Preston & Brittany

I woke up this morning and wasn't sure that yesterday was real. But it was! I am engaged to the most wonderful man, and we are getting married in less than a year! God is good.

We have officially started to plan the wedding together, and it has been so much fun. This Web site and figuring out how we were going to ask our attendants were the first projects we took on. It has been a blast for both of us. Sunday, I was telling Preston about all of the ideas I had for the church, the photographer, the reception, and the invitations, and he just looked at me with a sarcastic smile and said, "Wow, you did all of this in one day?" Oops, he caught me, but what girl hasn't been dreaming about her wedding for a long time?

Preston and I are both so excited about our two lives becoming one. Last night, I realized how differently men and women think about it. We were on the phone, and I was busy making cards for my bridesmaids. He was on the Internet looking at cell phone plans to see when we should combine our plans and if we could get an upgrade out of the deal. It made me smile to know that even mundane things are beautiful when it means you will soon be married to the love of your life!

Preston and I are both working full time this summer. Plus, I am taking night classes. Add wedding planning on top, and it makes for two very busy schedules. Last night, we found a moment of peace in our chaotic schedules to play the Wii. Big Brain Academy is our newest craze, and it was fun because we are both sooooo competitive! Yea for date nights :)

Just a little tid bit about the last post. We are BOTH competitive, but only one of us was VICTORIOUS!!!! 

Preston 4

Brittany 0

Tonight Preston came over to help me pack because I am moving into a new apartment (it will be our first home after we get married). I told him I wanted him to hear a song, and I played it for him. As soon as he heard it, he looked at me and smiled. "It's perfect," he said. And with that, we had our first dance picked out. But you'll have to come to the wedding to hear it!

I just moved into the new apartment, which will also be our first place once we get married. Preston has been coming over every night to help me unpack, and we have been setting up the apartment so that he will be able to move in easily. But, when we got to the closet and he saw all my shoes, he just shook his head and whispered to himself, "We're gonna need a two-bedroom apartment." So, I guess I'll have to sacrifice some closet space in a few months, but it will be worth it to make space for my favorite person!

Preston and I only have the summer together before he goes back to College Station. Whoop, yes, but that also means we are trying to get as much planning done as possible before he leaves. Our after-work routine usually consists of looking at churches, reception places or meeting with vendors, and we have been able to make a few decisions:

Photographer--check

Dress--check

If you haven't picked up on it yet, the wedding is going to be pink. I haven't decided the exact shade--I'm trying to avoid baby-shower pink and Pepto-Bismol pink--so until I do, this one's for all you Steel Magnolias fans out there!

Preston and I have had the best time reading our guestbook. We truly have the best family and friends anyone could ask for! We hope that you'll find the Web site useful, especially as we add more details about the ceremony and reception. P.S. We also take requests if you'd like to see anything else posted!

The new apartment is coming along just fine. I still have a few boxes to unpack, but it is starting to feel like home--and Jack has already found his favorite spots to perch when he is napping! The best part of the new apartment is that we are filling it with old (but lovely) things. We have a dining room table from Kevin and Lonnie, a loveseat from Brooke and Bryan, a sofa table from Mom and Dad and a washer and dryer on their way from Nonnie and Big Daddy. So thank you to our families for help making our first place a home!

After being engaged for a month, Preston and I are finally getting used to the word fiancé/fiancée. We have been boyfriend/girlfriend for so long that we actually had to practice saying the word (although Preston thinks I get plenty of practice because I try to work it into every conversation with other people). We were discussing why the word felt so awkward to say and Preston brought up a good point: you only get to use it for a few months and it's French. I have to agree. Husband and wife will be a much easier transition, but for the next few months, we have to be French. So Bonjour!

Yesterday was Father's Day, so Preston and I split the day spending time with each of our dads. When we were visiting my dad, we got on the topic of the wedding--a common occurrence lately! Preston and I were discussing some unique ideas we had for the ceremony because we want it to be a little different, and my dad (who just made it through my sister's wedding in December) said, "Hey, I have a unique idea--ELOPE!" Wouldn't that be a great Father's Day present? ;)

We're nine months from the big day, so Preston and I began looking at honeymoon destinations. Being the rebels we are, we decided to forgo a beach vacation and head to a cozy little spot in the mountains. Cold weather and a mountain-top view is just more our style. So, next March we will be curled up in front of a fireplace in South Lake Tahoe, California! We found the perfect little lodge that has private cottages for honeymooners, and we couldn't be more excited! We will have a view of the lake, and they have ice skating, snowmobiling, skiing and horse-drawn sleigh rides nearby. We get to begin our wedded bliss in a winter wonderland!

Today is not a happy day. Anyone close to us knows that we have done our fair share of long distance. Well, last night Preston got the call that he is being sent to Iowa for what potentially could be the rest of the summer. There has been some major flooding there, and his company needs him to be a part of the crew that is going to Iowa to help clean up. He leaves on Monday. Last summer, the same thing happened in Kansas and he was gone for all of July and August. Because he is going to school in College Station and I am in Lewisville, the summers are our time to be together, so this is particularly devastating news. Anyways, I guess we can put a positive spin on it by saying that he will be able to work more hours, which means more money for him to save up (but I'd rather just have him here). 

Well, today was the dreaded day. Preston and I were awake before the sun was, and I picked him up in time to get him to the airport for his puddle-jumper flight to Cedar Rapids. The drive to the airport was pleasant, but saying goodbye was not. I had to fight the temptation to cling to his pant leg, but I managed to stay in the car and hold it together (although I did linger to watch him check his bags). We are not yet certain how long he will be gone, but we are hoping he'll be back by August. I'll be counting the days, but I can think of a few things that might keep me busy!

