DIY project #1 A SUCCESS!!!

Yep! I completed my 1st DIY project for the wedding and not only was it successful it was fun!

These are thank you cards for the girls throwing my shower this weekend! I used the cutest thank you card, which I bought at Paper Source last week. The envelopes are from there as well, of course! I love the brown! I wrote the names using a gel pen-white. The "thank you" and "flower" were used with my new stampers, stamp pads, embossing powder and heat tool! Soooo much fun! Sooo easy too! Seriousely took less than 15 minutes to do all 5 cards! I did all the thank you cards for the both showers and another for a friend. I also bought enough cards and envelopes to make thank you cards for all our family and those directly involved in the ceremony. Just haven't embossed those yet! We will also be embossing the water bottle labels for the water bottles for our guests! :) I can't wait! I all of a sudden feel crafty! I also wrapped all the gifts for the girls and one thank you gift for someone involved in the ceremony! (Can't ruin the surprise!)

Aren't they cute! I am sooo excited about their gifts! As soon as the shower is over I will spill the beans!

I also printed off the labels for addressing the wedding invitations! I read many different opinions on using labels for outer envelope. Some thought it was "tacky." Others said it was an easy way to formally address the envelope. So...we found clear labels, 4x2 size, and I went to work last night! After 2 1/2 hours, all labels were complete! I'm waiting to print last page because Scott had to get me an address. They came out so nice! They look good on the envelopes too, I think! We also bought labels for inner envelope but then decided we wanted to make it more personal so I will hand write those. I just have to put all the labels on the envelopes and then Sunday night the girls and I are stuffing them! As soon as they go out and begin being delivered, I will post a picture of them! I used some pretty font I found on 101freefonts. Thanks to my friend Jacqui, I was able to successfully save it to Vista to use!

Finally, here is our latest delivered gift, the processor is from my brother, Ryan and his girlfriend, Emily. The duvet cover completes the bedding my mom got us for my shower this weekend. Oh...she did get a few more bedding items but bought those in store so I could have something to open this weekend! :)

Oh and the Kohls saga continues...my mom had ordered, twice now, these cast iron pots we registered for. They shipped one but canceled the other 2. So.....we just took them off the Kohls registry and I found even better ones on QVC that she got me instead! Actually for the same price as the 3 at Kohls, I got 2 plus a cornbread cast iron pan and a cast iron lasagna pan! Oh I can't wait to start cooking in them!

Today's verse...Galatians 5:24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Kohls and 2 months to go!

Ugg! I can't even believe I am writing this! Registering at Kohls has been a BIG mistake! For us, the whole registering thing has not been a fun part of the wedding planning! I love Kohls! We both loved their stuff and found some things we really wanted. Unfortunately, they just do not seem to have the whole gift registry thing down. The 1st time we registered there, yes I said the 1st time, after an hour and half of shopping with the gun, the customer service lady had no clue what she was doing. Rather than say so, she tried anyway (mind you there are well written, step-by-step instructions on how to transfer the gun to the registry) and she erased everything! Frustrated, we left! The next day I gave them a 2nd chance and just registered online. Well....I have received several complaints from guests trying to buy stuff off my registry there! Honestly, if the shower invites had not already gone out, I would cancel my registry there. :( People just are not able to buy off it! Now, the Kohls rep (since my mom had to call in to order-couldn't online or in the store) even added more stuff to it rather than noting that it was bought! My family lives in NH, they went to Kohls there and can't even find my registry! It won't say online if something is out of stock, it isn't until you get to the end checkout, processing your card that it says one of the items is out of stock. It won't even tell you which item! And...they do not back order, mind you the lady told us they restock daily! UGGG!!!! Sorry Kohls, I love you but...you gotta get in the registry game! There are 2 things I would say have been our biggest headaches and not fun in the wedding planning-registering and the guest list. Everything else has been soooooo much fun!

Oh and today when I got to work I found out that for the past week I have been considered "terminated" from CCSD. Just as I was ready to get back on the plane to WA they fixed it! Computer error?

