What's Next?

We thought we would be adjusting and honeymooning for at least 6 months. However, daily life and kids put a reality check on that real quick. We weren’t done with THIS chapter when the next chapter began! A baby?!?!?!?!?

If nothing else, we can NEVER say that our lives are boring! LOL

Let The Party Begin!

The wedding was beautiful and everyone had a wonderful time. We received calls for a few weeks after from guests boasting about how much fun they had. From the food, to the décor, to the drinks, just everything! Everyone was cooperative and timely and the venue was priceless. I probably would have stroked out if they weren’t as hands-on as they were. My plate was just too full to even consider planning anything, let alone hiring vendors to make my day perfect.

It was so AWESOME, we just might do it again! LOL

It's Happening!!!

We arrived at the venue and my photographer was waiting for us. I quickly got dressed and walked around admiring the décor, my cake and the overall ambiance. My family members started arriving and everyone looked great. Once the groomsmen arrived, I realized there was no turning back, unless I ran through the kitchen. LOL

My sister, who was an emotional wreck, gave me a beautiful dragonfly to pin on my bouquet and asked me to hold her grandmother’s lace handkerchief. It was very special and very heartwarming. When everyone left and the music started playing, I got a little anxious. The crowd had grown and they were coming to get me. When I walked in, everyone stood, my brother squeezed my hand and before I knew it I was standing at the alter. Did I mention Spencer’s boutonniere was upside down? LOL

It's The Big Day!!!

I slept late that morning and when I did get up, I watched SyFy until my girls started arriving. It was a most relaxing morning and I must say my stress level was next to zero. My maid and matron were first to arrive and they went to pick up the snack food for the group. I didn’t want anyone hungry, so we ate finger sandwiches, drummettes, fruits and champagne. No one had a reason to be hungry.

The make-up lady showed up on time, did a good job and was on her way. Again, no stress!

When it was time to get dressed, we all scurried about and were ready at the allotted time. As stated earlier, my stress level was next to zero until my husband-to-be called asking the location of my brother! I thought I was going to hit the roof, but everyone calmed me down and he showed up just in the nick of time. That’s just how he rolls, I guess!

The Night Before

Well, I felt that I had occupied enough of my Ladies of Honor’s time, so the night before the wedding my mother, my son and my nephew lounged at a hotel and ate snacks and watched TV. The highlight of the evening was when my friend Tamara and her husband Shedrick, who drove from Georgia, came by to visit. We quickly sent Shed to the Bachelor Party and the girls had a little cocktail party of our own. Tamara just couldn’t understand how calm I was and asked repeatedly if I had anything to do regarding the wedding. If I learned nothing from Bridezilla, being timely is important and it reduces a lot of stress.

However, kids can always throw a wrench in your plan. My friend Tamara and I ended up at the dollar store to get snacks for the boys. We just happened to run into this frantic lady who was getting some last minute items. Her cell phone was ringing off the hook and she was frazzled. We heard her mention something about a wedding and Tamara said, we’re going to a wedding on tomorrow too! Pointing at me, Tamara said and she’s the bride. The lady and the cashier just starred at me. She said you look so calm, you don’t have anything to do. I told her everything was done and I was just waiting for tomorrow.

See what happens when you preplan?

Rehearsal, Then Dinner with the Girls!!!

Rehearsal was a very quick and productive procedure. The venue requested that all decor and favors be dropped off so they could have everything set up on Saturday. CHECK! Everyone lined up, met their partners and did a quick procession. CHECK! A successful run through! CHECK!!!

Now off to dinner! My "Ladies of Honor" and I went to dinner at Don's Seafood. The meal was scrumptious and I got a chance to thank them for being part of my special day. I could not have picked a better group of ladies!

SIDEBAR: Men are hilarious and not very subtle. I say that because one of the Best Men swapped out one of the Maids of Honor because he was sweet on her. Awwwww... love WAS in the air!

