Saturday, December 4, 2010

Nothing big here, just blogging on my phone, that's all... (FINALLY)!

Hi. I'm Brittany. And I am blogging from my phone. Yup, I finally figured out how it all works, and this (hopefully, cross your fingers, but don't count on it) means I will be updating more frequently now! Since I don't have to be tied to the laptop anymore, well, I feel free. Swinging in the breeze free. But that's not all, folks (Sorry, Porky)...

I'm recording this blog post using Dragon dictation I downloaded it on my phone. Yup, I spoke it. I figured it would be something that would be nice to try, to see if I didn't have to type all of my blog posts.  

It does a decent job; the only thing I haven't figured out is how to put "enter" in; how to make a new paragraph. Even if I have to play for around with it for a little while, it'll be something nice to have around. That way I can have something small and easy for when I'm away from my computer. I figure I don't update all that often anymore, so doing it this way may be a little bit easier and have new blog posts a little bit more frequently. 

This version is very simplified and combines speaking with typing; I can edit right in the program. Then I can email, copy into notes, text message, even update FB and Twitter! It's not perfect (I am on just a phone, after all), so I apologize now for any spelling or grammar errors. Gotta say though- this all would be a ton easier if Google and Blogger/Blogspot came out with a mobile app. For goodness' sake, Wordpress and your other competitors have mobile apps, and we all know you have the capability, Google. I love Blogger, and I am not going anywhere but this is one small thing that is really giantly annoying (yes, I made that word up).

I would really like the full version of Dragon. It's kind of expensive, so we'll see how that goes. For now we'll play around with the small version. Well it's4:11 in the morning and I'm exhausted. I'll do another blogpost soon- on the wedding, I promise. Over and out!


MRS. Brittany BLWSquared ;-*

Monday, November 29, 2010

Mr. and Mrs. Washburn- October, 2, 2010 (rehearsal and rehearsal dinner)

Our wedding day was more than I could have ever dreamed of.  It went so beautifully, and I have so many memories that I will treasure for many, many years to come.

Friday night was the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner.  Everyone met up at the church- myself, Brian, Meghan, Kelly, Carl, Logan, Macey, Aubrey, Torey, Sadey, Grandma, Dad, Mom, Terri, Mark, Alan, Shannon, Fah-Pow, Devin, Sheenie, Val, Patrick, Karen, and Sonia.  We ran through the wedding in its entirety two times.  Then we all piled in cars, and headed to Buckley's Tavern.  We had a blast there, just enjoying ourselves.  Dawn (Patrick's wife), Aunt Cheryl and Brent, Mojo all joined us at the restaurant.  The food was wonderful, the drinks were yumyumyummy.  We gave everyone their gifts there.  Here is what we got everyone:

Parents (Mom, Dad, Terri, Mark)
Silver plated double frame with the invitation on one side and an opening for their choice of wedding pics on the other.

Mojo
A Lolita wine glass (Little Black Dress)

Meghan
Lands End Medium Tote, embroidered with MEG
Eliza B. Flip Flops
OPI travel sized nail polishes (5 colors and 1 clear)
Post it notes
Blank note cards
Travel Tissues
Black Clutch Wallet
3 PocketBacs from Bath and Body Works

Kelly
Lands End Medium Tote, embroidered with initials
iHome
Life is Good mug in Purple
Life is Good long sleeved tee in Purple
Black Clutch Wallet
Blank Note Cards
3 PocketBacs

Val
Vera Bradley Bag in Mediterrian Blue
set of 10 Note Cards
Coach Leather Portfolio
Coach Umbrella in Yellow
Coach Passport Cover
3 PocketBacs

Carl
Underdog Tee
6 pack of Killian's
2 Harley-Davidson Beer Mugs

Alan
Camping equipment
(I can't remember what else, I will ask Brian when he's awake!)

Devin
Cars reusable tote bag (from the Disney store, the ones you can use at the grocery store)
Cars mug with straw
Thomas the Tank Engine MegaBloks
Edward (Thomas' friend) MegaBloks
Percy (Thomas' friend) MegaBloks
Ring Bearer Train that we painted

Sadey
Disney Princess clear Tote/Purse
Blue Heart necklace
White little purse
Cinderella doll
Disney Princess mug with straw
Pomander Ball she carried down the aisle

Everyone really appreciated their gifts, which made us feel good- we put a lot of time and thought into them for each of them.  I really did not want to do the across the board same gifts for everyone thing; I wanted them to feel like I really thought about them, thought about what they would appreciate, and put some time into it.  And before you jump to conclusions, we actually did not spend much money.  We tried to get really good deals at many different locations, and that way get more items or nicer items that the person would really enjoy.

For dessert, we did something simple that we both love.  Instead of doing a cake (including the groom's cake- that was at the wedding reception for everyone to see), we went to BJ's and Costco and bought some awesome cheesecake.  It's a little different and untraditional, but everyone loved it.  We did a regular one and a mixed variety one.  Everyone said they enjoyed not having another piece of regular cake (since they would be getting it the next day!). 

Buckley's really was wonderful.  We booked them 6 months in advance, and that is considered late by their standards.  They usually book up 9-12 months in advance; we got lucky!  There was no problem for guests coming into the room; they were able to just walk right in.  They had printed up personalized menus for the night of what we were offering. The food was absolutely delicious (we offered a steak, a crab cake, and a vegetarian option, and the kids could order chicken fingers and fries); it literally melted in your mouth.  The atmosphere was the reason we chose Buckley's; it's laidback but still business attire.  We like to call it rustic semi-formal.  It really feels like an upscale tavern!  The room we were in was in the back, and even though the restaurant was crowded (it always is on a Friday), once we shut the doors it was very comfortable and not loud at all.  The bathrooms were right there, across the dining area right outside our room; we did not have to cross the entire crowded restaurant nor go near the bar to get to them.  The drinks were well done and like I said, yummy.  I had several :)  The service was okay; they had a new server (it was his first day) and he seemed frazzled by it all.  The other guy disappeared for longer than we liked.  By the time we got there, it was late and we wanted to get the kids' food first, but it took a while and they didn't bring them all at once.  They messed up a couple of drink orders at first, though they were corrected.  Overall, the service was okay, but not outstanding.  It's not something so bad that I won't ever go back, nor should it deter you from going.  The only really big complaint I have is their parking.  They have a very, very, very tiny lot, and for as busy as it gets on the weekends, the lot size is just too small.  Street parking is available, but some of our guests had to hike a little ways.  There were no lines in the lot, except for the handicapped spots, and there were only two of those.  There was no rhyme or reason to the parking, and people coming in the out and going out the in- a problem when you couldn't fit two cars side-by-side to get through, and nowhere to pull over to let cars by.  I am of the opinion that they have parties and private events enough that they should have separate parking for people attending those events.  Really, for as busy and as popular as they are, the parking problem is a huge issue.  Overall, I would give them a grade of B+; while everything was wonderful, the parking really was that big of an issue to drop them down to a B+.  We had guests show up 15-30 minutes late because of the parking situation.  If you plan on going here, organize carpools and adjust your schedules for the trying-to-find-a-spot time.

Consider this your first wedding post.  The next one (hopefully tomorrow) will be on getting ready for the wedding (hair, makeup, getting dressed, my only freakout, and arriving at the church).  The installment after that will be about waiting for the ceremony to start, the ceremony, and pictures afterwards.  Finally, I will talk about the awesomeness that was the reception :)  Hey, I have to keep you coming back somehow, right?

