that it could be in her chest cavity. Whew!! I am so relieved to know that it should be minor. Of course the estimate has gone down considerably as well. That's another huge relief! She will have surgery on Tuesday so say your prayers that all goes well. He even said she may be able to go home that day! Or just a one night stay, depending on how she recovers.

The wedding planning continues to progress. Not sure if I told you, but I booked a DJ and the girl that's doing my flowers gave me a lower rate than before since I want things simple, yet elegant. I need all the help I can get to cut costs! I am going to sit down this weekend and see what's next to do...I already know, but need to figure out when to do it...save the dates!! Gotta figure out a time when Phil and I can go to the beach and take some pics to use with the save the dates. I have tentative plans to go dress shopping with Robin on Sunday so hopefully we can figure out a bridesmaids dress option.

Keep Peanut in your prayers that she can make it through this and not have to visit the vet for anything other than vaccines!

AGH!!!

This weekend I noticed that Peanut started getting another abscess in the same spot as usual. My heart just sank knowing that surgery was coming. I waited until this morning to call the vet in case I was dreaming it was there. We had to see a different vet since the one that operated on Peanut is off until Friday. He said surgery is inevitable. He recommended getting a CT scan to see what it is that's not draining fully. That has to be done at a vet specialist office. They gave me the numbers and sent me on my way with some antibiotics to stop the infection. As soon as I got in the car I called and got an appointment for tomorrow morning for a consultation with a surgeon. At that time the surgeon will evaluate Peanut and decide the course of action to be done. I plan on getting the estimate and then...

once we leave there, I have to go to mediation with my attorney and the pit bull's owner. I sure hope he steps up and takes some responsibility for this. The bills keep adding up. I'll bring the estimate along and tack it to the total bill!

Please pray for Peanut and I to make it through this. My hope is to have this debt paid off, and have many more years with my girl, Peanut! Most especially the latter of the 2!!

Whinning and men

My poor dear is sick in bed. He came home from work today complaining that he was getting sick. Then I hear him moaning and groaning and whining. Men sure are whimps when they are sick! He got the chills and we had to turn off all fans-I am sweating!!! Then he takes a hot shower because he is cold, gets on long pants, long sleeves, and under 2 comforters, still moaning and groaning the entire time. I, being the good future wife, take his temp, give him meds, and make him drink and eat. He started off with a 99 temp, then 100.4, then 101 then 100.6 I'm hoping it will keep going down.

I think the last time I was sick like this, he didn't want to get sick so only brought me gatoraid and left.

I know, I know. Men are different from women and can't handle being sick.


On a different note, I think I found a DJ. Robin and I are going to look at Bridesmaid dresses on Sunday and I'm trying to find someone to do my makeup for the wedding so I have a few calls out for that. It seems to be coming along. We have a tight budget so we are trying to keep things simple but fun and different. I'm getting excited to have some more things to check off my list! I just need to keep things moving!

Off to tend to my sicko. It's medicine and temperature time.

Lazy Weekend!

I did absolutely nothing this weekend and loved every minute of it! Ok well, I did do something. I babysat for my 3 month old cousin (the one born premature) for a few hours while my aunt and uncle celebrated their 3 year old daughter's birthday at the park. She is such a cutie and was awake the entire time I was there. That was fine with me. I may have a summer job with them as a nanny for a few days too.

I also got my hair cut and did laundry but other than that, the couch is where I spent most of the weekend!

On the wedding front:
I have booked a guy to play steel drums for our ceremony. I am still looking at bridesmaid dresses as I haven't found any that I really like. I am in the process of looking for a DJ so if you know of anyone, please pass along the info!! There sure are a lot of "I's" in this wedding planning aren't there?!! Hmmm...will have to work on that! Anywho, I am trying to plan out the details of things for the ceremony and reception...you know...the little things that will make it more personal. I need to get Phil to commit to a night to take some pics at the beach so we can get a move on our Save the Dates. Maybe this week.