I finished buying my thank you gifts for the ladies throwing my shower! I'm so excited about their gift! I hope they love it! After I hand them out I will show you all a picture!



1John4:12-13 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.

Oh and so we were stressing because Scott got hit with a huge payment due to Uncle Sam! So he has worked his butt off in OT these past 2 months to pay it off and today met with his tax guy to pay the IRS and.....by the GRACE, MERCY, and every other wonderful trait of our God.....he got money back! YES, I am serious!!!!! The guy redid it 3 times! Honestly, it was only by God that that happened! We've been thanking Him all day! This freed up money for our honeymoon, which was next on Scott's "work OT for" list. :) :) :)

Easter Sunday

Good Afternoon! I am so excited today! We got up and went to church and the worship team begins but wait....that is not the usual worship leader! So this incredible voice starts worship and he has one other lady up there with him who was also incredible! I'm listening and thinking, "I know that voice!" Guess what? It was Evan Wickham and his wife! They were awesome! The cool part is that I also love his brother, Phil Wickham, and Joseph will actually be playing one of his songs during our ceremony and our first dance is also a Phil Wickham song! They are incredibly gifted by God and both write their own music! We were both really excited and surprised. We bought a CD after service. It was an awesome day of worship and Pastor Kelley gave a wonderful Easter message. Did you know that Easter is from a greek word (I don't know which one now) for fertility so that is where the Easter Eggs come into play? Weird fact, huh? P. Kelley told us that today! LOL!

The turkey is done we are just waiting on the rest of our dinner to finish. My mom is here this weekend, and we have been busy! Yesterday we went to Seattle (the picture below is from the ferry ride to Scott's parents.) We had a great time in the very first Starbucks and in the Market (Pike's Place.) We then took the ferry to Bremerton, toured downtown Paul's Bo and had a wonderful dinner with his Parents. It was nice for mom and them to meet before the big day! I am also including a picture of Scott, Hunter and I on the Pier (not sure which pier!)

Finally, I am famous! Okay, well not really, but apparently, my friend, Jacqui from school, found me on the web when she was searching for runs. Check out this blog post she wrote. I totally want to do the alien run! I wish I would be around, well, not really because I want to marry Scott, but doesn't a midnight run sound fun? I would also love to do the Seattle Rock N Roll Half this summer but it is too close after the wedding! Jacqui and I are talking about doing it next summer for sure and Scott and I are thinking of going to Vegas in Dec to do their 1st annual Rock N Roll Half! The Rock N Roll marathon's all support a good cause, I believe usually a cancer fund...but I could be off on that one. This weekend Scott and I registered for the Race For a Cure in Vegas, May 2nd. It is the morning of my shower! Can't wait!!!!

Today I'm going to end with Isaiah 53:5 But He [was] wounded for our transgressions, [He was] bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace [was] upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. (Taken from Blue Letter Bible-NKJV.)

WOW!!!!

We went to the Paper Source today! First, it is in Bellevue, about an hour south of us. It is a really neat little city! Microsoft, Expedia, Eddie Bauer and others have their offices there. It's like a mini downtown Seattle! There were very cool shops and great restaurants! After shopping, Scott took me to Maggianos for lunch. YUM! Anyway, to the important stuff! We spent an hour in Paper Source! It isn't even that big but so much fun! As you can see I bought, alot! We got every paper need we have for the wedding and then some I had not even thought of! They had really great ideas there! I got the paper for the programs I wanted, used a different size based on what they had on display! The programs will be that Khaki colored backing on the left side with an ivory insert. They will look just like the ones in my previous post but a smaller, more square size. They had chocolate paper but not the style I wanted and we really liked the Khaki! It matches! I also found a few gifts I needed and got some fun ideas of how to personalize everything! The ladies working there were so nice and took time to demonstrate some things for me. They have a wedding DIY workshop coming up but I won't be here....*sniff sniff* I must say, Scott was very patient, helpful and what a trooper! He even paid! We are trying to split our cost evenly, but he tends to step up more! What a guy! Then to treat me to lunch after! I think I love him! ;) Oh, and we saved about $20 as 4 of the items we picked out were 50% off! Sweet!!!!