One more thing:  keep checking out our photog's site.  Stephanie Glover did an Ah-Mazing job.  I simply can't get enough of our slideshow :)  Oh, and our picture is at the top of her website- that's us holding out the rings :)  If you need a photog, for anything from weddings to life events to family pictures, I really urge you to go check her out.  Switching from our old photog to her a month before the wedding (yeah, that's another story) was the best decision we made regarding the wedding, hands down.



It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Or not.  Well, in terms of what this time of year stands for, it absolutely is.  In terms of the cold and extra pain that accompanies it, it's not.

I promise I have been around.  I was working on a blog post for a while, and I still am.  I am trying to figure out the best time to post it, since it deals with a sensitive and controversial topic.

Anyway, What's new in the BLWSquared household?  Not much at all.  We rearranged our living room tonight, and it looks great.  Since Brian did most of the legwork, unloading everything out of the bookcase and TV stand, I was able to push a little bit instead of lift, and we were able to get everything in position.  I then reloaded and organized everything in the display areas, and the books.  We dismantled the 55 gal fish tank, which will go into storage; the fish is now in a 10 gal tank.  The big tank was just too big, and took up too much room in our tiny place.  Once we get a house with some more wall space, we will put the big tank up (and perhaps add some more fish to our lonely ciclid...perhaps).

This now allows for us to put up the Christmas decorations!  YAY!  Christmas is my absolute favorite time of year.  And not just the day, but the period before- Advent, the time of waiting and watching.  It started today, and sadly because of my pain level this morning we missed the first service.  There is just something so mysterious and marvelous about Advent.  Lighting the Advent candles on the Advent wreath, placing the treasured figurines in the Creche...all of it brings back cherished memories for me. 

I love decorating for Christmas, especially our tree.  One of the things that I absolutely loved about our tree at my mom's was that we never had ornaments that didn't have a meaning.  No boring balls, no "kits" from Wal-mart.  Every single ornament that was placed on that tree had a story, a special meaning or event that it represented.  From Meg's and my First Christmas ornaments, to the wooden ornament with one streak of marker on it that I "colored" when I was a baby, to the various nurse ornaments that my mom has received from both us kids and patients, to the ornament for each and every trip we have ever taken, the homemade ones that my mom treasures so dearly, the Hey Diddle Diddle cow and moon ornaments representing my favorite nursery rhyme, the I Love Lucy ones that my sister collected during her craze for that show (she still loves them).  There are so many, and all of them have a story.  Some are worth quite a bit, like the ones my mom brought back from Germany (made in West, bought in East) on her trip there when she was in her mid 20s, and others are just colored paper, like the paper one my older sister Kelly made for me when I was a baby.  When we unpack them, the stories are often told, memories are shared, laughter and smiles abound.  There are certain ones that only that person can put up- like my baby ornaments for me, or the angel getting its wings ornament for my mom (that's a special, personal story).  I love our tree, each and every year, because it tells a story.  There is nothing boring about our tree, and at night, when it's lit up and the house is quiet and you just look at it...it's truly inspirational.  I love how personal our tree is, and I personally think every tree should be that way.  It's one of the reasons I give personalized ornaments to people as gifts- every tree should tell a story.

Last year, when Brian and I bought our skinny little pre-lit fake first tree, we didn't have many ornaments.  He got his personal and special ornaments from his parents, and I brought over mine.  We had some friends give us some old ball ornaments, that we decided to use for color.  We also bought some fun ones- like the Sock Monkey one that reminds me of the Sock Monkey I had growing up.  There were not many, and it looked a little bare.  But it told a story of a new family starting out, and I loved our first tree just for that reason.

In other areas, I am desperately trying to finish the thank you cards for the wedding.  Then I get to start in on Christmas Cards :)  I love sending Christmas Cards- people today so rarely send things in the mail.  The world today has gotten so impersonal with the world of technology.  Yes, an email is quick, but a card of any type shows caring.  That person cared enough to buy it, write it out, get stamps, stick it in the mail box.  We so infrequently get that nowadays, but Christmas and the cards that get sent out take us back to pre-technology for just a wee bit.  They distract from our busy worlds, both as they are being written out and as they are being read.  I love what it all stands for!  We haven't found ones that we like yet- usually we have to go to Hallmark and we haven't made it there yet- but I can't wait to send them out this year.

I was getting ready to type about the wedding, but I figured I would instead do a whole separate post dedicated to that.  I'll go do that now :)

Thursday, October 28, 2010

I took the pledge...

Have you taken the pledge?

People with intellectual disabilities deserve the same respect that you and I, as "normal" people, deserve.  We are all human, individual beings created in God's image.  We all deserve respect and love and faith.

I read this article on The Review's website (the newspaper for University of Delaware.  I guarantee you will tear up at it, as I did.  Here is the link.

I took the pledge to never say the R word again.  The R (retarded) is a demeaning, horrible word akin to the N word for African Americans and the F word for homosexuals.  But everyday, people throw this word around- in a joking manner, in a disrespectful manner, in an ignorant manner.  They don't know the hurt that comes with this word, the horrible feeling that eats up a person when someone tosses it around like it's a baseball.  And it's not just the person with the intellectual disability, it's also their families, their friends that are hurt as well.

Take the pledge to respect all humans the same.  Take the pledge to remove this word from your vocabulary, and to start using people first language.  People first language is where you define the person by what they are, not what they have.  Instead of saying "autistic child", say "little boy who has autism".  Instead of saying "crippled woman" say "the lady in the wheelchair".  The person is not the disability, whether intellectual or physical, so don't talk like they are only their disability.

You can take the pledge at http://www.r-word.org/.  Then, invite your friends to take the pledge.  Make a conscious effort to remove this word from your language, and your family and friends' as well.

While there, grab the button to put on your blog and show that you took the pledge.  Be proud of it.

What else can you do?  Get involved.  There are so many organizations- Autism Delaware, DFRC Blue-Gold Football Game, Variety, Easter Seals, Chimes- and they all welcome volunteers.  You can also look into being a buddy or therapy assistant for a child with a disability. 

Being a disability minor, I get emails from the school about different parents looking for help with their child- it may be a day buddy where you take them out and have fun to help them learn social skills, it may be watching them after school until mom gets home, it may be a therapy assistant.
I got this email from one mom looking for a therapy assistant for her son who has Autism.  Devin has severe Autism and is non verbal, and when I met him he was not potty trained.  Shannon is a mom with a mission- she is totally dedicated to her son and daughter, and works tirelessly trying to find any way possible to help her son.  When Devin was diagnosed, she packed up her family and moved to Delaware from Colorado, because of the Delaware Autism Program.  Talk about a lioness protecting her cub- she reminded me of my mom when we were going through the divorce, doing whatever had to be done to make sure her kids were taken care of.
I applied for the job, and was immediately impressed by what she had done.  Shannon had learned ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis; the only accepted form of treatment for Autism) from a professional, then hired students from UD to help with his therapy.  She had turned their whole basement into a work zone for Devin to learn in.  Every day, after school, Devin would work with his mom and one assistant for 2.5 hours.  And the learning didn't end there- whenever there was an opportunity, Shannon used it to help Devin.  She even went back to school to get another degree in ABA.