My Bachelorette Party?

Actually, it was more like a small cocktail party with me being the guest of honor. I felt like the bell of the ball. We had a small dinner at my Maid of Honor's home. There was gumbo, potato salad, finger foods and a host of sweets! They donned me with skimpy lingerie and I must say, I was a little embarrassed because my mom was there. However, it was very successful and everyone had a great time!

Where Ya Been?

I loved the entire hands-off process of my wedding and really enjoyed writing about it. However, the stress of moving and the new job just wore me down. Being a manager of people is hard and my subordinates are emotionally, physically and mentally draining! However, after months of dealing with them and threatening, in my mind, to quit, I have persevered.

I don't like to start something and not finish, so I wrote several posts leading up to the Big Day! Enjoy!!!

115 Days To Go!

I've been really busy. Got my stuff unpacked and the new job is going well. However, this wedding is getting a lot of my time. So far, I have done my labels for the envelopes, labels for my favors, the unity candles, my veil and the list goes on and on. I still have lots to do, but I have all of my ideas on paper and just looking for the items to create them. I plan to be done with EVERYTHING by the end of September.

Last minute doesn't do it for me! Not at all!!!

Invitations Are On The Way

Can you say happy? Okay, first off, the dress issue has been resolved. I'll be getting that on tomorrow!

Secondly, my invitations are on their way! Shouts out to Roberto at DigiMo Printing in Stockbridge, GA. He has made me a very happy bride. I sent him an email with my color, my wording and told him that I was just like my friend Victoria (she refered me), so surprise me with your creativity. Well, he did just that.

I have some custom made invitations that didn't rob me blind and they will set the tone for the entire occasion. Who said you can't have it all without being broke?!?!?!?! LOL I'm walking on air, that is until that darn POD rolls up tomorrow and I have to unpack everything. CRAP!

Project #1 - Hall Bathroom

I only wish my bathroom will turn out like this! Anywho...

Granted, I just arrived in Baton Rouge, but I had a major project on my mind since I left GA. The hall bathroom at my new home was hideous. The previous owners had strawberry wallpaper with coordinating border. The removal wasn't as bad as I thought, but I still think that wallpaper is the devil. Spencer had an attitude because the living room was smelling like vinegar. I told him if he didn't have anything good to say, move on.

So, now that I have a clean slate, our hall bathroom will be quite impressive. The tub and face bowl are gold (70's touch), so the walls will be a khaki and I will have chocolate and orange accents. I'm so excited!!!

The Bride Is Always Right!

Well, as I said, I found another dress. David's Bridal was trying to cause an issue, however, I reminded them that 7 of my bridesmaids have ordered their dresses and I expect a resolve in my favor. Even though I have found a new dress, it is still from David's Bridal. After chatting with Valerie at David's on Bluebonnet, I'm a very I will get my new dress next week. I'm a very happy camper.

I Found Another Dress

Okay, my mom and I bought my dress back in December. However, I've been having these crazy thoughts about the dress. So, while I had a little time on my hand, I started searching just out of curiosity. What I didn't expect to find is the dress that I have totally fallen in love with! I settled back in December because I wasn't in wedding mode and was just getting a dress because I needed one. On yesterday, I found the dress, my dress that I can't get out of my head. When I see it, I grin from ear to ear and I get butterflies in my stomach! I'm so excited. On top of that, the printing company sent me a copy of my invitations and reception cards. They are gorgeous!

The TREElady Has Left The Building

Today was an awesome day. I visited my friends, took pictures and at the end of the day left Atlanta City Hall West for the last time. I received all sorts of hugs, well wishes, lunch, home made cookies and a poem signed by some of my favorite people. I believe that life is full of change and chapters to our lives.

However, while waiting on my exit interview, I found another wedding dress that makes me very happy and my invitations are complete. On Saturday, when I pull out of my friend's driveway, the next chapter/adventure in the lives of Caleb and Janell will begin as we head to Baton Rouge. Wish us luck!

