It's Our Anniversary

Well... we made it another year! Four years married and nine years together. Love you hun!

If you wanna flash back to that day head back a few posts...

Two and Seven years ago...

So two years ago Jerome and I tied the knot... yep... it's our 2nd Anniversary and seven years ago we started dating. We went out to Chatterbox Pub to celebrate. I love love love Chatterbox after being introduced to it by my TCBlockhead gals. I even made Jerome stop there once to drop off my camera! He was game for trying something new... I should have thought twice.

We had the best artichoke and spinach dip as an appetizer... I hoped that the good vibes would stay with us through dinner... we should have played connect four! I ordered a beer... and got the wrong one... I meant to get the light ale and got the dark... bahhhhhhhhhh :( Jerome thought it was good though and drank it right on up.

I had the build your own Mac and Cheese... which I loved the first time... the second time... eh... it was good. I should have got the Chicken Fingers which I was debating on. Jerome was brand new to the menu and went for the meatloaf. I questioned it... but I know he likes meatloaf and I'll never make it until Mom #2 Karen gives me her recipe. Anyways... he hated it. He hated the meatloaf, the potatoes and ate his broccoli covered with cheese in disgust. Yeah... it wasn't a good meal for him.

We left... started up the car and my check engine light came on. Ughhhh seriously? So... now what. We head home and Jerome says he will look at it tomorrow. We popped in a movie but it didn't work. Then we popped in a different movie that worked until about 3/4 of the movie and then started skipping so bad that we couldn't bare to watch it... off to the basement we went to watch it on the computer.

On the up side, Jerome had 12 beautiful roses delivered to me at work... I hope this year is like the roses and not our meal or movies! Love you baby :)

It's official...

I'm a T.

I slacked on getting my name changed on my social security card until my job sent me an email saying that my name (KT) didn't match my number (under my KB name)... so... the other week I went to the Social Security office and brought all my documentation with me so they could change it to my married name.

It took no time... and I received my new card... with my new name just the other day. It's official now.

Happy Holidays...

So last Thursday Jerome and I had the cutest little company. Tink came to our house for the night while her momma went on a date. It was fun to play with her all night long, we even did a little photo shoot. She slept like a log till about 3:30am. She woke up kicking in the bassinet. Jerome brought her into bed and she fell right back to sleep till about 7am.

Her mom, JST, called at about 8:3o am the next day - Friday morning. I guess Jerome told her that we would bring Tink back to her at 8am. Needless to say Momma was missing her baby :) She and PST came to our house to pick her up instead of waiting for us to finish breakfast and get dressed and then drive over that way.

Once they left Jerome and I drove to Minneapolis. I know, I know... I'm naughty. I should have done this a long long time ago... like a year and half ago... we finally went to get my social security card/number updated with my married name. Jeesh. We did some other running around and then headed for home.

Saturday I made a turkey and all the fixings. Mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, macaroni and cheese and green beans. PST came over to chow down on it with us. We watched Rush Hour 3 (yeah... shhhh!) and a few other movies. She left to pick up JST and Tink and headed to their mom's house for the night.

Sunday the girls (PST, JST, Tink) came over to open their Christmas presents. They got some pretty practical items for the most part and then some slippers with some sparkles on them. We hung out and had chicken and pizza for dinner... ends up the roads got kinda bad so they stayed the night! It was pretty fun. We watched movie after movie after movie.

Monday, Christmas Eve, the girls left in too big of a rush forgetting a few items. Jerome called but ended up taking the stuff over to them. After he returned we took a short nap and then got up and got ready to pick Anna up from work. We hung out with her and her family eating some tasty ham! We headed for home and Jerome managed to fall asleep on the couch within about 15 minuets. I've sent him off to bed and then jumped online to see that no one in my Yahoo Messenger group was online.

A year ago this weekend...

A year ago I met you at the end of the aisle. I kissed you in front of family and friends. A year ago you pulled me back about three times for just one more kiss before we could walk up the aisle as husband and wife. We danced the night away.

Happy 1st Anniversary Baby :)

Love You.

Awwww Sad :(

So with our power going out on Saturday morning I reached down deep into the deep freezer to pull each and every item out. One item was the top of our wedding cake. It was a week early than I needed for it to come out and defrost.

Well I took a look at it last night. IT'S MOLDY! ICK!

I again took pictures, but since the computer is down and a new one not yet in sight I can't load them up. I will once I can.

Super Stars, Finally?!?!?

I finally got our wedding announcement/anniversary announcement out the door today.

So, check out the Appleton Post Crescent next weekend (August 19th) to see a special insert of yours truly :)

To find where it is, go under "other top stories" and click on RECORDS, a new page will appear and then click on Special Moments. A PDF will pop up or go further down on the page where is says: "This week's Special Moments will automatically download in a moment. If it does not, please click here."

A quick Sconnie Trip

Friday night we set the alarm clock to wake us up around 4:45 am. Yes, that's right on a SATURDAY! Jerome woke up some time around 4 am and started his shower. Once he was ready he woke up the bear, I mean me, and tossed me in the shower. We were headed to Sconnie for the day/night mainly to pick up our wedding photo album.

We left around 5 am and saw the sun starting to rise - that's the first time in a long time for me. And it was such a red sky that got me thinking of Dad's old sailor saying... red sky at night sailors delight, red sky in morn sailors be warned.



We stopped for breakfast at McDonald's after I woke up from my sleep and also to fill up the tank. We were back on our way and made it to my parents house around 9 am.

Once we were there I immediately went into the photos. Ughhhhh! There was no picture of us with Anna, there was the black and white photo of Jerome that turned out way grainy, there was one of me and my family that when blown up didn't fit that framing of the page thus white strips around the photo - ummm no... fake the wall and carpet or crop it different! Not to mention all of the ones that were out of focus! And then our large wall photo had totally different coloring from the same photo that was in our book. What the heck?

I will say it again, never do business with Together Photography. Their customer service sucks. Their contract is worded funny, and they chose to pick out our photos - even the blurry ones! Ugh.

So, I took the book and Jerome and I headed down to their shop. Of course, no one was there because it's a Saturday and they are out taking awful pictures of someones wedding. So I called my mom to have her look up the phone number for their New London location, perhaps someone would be there. Nope, that number isn't listed. Grrrr. So I called the owner at her home - but she didn't answer either. I left a message at their location in town saying I wasn't please with my photos and that I am only in town today and tomorrow, that someone should contact me asap.

With that said and done we left and went to The Monty Crew's house for lunch. We had planned to BBQ for lunch, but before that Jerome and Andy were going to build some shelving units for Delaney and Maddee's room while Trisha and I were going to head off to Target for some baby food that was 2 cents a jar.

