Katie and Chris Tying the Knot

Adventures with Venison!

2012-02-29T19:35:00.002-08:00

How appropriate that I'm watching the Top Chef finale as I get ready to put together this post.

So, Chris likes to hunt and has gotten a deer 3 of the 4 last hunting seasons. Needless to say we have a ridiculous amount of venison in the freezer. In an effort to start clearing freezer space, I embarked on a mission to figure out a way to prepare the venison steaks so they'd not only be edible, but something we could do again.

We've mastered using ground venison and usually just sub it in for ground beef in things like tacos and sloppy joes....these round steaks, however, were intimidating.


Gross lookin, huh?

So following this recipe, which was incredibly simple, I embarked on my first ever venison steak cooking experiment...and lucky for you, I took lots of pictures along the way!

Clearly my plate, Chris wouldn't touch a salad!

Thumbs up for success!

Basically, it was just a slow braise of the venison in a gravy made from flour and the pan drippings (with a little butter to help it along the way, of course!), onions, and a dash of sour cream at the end. We served it with some mashed Yukon golds, and overall I'd say it was a hit! Chris enjoyed it, and I think we'd both agree it was even more satisfying to prepare a meal using meat that he provided vs. paying a ton for something from a meat market.

And I got to wear my super cute apron my mom got me :)

I've got a few more recipes on the radar for the coming week, so be expecting more food posts soon :)

Happy Wednesday!

2012-02-22T18:53:00.001-08:00

Well what do ya know....2 days in a row!

As promised, here's a quick photo tour of the new place. Please excuse the graininess of the pictures, I was using my cell phone because I have no idea where I put my camera when I unpacked. Oh the joys of moving....

First up is our living room. The first picture is the China Cabinet we got from our future brother-in-law when he moved into his new home. I can't wait to fill it up with my nice things :) Obviously, the living room is a little empty. Eventually we will move Chris' couch and recliner over and get a new entertainment center. I plan to use the stand the TV is on right now in the kitchen since it matches the cabinets and our dining table.

I guess that's a good segue into the dining area/kitchen!

Look closely and you'll see my FAVORITE part. THE DISHWASHER!!!! No more pruney hands and fingers from hand washing everything, hallelujah!

Here's a shot of me in action! Venison soft tacos, yum!

Next is our guest bedroom. Please don't judge the tigger sitting on the bed. There were some things I just couldn't part with. We're debating how to decorate the walls in here. The deer heads have to go somewhere and this room may just be the compromise...

Finally, we have the master bedroom with our newly inherited furniture from Mama and Papa Thu. Again, a little sparse in the decor area, but we're working on it. I LOVE the closet space. I was smart and closed the doors on my side because, well, it's kind of overflowing. It would appear I have a little more downsizing to do.

Please note, the bed is made. So far, I've made it every morning after getting up, a habit I'm sure my mother would've loved for me to have picked up years ago....

No shots of the bathroom, sorry. It's kind of plain because I've got a bed and bath themed shower coming up and we're waiting to get accessories for it til after that.

I forgot to mention in my last post that we just celebrated Mardi Gras here in St. Louis. It was a blast, as usual. We managed to snag some pretty sweet VIP tickets that got us into an area with catered cajun food and an open bar of beer and hurricanes, no complaints here!

I know, I know. We are so cute :)

2012-02-21T18:05:00.000-08:00

OMG. I'm the worst blogger in the history of blogging....

So now that Lent is upon us and Chris has ruled that I had to choose to give up one of my two biggest distractions, Facebook and gossip websites, I'm betting I'll have more free time on my hands to blog. (BTW, I chose to give up gossip websites, it's a bigger vice and lets be real, me give up facebook? Inconceivable!)

So where to begin...I'm trying to think of what's happened in the 3 months since I've posted (again, I'm the worst blogger EVER)

Chris' sister is engaged. Woooohooo! 2012 is going to quite the year, as soon as my wedding is under wraps, Jenny's planning will be kicking into high gear. I'm so excited we get to be newlyweds so close in proximity :) Plus, her fiance is awesome and he makes her super happy. I'm getting really lucky in the future in laws department.

Chris came home with me for Christmas and we had a blast. My mom knit him the most amazing stocking. I'll dig around for a picture of it to post later. Seriously, my initial reaction when he opened it was jealousy. Yep, I'm a gracious host...We did manage to snap a cute picture despite my grinchiness over the stocking.

I know, we're adorable :)

Lets see...I'm trying to catch up chronologically...New Years came and went, and Chris and I both really committed ourselves to eating better and getting into shape. We've both lost considerable weight and feel better in our own skin. I'm in a boot camp right now that I absolutely love and we now have access to a workout facility at our new apartment. We are going to be super svelte for our honeymoon on the beach :)

As of February 1st I have been living in our new apartment. He's starting to move stuff in and things are really coming together. I'll snap a few pics this weekend to give you an idea of what it all looks like.

My new job is great, I'm loving my boss and coworkers and I feel like I'm finally moving in the right direction professionally. Unfortunately I've been using up a lot of my sick leave here lately because of a random flu bug and a particularly nasty head cold that I'm still battling.

We're down to 2 months to go! Wahoo! I can't believe how quickly time is flying by. Coming up for March, I have a bridal shower, Chris' bachelor party is happening in Cincy, and I'm making a trip to see one of my BFFs get matched to a hospital for her residency. It will be April before we know it! AHHHHH!

2011-12-01T17:21:00.001-08:00

Guess what I got today?

Chris and I now have 6 of the 8 place settings we wanted, a beautiful wood salad bowl that only I will eat from, and an awesome wine rack that I cannot wait to fill up....and then empty :)

Its all really happening isn't it?

Our Save the Dates finally went out last week and they were just adorable. Next up is designing invitations. EEP!

I had a wonderful shower in North Carolina over the Thanksgiving holiday and now have lots of recipes to try and kitchen gadgets to make them with! I really have the best family in the world. It was so nice to have a happy reason to be together after my grandaddy's passing. And we even went dress shopping for my mom and grandma. Mom got a super pretty dress and Grandma ended up deciding to get a dress she already owned altered. They're going to be so pretty :)

Can you believe it's December? I don't know where the time is going. There is so much to do in the next 2 months, I don't know how I'll fit it all in! Christmas, New Years, moving. EEK! Toss in work, working out, yoga, Chris, and trying to maintain a social life and I'm one busy lady. So far the stress hasn't been bad, but I can feel it starting to creep up on me...I'm hoping that making lists and trying to stay organized and motivated will keep it at bay.

Or maybe red wine will do the trick ;)

Hi there!

2011-11-11T17:03:00.001-08:00

How appropriate is it that there is a "Say Yes to the Dress" marathon on tonight and I have my first dress fitting tomorrow? I am soooooo excited!

I think this may be the thing that puts me over the edge into bridezilla territory. I'll finally have my dress, which makes it tangible that I'M GETTING MARRIED!

Okay, now for the serious/reflective portion of this post....

My grandfather passed away a little over a week ago now, so I've been a bit...emotional. That's probably putting it lightly, ask Chris and he'd probably say something worse. I was asked by my grandmother to speak at the memorial mass, and though it may be one of the hardest things I've ever done, I'm glad I did. It's so hard saying goodbye, but there is so much beauty in reflecting on the life of someone who lived such a long, love filled life.

An overarching theme to the service and to my grandfather's life as a whole, was his love for my Grandma. This Thanksgiving would mark their 56th wedding anniversary. 56 years. I can't even imagine, and I'm so impressed and overwhelmed with what a love like there's conveys. My granddad would tease and tease my grandma in a way that only one who truly loves and cherishes someone could. I can't even describe how my heart felt when I heard how he knew shortly after meeting my grandma that she was the girl he'd be with forever, because that's how I felt about Chris. My grandma is such an amazing lady and cared for and loved my grandfather with everything she had until his last day on earth, and continues to do so now that he's gone. I aspire to be like her in all that I do in life and love.