On a lighter note, Preston and I had the most wonderful afternoon yesterday. We spent four and a half hours with our mothers and our wedding photographer taking our engagement pictures in downtown Fort Worth. Three of those hours we spent looking into each other's eyes, and the rest of the time was spent laughing at each other. Preston had his work cut out for him, though. He had to pick me up, twirl me around, dip me, whisper things in my ear and--his favorite--do spread eagle jumps above my head. As we walked from place to place to take pictures, our photographer and his assistant would take candid shots of the two of us. They actually looked like paparazzi, and with our mothers in tow, we made quite the scene. People would turn and stare as if trying to figure out "who" we were--it was so much fun! The pictures should be ready in a couple of weeks, so check back to see when we post them.

P.S. It would be remiss of me to not give our mothers credit. Despite their motherly instincts, they resisted all temptation to follow us around with hairspray, and they offered their suggestions (very good ones!) as sparingly as possible. Preston and I owe them a HUGE thank you for toting around our stuff all afternoon: We love y'all!

Okay, bear with me for one more pitiful post about Preston's parting (say that five times fast). On Monday nights, he and I usually watch Nashville Star together, but he wasn't here so I had to settle for the next best thing--a pint of ice cream. I've come to the conclusion that a nice bowl of cookies 'n' cream is like a bandaid for an aching heart, and it was comforting for me last night. But here's the thing about bandaids--they really hurt the next day when you rip them off. The same goes for a pint of ice cream. The next day--whether real or imagined--you just don't look as good in the mirror, so I've decided that ice cream will not be a proper replacement for Preston if I want to fit into my wedding dress in a few months. I guess I'll just have to fill my time--and stomach--with other things!

Preston and I have been on the road a lot in the last two months in what we affectionately call our "wedding season." We have had six weddings everywhere from Siesta Key, Florida, to Houston to Dallas, and there is one more this weekend in Nacogdoches. It has been a whirlwind of fun, and we got several ideas for our wedding! It has been a bit of a reunion for us with our college and high school friends, and we hope that we get to see them all again at our wedding. 

Now that I have a little more free time, I am working on all of the details for our wedding. My mom, Preston and I met with the wedding coordinator at The Heights church in Richardson last week, so I should be able to fill in the ceremony details soon!

Preston and I are officially on the books at The Heights Baptist Church in Richardson for March 7, 2009 at 5 p.m. We couldn't be more excited! The first time we walked into the chapel, we just knew it was perfect for us. We walked down the aisle, stood on the stage and looked out at the mahogany pews, and we've been hooked ever since. We can't wait to stand there in 8 months and say our vows!

They're here! Our photographer has put up a slideshow of engagement pictures on his Web site. Go to www.harryphoto.com/bpe to see the slideshow (turn up your speakers), and all of the pictures should be up soon on the Client Login page!

In the past, I've had to explain to Preston what shopping is to a woman by using a metaphor he can relate to: It's like hunting. You take your ammunition (debit card, etc.) and you search and search for that perfect specimen (the item you're looking for with a discounted price tag). Hunts (shopping trips) are not always successful, but then some days, you find what you're searching for and it's on clearance; you grab your ammunition, and with one swift slide through the card reader, you've made the kill.

Well, Mom and I brought home a trophy-quality purchase last week after a trip to Michael's. We went in search of flowers and came out with our bags packed. Michael's was having a 70% off sale on their flowers! Then, as if that wasn't enough, another fellow hunter couldn't find anything she wanted, so she gave us her coupon for 25% off the entire purchase whether it was on sale or not!

We loaded up on all kinds of white and pink flowers, and as our cart groaned to a halt at the cash register, the cashier asked us if we left any flowers in the store. What can I say? When you find a good deal, you've got to stock up!

Yesterday, a group of some of my favorite ladies and I went to the Dallas Bridal Show. At the entrance, they give all of the brides-to-be a special pin to wear on their shirts. Having been to a bridal show before with my sister, I realized that this has the same effect as throwing someone into a shark tank with fresh meat tied around her neck. You might as well have a target pinned on your shirt the way the vendors come at you. So I decided not to wear the pin, and it was a wonderful afternoon. We listened to string quartets, tasted cake and even had our rings cleaned for free! I saw some neat ideas for bridal party gifts, jewelry, flowers, invitations and tuxedos as well, and most of the vendors were offering great discounts. I highly recommend the bridal show for any brides-to-be out there--just don't wear the pin ;).

A quick update from Iowa. Preston has been working 16-hour days trying to clean up a cornmeal plant. He's pretty exhausted when he gets home every night, but he's done his best to have a good conversation with me before he goes to bed. He said things are going smoothly, and although they are tired, they have found some things to keep them entertained--such as flying through the mud on their four-wheelers. But the best news of all is that he is coming home August 4th--three weeks from today!!!!!!!! This is the longest we've ever gone with out seeing each other, so we can't wait!

Preston and I are so excited to announce that Bro. Draper is going to perform our ceremony. Bro. Draper was the pastor of First Baptist Church of Wylie, the church I grew up in, for several decades before he retired. He is the pastor that baptized me, and he also performed Brooke (my sister) and Bryan's wedding in December. He is a great man, and we couldn't be happier about going through pre-marital counseling with him!

Well, I've been a little busy lately, but I want to catch everyone up on what's going on with Preston and me. We have our reception place reserved. We were able to both go see it before he left for Iowa, and we absolutely love it. You can check it out at heritageranchgolf.com!

For those of you who have read my dad's post on our guestbook, which I must say brought a tear to my eye, I have to tell you about something that has me so excited! My dad has always called me his Sweetpea (even through those teenage years when I would roll my eyes in disgust), and now I cherish it more than ever. So, in honor of that, my bouquet will have a ring of sweetpeas around it, and my dad's boutonniere will have sweetpeas in it.