I worked with Devin for a year, until unfortunately I couldn't work because of my leg and RSD.  But by that point, Shannon, Fah-Pow, Sheenie, and Devin had become not just friends but family.  When Brian and I got engaged, we knew right away we wanted Devin to be our ringbearer.  When we asked Shannon, there were tears all around.  We didn't care that there might be a tantrum if he didn't want to walk, or didn't want to wear the tux.  We didn't care that he might stop in the middle of the aisle to lay down and play with his train Ring Pillow (we did a ring train instead of a pillow, since he loves trains, and gave it to him as a gift!).  Meg offered to walk down the aisle with him, and there were more tears when we told her that Meg was giving up walking in the special spot of Maid of Honor to help Devin.  He ended up walking down the aisle in his dad's arms, holding the train and the cloth he loves, and we couldn't have been happier. 

If I hadn't responded to that job call, I would have never made new family members.  I cannot tell you how much Brian and I treasure the memories we have made with Devin and his family.  I cannot count the number of gloomy days that were immediately cheered up by his bright precocious smile.  I am so thankful to God for sending this family into my life.

Because of Devin, and because of my niece who was recently diagnosed with mild Autism, I fight.  I pledge to make a difference by never using the R word again. 

Have you taken the pledge?

Sunday, October 24, 2010

I really need to get better at this...

Yeah, it's been almost two months since my last post ::hangs head::... I really need to work harder at making this blog a priority.

And if you couldn't tell from previous posts when the wedding was...

I'M OFFICIALLY MRS. BLW SQUARED!!!!

That's right- no more Miss for me!  The wedding is over, done, and I am officially married with a husband!  

Of course, that leaves quite a bit of ground to cover in this lovely blog of mine.  Because in between that last blog post of mine and this update, a TON happened that was wedding related.  And it's not all going to get covered in this post.  No way.  So how about a new update each day, instead, each dealing with something wedding related?  yeah, that's what I thought too.

The wedding itself?  Wonderful.  Fantastic.  Out of this world.  Our dream wedding.  Beautiful.  It was the day of our lives, and I cannot believe it's over.  The ceremony was breathtaking, the reception was tons of fun, everything went off without a hitch (well, almost everything- I'll tell you about the rings, I promise)... It was just a fantabulous day for the both of us, over all.

I will post pics, I promise.  Once I get them back from our fabulous new photog, Stephanie Glover (yeah, that's another story for y'all), I will post a whole crapload, I promise.

For now, I will leave you with this:  We are happy.  We are living together, enjoying having nothing to worry about now that the wedding is behind us.  The honeymoon was ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL- we had a blast in Disney World.  We are glad to be home, glad to have the pets around us again, glad to be back to normal lives.  

And glad to be able to call each other Husband and Wife :) 

I'll leave you with one photo as a teaser...

The rest of the photos just get better and better, I promise :)
 

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

All the accessories

I thought I would do a post on all the little things in the wedding (since I can't post info or pictures about my beautiful dress I am so loved in!).  So, here we go!

My invites- I am in love with my invites.  SO in love.  I wanted something pretty, even if they do get thrown away by our guests.  I wanted to set the tone; more importantly, I wanted something beautiful to frame next to our wedding day photo.

We went with William Arthur, and bought/ordered them from Apropos in Greenville.  They were wonderful there- they worked with us to be in our budget, helped with etiquette, and made sure it was perfect before the printing order was placed.  From placing the order to having them come in was a week- not bad timing :)

We went with the company William Arthur not only for their pricing and formal feel, but because they offered so many customizable options.  Instead of having to order a more expensive invite, we were able to order a basic white cardstock and customize all the addons.  In the end, the fonts, font color, border, inner envelope lining, and flourish on the outer envelopes was our choice.  We ordered the invitation, lined inner envelope, outer envelope, Response card, and Response card envelope.  Both the outer envelope and RSVP envelope had my mom's address printed on them.  We decided to go with the bigger card, which actually saved us money because we were able to forgo the reception card and print the info right on the invitations.

So without further ado, here are our beautiful invites!  You can click on any pictures to enlarge them.

Our gorgeous invitations (with names blanked out)

Our RSVP/Response Card

 Our inner lined envelopes (don't you love that liner?!)

We decided to print our direction insert/hotel block card ourselves.  We created it, matched the colors, and printed/cut them at Brian's office.

I have finally picked out most of my accessories for the day of.  I don't have any pictures of the veil, so you will have to wait to that the day of.  Here are the rest of my little details:
the comb I fell in love with

 A close up of the comb from my hair trial.  The veil will sit directly below it, so it looks like the two are attached.

My shoes.  Yes, they are Crocs.  Why would I spend $70+ on shoes that make me hurt and I will never wear again?

My one set of Jewelry; my other is my borrowed and old, from Brian's great-grandmother.

Hoped you enjoyed the pictures!

Friday, August 20, 2010

Through sickness and health...

Through all this crazy planning, crazy drama, and the everyday nonsense that takes place, sometimes you just need to be reminded why you are doing this in the first place.  That reminder and God are the only things you need to find the renewed strength to dig in, get things done, and hold dear the one you love so much you are committing you lives to each other.

That form of reminder came today, through my Knotties on the Philly board.  One of them posted this article:
http://m.ajc.com/news/gwinnett/couples-wedding-vows-put-592072.html?cxntlid=sldr

I bawled.  Then I remembered the story of Kelly, who was a friend of Jackie's; they were both members of the May 2009 board on TK.  Kelly married Manny, they went away for their honeymoon, they came back...and she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer.  Terminal, though from hearing stories and reading her blog, you would have never known because she never gave up fighting.  She also never gave up smiling.  Kelly died a year later in Manny's arms.  She was in her early-mid 30's.  Her blog is here:
http://mannyandkelly.blogspot.com/

Beware, you will need a box of tissues, and that's just for the first post.

These two brides helped to bring that reminder to me today; the reminder of why we are planning this wedding.  This isn't about the reception, the booze, and the gifts; it's not about the dress, flowers, or cake.  It's about the fact that Brian and I love each other so much that, no matter what, we will stick together and make it through as one.  That means when the kids are sick, that means when one of us forgets to put gas in the car, that even means if something tragic and a huge blow to our relationship happened (I don't even want to think about that!).  We made a commitment, before God, our families and friends, and to ourselves, that our love is solid and strong enough to build a life together on it.  And that means right from the time we say I do.

I really feel that so many brides today get lost in the hubbub of planning a wedding; they frustrate themselves over the type of tummy suckers they should wear, the color lipstick, the must take wedding photos, the meals offered, the ribbons tied right...the list goes on and on.  What is worse, often they get so into planning the wedding- they have to have that huge, over the top, grandeur party- that they not only forget why, but they forget that the relationship, the whole reason we are here, needs work.  A wedding is for a day, a marriage for a lifetime.

People often are shocked when they find out that we are not Catholic but are still having a church wedding; why would we want to do this?!  Isn't it inconvenient, a bother to your guests, more money, etc...why not just have the ceremony and reception at the same place?  They don't even ask about our relationship with God, and how the marriage and commitment we make to each other is being made to God.  For us, that is even more binding than a piece of paper that says we are legally married.  We are making our vows in front of the One who created us, knit us both in our mother's wombs, have loved us, laughed with us, cried with us.  And He has never ever left us.  It's the main reason that I truly believe our marriage can withstand anything- if God can give His only Son, Christ, to suffer the agony, embarrassment, pain, torture, just to save me and all who believe, then who am I to withhold forgiveness from others, including my husband?