Also, when we arrived home from a long day of shopping and errands....this was on our doorstep! Our second shower gift! (From my mom)

Hunter was sniffing the gifts so I let him pose for the picture! Isn't he soooo cute! He is an awesome dog too!

Here are pictures from my grandmother's and Dad and Teresa's gifts (need candles still.)

I'm really excited because my mom flys in tomorrow! The weather has been really nice here and I hope it lasts through the weekend. Our plan is to drive through the Tulip Festival tomorrow and then take her to dinner. Saturday we are taking her nto downtown Seattle and then dinner at Scott's parents house. Easter we are going to church, then having lunch here (Scott is deep frying a turkey!) Then maybe a drive up to the mountains before we fly home that night. :( Then it will be 3 weeks before I see Scott again.



Tonight we ran 5 miles! We run the Centennial Trail. Thanks to the Garmin watch we can track our distance, time and calories burned! I love it! The trail is really nice, paved, quiet! Scott ran with Hunter first half I ran with him second. I had my best 5 mile time so far-about 46 mins(can't remember exact 46: right now!) I shaved 2 minutes off my time, only because of Hunter! Man he keeps you at a fast pace! That is why Scott had to take him first half! I was going about 9:05/mile and couldn't keep up with them. Coming back I kept Hunter at about 9 but sometimes he went down to about 8:30. I was dying! Anyway, dinner is finally ready and I am starving after such a long run!



Today's verse: Ephesians 4:1-3 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. If you ever want a great book to read-Ephesians is one of them! The end chapters give a perfect detail of how husbands and wives should treat each other! Oh hopefully I remember that in my marriage!

Global Warming

Boy I really hope they get this Global warming under control! LOL!!! It is April in North Carolina and the high today was 40 and it has snowed all day long! This is not typical for this area at all! So much for Global Warming! It was beautiful today! Cold, but pretty! The first snow always is! We were able to get to downtown Asheville, walk around and have a nice lunch with my dad before we had to get to the airport. We are currently sitting in Asheville Airport in a couple of rocking chairs! I love it! Scott asked if I thought we could put a couple on our front porch...ummmm...let me think about this for a sec, YES!!!! I would love too!

So as we were spending time with my Aunt El on Sunday I couldn't help but notice her flawless skin! My grandma had the same. Barely a wrinkle! I seem to take after the Fina side of the family so I have hopes I will be pretty much wrinkle free. Although my mom doesn't really show her age either or have ton of wrinkles, I should be set! ;)

We are about 2 months and a few days away! I can't wait! Just talking about the details with my dad and Teresa this weekend got me soooo excited! It is going to be so much fun! Scott and I have put alot of thought into some little details to surprise our guests and add a personal touch!

Ugg! I haven't been running or even exercising since saturday, when Hunter and I kicked Scott's butt! I miss my time....I am ready to go tomorrow! Scott is doing this new workout series and tomorrow he is going to have me do the kickboxing part with him. This should be interesting! LOL!

Today's verse....1Peter 1:24-25 For "All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever." And this word is the good news that was preached to you. (bold added by me.)

I'm sick over what they just said on the news. It is now legal in Iraq for husbands to rape their wives. I believe they said Iraq, maybe Afghan (anyway, one of those middle eastern countries we are fighting for!) SICK SICK SICK!!! Makes you appreciate our freedoms here in America and the men who fight for those freedoms even more!