Special little things like that have been my favorite part of planning the wedding!

Preston will be home one week from today, and we are so excited! It will have been six weeks that he's been gone when he lands in DFW on Monday, and I think I might just tackle him in baggage claim! Anyways, our first order of business is going to see WALL-E (we love animated movies) and then going out to eat some Mexican food to celebrate our 4-year dating anniversary, which was June 30. We'll have three weeks before he heads back to College Station for school, so we are going to try and squeeze in all the fun and wedding planning we can. He's excited about registering and picking out tuxedos, so we'll probably have an update about that soon. 

Well, August sure did sneak up on us! We are now just seven months away from the wedding, and I don't know where the time has gone. I panicked when I realized the wedding was that close, but fortunately, we have been able to make the major decisions. Everything from this point on is just "the icing on the cake," as my future mother-in-law put it. First on my list is to order our save-the-date cards and pick out bridesmaid dresses. We also need to pick out Preston's ring, which we will do as soon as he gets back (in 3 days!). 

The bedroom in my parents' house that was once mine has a nice walk-in closet, which until recently was filled with old clothes, shoes, books and homecoming mums collected over the years by me and my two sisters. With the help of a garage sale, we were able to clear some of the old stuff out of the closet, and now my wedding stuff is beginning to take over. The closet--which you open at your own risk--is bulging full of flowers, vases, my wedding gown and accessories. I know Mom can't wait until the wedding's over so we can finally see the floor in there again!

But if I can get sentimental for a moment, cleaning out that closet has been symbolic of where I am in life. I had to clean out old trinkets, trophies, stuffed animals, picture frames and school projects--a little safari through my past. Each item had a special memory attached to it, and most made me smile. Then, after I had emptied the closet, I began to put new things back in--things that represent my future. This made my heart jump! Because while the past is wonderful, I couldn't be more excited about my future with Preston, and I am looking forward to the day when we have a closet of our own full of memories to go through!

I booked the final night of our honeymoon this past week at Peppermill Resort and Casino in Reno. While I was on the phone with the booking agent, I had the following conversation, and it made me laugh so much I just had to share it!

Me: My fiancé and I would like to book a room for one night of our HONEYMOON.

Booking Agent: Okay, the such and such room is a great HONEYMOON suite.

Me: That sounds great.

Booking Agent: Alright. I'm just going to need a credit card number to reserve the room.

Me: Can I give you my fiancé's card number?

Booking Agent: Sure, but is he going to be here when you check in?

Me: He better be.

Well, Preston is back. I picked him up from the airport on Monday, and we could barely contain our excitement when he walked into the baggage claim! He picked me up and spun me around and we both couldn't stop laughing. We had Monday afternoon and Tuesday together, so we saw a movie, went out to eat and even made time for a few boring things (like having his car inspected). Anyways, we were both back at work yesterday, but we spent last night going over our to-do and guest lists for the wedding. Well, this morning I got a message from him that read, "I am super-fiancé just so you know."

To give you a better idea of what was going through my head when I read it, I must digress and tell you another story. About a year ago, I was on my way to visit Preston in College Station. Halo 3 had just come out and all of his friends were going to be playing all weekend. So, I get a call from him and he says, "You're going to think I'm the best boyfriend ever when you get here!" Of course, like a typical girl, images of flowers, jewelry, etc. dance through my head. But he had something better in store. When I walked through the door of his house there it was. Yes ladies, hands off, he bought me a pink remote for his XBOX so that I could play Halo with them all weekend.

Fast forward to his message. I already knew he is wonderful, but what could he have done? Well, it turns out that he had a little free time, and he turned our guest list into a color-coded, alphabetized, categorized, calculating Excel spreadsheet! It truly is amazing. I'm just so glad that he is getting into all this wedding planning. It's so much fun when he gets into just as much as I do (although we have different ways of expressing it)!

Saturday, my sisters and I found a little time to go dress shopping, so they spent the afternoon putting on a fashion show for me. We had armfuls of dresses, and my mom showed up just in time to watch as they tried on one after another. I later found out Brooke and Blair were betting which one I would like before they came out to show us! Anyways, we thought we had it narrowed down to one, but a dress hanging in another dressing room caught my eye. Something was so familiar about it...and then it hit me: I had cut it out of a magazine and put it in my planning book. So, they both tried it on and we all just loved it! And wouldn't you know, it comes in a beautiful shade of pink!

I may not be as involved as Brittany in picking what shade of pink for the Bridesmaids Dresses, how many candles to use at the reception, or if there should be 4 or 5 pink flowers in the centerpieces for the tables.  But dang it, if you want an awesome looking, easy to use guest list, I'm your man!!

Brittany had made a Plain Jane guest list that looked good, no doubt. But I decided it could use a little more of a professional. I told her she was going to love the guest list, but before she saw what I had done to it she said,

"I bet it looks awesome. Although I cringe at the thought of someone redoing my work."

I said, "not redoing just modifying, you know like you do to any paper that I write.

Then she said, "Ha Ha. That's more than modifying."

So at that point i decided that I had to go all out and do a little more than "MODIFY" the guestlist. So I did, and the end product is awesome!!!

Well, you may have noticed that we have not posted to the blog in a week. That's because we have literally spent every night this week working on our registry. I speak for both of us when I say this has been the most challenging part of the planning process. Trying to figure out what we need and how much of it we need has proven difficult, and we haven't seen eye to eye on everything.

Preston and I had not really discussed what we wanted to register for prior to going, although Katy, one of my bridesmaids, had given me that advice. Man, I wish I would have listened because Preston and I had different ideas of what we needed, hence the title of this blog.

