2009

This year has FLOWN by! I feel like we just got engaged a couple weeks ago ... now it's been almost a year! Our 6 month anniversary is on December 20th, and that just blows my mind. I kind of feel like we should celebrate and go somewhere - anyone want to join me on the new "EPIC"? (We took an NCL cruise for our honeymoon, and they just sent us a big packet about their new boat, the Epic. We kind of thought "shoot, maybe they want us to join them!?" I think so.

Here is a run down of our year together:
January: We got engaged!

February: We went to LV for my sister's wedding, and I begin wedding plans

March: Bridal Shower # 1, my folks come in town and I try on the wedding dress I loved in the store, luckily they loved it too and it became "The One."
April: Moved to Phoenix where I stayed with my grandparents and John stayed at his house - started working full time and wedding planning in full force. and Bridal Shower #2
May: My birthday :) Bridal Shower # 3 and # 4. (when you have such big families, I guess you get a little more family time - we loved it!).
June: went to Lake Powell with my family, WE GOT MARRIED, went on a cruise alone, moved into the guest house at my grandparents.
July: Met up with John's sister, Courtney, and her family at the beach in California, spent a lot of time outside in the pool (i know the pic is of my niece, but it's so cute and she always came swimming with us), playing cards with Grandpa (john), and reading and watching sports with Grandma (me)
August: the summer that changed our lives comes to end and we move back to Provo, start school, begin decorating our apt. My sister has her little baby, Kyleigh.
September: My family and grandma King come into town for Kyleigh's blessing, weather begins to cool down, we already pull out sweaters
October: weather is getting a bit cooler, we pull out jackets. John's sister in law, Kamy, has her baby, Karly. We get to see Karly TWICE this month as we go down to Las Vegas for my good friends wedding, and Karly's blessing (this weekend carries into Nov)
November: we begin this month in LV where we spent Halloween and attended Karly's blessing. Good times. I love family get togethers. We also get to leave this frigid state for Thanksgiving in Phoenix where it's a beautiful 81 degrees. 
December: We freeze. So far everyday this month it has been big jackets, scarves, and lots of snow. I even pulled out my socks. Yes, I hate to wear socks. I typically wear flats that don't require socks, or sandals/flip flops. Socks are just not in my regular attire. I own about 5 pair and they last me the entire year. I have worn socks twice now this winter. Go me.
Oh, we're spending Christmas in Las Vegas. I can't wait to see palm trees and green grass!

Love you all.

(John's in bed already ... I'm about to go see if he stole my pillow or my side of the bed again. :)

PS: I was told again this week that I need more pictures. I'm sorry. I'll get better. Please forgive me.

Halloween Weekend

We went to Las Vegas over Halloween weekend for the blessing of our new little niece, Karly. We had a great time! We carved pumpkins, went trick-or-treating with the kids, and played with lots of family that came in town.

My mom decided about the day before we all showed up (my older sister and her family came in town for the weekend as well) that we would take family photos. Yippee. I like family photos b/c it's always fun to go back a couple years and see how we have all changed so much, I just prefer not to all match. Oh well, we didn't have enough time to coordinate, so matching it was. This year we added 3 people to our group: John, Jared (the only dark one in the group - he married into the family in Feb), and our sweet little niece, Kyleigh.

The Boys

The Girls

The Fam

US!

Proof!!!

There have been a couple of times that John goes to bed before me. For a couple of minutes we have a little conversation while he's in bed and I'm on the couch that goes like this: 

John: Baaaaaaaaaaabe. Come to bed. 

Me: Not yet. I'm busy. 

John: WHY? Can't you do it later. 

Me: No. (and a smile forms b/c I know what's coming next)

John: Well, then HURRY! 

Me: I am hurrying. 

John: Ok, I'll try to wait up for you. 

Me: Yeah, okay ... I'll wake you when I crawl into bed. 

John is very good at falling asleep within minutes of crawling into bed. Me on the other hand, not so much. I crawl into bed and I feel like it's time for "pillowtalk." (I like to know his schedule for the following day and when and where we'll see each other, etc) However, if I am not in bed about the same time as he is, I have to forget about "pillowtalk." John will always be asleep before I make it there. I appreciate him trying to stay awake for me, but it has yet to happen. Usually this is what happens ... 

HE STEALS MY PILLOW!!

Or, he has invaded MY area! I sleep on the left side when facing the bed. John is on the right. We have a King sized bed. PLENTY of space, but I know that he will be in my area. Sometimes it's just the pillow, sometimes he's totally on the edge of my side, and sometimes it's like he's trying to create an "X" with only one line, and his head's on my pillow, yet his feet are in his area. Cracks me up!