Chris and I are so lucky to have such great examples of marriages in our families. It means so much to know we have such great legacies of love that have come before us to show us the right way.

As today is Veteran's day and my granddaddy was a WWII Veteran, I thought I'd share a picture of him, in all his sassy, handsome glory. :)

2011-10-31T16:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Blog,

Though it may seem that I've forgotten you, I promise I haven't. I just can't think of much to blog about these days (or you can blame my other new baby, Pinterest).

I've been under a lot of stress these past 2 months, between changing positions at work and the decline and eventual passing of my grandfather. I'll be making a trip to North Carolina for his memorial mass this weekend, and then I promise, I'll get back into the swing of things and start more regular postings.

Less than 6 months to go and today marks the 1 year anniversary of our engagement. Sadness and tears have been unavoidable here lately, but life goes on, and soon there will be happy things to think of again.

Unable are the Loved to die,
For Love is Immortality.

Grandaddy, if they have the internet in heaven, I hope you can read this. I love you.

Katie

2011-09-06T16:06:00.000-07:00

     Gosh it's been forever. I think I've slipped into a lull because I've gotten a giant portion of wedding stuff done and not really a whole lot is left, at least not until we get to early 2012.

     We've got a great month lined up and I'm super excited. My parents were in town this past weekend and we had a great time catching up and I got to finally show my dad the church and the reception site. He hasn't been to St. Louis in something like 2 years, and Chris hasn't seen him since before we got engaged. Needless to say it was a much overdue visit.

     Somehow, Chris convinced my mom to cross over to the dark side...she borrowed one of his Reds Tshirts. Having mom on his side must've been good luck, because the Reds won...unfortunately.

I love this picture of me and my boo :) Our love transcends baseball affiliations.

Next up is a visit from Chris' parents this weekend, which is always full of laughs and fun. I have to work the weekend after that (ugh), but THEN!!! Chris and I are going to Chicago for a long weekend before my birthday. I.cannot.wait. I've been saving up all my vacation time so I'll have enough time off around the wedding and honeymoon,and I'm dyyying for some time off. A 3 day fall weekend in Chi Town is the perfect solution.

Happy birth month to me!

2011-08-06T08:36:00.000-07:00

Gosh I'm getting bad about keeping up with my blog baby. Sorry!

I have lots of excuses though! Its been quite a busy few weeks of studying my butt off for my LMSW exam, which I took and passed on July 27. Woohoo! Then of, course, I have the work excuse. Theres just something about the summer months that make people a little more wacky than usual, to say I've been stressed this past month is an understatement.

Okay, now for the fun stuff!

Three things have been checked off the Wedding to do list since my last post.

The always important, SHOES! I found these 50% off at Macy's last week and just couldn't say no :)

CAKE! We decided to go with a 4 tier, square Amaretto cake, with alternating fillings of raspberry and Bavarian Creme fillings. Deeeelicious! I could do cake tasting every day for the rest of my life and die a happy, albeit obese, Katie.

We also put down a deposit on our site for the rehearsal dinner. This place is one of our go-to dinner places on my side of the river. Good food, hand crafted beer and spirits, what more could you ask for?

So...if you've been keeping track, getting the cake and rehearsal dinner site booked were the last big things on my to do list.

Which means, naturally, I now have a mental to do list of the "small things" I need to wrap up.
1. Harass my 2 bridesmaids in Arkansas to get their measurements in so the bridal salon can order all the bridesmaid dresses ;)
2. Harass the bridal salon about being 2 months later with my dress than they originally said. (I could write a really nasty blog about how irritated this makes me, but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt before I trash their company...)
3. Coordinate with the church organist for ceremony music, pick out readings, and Chris and I will likely start meeting with our priest later this fall for some more pre-cana counseling.
4. Finalize menu with the Tap Room for the reception, and pick out the 12 beers we want on tap :) Beer tasting anyone?
5. Finalize floral arrangements and talk with our dj about music selection. Send any music requests our way and we'll put it on our list, if we approve of course :).
6. Oh yea, and pay for everything! Minor detail of course.

I'm sure there are more things to add to that list, but its Saturday morning and I'd rather eat breakfast and get my day started then send my brain into overdrive (as if it isn't already) with wedding details.

Can you believe we've already been engaged for 9 months? Whooooa, we're halfway there!

259 days to go!

I'm a horrible blog mom

2011-07-12T16:22:00.000-07:00

I've left my little blog baby alone for too long! I can't believe its been a month since my last post!

I'm trying to think of what to update on, but all I can think about is how excited I am for this week to be over! Chris and I have a cake tasting set up for Saturday with a Bakery that is owned by a family that just happens to know a lot of my friends from trivia. I just love having connections. I just hope their cake tastes as good as my friends have been saying!

I also just bought tickets to the upcoming New Kids on the Block/Backstreet Boys concert that will be here in St. Louis next week. Jenny, you're gonna hate me for saying this, but I'm way more excited to see BSB than NKOTB. I was in loooooove with BSB back in the day. I'm going with my friends Amy and Alexcia, and I'm sure it will be a blast reliving the songs of our teeny bopper days :)

Then! I'm going to Cincinnati next weekend with Amy to see our guy friends play in a footy tournament. What is Footy? Just click HERE to find out! They are conveniently playing about 10 minutes from my future in laws, which means I get to see the lovely Thumanns for a few days :) Chris is trying to rearrange his work schedule so he can tag along too. There's also a Cleopatra exhibit at a downtown museum that Amy and I both really want to see. So it'll be a quick, but fun filled weekend in the Queen City.

Can't you see why I'm ready for this week to be over? Ugh!

284 days to go!

Yay!

2011-06-19T19:12:00.000-07:00

Chris comes home tomorrow!

I've had quite the weekend, spending some time at Clearwater Lake with some friends was much needed and quite relaxing. I got some sun too :)

Cindy came in town for the weekend, so I only got to see her Thursday before I left for the lake. Wouldn't you know it, she got me something off our registry already! My dream mixer. Seriously, its awesome.

Isn't it just beautiful! I cant wait to make cakes and cookies and bread and all kinds of treats. For now, it's living in my FSIL's basement, because, unfortunately, I have absolutely no counter space at my current apartment :(

Thus, "lots of counter space" has now been added to the checklist of things our future home MUST have.

All in all, I suppose the only thing I really have to say on here tonight, is that I am beyond excited to see my love tomorrow. It has been way too long and I'm almost to the point of getting weepy whenever I think about him. Needless to say, tomorrow can't come soon enough!

Wah.

2011-06-12T20:19:00.000-07:00

So Chris has been gone since last Tuesday (5 days if you're counting) and has been out of contact since Friday evening when he crossed over to Canada for his annual fishing trip. He did call me Saturday morning for one last chat before heading off into the wilderness for a week, which was so sweet I tear up thinking about it.

I gotta tell ya, the old adage "absence makes the heart grow fonder" couldn't be more true. I swear, it really feels like there is something missing, as cheesy as that sounds. Whats funny is that this is not the first time he's gone off on this trip with no way to talk, text, or email, for a week. But this is the first time since we've been engaged, and I think that's what is making this especially hard.

I've got quite a week ahead of me, between work, yoga, Shakespeare in the park, my FMIL coming to visit, and a lake trip, I really should be so busy that he'll be back before I know it. But its late, I'm tired, and it's Sunday. Our day. And all I want to do is hear his voice tell me goodnight.

So for now, I'll be that girl that calls his phone even though I know its off, just to hear him awkwardly say his name for his voicemail.

I promise my next post wont be so sappy or sad.

Too much fun!

