34 days and counting...
Don't worry...I'm still here!! I know it's been 2 months since I've written anything, but more liked 3 since a real update. So sorry, things have just gotten so busy. With the madness of trying to find a job, trying to plan a wedding, and trying to find a place to live, life's been pretty busy. Oh by the way, did I mention, I am now officially employed! Better late than never right? I will be working at St. James Hospital in Chicago Heights on a part adult part pediatric unit...perfect! I start March 2 (yes 26 days before the wedding) so things have no really gotten crazy. We have also made official living arangements. For the time being, we are going to rent my brother's condo from him. There was some work that we all wanted to get done on the place and figured what better time than in the middle of a move? So in the midst of everything we have been painting and doing some mild remodeling to the condo. And with a limited number of weekends left until the wedding and even less until I start working, we really had to get this done. And next weekend John will be in Vegas for the big bachelor party, so that's another weekend lost. But we got most of it done this weekend and it looks great!
Anyways, on to the wedding updates! Well I'm sure that TONS has happened since my last update but just to name a few...we've picked out tuxedos, spent hours addressing invitations which have gone out (as you all know), made rehearsal dinner arrangements, begun dress alterations, started finalzing the details, and had 2 amazing wedding showers!!! Everything is going great and I am getting so excited about the wedding. I can't believe that it is only 34 days away. I know it will be here and gone so soon.
The biggest thing that's happened has been our two showers. The first one we had was Jan. 17 and was hosted by John's mom and two sisters. It was in this beautiful room in an office building, but had a very home-like feel to it. It was a brunch, which I liked because it was different and like the wedding...had a "red theme" to it, as well as a kitchen theme. Everyone brought us a recipe...all of which sound delicious, and most of which didn't contain red dye, which is great because of John's allergy! I can't wait to start trying them. Everyone was so generous and we got some amazing things. One of which included John's deep fryer, which he is sooo excited about. It amazes me that he registers for 2 things and we manage to get one of them. But he's happy, so I'm not complaining! :) The shower was 3 almost 4 hours long and I felt like it was over in an hour! So I can only imagine what the wedding day we be like. It was crazy to have everyone there to celebrate us! Our next shower was Feb. 15 and was hosted by my Aunt Joni and cousin/Matron of Honor Vickie. They had it at a Salerno's Restaurant, which was perfect cause it was Italian!!! Again everything about this one was perfect. This also had a "red theme" to go along with the wedding and Valentines Day. Oddily enough the room even happend to be red! Since this was our second shower I felt like I actually took the time to soak it in and enjoy it. At this shower, everyone brought us a spice, which was great because we didn't have any. And thankfully we didn't get too many duplicates. This shower was great because all of my bridesmaids were able to be there, including my best friend from Georgia! Which was a total surprise to me!! Again, we got so many wonderful gifts from everyone. I can't believe how generous our family and friends are. I was super excited that I got my KitchenAid stand mixer...I figure if John got what he really wanted, didn't I deserve the same? j/k Everything was great. I just can't believe both showers are over already!
Among other things, I think that I have found the most exciting part to me about the wedding planning process. I LOVE checking the mail everyday in anticipation of some response cards! I know I sound dorky, but I actually get excited to check the mail or can't wait to get home to find out how many we got. Now, on the other hand, I have gotten mildly frustrated with the mass amount I haven't gotten back yet...so if that's you, get your responses in by March 1st! :) I love you all none the less, just don't want to have to be harassing you in a couple weeks...for your sake.
One last thing, my mom and I have officially been to 2 of my dress fittings! And the dress looks perfect now, they barely had to make any alterations. Now they are working on the bussle and I will got back in a few weeks for the final fitting before they steam it and have it ready for the wedding!!! AH! I absolutely love love love it though, and I can't wait until John can finally see it...I secretly know he's excited and can't wait either ;).
This week, mom and I are going for the final florist meeting, which I'm super excited about because as you may know I LOVE flowers. I promise I will let you know how it goes. Also check back this week for all the shower pictures, I'm working on uploading them to the photo galleries now! The boys leave for Vegas Friday, so keep them in your prayers as they are traveling and venturing out west without the wonderful women in their lives...
See you all soon!!!