Last night I walked into the bedroom after typing some stuff up for my RS lesson today and decided I needed a picture to show him. (he thinks I'm making this up at times). We actually do sleep pretty close together so we're kind of touching throughout the night, but at least I don't have to fight him for half the bed.

But, secretly, between you and me...I love it. I love that he is trying to find me in his sleep and wants me next to him. It is pretty cute. I may have to fight him for space and steal my pillow back, but I always fall asleep with a smile on my face that night.

I love my life.

Badonkadonk Land Cruiser/Tank

Just in case you were in the market for a Badonkadonk Land Cruiser/Tank ... I found one. 

CLICK HERE 

You're welcome.

PS: Check out the comments and pictures. They are the best.

I read this article and couldn't help but giggle ... this will totally be me in a couple of years!! Bless my future children's hearts. I hope they forgive me now, b/c I will try to be "crafty" one day. I just know it.

Glue Gun Control

by: Lynn Ruebeck

I am not good with a glue gun.

I can shoot a pistol with great accuracy at a paper target, but ask me to glue together paper from Target, and it’s a whole different story.

The glue gun is the weapon of choice for crafters worldwide, and quite frankly, I think we need stricter glue gun laws. This suggestion may upset some of you (especially members of the NGGA, the National Glue Gun Association), but hear me out. I think there needs to be a “cooling off” period before one is allowed to buy a glue gun.

Some women craft too impulsively, including me. One day, I watched Martha Stewart on television miraculously assemble an entire holiday scene in minutes with merely a glue gun and scissors. When the show ended, I excitedly dashed out the door to the craft store to buy the supplies.

Without any screening, I was able to purchase a glue gun and a holster. I bought extra sticks of sticky ammo. I turned the glue gun over in my hand and relished the power of being able to make things stick together permanently. I am now convinced there should be a 5-day waiting period on glue gun purchases and that craft stores should be required to run a background check.

When I got home, I loaded my weapon and fired a few beady rounds. I discovered that when it comes out of the gun, the glue is hot. Very, very, hot.

When I accidentally glued together my fingers, I dropped my crafting Uzi, which was still oozing glue, onto a stack of bills. As I grabbed the gun and separated it from the bills, a web of glue stretched across the entire kitchen. My children walked into the sticky crossfire and the glue enveloped us. We immediately bonded, but it wasn’t exactly the family bonding experience I had been hoping for.

“Eww, what is all this stringy stuff?” said my daughter as she brushed aside the floating strands. “It’s just a little glue. I’m just working on a craft project,” I said. “Mom, you know you aren’t supposed to do crafts,” said my son. “You never finish any projects.” “Yeah, remember how you started crocheting my baby blanket before I was born, the one with the squares you had to assemble?” my daughter inquired. “Of course I do. It was yellow and white.” “Last year you gave me the six small squares that you finished and told me they were potholders.”

“This is different. I have a glue gun now, so I’ll finish projects the same day I start them,” I said, brandishing my glue gun in the air.

“Mom, just put the glue gun down and back away slowly so nobody gets hurt,” my son said. “I can’t,” I replied. “Why can’t you?”

“It’s glued to my hand.”

I found this article here:     http://www.thechristianpulse.com/2009/11/18/glue-gun-control/ 

College Gameday

About two Saturdays ago, ESPNs College Gameday was in town. Apparently the only good game played that day was BYU vs TCU. (boy, were they wrong! haha) Everyday that week, John would drive by the stadium just hoping and praying that the Gameday RV and bus had arrived. 

On Thursday, John and one of his old roommates noticed there were people already camping out in the stadium parking lot (they only let a certain # of people in the "ring" and the rest of the people have to stand outside). John told me that he had to campout in the parking lot too b/c this was a "once in a lifetime opportunity in college"  (only if you live in Provo ... a lot of other schools get Gameday all the time ... but who's counting?) 

Friday came around and John and his cousin, Sam, had their gear out by 11am. He was pumped. His old roommates were getting pumped. And I was feeling so grateful that the old roommates were going to stay with him so I could stay in my nice warm bed and sleep in comfort. 

I got home from work around 9 on Friday night and John told me I needed to pack my stuff up b/c we were both staying the night in the parking lot. Apparently, there was another girl also staying the night and I could not be outdone. I had to stay. I knew I could do it, yes, I would be tired for the next week or so, but I couldn't be the girl who went home early. 