2011-06-07T21:27:00.000-07:00

So tonight I met up with my lovely FSIL for coffee, dinner, and looking at options for DIY (do it yourself) wedding invitations and save the dates. Too.much.fun. Jenny is a genius/miracle worker/artist/awesome lady who found this website with all kinds of fancy paper and envelopes to use and print our own designs on, and for a fraction of the price. I'm beyond excited to see the samples I ordered and see what ideas they spark. We also came up with some cute ideas for Save the Dates, and I'm now in search for pictures to use for that project too.

I've been in touch with a DJ that I've heard and read great reviews of, and hopefully Chris and I can meet with him sometime this month.

That just leaves a cake for the bigger budget items and we'll be pretty well wrapped up. I cannot believe how the time is flying and how much I've been able to get done so far. I'm beginning to wonder what I'll have to do as the time gets closer...but I'm sure I'll find something to stress about :)

Chris and I started some registries last weekend too. So far we're registered at Crate and Barrel and Target. I have plans to add to both of those once we get closer to the wedding and have idea of where we'll be living. We couldn't really pick out much besides kitchen stuff because we haven't discussed what aesthetic we'll want for our future home. I can definitely say it won't include deer heads in the living room though, sorry Chris! Still, it was so much fun picking out things like dishes and cookware and thinking "This is what we'll be eating meals off of in OUR place." So fun!

I'm on my own for the next 2 or so weeks. Chris left this afternoon for his annual Canada fishing trip with his dad, Uncle, and some of their buddies. I know he'll have a great time and hopefully the trip will leave him quite re-energized to start tackling some wedding tasks when he gets back. Luckily, I have lots to keep me busy. I have a friend from high school coming to visit this weekend, my FMIL will be coming to STL for a visit next week, and I have a lake trip planned with some friends that following weekend. Then Chris will be home and all will be right with the world again. I should also mention that I've recently acquired the first 6 Harry Potter DVDs and will be marathoning them each night (yes, I'm a nerd). I won't even have time to miss Chris!

Okay, who am I kidding, of course I'll miss him :)

Lookie what I got!

2011-05-27T18:27:00.000-07:00

So our engagement pictures finally came in. Here's a preview :)

Aren't we just adorable? Seriously, for as awful of a time Chris had and considering how hot and muggy it was, I'm really happy with how these turned out. One more thing off the checklist!

Chris is gearing up for his annual trip to Canada and I'm pushing hard to try to get a few more things off the list before he's gone. I've got a few info requests in with some local dj's and I'm hoping we can set up cake tasting/consultations sometime next week before he leaves. I know we still have a lot of time, but I'd really like to have a good idea of what the heck to budget for. I think that is the only stressful thing of all this planning, having no idea what or how much to spend without killing my budget.

Hopefully after he gets back from Canada, I can get Chris to go set up some registries with me. Ideally I want to have our registries started so I can include that on our "Save the Dates" that I plan on designing within the next month :) Lots on my plate this summer!

Oh! and here's some big news! Chris asked his cousins to be in the wedding as groomsmen. Hopefully he'll find the time when he's back in Ohio in a week to ask a few more guys to round out the wedding party. I keep telling him he can't come back until we've got all 5 (or 6 if he can't decide) groomsmen. That boy has too many friends!

I feel like I'm rambling, but I've saved the most exciting piece for last. Helllllo Honeymoon! Chris and I will be spending a week in the Dominican Republic at The Wyndham Viva Dominicus Palace. We've decided to leave the weekend after the wedding to give ourselves a full week instead of what would only by 5 days if we left the day after the wedding. HUGE thanks to my parents for letting us use their time share to trade for this resort. Big money saver and we're pretty much guaranteed to be treated as VIPs. Seriously, they have a private beach for time share people there. Yes please!

Last but not least, my little brother Douglas graduated high school last weekend. He's the baby, so it is a little surreal that he's heading off to college in the fall. I had such a nice, long weekend at my parents...despite some major car issues (which I'll save for another post). Duck has become such a nice little man, I can't wait to live vicariously through his college escapades in the years to come :)

Reunited and it feels so good!

2011-05-17T19:57:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'm quoting Peaches and Herb....

So I realize it's been two weeks and part of that is probably because Chris has been gone and I've been, well, mopey.

But he's back now! Only for me to leave Thursday for a weekish. Sigh.

Chris went home for some prep for his upcoming fishing trip to Canada with his dad, uncle, and some other guys. Now I'm heading back to my parents for my baby brother's high school graduation. When I say baby brother, I really mean baby brother.

Needless to say, the fact that I'll be heading home to Kansas for a long weekend to see this kid graduate from high school makes me feel incredibly old. Douglas, or Duck, as my family refers to him for a really long and silly reason, is probably the most similar to me of my siblings.

He's smart, funny, charismatic, and such a sarcastic little turd that you can't help but laugh and love him. While our 7 year age difference can make me "uncool" at times, I think he'll agree that he and I get eachother's humor and personality better than anyone else in our family....it probably helps that we're both brilliant. :)

Where on earth has the time gone? My little faggy (dont ask) is a 17 year old college guy now. He's already joined a fraternity at Kansas State where he'll be studying engineering, and he's promised to buy me a t-shirt and get me tickets to a football game. What great brother :) Let's just hope he wont be too cool to be an usher at the wedding :)

Finally, for Jenny and Cindy, who will most likely let out a great big "awwww", I decided to add this final picture of Douglas, who was hands down the most adorable of all the Beebe children.

Why can't he be like that forever?

I'll report back with lots of pictures and stories from my week home, and maybe even have a wedding progress update soon. Hint: We have at least 2 groomsmen! Chris has been busy!

May Day!

2011-05-01T13:39:00.000-07:00

Today is a special day, my baby sister turns 20. The 5 year age difference was certainly interesting growing up, but we've become super close and she's my best friend. I am so excited to have her as my maid of honor. So here's to my chickybaby, seester, MOH, and bff.

Happy Birthday Claire!

You'll never believe what happened...

2011-04-28T18:05:00.000-07:00

Chris ate broccoli!

Okay so maybe he only ate a few pieces before gently telling me he didn't like it because the texture of the stalks was too firm. But still, he at least tried it and that, my friends, is major progress. There's hope after all! :) I am actually somewhat hopeful that I won't have to explain to my kids why they have to eat their veggies when their dad won't.

I booked a consultation with a local florist for next week, Flowers To The People. A co-worker referred me saying "She'll work with your budget and treat you like a princess!" I'm really excited and like that she buys from local farms and her store is super close to my apartment. I have no idea what kind of budget to go in with, so I'll be doing some research in the coming week. I am going to check out 2 more florists in Belleville to compare to, and hope to have made my final decision by the end of May.

I have quite the busy rest of the week. Tomorrow, my roommate and I are throwing a party at our apartment and one of my college friends is getting married Saturday. I'm looking forward to a relaxing Sunday, and the possibility of having Chris try another veggie. Grean beans? Peas? The possibilities are endless! :)

2011-04-25T16:44:00.000-07:00

Meet our flower girls, my cousins Charlotte and Hannah. Their mom is my super awesome aunt/Godmother and I couldn't be more excited. Apparently they're really into Disney Princesses right now, so I hope they're as excited as I am to see them in cute little dresses for the wedding.

Now Chris needs to ask his cousin if her boys can be the ring bearers and we will have an overload of cuteness at the wedding :)

2011-04-21T20:52:00.001-07:00

1 year from today I get to marry my best friend. How lucky am I?

2011-04-17T19:16:00.000-07:00

"The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds, and that's what you've given me. That's what I hope to give to you forever."

~The Notebook

Sigh. :)

Sunday Funday

2011-04-17T17:41:00.000-07:00

Actually, this hasn't been "Sunday Funday" because I worked this morning and spent some time cleaning up my room this afternoon. However, I guess it could be "Sunday Fun-evening." I'm currently snuggled up in bed, with candles lit around my room, a cup of chai tea next to me, and The Notebook going in the dvd player. Ahhh, now this is the life! Lets just hope my clients leave me alone tonight (I'm on call) so I can enjoy my relaxing evening.

