Weekend of birthdays

So this weekend was pretty fun but low key. We had Kaelyn's birthday party Saturday during lunch. It was very nice to see Jennifer's family and so fun to see Kaelyn open up her presents and tell everyone thank you. She is growing up so fast and is so smart! Jennifer made lots of goodies too which were delicious! Saturday night we had Cooper's birthday party, which is Brian's best friends son. His birthday party was at an indoor water park on Merle Hay. That was alot of fun and we filled up on pizza and more cake! Cooper had a blast running around with his friends and got lots of cool toys! Needless to say, Brian and I were in a food coma Saturday night!

Sunday we were too lazy to go to church (shame on us) and were pretty lazy most of the day. We took Sheila out for sushi for her birthday lunch. It was also nice to see her! I hadn't seen her in awhile. I think I saw her more when I lived in Chicago! Below are pics of the birthday kids....sorry didn't get a picture of Sheila at her birthday lunch!

Did anyone else think Bridesmaids wasn't that funny????

So last weekend after our pics, Brian and I rented Bridesmaids.  We've heard from EVERYONE how HILARIOUS it is so we couldn't wait to see it. Neither one of us laughed very much at all! I don't know if it was just because we were tired or what, but it was NOT that funny! The movie wouldn't even make my top 10....or top 20!  Are we weirdos or what? What did we miss? I mean the bride pooped in her wedding dress...that is something I see myself doing anyway! haha.

Should we watch it again?

Engagement photos-DONE!

So this weekend we had our engagement photos. We were supposed to have them last week but our photographer had a death in the family so had to reschedule them for this weekend since it was the only time that worked for all of us.  I am glad to get them done, but was bummed to miss Brittani and Brandon's wedding! It would have been nice to see everyone and celebrate their special day.

I think we got some good photos! She took a TON of pictures so we are destined to have at least 20 good pics for our guest book! Well, one would think! haha. I can't wait to see them. She sent me one this morning just for a sneak pic. See below. I will post more when I get them!

Goodbye flip flops.....until next year

So I have spent the entire morning freezing!!! My toes are so cold. The dreadful day has come, as it does every year....time to put away the flip flops.  I will miss you as I endure another harsh Iowa winter. Boo.

On a brighter note, I won't feel so guilty when I decide to spend an entire weekend laying on the couch being a bum. Oh and I am due for a new pair of uggs.... :-)

 

Look who got a haircut

Before                                        After

Isn't he cute?!

We have a DJ!

So last night we met with a DJ and are excited to say there will be music at the wedding! Which also means-bring your dancing shoes! It is my one requirement for the guests, so start practicing now if you need too!

Quick trip to Keo

So I went to Keo on Sunday for Ellen's baby shower. First, gnug had a flat tire so I drove Brian's car while he stayed home and dealt with fixing my tire. Thank you Brian! My dad is so thankful for Brian because now he doesn't have to be the one to deal with my car problems!

I suckered lunch out of my dad and Kathy, and spent a few hours catching up and gossiping with them. I hadn't seen them in awhile so it was nice to see them! I love to see my dad so happy with Kathy and so happy being semi-retired. 

Ellen's shower was nice and Ellen is so cute! It was nice to see her and catch up with some friends. Looking forward to meeting Ellen and Roger's baby in a month or so!

Starring Ashton Kutcher

Are any of you "Two and a Half Men" fans? I forgot to ask last week, what did you think of his replacement? I thought he did a really good job, but he is no Charlie Sheen. Having said that, I am an Ashton Kutcher fan (you have to be if you are from Iowa) so I will still be tuning in every week!

Skate South

We had Markus on Sunday and he wanted to go skating. Neither Brian nor I had been skating in years....probably since middle school when I got my first kiss during the moonlight skate! So yeah, it's been a hot minute! Surprisingly, Brian and I both did very well and I even remembered how to skate backwards. Impressive I know.  Below is a pic of Brian and Markus. Admittingly, we both had fun so we will have to do that activity with Markus again.  Also, Brian noticed a big screen that plays football every Sunday and he said that he would have no problem taking our future kid skating! Figures!

Bachelor Pad

Does anybody watch Bachelor Pad? I was pleased with the results, but only because I like Michael. Now don't get me wrong, Holly is cute, BUT what a crappy way for Michael to find out that her and dentist are engaged! And towards the end of the show, I got so sick of their perfect little smiles (see below).

I'm not sure if tv production or Holly and Blake were more to blame in this situation, but what a crappy way to drop the bomb on him! At least Michael walked away with $125,000!

Found THE dress!

We found THE wedding dress! Yee haw!

