Bubblying Over!

I can't help it!  I've got to make another post!  I'm bubblying over with excitement late this afternoon!  Ever since my meeting at the Gaylord Texan to discuss our wedding plans I haven't been able to wipe the smile off my face!  Just randomly walking around with an unending smile. 

Earlier I stood in the bathroom with my hands on my hips slowly and slightly rotating my hand to watch my ring sparkle.  As I stood there I told Simon to watch closely as well.  He intently turned his head to one side to listen to me as he gazed at me with his curious big brown eyes. I said, "Look Sime, look!".  Meanwhile he's was likely thinking, 'what the heck am I looking at?'...'you standing in front of the mirror...seen that done before too many times to count!' Lol!  Oh well, he's a good sport to at least listen to me! 

Woo-hoo, I'm so excited!  Feels really good to know where we'll be getting married.  Now I feel as though I can relax and ease into other details.  Getting the space reserved for such a busy time of the year though was very important even though it is still a significant time away.  Things get booked up fast, especially nice resorts.   

Wedding Date and Site Have Been Set!

Our wedding will be on December 15th in the evening hours at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Conference Center.  I guess you could say I've got a thing for Resorts and Conference Centers since I had my mom's party in one in Phx as well.  This Resort and Conference Center is unlike any I think I've ever seen.  It is a massive property.  Truly a showstopper!  Very Texas!  Hence the name Gaylord Texan!  Oh and should I also mention it's the Resort the Dallas Cowboys use.  They stay in the Resort the night before each of their home games as a team.   

There's an atrium which means it's climate controlled yet it has a glass roof that helps make you feel as though you are outside. Every section of the place provides quite the awe factor!  It was actually suggested by my wonderful fiance.  Earlier today I waited anxiously on the edge of my seat to see if they had availability for our wedding. Luckily they do!  

We will be married in the atrium section in an area called Mission Plaza.  Then us and our guests will walk over to the conference center for the reception that will be held in a ballroom.  It's all indoors, no walking out in the elements from the ceremony to the reception. It's not a ridiculiously long walk either.  Very doable!

In the end we decided to go with a site that we could go back to and visit years in the future.  Hopefully, someday we'll have a little one or maybe 2 little ones to bring to the Resort at Christmas time and show them where mommy and daddy got married!  We felt having our wedding at a Resort allows us more access to it in the future rather than a wedding venue location.  Our first choice would have been our church for the ceremony but unfortunately our church is way too large.  We want a small, intimate, and elegant wedding. We would get lost in the spaces our church has to offer. If anyone has ever seen or been to the main worship center of North Phoenix Baptist Church then you understand the largeness of our church.  Our church's main worship center is equal to or bigger than North Phoenix. Our church actually calls it an auditorium since it's so big. 

So sorry mom, I know you aren't fond of cold weather.  But I really want a Christmas themed wedding!  I'm truly happy it will be in mid-December now which will have even more of a Christmas feel.  Although chances of colder temps increased quite a bit when moving it further into December.  Safe to say Cody and his Grammie will start praying now for a warm December!  ;)  Lol!

Search for the Wedding Site has Begun!

Today I went to my first appointment to view a possible wedding sight.  Wow, so much info to consider.  I was telling my fiance just the other night that this would be easier if I was one of those girl's that had their wedding completely planned and was simply waiting for the man to come along.  I've known girl's that were like that!

Then again this is probably better because this way our wedding will be OUR wedding.  A reflection of what both of us want versus only what the bride wants.  I am thinking that the wedding date of December 1st will not be possible.  It appears to be popular!  But then again, I'm unsure December 1st works for us now. Due to the fact that my fiance's job is crazy busy the last day of the month and the first 2 days of the each month. I can't believe we didn't think of that aspect until last night! So I'm letting go of the December 1st target date.  I'm now focusing more on the weekends of the 8th or the 15th.  Some places give discounts for a Sunday wedding so we're not opposed to the 9th or 16th. 

I must admit I'm slowly falling in love with the 16th.  Proposed to on June 16th and married on December 16th...works for me!  Plus getting married on a Sunday allows the ladies from my side of the family to join with the ladies from my fiance's side for a bridal luncheon on Saturday the day before the wedding.