For example, there was the steak knife fiasco. Within the first 30 minutes of our first stop, Preston had probably asked some version of "What do we need that for?" about 10 times. When we came to the cutlery section, Preston picked out a lovely set of knives. Included in the set are eight steak knives. As with most nice cutlery sets, they are handwash only. I suggested another small set of steak knives that are dishwasher safe for when company comes over, and he--not so sweetly--asked the question again. I regret to admit that was the end of my patience, and I had to walk a few laps around the cookware section before I was ready to talk about it. He realized we were going to have to be patient and talk through things and cornered me by the waffle makers, where he apologized. I apologized too (we can't ever stay mad at each other very long), and we decided eight steak knives was plenty.

Things remained peaceful for the rest of our trip until we made it to the bakeware section. I asked him to scan a bundt cake pan, and he just looked at me. "Have you ever cooked a bundt cake?" he said. "No," I replied, "but I want to." I thought another argument might be coming, but he just laughed and shook his head as he scanned the barcode with the gun.

After that, everything else was a breeze, and we walked up to the front counter holding hands and smiling. But knowing how stubborn both of us are, if you visit us during our first year of marriage, you will no doubt be served bundt cake, and if we have steak, it won't be me washing the knives ;)

Last night, Preston and I transitioned from taking care of the most difficult part of the planning to--in his words--the easiest thing we've done: picking out the tuxedos. We went in with our fingers crossed that we would find a pink tie and vest that would match the color of the bridesmaids dresses, and we came out an hour later excited by what we had found. I won't tell you what they look like (we have to leave some things a surprise), but the guys are going to look sharp!

It was funny to watch Preston pick everything out because in the other areas where we've had to make decisions, he hasn't been quite so sure of himself. But formal wear is a totally different world. I followed in his wake as he dashed through the store, yanking ties off the rack, picking out vests, undressing mannequins and arranging all of the outfits on an empty table. I was just glad the employees didn't get in his way! I could barely keep up, but his ideas earned my stamp of approval. Now onward to more decisions!

From the beginning of our engagement, Preston and I have been blessed by family donating furniture to us to start our life together. We made our latest haul this weekend with a trek to Austin to visit my uncle Kip and aunt Katie. In exchange for babysitting the adorable Kaden (ring bearer) and Kinsleigh, we got a bed with matching nightstands and an armoire.

Preston's mom, who made the trip with us, donated a set of mattresses to go on the bed. I can't tell you how exciting it is not to have to sleep on a twin bed anymore--I sleep so sprawled out I don't know how Preston is going to fit once we get married.

Anyways, on the way to Austin, Preston and I got another taste of married life. As we pulled into Austin, I was helpfully suggesting which exits to take and where to turn, but guess what: someone didn't listen. Once he missed an exit, I pointed out the next place to make a turn around: Airport Rd, but he said he wasn't going to turn onto a street that led to the airport. I'll try to refrain from going on about men and asking--or for that matter--listening to directions. Instead, his response to my suggestions was a stern, "I got this."

Well, the result was me and his mom muffling our laughter as we took a long tour of some neighborhoods in Austin. Not only did he make a wrong turn, he refused to turn around and get back on the highway. We drove and drove through one neighborhood, and as each road dead-ended, our laughter grew more hysterical. We eventually wound our way out of the neighborhood, and Preston turned to me with a triumphant "Hmph!" then he turned and saw the street sign and his mouth dropped open: Airport Rd! Even he couldn't help but laugh! Maybe next time he'll listen--maybe.

Yes, I know it has been over two weeks since we posted to the blog. I've been told that we have a few loyal readers, so I must apologize to them. Let me catch you up on what's been going on with the wedding planning....hmmmm...absolutely nothing.

It has been back to school time for Preston and me, and I have started a new job. I have an internship with a PR and marketing agency in Addison, and I absolutely love it! I work with some amazing women, and I'm loving the work I get to do. Right now I'm working on a project for the State Fair, which led me to name this blog after Big Tex's catchphrase.

Preston has been settling in for his last semester at A&M, and by settling in I mean playing Tiger Woods 2009 on his XBOX. We miss each other tremendously, but this isn't our first long-distance rodeo. December will be here before we know it.

I'm going to get back in the saddle of posting to the blog, so you should expect more soon! Love y'all!

Preston and I have been fortunate enough to see each other every weekend this semester, and this coming weekend will be no exception. I'll be headed south to College Station while the rest of South Texas will be heading for the hills before the brunt of Hurricane Ike hits the coast. Current forecasts have the storm still qualified as a category 2 hurricane when it hits the College Station area, so we are going to stock up on food and movies and stayed cuddled up in front of the TV all weekend. The only thing I might do is cook a lasagna dinner, which his roommates requested today. Well, I guess it's the least I could do for them since they are taking in both Jack and me for the weekend!

Hi everyone! I'm so sorry that it has been so long since we posted to the blog. I shouldn't have left the last post by itself so long--it makes it look like Preston and I didn't survive the storm. Well, we did, and it was nothing more than a lot of rain and wind in College Station.

As for developments in our planning, we ordered the save-the-dates, and they have come in. Preston took them to College Station with him, and he said he and his roommates are going to have a "labeling party" to address them all. His poor roommates! I guess you have to earn your keep if you want to be in our wedding party ;)! Anyways, be looking for your save-the-date sometime next week.

Today is my 24th birthday. I get 24 hours to celebrate turning 24. I've had about 24 e-mails from friends and family wishing me a happy day. I've eaten about 24,000 calories in birthday cake and ice cream. And for 24 minutes, I seriously pondered where all the time has gone.

Wasn't it just yesterday that I was running around outside, climbing trees and rollerblading? Well, I guess time flies when you're having fun, and that's exactly what I've been doing for 24 years.

Thank you to all my friends and family who have made the past 24 years so wonderful, and Preston, thank you for making the past four years the best of them all!

