This is my farewell to you, 2011!

Another year has come and gone.  2011 has definitely brought some really great times.  And with all good things, comes some not so great things... This is my farewell to you, 2011!

January 2011 was a great way to start the year!  I started 2011 as a Barthel and I am ending it as a Ford!  I married the love of my life, my best friend, Nathan, January 15, 2011 at 4:30 pm.  It was the BEST day of 2011!
 

Following the wedding was a great reception, and of course a relaxing honeymoon in fabulous Las Vegas, NV!  Also, a trip to the Grand Canyon was in order!

After returning to real life once again, in April 2011, I was able to move my office HOME!  That’s rights.  I work from the comfort of my own home.  What a HUGE gas saver that was for me! 

But as I said before, with all the good, comes the bad.  In June 2011, I mourned the loss of my father.  After a long battle with prostate cancer, the cancer finally won.

On a happier note, in July 2011, we threw a HUGE 4th of July weekend party on the lake.  Swimming, fishing, drinking, and more.  Nathan had a PROFESSIONAL firework show to end the weekend!

In September 2011, I celebrated my 21st birthday for the 8th time! :)

In December 2011, me and my husband celebrated our 1st Christmas together as husband and wife.  I also SUPER SURPRISED him with a 2007 Gibson SG guitar!

And in 1 day, we will be celebrating our 1st new years together as husband and wife!

For 2012, I hope to have a great 1st year anniversary with my husband.  I want to get into shape. (a good looking shape preferably)  I want to go to Disneyworld! (HINT*HINT*) But most of all, I just want life to be happy in the upcoming year, no matter what it brings!

Cheers to the New Year!!!     2012

Trying to find a way to say Goodbye!

It has been  such a rough 2 weeks. We ended up going down to Evansville on Memorial Day to see my dad... and say our goodbyes. It was really hard because he looked so old and weak, almost like death already.  He couldn't speak but did open he eyes and moan and acknowledged our voice.  I wasn't sure if i wanted to go but,  like they said, I would have regrets either way. I was glad I got one last chance to say goodbye. I would do anything for one more tho..
He died early in the morning on June 2.   Kim was with him and said he went peacefully 'home'.  I worked the rest of the week to stay occupied.

The showing was June 5 and funeral June 6. The showing ran on forever. There was a two hour wait in line to get in the funeral home! It was crazy to see how many friends my dad had.   He touched so many lives in the short time he had!

My dad was diagnosed 4 years ago with prostate cancer and was in its final stage for quite some time.  I didn’t want to believe this disease would really kill him.  I was naive thinking he could beat it.  It didn’t seem real because most of the time he was healthy and active. 

 I never really knew my father.  I lived 7 years of my life with him but childhood memories have faded and I only know the man I met 2 years ago.  He seems to be a very hard working  good man living life by god’s rules.  His family loves him, and his wife adores him.  He has left a mark on a lot of people in his town and I am amazed by the messages I receive from people who knew him when I was his.  I just wish I could remember the proud eyes of my father’s as I took my first step or as I got onto the bus for my first day of school.  I wish I could remember his loving hug as he rocked me to sleep or as he handed me off to the surgeon.  I can never get those memories back.  I only have a handful of pictures and a few pages of stories.

I only know the man I met 2 years ago.  He welcomed me to his family as if no time had passed.  His family was accepting and loving.  I got the one memory no one else can ever have and I will cherish it forever.  My dad walked me down the aisle to marry the love of my life. 

Now its time to say goodbye to him.  He told me before leaving to remember that we have a relationship now that no one can ever take from us again.  He left too soon but I cherish the time I was given.  I will continue to cherish the extended family he left behind. 

I was blown away by the love and support of family. I thought this was going to be one of the hardest weekends of my life.  It was hard but I never expected the warmth and togetherness I felt. All of us kids spent this time to talk about whatever and supported each other though this sad time. I have never had a full conversation with Anthony but on this visit I had several!  I felt sisterly love from Lia and held her while we cried together. Molly and Travis made us feel especially welcome with their talk of wanting us to live in Evansville.