As for the place I checked out today...I'll keep looking.  Too pricey in my opinion for what is offered.  Not sure why but I'm not too into the wedding venue places that offer a chapel and reception all in one place.  The reason being is there seems to be a lack of personal touches.  It's all generic and neutral to satisfy the masses that get married there.  Which I understand!  Who knows I still might find one that awes me.  But so far it hasn't happened.  

The Target Wedding Date!

I still can't believe I'm ENGAGED!  It's crazy!  It's finally my time to be a bride.  And I'm still getting used to all this.  My fiance bought me my first ever Brides magazine.  We've been discussing dates and have zeroed in on one.

As of right now our target wedding date is December 1st. Availability of the place or places that we have the ceremony and reception is most likely the only thing that could derail our target wedding date.  So it's not set in stone yet but hopefully it will work out for that date.  Crazy all the things that you think about when trying to decide on a date.  Late November and December are very difficult to predict weather-wise here.  Although Dallas in general is difficult to predict weather-wise.  Most likely though December 1st shouldn't be too cold.  If it is though no big deal.  I love the cold months!  It seems fitting for us to get married at the beginning of winter. 

I love deep reds and colors associated with that time of year.  Thoughts of what types of colors and themes we could go with is also what helped convince me winter would be a great time.  Plus I quite like the way our wedding date would be written...12-1-12. 

My New Phone is Here!

Woo-hoo my new phone has ARRIVED! I rocked along with my old one for far too long! Life will never be the same!  LOL!  My old phone had developed some sort of a short in it, safe to say he had issues.

I will be making the jump to a smart phone.  I pre-ordered the phone I wanted and it arrived today.  It really took a long time to fully decide I wanted to make the switch to a smart phone.  I actually picked out a different phone about a month ago, an HTC phone.  Before HTC could release the phone they had to fight off Apple.  Apple called the U.S. Patent Department and complained that the new HTC phone had a menu on it that was too similar to the Apple Iphone menu.  So U.S. Patent Department got involved and in the end the HTC phone was delayed.  Delayed so long that another phone by Samsung was getting ready to come out so I waited for the new Samsung since I'm familiar with Samsung phones unlike HTC phones.  

Now I have to figure out how to activate it through my providers web site.  For such a long time I resisted the thought of a smart phone.  I figured I wasn't important enough for a smart phone, perfectly happy with a dumb phone.  But then I started to think of some benefits to it.  Like price comparing as you're out shopping.  And checking movie times while out to dinner when we spontaneously think a movie sounds good to go to.  So hopefully this is a smooth switch for me.  My mom got a new cell phone that I insisted she get before we left town.  She seems to like hers a lot so hopefully I'll be just as happy with my phone.  Oddly, enough my mom purchased the upgraded addition of my old phone that I'm switching from.  I totally would have gotten that upgraded addition she got if I wasn't set on a smart phone.  And if I can't get used to this smart phone I'll be taking it back for the same phone my mom just upgraded too.

Home Sweet Home!

We made it home!  I love being back in Big D!  It was fun to visit Phx but nice to be back home. It was 79 degrees last night!  Aww, yes it's good to be home!

As I was driving down the road today I also recalled how nice it is to be home.  My comfortability with driving around Phx isn't what it used to be. Somewhat surprising, I know!  I was quite shocked during this trip by my lack of ability to remember how to navigate through certain areas. When I lived in Seattle and I would visit Phx it was a much different feel.  First off I had no trouble remembering how to get from one area to another.  I certainly didn't feel the least bit nervous driving through town.  Plus my overall feeling was one of pure excitement to be driving around my hometown.  Well it's no longer that way.  Phx is simply the place I was born and raised but it's not home anymore.  My complete and total comfort is reserved for Dallas only now.  This is home.

Both boys sniffed the very shiny ring on my left hand last night.  I think they approve.  Today it hit me that I'm going to be a BRIDE.  Yes, I realize I'm engaged but the term "bride" had not entered my thought process until this morning.  I'll be buying my first Bridal magazine very soon!

   

After the Party News!

Well it's time to let everyone in on what is most likely the biggest news concerning our time in AZ.  The term boyfriend has been upgraded to fiance!  Yes, folks...We're ENGAGED! 