The night started out pretty clear, a slight chill, but we were prepared with a ton of blankets. The rain started about 1am and lasted for about 2 hours. By the time the tents arrived our blankets were all a bit wet and I was cold. I went home around 3:30 and took a quick shower and warmed up and came back around 4:30. The line started forming about 5:45 and after a lot of confusion we made it into the coveted "Gameday ring" around 6am. We waited in the 3rd row smashed against a ton of other die hard fans for 1 hour until the 3 min segment on Sportscenter at 7am. The actual Gameday show began at 8am. After making it on TV with the camera scanning the crowd we decided we were too squished to stay up front. We made it to the back of the ring around 9am and stayed there in comfort until the show ended at 10am. We made it home after grabbing a much needed bite to eat around 11am. We both took quick showers and then a nap before I had to head to work and John had to go to the "BIG GAME." Too bad BYU got embarrassed by TCU. I bet College Gameday won't be back anytime soon. Bummer. 

Here we are at the back of the ring before the show ended. 

Our "campsite." Complete with canopy, couch, two tents, BBQ, and lawnchairs. (too bad the canopy and tents didn't arrive before the rain)

Excited & Embarrassed

Hi. I'm Stephanie and I like Jacob Black. Whew. I got that out.

I am excited to say that I am going to see the New Moon movie on the 19th at 8pm!! That's FOUR hours before it 'officially' comes into theaters on the 20th. The owner of the store I work at is slightly obsessed with the Twilight series and has teamed up with a couple other stores to rent out an entire theater so we (as well as a bunch of other people) can watch the movie early. I'm pretty pumped. I've never been to a movie on opening day. I love movies, I just hate fighting crowds.

Now that I have said that, I am slightly embarrassed. I feel too old to be this excited. I think it's b/c I get to walk out with a smile on my face as I watch all the teeny boppers and others sit in line until they clean up after me so they can go. I will be at home sleeping soundly and dreaming about the movie while everyone else in the nation will be in the movie. Awesome.

And to all those Edward fans: Your time is up. GO TEAM JACOB!! 

(i feel like I'm 12 when i say that. oh well)

Anyways, if you live anywhere near Lehi/American Fork, Utah and would like to get in on this deal, please let me know ASAP. I can still get tickets for friends for $10.50 for the next two or so days.

Our first boy

The boy's name Fitzgerald \f(i)-tz-

gerald, fit-zge-rald\ is of Old French and Old German origin, and its meaning is "son of the spear-ruler". Middle name of John F. Kennedy, and the last name of his grandfather, who was known as "Honey Fitz".
For more information, see also the related name Fitz.

Fitzgerald is an uncommon first name for men but a very common last name for both men and women (#417 out of 88799). (1990 U.S. Census)

Displayed below is the baby name popularity trend for the boy name Fitzgerald. Compare Fitzgerald with similar and related boy names.

This past weekend we found ourselves warming up again in Las Vegas. It was so nice! My good friend, Melanie, got married on Saturday. I couldn't miss it, and I'm glad we went. It was beautiful.

We also were able to meet our new niece, Karly, for the first time, and attend two soccer games for Karly's older brother and sister. Vegas was wonderful.

On the way back we stopped in St. George for a couple hours to see John's sister, Mandy, and her family. We both love spending time with family so the weekend was a success. Now we're back to the grind in Utah.

Our next vacation will be in Phoenix for Turkey Day. Now we just have to figure out who's family we get to spend the activities with. :)

Weekly Goal ... and stuff

I decided I'm going to try to post on a weekly basis. Maybe every Sunday afternoon or evening.

I also feel that if I tell people my ideas, that maybe I'll receive some sort of motivation and actually do it!

We are going to Las Vegas this weekend for one of my good friend's weddings and I'm pretty excited! We also get to see lots of family and new family members - Johns brother and sister in law just had a new baby girl. :)

This past week has been a busy one. I get home from work around 8:30-9 every night, and the nights that John works late, he's not home until around 10:30 or 11. Add that to 4 tests for John, lots of reading/writing for me, and we were so grateful to have a very relaxing Conference weekend. It was so nice to watch conference with John in our PJs and eat cinnamon rolls.

On a side note - I'm trying to find 1 more professor to be on my thesis committee. I think I just may have the President of UVU now. I got a call from his secretary this morning and she was going to get the final clearance from him. My fingers are crossed that he can do it b/c I've emailed and talked to a lot of other people that can't. I'm also really really nervous b/c that is a lot of pressure on me and my rough draft is due next Wednesday! PLUS: it's Dr. Matt Holland, son of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. We all know how amazing he was on Sunday!