We are 4 days away from the 1 year to go mark, which just so happens to fall on Holy Thursday this year. I suppose Chris and I could celebrate by going to mass and having our feet washed (Its a Catholic thing). Though since it's not technically a Holy Day of Obligation, I doubt I can convince Chris to give up his Thursday night. Not to mention he'll probably be cracking the whip and forcing me to help clean up his place since we've got some friends coming to town for the Cardinals/Reds series of Easter weekend. Thats right, me and 4 reds fans spending the whole weekend together :)

Speaking of Reds fans, how cute is this?

I really hope our kids are this cute, because you better believe Chris Thumann will put our kids in this very uniform. Thanks to mama Thu for sending the picture :)

This week's plan is to find time for a date night to revel in the fact that a year from now, we'll be Mr. and Mrs., and enjoy a weekend with friends.

Happy Holy Week! and p.s. Don't know if I mentioned this but I gave up meat for lent, and I'm 5 days away from successfully completing my 40 days as a vegetarian. Woohoo! There's a hot dog at Busch Stadium calling my name for next Saturday :)

Spring sprung and all I got was this crappy humidity...

2011-04-09T18:46:00.000-07:00

It's been a crummy high 80 degree day in St. Louis today, and projected 80 something day tomorrow. Ugh. I'm not necessarily a cold weather person, but I'd at least enjoy a few weeks of "Spring" if that's possible. I love sleeping with the windows open and putting off turning on the AC til late May or June. Apparently not in St. Louis....

~~~~~~~

It's been quite the weekend so far for me. 2 date nights!

Honestly, it's been kind of a weird few weeks with me and Chris. I don't know exactly what it was. We didn't argue or fight, just felt more like a funk. I suppose it's probably normal to have a post engagement lull, once the luster of being engaged wears off, and there's been a lot of emotions flying around this last month. Needles to say, I couldn't stand it.

Slowly but surely, we're working back into our routine and obnoxious lovey-doveyness. We've been on 2 dates this weekend. Last night we had sushi with some friends and ::Gasp:: Chris actually ate it. Not just one or two bites, entire rolls. He even fought me over the last piece of my favorite roll. Who would've known, raw fish and veggies and he still ate it willingly. Tonight it was just the two of us, at one of our favorite haunts, The Wine Tap. I had a salmon pizza that was delicious. I gave up meat for Lent this year, and it has surprisingly been quite easy. Now we're snuggled up on the couch watching baseball (him) and blogging (me). We desperately needed some down time to just be with each other and relax.

Life is good. Busy, sometimes chaotic, funny, and so full of love. I really do adore Chris. He's my best friend and never ending source of entertainment (He's currently yelling at the tv/Reds game).

I'll leave this post with a few pictures of some ideas for centerpieces I have. Simple, elegant, sweet.

MamaThu also found what sound like some pretty cool looking lanterns that could be centerpieces, with or without flowers, to match the rustic feel of the reception venue. Looks like a trip to Cincy is in order soon :)

Oh and p.s. I booked our engagement photo session for the second week of May, so I am super excited to a. shop for outfits, and b. put Chris through a photoshoot :)

378 days to go!

Where has the time gone?

2011-03-27T18:24:00.000-07:00

I feel like it's been forever since I've looked at the blog, let alone had the time to sit and type something. Life keeps on going. Whether I want it to slow down or speed by, it certainly keeps its own pace.

I think I last left off before I went to California for my grandpa's birthday. We (my parents and youngest brother Douglas) had a great time seeing family and catching up, and I definitely enjoyed the sunshine. I like getting a better grasp on where I come from.

This month has been especially hard because Chris' uncle passed away unexpectedly. Needless to say, there have been a lot of emotions and tears, and we made a quick trip out to Ohio for the funeral weekend. I can't even describe how close I feel to Chris and his family now. My family now.

Then just as I'm starting to settle back into life here in St. Louis, my dad calls to tell me my mom broke her leg in a skiing accident in Colorado.

Not just broken, annihilated. I just felt sick to my stomach thinking about how close she was to hitting her head or having a more serious injury. (Though looking at the xray, I'd say she had its quite serious). I think the emotions of everything from the beginning of the month hit me all at once after her accident, because Chris was pretty sure I'd gone crazy. I mean, really, who sobs over their mom breaking her leg? Well, I guess I do.

Needless to say, I'm ready for April. We're closing in on one year to go and I hope to get some more wedding things accomplished in the coming months. I bought a groupon the other day for a one hour session with a really nice photographer, so hopefully we can get some engagement pics done later this spring. I also want to drag Chris to a few different florists to get an idea of what flowers are in season this time of year...and I've been told we need to start shopping for a dj even though we're not getting married for another 12 months. So, my to do list keeps growing and the wedding keeps getting closer.

Like I said before, life just keeps on going.

What a Weekend

2011-02-27T19:03:00.000-08:00

This weekend, Chris and I completed the required Pre-Cana to be married in the Catholic Church, and oh boy, was it interesting. We were there from 8:30a.m. to 5 p.m., so it was quite a long day to say the least. The content focused around commitment, communication, conflict resolution, budgeting and financial planning, and family planning. I'm not quite sure how Chris really felt about the whole thing, except that he apparently thinks we're the perfect couple and a lot of the talks didn't apply to us, because, why work on something that doesn't need improvement? I found it very interesting, and while I agree with Chris that we're on the same page with pretty much everything, a lot of the content was helpful to just spark thoughts of what married life is really going to be like for us.

Chris and I still operate in the "Oh we're young and in love" mindset. We laugh and play, and we rarely argue. We have had similar upbringings and are blessed to have parents who have set excellent examples of what love and marriage is supposed to be. We have a good little life that we've settled in to. This weekend definitely reiterated all that, and I've never been more sure or excited to marry Chris. My excited little brain has calmed down a bit though, because the reality is setting in that although Chris and I possess all the right tools and supports to have the most amazing and happy marriage (which OF COURSE we will), we're going to have to work on it sometimes. It can't always be puppies and rainbows, but with the things we've discussed this weekend, I know we'll work through anything that we come up against. I just love him so much and still can't believe he picked me to share his life with.

On a side note, this week I start a weekly yoga class with my lovely FSIL, Jenny. I've gone to a few classes using a Groupon I bought, and I'm obsessed. Jenny suggested I join her class that's offered through the local community college network as a continuing education course, so I did. :) I'm excited to have weekly dates with her to catch up and have some bonding time that doesn't involve wedding planning.

Plus, at the end of the week, I'm flying to California for a family reunion/grandpa's 85th birthday. I don't see this side of the family that often, so I'm really looking forward to it. Not to mention it's supposed to be almost 80 while I'm there, which will be a nice break from the dreary weather we've had here the last few days.

Now, I'm off to help my sister out with an assignment. She's using me as a professional consult for a psychology paper, so I have to make sure she gets an A :)

14 Months!

2011-02-21T21:16:00.000-08:00

Exactly 14 months from today, we're getting married! Chris teases me that its still far off, but I know how quickly time goes by and I can't even begin to describe how excited I am to be getting closer to the one year to go mark.

Unfortunately, its late for me and I really need to be going to bed. But before I go, I wanted to share that Chris and I have officially booked our reception site, The Schlafly Tap Room. We are going to have the Club room for a cocktail style reception. I.CANNOT.WAIT! Seriously, I can picture it all in my mind and it is going to be fabulous :)

Now, time for some sweet dreams of dancing around the tap room with my love :)

Goodnight!

Happy Valentines!

2011-02-14T20:55:00.000-08:00

Can I just take this time to say how much I love Chris?