At the end of the party after everyone had left, my boyfriend led me out of the ballroom where the party had taken place to a fountain.  He said he wanted to snap some pics of us by the fountain.  We took a few pictures then as I started to walk away and back towards the ballroom to finish with the clean-up he pulled me back then dropped down to one knee. He of course then said those special words, "Will you marry me?"...I of course said "YES!".  I kept waving my arms around as he was trying to put the ring on my finger. What can I say? I'm a bit of a dork plus I was overcome with emotion so I couldn't help but wave my arms around and put my hands up to my mouth while saying "oh my gosh!" over and over again.  

It was the most perfect moment!  Completely capped off the night! What an awesome memory we will both forever have!  Plus we'll be able to visit that same resort in the future to remember the moment. 

We came to AZ a few days ago as boyfriend and girlfriend but we go home to Texas tomorrow as an engaged couple!  How exciting!  We can hardly wait to share the news with everyone in TX, not to mention tell the boys and Storm! 

Last Night's Party!

As I've stated before my goal with my mom's party was to blow her away with it!  I think I did that!  I know she had a great time last night.  She said she was so wired from her party she didn't get much sleep last night. 

It was definitely worth all the work.  I was very pleased with how everything turned out.  I was also pleased with the fact that my stress level was quite under control!  I got a little angst at one point when I found out my mom had arrived before my boyfriend and I.  But oh well! 

It all turned out awesome!  I believe everyone had a great time.  My mom sure did enjoy the casino tables I rented.  I was racking my brain for extra entertainment that I could provide for people.  I finally came up with the idea of the casino tables. 

All in all, it was an amazing party.  I hope that all of those that came truly enjoyed themselves.  Good food, good company, good entertainment and an amazing birthday cake!  I fretted over the cake for weeks so I'm glad it turned out as well as it did!  Yay!

Preparing for Trip to Phx!

So I think I'm doing well at getting things done before coming to AZ.  I have managed my time very wisely so far this week.  Seems as though there's always a lot to do right before any trip.  This trip is obviously a little different. First time I've ever had to pack up boxes and have them shipped the day before I leave. 

I got all the boxes with party stuff boxed up tonight, those are ready to be shipped tomorrow.  My stuff is partially packed.  As for the boys, they are packed up.  Only thing not done for the boys yet is washing their bed.  Which will get done tomorrow morning. 

Cody sat in the bedroom with me as I raced around packing things.  I told him what was going on.  Simon came in briefly to hear what was being said.  As Cody intently listened to every word I spoke, Simon listened to about half of it then turned to leave the room.  Apparently he's not too concerned with things. 

Every time I go on any vacation I never want to forget anything.  After putting pressure on myself to remember all, I soon come to the realization...Phx has stores!  If I forget something I can go get whatever it is. 

Busy Week and the Week to Come

Well it's no secret I've been busy these days!  This was a week where I had so much going on there were a couple of moments I wished I had either an assistant or there was 2 of me.  Yikes, 2 of me on this planet!  Scary thought I know! I just finished baking 2 pies!  One French Silk pie and one lemon pie.  We will have some people over tonight so the French Silk pie is dessert.  The lemon pie is reserved for tomorrow.  Since we will be in Phx on Father's day we will be celebrating Father's day with my boyfriend's dad tomorrow instead.

As I continue to prepare the last few party plans this next week will likely be just as busy if not busier than this past week.  As the current CEO of Cody and Simon Incorporated I will be a pug taxi 3 days in a row.  Not only is this pug mommie busy but the boys are busy too!  Monday and Tuesday the boys have appointments they need to be taken to.  And on Wednesday we will take them and Storm the cat to my boyfriend's parents where they will stay while we're in Phx. It's going to be one crazy week coming up!  I better get in an extra nap some time tomorrow to prepare myself!

P.S.  Tomorrow is the last day to RSVP for the party.  However, I will accept RSVPs up until Tuesday night.  It is imperative that I have a solid count of guests for the party.  My biggest concern is people showing up that never rsvped!  That being said if you know of anyone that has been invited but has yet to officially rsvp encourage them to do so in the VERY NEAR FUTURE!!!!!!!!!!  This is going to be a great party that I've worked hard on to ensure it's greatness!...so don't miss out people that have been invited! 

Head Over Heels for Pugs!