On our way there though, my phone rang. It was Jerome's daughter JST who is due in September with Jerome's first grand baby. She was having some tightening and she thought contractions. Oh boy. Ends up it was nothing out of the ordinary and the baby is still inside for the time being!

Trisha, Baby M and Baby D and I left for Target. Funny thing happened... we ran into my sister P, brother-in-law J and their kids MJM and GWM. Too funny. They were off to buy glue sticks for MJM's first school year in kindergarten. We split ways and headed to the baby section.

I asked Trisha what Delaney needed, since you know, she's already got three kids! Apparently crib sheets are in order. Can do. Next. ;)

We headed to baby food land and stocked the cart. We headed for the check out and the cashier flicked her light on and called a manager over. Apparently Target's coupon won't work at her Target... how annoying. We even spoke with a manager who said that "corporate" sent out a statement that said to limit people to two coupons... COME ON! Needless to say, I'll be trying at my Target here in the cities.

When we got back the guys were wrapping up the shelving unit and we started the food. It was delish! My compliments to the chefs :) We hung out for a bit longer as I got my baby fix knowing the next time I see Baby D he won't like me, but then again there will be a new Baby D that will "hafta" like me!

We headed home and ate dinner with the family. Mashed potatoes, caramel carrots, beef roast... YUM! Then it was time for cards. PJM, mom and I played 500 solitaire. Mom ended up in first place, I got 2nd and PJM... well she lost. And then PJM and I played 100 solitaire and I won. Yippy!

We woke up the next morning and took showers. We came downstairs and said that the clock in the bedroom doesn't keep time... since it was 11am and the clock said 9am! Jeeze! We had breakfast and then hopped in the car for home. We planned to take the long way home so that we could stop at our favorite cheese factory - too bad they aren't open on SUNDAYS :( Grrrr.

So we kept heading the long way instead of turning around. We went through Green Bay when Jerome said something about taking a picture of Lambeau field. Why taking a moving picture, instead we went and actually went inside. It was first trip inside the stadium... you could totally feel the love. We hopped back in the car and were on our way when someone stated that he should have found the bathroom before leaving. So we made a pit stop for an ice cream cone and potty break at the McDonald's down the street from the stadium - it was even decked out in Packer attire!

We drove home and ended up stopping at our other cheese factory stop for some curds and a brick of cheese - and gas and switching of drivers. Once we were in the cities we stopped for dinner. We unpacked the car after and then Jerome left to see how JST was doing. All is good as far as we know now.

Weekend in review

Friday night I was invited to a purse party... and you know me... I had to go! On my way there I met up with Lisa for a brief exchange and went on my way. The party was at a Pampered Chef consultant from my cluster's house. I haven't seen her, or her sweet little one since my director had a holiday party at her house - two Christmas's ago! It was good to see and catch up with her.

Saturday morning Jerome and I awoke and started picking up the house. My sister and her two kids were on their way back home after visiting with mom and dad and heading for Chicago for the weekend for a wedding. The had a layover at the airport here and we weren't sure if we were going to be heading out for lunch or making it at our house... so... of course we picked up a little. Ends up that we headed to AppleBee's for lunch.

I had the Aloha Burger. YUM-O! I totally have a thing for pineapple. I love it. Especially since going to Cancun, Mexico and having fresh pineapple every morning. Jerome had a Chicken Strip platter, Tammy had some sort of salad and the kids... well of course had hamburgers and chicken fingers!

AKT, my niece and godchild, (and the flower girl that didn't make it down the isle at our wedding) managed to drop her bottle of beer on the floor which happens... no biggie but of course she cried. Poor girl. She's getting so big!

ALT, my oldest niece, was a barrel of fun! She sat next to me which was nice, I was able to poke and tickle her while we waited for our food to come. Jerome had the camera and took plenty of pictures I would guess, but I don't think I looked at them!

The bill came and we left. I was taking them back to the airport. Stupid me, instead of getting on Hwy 5 to the airport didn't get off the ramp and ended up taking them on 494. I hope they weren't too late. I didn't get a call so I assume they made their flight. SORRY AGAIN!

Once I left the airport and returned home I jumped in bed for a quick nap as we were going to a party Saturday night. Last weekend at the birthday BBQ at Lisa's house we were invited to E's house for his birthday bash. Lisa gave me the heads up that it could be an all nighter - aka leave at 6am kind of party... thus the nap Saturday afternoon. We had a good time at E's and even watched an HBO boxing fight on the the projection screen that was attached to the back of his house... I wish I had taken a picture!

Sunday we woke up and headed out for breakfast. I had been craving pancakes. Yes, pancakes. I wanted Denny's fluffy pancakes. Scary I know. So off we went, plus we had a $5 off coupon for there!

After breakfast we went home and were gathering items to go to Anna's house. She had purchased at mirror from our garage sale that she needed hanging but didn't have a stud finder. So I took Jerome, ha ha ha... (stud finder). No really, we went and hung up the mirror in her kitchen/dining room.

Once that was finished we headed to Lisa and Rod's to pick up the battery charger for the car (the bucket). Apparently there is something going on with the battery of my old car... I don't know I don't drive it but Jerome does. I headed in for a quick nap while dozing off to the TV while Jerome was outside.

We did end up slapping some paint on the wall Sunday night to see if we liked the color... I have a feeling I'll be painting the rest tonight... I like!

That's about it. C-ya later!

A long weekend... finally!

So Jerome and I took off of work on Friday so that we could meet with our photographer back in "Sconnie". We left Thursday night and rolled into town around 9 or so.

Friday we met with that "fantastic" photographer... ughhh. Needless to say, it was irritating being there. I have the feeling that my tiny home town will soon have a life size mirrol of my husband on the walls of the local photography place just because he's not pasty white. Yup I said it. I also think that the reason why the lady is so short with us is because she really doesn't like the "idear" of us being married... me being of the pasty white variety. I also think that the actual photographer that we had was "building her portfolio" with Jerome's family... thus why we only had two pictures of our groomsmen with Jerome. Yup... I said it.... and I won't take it back unless I'm proven wrong.... but she was defiantly building her portfolio.... there is no way to deny that one.

After that we hung out at my Mom and Dad's and then headed over to The Monty Crews place. We were just in time to catch a glimpse of Mads... what a cutie pie. And of course Miles was trailing behind his Momma... I went inside to find little Dawson upset because everyone had left him. I picked him up and thought back to the last time I held him... met him. He was a "fresh, new baby"... only about a week or two old when The Monty's came to visit us and head to a concert while Jerome and I babysat the kidlets. He's so big!