John is so clever

That last post was by John. He thinks he's soooo clever. Luckily, TWO of us will have to agree and sign off on this. At least ONE of us is sane and logical.

For those of you who are confused, Fitzgerald, is the name of one of John's favorite athletes, Larry Fitzgerald. He's a WR on the AZ Cardinals. Go HERE to see more about "Fitz."

Names

People always are talking about kids names and we are happy to say we have agreed on the name Fitgerald.

Update on Life

We moved back to Utah about 2.5 weeks ago, and so far we enjoy it. School JUST started. Here's to hoping we still enjoy it in 2.5 more weeks.

We had a really great time in Phoenix. We loved living in my grandparents guest house and seeing family all the time. I don't think my grandparents, or Johns family, realized how grateful we were to have them around this summer. It was nice to get to know all of them so much better.

I'm not really sure how many people read this blog, but I thought I'd give a quick update of our current situation. I've had a couple friends ask me lately when I'll get pregnant or random questions similar to that. While I am glad that they think I could be a great Mother, it just won't be happening anytime soon. John was diagnosed with cancer over 6 years ago now and knew back than that he didn't have the ability to have kids (he refers to it as having no "swimmers"). We had hoped that maybe over the years his "swimmers" had decided to swim again, but we weren't sure. We discussed this in depth last summer while we were dating and throughout our courtship. I told John that I didn't care wheter or not he had "swimmers," b/c I knew I loved him. I'd rather spend my life with a guy who treats me well and loves me, and I know is perfect for me, then end up with some random guy who can have kids. (i hope that makes sense)

A couple weeks before we got married we debated whether or not he should get tested so I would know whether or not I needed to go on birth control. We decided against being tested before we got married b/c I had a feeling if it was negative I would be even more emotional with the stress of getting married. I think we made a great choice. Our wedding day was simply perfect.

A couple weeks after we were married we went down to the fertility center and I tried to be as supportive as I could. Since this was all new to us, and especially me, I brought along a book to read and sat in the waiting room while he took the 'test.' After reading, or more like looking at words and flipping pages, he came out and just said, "lets go. I don't want to talk about it." I kind of laughed and wanted to know when we would get the results. We took the test on a Thursday and John left for 9 days at cancer camp on Friday afternoon. Our results came in the mail on Monday. I went over to John's house during our lunch break to pick up the letter and tried to warn John's mom, Betsy, and his sister, Mandy, that I would cry. I didn't know what the results were, but I knew I would cry. Sure enough, I picked up the letter and started crying. I decided I would wait until Monday night to open it b/c I wanted to be on the phone with John. However, I can be very impatient, and opened the letter like 10 min later. I have never read anything like that before so I really didn't know what I was looking for. After seeing "0"s across the page and figuring that "0"s meant "no swimmers" and then reading, "nothing found when running the test at ..." and lots of technical terms, I knew right then that I should've waited for John! Oh well. Too late. I walked in and told my Grandma, then called Johns house. (I really hope this doesn't sound too depressing, I just think it's easier to explain it to everyone now, instead of doing it again and again over the phone).

I am so grateful and feel so blessed b/c my family and in-laws really are so good to me. John & I figured the results would be negative, but of course we had to know. It was probably one of the longest weeks of my life, yet I honestly believe, that I have grown so much. I really wish John was there with me, but I'm also glad he was gone b/c I did not want him to see me sad or in tears. I do not blame him and would never want to change him. Having cancer made him who he is today. In the grand scheme of things, being able to have kids is not as important as having him around. I have a friend going through a divorce right now, and I feel like her problem is much bigger than mine.

While John was still at cancer camp (he was a counselor for the week), my Dad came to Phx for some meetings. He was there on Wed and we were able to spend a couple of hours alone together. I truly believe that I have the best dad in the world. Anytime I have been scared, or need something, or can't figure things out, my Dad has always been there for me. Being the 2nd of 5 girls in my family I know that my Dad is spread out between all of us, but I feel like I have such a good relationship with him. The only time I cried at my wedding was when I danced with my Dad and he told me how much he loved me and how proud he was of me. (i know I should say it was when I saw John, but I can't lie). Anyways, spending a couple hours just chatting with my Dad and being with him helped me carry on. Before I dropped him off at the airport he gave me a Father's blessing. He told me it was probably the last Father's blessing he will probably ever give me now that I am married. I never thought about that before, and that blessing meant so much more b/c of that. In the blessing he restated just about everything I had been praying for over the past week. I had been asking for comfort, strength, and understanding. I received them all. I am so grateful for the Gospel and for knowing that my prayers are heard.