This semester has been a little busy, and it has affected my ability to perform my bridely duties--such as cake tasting. So I passed on this responsibility to my mom and Preston. Preston, never being one to shy away from cake, was eager to help me out. So, last Friday they entered the world of culinary confection bliss without me. They didn't leave me out, however. I got constant reports from Preston through picture messages on my phone, and they even got samples of everything for me to taste. They had chocolate caramel turtle, amaretto raspberry, pink champagne, strawberry with buttercream and more. They were all delicious, but I'm pretty sure we had a definite favorite. Think pink ;)

Friday night, Preston finished off his day of cake tasting with some food tasting. He and I, along with his dad and step-mom and my parents, went to try out Love and War In Texas as a potential rehearsal dinner location. None of us had ever been, so we weren't sure what to expect. Well, we loved what we found! The food was great and the atmosphere was perfect. Even the restaurant name is appropriate. Well, almost. Love and War in Texas is more like it. Best of all, the restaurant is about a mile from the church. It will be a great place to get the weekend of our wedding started off right!

I, like many Americans, watched the VP debate tonight. However, as the ultimate multitasker, I was also shopping for petticoats online. So, between layers of tulle, I looked up to see Palin and Biden going at it. My political stance aside, I thought the debate was entertaining, and I'm particularly interested in the candidates' economic policies. Preston and I are just a few short months away from paying back student loans, purchasing a new vehicle and saving for a home, so we are definitely interested in money issues.

Anyways, my mom was also looking at petticoats, and I think we found a good one on ebay. Now my dress will officially be extra fluffy--just like a certain political candidate's policies ;)

I just wanted to take a second and say how much I really appreciate Brittany doing so much for this website. She asks me all the time to post a blog but my typical response is " you do such a better job writting". I can tell when she responds that that isn't the point, but it is still very true. Anyway, I don't know that much will change as far as me writing on the blog more, but I wanted to say that she really does a great job and wanted to show my appreciation for taking care of the site. I hope/know that everyone enjoys reading all that she writes.

Reading the last post brought this question to my mind. He's wonderful. Period.

Juggling grad school, a full-time internship and planning a wedding has brought me to my knees several times this semester thinking I've bitten off more than I can chew. This depressing fact hit me harder than ever today when I was thinking about my plans for Friday:

I took Friday off of work to study for a midterm I have next week as well as get my bridal portrait taken. I was thinking the hour I'll be in the salon chair would be a perfect time to study, so I was going through the class notes I needed to bring to the salon in my head. That's when it hit me. Hello? I'm going to get my bridal portraits taken! There will always be another test or project or assignment, but this is my once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take my bridal portrait. What was I thinking?

So, for the first time in my life, I don't care about grades. I care about enjoying my engagement and being the bride because--I'm told--it goes by so quickly.

Although I had originally planned to have six attendants, I am happy to announce that I'm going to have seven. One of my bridesmaids, Shannon, will be bringing a little one along for the ride. That's right, she's pregnant, and the baby is due about a month after the wedding!

My cousin Ashley, also a bridesmaid, is pregnant as well, but her baby, Brooks Michael Rentz, will be born a few weeks before the wedding.

I couldn't be more excited for both of them, and I'm officially going to call myself an aunt to both of these bundles of joy!

Friday was an absolute blast! To start the day off, I was pampered in the salon. I had my hair and makeup done by some AWESOME stylists--I just took a picture in and I came out looking like it! Well, the hair and makeup at least--I can't exactly compete with Carrie Underwood.

After my hair and makeup were done, the stylist put my veil in. Now, anytime you take a 10-foot veil into a salon it's going to get some attention, so I drew a crowd as they pieced me all together. I was a little embarassed at first, but I kinda got used to it ;)

Then it was out the door and onto the dress shop to get into my dress. That was a bit of a challenge. Trying to hold my dress while it's laced up and then slip into a petticoat and finally balance on one foot while they put my shoes on me was quite an ordeal. But it was so worth it to see it all come together! When I stood in front of the mirror, I wanted nothing more than to walk down the aisle to Preston--just 130 more days!

After I was dressed, it took my mom and one of the dress shop ladies to stuff--and I mean stuff--me into the front seat of the car. I actually had to hold my dress down so my mom could see out her side view mirror. We definitely turned some heads driving to the arboretum.

Once we got there, our photographer was waiting and we spent a lovely afternoon taking pictures. The weather was absolutely beautiful--not one cloud in the sky--and there wasn't too much of a crowd. But the most fun I had was seeing the reaction of the children who were there. They would run after me and say things like, "Look, Mom, a bride!" or "She just got married!" It was so sweet to see how excited they got at the sight of me! I highly recommend putting on a wedding dress and walking around the arboretum if you ever want to feel like a celebrity ;)

Anyways, the pictures will be ready in a couple of weeks, but unfortunately, I will not be posting them here or on the photographer's Web site. You'll have to wait to see the real thing in four months!

Well, there's nothing big to report right now, hence my long absence from the blog, but we have been able to get a few small things accomplished:

1. Put a down payment on the cake.

2. Secured a string quartet.

3. Bridesmaids have started ordering dresses.

4. Getting the bustle put in my gown today.

Now I know giving you a checklist isn't my usual style, but that's how life is for Preston and me right now: one checklist after another of things that we have to take care of individually and together. We're ready for the dust to settle so that we can just relax, and we both can't wait until March 8, 2009, when our to-do list has one entry:

1. Nothing.

I was reminded tonight while watching the CMA awards show of something that happened a few weeks ago, and I thought I'd share it with all of you. 

I was visiting Preston in College Station, and his roommates decided they wanted to go out to eat. They told me to go get ready. Little did they know that that meant I would take a shower, blow dry my hair, do my makeup and have to pick out an outfit. About 20 minutes into my routine, I heard the stereo come on and Brad Paisley's Waitin' On A Woman was blasting throughout the house.