Anyway, please, please, I beg of you:  When you get home, hug your loved ones, be they moms, dads, sisters, brothers, wifes, husbands, children, whomever.  Never let a chance go by where you can say I love you.  Cherish them, for they are not here on earth forever.  And have faith, strong, unwavering faith, that if they do go to God, you will see them soon; your time on earth without them is a puny number of years compared to the eternity we will spend in heaven with our loved ones and our Lord.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

It's the final countdown (well, the first anyway)

Well, ladies and gents, we are 6 weeks away from the wedding.  Which means it's time for Brittany to go crazy, right?

My shower is August 21st.  All I know is the date and location (I don't even know the time!); we decided that I could know that info because of my pain condition.  I didn't want my mom and sister saying come over for a little bit, me showing up in sweat pants because of pain, and it being my shower.  I also didn't want to have something happen where I go out Friday night, and have to recoup on Saturday- and tell my mom no, I can't come.  So she. Meg, Lura, and Jackie (who are helping with my shower, being the awesome girls they are) agreed I could know that much.

I have been registry stalking, though.  I have been told that I will get my mixer, so stop worrying about that.  We also got the Kuerig (which excites me too), and a whole bunch of other stuff.  It's so hard not to stalk, and even more so because I have been having issues with our Macy's registry (lots of stuff being discontinued, not being sold, etc), so I have to be on there to change things and move things around (ie, we had to take our towels off our Macy's registry and move them to our BB&B registry because they kept messing with them and telling us they were on clearance and being discontinued and blah blah blah).  It is fun to see what we are getting!

Our Invitations went out July 31st (after my father added 24 people to the guest list; lovely, I know, right?).  We have heard back from people on a steady basis, and it excites me when my mom calls and tells me that this many people have responded.  So far, only 5 have said no...this could be interesting, that's for sure! 

We had my first fitting with Sophia, which went really well; she is fixing my sleeves, trimming the plastic thread off them, steaming it, and doing a really intricate bustle.  It doesn't need hemming or taking in, it fits like it was made for me otherwise.  Weird thing:  She and her friend, Lula (who works in the shop), know our best maid, Val, and her family.  Lula was like a grandma to Val and her sister.  It's a small world...

We ordered the rest of the girls gifts, got my shoes in, got the train that Devin is going to carry down the aisle, ordered our escort cards (after figuring out how to do them), and ordered a Unity Candle that we really like.  We got the DJ stuff in the mail, picked out our ceremony readings, and picked out ceremony hymns.  We need to meet with the organist, and then I need to email Patrick with everything.  Ugh, the last 6 weeks really are the most stressful.

But, we keep chugging along...

Grandma June's Funeral

We did fly out to Ohio two days after my surgery (the surgeons had okayed it, but told me it was going to be painful).  The TSA agents (the ones who put you through the metal detectors) were wonderful going there; they patted me down, and didn't even make me get out of the wheelchair.  We flew out late (around 9 pm) on AirTran, and by the time we got to the gate, most of the restaurants were closed.  Auntie Anne's took pity on me in the wheelchair when we asked them if they were open and they told us no; they handed me a bag with 3 Cinnamon Sugar pretzels in it for free!  That's 10 dollars worth of free Auntie Anne's!  Needless to say, my friend Jackie was a little jealous.


We had made sure to pack my ice packs (you know, those really nice ones that the hospital gives you, the ones that ice goes in that don't leak, the ones with the strings?), and got a cup of ice to fill it up with before we got on the plane.  I turned on the stim before we got on the plane (I can play with it after the pilot clears electronic devices, but didn't want to), and took a pain med.  The airline got us on the plane before anyone else, which was really nice, because I needed that extra time to get situated.  We took a pillow, and stuck that behind me.  Brian and I had the aisle and middle seat, and he was afraid of the window person having to step over me and all, which would be really uncomfy for me.  The girl initially told us she wanted the window seat, but when we explained why, she was really understanding.  In fact, she asked me a bunch of questions to tell her boyfriend, who was in med school, about.


We landed, and Mark (father in law) picked us three up.  By the time we got to Grandma June's it was after Midnight, and I was exhausted and in a lot of pain.  Mark gave us Grandma June's bedroom (normally he sleeps there and we sleep upstairs in the queen bed), and Brian got me settled in and all.  The next day, Betsy (Brian's great Aunt; she married his grandpa's brother) flew in.  This lady is awesome.  I love her to bits; she so like me.  Carl, her husband, did his time in the Air Force.  Betsy told us because of the expense of flying in for the funeral, she didn't think she would be able to come out for the wedding.  It occurred to me yesterday, though, that because of Carl's time in the Air Force, she can fly stand by on any USAF flight for free- and Dover Air Force Base is right here.  I think I may have Mark contact her and propose that to her, because I would really love to see her again.


The funeral was on Friday.  We got there at 10 am, and the viewing started at 11 am with the funeral and burial after.  The boys, Mark, and Betsy had prepared a photo collage for everyone to look at, and Diane, Betsy's daughter, wrote a very nice piece about Grandma June; several friends and family members sent some very pretty floral arrangements.  People trickled in throughout, including Grandma Mickey and Grandpa Pete; it was awesome to see them and talk to them.  The funeral, while short, was hard on the family (especially Bill, Grandma June's boyfriend and partner in crime; they were truly in love, and that was why the family chose to keep her out there instead of bringing her out here.  We just couldn't do that to Bill).  Brian brought Grandma June's invitation to the wedding with him, and when we went up before they closed the casket, "presented" it to her.  I tear up just thinking about it.  I am so lucky to have been blessed with such a wonderful, caring, sweet fiance/soon to be husband.  The funeral home was very accommodating to me, which was helpful.


We drove to the burial, which was short and sweet.  The residents do the weirdest thing out there.  Not only do people coming the same direction as you stop to let the procession go by, but the other side of the road, which is technically cleared to go, stops as well.  It was weird, yet nice to see respect for those mourning.


After the burial, we went to a Home Country Buffet type place, where we met some more of Brian's family.  Jan and Judy, and Sanford and Carolyn are cousins of Mark's through Grandma June.  It was great to get to meet some of the family on Mark's side, since he is an only child.  Sanford and Carolyn even lived in northern Delaware for a bit, and it was neat to be able to talk to them about it!


Saturday was spent recouping and recovering for me; the rest of the family went to work clearing out the downstairs closets, as well as trying to go through the basement.  We found a whole bunch of stuff that was trash, but in the midst of it all, found several gorgeous quilts.  They had been done by Grandma Lauderbach (Grandma June's mom), and were all hand stitched.  There were 6 in all; 3 were completely done, 2 just needed batting and backing, and 1 was stripes that needed to be sewn together, batted and backed.  We estimate they were finished in the 1930s-1940s- a true family heirloom.  They were breathtaking to see.  We just have to figure out how to get the mildew smell (they don't look horrible, just smell it) out.


Sunday we flew back; we were dropped off at the Dayton Airport around 5 am; Alan and Mark drove back.  We got into BWI around 8:30 am, and my mom came and picked us up.  All in all, the trip went well, and we were glad to be able to go out to say goodbye for now.