For now, I'm back in the groove with school and it looks as though I'll be loosing a child this week. He used his hands a little too much to solve his problems...if you know what I mean. I am sad to see him go as I've seen him learn so much this year and have a place in my heart for him. I know it's nothing I have done as I haven't raised him for the last 5 years and it isn't anything that he learned in the class, but it's still hard. I feel as though I've failed in something.

Oh and another thing-I go to mediation on the 23rd. I am hopeful that the dog owner will give up some money so I can pay these bills!! I don't look forward to reliving that day, but know it's essential in the case against the dog owner.

Have a great week!

I forgot!!

I forgot to send my invitations for the wedding. That's what my dream was the other night! It was the day before the wedding and I didn't send them out. I had to call all my guests and make sure they were coming.

I sure hope that doesn't happen in real life. I've been on wedding planning mode for the last week or so. Looking up a ton of things online-favor ideas, invitation ideas, bridesmaid dresses, etc.

Today we had Easter lunch at my aunt's house. We rode our bikes over since she lives closeby. We strapped the salad to the back of Phil's bike and made our way over. Of course when it was time to leave, our bellies were full and we had to ride home.

My family is funny! They were talking about how they all get along and if they do not agree with each other, they get over it and move on. They don't usually hold onto something for too long. Anyway they were planning to have a big family blow up for our wedding and were going through the different scenerios of what to fight about. They thought it would add more excitement to our wedding. Of course they were joking but it was funny listening to them plan it out.

We are going camping this coming weekend. My aunt and uncle and their family are going to Ginnie Springs and Phil and I decided to go too. We will go up on Saturday morning and come back late on Sunday. They are letting us use their tent so we just need our sleeping bags and other camping essentials. I am looking forward to going away, even if it is for one night. It will be a nice start to Spring Break!

Bubble gum medicine and wedding progress

Was I the only one that called it that as a kid? I always loved getting that medicine when I was sick. Then one time I got it and it tasted funny. I think they changed the formula.

Well, Peanut can't have it. She vomited 3 out of the four times she had it. I called the Dr. again yesterday and they said to take her off of it and see how she does on the other medicine. So far so good! I sure do hate having to clean her sore, it's starting to close up and I have to keep going in and injecting peroxide in it and then the ointment after that. Poor thing. She sure hates it! At least she's not vomiting any more.

Here's a picture of her when I first got her. She was soooo skinny and peuny looking!

I think we are hiring a photographer. She lives in Naples. Only charges $50 and hour! She is trying to get into the wedding biz. Right now she takes baby and family photos. We have been emailing back and forth and she has been very helpful. Today she emailed me some of the photos she's taken and they are really nice. She has an artistic touch to her photos and from the photos I've seen has an eye for detail.

Tomorrow is Friday! My favorite day! I'll be headed to a friend of the family's retirement party after school. She was put back into the classroom this year, since her position was cut, after being out of it for probably the last 15-20 years. She sure wasn't happy about that so she is retiring. Her last day is the Friday before spring break starts and she won't be back after the break. She teaches Kindergarten too and I don't know if I'd be able to walk away like that mid year or so late in the year. I think I'd want to carry them the rest of the way. Oh well, she is ready and good for her!

Have a happy Easter on Sunday!

Here we go again!

Back to the vet. Peanut had an abscess form again and has had one on and off for the last few months. Recently it disappeared and I thought, finally they are healed!!

Nope-last week, I felt one forming again. I took her to the vet yesterday and they confirmed it is another abscess. They shaved the area, cleaned it out (gross) and sent her home with lots of medicine. This time I have to drain the area with peroxide and insert an ointment into the wound. Yuck! But I will do it with care as she is my girl and anything to help her get better!

They also said that if the infection doesn't go away, they will have to go back in and open her up to see why the drain isn't healing right and why there is an infection continuing.

So we go home, Peanut is thrilled to be out of there, I'm nervous again about the possibility of surgery again, but hopeful that the anitbiotics will work.

