The one where I MOVED!!!!!

Okay – so I didnt PHYSICALLY move – but my blog did!

BC I got a real domain name for our wedding website, I got another domain to use as well for free. SO – I thought it would give me an opportunity to get creative And you know, maybe actually start blogging on a regular basis! Ha Well, it’s worth a shot! I really do have lots to share now that life has calmed down – so check me out here ::

www.homespunlove.com

The one with the one month…

One month ago I got maaarrrrrrrriiieeddd! And it was beautiful – and not only did it go by SO fast, it also seems like it was a lot longer than a month ago! Probably because so much has happened and exploded in my life since.

Its been a hard first month for a lot of reasons, but it’s been a great first month for many too! I married an amazing man who loves me well and I can count on continually.

I’m still trying desperately to figure out what it means to be married – to be a wife – to do this thing well…but I think it is different for everyone, and hopefully life will find a way to slow down so we can settle in under a bit more “normal” of circumstances!

But in the meantime, through all the craziness, I’m so blessed to have Jeremy by my side! Love you hubby!!

The one with chili and cupcakes…

So firstly, I’m married now. And so I cook for more than just me. Which I’m actually excited about. Also, it was my sister’s birthday yesterday (Happy Birthday Sidderhead!) so in honor of her! I mean, it was the right thing to do. AND, it gave me an excuse to use my Kitchenaid!

They turned out delicious!

And its also the beginning football season (if you haven’t noticed!) and here’s the thing about me. I LOVE college football. I do NOT love the NFL. But, Jeremy is a huge Redskins fan (i know, i know…). So, Sundays now mean football, in addition to the REAL games on Saturday. SO, I wanted to try a chili recipe (chili means football) I got from my brother-in-law about a year ago, and never made. It’s code name is “Sweet Thang” – and its delicious. But, one of the ingredients he includes (I will post the full recipe later…i’m kidding matt, don’t freak out ) I cant find anywhere here in the states, so trying a substitution before I served it to anyone besides Jer seemed smart.

It turned out great – so yummy! But, i tried to make banana bread – this did NOT turn out so hot. I cannot figure out the oven. I would blame the altitude – it screws up baking in many ways – but I’ve baked things before and not had the kind of problems I’ve had lately. Things get much browner on the outside while the inside isn’t baked through, and its very uneven. Have I mentioned I want a gas oven!? Ugh. Oh well…it was tasty enough, just wasnt quite what I was after. I also tried a new recipe, so its hard to tell – so you know, we’ll see…more experimentation with the oven will need to be done.

Yum!

The one where I return…

So we’re back…at least physically. Going back to my job has never been harder – everything in me wished I could just keep sleeping in and relaxing. But alas, life isn’t so much like that. So, I did show up and live through my first week back last week – and what a week it was. I almost quit, on the spot, 3 different times (at least). Fortunately, I have some self control – so I held my tongue. My heart is just sad about so many of the ways this organization is handling things. But that’s a different story for a different time. We are back, and getting back into the swing of things. Which means after months of vanishing because, oh I dunno…I had to get married and stuff I’ve returned.

The honeymoon was fabulous and the resort was ridiculous! It was so nice, and by day one I was worried I wouldn’t ever want to go back. Fortunately, after a week in the sun and sleeping in a bed that wasn’t mine, I was anxious to get home and get our place settled. But unfortunately we got back on a Sunday and I needed to go to work on Monday (I didn’t have any more time off) so getting settled has taken a bit longer than hoped. But honestly, we’ve been home for a week – and most of our boxes have been gone through. There are tons of little decorative items that I havent dealt with yet because we’re still trying to figure out what furniture will be where, and what we really want to hang on our walls. Some of the items I have are nice, but not quite my style anymore. So, going through what we want to keep, get rid of, and what we want to now purchase to hang on our walls is going to be a process. Luckily, that’s not one that I feel needs to happen in the next week – but I do think its something that is important to me – getting the place how I want it – so I also don’t want to live with bare walls for months and months on end. Oh, settling in to new places is never easy…and if anyone knows about moving, its me.

With the three day weekend coming up, I’m getting quite anxious. I’m so ready to have some good time to hang out with Jeremy and to get some things done around the house…then, and probably not until then, I will share some pictures! I know sidder wants to see some – its just hard when theres crap everywhere to want to photograph the mess! I’ll post some pics from our honeymoon as well – but for now I’ve got nothin’!

So hope you had a wonderful weekend and that your week is welcoming you a bit more warmly than mine! I can do this. Its Tuesday. Only 3 more days (after today) until the weekend…I can totally do this…*sigh*

The one with the invitations…

SO I have been gone for a while – lots and lots going on. I dont know why I even still blog – except for days like today, when I have something I want to share and am happy to have an outlet I know some people I love look to!