While we were there Susha asked if I would be Delaney's "fairy godmother"... I mean God Mother. Of course I said yes and will try my best to fulfill my required duties of being at as many events as I can.... wooohooo... God Baby # 3!!!!

Momma Monty (Trisha) and Papa Monty (Andy) along with Miles and Dawson went with Jerome and I to take in some wings at The Bar. It was Double Bubble so there was some great Margaritas for Jerome and I. Then we headed to a cute little coffee shop where a friend of the Monty's had a gig. We ended up back at their house and watched a movie and then left out.

Saturday we hung around Mom and Dad's and visited with my sister and her family. That night Mom, PJM and I played a fun game of Triple Solitaire while Jerome watched some crazy shows... maybe they weren't crazy but the sounds of them sure were since we couldn't take our eyes off the board in fear of loosing!

Sunday we headed back home. It was nice to be back home. I worked in the garage a bit to get ready for the garage sale that is quickly approaching. I priced some stuff... and still have two or three boxes yet to price that is out in the garage. We were planning on seeing Pirates while we were out of town and didn't get around to doing that.

Monday we went to Anna's for a BBQ in the afternoon. We decided we would go see Pirates for a matinee and left. I asked Jerome if he thought JST would like to go and he thought she may. We headed over to see if she wanted to go... but then our plans were changed when she stepped out of the door. Oh what a belly she is getting! We had to take her to buy some clothes that would cover her expanding baby belly... so still no pirates. We headed home and thought about what we would do for dinner.

Lisa called me and asked if we wanted to come over for a BBQ that she and her soon to be hubby (in 4 count them 4 days) we starting. But of course! The only thing was that I had to work on Tuesday as did she. We ended up not leaving their house until way past my bed time for a "school" night. Boy was I tired this morning.... so tired that I had to crawl my butt back into bed for two more hours before heading to work after I sent an email to my co-workers. Ugh.

This week I've got a few things that I need to accomplish:

• I need to get my "bridal emergency bag" together... you know all the possible things that could go wrong which hopefully never do on the wedding day... nail polish, sewing kit, band aids, etc etc since Lisa and Rod's wedding is this weekend.
• Write my Matron of Honor toast... yep... just like when I had a report due for school... waiting till the very last minuet!
• Pedicure with my Hubby on Friday
• Get Jerome's suit all set once he finds all the pieces
• Get all of my items ready for the wedding

Whew! Thank goodness I'm off on Friday and can put some of these things off until then.

Woooooo Hoooooo!

Just for Tammy!

You're Part Diva

You know that a girl's gotta work it to get her way in the world.And while you aren't about to throw a tantrum at every turn...You do amp up the drama when you know you need it.You mix charm, honesty, and kindness to get ahead.

Are You a Diva?

It's a sad... sad day...

I did a search today and noticed that both of our registries are no longer up on the sites. Guess it's official... the wedding is over.

Now for the honeymoon... ONLY FOUR MORE DAYS AWAY!

My Nightmare Wedding

So my sister Tammy sends me an email today telling me about "My Nightmare Wedding". Which I found myself thinking, I don't really need to "embellish" my stories at all. I've got everything documented right here.

So I did it... I sent an email to them about my wedding. Now I doubt they would pick me since I'm in the Twin Cities, but I bet I get talked about!!!! Here's a few links to parts that I put in my email to them in case you may have forgotten how much of a nightmare my wedding was:

• Jerome's Ring
• Labels
• Invitations - which is where I told them about how I sealed all the envelopes and then realized I didn't stamp the RSVP return envelope!
• Address Labels
• Issues of the Dress 101
• Hard drive
• Dress Fitting
• Hotels
• Menard's
• Our Wedding

You'll notice on the links above that the spammer got me... So disregard some of those comments!

Update on the Flower Wreath from our Wedding...

BEFORE

Since we are kinda going with the beige tones for the living room
the dead flowers may just work..... maybe...

AFTER

Professional Proofs?

Well Jerome and I went back to Wisconsin over the Labor Day weekend. We had off on Friday and Monday so we split out time... We left Thursday night in my car to Hortonville. We met up with Mom Thursday night around our usual late arrival time and then headed off to the double decker to get some shut eye.

Mom's birthday was on Friday, (September 1st). She had her Aunts over, Irene and Dorothy and my Aunt, her sister Elaine over to play cards and go out for a Friday nite Fish Fry. I'm not sure when my mom left to get Dorothy, but when we arrived at their house in the morning for breakfast and showers they arrived shortly after we were out of the showers. They were pretty surprised to see us... and told us they thought our wedding was beautiful and how it was so nice to be at a wedding.

Jerome and I left to go to pick up our proofs. When I had spoke to them on Thursday they stated that we had a balance because their photographer over shot. I'm not sure how that became our problem... but I guess mom took care of it. We looked over the photos that were printed and supposedly the 136 "good ones" that the owner picked out of our 400 photos that were taken. From that we had to pick 100 to take with us. Then I threw the receptionist for a loop I think when I asked to see the other photos. Whoever I spoke with yesterday said we could look at the other photos on the computer. So then we looked at those. Of course we found at least another 36 from there that we liked better than the ones that were already printed. UGHHHHHHH!

So the receptionist tells us that we will not be able to "swap" out photos since these 136 are already printed... they would loose out on money, unless of course if we pay for them. I tell her.... then why don't you have it where I can choose my own proofs before you print them? DUH.

I was annoyed. How can you pick out my photos for me? Isn't that the point of proofs? You pick the ones you like the best and you then decided which ones will be the best for YOUR WEDDING BOOK? Last I thought this was my wedding... not theirs. They have no idea which photos will bring me a memory... they only know the face value of the photo. Sure I want quality photos... but I also want the shot of us in the corn with Anna. May not be "professional quality" since we are "properly posed" but I want that photo! Ugh. And if the ones we got were "professional quality" then why is there a lamp behind Lisa's head, or a huge sun glare on Trisha's face, or no picture of me with my flowergirls????

Can anything go right with our wedding? First the dress, then the flowers, then the bloody nose, then the champagne, then the dj... now this... really? Did I not plan this to the T... perhaps that is the problem! Those of you reading this who are getting married... take the road less traveled and be carefree. Don't deal with the details...they will only get screwed up!

WHEW! Now that that
"episode" of mine is over.... LOL.

So we came back home to mom's house after getting the photos and had mom and "the aunts" look them over. They commented about how there were some "different" shots taken, and how nice people looked, etc. All in all they thought they were good.