We had such a great time on our date. Really, we always have a great time, but theres just something special about being out on a date all dressed up. Plus, our meal included complimentary champagne (yum!) which always helps bring out a good mood :) He makes me laugh and got me a super corny card (with a sweet note inside) and beautiful flowers. I got him the season 5 dvd of one of his favorite shows, Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia. I just cannot wait to marry this man. He's my best friend and I can't imagine my life without him.

Happy Valentines Day!

Ugh.

2011-02-10T14:40:00.000-08:00

So, I got off work early today, which is a good thing. And I got in a good workout at the gym, another good thing. Then as I'm pumping gas, I had a major slip on the ice and now have scrapes all up my left leg, a sore twisted ankle, AND got my new nikes dirty. Hence the "Ugh!" Oh, and I'm also doing laundry with Chris tonight...and I HATE doing laundry at laundromats. I have fantasies about owning my own washer and dryer some day soon so I can wash clothes regularly instead of every few weeks when the hampers full to the brim. Ugh.

Okay, I'll try to make this a positive blog from here out.

Chris and I went to Nashville this past weekend with our friends Nathan and Sarah, and we had a blast. The live music there is just too much fun, and we recognized a lot of the bands from when we were there last year. I fell in love with one of the bands who were playing a wide array of covers and asked about the possibility of them playing at the wedding....and then the singer told me the approximate fee and I about died. He gave me a free cd though, so I didn't come up totally empty handed. We also bought a Christmas ornament while we were there, thus starting our new tradition of collecting ornaments on all our trips to make sure our first tree has some sentimental ornaments on it :)

Isn't he cute?

This weekend, Jenny and I are gonna meet with a potential photographer. Wish us luck! I've looked through their online portfolio and know a friend who used them for her wedding and she loved them. I have high hopes, and it feels so good to be getting stuff done!

Next Saturday, Chris and I are looking at The Tap Room again, this time with an actual reception going on. I feel bad crashing a wedding, but Chris needs a peek at it with people in the room before he'll let me put down a deposit. I think once we get that settled, It'll all be smooth sailing. At least until I start stressing about how to decorate the place.

Honeymoon wise, we found the coolest place, Hotel on the Cay in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, through my parent's time share company. Right now we're on a waiting list, so hopefully people will trade a week out so that we can go. A 5 acre island in the middle of the harbor, no roads, no cars, snorkeling on site. Seriously, what could be better? Our second choice is also in St. Croix at Chenay Bay. Stunning pictures, I can't get over how clear the water is. Thank goodness Chris has a water proof camera, because wherever we end up, we both want to spend a lot of time snorkeling.

436 days to figure it all out :) I definitely won't need that much time, but at least I'll have time to relax in between all the upcoming big decisions!

451 days to go!

2011-01-26T21:28:00.000-08:00

We're almost there! ;-)

I think once we finally get to April this year, I'll be starting a daily countdown...maybe a paper chain or something for each week. I'm just so excited. I can't believe how much I've more or less decided on/achieved so far.

Chris and I are going to check out a cocktail reception at the potential reception site on Feb 18th to see what the space looks like with people and decorations. Mostly it's just to appease Chris and his concerns that it may be too small. He just can't see it like I can I guess :) I'm ready to put the deposit down as soon as he gives me the green light. I also put a call in to a photographer that a friend used for her wedding to set up a consult to look at portfolios and packages, so hopefully that gets taken care of soon too. The only other big things left are flowers and working with my FSIL, Jenny, to design Save the Dates and Invites. I'm so lucky to have a crafty soon to be sister :) This is going so much easier than I ever could have hoped, lets hope it stays that way!

I've recently joined the SLU gym with an alumni membership package, and I have been working out like a madwoman lately. It feels good to have a daily outlet and I've definitely been sleeping better at night. Plus I have the best motivation in the world to stick to a regular workout routine...my dress is going to look awesome on me :) Plus I'll need my endurance up to be able to dance the night away at our reception.

I hope everyone else is getting through these bitterly cold days with as much fun as I am!

oh and p.s. I convinced Chris to buy today's local groupon for half off a horse drawn carriage ride down by the arch, so be looking forward to pictures of that experience sometime soon!

Spoiler Alert...

2011-01-18T20:14:00.000-08:00

Not!

My lips are sealed, or I suppose my fingertips are :) I bought my dress this weekend, but for obvious reasons (i.e. Chris reads my blog) not a single detail will be discussed on here. I'd imagine the rest of you reading this were either there when I purchased it or were some of the few that got an email with pictures attached. All I'll say is that its everything I didn't want and absolutely gorgeous!

We also checked a few other things off the list this weekend.
I found a to die for bridesmaid dress. Claire and Jenny both tried it on and we immediately agreed, this was it...and of course the sample in the store was exactly the color I wanted. It was a sign.

The whole weekend was full of signs actually, or maybe that's what I kept telling myself :) We ate lunch at and toured the Schlafly Tap Room. I have to say, I think it's perfect. I still have to sell Chris a little on the size, but if we go with a Cocktail style reception and get a DJ to keep the music flowing, I think we'll have the best party either of us could've ever imagined. There was a C+K carved into a table in the club room, again, it was a sign.

Then, after saying bye to mom and Claire, Cindy and I sat in the hotel lobby waiting for Chris to get us for lunch. She has the brilliant idea to ask about blocking out rooms there for our wedding guests, and I was absolutely floored at how good of a deal they offered.Oh, and they gave me a free key chain and coupons for shuttle services. Seriously, this weekend could not have gone better. The perks of getting the big stuff out of the way ahead of time is apparently peace of mind and significant discounts.

I'm being asked (read FORCED) to look at other venues and hotel deals before signing any contracts, but who am I kidding. My mind is made up and Chris will just have to come around ;)

I am beyond excited, and I can't believe how quickly or easily this seems to be falling into place. Probably helps that I kicked my fickleness to the curb a while ago.

On a side note, it was absolutely hysterical how well our moms got along this weekend. They shared a hotel room and definitely bonded. They described it as being like teenagers having a sleep over and apparently my mother woke up talking about centerpiece ideas. Wedding fever permeates into dreams, didn't you know?

It's about that time....

2011-01-15T07:55:00.001-08:00

For Dress Shopping!

My mom, Claire, Chris's mom, and Jenny are zooming around the metro area this weekend for dress shopping. I'll report back with a detailed account Monday. Until then, off to create my own personal episode of "Say Yes to the Dress!"

Sisters

2011-01-09T21:27:00.000-08:00

You can always count on sisters for a silly photo. Claire and her tootsie roll pop make this picture fantastic.

I'm a lucky girl.

Not only do I have my wonderful sister, Claire, to call and vent to just about every day (not to mention live vicariously through her since she's a college sophomore right now)...and Jenny, my FSIL, who lives literally 3 exits down the highway from me...and Alexcia, who has been my roommate and confidante since freshman year of college....but I also have Morgan and Nisha, who have been my very best friends since high school and junior high, respectively.

I spent the past weekend in Conway, Arkansas visiting with Morgan and her husband and Nisha. Nisha was just in St. Louis for a quick weekend, but I haven't seen Morgan, or Mogee as I lovingly call her, since her own wedding in August 2009. These two girls make up the other 2/3 of "Kamorganishatie" a nickname we dubbed upon ourselves our senior year of high school. We all have birthdays 5 days apart, me being the middle birthday, and I swear it was a sign that we were meant to be friends for life. I actually met Nisha in 7th grade and then Morgan in 9th grade when my family moved to Cabot. We all went to Arkansas Governor's School between our junior and senior years of high school and Morgan and Nisha hit it off, so naturally I pulled the "I already knew her" card with Nisha and we became BFFs, literally.