So we finished our invites. And I HAVE to share them with yall (even though they’ll be arriving in your mailboxes soon!!)

Here they are –

Inside look:

outside look:

All in their happy lil envelopes ready to go out!! ::

So we take them to the post office – and we wait in line – and learn 2 tragic things.

1.) They dont do hand canceling anymore. What the truck?? Seriously? This is stupid. I poured my life into these things and you’re telling me I can do nothing to prevent them from flying through your careless machinery? I guess its about budget cuts and all that. I think they were just lazy. lol Okay, but seriously. Very disappointing. Although – it doesnt matter to anyone but me I’m sure – as long as they dont get destroyed.

2.) Because they were “rigid” (those blasted pocketfolios I HAD to have…) they are more expensive. I think they have to go through a special machine (which perhaps will help with the not getting ruined thing? here’s hoping) so they are, of COURSE, more expensive.
Not only were they a FORTUNE to send – the stamps that they gave us made me want to cry. No – actually I laughed – by then my idea of these being perfect was out the window. They cant be hand canceled – so why would I be surprised the only stamp combo that would work for us (and not cost us even MORE) was going to include a stamp with a bright blue ram on them. Yup. 2 wedding stamps, and a bright blue ram. Of course.

Oh yeah, we have a big blue bighorn sheep on our invites – it’s fine.

Anyway, after it all was said and done, they were still making me happy. Our friend who offered to do our calligraphy did a beautiful job, I got a beautiful stamp to use for the return address, and better yet – people are invited to celebrate our love and desire to share our lives with each other – and it’s going to be an amazing party So, blue rams it is!

Here they are – in the big mail drop box waiting for me to send the very last batch from our box out to their recipients Sarah – look at you right on top (I blurred your address – never fear)

And Jeremy really did help – in a million ways. Gluing, getting me snacks going on runs to the store to get more supplies…he’s amazing and I can’t wait to marry him!! I’m so looking forward to August 14th just getting here!! But at the same time, it can take its time…we have much to do!

The one with the music…

First, before I jump into weddingness, my amazing friend Erin is now a mommy! Jude Thomas was born last night, and I stayed up reading Twitters from her hubby Jesse until there were pictures! It’s amazing, and they are amazing, and I cannot WAIT to meet him. Literally, I cannot wait. Have I mentioned lately how much I miss Cedar Falls?

Anyway, weddingness…

I have officially ordered the invites. We are going DIY style, so I still have to come up with the design (ugh! I feel so uncreative right now!) but the pocket folios and invites themselves are on their way, ready to be printed on and become fabulous. Or at least I hope so! We shall see…

So that’s taken care of. Now on to flowers (ugh) and music. Music even being a bit more concerning. (sara, this is why I havent called you. *sigh*)

I have always been madly in love with music. I love all different styles and genres, and so I knew from the beginning that the traditional music probably wasn’t going to work for us. I am struggling through several pieces, but am unsure of what to use before the bridesmaids/my song. Or if we’ll even USE my song! What is my song, you ask?

When I was a freshman in high school and first started understanding the idea of praying for your future spouse and what a beautiful picture marriage paints, I stumbled upon a song by Cindy Morgan *cringe* and fell in love. I know, Cindy Morgan. So cheesy. But, I love it…the heart wants what it wants people. So here it is::

I would walk in on the build up, obviously. and the words and pictures wouldn’t be there, and they are also adding to the cheese factor. But it still makes me want to cry listening to it. Even after I’ve heard it a million times. But, am I sold completely? I dunno? I think so?

Then the unity candle song…and recessional. NO idea for the recessional. I have a few ideas for the unity candle.
One is “Until You” – a song that I made Jeremy listen to very early on, when we were across the country from another. The original is really upbeat and fast, but then he did a piano/acoustic version:

Or, another Dave Barnes one, that is really the definition of Jeremy and my relationship, its called “You do the same for me”::

Neither are weddingy – but both are very personal to us.

And then there’s “On a night like this” by *drum roll please* Dave Barnes! Ha so much for liking different styles and types of music!

So, that’s the thought process so far. And I know that Jesse (erins hubby) and my dear friend Spencer are going to play – and my elementary music teacher and old piano teacher is going to play the piano. So its going to be good. I just need to figure out what all I want to be done, and who I want playing what when!

And then prelude stuff?? And then when people are walking out? OH MY WORD! I feel overwhelmed.

Any tips? Any thoughts? I will post more ideas for these other areas too…just as soon as I get them *sigh*.

The one with Tracy Anderson…

So the other day, on one of my trusted Wedding blogs, I came across a posting on a Tracy Anderson. And now, I’m totally intrigued by her.