Jerome and I left after that I went to see the Trisha and Andy crew. We knocked... No one was home. We left and went to get our wonderful Cheese Curds from the Cheese Factory. YUM! We hung out there for a bit and then headed back to Trisha and Andy's place to see if they were back. On our way there we called and yep... they answered. We let them know we were in town and on our way there.

When we got there we took a look at the pics and complained and garbled at the mess we had infront of us. We also looked at the photos that were on Trisha's camera from the day.... some are soooo cute! We of course got a copy. We hung out and chatted until it was time for us to head home to see if Dad was going out for dinner to or not.

Ends up Dad was not going out to dinner because he thought we had already eaten! Oh well... Jerome and I went to The Bar for wings and beers. It was kinda nice going by there knowing that our tab would be small since we got a gift card from Trisha and Andy at our wedding. We had great eats and drinks and then couldn't decide what to do with ourselves... Off to the movies. We went to Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. Of course Jerome didn't tell me this was yet another 3 hour movie. Gosh I hate it when he does that... got me sucked in again (Stupid hobbits! :) ). So there we were... and I had no idea why the last part of the movie I was so antsy... this was before I knew it had already been two hours! I have decided that I can not sit through a three hour movie. The regular length is fine for me... even those I usually can't.... there is always something else to do with that time! Ughhhh.

Saturday we hung out in the morning trying to figure out what we were going to do... go home or stay in WI. Lisa had called and said they (her and Rod) were going to BBQ. Fantastic... we're going home. Then Pam came over and said she was going to BBQ. Shoot... where do we eat... here or there... here or there. Jerome had called Anna earlier in the day and said we would grill out at her house on Sunday... didn't say if it was for lunch or dinner... so that was going to be okay either way. We knew we had wanted to take certain items back from our registry and exchange them for something else.... we knew they would be open on Sunday... and perhaps close early on Monday for the holiday. If we stayed and left of Sunday... we wouldn't get home and want to go exchange stuff... so that would leave Monday... Ughhhh we gotta leave.

So we left for home. When we got to Woodbury I thought of the furniture store that we had wanted to stop at.... so we got off the highway and onto the side streets. While we were looking for the store since we didn't know right where it was it happened. My car DINGED! Oh shoot... I didn't even know my car had a Dinger. Where is the manual???? Glove box. Of course Jerome is driving and I'm looking in the book... what does that light mean??? Can we keep driving or do we need to pull over immediately? I read that something had gone wrong with the engine. We can drive as long as the light is not blinking. If it is a constant beam we can drive but should have it serviced soon.... if it's blinking we need to drive to the nearest place and stop. Not blinking.

We drive the rest of the way home. I called Lisa to tell her we are still planning on coming but we have to drive all the way home and flip cars because my light just came on. She stated that Rod had a gadget that could tell us what was wrong with it. Whew... no diagnostic charge! We went home, unpacked, changed clothes and headed to their house.

The next day we had Lisa and Rod over after we got back from exchanging our stuff. Rod ran the device and told Jerome what was wrong. Apparently a sensor went bad that tells you if a rod is working how it should or not.... or something to that effect. He showed Jerome where it was and said the piece could be anywhere from $50-100 bucks. Ughh... but Jerome could install it himself, or if he couldn't get it to work Rod would come back over and help him with it. YEAH :)

Jerome went out and bought the piece the next day and installed it last night. Everything works and all is good. :)

Our wedding: Extra Long Post Coming Right Up!

Okay... it's been one week since Jerome and I exchanged our vows... I would say I'm over due for posting about it... but I was extremely exhausted and have just now started to feel back up to par. So here goes.

Last week...
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (August 14-16) I attempted to work my final days at work. I was often interrupted with thoughts of the wedding. People would stop in and ask what I was doing even at work... emails were being sent to and from the bridal party confirming everything one last time... phone calls were coming in about the cake and the flowers and the photographer. Needless to say it was interesting.

Tuesday nite I packed as I was leaving to Wisconsin Wednesday after work with Anna (bridesmaid). I packed the car up with the exception of our dresses that I would keep hung since they were going to be in my car for the five hour cross state road trip.

Wednesday, August 16th
I went to work Wednesday, set my out of office assistant up and breezed out of work with a smile. I ran home and packed up the last of the items I almost forgot and gently placed the dresses in the back seat of the neon. I called Jerome and decided to meet him at the train station for one last kiss before I headed out of town. By the time I had reached the station he was already off of the train and in the car. He smiled, gave me a kiss, and told me to get on my way before traffic got any worse.

I headed off to St. Paul to pick up Anna at her job. Once I got there we tossed her bag in the back on the floor and speed off for a fill up on the gas tank before heading out of the cities. We started off and traffic actually wasn't all that bad... but I had to remind myself that it was Wednesday and not the start of the weekend for most folks.

Anna was a pretty good companion on the way home... she amazingly stayed awake... (I thought she would be a car sleeper for some reason!). Now mind you... Anna was born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota. She has BARELY crossed the Wisconsin boarder in her life... to me, it was quite funny... so funny in fact that I had to call Jerome and tell him that Anna stopped mid-sentence when she saw her first field of horses with a "oh horseys". Teee heee :) We talked the whole way about what kinds of things we had yet to do when we reached Hortonville and what types of things that she was going to have to do since this was the first wedding that Anna had ever been in. We went over her duties... things like getting your hair done at the salon, helping me get into my dress, carrying flowers down the aisle, walking slowly down the aisle... normal bridesmaid duties... it was allllll new to her. Which lead me to more explaining and eventually that took us all the way to Hortonville. We only stopped twice.... once in Menomonie for some dinner at Arby's and then again at a gas station right when you turn off of 29 onto 45 where I had Anna try her first real Wisconsin Cheese Curd that squeaked when she chewed.

When we finally got to Hortonville we went into the double decker house that my parents are trying to lease out or better yet sell. We hung up our dresses and brought in our suitcases. As we were hanging our dresses up in comes my Mom, my sister Tammy and her daughters Alyssa (my special assistant) and Anna (one of my two flowergirls). They came in to see how our drive was and Tammy wanted to see my dress. They helped us bring in all the other wedding stuff that was packed in the trunk of my car.

After that we all headed to the house where my Mom and Dad are living and had strawberry slushies to chat. YUM :) After about two glasses of slush it was time for bed. Anna and I walked back to the double decker house.