Morgan is such a cute newlywed it makes me even more excited to get married. Seriously, her husband is awesome (and was also at Governor's School with us) and I love him more and more each time I'm around him. I joked with Morgan this weekend that he and I have so much in common, it's no wonder she married him :) Nisha is a 3rd year med student and is our never ending source of entertainment. She's so pretty and smart and funny and just worldly, I can't help but admire her.

These 2 girls, combined with Claire, Jenny, and Alexcia make up my bridesmaids. A fun and beautiful group of girls that I can't wait to share my day with, not to mention have them all meet each other. Finally.


Morgan, Me, and Nisha at Morgan's bachelorette Party

This may be my favorite picture from Morgan's wedding weekend.

Jenny's "Jersey Shore" birthday March 2010. So.Much.Fun.

Alexcia and I never fail to have fun, even with a bucket.

"A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life." - Isadora James

Happy New Year!

2011-01-02T18:40:00.000-08:00

Well 2010 is officially behind us, only 475 days to go til the big W. :)

2010 was very, very good to me. Chris and I made a lot of trips, some to new places and some to old favorites. I think a photo recap is in order :)

We started the year off with a trip to Cincinnati, and of course had to hit up a Xavier basketball game. We even got to meet the Blue Blob!

Next came a trip to Nashville for the Super Bowl with our friends Nathan and Sarah. The guys are the best of friends and are just adorable together.

Early spring brings Mardi Gras to St. Louis and we can't pass up this crazy and fun filled weekend each year.

Chris' sister and her roommate both have March birthdays and threw the most amazing "Jersey Shore" theme party. This picture doesn't do the bash justice.

I was lucky to get to spend a girls weekend in Memphis with my roommate and two other friends from SLU. It was a quick but fun trip.

In April, Chris and I made a trip out to see his Aunt and Uncle in Phoenix and had an amazing week seeing the land, even making it to the Grand Canyon. The picture at the top of the blog is from this trip. We spent an afternoon in Sedona and the Red Rocks were breathtaking.

What's spring in St. Louis without baseball...or rain? Chris and I went to most of the Cardinals/Reds games this year. This game in particular had a 2 or 3 hour rain delay...I don't recall details, mostly because the beer service didn't stop :) You can probably tell we had a good time.

Each year, Chris is lucky to spend a week in Canada with his dad and other friends or family. This summer he went way up north into Ontario with his dad and two uncles. He always comes back to me as a mountain man with all kinds of fish stories.

In June, my family spent a week in Granby, Colorado. This week was very special because my older brother Tim was visiting from Qatar and Chris got to spend a week with my entire family. We had a blast and I've been itching to get back out west ever since.

For the July 4th weekend, we had originally planned to accompany a group of friends to a lake house in Tennessee...but that fell through (long story) and we all met up in Chicago for the weekend. It was my first time there and I loved the busy city. Good times with good friends. I hope you can tell we're at Wrigley for a Reds/Cubs game, and I'm wearing my Cardinals hat :)

In August, my "baby" brother turned 17. I got him tickets to a Something Coporate concert here in St. Louis. He came out with our sister Claire and we had so much fun. It was great to share the experience with them, especially since this is a band I listened to when I was 17. Side note: I took my sister to a concert for the lead singers other band, Jack's Mannequin, in February...but we both forgot our cameras, so no pictures from that one.

September came and went with no pictures, even though I had my birthday...not sure why I didn't use my camera. Then came October :)

So I bought Chris tickets to the Bengals v. Dolphins game for his birthday, and we headed to Cincinnati for the Halloween weekend. We dressed as Frank and Charlie from one of our favorite shows for a Halloween party, cheered on the Bengals, and oh, GOT ENGAGED! :) I loved October.

We spent Thanksgiving in Cincinnati, and oddly, I have no pictures from that trip.

In early December, my roommate and I went to Chicago for a 3 day weekend. The whole weekend I wanted to see the bean in Millennium Park, which we did...en route to the airport. Note the suitcases in our picture :)

For Christmas, I headed home to Kansas and Chris went to Ohio. Though I missed him, I had a great time spending the holiday with my family.

We spent New Years with our friends Nathan and Sarah at The Wine Tap and had a fantastic time, complete with Chris playing his New Years horn to the tune of Billy Joel's "Piano Man" and Nathan trying to book the band for our wedding.

So that was my year; full of travel, family, and friends. Looking back through all these pictures reminds me how truly blessed I am to have such great people in my life. Though I can't imagine anything topping this year, I'm very much looking forward to what 2011 has to bring...and to being closer to 4.21.2012 :)

The best example

2010-12-26T18:12:00.000-08:00

I've had an absolutely wonderful Christmas trip home. I wish I could stay longer than this weekend, but I bet one day longer and they'd be begging me to leave :) My dad mentioned today that he'd forgotten how cranky I get when I'm tired...Me? Cranky? Never.... :)

Mom, Claire, and I hit up a bridal store here in Wichita this afternoon. Just to look and touch and ooh and ahh. I didn't try anything on, but fell even more in love with a dress I've been oogling over online since before Chris proposed. Yes, I am that girl who had her dress picked out before being engaged. So, I made the executive decision that mom must spend her MLK holiday weekend driving to St. Louis so I can try on, and hopefully buy, THE dress. Of course, I'll try on a variety, just to be sure. Though really, I'm convinced I've found my dress. Fingers crossed it actually looks good on me!

Okay, to the point of my title...

How pretty is my mom?!

Look at how happy my parents are :) I can honestly say that they've been like this for as long as I've been around, and I bet its safe to say they were like this the 4 years before I joined this world too. I am so unbelievable lucky to have had two great role models of what love, family, and a marriage should be and can be. I think it's easy to forget how blessed we are to have the people in our lives to guide us and support us and teach us how to love.

I think my parents' priest summed it up best in today's homily: "We pick our friends because they are like us. God gives us our family to learn to love people who are different."

Our first Keepsake :)

2010-12-22T15:07:00.000-08:00

Chris and I exchanged gifts last night since he's driving back to Ohio today and I'm leaving for Kansas on Friday. He got me a Kindle, which is awesome! I'm obsessed with it and wish I had more time to just read and read all day.

Then there was this:

A 2010 Hallmark keepsake ornament, "for our first Christmas being engaged." Needless to say I got pretty teary eyed and could only muster a sob of "It's just so sweet." That's my Chris, not a man of many words about how much he loves me (thats my style), but a man of sweet and thoughtful gestures that fill my heart with even more love for my future husband.

Okay, I've worked myself up to happy tears again...so thats it for this post.

p.s. Think happy and safe thoughts for me as I make a snow filled trek to Kansas on Friday. Fingers crossed I get there in time for 8 pm mass!

Eat your heart out Charlie Brown!

2010-12-16T20:09:00.000-08:00

      I came over to Chris' after work today to wrap some presents and help him get stuff together for his work Christmas party tomorrow, and there was this adorable little tree sitting in his living room just crying out for some decorations. Apparently Chris' buddy Nathan left the tree outside his apartment as a Christmas gift for us. I couldn't be more excited, and I can't even begin to describe how good this little fir tree smells!
     I haven't been at my parent's house for the decorating of the tree in years, and even though this guy was a little smaller than the big trees I'm used to, it got me right into the Christmas spirit. I think Chris got a kick out of how excited I was and patiently accompanied me to the nearest store to get lights, candy canes, and ornaments. I kept reminding him in the car that this is our 2nd to last Christmas together before we're married, "Only two more Christmases to go, by the third one we'll be married!" When I think about it like that, April 21, 2012 seems so close!
     For now, I'm going to make myself a cup of tea and enjoy our tree! Happy Holidays!

Flat tire, Christmas shopping, and basketball...and all by Wednesday!

2010-12-15T20:32:00.000-08:00

Another week almost in the books...complete with a new set of tires for me and almost all the Christmas shopping done for Chris and my families. Discovering a flat tire Monday morning when its -15 with the wind chill is definitely not a good start to the week, but at least it gave me a good excuse to take a comp day to do some shopping and spend the day with Chris, along with replacing all my tires and getting my alignment done. Woohoo!