Two Week Post Surgery Update

Friday was my two week post op appointment with the surgeon's office.  I wanted to wait to update until then, because, well, I wasn't really feeling the updating, if ya get me.

Things are going beautifully.  I have a restriction to drive for the next 3-5 weeks, and I also can't swim until next week (baths in my own bathtub are okay).  I have a 4 inch inscision on my lower lumbar area (epidural space area), and a 3.5 inch inscicion on my upper left butt.  In the butt area, they created a pocket in which to put the battery; I opted for the smaller battery that requires a more often charging, because I (being a girl) didn't want the larger battery (which was massive) to stick out.  The doctor used internal sutures and Dermabond (the Super Glue for Surgery) on the wounds; they are both healed (for the most part; I do have one little internal suture sticking out of my butt inscision, hence the swimming retriction) and the Dermabond has come off the spinal wound completely, and is starting to come off the butt wound.

My pain med usage is down drastically; I only take oral meds at night now.  Now, granted, this isn't a cure, so there are days that my pain levels just can't be helped by the stim, and I have to take some oral pain meds.  But considering where I was, well, this is amazing!

It really hit me how helpful this is and how blessed I am now last Friday after my appointment.  We got back, and mom and sister drug me to the mall, to Forever 21.  We walked the entire mall- and not only did I not use pain meds, I didn't need my cane at all (it was left in the car, just in case).  It finally hit me that in 6 weeks, my dream of walking down the aisle/dancing with my husband with no meds, no canes, no wheelchairs is going to come true.  And I am so incredibly thankful for that.  Not only that, but I am so incredibly thankful for my family, my friends, and my fiance- none of them have stopped fighting nor have they stopped believing that I would get this.  Brian has never known me "not sick"- and yet he sticks by my side faithfully and lovingly.  Some couples go through life and never have to go through anything like this; others go through it time and again.  Some make it every time, others break up after the first experience.  I am confident and have faith we will be able to make it through anything after this.

The company rep for the stimulator was there, and they added more programs (ie, how the stim runs, what it feels like pulsing versus steady, etc).  They added these two really awesome programs that I love (in addtion to others).  The one stays on for two hours, then turns off automatically- I love it for bedtime.  The other, good for long days, is on for 2 hours, turns off for 15 minutes, then turns back on for 2 hours, and so on.  He added that one specifically for the wedding day :)  Whenever I want a change in program, or want to add more, all I have to do is call the rep and they will meet me whenever at my doctors office 15 minutes away, which is pretty awesome!

Oh, and I forgot to mention waking up after the surgery.  Apparently, I was hollering so loud the other patients were like WTF Mate?  I was yelling for FI and water.  Lovely.

So, all in all, healing is coming along nicely.  We have charged in once, and that went well considering it was our first time doing so.

Monday, July 19, 2010

D-Day.

That's right.  It's D Day- Surgery Day.

I won't lie; I am scared.  I mean, anything messing with the spine is scary.  The recovery isn't going to be fun.  But when all is said and done, the quality of life improvement far outweighs the painful recovery.  I will have a life again, I will be a productive member of society.  And nothing sounds better (well, except for marrying Brian) than that.

Speaking of Brian, I wanted to let everyone who doesn't already know that is grandmother, June Washburn, passed away at the age of 84 yesterday at 3:15 pm.  She had a heart attack early Saturday morning which blew her valve out.  It was downhill from there.  They had her on machines keeping her body chemistry in balance and a ventilator.  Right before 3 pm, the doctors were able to give her a shot of something to bring her to consciousness, and Mark (Brian's dad) was able to say goodbye to her.  We don't know if she understood, but I think she did.  Within 3 minutes of putting her back under and taking her off the machines, it was evident the machines were keeping her alive.  Within 15 minutes, she was gone.  While this was the worst possible weekend for her to go, with surgery for me being today, God works in His timing.  Mark was supposed to go there last weekend, and was delayed until this weekend.  God knew why, and was directing our footsteps.  We will fly out late Wednesday (which will be extremely painful for me, but possible; I want to be there to support my future husband during this difficult time), and most likely come back Sunday.  Viewing and Funeral are scheduled for Friday morning. 

Please, if we come to mind, we would be thankful for prayers.  For Brian, as he deals with the passing of his beloved grandmother and for the strength to get through this (it's the first real close family member he has ever had pass that he really has to deal with; having dealt with my grandpa's passing 2 years ago, I know what he is feeling right now).  And for today for the surgery; for God to guide the surgeons and nurses in their care of me and others, for the surgery to go well with no complications, for a swift recovery and minimal pain, and for the strength to be there for Brian when he needs it. 

Dear Lord, please protect Your child, keep Brittany safe and have your angels watch over her before, during, and after surgery.  Keep Brittany, Sharon (her mother), Brian, and all family members and friends calm and always trusting in You during this time.  Let them know You are the great I AM, and will never forsake one of Your own.  Help Brittany to heal fast, and deal with the pain in a gracious manner.  Give her strength to get through this, give Brian strength to take care of her, and watch over all Your children, always.  Comfort Brian during this time of grief; let him know that Grandma June is with Jesus now, in no pain, and watching over him always.  Give him strength to get through the next week, healing of his heart and closure on Friday at the funeral, and many good, happy, and beloved memories of his Grandma June.  Let him know that his Savior is always there for him, and because of Jesus, not only is Grandma June safe in Heaven with Grandpa Clair, but that we will see her and be with her in Eternity with our Lord.  Amen.

I don't know when I will be able to update again; we will see how the pain is.  Thank you for your prayers.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Thoughts and Prayers


For those of you who may not know, I was diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy of the left leg and ankle in 2006 following a worker's comp injury. RSD is a chronic pain condition where the nerves become damaged after a seemingly simple injury (a twisted ankle in my case), and the signaling gets stuck in the 'on' position. Once that happens, the Central Nervous System is then considered damage and there is currently no FDA-approved 'cure'. You may have heard of the people who go to Germany and get put into a coma for a week to reset the brain; that procedure is not approved here yet, though there are similar ones with the same drugs that are allowed. I will have this for the rest of my life, and I am only 23- that is a big hard knock pill for me to swallow. I have been through PT, 18 spinal nerve blocks (and counting!), a spinal cord stim trial, and so many meds I can't name them all. For more info about my disease and the treatment that the doctors are recommending (Spinal Cord Stimulator), visit the two sites below:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complex_regional_pain_syndrome
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinal_cord_stimulator

Brian has never known me without this disease, and he has dedicated all he has and all he is to caring for me. I am not allowed to drive, cannot work or go to school; I am an invalid. There are days I cannot get out of bed. Brian knows all of this, and yet he never complains- he washes my hair when I can't stand in the shower and have to use the shower stool, he makes me meals, he wakes up and gets me drinks at 3 am when I have cotton mouth, he drives me everywhere, I even moved in with him because he is better able to care for me than my mom is with her work schedule (we had planned to wait until after the wedding)...I could go on and on, but I think you get the point. Ask anyone who have met him, and they will tell you what a God-given gift I have in Brian.