Anna went up to bed and I too jumped into bed. The only problem was that I could not fall asleep. I got up and went down stairs and sorted out all the wedding stuff that had been in my trunk into piles of rehearsal dinner items, ceremony items, grand march items, reception items, kids table items. I then headed back upstairs being that there was nothing more that I could do. I then sorted my clothes into outfits for each day. Now there really was nothing more I could do. I tossed and turned and the last time I looked at the clock it was 4:30 a.m. UGHHHHH all I wanted to do was to go to sleep!

Thursday, August 17th
I woke up Thursday morning from my cell phone ringing at 8:00 a.m. Mind you I had been maybe sleeping all of 4 hours. It was my flower lady. I had set up an appointment with her for Thursday at one in the afternoon. What the heck is she doing calling me at 8:00 in the morning???? Of course she's calling me since she thinks our appointment is at 9 a.m. and wants to see if she can push it back a little bit. I tell her, "ummm Julie... our appointment was set for 1p.m. today and I need to pick up the candy for the candy buffet yet...". She says something like oh... let me see... ummmm yeah... I guess I'll see you at one then. DUHHHHH! I was sooo mad I could have spit fire. She woke me up for no good reason!

I got up since there was no way I was going to be able to go back to sleep and jump in the shower. I get out and hear Anna waking up and tell her if she jumps in the shower now we can head down to my Mom's house for breakfast and hang out down there this morning before we head into Appleton to shop for the last few items that I need for the wedding.

We head down to mom's for breakfast and end up working on the trellis... which I knew we would work on it... but I figured it would be Thursday afternoon after I got back from meeting with Julie about the flowers. It was fine.... Tammy actually made it look the best while we were gone... or at least that's who I have a picture of working on it... not sure if she had any help or not. It turned out great.

Anna and I headed to Appleton. We went to Target to pick up the last few things I needed plus some sleeping pills for me because I didn't want to have another nite like Wednesday nite. I left Anna in Target since she wanted to shop for some clothes for herself. As she was trying on some outfits I went and got our rings cleaned at a jeweler down the way. I asked them about which direction the food court was because I hadn't been in the mall for a few years and everything looks totally different to me. The lady pointed in a direction and I headed back to get Anna.

We checked out at Target and headed to the food court since I had to order Jerome's cookie for his "groom's cake". You know when he found out we were going to do the candy buffet he kept asking for cookies to be part of it.... I kept telling him nah... we don't need those... we've got cake. Little did he know I had planned for his groom's cake to be a cookie instead! I had them put congrats Kim and Jerome on the cookie with a 4x4 truck with wedding bells off the back end. While we were waiting for them to decorate the cookie Anna and I had lunch in the food court. I dined on some FABULOUS Rocky rococo Pizza... yummmy ;) and Anna had some sort of Asian inspired dish.

Once we were done with lunch we picked up the cookie and then headed to Sam's Club. We picked up Pam's photos and then headed to the candy aisle. We tallied up the amounts so I knew exactly how much I had and then headed to the alcohol department to pick up drinks for our limo bus ride for photos on Saturday. We ran through the checkout and headed to Julie's for our 1:00 meeting.

I guess I miss judged how close Julie was to Sam's Club. I called her and asked if I could come a 1/2 hour early if she wasn't busy since we were finished in Appleton. She said no problem and we headed her way. Anna made a comment about how professional I was on the phone... (this will come into play later... TRUST ME!)

We arrived at Julie's. Anna helped me bring in the candy and the cookie and Julie had us sit down at the "office" table... mind you this should be her dining room table in her great room (entry, kitchen and living room combo). We cleared a space and I pulled out my binder. Julie and I went over everything that we needed for Saturday when I remembered that we had the purple cloth tablecloths in the trunk that we forgot to bring in. I had Anna run out and get them and Julie and I continued to discuss Saturday. I told her that I and my mom would be at Crystal Falls around 7 am Saturday morning because I had to set up the cake and the trellis and bring in all the other items that morning. She asked if she could come at that time and would the table be set up for her. I told her that everything should be set up by the time we get there as far as the tables and that they would be setting up just the chairs as far as I knew while we were there.

Julie and I also discussed the amount due. Now first when I saw the amount my yaw dropped a bit. I questioned her as to why the amount was what it was... we went through and I noticed that the sheet that I had of our document had the edge slightly missing... which made the difference of a 1 being in the front of certain numbers and on my sheet there not being a 1. This made the difference. Then there were the additional things that we had discussed that Julie was going to do... at a cost of course. There was the head table, candy table and gift/cake table that we wanted to have tulle and lighting and then the head table was also going to have an artificial wreath with Jerome and Kim in foil letters on ribbons. On my sheet there was a $50-100 wreath price listed. I know when my mom brought her the payment that I had her print out a letter telling Julie that I wanted a $50-$75 wreath. I DID NOT WANT TO PAY $100 for a wreath. I just couldn't justify it... sure it was going to be around for a long time...but $100 no way. We discussed and she told me she had the flowers already ordered... well... then make me a $75 wreath. Don't put as many in. Cancel some flowers... Use them in a different one. I'm not paying $100 for an artificial flower wreath! She said okay to the $75 but wasn't pleased. Anna and I got up to headed home.

As we got up I noticed that when Anna had ran out to get the table clothes she placed them on our pile of candy and other items. OH NO THE COOKIE! She placed the table cloths on top of the box that was protecting the cookie. Shoot. The weight of the table cloths caved the box and the frosting of Jerome's name had clung to the top of the box. Not good. Julie stated that I shouldn't worry that she would fix it with some chocolate that she had. She wrote Jerome's name on the front of the box so that she was sure to spell it correctly. (This is an important fact to remember for wedding day... keep reading!) I left it in her hopefully capable hands to fix. Anna apologized and I told her... you are wearing makeup now for sure!

Ahhh but we had to make a quick stop... Trisha's house is right near Julie's and I figured why should I cart around this alcohol just to bring it back to Trisha's since we were using their coolers for Saturday. I called Trisha and she told me that Andy was home... just to drop off the drink in the garage... well I did just that... I dropped and broke two or three bottles that were in the closed box... UGHHHH. So I walked in and told Andy he may want to wash down his driveway so the bees don't attack everyone as they get out of their vehicles. We checked out their new fenced in yard and met the cutest puppy I've seen a quite awhile Otto their new boxer. And then we headed home.