I give Peanut her medicine around 6pm last night and clean her wounds as directed. I could see the lethargy setting in. She was drowsy from 7pm on. Around 7:30 I bring her on the couch to snuggle with her as this was a pretty stressful afternoon. She was fine and sleeping comfortably when around 8:30, she jumps off the couch and goes back in the bedroom. I see what she's up to and notice that she had vomited. The concerned mama that I am calls the vet to see what's up.
They told me to try it again tomorrow and make sure she has food in her stomach and give her the meds after she had eaten.

This morning she has her energy back and ate her food just fine, I give her the meds and clean her wounds, then head off to work. I am hoping to come home to no vomit and a dog still living.

Well, 1 out of 2 isn't bad. She's still alive, but there was vomit. AGH!!! I called the vet after cleaning up the mess and am waiting to hear back as to what to do next. I did give her some food since she threw it all up earlier today. I am hoping that they will change her meds to something different or reduce the amount she is getting.

I will be sure to add this to the bills for the pit bull's owner!!!

Just call me a tourist!

Why? Well, yesterday we went to the beach and as beautiful as it was outside, it was also very windy at the beach. I was actually chilly. So I kept my shorts and shirt on. I didn't put one drop of sunscreen on. I even had it in my beach bag!

I am paying for it today. I am in soooooo much pain and look like one of those tourists you see around town with their legs, arms, and face lobster red.

I am drowning my skin in aloe lotion and wearing as little clothes as possible. I'm also taking Ibuprofen for the pain. I think it's time for my next dose.

We went to a St. Patrick's Day party last night and I had to go home as I was in soo much pain and starting to get the chills.

TV world:
Big Brother-what were those house guest thinking wanting James back in. I read the spoilers and know who won HOH...I'm just sick to my stomach thinking about who may end up going home now. AGH!

It's on tonight so I'm looking forward to that.
Take care all. Have a Happy St. Patrick's Day! Wear your green!

A Dreary Thursday...

Though a productive one! I had 3 kiddos out today and one is challenging so it was kinda nice at school. We got a lot done. It's amazing how different the class is without some of the kids.

I just got back from walking an running at the park and it's getting chilly and drizzling outside. Phil's on his way home from work and he's cooking tonight!!! Yippee!!

Anyone watching Big Brother? I am soo glad that Alison went home last night. She sure was mad that they unanimously voted to evict her! I haven't liked her from the beginning. And now someone gets to come back from being evicted...I wonder who it will be. I hope it's Jen or Parker. They really got screwed because of Alison and deserve another chance. Am I just talking to myself about Big Brother or does anyone else watch it?

Ok-so now it's raining harder.

I snagged this off Kip's blog...
A- Attached or single: attached
B- Best Friend: Peanut, Phil and lots of girlfriends.
C- Cake or Pie: cake, but I like the box type with jar frosting!!! YUMMY!
D- Day of Choice: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
E- Essential Item (s): hair tie, water, debit card
F-Favorite type of music: Country
G- Gummy Bears or Worms: yuck!
H- Hometown: St Petersburg
I- Indulgence(s): dark chocolate
J- January or July: July-January is toooooo cold!!!
K- Kids: just Peanut!
M- Marriage Date: will be November 8, 2008
N- Number of Siblings: 2 brothers
O- Oranges or Apples: actually neither
P- Phobias or Fears: heights, being alone
Q- Quote(s): Life is short, Buy the shoes!
R- Reason To Smile: I'm getting married, I'm losing weight, I'm at a great school, My family is healthy-All is good!
S- Season: Fall
T- Tag Four: Robin, Michele, Cheryl, Roz
U- Unknown Fact About Me: I am pigeon toed
V- vegetarian or meat eater: meat eater!!!!
W- Worst Habit: biting my nails
X- X-Rays or Ultrasounds: huh? X-Rays...??
Y- Your Favorite Food: chicken sausage, pizza, cheeseburgers, Italian food, dark chocolate...oh so many!
Z- Zodiac: Leo

Last movie: hmm...can't remember! Guess it's time to go to the movies!!

