What Weekends are Made Of

It has been a long time since I have been able to anticipate a weekend that included all the good things in life.

My husband. Check.

My family. Check.

My best friends (minus one!) Check.

Good food. Check.

Relaxation. Check.

Time away from that place I call H.E.L.L. (work) Double check!

I hope everyone was able to enjoy their weekend. I look forward to more weekends where we can spend time with each other, our loved ones and get things accomplished. What more can I say besides I am grateful for all the glorious moments in life!

Goodbye 2011

This year has gone by way too quickly, just as it seems all years do. What I take with me from 2011, are such beautiful memories, ones I will always hold close to my heart.

- I was given the honor of marrying the perfect man, for me. A man that I am so fortunate to have met and get to experience all the joys and difficulties in life with. I could have not found a better match, and I am grateful for him every.single.day.of.my.life.

- With our wedding, came the wonderful opportunity of spending quality time with my loved ones. A lot of it. I can not ask for a better gift than that.

There are many things I am grateful for. Our health, our home, our dogs, our families and our dearest friends. The list could go on, but if you know me, just know that you are truly loved.

While 2011 was filled with many special moments, there are definitely things that I would like to change for 2012. So I am writing them here as my 2012 goals.

1) I want to be healthier. I want to look healthier and I want to feel healthier
2) I want to make exercise fun and something I look forward to most days of the week
3) I want to fix the husband's and my schedules so we are able to spend more time together
4) I want to spend more time with my family members
5) I want to start a family of our own
6) I want to finish the two rooms in our home that we now use as oversized closets
7) I want to take our dogs on more walks
8) I want to swim in our pool every day this summer
9) I want to figure out what I'm suppose to be doing with my nursing career
10) I want to go on a vacation for our 1st anniversary
11) I want to go out more and experience more of what is beyond our home's walls
12) I want to go to Six Flags once
13) I want to go apple picking in the Fall
14) I want to go to a Haunted House
15) I want to continue holiday traditions and start new ones
16) I want to give to a family in need during the holidays
17) I want to do a better job of keeping my house clean all the time
18) I want to plant flowers and make our house pretty from the outside
19) I want to do more with my life, and sleep less
20) I want to be happy

I hope 2011 treated you well and that 2012 treats you better!

A New Life

At this time last week, my best friend was in labor for over 33 hours. On December 16th, 2011 at 849pm, Caden William Nash was born into this beautiful world weighing 8lbs 11oz.

The emotions I have felt through my best friend's pregnancy and now birth, are something I will never forget. To have someone so close to you have a baby, is an amazing feeling and I am so blessed to have been part of all of it.

The Important People in Life

There are many stages in life, and through these different stages, many things in life change. What once was important to you at the ripe old age of 12, is probably a distant memory at the young age of 28.

I've been to four different schools in my life, lived in six different places, worked at six different jobs and been through many different "phases."

I've been the shy girl who would only speak to her parents.

I've been the awkward adolescent crushing on the same boy for six whole years, who never knew.

I've been the outgoing rebellious high school student who tried to be friends with everyone.

I've been the party girl who tried her hardest to be studious, while enjoying every bit of her late teens and early twenties.

I've met many people who have changed my life for the moment, but only a few that I hold dear to my heart.

Friendships are funny. You may have many acquaintances in life, but the true friends are the most special people you will meet. They are the ones that through the years and all the changes, that will always be there. They will always listen, be there when needed, and no matter how much times goes by, be the ones that always make you feel that no time has passed.

I can count those friends on half of my hand. I wouldn't change that for anything. To my dearest friends, I do love you.

A Very HOT Rehearsal Dinner

We had our rehearsal dinner on the Wednesday before the wedding. Typically, they have them the night before but for me, I envisioned the day before being full of happiness, relaxation and calm. That is not what happened, but thats for another post!!

When the day finally came, I couldn't believe it. Sixteen months had gone by and here I was two days before getting married, where did it come from? Back in January 2010 it seemed like it would take forever to get to our wedding day. It was a time frame I enjoyed because I felt I had a good amount of time to get everything accomplished. Then BAM, here it is!