North Carolina

Okay, Okay, I've been bad about blogging. But...with good excuse! I tried to sunday morning during our layover in ATL but the wireless is not free there and I was exhausted from lack of sleep on the plane! Dad and fiance meeting went great! I think they have hit it off. I totally knew they would! When we got back to the house yesterday, my dad and Teresa presented Scott and I with our Engagement/shower gifts from them and my grandma. Grandma gave us a gorgeous crystal vase from Lennox and a crystal ring holder to match. I wanted a ring holder for the shelf above the kitchen at Scott's house, for those rare times I wash dishes! ;0 LOL! Dad and Teresa gave us crystal candle holders from Micasa. There is 3 of them, each different size. They are beautiful! Scott said he will plant flowers in the yard so I can have fresh cut flowers for the vase! I love it! So we talked a bit, I showed them our invitation, guest book and some other things then it was nap time! Red eyes stink and especially when you can't sleep on the plane! We had dinner last night with my Great Aunt Eleanor (grandma's sister) and her friend, Betty (pretty much family.) It was really nice. It is weird not having Grandma here with us, but I know she is much happier now. She is with my Grandfather.

Today we went to the Biltmore Estate. It is amazing!!!!!! The house alone is 4 acres! It is the largest home in America. The estate is gorgeous. Right now the tulips are in the garden. I am including pictures of my dad and I in front of the house and Scott and I in the tulip garden. I love tulips! They would make a beautiful wedding flower!

As the day starting getting on, the weather started turning bad. Right now it is about 6 pm here and is terribly windy and started snow flurrying! They say 50% chance of snow tonight and flurries tomorrow! 2 years ago I was here in April and it snowed. Dad says I'm not allowed back in April! LOL! At least we go home to WA tomorrow night. Let's see how that weather goes! It was gorgeous when we left saturday!


My bridal shower invitation for May went out this week! I can't wait! The girls have been planning this for a while, I am sure it will be awesome! I noticed some items purchased off my registry already! Can't wait to see them in real person!


I also spoke to my Uncle (my dad's brother) and my Aunt yesterday and they already bought their tickets for June! I can't wait! It will be so nice to meet with my cousins again! It has been about 10 years, *sad sad. My one cousin, Katlyn and I use to keep in touch quite a bit when we were younger so hopefully we can start up again!


Alright, almost time for dinner. Dad is taking us to an Italian restaurant tonight, go figure! I love Italian food though!

Today's verse: hmmm.....no verse, guess cause I didn't hook up to internet on start up. So I will leave you with another of my favorites. Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew [their] strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

McCarren Airport

Ugg! I'm at the airport (in my Uggs oddly enough! LOL!) I hate sitting at the airport! I came early because I thought it might be busy being Day 1 of Spring Break! Alas, no...it's quite empty! So...I found myself a starbucks, got a black iced tea and sat back in chair to blog! I must say, after being quite the traveler these past8 months, the C gates are def not my favorite! They could use a facelift!

Last day before SB went great! I had an awesome evaluation this morning with my principal, got a parent meeting taken care of that I needed and completed an IEP with the cutest, darlingest angel face of a child! I love when I get to have IEP's and tell the parents the amazing progress their child has made! So amazing that he gets to go to regular ed next year! :)

So something hilarious happened today, but Scott won't let my blog about it. :( He is a party pooper! Let's just say if you ever need fingerprints, he is the guy to go see! LOL!!!!! Hopefully he will let me explain more. I'm still laughing about it!

I forgot to mention yesterday that I saw a wonderful way to honor my grandmother at the wedding. I watched one of those wedding shows and the bride had also just lost someone close to her. To honor the loved one, she had a ribbon tied to her bouquet with a locket attached to it and a picture of the loved one in the locket. In her program she mentioned the token. I loved it! Teh best part of the idea is that I have a locket, given to me by my great and uncle (my grandfather's brother and wife) when I was a wee little baby! It is from Israel, if I remember correctly or one of those middle eastern countries. In any case I can put a picture of my grandma and my pop-pop in it. They will be right there with me as I walk down the aisle! I love the idea and it will totally work with the way my bouquet will be made up!

So...since I'm at the airport I have no exciting picture to share. Boring! I promise to upload some from our trip to NC this weekend! First time meeting Dad! Yikes for the groom! LOL!

And today's Bible verse was....oh LOL! It didn't load a new one since I just got online! Well...I will leave you with my favorite! Jer 29:11 (I'm parapharasing bc I don't have bible handy) God tells us that He knows the plans He has for us, plans for a hope and a future, not to harm us!