Of course there are times when I still get sad or cry, and I doubt that will change much. When I look back to the day I got the results I felt like my world had totally shifted. In a way, that's so true. I am now learning how to adjust to this new shift of life. There are times when I see a mother with a bunch of kids and I just think to myself, "that mom is not paying any attention to those kids. Does she really deserve them? I do. I'll just take them. Maybe she won't even notice." Is that wrong of me to think? Probably. But I can't help it.

I believe that everyone is given trials in their lives. If this is my main trial in my life then I guess I should be sad all the time. However, I am trying to learn to count my blessings. I am blessed with a wonderful and supporting family. I have a husband who loves me, and is always there for me. I have the chance to gain an education and I have the Gospel in my life. So what if I won't be able to have John's babies. I have what I really need. The Lord is mindful of my needs. Somehow, over the next couple years, I know I will get my family. I will be a mother someday. It may not be how I have always imagined, but I know as long as I stay faithful and strong that Heavenly Father will help me out. He's carried me this far. I intend on keeping him on my side.

Wedding Photos

Just a few of my favorites. They really don't need any explanation. I know I'm a little biased, but I think my wedding was the event of the year! I LOVED it. I just wish it was longer so I could have played a little more and chatted with more people. Thanks to everyone who came!

Sorry they're out of order - I just don't feel like fixing it right now. : )

IT HAPPENED!!

I'm married. To John. It's one of those eternal sort of things.

I love it. I always kind of figured I would feel a sort of change after I got married, like I was all grown up or something, kind of like when I got my license on my 16th bday and all of a sudden I felt like I could do anything I wanted. Well, I still feel the same, except for the grown up feeling really isn't there. I'm the same old me. And it's wonderful! I love that transitioning into being married was so easy. (I realize we're still in Phoenix living in my grandparents guest house for a couple more weeks, and maybe things will change after that, but right now, let me have my glory!:))

I KNOWyou guys want to see photos from our big day, however, I really don't have any ... yet. We DO have a link to a slideshow. Click HERE for the slideshow. Or you can click HERE for some photos on our photographers blog.

Whether or not you check out our photos, I'll just let you know: Our wedding day was the BEST day ever! They say that the wedding day is the best day, until you have kids, and then when your kids get married and it just gets even better. Is that possible? I don't know. One day (when that 'grown up' feeling does hit) I'll let you know.

Countdown is on ...

We have less than TWO months left!

I thought we were crazy to have such a long engagement (for Mormons), but looking back, I think it's been great! I haven't really stressed or worried about plans, invitations, or my dress. Things have sort of fallen into place. I love it. I could plan a bunch of weddings! BUT I won't. I'm good with one. Forever.

"Just The Two Of Us"

We took our engagement photos between Courtney and Jared's sealing and reception last Saturday while in Vegas. It was kind of weird having all the focus on just the two of us, especially with this camera right there, but after a couple min we warmed up and became a lot easier. I must thank Jamie Hammond, again, for taking these! They turned out great!

This one is probably one of my favs.

Thank you to Mandy for surprising me with this plate. I love it.

I bet my Mama looks at this and says: "You forgot to put color on your lips!" Oops. Mama knows best.

Updates

FOOD
We have our caterer all picked out and scheduled! I am SOO excited! Food is very important to me and this is NOT something you can mess around with. We tasted her food at Court and Jared's reception and I absolutely loved it. We have picked out our tentative menu but I am not going to share it with the world quite yet b/c I don't think I want strangers crashing my wedding just for the fabulous food. Here's the link to the website: www.marvellouscatering.com.

DRESS
I have my dress! My folks came up one weekend and I tried on the 4 dresses I enjoyed in order from least to most favorite. As soon as I stepped onto the little pedestal thingy (w/ my little nephew Brenden of course b/c he just loved standing up there w/ me) my folks also fell in love with it. That was a huge relief b/c it made it very easy convincing the parentals that "this is MY dress." Needless to say, I am very pleased with my choice and can not wait for it to come in so I can do the final alterations and stuff -- it doesn't come in until mid-May so I have some time to sit around and twiddle my thumbs.

PHOTOS
We are also very pleased to announce our photographer: Jamie Hammond. Things have just kind of been falling into place now that I have the caterer, photographer, dress, etc. This feels good. Go me. (and John too I guess.)