In the morning, my mother and I went to go get my dress. It hadn't been finished the last time we went to  my "final fitting". The length was too long and it wasn't bustled right. I wasn't in the mood to try it on for a 5th time so I just hoped it was perfect. (I should of tried it on, but again, for another post!)

The rest of the day was spent doing errands and trying to remain relaxed. I got ready, gave myself plenty of time to feel comfortable with how I looked for the big rehearsal day, and off we went!

The rehearsal went well, but when it was done I had no idea what our officiant said to us. I didn't remember what I was suppose to do with my hands, when it was my cue to speak or what I was suppose to do after we kissed as husband and wife. It was just too HOT!

MOH Job: Blotting sweat from bride's face

Trying to pay attention, it just didn't work

After we were done "rehearsing" it was time to go to Carmen Anthony's for our dinner! It would only be  my luck though, that when we went to get into our car, we didn't have the keys. One of my bridesmaids had been given the bag with our keys in it! So after that mishap, we were on our way to spend time with family and friends before our big day!

 A few beautiful people in my family

 Our best friends & wedding party

 My Grandmother

 Mom, Dad, Sister & Andrea

 One of my favorite couples!

 Pretty girls

 Bridal Party

The bride & groom....

It was a beautiful night before an absolutely beautiful wedding! Can't wait to finally recap my favorite day!!!

Much love,

Pre-Wedding BBQ

There has been many moments in my life where I wish I could turn back time to when we were a family. A complete family consisting of mom, dad, big sister and me. I am one to always try to live for the moment, no regrets, no looking back but when things happen in your life to alter that "perfect family", sometimes you may reminisce.

I've had moments where I've missed my father, been mad at my father and been disappointed. Through all these feelings, I've moved along trying to see the positive side to the situation such as I've always had this beautiful woman. Who has by far been my rock, my entire life.

The beautiful ladies in my life, mother & sister

That doesn't take away those feelings though. Especially when the most important day of your life is right around the corner and you want everything to be alright.

My family felt the same way as I did, so we decided to do a BBQ at our house to get everyone together to ease the awkwardness that we were ultimately trying to avoid for our big day!


It worked. Over a wide variety of foods and desserts, the family talked, laughed and broke through that ice we all thought needed to be thawed.

We enjoyed the usual BBQ feast consisting of hamburgers, hotdogs, salads, pulled pork, chicken...oh the list could go on. The food was tasty, the atmosphere warm and most importantly, the company was amazing.

We even got this beautiful lady to enjoy some shots with us!

We got to spend time with this adorable tot!

And we ended the night on a great note..... Reece's Peanut Butter Klondike Bars. Enough said! I wish I had taken more photos that day, but I guess I didn't. That's alright though because the next few posts with have lots!!


Much love,

Jack n' Jill

I have a question, do you know what a Jack n' Jill is?

It seems as though many people do not know what a jack n' jill entails. This being said, I have had a lot of questions and negativity in regards to MY decision for MY wedding to have one. In the bigger picture, this does not really matter, but it has at times placed a "cloud" over this special time for us. It all goes away though when I remember the great time that I had with my family and friends, who came to support us and show us unconditional love.

I chose the jack n' jill over the traditional shower because I HATE being the center of attention. I also don't particularly like having a bunch of women in the same room doting over me. I wanted a party with fun, excitement, alcohol and testosterone. It was just what I wanted, isn't this what your wedding should be about, you?

Our jack n' jill was on April 30th at The Elks Lodge. It was a fantastic time with great people, great food, great raffle prizes, lots of alcohol, and did I mention it was great?

 It's getting close!

 The happy couple

 My beautiful mama and step-dad

My maid of honor, my sister and my future brother in law Craig

 My cousin Ally and her gorgeous daughter Veda

 One of my bridesmaids, Sage & her beau Jay

 My mama and my uncle

 My sister and my grandma

Some of the boyzzzz

 My sister, grandma and I

 Another bridesmaid & bestie, Kayte

 Bottoms up!

 Jesse and Carmello

 The family missing Craig :-(

My mama and sister

Craig and sleeping Veda

There are a lot more pictures but these are some of my favorite. There are some family and friends that escaped photos that night, so I'll be sure to get good ones at the wedding! 26 days and counting....it's just around the corner!