I have to tell this story!  I don't mind exposing my dork qualities at all.  Or at least not too much!  So there I was getting ready to go to my boyfriend's house for the evening.  As usual when I leave in the evenings I give the boys a snack once I get them confined to the hallway where they stay when I'm not home. 

I put the boys behind the gate and they anxiously waited for a treat as they know the routine well!  I decided to give each boy one munchy stick and one rawhide stick.  Now Cody grabbed them both originally then dropped one.  He left one behind as he went off to concentrate on eating the other one. The only problem with that plan is that Simon is a HUNGRY MAN.  Born hungry!  If I didn't intervene Simon was going to get Cody's 2nd treat. I decided to reach over the gate to pick up Cody's 2nd treat, I then got ready to toss it to Cody while Simon wasn't looking.  Simon was pretty focused on his own treats so that wasn't too hard.  I suppose I should mention I was juggling lots of things in my hands as I reached over.  As a result I somehow lost my balance as I tried to toss Cody's 2nd treat to him.  Before long it was apparent I was going to do some sort of a flip over the gate. The way I was falling I was close to falling on Simon's 2nd treat.  He quickly saw I was about to fall. He decided to move then realized he had forgotten his 2nd treat so he lunged back to get it.  As I completed my flip over the gate and landed on the floor I busted out laughing.  Cody immediately came over to me.  Simon glanced over as he feverishly worked on his 2 treats. 

It's still funny to me! I will never forget the look on Simon's face as he realized he forgot his 2nd treat.  It was quite the lunge on his part to recover his treat too, I might add!

That's so Simon.  Good to know he can make tough decisions!  Ready and willing to save his rawhide and make sure it's out of harms way.  Oh that Sime! 

Rainy Day!

Once again the weather surprises me!  Doesn't it do that a lot?  Yes!  It appeared to be a beautiful warm day today.  Then it started to get dark.  Clouds rolled in fast and didn't waste any time dumping rain on the Dallas area.  I was driving when the sprinkling turned into major rain.  I pulled into the Petco just to get off the rainy streets because my SUV kept slipping.

I thought it would lessen up but it didn't.  It rained pretty hard at a steady rate for quite awhile.  As the evening has progressed there's been a few breaks.  But very few!  I was trying to walk the boys before their bedtime at one point I heard the rain had lessened up some.  I didn't move fast enough though.  In nothing flat another round of intense rain started to fall. We finally did get the night walk in after that wave of rain.  It's supposed to rain tomorrow too.  So we'll see if that actually happens.  I don't mind the rain. I just want it to hold up long enough each time the boys need to be walked.  Just a small request on my part!

I say this every time there's a thunderstorm...I have to change the boys leashes.  They have metal leashes and it freaks me out to no end as I walk them. I seriously have to get them some new leashes or just leashes more appropriate for rainy weather.  Last thing I want is a fried lightening struck pug at the end of a leash!  Geez!  So tomorrow I get new leashes, it's a must!     

Party Planning in Full Swing!

I have been up to my eyeballs in party planning!  I looked around my place tonight and I couldn't believe my eyes.  As it seemed that every corner you looked there was something party related.  I love how the pugs gently walk around things.  They have yet to step on something! 

I think we finally have made the final decision on the cake!  I had some rather unique ideas concerning the cake.  I'll admit they were slightly out there a bit!  My boyfriend didn't share the same opinion on the cake.  In the end, he reeled in my unique ideas. The final product will be what we both decided would work best. I must take this opportunity to simply state that I'm so thankful for my boyfriend.  Because with out him this would be stressing me out to no end.  He has helped so much and been a great sounding board for every decision needing to be made!  He's awesome!

I had another idea for the party a few days back.  I figured out how to pull off that idea today so I'm happy my latest idea will be carried out. As it stands right now this party is going to be quite amazing.  I really want to use the word EPIC!  The word epic is a little joke between my boyfriend and I.  He pointed out to me a few months back how overused "epic" is becoming.  Until he pointed it out I didn't realize how much it's being used in sports and in movies lately.  So maybe I should say this party will be "legendary"! I'm at least doing all I can to make sure it's somewhere in the epic/amazing/legendary category.

I get more excited by the day!  Let the countdown begin....10 days til party day!