Chris and I went to the SLU basketball game tonight with our friends Theo and Steph. They got married last year, and are one of my favorite couples to go out with. They're fun and a good example for Chris to see that its cool to be married :)

Slowly but surely, I'm working on Chris to get some more wedding stuff nailed down. He has promised me he'll ask his guys to be groomsmen etc over the Christmas break. Luckily Jenny will be home in Ohio with him to make sure it gets done. It's always nice to have an enforcer to be there when I'm not. I've also nagged my mom to death about getting my hands on a credit card when I go home for the holiday. So hopefully, assuming I get the credit card, some deposits will be made shortly after the new year for a reception venue and photography. I really want to get the engagement photos done early this spring so we can get save the dates out.

Some days it still doesn't all feel real. I'm a lucky, lucky girl. And very loved. :)

And by the way....Merry Christmas!

Long time no blog...

2010-12-09T18:13:00.000-08:00

Ugh, where have I been? Life took over as usual.

I had a fantastic time in Chicago, and got to see some old friends from college. Chris was hunting again while I was seeing the city, and he got a deer!

I'm a little freaked out that the poor deer has his tongue hanging out...surely the taxidermist will make him look a little happier when he's mounted. Chris and I have a running joke about his future "man cave" in our first place together. There is absolutely no way I'd let him put deer heads up in a place that any guest would see. Maybe we'll theme a guest room with hunting/fishing decor, though I could see deer heads watching you as you sleep giving people nightmares.

I'm feeling a bit stagnant at the moment as far as wedding planning goes. I've gotten wrapped up in the holidays and work, and I've only looked at wedding stuff twice in the last 2 weeks I'd guess. <---that is crazy! Is something wrong with me?

I guess once we get through Christmas it'll be easier to focus on planning details, and I hope to have my hands on a credit card from my parents to start putting deposits down for a photographer and reception site. I'd like to get our engagement session and save the dates out of the way by early next spring. For now the only thing on the radar is a pre-cana Saturday that I registered us for in February.

One of my long time friends and bridesmaid, Nisha, is coming up to St. Louis for the weekend tomorrow and I couldn't be more excited for some best friend time. I know, I know, I've always got something going on. How am I ever going to find the time to plan a wedding or start my Christmas shopping? ;-)

I hope everyone is enjoying the Holiday season, I know I sure am!

I'm turning into a monster....

2010-11-30T20:36:00.000-08:00

I just emailed my mother 3 times in the last 10 minutes. Once with a tentative guest list, again with a corrected guest list, because I somehow left off 10 relatives, including my grandpa. Oops! The third one was intended to make her laugh and just had this attached:

That would be Jenny, Steve, and Chris circa 1986 I'd guess. The Thumanns have this framed in their living room. It can't be hard to see why this is one of my favorite pictures (and why I love the Thumann clan so much).

I've been a busy bridezilla the last few days. I set the date, booked the church, and registered us for a Pre-cana Saturday course in February. I've also gotten a few quotes from reception sites and am compiling a stack of catering menus to compare. I still have my heart set on the Soulard Preservation Hall, but there are few other places that have caught my eye recently that I'll have to look into a bit more. I'm having a hard time fighting the urge to just book everything now, but I know if I don't leave myself something to work on I'll get too anxious about having to wait til the wedding day.

The biggest news of the week I suppose is the date itself: April 21, 2012. 2 weekends after Easter and it also happens to fall on my cousin Ted's 15th birthday. So I'll be thinking of all the ways to embarrass him at the reception too. :)

2 more days of work for me then it's off to Chicago for a girls weekend. Chris is heading back to the deer woods tomorrow for a few days. We should probably stop going out of town if we're ever going to get this wedding planned!

Some Progress!

2010-11-28T19:46:00.000-08:00

Well it's officially after Thanksgiving now! I spent the long Holiday weekend in Cincinnati with Chris and his family and it was so nice to have a long break to relax and enjoy their company. I swear everytime I visit the Thumann family, we discover more things in common (especially me and Steve) and I feel like I've been a member of the family for years already. Plus we got to celebrate with friends and I met some more members of Chris' extended family, like his sweet 90 year old Aunt Melba who was the life of the party post-Thanksgiving dinner.

So now that the "no wedding talk til after Thanksgiving" ban has been officially lifted, my short term to do list can finally take real shape:

1. Set the date! I will be calling the church tomorrow to reserve April 21, 2012 :)
2. Compile a list of reception/catering options and set up tours for after Christmas.
3. Continue to nag Chris to ask all his guys to be groomsmen. He doesn't feel any rush and it's driving me crazy.
4. Confirm a tentative guest list with our parents so I know just how many people we should plan on wining and dining :)
5. Register for a Pre-Cana retreat with the Diocese this coming February.
6. Find a photographer and set up an engagement shoot for early spring 2011.

Not to mention Christmas shopping...since its nearly December and I haven't done any. I'm going to Chicago this coming weekend so hopefully I'll pick up some gifts while I'm there.

Needless to say, I'm exhausted. Holidays and traveling take a lot out of me, and I dying to get to sleep. More updates to come soon!

The joys of Catholicism

2010-11-21T19:18:00.000-08:00

Something that has always been important to me is my faith. I love being Catholic, all the ritual and history is fascinating. I excitedly called my parents after mass this morning to tell them all about the anointing of the sick sacrament the Priest did after today's homily. Yeah, I'm that nerdy Catholic all my Southern Baptist "friends" made fun of in high school. But I digress...

As I was sitting in Church this morning and watched the sunlight come through the stained glass windows and recited the same prayers my parents and grandparents grew up with, I felt so connected. Beyond that, I was overcome to the point that tears started to form (again, I know, I'm a big Catholic nerd) at the fact that this beautiful and God filled place is where I will commit my life and love to my best friend.

Then my mom called to inform me that my dreams for a March 2012 wedding were impossible. I'd recently realized that it could get tricky planning a wedding during Lent. Meatless rehearsal dinner, no flowers on the altar, no music during the ceremony. Needless to say, I was already considering the fact that we'd either move it up to February or move it back to April. Mom had a chat with her priest in Wichita, and apparently the Church doesn't do weddings during Lent. So it looks like April it is. Now the fun part of picking a date!

I'm eagerly anticipating the "no wedding talk til after Thanksgiving" ban being lifted on Thursday, so be expecting more details to unfold soon!

- - - - - -
Non wedding related: My brother Tim came into town this weekend and it was beyond great to see him. We met up with my FSIL, Jenny, and her friends for dinner, drinks, and dancing Friday and had a quiet night in on Saturday watching movies and eating Imos (YUM!). He left this morning :( and I'm not sure when I'll see him again in the next year, since he's currently living in Qatar. There's a few family functions in the spring and summer, so fingers crossed that'll work out for him to come back to the states for either of those.

He was also very helpful during his drive back to our parent's in Wichita and walked me through getting rid of some virus that hacked into my computer and was making me so anxious I almost cried. Gotta love having a tech savvy brother, especially when he's in the same time zone for once :)

Upstaged.

2010-11-17T17:45:00.000-08:00

Gosh, leave it to Prince William and Kate Middleton to upstage me and Chris :) I guess it was bound to happen.

It's been a whirlwind week to say the least, and it's still only Wednesday. I met up with my FSIL, Jenny, last night for coffee and to laugh at the monstrosity that is the wedding planner my mom sent me. Seriously, the thing terrifies me. Its huge and full of lots of good info, but I'd be lying if I said it didn't make me very anxious with all the odds and ends I never would've thought of. Yikes!

I've been nagging Chris to commit to asking his groomsmen to be in the wedding while we're back in Ohio next weekend, so hopefully that happens...or else I'll keep nagging and he'll keep being annoyed. :)