MUSIC
A wise man once said: "ain't nothin' but the music...hit it Dre" And I agree. Music is very important. Courtney had a DJ at her wedding and she was very into the night - all bedazzled in her shiny top and just rocking out in her corner. It was fascinating to watch - and watch we did. (John and I kept snickering while eating dinner when we'd glance over) However, she knew her stuff. It looks like we may use her. I really wanted live music, but I also like the thought of being able to have a dance w/ me and John, and a dance w/ my Daddy, and John can dance w/ his Mommy. I'm still debating if it's better live or DJ'ed. We'll see.

TEMPLE
I called the temple and scheduled our time for 1pm on June 20th a couple weeks ago. So there you have it - 1pm. June 20th. I become Mrs. John Cannon officially. (AAHHH!) I am kind of relieved to not have to worry about taking temple prep classes right now and try to find a convenient time to schedule me going through for the first time since that has already been taken care of last April. I do, however, wish that John was there with me when I did it, but in my defense, I had no idea he secretly loved me and wanted to sweep me off my feet. His brother and sister-in-law were there and that counts, right?!

FAMILY
I know all of John's immediate family and about 2% of his extended family. I hope to meet all of his extended family one day. (If you're part of the extended family and I've never met you then: HI! Nice to meet you. Read more about me on my older and personal blog HERE). John knows pretty much all of my extended family since he grew up with most of them. It's nice to know family means so much to both of us and we both enjoy being around the others families. (That will help me convince him to come on family vacations with me in the future. Point 1 for me)

CLOTHES
John has 7 nieces and 3 nephews. I have 1 nephew (and a niece on the way - sure wish she could join us before the wedding, but that's ok. She can give her future new cousins a high five and play games in Heaven until than) Anyways, the little nieces and nephews will all be wearing cute little matching outfits. It has actually been super easy picking out their outfits b/c John's sisters have sent me tons of ideas and I've been loving it! All I have to do is say "yes" or "no." Easy-peasy. My siblings and John's siblings will just wear colors to match the wedding. I know how bummed out they must be that they won't be able to wear matching fancy dresses and awesome new colorful ties. For that: I apologize. :) HA!


That about sums up all that I can think of for now. I'll do my best to update this bugger more often. But for now: Good night. I am tired.

My Plans

I am so clueless. I have no idea what I'm really doing when it comes to wedding plans. Here's what I have:

1. I'll wear a white dress.
2. It's all going down on June 20th.
3. We want blue and green as our colors AND as of yesterday there may be orange as well. Chances are high it will be a darker blue (I'm thinking navy blue) and a light green, kind of like a lime greenish color, and orange.
4. There will be NO Bridesmaids or Groomsmen. I'm sorry to all those who were dying to score a fancy dress or rented tux.
5. I think it'd be super cute if the nieces all wore matching dresses. Either completely matching, or same style, but different colors and cute little bows in their hair. Gotta show them off. (i haven't really thought about the little nephews...i doubt they'd want to wear ties or something...but i don't know.)
6. I really really want a little kids table at the reception ~ visualize with me: little table with little chairs and lollipops (or 'suckitys' as some little kids I know call them), little finger foods/candies, maybe coloring things so they can write on the table (like they do at some restaurants with the drafting paper - but I'll have to find a way for that to not look tacky. hmm...)
7. John will probably wear a tie with the reception colors
8. Still trying to decide if I want my hair up or down. (If I ask John he says pull it up in a ponytail w/ a headband. I just don't think that's "wedding hair") :)
9. Do I wear white flats or flip flops??! Those who know me well know that I am a big klutz and standing in heels or nice fancy shoes all day is just not a good idea.
10. There really won't be any dance floor -- unless John decides to bust out the "sprinkler" or something. I hear that was a hit at some other wedding .... :)
11. I want a photobooth! I love love love candid photos or photos of people goofing off! And I'd LOVE for people to take 'personality shots' at their leisure. Some may think this is tacky, but be patient. Mandy's got her eye out for me on this one.
It's gonna be a great reception


I have until June 20th to figure this all out and so far I'm not feeling any stress or pressure. I hope that's a good thing. We'll find out at the reception whether or not I gave myself enough time to plan this thing.

I am accepting advice, suggestions, or any other stories of failures or things that worked from anyone who reads this. Seriously. Please don't be offended if you don't see your suggestion at the reception -- but I'll need help in this planning process from those who have gone through it.

BIG DAY

We're getting hitched on June 20, 2009 in the Las Vegas Temple. Hope to see you all there!