THE dress!!!

I found it! My mom and I went to David's Bridal on Thursday and started the search for my wedding dress. We found a few and I was actually thinking by the end of the day on Friday that one of the dresses would be the one.

This morning I had an appointment for Jon's Bridal in Tampa. My mom and grandma drove over. The lady, Denise, was very helpful and listened to what I wanted or what I thought I wanted. We tried on some dresses and after nothing really jumped out at me, she started bringing me some other dresses that she thought I might like. Well, I found it!

My dress is called a candlelight color-basically ivory. It is tafetta, gathers in the front towards the top and has just a little bit of beading and sequins. It looked very flattering in the mirrors. On of the mirrors was a distance away and she kept having me look into that one since that's what I'll look like in the pictures. Each time I looked in that mirror with the other dresses on, I didn't look right in the dresses. But with this one on, I looked perfect. She asked me in the beginning how I wanted to look on my wedding day and I told her I wanted to feel/look "pretty". When I tried on this dress and looked in all the mirrors, I said "It's so pretty!"-without realizing it.

So I won't keep you in suspence until November (or later) when the wedding pictures are back so show you the dress...

Here it is...The hair is not how I'll wear it, not the veil or headpiece I'll wear, the straps need to be taken in some and of course the length, but it fits perfect. Once I loose another 10 or more pounds it may need to be taken in some.

EDITED!! The pictures have been removed and now you have to wait until the wedding or wedding pictures to see! Sorry!

What do you think???

I love it!!!!! I want to put it on again! We left it at my parents' house since Phil is living here now.

I love it, love it, love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know, I know...

It's about time!

What's my excuse this time-well, I went away to a scrapbooking retreat and had a BLAST!!!! I got soo much accomplished. I worked on Phil's pictures from his childhood and a few of our recent trips we've taken. I ate a lot too, but didn't gain any weight so that's good!

Then I had to spend some good quality time with Phil. We went to the hockey game on Saturday night for FREE! And had all the food and drink we could want for FREE and parking too! We had a lot of fun. His boss gave him the tickets and we are hoping to be able to get the tickets again another time. Free food and drinks and great seats are worth the drive to Tampa-even if the team isn't doing so great right now.

Oh and I've been having parent conferences too. I still have some left but will be done on Thursday afternoon. Not to mention, I've had to go to some meetings at night for school too.

So here we are to today...

It's stormy out-windy, cloudy, dark...supposed to storm tonight and get really cold too. Good sleeping weather-just not really looking forward to wearing all that extra clothing tomorrow-ugh!

I scheduled appointments to go try on dresses. I have one this Thursday and then one on Saturday. I'm a little nervous! It's really getting overwhelming! I'm trying not to think about it too much so I don't get stressed, but when I do think about it all, the anxiety kicks in!

So there you have it. You are all caught up for a few weeks. I'll be sure to take pictures of the dresses and post them for the next time I post.

Another Tag from Michele

10 Years Ago: I was living in Orlando, teaching 3rd grade and hating every minute of it. My family moved to Tennessee and I was living with my friend Diane in a tiny appartment.

On my to-do list today: Finish the laundry, go to the mall to find something cute to wear cuz Phil and I are going out to a Beach Bar this afternoon, go to the Beach Bar :-)

What I would do if I were suddenly made a billionaire:pay off my credit card bills, buy a house on the water, buy a boat for Phil, buy a new car, pay for the wedding, invest, maybe quit teaching and start a business.

3 places I have lived: St. Pete, Orlando, Jacksonville

5 Jobs that I have had:
Sandwich maker at a resturaunt
Cashier at Burger King
Day care teacher
Nanny
KDG teacher

5 Things people don't know about me:
1. I was Salutatorian for my High School's magnet program.
2. I'm pigeon toed.
3. I am an only child, but LOVE my 2 brothers!!!!
4. I'm allergic to cats and dogs.
5. I love dark chocolate truffles!!