I had made plans to go out to dinner with Anna, Andy, Trisha, and Trisha's brother Dave for wings Thursday night before I left out of Minnesota. Anna and I met Trisha and Andy at her parents house and car pooled over to The Bar to meet Dave and Dave's buddy for wings and beer. We all had a pretty good time I think... I know I did. The beers were 2 for 1 and they kept coming. The wings were great as usual and the company... well the company was the best I've had in a long time. I found out though that Dave wasn't going to able to be at the wedding on Saturday because of that darn Harley raffle that was going on... to think I lost him and about three family members (cousins) to a bike raffle... JEEEESH! :)

Friday, August 18th (Happy Birthday Bridesmaid Lisa!)
Friday morning I called Jerome when I woke up to find out where he was. He had told me that he planned to leave at 5 am on Friday and that the girls should be with him when I talked to him the night before. He was around Wausau and would be in Hortonville in about two hours. He had plenty of things to do Friday... his parents, sister and niece were going to be getting into town, he had to pick up the guy's tux shop stuff, he had to pick up his Aunt, brother and sister-in-law at the airport in Appleton and then had to get Roy from the bus station. Nevermind our Rehearsal Dinner was that night.

I got up and told Anna that we shouldn't miss breakfast today since I figured Dad would be cooking a spread. I jumped in the shower and then got ready for the day. We headed over to Mom and Dad's when Anna was ready and sure enough... Dad was cooking... eggs, bacon, waffles, toast, juice, coffee. By the time we were done eating and cleaning up in walked Jerome and the girls... and Dad started all over making everyone's orders.

We all hung out for a bit when we decided to head to Walmart and C&B Rental for the runner. Anna picked up some clothes for the boys... the girls got some stuff the forgot to bring and Jerome just drove us around! We headed back home. I forget what we did between going to Walmart and getting ready for the Rehearsal... hummmm perhaps someone can remind me and I'll repost this part of the message!?!?!?!

I know I called Don to make sure he was coming since I didn't get any sort of a response from the emails that I had sent out from him and sure enough he and Kim and their new baby were coming. I know Jerome and girls went to the hotel and were picking up people from the airport and bus station and the tux shop. I took another shower and got ready for the dinner. As I was getting my final things together my mom came in the double decker house saying it's time to go it's time to go.... I said... Mom... they will wait for me... I'm the bride :) Teee heeee :)

We got to the AmericInn where we were going to be using the conference room for the rehearsal dinner. The problem was that no one was there... Jerome wasn't, his parents, his sister, the caterer... no one! I talked to the lady at the front desk. She told me that they were going to be right back something about the caterer. Oh oh.

Yep... our caterer was running late and lost. Everyone was there that was suppose to be there EXCEPT for the caterer. Now... this wouldn't be such a big deal... but she's a caterer from Appleton and didn't even know where New London was. Hello... have you heard of a map or the internet ever? Or perhaps calling the hotel and asking them for directions? Or anyone? Boy oh boy.

So while we waited for the food to come we did our breif ceremony rehearsal in the conference room. We weren't able to get into Crystal Falls because they had a class reunion going on in the building that night. So we made due. We had everyone line up where they had to be... we practiced walking in and out... we tried to get the flowergirls to toss their "air flowers"... but one... my poor little Anna was too shy to even practice. But we tried. Still no food. Okay... someone call her and find out how far away she is... Appleton... even the furthest part of Appleton is all of 45 minutes away.... she should be here by now... we have hungry little kids. I asked Jerome... should we give out our presents? Sure...

We passed out the gifts to our parents, our groomsmen, bridesmaids and flowergirls. Everyone opened everything and was content...with the exception of their tummy which was starting to gurgle. We dispersed and waited longer for the caterer.... I found out that Andy had ran to get batteries for their gift... I laughed and stated... "you guys... you know who stuffed the bags... there are batteries in your bag!"... the guys ran to get their bags and by the time Andy was back Don had his flask working already... TOO FUNNY!

Well... she finally showed up. She looked very upset... and well... I had to say I was too... I over heard her ask who the bride was and saw that I had been pointed out... Needless to say she stayed clear of me... I wonder why?!?!?!? LOL. We grubbed once the food was out. They wanted us to wait for the food to be reheated by those little burning candle things... and no one wanted to wait... I figured the 2nd plate can be warm... I just need a bun or something! It was so quiet in that room once the food was there... everyone was eating. It was odd... memorable.



We posed for a few pics and I took some candids. Once we had our fill the families went home and tucked their tired kids in bed since they had a big day the next day... wedding day! Not us.... myself, Jerome, Anna, Roy, Birthday Girl Lisa, Lisa's hubby to be Rod, Jerome's Aunt Janice, brother June and sister Jacqueline went out to Park Central. Oh my goodness... we danced and drank and had I would say a pretty darn good time. For a $6 glass we were able to drink all nite... and no cover charge. Needless to say I was happy. I saw the clock turn to midnight.... oops... Jerome and I were suppose to separate... I know he looked at his watch... but we stayed together. He and I danced all nite long. At one point I do believe his brother and cousin picked Jerome up off the floor not because he had stumbled...but because he was dancing a bit too ummm well... he was dancing. :)

It came to be after one a.m. I reminded myself that I had a hair appointment with the girls at 9:30 a.m. and that at 7 a.m. I had to be at the bakery picking up my cake and heading to Crystal Falls to set up the trellis and get the flowers and set up everything else... needless to say... I had to go home. Anna and Lisa were going to car pool with me. June was driving Jerome's aunt and sister back to the hotel and the boys... Jerome, Roy, and Rod were going to do what ever it is that they do... (I don't think I want to know). I was ready. My car pool was ready. June was ready. June needed to follow me back to New London because he didn't know his way after just getting into Appleton a few short hours earlier. UGHHHHH LET'S GO. Finally everyone was in the cars and we were driving. I dropped Lisa off at her hotel in New London. June drove to his hotel. I drove myself and Anna back to Hortonville and jumped into bed after setting my alarm. The last time I looked at the clock it was 2:30 a.m. I had to be up in 4 hours. Why did I do this to myself!

Saturday, August 19th: Wedding Day
I woke up and instantly said... "it's my wedding day". I stretched and noticed that I felt rested. I was content. I turned over... Looked at the clock and it stated I had another 15 minutes before my alarm was going to go off. I thought I would just lay there... perhaps drift back into a short sleep. Not so much the case. My phone rang. WHO IN THE HECK CALLS A BRIDE AT 6:30 A.M. ON HER WEDDING DAY? A lunatic of course. It's my flower lady Julie. She called to ask me what my fiance's name was. Are you serious? YOU WROTE IT ON THE COOKIE DIDN'T YOU? Julie responded with an "oh you're right... I'm sorry!".

We hang up and Anna yells to me from her room... "you up?" I go storming into her room and tell her what just happened on the phone... all she could do was shake her head. Please tell me that the phone call will be the worst part of my day and everything will be better from here on out. I get dressed and drive down to my mom's house and tell Anna to get some rest and be ready for breakfast around 9 at my mom's and that our appointment for hair is at 9:30.