First, I will warn you, she comes off kooky, especially some of her moves. Her theories on personal training are a little…well…different. Her philosophy is to focus on the little muscles and get them activated, while your toning your bigger muscles, so that you don’t result in “bulk” muscles…she claims you’ll have longer leaner muscles…more “feminine” then bulky. Because of this, she doesnt like traditional “cardio” on a machine, so she creates her own moves. You can find her cardio videos on youtube, one of which someone commented “this girl looks crazy. She looks like an elf on catnip.” They are right.

But, I really enjoy trying new things. I like doing Jillian’s 30 day Shred when I feel like spicing it up, and so something to add to the mix is good for me. And Tracy is definitely completely different. Whether her theories are legit or not, lots of girls commented on the blog that they’ve seen significant changes in their bodies doing her DVDs. So, I’m interested.

Here’s a video and on the front end she talks a little bit about her theories, then shows you some of the movies she does..

The post I saw included this video. Tracy made it for one of her clients – Gwyneth Paltrow. Who I do dislike, but can get over because c’mon. her legs look like this::

It’s a hardcore leg/butt workout that makes me cringe just watching it – and I’ll be honest, I havent tried it yet…but hey, its free! And other girls who read the blog said they’ve tried it and can barely sit the next day…which sounds awful, but also means its working!
http://action.tracyandersonmethod.com/page/s/ironman2

I will admit that I ordered her “mat” DVD to try out. Mostly because if I’m going to do a video along with my cardio, I want it to be more complete…not just tone my booty (which hey, never hurts!)…she also has a post-pregnancy DVD which a lot of the girls have tried and say is not just for post pregnant folks – it just happens to tone your abs quite a bit.

Anyway, just a little something to share with you as I attempt to get myself in “wedding shape”!

The one with the veil….AND the shoes!

Veil :: CHECK!
Shoes :: CHECK!

Okay, again, it’s been a while since I last checked in! I guess it’s planning a wedding and freaking out over details, as well as throwing my fabulous “Bestie” Jamie a shower of her own! Yes, we thought it would be fun to get married within 2 months of each other! I will say, there have been some significant positives…we have someone to lean on, compare stories with, and someone who just ‘gets’ the madness of it all! But, we also have the double madness of being MOHs in each others weddings! I have two…my beautiful sister and then Jamie…but for hers its just me, and I feel like there are so many things I want to do for her to make her feel loved and cared for during this crazy time…just hard to do that on top of planning and prepping my own Big Day! I’ll include some pictures of Jamie’s shower at the end of this email!

Speaking of showers…we are now planning mine! SO fun! I’m actually having a few, because I’m just that lucky! One in CO primarily with a few friends, girls from work, and then mostly women who Jeremy has as “close family friends”.
Then I have one in Cedar Rapids on June 24th thrown by my fantastic friend Chelsy, and one in Cedar Falls that my fabulous bridesmaids are still working out the details for. Most of you aren’t in the CR area, but if you will be that weekend, you should know you’re invited! I am so looking forward to time with amazing women I have not seen or had an opportunity to spend time with in some time. It will be fabulous, and I’m quite excited!

Anyway, on to the area that JEREMY MARKISOHN cannot see! So please, sir, move along. I will, again, be providing links, not pictures, but since you made the decision not to see my veil, you will not want to proceed past this part. No seriously, I love you, but go away.

Okay, so on to the goods

First, my veil :: I was actually a little heartbroken over this. My mom made my sister’s veil, and I had my heart set on her doing mine as well. Until I fell in love with mantilla. They put one on me with the lace all around the edges, and my heart was set. I wanted it. I had to have it. lol So, my mom and I started looking for lace that she could sew onto the edges of the veil…but came up quite short. After searching online for just the right lace, and after I realize we were only 3 months out, I decided, and I think my mother agreed, I simply didn’t want to spend her time working on the thing. SO, I found a FANTASTIC version of JUST what I was looking for on Etsy (goodness I love that place).

So drumroll please…here it is (okay, not my exact veil, but one by the exact same seller) ::
http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.142022531.jpg
http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.142022535.jpg
http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.143106046.jpg

I know this is a look not everyone is as in love with as me…but I LOVE it, and think its perfect! Especially for our venue, and for my dress (remember it has the lace detailing on the sides?)
http://bios.weddingbee.com/pics/59177/dress1a.jpg

And then, for my shoes!
I had to get flats, because as Jer isn’t too short, I’m sorta tall. He’s still got about 4 inches on me, I don’t need to shrink that difference. Plus, some of my bridesmaids are little. I don’t need to feel like a giant on my wedding day! lol So, I looked at ALL KINDS of flats.
Heres the one I fell madly in love with::
http://www.endless.com/Stuart-Weitzman-Womens-Minime-Flat/dp/B002MH2OOO
yeah, gals, check out the price tag. NO WAY! Nooooo way. I mean, yes, they are beautiful. But honestly, they’ll be under my dress, and where the heck will I wear them again? Yeah, nope. Not worth it.