I just wanted to give an update that we are going to court for my worker's comp case next Tuesday, Feb 3. This is not for the entire case, but to determine whether a Spinal Cord Stimulator is "medically necessary". This has been over a year in the making (I had the trial part end of October 2008, and was supposed to have the permanent surgery beginning of Dec 2008, and they denied it the day before the surgery. Ever since then, it's been a fight), and even though we have the medical data and doctor backing we need, it's not guaranteed. If they deny this on Feb 3, it's a final decision and I cannot dispute it- so the court date and possible outcomes are weighing heavily on me.

Right now, this is the only procedure that will offer me relief that I can hope for (ketamine infusions, the drug they use in the Germany comas, are an option, but the doctor who does them, Dr. Schwartzman out of Drexel, is the world's leading expert in my disease and has a waiting list of over 2 years. My current appointment date with him is end of January 2012!). It's not ideal, but nothing regarding what I have is, so this is what I am hoping for to help me live pain-free.

I do have to say, this has been a learning experience for me. I struggled for many months after being denied the surgery- it was my dream that I could walk down the aisle without support of a person/cane/crutches/wheel
chair, and it seemed to me that they stole the 'beauty' of my day right out from under me. I have grown though- and learned that that's not what it's about at all. Coming to the realization that if Brian will love me sick, he will love me well was one that was difficult for me (I believe he deserves so much better, he's dedicated his life at 23 to taking care of an invalid and has never once made a derogatory or hurtful comment about it and now I am crying...). Nevertheless, I am happy to say that whether I walk down the aisle with a (very jazzed up and decorated) cane or without aide, the outcome will be the same, and that is all that matters. The walk back down and the first dance with no pain would be icing on the cake, but it's not going to make or break our special day.

It’s also been a growing process for me in other ways, not just in wedding planning. Brian and I made the decision to attend pre-marital counseling (outside of what our church requires with a Christian counselor who specializes in this) because we realize the strain that this could have on us and our relationship, and we want to be as prepared as a couple can be for whatever life throws at them. I HIGHLY recommend all engaged couples attend separate pre-marital counseling from what their church may require (no matter the denomination); consider it ‘fireproofing’ your marriage.

But in other ways, too, I have changed. I try my hardest to let go of things and give them to God (my faith has been amazingly strengthened during all of this), and that has become much easier as time has gone on. I try to find the good in things; Ma Ingalls from Little House on the Prairie once said, “There is no great loss without some small gain”, and I try to find that small gain in everything I do. It has helped tremendously to see and appreciate the little things (like going for random ice cream with friends and laughing for over an hour!). I have learned to accept where I have gone wrong and try to right that wrong as best I can- I realized that if I can apologize and try to make that first step where someone else may not, my relationships with everyone in my life have improved dramatically. I try (still learning on this one) to not stress about it all; God will make it work. Most of all, I have learned the power of prayer and the wonder of my faith. While the response to those prayers may not be what I want to hear, God is always with me and has many bigger and better things in mind for me. I get very happy (not proud, but genuinely happy) when I see the growth I have made in my life and in my relationships and in my faith. I realize I still have a very far way to go, and that it's a never-ending journey of growth, but this time has been such an eye-opener for me. I have found out that family, no matter if they mess up, love you and will try their best to always be there for you. I have learned the bonds of sisterhood (both real and relationship-wise!) cannot be broken, no matter how much you or someone else you know tries. I have learned who my true friends are, and feel so welcomed and loved by the heartfelt emotions that comes of a great friendship. I have learned that reconnecting with great friends lost along the way is a marvelous thing in and of itself, but rebuilding that relationship that once meant so much is a glorious and awe-inspiring thing, indeed. I have learned the wonders of prayer and a church family, and cannot thank God and those from that family enough for their gentle loving and guidance. Even with being sick, I feel so extraordinarily blessed- thank you so very, very much to those who have played an important role in my life.

Therefore, anyway, if y'all could offer up some prayers, thoughts, and vibes for me, it would be very greatly appreciated. I know I haven't always been the easiest person to get along with, and I realize that; if we have had our differences, please, take this as a sincere apology. I have learned the bitterness and poison of hatred and the sting of bitterness, and I have learned that life is so much better with an apology, a smile, and wiping the slate clean. You all are wonderful. If anyone has any questions, please, feel free to email me and ask away- msbriarrose@gmail.com.

If I forgot to tag you, I am sorry. It does not mean, in anyway, that you are not important. I went through the list and tried to get everyone as best I could. There are so many of you who are very important, and I love you just as much!

Annnnnd enough of the sappiness. Back to business as usual!

Friday, January 22, 2010

When it rains, it pours.

Oy Vey.  Does it ever...

I told you about my "problem" with my bachelorette party (not really a problem, as we can always replan.  More like a disappointment).  Well, in addition to the stress of dealing with that, I now I have to deal with Court.  Yes, Court.

Apparently, I have court scheduled for February 3rd.  I won't go into details, because it's just too much.  Either way, it doesn't change the fact that I didn't know, court is in less than 2 weeks, and I am stressed beyond belief.  Add in the health care issue (ie me trying to get full coverage), well, my anxiety level is sky high.

Thank God for Brian.  I don't know what I would do without his support and love.  He is determined to stick this out by my side, and for that I am eternally grateful.  He is my blessing from Heaven and the Father above, no doubt.

Tonight he took me to the mall.  I got all dolled up (which I don't do often at all!), and we went browsing.  Well it was a good thing we did, because we got some great news.  Not only did I have a $15 gift card to spend at Sephora (where the eye shadows I wanted were only $7!!!), but we also went to Coach to check out the cracking on my purse.  They told me they could send it away to try and have it fixed, but because it's more than a year old, there was no guarantee.  Now, I love my Coach purse.  I don't really have any other "loves" in life- I can't wear shoes that aren't up to standard and I am not huge into jewelry.  I do love my handbags, though.  And I use them-and use them hard.  They certainly don't sit in a closet somewhere gathering dust. 

When I heard that there was no guarantee, I hesitated about sending it away- I love my purse!  But then she gave me glorious news- if I don't send it away and 'deal with it (the breaking)', then Coach will offer me 40% off any one object in the store (since their products are supposed to withstand the test of time).  I have been asking for a nice leather purse for a while now, and Brian has hinted at one for my birthday.  Now, though, it seems inevitable- I can't pass up a deal like that!  I told him that he could combine birthday and Valentine's Day, and maybe go halfers with my mom.  We will see.  He knows which one I love.  I may call the outlet store and maybe check there as well, just to see if we can get a better deal.  Who knows? 

After walking the mall, we met up with two of my girlfriends (and one of their husbands) for ice cream.  I love these girls- they are so supportive, so sweet, and such strong examples of women.  I am so happy they were brought into my life, and I can't wait to see where life takes our relationships.  After being burned by a former friend who essentially used me for her own benefits and discarded me when I no longer suited her needs, having some true friends who ginually care for me is a wonderful and enlightening thing.

We had a riot while eating ice cream- we laughed and laughed, then laughed some more.  I love simple moments like that.  It doesn't take alot of money for the thing in life that really matter.  A few dollars, a bowl of ice cream, and a great group of friends is one of those things that make it all worth it.  While there are others out there who thing it takes expensive things (like expensive jewelry and cars) and expensive experiences, those are the ones who will not only never learn the true meaning of happiness, but they will be miserable in all relationships of life, including marriage.  I pity those who don't know true happiness- it's a wonderful gift in life.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Hidden blessings

With the Haiti earthquake's devestation a week old, there are much questions about what will be done now that the full magnitude of everything is being understood..  What can we do at home?  When will the supplies offered up by so many countries be delivered to the people?  Will they continue to look for survivors, or does it turn into body retrival at this juncture?  How will we, as a nation and as a world, make sure that this type of devestation doesn't occur again- both here, in Haiti, and around the world?  The questions seem endless, while answers are in short supply.