I get to my mom's. Dad is driving the truck to the hall with the trellis carefully tucked in the back of the truck in a fitted sheet. I wish I took a picture of this... It worked out well! Mom was going to drive with me in the Explorer to get the cake and show me how to get from the park where we were suppose to shoot pictures after the wedding to the hall since there is construction cutting off downtown New London from where the hotels and hall are. We head off to get the cake and I tell mom about Julie's wake up call.

As we are driving to get the cake my phone rings again. It's Julie. Again. She wanted to make sure that we were in Crystal Falls in New London and not Crystal Falls in some place I had never heard of. Is she serious. Look on your sheet. It says New London at the top. DUH again!

We get to the cake... I see it... it's the shape that it's suppose to be...but the flowers are nothing like we had discussed. They had a picture of the cake that I wanted. They had a sample of the dark purple... they were suppose to make the flowers on the cake roses... okay... that's fine... I thought they would be more hanging down the side of the cake...these were just going to be fine... I kept telling myself... it's just frosting. But the kicker was that the color of the flowers. IT wasn't purple. It was NAVY or DARK BLUE. UGhhhhh. I don't say anything. But my mom knew what I was seeing. I smiled and went to get the truck so we could load the cake in the back. Mom paid for the cake while Dad and I loaded the cake with the cake lady. Dad got in the truck and mom came out and sat in the back seat to watch the cake. We drove to Crystal Falls as I complained about the color to get it out of my system. Ughhh. (Now I've watched Bridezilla.... I was under control... but jeeeze.)

Okay... we made it to Crystal Falls. Dad brings in the cake. In walks Julie with a guy and they start bring in candy and glass dishes and the flowers. I hadn't noticed because I was setting up the trellis. I went to set up the guest book and pen and saw the flowers. THESE CAN NOT BE MY FLOWERS CAN THEY? Yup... all in a box... the bridesmaids flowers were what we had discussed... white roses in a ball... there were these nice beading things sprouting up from them that were purple that added a nice touch... and there were the guys white corsages.... but then there were PINK flowers... that were suppose to be mine... and a PINK corsage for Jerome and a little PINK flowers in other ones for the mom and dads and grandmas. Now I know... I know I ordered PURPLE flowers. And then... there was my wreath for the head table that I was going to keep and hang on our door at our house... that was SUPPOSE to be ARTIFICIAL. It was REAL.... and it was PINK. I went up to my mom and told her to go look at the flowers.

I was 1/2 okay with the PINK flowers... hoping that it was just because there were no lights on. But that wreath we just talked about on Thursday. And it's real. What am I going to do with it. I can't put it on our door... it's not going to be sturdy with dried flowers. And then... ohhhh... there were the foil ribbons. Not so foil. Instead when Julie had called me earlier to ask me my fiance's name she must have been sitting at her computer PRINTING up our names on her computer to which she STAPLED (not even glued... STAPLED) a white piece of paper with our name onto each ribbon. WAS SHE SERIOUS? I can not have those go up. (so a bit of Bridezilla showed...but come on!)

My mom and Julie got to chatting about the price since my mom was writing out the check. We weren't going to pay for the wreath. If she wanted to take it she could...but we were not going to pay for it. Julie had a bit of a fit saying we never talked about finalizing anything. Ummmm did you pick up the phone and call either of us? No... I went and got my sheet out so we could discuss the wreath and the ribbons and the cost.

I got to the point where I just wanted to leave since everything wasn't up to par. I figured Julie may feel the need to take the flowers... I don't know why... but at the same point I need the girls flowers for photos at the double decker house... and Jerome would need all the boots for the guys at the hotel. So... I put them in the truck. I told mom that we needed to leave because my hair appointment was coming up and I needed to get in the shower. So, we left Julie there to set up the candy buffet and tulle the cake/gift/headtable/candy table.

I told mom once we were in the car that I took the flowers and that we needed to drop off the boots at the hotel. We drove to the hotel... I debated on who I should wake up at 7:30 a.m. I tried Jerome's parents room first since I knew they had a big full size fridge in their room to put the flowers in. No answer. Then I had the receptionist call Jerome's room. He answered... she told him to wait a few minutes before he came to pick them up because I was in the lobby dropping them off. Whew... that was taken care of. Off to home we go.

Anna called and asked where we were, I told her to jump in the shower that we were on our way. When we got there I took the flowers and placed them in the fridge at the double decker house and headed to the shower. I put on Jerome's button down shirt and Anna and I headed to the salon.

When we got there Katie, my stylist, was finishing up another bride and one of the other stylists was finishing up her flowergirl. The third stylist started to work on Anna. I sat down in a chair and tried to catch a few minutes of sleep. Once Katie finished up I headed into her side room and proceeded to tell her about the previous nite on the town and what the day held for us. We ranted about the flower lady and the cake... and I told her I didn't want to talk bad about her and that she best do my hair up right :) Which of course, she did... and I'm happy to say there were not 86 bobby pins in my head this time around... there were a mere 5 rubber bands and 36 pins. Whew!

Lisa called to say she was on her way... running a bit late... but not too bad. Now mind you she was coming from New London with her mom. Her mom was going to take the Jeep back so that she and Rod would be able to have transportation for the day. When I got off the phone in walked Trisha a few minutes later. I was surprised she made it before Lisa... but didn't worry about it. They started on Trisha's head as Anna was wrapping up and in walked Lisa... batter up! At some point my mom came in for her appointment too.

I was getting hungry since I had all of three bites of a chocolate muffin that morning between my trip to Crystal Falls and my shower. When Katie finished with my hair I decided that I was going to run to the grocery store next door... Veil and all. Anna came with and we picked up some last minuet things for the limo ride and some snacks. I dined on Funyuns and Tab soda... what a combo!

When my mom wrapped up her do she headed home to get our brunch/lunch ready. The rest of us waited until everyone was done so we could pile into the Explorer and head to moms. When we got there we ate and ate and ate. I was soooooooo hungry. When we were finished we went down to the double decker house to get ready.

Anna, Lisa, Trisha and I were down at the double decker... first we got me into my dress and put my shoes on. Now mind you I had toe issues since Jerome stepped on the only toe he shouldn't have the nite before at the club. We put two or three bandaids on it and called it good. Then I had a cool down period where I just had to hang out in my dress while the other girls were getting dressed. I taught the girls the deodorant trick... (this could be graphic for some of you...but I feel the need to share since it was such a hit with the girls... What you do is if you get "chub rub" from your thighs rubbing together you take your stick of deodorant and slap on some pit stick where you usually have this problem. This helps... if you don't believe me try it... I had no Chub Rub on my wedding day and I was in a dress from noon to past midnight with no nylons!)