My brother Tim gets in town Friday night and we're planning on spending some time with Jenny at her work's happy hour event. Of course, Chris is going to be out of town. Hunting. Again. But oh well, that'll give me, Jenny, and Tim lots of time to talk about him and the wedding :)

For tonight, off to Trivia with my roommate who also just chopped off her hair. It must be in the water :)

Post-engagement Chop

2010-11-13T13:10:00.000-08:00

Well I chopped all my hair off. Unfortunately this is a web cam photo capture, so it's not the best photo quality. The back is even shorter, no more pony tails for me. I plan to just let it grow now, getting trims here and there so I'll have a good length by wedding time for hairstyle options.

Speaking of wedding, I somehow got Chris to chat with me a little about dates and I think we've got it narrowed down to March 24 or 31, 2012. Of course, that could always change once I talk to the church about availability, but late March or maybe early April for sure. Jenny has supplied me with more options for reception sites, so I'm feeling better about finding the perfect spot. I'm sure she will be a willing participant to be dragged along to various sites until we find the best place.

Non wedding news: My older brother Tim is en route to the U.S. for a job interview and is extending the trip to visit my parents and come to St. Louis next weekend for a visit. I haven't seen him since June and he'll be the first of my family to see my ring. Very Exciting!

2010-11-09T16:46:00.000-08:00

Someday my name is going to be Kathryn Thumann. What a strange concept to grasp...

So about this Thumann family I get to be a part of: Of course there's my Chris, who I could probably write super sweet blogs about, but I'll refrain for now. He has an older sister Jenny. I actually have more SLU friends and acquaintances in common with her than Chris, yet somehow we never met in college. Jenny is super cool and crafty and funny and involved in the community and just awesome. Can you tell I like her? She got me my first wedding magazine and then boldly told me what bridesmaids dresses wouldn't fly, what's not to love about that?
Chris' parents, Steve and Cindy, are the nicest people I've ever met. Steve has a sweet, quiet way about him that is just so comforting and relaxing to be around. And he has a super funny sarcastic wit, that Chris seems to have inherited. When Chris and I were home last weekend, I had a blast following Steve through the woods to stir up some deer for Chris' hunting. He was so patient and pointed out all kinds of signs of deer I would've totally missed. It's obvious where Chris gets his love for the outdoors. And Cindy, oh man. Anyone who knows Mama Thu knows that she is the sweetest lady on the planet. Seriously, between our shared love for TJ Maxx and my love for her chocolate chip cookies and ice cream sandwiches, I can't imagine a better woman to have as a mother in law. And I'm not just saying that because I know you're reading this Cindy :)

So here's to being a Thumann, getting a new sister, and all the chocolate chip cookies I could ever want :) How did I get so lucky with my future in laws?

Finally feeling better

2010-11-08T16:23:00.000-08:00

I used my down time while I was under the weather to do more and more perusing of all things wedding related. I'm sure I drove my mom crazy with my multiple emails with links to Maggie Sottero wedding gowns that I fell in love with and reception halls I'm dying to tour like here and here. St. Louis offers so many options for venues, I'm going to have a hard time choosing.

Now that I've started feeling better from whatever mystery illness I had over the weekend, I'm starting to feel my newly engaged "glow" fade a little. (Mostly because my job is high stress and time consuming, but this is not going to become a blog about the depressing fact that adult working life sucks.) Chris is also out of town for the week to do some deer hunting back in Ohio, so I'm fiance-less and still a little run down from my stomach bug. One of my coworkers gave me a pep-talk today to hold onto "the glow" as long as I can, but to remember that the first glow will be replaced by more glows and happy feelings as the planning progresses and we finally get to the big day.

So stomach bug or no stomach bug, crappy work day or not, my post engagement glow will stay strong as long as Chris will put up with it :)

It' 3 a.m....

2010-11-06T01:08:00.001-07:00

and I want to go to bed.

I have food poisoning. At least thats what I think it is. I got my flu shot this year, so I know its not that. Ugh. I can't remember the last time I was sick like this :(

Its only been 5 days...

2010-11-05T16:38:00.000-07:00

...but I'm already anxious.

I just spent the last 2 hours looking at catering options, reception sites, florists, and photographers. So much for no planning until after Thanksgiving. There's a big part of me that is just dying to have something done by now. Like setting a date or booking a church or confirming our bridal party with Chris. Although...I may or may not have already asked all my bridesmaids to be in the wedding....lets hope he doesn't read this because I'm sure I'll catch some grief for breaking the "no wedding talk til after Thanksgiving" rule.

I am feeling kind of silly now. I'm the one who imposed the rule because I thought "Gee, lets take some time to just enjoy this!" To be honest, I've been looking at wedding stuff for the last 6 months; and now that I can actually 'legally' plan, I self imposed this stupid Thanksgiving rule. Ugh!

I guess I'll have to settle for planning in secret and when we do start post Thanksgiving planning, I'll magically have already found all the best deals :)

I daydream too much...

2010-11-04T17:07:00.000-07:00

I drive a lot for my job, and today I caught myself daydreaming (while stopped at lights of course!) a lot. Couple that with the e-mails I've gotten from Jenny, my future sister in law, and Cindy, my future mother in law, and my head is just swimming with ideas for my perfect wedding.

Here's what I've thought of most, in no great detail and by no means permanent:

1. Blue, grey, and yellow color scheme. Still thinking about this one though.

2. There will be more Jelly Belly Jelly Beans "Sours" than I've ever dreamt of.

3. I want to use light as a decor theme and, surprisingly, I don't think I want a lot of flowers used for centerpieces.

4. I want to have DIY flare, but I'm not sure how capable I am of doing all the fun things I've seen here

and here. Lucky for me I've got Jenny, who is not only responsible for turning me on to these links, but also very crafty. I doubt I'll have problems talking her into helping me.

5. There will be lots of dancing and drinking. We are Catholic after all.

6. Mostly, I just want the wedding and reception to be simple, clean, and chic.

I'm sure at some point down the road I'm going to have to come to terms with the fact that the wedding/reception I see in my head is not only unattainably expensive, but something that my other half wouldn't be a fan of. But hey, he's not the one blogging, so I will dream away :)

2010-11-03T17:23:00.000-07:00

So, I make no promises to update this daily, but for now I think the excitement of all of this will keep me posting regularly for a while.

Today was a good day. Second day back at work since the long weekend and I still feel like I'm in a dream. I look at my ring finger and think "Is this real life?" I wonder when this is all going to sink in...One of my married co-workers told me that she didn't feel any different until the day after her wedding. Sounds like I may have a while to go until I feel like a wife and not just a girlfriend.

I wish I had details or something more interesting to post, but all I've got is my excitement to share. Chris and I agreed to hold off on talking details until after Thanksgiving, which is probably going to slowly kill me. Thank goodness for his sister, Jenny, who is in cahoots to help me break that agreement when he's not around :) All I know is I'm so thankful for all my wonderful friends and family for all their happy congratulations and well wishes. Chris and I are both so lucky to have such wonderful supports in our lives.

Lets Go!

2010-11-02T19:41:00.000-07:00

Those of you who know my fiance (woo! that's fun to type!) will get the humor in this first post's title. Chris is a die hard Xavier University Basketball fan and he can be heard yelling this at various times during the college basketball season. Watch the whole thing or fast forward to the 1:00 mark to hear the trademark "Lets Go!" I've come to know and love...and get a taste of his ferocious zeal supporting his beloved Musketeers.

What can I say, I'm a lucky girl :) This video reminds me of a lot of the things I love about Chris: his loyalty, his passion, his smile, and his contagious laughter. As we start moving forward in planning our wedding, I hope to get even half this excitement out of him.

So here's to the start of my foray into the blog world and more importantly, here's to the beginning of what's bound to be the most stressful, joyous, frustrating, and love filled time of my life! As Chris would say, Lets go!