My mom and I went to Weddings by Design on Friday and I fell in love with two dresses. Much to my mom and I's surprise, we both fell in love with the same two dresses! They were 2 very different dresses....I would describe one as Romantic, alot of lace and beadwork and beautiful.  The other I would say is more modern, very fitting, similar to a mermaid type design. We didn't want to jump the gun so went to my Schaffer's appointment Saturday morning (yes, I missed some of the Iowa game, but not really regretting that decision) and knew immediately after trying on the first dress that there was nothing comparable to the two that we really liked at the other place. I continued to try on dresses just for the sake of doing so, and then went back to Weddings by Design and tried on the dresses again, along with the 3rd place dress (just to be sure), and there you have it! I have a dress and it's beautiful, or at least I think so! :-)

Mom is coming!

Soo my mom arrives tonight and we have a full agenda while she is here. We are doing some wedding planning stuff, but most importantly we are going dress shopping! I have an appointment at Weddings by Design and Schaffers here in Des Moines.  I like the designers at both places, and have heard really good things about both of them. I haven't tried any dresses on to date, but have an idea of what I want. I am hoping I find "the one" because I would like to get this out of the way so I can focus on other things! I am also looking forward to my mom meeting Brian. Looking forward to spending some quality time with my mom and Brian, and hopefully getting a dress! Wish me luck! Full report next week!

DeNoble Wedding/Labor Day

We had a really busy Labor Day weekend. Our friends Ryan and Laurie got married! Woo hoo! Brian was the best man and I was a personal attendant. We were very honored to be a part of their special day. They live in Phoenix and arrived Wednesday night and stayed with us. Thursday night we had a girls night, and Friday night was rehearsal and then to Prairie Meadows! We had a blast and I won the guy next to me alot of money so he gave me $70 yee haw! Plus, I bet on a horse race and won $12 so all in all a successful night at the casino. Always a PLUS!

It was nice to see our other friends at the wedding- Dave & Lindsey and Rustin & Libby and their cute kids. Sunday night Ryan & Laurie stayed with us and we played a board game and chilled. It was nice to have some quality time with them before they took off on their honeymoon! We also got to squeeze in a quick visit with my friends Ty and Kristin and snuggled their little princess, along with Tanner and Katie and their little guy. So nice to see so many friends this weekend! We've been so busy, we haven't had much time to see our friends!

Here are some pics from the weekend!

Missed deadlines eek!!

Not sure where my head is at, but I have now missed 2 deadlines at work. NOT GOOD.  I think part of it is that we are extremely busy, and the other part may be that my mind is going a million different directions! I need to whip my butt back into shape. I never miss deadlines and hate that feeling! NOT COOL. Ugh. Thank god we had a new patent attorney start on Monday! Maybe I can pass some of my work off....

What to wear????

We have our engagement pictures in less than a month and I have no idea what I should wear? Can someone give me some ideas????  I am thinking jeans and a shirt, and then a casual dress? Brian is wearing cargo shorts and polo/jeans and button down....should we match somewhat or does it matter? The next month is busy so I NEED to get this figured out!  HELP!

Jacky's wedding

Here are a few pics from the weekend.  Jacky and Mike were the two happiest people on earth Saturday. It was sooo nice to see Jacky so happy. The second pic is of my oldest niece...she is taller than me! The third is of Brian and my youngest niece. We had a very busy, but fun weekend!
                                     
        

Time flies

Today marks 1 year since I started my job in Des Moines. I can't believe it's already been a year since I moved to Des Moines! Wow.

Man, time flies when you are having fun!

Adventureland

We took Markus to Adventureland last Sunday. We promised him at the beginning of the summer that we would take him so that is what we did. We couldn't have picked a better day to go! We didn't wait longer than 15 minutes for a  ride, and the weather was perfect! I'm not really sure what has happened to me over the years, but I did not go on 1 roller coaster or upside down ride! Brian and Markus did though. Am I boring or what? What has happened to me? I did go on the Silly Silo ride, along with plenty of other fun rides. Anyway, we had alot of fun and hopefully Markus did as well!

Off to Kahoka-not sure where that is, but we will find it....

Leaving work early today to head to Kahoka, Missouri for Jacky's wedding. I am very excited for her and Mike to FINALLY get married! I think they have been together for about 13 years so it's about darn time. I think this marks the 11th time that I've been a bridesmaid or played a fairly big role in someone's wedding! Yay! Always a Bridesmaid and soon to be Bride ;-)

Hope everyone has a good weekend!

1 year!

1 year from today we will be getting married! EEK! So much to do. Panic mode is setting in....isn't it too early for that?

I think we are going to need a pre-wedding moon! Where should we go? Hope this is a FUN year!