I got his not-so-subtle message, and I saw the smug look on his face when I stepped out of the bathroom. So I went back to getting ready and waited until the song was over. Then I gave him my sweetest smile and said, "You know the whole point of that song is that a woman's worth the wait!"

The bridal portraits arrived yesterday and it has been so much fun to go through and look at them. Our photographer really did a good job! The only bad part about it is that Preston can't see them, and he's the person I want to see them the most. Well, just 113 days and he'll see the real thing...

Recently, Preston and I have had to fill out documents for one reason or another, and we've both paused at the "emergency contact" section, or as Preston calls it, the I.C.E. section. Up until this point in our lives, it always has been a parent's name that we put in that blank. But now, without having discussed it, we've both started putting each other's name in that blank. We both thought it was kinda neat. It's just a small thing, but it shows how we two are becoming one.

Well, we've run into our first hiccup with the registry. We knew we were taking our chances by registering more than six months from the date, but we needed to get it out of the way while we were still in the same place. Unfortunately, some items have been discontinued since then. We've purchased a few napkins and a set of plates here and there, but now all of our bedding is on clearance. At first we were disappointed, but it is actually a fortunate turn. All of our bedding is 50 percent off! We are going to try and purchase it all as soon as possible, instead of looking for new bedding, because we really like it. Plus, y'all read what happened the first time we tried to agree on registry items...

Turkey day has come and gone, and we hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. For the family members we were able to see, Preston and I enjoyed spending time with you all! Preston and I have a lot to be thankful for this year, and we were glad to take the time to thank God for all He has done in our lives this past year.

Now it's on to December...

Preston and I have a lot going on these next few weeks. We will both have finals and research projects to finish up, but in two weeks I will be finished with grad school and Preston will graduate from Texas A&M! Then comes the exciting part: Preston will move back up to Coppell, and we'll never live further than 5 minutes apart for the rest of our lives!!

We will both start full time jobs in the next few weeks as well. When Preston starts his new job, he will also be getting a new vehicle, so we have lots of changes coming up before January gets here!

We also are looking forward to celebrating Christmas together. We are going to trim the tree and put up all the decorations in my apartment tomorrow together. We are starting our own Christmas traditions as we prepare to become a family, and I am so excited! Preston is excited, too, but for a different reason. He said he "just likes to see me happy."

We are officially under 100 days until the wedding, and I don't know why but two digits sent me into a panic. Yes, we've been able to get so much done, but there is still so much to do. 98 days doesn't seem like nearly enough time to get it all done, but I'm thinking with school being finished Preston and I will have A LOT more time to focus on the wedding.

One of the things we will be doing is going through counseling with Bro. Draper. I'm predicting some funny stories will come out of that ;)

I also have to pick a DJ, pick a florist, order flower girl dresses, find attendants' gifts, choose ceremony music and about a thousand other small things. We'll keep you updated on how it goes...

Mom has been itching to get a few more things out of the way, and I have to admit I haven't been much help. But last night we found some time and looked at flowers together online. What did people do before the Internet?!

We found some beautiful bouquets and boutonnieres, and I gave her an idea of what I had in mind. Being a florist herself, mom was great at visualizing what I was thinking, and she took these ideas with her to a florist meeting this afternoon. She has a few more "interviews," and then I will meet her final selection for a florist. I hate to brag, but with my mom in charge of flowers, they're gonna be gorgeous!

Dear Family and Friends,

Preston and I are sitting here writing this blog together. We wanted to thank you all for being there for us this week as we've been recovering from a serious car accident. 

You see, last Sunday was the scariest thing Preston and I have ever been through (although I think it was scarier for him), and we couldn't have made it through without you all.

Fortunately, we were in Preston's new truck, so we were kept safer, but unfortunately, the truck was totaled. I received a concussion from the accident and did A LOT of sleeping last week. I felt like I was in that movie "While You Were Sleeping" because when I woke up, it was to a whole new world. While I was recovering last week:

• Preston graduated from Texas A&M (Whoop!)
• He moved back to Dallas
• He started his new job
• And grad school ended for me

We've had a lot of changes in one week, and we are so fortunate how everything has turned out. God was really watching over us, and he has given us wonderful family and friends to help us get through anything we'll ever encounter. We love you!

Love,

Preston and Brittany

Well, Preston and I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We sure enjoyed some time off to rest and still do a little recovering from the accident. We also had time to reflect on what we had experienced in 2008.

To sum it up, we got engaged, graduated and started full time jobs. Those are some major life changes, and we are looking forward to those that we will experience in 2009. We hope that you are all optimistically looking forward to what 2009 will bring as well!!

Now that the holidays are over, I have hit the wedding planning at full speed. Preston and I put a huge wall calendar up in my bedroom, and I have color coded everything we have left to do.

Our to-do list includes making A LOT of phone calls that I squeeze in on my lunch break and my daily commute. Thanks to Blue Tooth, I am able to plan this wedding from the comfort of the driver seat of my car, which is appropriate as we race to the finish!

Now that Preston and I have new jobs, we have been fortunate enough to be able to replace a few of our possessions that were on their last leg. One of the things we were not sad to say goodbye to was the mattress I've been sleeping on for the past few months. While I was thankful to have it, it would try to swallow me every night, as I would wake up trying to fight my way out of the middle.

So, we bought a new one, and it was delivered on Friday. Preston is a little jealous because I get to sleep on it, but March will be here soon enough! The new mattress is absolutely wonderful and unbelievably tall. I literally have to climb up into it, so it is the perfect height for Preston.