Once everyone had their dresses on and jewelry on it was time for makeup. But the door bell rang. It was our photographer who was early. No problem... she had things she wanted to set up and get ready... take a look at the property to find the best places to take photos. Okay... fine and good... back to makeup.

I took a bath towel and stuck it basically in the top of my dress to be sure not to get any bare essentials powder on my dress and placed another one on my lap since I was sitting on a stool. Now this was a great idea if I do say so myself... even better idea once I got a bloody nose. Now most of you know I prone to nose bleeds...but usually only when the air is dry. The photographer said 3/4 of her brides gets a nose bleed and that it's due to nerves. I didn't think I was nervous. Honestly. So she suggested that I put an ice pack on my neck and pinch my nose... oh what a beautiful photo!



I decided once the bleeding stopped that I needed to call Jerome. Who then proceeded to make me cry because he had received his groom's gift from Andy, an MP3 player. Which me crying made my mom cry... thank goodness the other girls didn't start bawling! Once that was all cleared up we started to take pictures... family, flowergirls, bridesmaids and me. I can't wait to see them!



We took photos inside in the living room, on the stairway, outside in the back yard. I took some photos in the front yard by myself. I gotta say my photographer really paid attention to me being in the heat. She asked for some water for me... dabbed my beads of sweat away before taking a photo. I hope they look great.

Then it was time for her to go take Jerome and his family and groomsmen photos. Off she went... I didn't get a photo of my with the flowergirls... Dang it! Perhaps I can photoshop us in! :) (ooops... I shouldn't have said that yet!)

We hung out for a bit and then headed to Crystal Falls. We made sure that Jerome wasn't around as I approached Crystal Falls. Marlin and Alysa were there to greet me. I was so happy they made it! I was escorted into the other room where there was going to be another weddings reception later on that nite...but that's where I hid until the ceremony. We did any last minuet adjustments in the bathroom and last makeup checks.

June, Jerome's brother walked in. He had my gift. Now anyone reading this... if you are going to give your bride something on your wedding day DO NOT wait until the ceremony is suppose to begin to give it to her! I opened it... Photoshop... YEAH :) Then I attempted to read the card... this is why you should not give your soon to be wife a gift just before she walks down the aisle. I read the first two lines of the card and had to give it away because I started to cry. JERK :) June said he got the expression that he wanted, told me I looked beautiful and left to report back to Jerome my reactions.



Then it was time.

Now I don't have any idea as to what the room looks like... since I was taken right to the other room. I don't know what the flower lady ended up doing. I don't know how many people are in the room. I don't know anything. They start the music. The girls are lined up. I try to peek around the corner and am told to "stay back" by someone, maybe Tammy? All the girls have gone down and now it's time for the flower girls. Mind you... I'm in the entrance of the hall... then there is the bar and then there is the room where everyone is. I can see nothing! In walks Josh, my co-worker the one who designed my invites, programs and more with his wife Molly. Of all the people who could have walked in, I was so glad it was them. I was so happy that it wasn't someone who would have just walked passed or that would have just said oh my I'm late type of thing. We could hear someone crying... ends up that was one of my flowergirls Anna who got a bit to shy for her own good and didn't make it down the aisle. Josh and Molly hung out with me until my Dad escorted them to some seats inside.

Then my music started. My Dad came and got me. He made sure that I walked around the edge of the runner so that it wouldn't catch on my dress. I don't really remember walking down the aisle. I know everyone stood up when I entered the room. I just remember standing at the front FOREVER while the music finished.

The ceremony was exactly what we wanted. Thanks Rev! The only problem was the music again... our exiting music didn't start so Jerome and I left to no music... which... was fine. Who cares! We escorted everyone out since we didn't want the traditional receiving line. It was nice since then we actually were able to chat with everyone at least for a bit that day. Then it was time for photos.

We did the insert groom and bride photos into each others families - me with Jerome's family and he with mine. A few other quick shots and then it was off to the park in our limo bus... oh not so quick though.... we had rice tossed at us... thanks Mom or at least that's who I was told to thank.... I was pulling rice out of my dress and both my hair and Jerome's and then ended up finding more rice once I did take my dress off at the end of the nite! UGhhhh Minuet rice anyone?

We headed out to the park and quenched our thirst on those tasty drinks that we picked up from Sam's Club on Thursday. Tammy used the camcorder to get footage of all of us together... she and Pam came along with the flowergirls and of course the Special Assistant turned flowergirl along with the rest of the bridal party: Trisha, Roy, Lisa, Andy, Anna, Don, Jerome and myself. It was quite fun...



Jerome and I were in most if not all of the pictures so I hope our wedding party got hammered. Don did keep us hydrated though... Thanks Don :) All in all it was fun... too bad our flowergirls needed a nap or dinner or something... they didn't want to be in any photos. Oh well... I'll try out the photoshop and see what I can come up with!

Allie and the guys had fun skipping stones on the river and then we ended up also going to some cemetery that had a gazebo in it away from the actual headstone cemetery part of it. It reminded me of the Sound of Music... I am sixteen going on seventeen... I wanted to jump but there were posts in the way to prevent me from doing that and making a fool of myself as I rip my dress etc. I found out later that Andy and perhaps another groomsmen went to water the trees while we were in the gazebo.

Time was up... we had to head back to Crystal Falls for dinner. We jumped back in the bus. We laughed, sang and kissed the whole way back. Once we got back we had dinner... Dad gave a speech along with Trisha and Roy... Jerome's mom and aunt Janice gave speeches too... was there anyone else??? Sorry if you did and I'm forgetting you!

Then Jerome and I had a few last shots to get with the photographer. We went outside and took a few shots in front of Crystal Falls... then I went in the corn field... Oh I can't wait for that one! Then Jerome got all sentimental and ran to get Anna for a pic with her since she's the one who introduced us to each other.... I remember him saying something like with out her none of this would have happened. What a guy.

We danced all nite along... Father/Daughter dance, Son/Mother Dance... the garter toss (way to go Rod... you had a 1:3 chance to get it!) and the bouquet toss (Jerome's daughter JST caught that!) and of course the Grand March. I gotta say... I think we had the best song and the best people... at one point my Cousin Don jumped up on Jerome and was dancing with him. Memories were made... thanks everyone!

I know you're waiting

I know you are waiting for all the details of the day... in all honesty I've been totally exhausted and trying to catch up at work.... to satisfy some of you I'll give you this: