I'm Still Here

It doesn't seem possible that it's been a month since I last blogged. I am still here--still wedding planning, homeschooling, traveling, cooking, cleaning, hosting, etc.,

I just set my timer for 15 minutes, and I will end this post when the time is up. I figured 15 minutes is better than nothing. I keep waiting for that perfect big block of time to catch up on my blogging, and since it never comes I thought I would try this strategy.

Today is Olivia's birthday! As I have done for the four years she has been in college, (has she been in college that long?) I mailed her a "birthday in a box". This is basically a box of wrapped birthday gifts. One year we decorated the mailing box, but this year I did good to actually get the package in the mail on time!

Wedding planning--here's an update:

• After trying on many, many dresses in many, many stores I finally ordered a dress online from JJs House. I ordered it in navy blue. I decided on that color at the last minute to match a tie that Jimmy will wear in the wedding. His tie has shades of purple and blue and will look nice with both my dress and the purple bridesmaids dresses.
• Last month Lynn, Leanna, and I spent 8 hours at both girls' wedding venues making our decorating and logistical plans. I dreamed that night of vases, chairs, flowers, and counting in multiples of 7. (We counted and recounted chairs and tables and tried to keep it all straight).
• I ordered Olivia's wedding invitations last night.
• I mailed Julie's wedding invitations last week. The replies have begun trickling in. I am keeping track of the responses in three places:  on a spreadsheet on my laptop, on a printout of the spreadsheet, and in a notes document on my phone. 
• Lynn, Leanna, and I met with the caterer last night one (almost) final time to discuss and plan Julie's reception.
• I met with the florist to discuss both girls' weddings. He was very helpful, and I think all is well in the floral department.
• Lynn, Leanna, and I took inventory of the wedding items I borrowed from a friend and I bought the remaining vases I will need.
• I placed a huge order for white tablecloths, tulle, ribbon, round mirrors, and table runners (things I need for both girls' receptions). It was cheaper for me to buy tablecloths than to rent them. The two websites I used for this are efavormart.com and smartyhadaparty.com

Well, my 15 minutes is up!

I hope to post again soon.

Wedding Planning Fun

The wedding planning is in full swing!  I have finally assembled my Wedding Planning Binder complete with 10 tabs. I made this checklist, patterning it after multiple checklists I found online and also in a Southern Living wedding planner. None of the checklists were exactly what I needed, so I made my own!  Maybe someone else can use it too. 

Wedding Planning Checklist

12 MONTHS Set a date Determine your budget Create a wedding planner binder Decide on guest size Book ceremony site Book reception site Book officiant Book photographer Book caterer Book florist Book cake maker Create a Pinterest board Select wedding party Choose a wedding director 9 MONTHS Research wedding gowns Choose theme/colors for wedding Choose bridesmaids' dresses Choose bridesmaids' shoes 8-6 MONTHS Buy wedding dress Buy headpiece/veil Buy wedding jewelry Buy wedding shoes Create guest list Obtain addresses Create rehearsal dinner guest list/addresses Register for wedding gifts Check engagement/wedding announcement policy for Daily Journal Choose groomsmen attire Choose bridesmaids' shoes Choose bridesmaids' jewelry Choose music for ceremony Secure sound person Begin looking at wedding invitations. Meet with cake lady Meet with florist Meet with caterer

5 MONTHS Plan ceremony and reception decorations: Order wedding invitations Order thank-you notes Order rehearsal dinner invitations Arrange wedding transportation Shop for wedding rings Plan/order any ceremony accessories. 4 MONTHS Address wedding invitations Purchase cake accessories Reserve rental items Order reception accessories (guest book, seating sign, napkins, plates, etc.,) Shop for wedding party gifts Ask cake servers 3 MONTHS Assemble wedding invitations Check postage/buy stamps Finalize arrangements with all vendors (florist, caterer, sound, cake lady, photographer) Order mens' suits Book hotel rooms for out of town guests Purchase mother dress Make hair appt. for wedding day 2 MONTHS Mail invitations (April 5) Make wedding programs Use wedding list to keep track of RSVPs Final dress fitting Make seating plan for rehearsal dinner Make place cards Print wedding programs Buy all wedding party gifts Plan and practice the flip

1 MONTH Get marriage license/blood test Finalize wedding music Finalize reception music Update RSVP list Check on bridesmaids' dresses/shoes Check on men's suits/shoes Organize all wedding supplies Write thank you notes Wrap wedding party gifts Confirm duties (flower pinners, cake servers) Practice wedding day hairstyle Select/buy rehearsal dinner dress 2 WEEKS Make welcome baskets for hotel rooms Plan wedding day snacks Confirm all reservations and services Give final guest count to caterer Make out checks and envelopes for all vendors Try on wedding dress, veil, shoes, etc. 1 WEEK Get mani/pedi Pack for honeymoon Pack wedding day emergency kit Shop/assemble wedding day snacks for wedding party Type detailed plan of wedding day for the directors WEDDING DAY! Breathe Give directors timeline Bring emergency kit Enjoy the day!

My wedding planner tabs include: Attire, Budget, Calendar, Ceremony, Flowers, Guests, Important, Reception, Rehearsal, and Stationery.

Fun Days and an Update

I began blogging over eight years ago, and up until about 2 years ago, I was a fairly regular blogger.  I want to try to get back into the habit of blogging again. I really do. My internet (or lack of high speed internet) still frustrates me, but I am going to do the best I can.

Yesterday we attended the Mississippi State football game. It was hot, we got sunburned, and State lost, but it was still a fun day with friends and family!

 The Three Amigos 

(Lynn, Leanna, and Me)

AKA The Wedding Planners

(more on that later....)

 Me and Jimmy

Sweet Sam and Jimmy

(Uncle Kelly in the background)

After the game we enjoyed an early supper at Oby's, which was one of our favorite restaurants in Starkville when we were all in college. It's still delicious!

The fun for today involved getting up at 3:30 to run the Tupelo 13.1 Miler.  Leanna, Jimmy, Clay and I joined about 800 other runners for the 5:00 AM race start.  Leanna and I had the goal of finishing by 7:30 so we would have enough time to go home and get ready for Bible Class which started at 9:00. We did it!  In fact, we ran the race in 2 hours, 12 minutes. Of course Jimmy and Clay finished well before that. 

I am resting now. 

But first, about the wedding planners.....

Julie got engaged on August 20!  She and Sam Peters will be marrying on June 3. So, Leanna, Lynn, and I are in full planning mode. Our first wedding! 

 Sam and Julie

Sam and Julie again