I tag:
Robin and anyone else who reads my blog!

Time to catch up!

I have been enjoying coming home to someone. We are getting along very well and he is a sweetie! We take turns cooking and washing the dishes and tonight he is cooking. I told him I was starving so he made me an appitizer until our dinner is ready. Yesterday was Superbowl Sunday and we decided not to go anywhere and just hang out here at home. We made a pizza and watched the game-well he did-I scrapbooked! He couldn't believe I was going to scrapbook, but I told him the game really doesn't matter to me-just the commercials. I thought they were so so. My favorite was the dalmation and horse one.

In a few weeks I'll be shopping for wedding dresses. Kinda getting nervousm, but excited too.

Ok-gotta go-Dinner's ready!!!

Here I am!!

So sorry about the delay in blogging! Phil has been moving in and I've been getting rid of a lot of things and cleaning the house.

We had a garage sale this weekend and did great! We cleared out soo much stuff and whatever didn't sell we took to the Boley drop off center. The money we made is going into the Wedding fund. :-(
I was hoping I could use some of it to buy some new clothes, shoes and some things for the house.

We had our wine tasting a few weeks back and had a blast! I'll post pictures soon.

Gotta get back to cleaning and preparing dinner.

Puppy Days!

No Peanut and I didn't add a puppy to our family.

We are dog sitting Honeybun while Robin and her family are enjoying some vacation time on Orlando.

My how I have forgotten about the energy that puppies have. She never stops! I'm surprised she doesn't pass out from the amount of playing and energy she expends. Poor Peanut too! She has been a real trooper with sharing everything with Honeybun. She plays with her and when she's tired she will just sit there while Honeybun whines for her to play.

Then there's meal time...AGH!!! Peanut wants to eat Honeybun's food and vice versa. But look out-if Peanut tries to eat Honeybun's food she snaps at Peanut. I finally figured out that I have to hold onto Honeybun while Peanut devours her food. She knows that whatever she leaves Honeybun will finish it. Normally Peanut will leave her dry food for later in the day-not anymore-she has been just chowing down.

I boarded them for New Year's Eve so that I wouldn't have to worry about getting back to them early. They were thrilled to see me and each other as they were seperated while boarding since they aren't from the same family.

Before I picked them up, I stopped by the pet store to get some bones. That was a nice little moment of silence as they chewed away. I should have napped, but no I caught up on everyone's new years. From the scrapping divas at Linda's to my mom and grandma's annual New Year's Day shopping spree. I never seem to make it as I am a little tired (hungover) from NYE. Oh well, maybe next year!

Speaking of Next Year...I will be married this time next year. At midnight I was emotional cuz it's really gonna happen...we are getting closer to the big date. Don't get me wrong, I am very excited and looking forward to getting married, just nervous about taking that huge step in my life!

I asked another friend to be in my wedding. Diane-she had a big role in Phil in I meeting and I was with her when she met her husband, Bill, which is Phil's best friend. So it only seems fitting that they are in our wedding.

Tomorrow is my step dad's birthday so we are headed up there to sit by their fire pit, eat and celebrate his day. But in the morning we have to go to a funeral-Phil's great uncle passed away on the 26th. He was 97 so it was just his time.

On Thursday the YaYa's are getting together for some Wine. The YaYa's are a great group of ladies that get together at Kip's for pool parties and have great times! We have had marriages, babies, divorces, breakups, cancer, and many other times to laugh, cry or celebrate. This time, we are going to a Wine tasting in Safety Harbor for free-I won it at a bridal show. Afterwards we are taking a Limo home-also won from a bridal show. We are bringing food to share and may just make it a little more than a wine tasting as we will have the limo for 3 hours. We are really looking forward to seeing each other and spending time together. Some of the YaYa's have moved away and others can't make it, but there will be 5 of us there ready to drink some wine!

So I think I've caught you up and you should be good for a few days! LOL!