The Invitations Are In The Works!

This is my last week in GA and I'm getting sad. My first goal once I reached Louisiana was to get my invitations. However, after visiting with my friend Victoria, I've decided to use the guy who did her Baby Shower invitations. They were the cutest things ever and he used both sides of the card and turned the invitation into a post card.

Well, I've already submitted my order and I am now waiting on the creation Roberto at Digimon Printing will come up with. I'm so excited!!! Another task to cross off of my list.

Victory!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Things To Do List is complete(for now)! I have found my shoes and I got Spencer's ring. Even though they were not on my list, I found some awesome RED SHOES! Today was a very victorious shopping day and on top of that I got an awesome facial at Spa Serene. In the words of Ice Cube, It's Been A Good Day!

I'm Exhausted!

Greetings, wow, 2 posts in the same week! I just can't get enough rest. Since I've gotten my wedding jewelry, I've slept a lot better, but I just haven't gotten enough. Anywho, I've taken off the next 2 days to hang out with my mom and do some packing. My mom finally ignored my OCD and cleaned out all my cabinets, told me to use the same plate and dared me to use my dishwasher. Hmmmmmm... she's got a point. I'm the type of person who wants to do everything. I have a Super Girl shirt in my drawer, but it's not working anymore, I'm done! I will pack up all access and live off of 8 towels and 3 plates. LOL

Anywho, I'm heading to the spa tomorrow with my mom. Tomorrow evening consists of shopping for my shoes and I will continue to check out invitations. The Things to Do List is getting shorter, but there isn't one thing on there that says sleep. Hmph!

Happy Belated Mother's Day!

My mom is visiting and I am really enjoying her company. I think she wants to help me pack, but I suffer from OCD (at least that's what my cousin Kendra says). I have to know where everything is, my boxes are labeled and they are categorized by rooms. Is that a little off? Anywho, my tiredness has finally caught up with me. After partying with the fiance last week, my mom's visit came right behind that. I think after the non sleep/nightmarish Friday night and waking early on Sunday morning for church, my Mother's Day was a blurrrrrr.

We went to 8am service and it was wonderful. Pastor spoke on giving honor where honor is due. Everything was going fine. Our plans for the day included a few visits, passing through Walmart and then I was going to grill some steaks and boil some crablegs for dinner. However, those plans all went to hell in a handbasket as soon as I finished my breakfast from IHOP. I proceeded to put on my pajamas and I pretty much sat on the corner of my sofa all day. I literally couldn't move.

There is only one way to solve this problem and that is to go to the spa. I made an appointment today and I am looking forward to it.

The Nightmare That Changed My Attitude!

OMG! I woke up at 5am this past Saturday in a cold sweat! Why you may ask? Well, I had a dream that it was wedding day and I was no way near prepared. I've been having a real cavalier attitude towards this entire wedding process and I think my subconscious mind is warning me.

I dreamt that it was wedding day and the limo driver was driving me around town to get shoes, my hair wasn't done, my bridesmaids had on a different color, there were extra little girls in my wedding and the more I traveled around town, the dirtier my dress got.

With that being said, I have 2 major goals for this week. 1.) Get my jewelry (got that today) and 2.) get my shoes. My dress arrives next month, so I have that on point. Also, as soon as I get to Baton Rouge, I'll be getting my invitations. From now on, my mindset is focused on November 13th!

Great Finds Among Madness

Okay, since the car stopped in Atlantic Station and the weather was beautiful, I thought shopping would help me forget about the "electrically challenged" car in the parking deck below. They were having an open air market and vendors were selling their wares. I found the most "beautifulist" ankle bracelet and a trivet that transforms into a 3 dimensional piece of art. Even though the car was in a bind, I had a TREEmendous shopping day. I'll bring my mom to visit Atlantic Station when she comes for a visit. Did I mention how much I love my ankle bracelet?!?!?!?!