It boggles my mind that it took this- a magnitude 7.0 earthquake in the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere- for the world (and subsequently us Americans) to sit up and take notice.  The fact that these people lived in turmoil before this does not play heavy on most people's hearts, and that (for me), is terrifying.  Where did compassion, grace, forgiveness, charity, love for one's neighbor- where did they all go?  So many people are cleaning out their clothes to donate to the relief effort, or are writing donation checks to the Red Cross and Lutheran World Relief (the second largest relief agency in the world behind the Red Cross).  Why weren't these things being done sooner?  Why does it take such tragedy to wake us up?

Please, do not misunderstand me- I am in no way discouraging you from helping out our neighbors, our sisters and brothers in Christ, down in Haiti.  If you have already donated, volunteered in some way, or helped as best you could, I commend you.  If not, I urge you to help.  I think what shocks me most about this situation is the hardening of our hearts (especially Americans) to the world around us.

We are so fortunate, in so many ways!  Hidden blessings, indeed.  Food in your tummy, clothes on your back, a roof over your head.  If you have these things, then you are fortunate.  I don't want to hear about not having the latest designer label clothes or shoes.  Shut up about not having that Coach or D&B bag.  I don't give a crap that you don't have an iPhone, or a nice car, or all that other stuff our greedy country has become so 'dependent' on.  You don't need it!  Take a look at the world around you- at the homeless vets on the street, the children sleeping in the cold, the starving and dying mothers and fathers around the world.  And yet, we sit here and complain. 

Please, don't ever forget your hidden blessings.  Whenever Brian and I say goodbye (whether he is going to work, I am going to girls night, or wherever), we always say "I love you" to each other.  He is the greatest blessing in my life, and I try to portray that to him in every moment we are together.  If that moment happens to be our last together, I don't want to spend it arguing, but telling him how very much I am thankful for him.  I am sure we each have hidden blessings in our lives- relationships, pets, church and real families, on and on.  Thank God for them every day!

Matthew 25:31-46 tells us the story of what will happen to those during the Final Judgement.  When you feed, or clothe, or love your neighbor, you are doing so to Christ as well.  Don't just stand there and pass them by!  You can help right in your own community in addition to helping out around the world.  Yes, giving money is easy.  Why not take it a step further?  Volunteer at a meal kitchen- The Sunday Breakfast Mission in Wilmington is a GREAT oppurtunity to learn and help.  Organize a food or clothing drive- The Food Bank of Delaware would greatly appreciate it.  Spend time playing games in the evening with homeless families and children- I know Family Promise of New Castle County would love to have your help.


And please, consider donating to either the American Red Cross or to Lutheran World Relief.  Both organizations are down in Haiti right now, helping and praying right alongside the world.  They need your help, too.  What do you have to lose?  $10 that could save someone's life?  Do you really need that tee shirt from Forever 21?

To help, text "Haiti" to 90999 to donate $10 to the American Red Cross.  Text "LWR" to 40579 to donate $10 to Lutheran World Relief.  All money goes directly to help Haiti, and the charge is placed onto your cell phone bill.

Friday, January 15, 2010

It keeps getting better...or so I thought.

Booked the salon and the DJ, AND called all the hotels and got rates for them all! Now we can decide on the best ones for our guests, and book a block!

Getting the salon was a b!tch, I will tell ya that. I have been trying for the past 6 months to get ahold of their wedding coordinator, and have not had any of the 3 phone calls returned. It wasn't until I called the 4th time and asked to speak to manager, where I then threatened to go to another salon, that they finally started taking me seriously. The bridal coordinator finally called me back, took all my info and items down and put us in the system. When I asked pricing, she said that the bridal page on the website was up to date, except for her name (the new coordinator). She said she would mail out the packet of info so that we could make the required deposits. Well, on the page it said that deposits were due a week after booking your appointments. Of course, a week rolled around, and I don't have the packet- which has all the info I need. I was furious. I called up and asked for a manager again, and explained why I was so irritated and ready to take my business elsewhere. My mom and I are both clients there, and I wanted to make sure I booked our stylist (Jeremy, who is AWESOME!) because he is pretty popular. I also wanted to budget and be able to have all this taken care of if something happens with me. I told them I understand the post office says 7-10 days for mail, but at this point, I am so irritated that I am ready to cancel and go somewhere else. Well, I guess Jeremy stepped in at this point- he doesn't want to lose clients! When the manager finally called me back, and I explained that the bridal coordinator said everything online was up to date, and why I was irritated, they were very apologetic (again), and this time, offered to comp my trial hair and makeup! Hopefully, this will be the end of the drama with the salon...

The drama continues though, in the form of my bachelorette party. At this point, I am really feeling that I can't catch a break with this wedding- it's surrounded by drama, and I am very hurt by much of what has happened. I have lost one bridesmaid because of her greedy and selfish attitude, another bridesmaid because of her temper and nasty mouth/words, the salon, etc. It's just been very painful for Brian and I- it's like everyone's attitude is that they are more important and that our wedding (and subsequently our marriage) just does not matter. I am not asking for loads of attention, but I am asking for the respect that other brides are given when it comes to their wedding.

Since I can't trust certain people who read this, I won't go into details here; it seems everything I do is labeled as a lie, so instead of putting the truth out there for the world to see, I will give it to those who care.  If you want to know, feel free to leave your email.  Since grown ups can't act like adults, it will have to stay this way.  Once those people learn to leave it alone (yeah, 'cause they are soooo perfect themselves with their facebook comments), then maybe I will post the full story.  Oh and one more thing.  Once you turn 18, you are considered an adult.  So stop having Mommy and Daddy fight your battles for you, and pick up the phone and call yourself if you are so concerned.  If you aren't, that's fine- then tell your Mommy and Daddy to stay the heck out of your business, when it doesn't involve them one iota.

I will say this- it's coming to the point that if Brian and I are not starting to be respected as a couple, people are getting cut from the guest list. I don't want to do that, but when I have close friends who support me and love us as a couple, and they can't attend because the b!tches in my family are invited just because they are family... something is gonna give here, and soon. I don't care about etiquette at this point. My happiness with Brian, and our happiness as a couple, are what matters- and if you don't care, then get out.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Wedding Plans and Updates

It is a wedding blog, after all...

Let's see, where do I begin? How about with the little tidbit of info that oh, Brittany has majorly slacked off of wedding planning and now has a mountain instead of a mole hill?

Yes, I know. I am a slacker. I readily admit that. Even here, I am a slacker, for sure. And now, I have to get on the ball, since it's 2010, I AM GETTING MARRIED THIS YEAR. Yes, THIS YEAR. In less than NINE (9) MONTHS! Where, oh where, did the time go? I thought I had more...

