28 continued...

When we went up to the mountains to visit Mom and Dad we had to participate in some mountain activities. Check out these tractor photos. We did some pretty good work blading the driveway ;)







Also, check out this beautiful kitchen table Jeff made. He's so creative and talented!

28

I love birthdays! This year has been extra special because I've been celebrating for several days! On Wednesday I went into work to a decorated cube and Starbucks from my boss. That night Jeff brought me my favorite flowers (daisies), an adorable card and a People magazine. He knows me! And we weren't even going to celebrate until
Thursday. Then on Thursday he made me artichoke pizza just like he did the first time he cooked for me. He also made me the most awesome gift certificate to Veda for a "super sexy" hair cut and color. It was such a perfect night. On Friday Tiff and Grace came to the Springs and we celebrated with sushi and wine. YUM! I have felt so loved. Tomorrow, Sunday, Jeff and I are going up to my parents house to celebrate more with TRIPLE CHOCOLATE CAKE!!! This is going to be a GREAT year!











PS, this is Chloe, Jeff's cat and Clarence, my cat. Clarence moved in with Jeff and Chloe last weekend so that they could both get adjusted before they are left alone during our trip to Oregon. I think they are already on their way to becoming best friends forever! ;)

I found it!

I found THE dress! Mom and I went to a little boutique after work yesterday and I tried on about 7 dresses. Let me just say that the little boutique was so much more calm and the girl who helped us made the experience much more lovely than last Saturday. I like several of the dresses better than all but one of the dresses from Saturday. And I really liked one of them quite a bit, but we decided to go back up to David's Bridal to try on the one that I did like again. The girl there this time was GREAT! She was so smiley and complimentary and helpful. She let me try on about 4 dresses even though we didn't have an appointment. I ended up trying on the one I liked from last week as well as one more and then we knew the decision was between those two. They were completely different dresses, but both so beautiful in their own way. I tried them each on twice with various veils and hair pieces. I walked around this way and that way. I asked Mom what she though. I looked at the backs. And finally I decided! I got the one that I didn't try on last weekend. It fits well, it's flattering and I feel very pretty in it. I can't wait to walk up to my man wearing it to say "I do." YAY! I can't post it here, but I'll email it to you if you'd like. Just let me know!

Dresses and cupcakes

Well I went dress shopping on Saturday. It was so fun to have some girlfriends there with me and my mom. We had a fun breakfast with Dad, then hit the bridal store. After trying on so many dresses I realized I think I went in with unrealistic expectations and was disappointed when I didn't fall head over heals for one. But there was a gorgeous one that I really adore. I'm not 100% ready to make the decision until I shop some more. We're going again on Thursday, so I'll keep you posted. Until then here are some pictures WITHOUT dresses because my Jeffrey might sneak on here once in a while. ;)




Mom, Liz, Mel, Me and Dad




Me, Tiff and Sar


Britta, Sar, Tiff and Liz (why aren't they paying attention?)


Maybe I'll do a side pony for the wedding?


Adorable Liz and Mel!

I think I'm done for the day. It was a bit overwhelming!

And this is a rough draft of a cupcake tier I'm going to make. We're going to hve cupcakes instead of a cake. I got the idea for this tier from a friends shower last year. It has potential once the fabric and ribbon are cut, don't you think?!

When the worst day with the one you love is so much better than your best day without him.

Some thoughts on marriage.

Someone recently asked me why I want to marry Jeff. This guy is married, but he seemed a little cynical about marriage. Maybe he was asking me why I want to get married in general, but it got me to thinking about why I really do want to marry my man. The answer I gave was general and simple. Because our love says we should. That got the man all riled up. We ought not to be doing things simply because we “should.” Well let me explain. It’s not because society says I should. Or our parents. Or God, or anyone. It’s not because I feel an expectation that we must fulfill. It’s because I have this love for Jeff. This big, indescribable feeling that’s more than a feeling, it’s also a choice. But it’s not a choice, it’s as if I have no choice at all. It seems to me the only thing to be done with this love is to give it a pronouncement of forever. Together. So that it will continue just as it is, but also grow and strengthen into so much more. Have you ever looked at someone’s face when they smile and you can’t help but smile, too? Have you ever felt a warmth right inside your heart when you just glance at a person? When you see someone simply cooking in the kitchen, playing with their son, chatting with your family or even struggling beyond anything you have ever experienced and all you can imagine is being right by their side each second of their life? That is the “should” of getting married I’m talking about. Sure, I recognize that it’s going to be hard. Stressful. A struggle. Did that guy think that by pointing those things out I’d say “oh, you’re right, thanks for bringing that up. I don’t love Jeff that much.” ??? I don’t think so! Love means you get through that stuff and get to the other side looking even prettier =)