SO, here are the “runners up”, which are quite delightful if I do say so myself! And much MUCH more wallet friendly!
http://ec3.images-amazon.com/images/I/41widT-L0EL._SL500__SS140_.jpg

I am pleased. Both of these items should be getting here by the weekend. I LOVE LOVE LOVE checking things off the list!

My next post will be about music. Or my failed attempts at making decisions about our wedding music! I will need your opinions…so stay tuned for that!

The one where I get movin’…

I hate exercising. I’ve never been all that “athletic”, at least not since 7th grade, and unfortunately my metabolism isn’t as quick as some.

Sometimes, when i go to the gym, i look around at all the buff woman in their tank tops and spandex pants, and I end up feeling like this::

But regardless of how much I feel like this, I really only have two options…

1.) Settle for the “resting weight” (I like to call it) of my body. Also, accept the fact that I live in Colorado and when you’re out of shape in Colorado, you’re also not of the norm…AND you can hardly climb up stairs. They aren’t kidding, the air is much thinner here people. Ask the stairs at my work, they’ll give you a very clear answer.
And I also know the health benefits of getting your booty moving at least a few times a week. So its this…or, my other option, and the choice as of late::

2.) Get you’re a$$ out of bed and just do it.

So, number 2 it is. Although, I have cursed it the past two mornings. I work early, really early. I get into the office around 7:30am, I leave as soon as the clock hits 4pm…so to me, its worth it. If I don’t take a lunch or a break to sit and chat with my lovely friends DD or Laura, I can come in at 8am and leave at 4pm. But, still. It’s early. Working out prior to this time means waking up at *gulp* 5:15am. Kill. Me. Now.

Okay, but seriously now…the first week (last week) was great. I felt motivated, liberated, and like I was getting back to where I was in my Georgia where I was able to work out regularly and feel good about it. This week…well…this week has been a challenge. I will admit that most of it is that I have not been getting to bed on time. Hello, friends…when you’re getting up at 5am to go the gym and work your hiney off, perhaps respecting your bed time is wise. When I’m exhausted, my body wants to push itself even less. 30 minutes on the elliptical this morning was tough. Normally, it’s much easier…this morning, I was so ready to get off that thing.

So I’ve decided a few things about me::

1.) If I’m going to do this, I need sleep. I don’t like to work out after work, I feel better all day when I can work out in the morning, but if it means I wont get enough sleep at night…I need to understand the balance is better then. If I’m exhausted, my work outs don’t go so hot anyway.
2.) I need to provide myself with some kind of motivation. For every week that I manage to balance my food/exercise well, I will reward myself with something! Not something counter-productive like food or a yummy dessert, but still something I love…like a new DVD, or perhaps a trip the the MAC store for some new makeup! Or something special for the wedding. Ya know, something like that.
3.) I have to consistantly eat well. I’d been doing awesome all week, then ate some things this weekend that made me feel really guilty. It’s a hard balance…i want to eat foods that I like, I dont want to restrict myself too much, so here and there its okay. but not free-reign all weekend to whatever. It makes me feel like crap, and i’m not going to the gym every morning to just make up for it in brownies!
4.) I’m going to have to mix it up. I’ve been considering taking a Body Pump class at the gym I’m at right now. Fear has kept me out of it, because this class can be pretty intense. BUT, I’m feeling motivated…and I need to mix it up. As soon as I get back from Iowa, I’m taking Body Pump head on! I WILL survive…and it WILL be great! If all I ever do is the elliptical and the treadmill, I’ll lose my momentum sooner than I’d prefer.

Bottom line, I’m getting married…so getting my booty in shape is important. But also, there’s endless stress in planning a wedding, as well as being the Maid-of-Honor in one…all in the same 3 months! It’s been a lot, and if I don’t burn off steam somewhere, I might explode! SO, this is a good thing…and while I don’t always like working out, I love the way I feel afterwards. So I will press on. I will press on. I WILL press on!

The one with the song…

This song made me cry today. Again. For, like, the 5th time i’ve heard it.
Maybe it’s because I’m getting married. I dont know…but I often think about how clear God is that the man is to lead the family. I’m not talking about the headship and submission debate…I’m certainly not going there today I’m simply talking about God’s clear desire for the man to take care of his wife and family…to lead them. So I suppose that it is more emotional to me, in this stage, but I did want to share it.

The video is just the song and lyrics…I’m loving it.