The other purchase we made was a new laptop for me. I'm actually writing this post on it! Once again, I was thankful to have my old laptop, but it was time to have something that didn't freeze up if I tried to run Word and PowerPoint at the same time. My new laptop is a screaming machine (thanks to Preston), and I couldn't be more appreciative of it! Now I really have no excuse not to be blogging every day!

Anyone who's seen The Sandlot will remember the scene where all of the boys have a campout in the tree house. They are making s'mores (you're killing me Smalls!) when Squints begins to tell the story of how The Beast came into being. He finishes the story with a dramatic for-ev-er!

Well, Preston and I are fans of the movie, so when we came across a pair of bride and groom t-shirts, we had to order them. His shirt is blue and mine is pink, and both of them have a picture of Squints on the front with the word FOR-EV-ER in all caps. On the back of Preston's shirt is the number 3, while my shirt has a 7. Get it? March 7 is our wedding date!

We can't wait for the shirts to come in. We'll probably wear them on our honeymoon.

It's in the paper!

http://www.wylienews.com/articles/templates/occasions.asp?articleid=336&zoneid=16

Last night, Preston and I picked out his ring. It was a much easier task than picking out my ring--once Preston sets his mind on something,it's made up! We looked at several different metals, but we decided on Tungsten. It is apparently an unscratchable metal, so it can keep up with everything Preston will surely put it through. The metal is so tough that if he ever needs a different size, he has to order a whole new ring! It should be here in a couple of weeks, and I can't wait to put it on his finger...

For Christmas, my mom gave Preston and me dance lessons, which we signed up for last night. We are getting four private dance lessons, so we can brush up on our moves before the wedding. We are hoping to have some new moves for the dance floor, and hopefully most of you will be out there with us!

Preston and I have finally found a wedding singer! She is a wonderful girl who was in Aggie Sisters for Christ with me, and she has an amazing voice! I'm glad she agreed because I was beginning to think I would have to hire someone like Adam Sandler to bellow, "Love Stinks," but she came to the rescue! I can't wait to hear her beautiful voice at the ceremony.

Check out our photo page to see what they look like...

I recommend bridalpartytees.com.

We have an exciting announcement (or at least we're excited about it): Preston and I are going to keep a newlywed blog after we get married so that family and friends can keep up with what's going on in our life. We read a few blogs of our family and friends on a regular basis, so we thought it would be fun!

Here's the problem: We can't decide on a name for the blog. We want something cute with Mullen in it, so we've decided to have a contest. All of you are invited to submit any ideas you may have for the title of our blog on the guestbook, and we will pick a winner after we get back from our honeymoon. If a little friendly competition is right up your alley, put your thinking cap on and see what you come up with!

P.S. The blogs we read are: bandbfoster.wordpress.com, thelinkhome.blogspot.com and caseyintacoma.blogspot.com.

Today was a whirlwind. Mom, Preston and I started the day with a meeting with our coordinator at Heritage Ranch. We went over the menu and all of the details for the big day. I think the reception is going to be quite the shindig!

We went straight from the meeting to try on my dress after having the bustle put in. The seamstress had to train my mom on how to work the three sets of loops and ribbons as well as five hooks--it's quite an intricate bustle. It was so fun having my dress on again, and I can't wait until Preston gets to see me in it.

THEN came the exciting part...

We rushed to Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas because my cousin and bridesmaid Ashley gave birth to her son, Brooks Michael Rentz, at 4:47 p.m. He is a beautiful healthy boy weighing in at 8 lbs. 3 oz. and measuring 20.5 inches tall. Ashley already has a little outfit for him to wear to the wedding, so be looking for a precious baby boy being passed from lap to lap at the wedding!

Preston and I met with our DJ last night, and we absolutely loved him! He is going to do a great job, and he really listened to our view of how we see the evening unfolding. We were prepared with a song list of what we'd like to hear played, but we are also taking suggestions. If there's anything you just MUST hear, post it to the guestbook, but here are the grounds for automatic disqualification:

Posting any of the following songs:

1. The Chicken Dance

2. Hokey Pokey

3. Macarena

4. YMCA

No explanation is needed for why these disqualify any other suggestion you might make ;).

After we met with the DJ, we ate at Pei Wei, our favorite Asian diner. After the meal, we both opened our fortune cookies, and we laughed at mine. It said, "Don't be afraid to take that big step." Neither of us is afraid, but we know we are definitely about to take a big step!

Recently, I was watching 27 Dresses, one of my favorite chick flicks, when it came to the scene where the two main characters reveal their favorite part of a wedding. When the bride makes her entrance, both characters admit to turning to see the look on the groom's face because it's priceless.

Well, that's my favorite part, too. I particularly remember when my aunt Diane, mother of Jenna and Alex, walked down the aisle. Uncle Thomas couldn't contain himself she was so beautiful!

So, with that moment quickly approaching for me, I asked Preston if he thinks he'll cry when he sees me. He just shrugged his shoulders and said, "probably not." I didn't take it badly--that's just Preston. He did say, though, that he would probably have a huge, goofy smile on his face, which is fine with me, because I fell in love with those dimples!

We've added info for out-of-towners and a page for polls. Give it a whirl!

Well, the final whirlwind before the big day has begun. I have wonderful friends and family that have all wanted to do something for Preston and me, and it has resulted in four back-to-back-to-back-to-back Saturday showers, followed by my bachelorette party. This leaves only the weekend before the wedding open, which will hopefully be a nice time of relaxation.

So far, two of the showers have taken place. One in College Station (thank you Shannon) and one in Wylie (thank you Pam, Katy, Dondi and Beverly). These hostesses all did a beautiful job, and I have had a blast opening gifts! Who ever thought I could get so excited over a sauce pan?

Oh, and I got the infamous steak knives. Preston already knows he's in charge of washing.