It makes me feel so loved.  I always felt accepted but now I feel really part of my extended family.  I never got it until now... blood family is born in the womb, but 'adopted' family is defiantly born in the heart and that makes it that much more special!  Thanks for making it such a memorable visit... 

~*~*We laughed until we had to cry, we loved right down to our last goodbye, but over the years we'll smile and recall, for just one moment - we had it all!*~*~

Rest in Heaven, Dad!          February 7, 1954-June 2, 2011

Reflections

31 days as Mrs. Ford.

My name has been officially changed.  Thank you letters have been mailed.  Wedding photos selected.  Most of the leftovers have been sold.  Now it is on with REAL life! 

I finally got to see the wedding video Nathan’s parents taped.  It is, by far, not professional quality but it is better than nothing.  It was nice to sit and watch it since I didn’t remember anything except for Nathan’s face.  John did a great job for his first ceremony as officiate.  I think I did an excellent job writing the ceremony! (sorry, have to give myself props too, LOL)  I thought it was very respectful that John stepped away while me and Nathan read each other our vows.  I know we were on the PA system, but it still made it more intimate between me and him.  So blog readers, if you or anyone you know, are looking for a cheap and great officiate for your ceremony, hit me up for John’s info!! *PLUG* J

I am also happy to report all the leftover wedding stuff is almost all sold.  I even made a few extra bucks on some of the stuff!  I am taking my dress to get it cleaned this weekend and hopefully I can get most of the money back on it.  I debated the dress selling over and over again, but finally concluded to sell it now while I can recoup some of the funds if not all.  I see SOOO many 1980’s dresses on Craigslist selling for next to nothing and no one can get rid of them because they are so out of style.  I don’t want to be one of those people that cart my dress around for the next 20 years only to realize my daughter doesn’t want it.  I feel like the dress shopping is the best part of the planning anyway.  So if you or your friend needs a dress…J

So all in all, I know I had a mental break down towards the end there about money spent on the wedding but It was beautiful and very memorable.  I think most of the budget was spend on pictures, venue/dinner, and my dress.  Everything else I have recouped on.  Can’t be mad about that!  Plus, I think my vision was executed.   It felt very warm and elegant.  I got the wedding I really wanted and then some even with the set backs and so called "compromises".

I have to say I got a very special gift for my wedding. I got something I never thought I would.  My father walked me down the aisle!  I got to share my day with both of my parents.  They had not seen or talked to each other in 20 years.  I finally got my first actual father daughter dance the night of my wedding.  What a very special memory to add to my happiest day.  I am so glad my Dad got to share the day with us and that was an awesome gift!  Thanks Dad!

So like I was saying, on with REAL life.  Married life is better than I ever thought it could be!  Nathan is such a great husband.  He spoils me with kisses.  He is always reminding me how much he loves me.  We instantly became this awesome team once we said I DO.  We were a team before, but something about marriage strenghtened the bond and made it better than ever.  It feels like our fire was re-ignited.  I know we will get through everything life has for us.  I am so happy to be a wife and so glad its with him!!!  I love you, husband!

So what is next?  Boring everyday stuff... Spring cleaning... Finishing up projects on the house... Maybe we will actual have the house warming party this summer...( i know its a year later, but better late than never, right?)

And they lived happily ever after...

It’s been 2 weeks since the ceremony.  I have been trying to get back in the swing of normal times.

I have to admit I am a little lost without something to make or plans to finalize for the wedding.  So much free time! LOL

How did everything turn out you ask?  Well, the night before the ceremony was indeed, busy, busy, busy!  Nathan and I spend several hours at the venue putting stuff together.  And let me just add, thank goodness we got the time to because it took FOREVER and we didn’t finish everything!  Dinner with the bridal party was hectic and loud but still a good time.  I didn’t realize I picked such a busy restaurant :/  I was exhausted after a day full of stuff to do, but unfortunately still only got about 2 hours of sleep.  I didn’t get any cold feet or nerves but I did have like a million details for the wedding going through my head so there was just no clearing my head for rest, lol!