Anyway, let us see. What's been done? Well, the girls chose their dresses. They haven't been ordered yet, but they have all chosen something that is long, satin, and that they are most comfortable in. I told my girls I didn't care if it was separates, gown, strapless, sleeved...I just wanted them comfortable. Thank God I went that route, because everyone chose a different dress. All the dresses are from Alfred Angelo; Meghan and Kelly will be in Cobalt Blue (the same color as my train), and Val will be in Black. If there are any accent ribbons or sashes, they will be in White on all dresses.

Meg, my Maid of Honor, chose a two piece (yes, MEGHAN chose the two piece...MEGHAN, who swore from the get go she would only get a slinky one piece because the separates were for oldies. HA!). Here is a picture of what Meg is wearing (with a slightly different skirt). I apologize for the white on white coloring, I couldn't find it in a different color set. Note the tux points at the top:



Kelly chose a gown that has thick shoulder straps and a deep V neck in the front. In the back, attached at the small of the back, is a separate flowing sash that reaches down to about her knees; since it's only attached at the small of her back, it moves freely. The gown is very becoming on Kelly, and you could tell she looked and felt very comfortable in it. We may have some extra fabric sewn into the V, if it's too low for her to be comfortable in:


























Val chose a gown as well. It's strapless, with a ribbon accent underneath the bust. on the left hand side, the dress splits from the ribbon accent, and the same color is shown off between the split:

All of the girls look wonderful in their dresses, and it only took about 45 minutes to look, try, decide, and put it down on paper. We went early, and we know; Meg is away for Study Abroad for 6 weeks, and seeing as how the shop's suggested timing for ordering is while she is away, we went early and now have the paperwork ready to order. It's best that we didn't pay and order yet anyway; one of my good Knottie friends, Jackie, told me that not only does my salon (Brides and Grooms in Newark, DE) give 15% off bridesmaid dresses since I ordered my dress there, they also will price match, including online competitors. Well, you can bet your pinky toe I jotted down those numbers and am searching online for the best price. My take on it all is I asked them to be in my wedding, they didn't volunteer themselves for the time and financial burden, so any way that I can possibly save them some money, I will. I am asking them to wear silver shoes (possibly black for Val), but I am not making them buy matching dyed expensive ones; use the ones that are in your closet, don't buy a special pair for one day!

One of the vendors that I had been dreading booking is the DJ. I know, it's silly, but for me, I hated it like some girls hate dress shopping. Several months ago, I had finally contacted one that was in our price range and was recommended by knotties. Unfortunately, the paperwork got lost during the move, and I couldn't find it anywhere. Then my health went downhill (as it always does right before winter), and that set me back. Add in family stuff and the holidays, and well, you get the idea. So I called him today, and voila, they are still available for my date! They said it happens, and are sending me new paperwork (in the mail already). Once I get that, I can pay my deposit and have them secured. We went with Tom Barrett DJ, if anyone was wondering.

I also booked the salon today, thank God. It may seem like a silly one to book now, but since it's the salon that my mom and I use for our regular 'dos, we wanted to make sure that our stylist was available the day of. Well, it's been a hassle, that's for sure. I have spent months trying to get in touch with these people; 4 phone calls total, and only once did I get a return call (today). It wasn't until I threatened to go to another highly recommended salon that they finally sat up and took notice. I mean, it's not that hard to pass a message on and call a person back; especially one that is bringing 6+ people to your salon. Anyway, they were open for my day, and our stylist was available as well! I have seen their bridal work (my cousin got married in Sept and had her hair done there), so I know it's decent. Their prices aren't bad either, around $65-70 for updos, less for blowouts or simple dos. Considering I had seen many other salons with much higher prices, I am fine with that! Plus, since we have 5 or more people, including the bride, I get my makeup done for FREE!!! Who doesn't love FREE stuff??? I plan on also doing a hair trial, and while not included with the price, it is discounted once I put a deposit down on the place. Right now, it's myself, Mother of the Bride, Mother of the Groom, Meghan, Kelly, and Val. I have a feeling, though, that number is going to go up; that's another reason we booked now, so we can add as needed and they don't have to feel rushed about it.

We found some minor things, too, which I am actually really happy about. When my mom and I were at AC Moore the other day, we went through their "outlet" aisle (the get-rid-of-it-rack). They had the little cones that fold up to put candy inside on the rack, and they were really pretty; they were covered in pretty fabric-like material and had metallic gold accents on them. There were 12 in a pack, marked down from $13 to $1! I showed them to mom, and mentioned that we needed some sort of favor for the Bridal Shower; every other one we have been to had them, even if they were just little (albeit useful) items. I said I don't care about them matching; hand them out as everyone leaves, and no one will notice. So we got 48 cones (half in red half in brown) for $4. Yay!! They also had a "Bridal Shower" kit there; it had enough pages that each guest could do one as an activity at the party (we aren't fans of shower games). It came with stickers and accents and such, and we provide the markers and photos. It was originally $17, and we got it for $2! Such steals! Finally, they had a whole bunch of invitation stuff for 50% off, including a whole stash of Thank You cards in a variety of colors and accents; they were really pretty cards. I showed them to mom, who said I should get the Thank You cards to match my invites. I said that costs a lot, no one is going to notice, and I also need them for shower gifts. There were 20 cards in a pack, and they ended up being $3 a pack; we got 100 cards for $15. Not as great as the other steals, but good enough!

While at AC Moore, we were talking about ideas for favors and activities for the kids. Yes, we are having kids; if you or your sibling is in the Bridal Party, you are invited. That leaves us with 8 kids: Logan, Macey, Aubrey, Torey, Sadey, Sheenie, Devin, and Nate. Well, we had planned on doing several things to keep them occupied, as most of them will be in the younger ranges (13 down to 5). We are doing their table in butcher paper, and supplying crayons to color with during dinner. We will also probably do a table near the back covered in paper with coloring sheets on them. We would also like to do Legos, either as their 'centerpiece' or on a table in the back or out in the cocktail area during the cocktail hour. We figure they will dance once the music starts, but easy ideas to keep them entertained during the non-dancing parts is a good idea. While at AC Moore, in their Dollar Deals, we found packs of 12 crayons, each with a character theme; we picked up each kid their own set of crayons that they can take home with them! Devin gets Disney's Cars, Sheenie and Sadey get Disney Princess, Torey gets Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Aubrey and Macey get Tinkerbell, and Nate gets Spiderman (we plan on getting Logan something a bit more age appropriate). Now, we don't have to get the kids favors, and we got them the crayons to color with as well :)

Brian's dad has agreed to do the videographer and rehearsal dinner; since he teaches in the Business and Hospitality College at UD, we are pretty sure that he can get us Vita Nova for our dinner (that's a restaurant run by the Hotel Restaurant Management major down there, and juniors in the program are required to work there). And since he has contacts through the college for film and video students (they hire the best film students every year to shoot their commercials and ads for prospective students), we are hoping to get someone who won't charge us an arm and leg for decent work.

There is some other minor stuff we have done, but I am really trying to get the ball rolling by doing something little every day. A couple girlfriends are helping me out with what seems to be the overwhelming mountain load (thanks Nicole, Janel, and Kim!!!), and they are lifesavers because of it! Tomorrow I plan on pricing out hotels for our guests, and hopefully ordering Save The Dates from VistaPrint (or at least designing them!).

I will do a post later on about general life, but for now, that gives you the idea of where we are :) I will introduce you to the new love of my life (teehee) in the next post!