The downside (if it can even be called that) to getting all of these gifts is that I have no where to put them in my tiny apartment. For right now, they are all stacked at the extra bedroom in my parents' house, and I'm just dying to move so I can use them all!

I know we had written before that the apartment I am in now would be our love nest after we got married, but plans have changed. We officially decided that there was no way the two of us and all of our stuff would fit, so we have begun looking for new apartments. We are actually going to look this weekend, and hopefully we'll have some luck!

Well, Preston and I have decided to go through with it, so we sent the invitations out ;). They should be arriving soon, so be looking for them (the envelope is a shiny pearl color). I had a printer friend who custom-made them for us, and of course, I squeezed a touch of pink in them!

Anyone who has planned a wedding knows how stressful that last month can be. Well, Preston and I (and our parents) are knee-deep in the craziness. We use our lunch breaks to pick up dresses, pay for cakes, call the DJ and a million other things. Then, our evenings always evolve into another planning session.

Last night I had the rare opportunity to cook dinner for the both of us. As we sat perched on our stools at the dinner table, our eyes met. Neither of us said one word, but we were both thinking the same thing: I can't wait to be bored! Boredom may sound like a bad thing, but the idea of sitting with nothing to do sounds absolutely wonderful!

We sat there thinking about it for about five minutes (that's all we had) then it was onto picking out music for the reception.

Oh well, 25 days and our wish will come true!

Last night, Preston and I finished our counseling with our pastor. We have really enjoyed getting to talk with him about all aspects of our relationship and the importance of the commitment we are about to make. As part of the counseling, we had to take a relationship inventory to see if we are ready for marriage. It was 115 questions long, and we took it in separate rooms on our first night of counseling.

The second and third times we got together, we discussed our answers. We were right on in most of our answers, but there were two questions that raised concern with Bro. Draper. To the question, "My partner is...," we had both responded "strong-willed." To the question, "I am...," we both responded "strong-willed."

You see his need for concern. But with each other, Preston and I tend to be very compromising and let each other have a turn to be the strong-willed one. He liked the word compromise, and so do we.

Because Bro. Draper has watched me grow up, one of his ulterior motives during the counseling process besides evaluating our compatibility is to check and see if Preston passes muster. Well, it came as no surprise to me when Bro. Draper told me last night that he was impressed with Preston. He even went beyond that and said I had found a jewel. I just smiled knowingly and winked at Preston who then said, "It's about time someone told her how good she's got it. I'm so used to hearing how well I did!"

Strong-willed as ever.

There was barely room in the car for Preston, me and his head when we left dance lessons tonight. He thought he would go all "dancing with the stars" on me as we were learning some new spins and twirls tonight, breaking a few of the instructors rules. Just as I was getting on to him, begging him to follow the instructions until we got home, the instructor walks up and says, "Do that again!"

Then, she stops the ENTIRE class and makes them watch us, saying she likes our version of it.  We had to teach the class how to do Preston's version of the spin! Preston had to pry my jaw off the floor as he gave me a cocky little smile. I guess breaking the rules isn't always a bad thing!

I have a great story for you today! So, we've all heard the poem: Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. But what people usually forget is the last line--A silver sixpence in her shoe.

The "something old" represents the bride's heritage. My "something old" is going to be the hankerchief my grandmother made for my mother to carry in her wedding, and it is the same handkerchief Bro. Draper held over my mouth when I was baptized (Bro. Draper is our pastor for the wedding as well).

The "something new" shows that the bride is looking forward to her future. My "something new" is my dress, which I am so excited about wearing, and I can't wait for my future husband to see it too!

The "something borrowed" is meant to come from a happily married friend or relative with the hope that her good luck and happiness will rub off on the bride. My "something borrowed" are the shoes that both my cousin Ashley and my sister Brooke wore in their weddings last year. I couldn't think of two better women to literally walk in the footsteps of!

The "something blue" represents purity. On our first dating anniversary, Preston gave me a blue topaz ring to wear on my left finger as a promise that we would one day be married and that we'd wait until marriage. Well, 3.5 years later, that day is about to be here, and that ring will be tied to my bouquet as I walk down the aisle.

Okay, so here's where the story gets REALLY good. I didn't even consider having a sixpence, which represents financial security and prosperity, in my shoe. In fact, I was planning on using a dime for, as my Nonnie puts it, inflation. But my Big Daddy didn't think that would do.

He asked a business associate of his, who lives in England, to see if he could find one for me. Unfortunately, the coins have been out of circulation for quite some time. But there was one last idea...

His business associate had a friend whose husband works at THE Bank of England and gave her a call. Her husband knew of a vault in the bank that keeps old, uncirculated coins--kind of like a coin museum--and he slipped in one day at work and found a whole stack of sixpence.

To make a long story short, I have an actual British sixpence on its way to me, and I will have that in my shoe on our wedding day! How awesome is that?!

So, any Aggie knows how the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band is introduced at every halftime. Well, Preston and I are showing our true colors by having the DJ give us a very special introduction at the reception. I think it will be a fun entrance!

On the same note, my future mother-in-law made me two beautiful garters in what other colors than maroon and white! The garter I'm keeping even has a little A&M charm on it. She did an amazing job, and I couldn't think of a better way to show my Aggie spirit!!!!

Preston and I have been counting down to the big day throughout our engagement, and it seems incredibly surreal that we are only 4 days away. We have caught ourselves just staring at each other this past week thinking, "When did the past 4.5 years go by so quickly?" We've been dreaming about this day for so long, and now there is no longer one more month, one more week or one more weekend. This Saturday we'll be husband and wife! Wow.

That's all for here, but if you go to pandbmullen.wordpress.com you can continue you to follow our blog!

Love you Guys!!!

Preston & Brittany Mullen