The day of wasn’t too bad once we got past the massive traffic, loud marching band, and dead trucks!  There was no down time for movies or anything like that.  I felt like the whole day I was going full speed!  I thought I was going to make it without crying, but as soon as my song came on and the doors opened for me to walk, the tears just flowed!  Amanda had stuffed a hanky down my top at the last minute and I laughed at her thinking I wouldn’t need it, but it was a life saver.  After standing with Nathan a few minutes, I retrieved it.  The look on his face when I went down the top of my dress after it was priceless!  It took a lot not to bust out laughing!

It was very emotional to say the least!  Walking down the aisle our eyes were locked on each other.  He greeted me with a HUGE smile and told me about how beautiful I was and the dress was perfect for me.  He looked like he could cry, but held himself together.  We both wrote our own vows and his were really sweet.  I don’t really remember much else besides the kiss.  I couldn’t tell you who was at the ceremony or where anyone sat.  It was completely intimate between me and Nathan which I really liked.  I am still waiting on the wedding video Nathan’s parents taped.  After I watch it I will be sure to give props to our officiant, John J

After the ceremony, us and the wedding party freezed outside for a few outdoor pictures.  Thanks guys for putting up with it.  The outside pictures turned out really nice.  We took some pictures downstairs and stuffed our faces with appetizers before heading back for dinner!  Dinner was good and I hope everyone else felt the same.  I know we sorta delayed it so it sat for awhile on the warmers. 

The rest of the night was fun.  There was plenty of dancing which was a pleasant surprise for me.  I thought no one would dance so…  It was nice to be able to see everyone and some friends I had not seen in a while.  It was very pleasant and no drama which was a HUGE relief.  All that stressing for nothing. 

Thank you to everyone that showed up and put on nice clothes and a happy face to celebrate with us!  It means a lot to us that you were there to share in our very special day.

Our best man added that we looked like that happiest people in the world on our wedding day!  I felt that same way!  I couldn’t be more happier to be Mrs. Ford.  It’s my secret little drug when Nathan calls me ‘wife’.  My face lights up like the 4^th of July! 

Don’t forget about the honeymoon!  It was a lot fun!  We got upgraded for free to the penthouse 51^st floor and our room had an awesome view of the strip!  We had a huge bathtub that we both could fit in together that we took full advantage of!  We got to Vegas late Sunday night and stayed up most of the night exploring.  We started walking the strip early Monday.  There was so much to see.  We got wore out fast though.  The time change and the massive amount of walking took its toll.  We decided after all day walking on Monday, we would get the shuttle bus pass for the remainder of the week.  We saw all of the free shows like the Bellagio fountains, Mirage volcano, and Treasure Island dueling pirate ships.  We saw the V the Variety Show.  It was a show with a lot of different types of acts.  Nathan got called on stage to ‘volunteer’, they joked with him (and rubbed his nipples) but he was a good sport and it was hilarious!  We also had dinner at Excalibur and saw a joust.  We visited the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop from the TV show Pawn Stars.  We got to go to the grand canyon on Wednesday.  It was SO beautiful but the bus ride was so long!  By Thursday we were both so ready to go home, plus Nathan was sick L We still tried to make the best of our time left and made it to Friday night.  We were happy to be home on Saturday and headed straight to the immediate care.  We were both sick, sick, sick.  Not the best way to end a honeymoon but it was a nice vacation.  Las Vegas is definitely one of those places you should only go to visit for a max of 3 days.

The honeymoon was fun but definitely tiring and a little stressful since we didn’t know where we were going or had any kind of plan. 

Now that things have settled down, we have been enjoying the married life.  Nathan is so sweet.  He gets so excited to tell everyone that I am his wife.  He is always saying I love you, wife!  It makes me smile!  He is more excited than I ever thought he would be.  He is not the type that usually shows his excitement.  But I am loving every minute of it!  Nathan’s mother has also been busy at work telling everyone that I just got married to her son.  LOL

I have to tell you about the heels!

4 days....

I can hardly wait!  I can't focus on work because of my excitement and I still have 2 more days to work! 

This past weekend was the last before the wedding.  I did finish up most of the little stuff so this next week can be smooth sailing.  I have to tell you about the awesomeness I found on Friday!  I found the most prefect, strappy, high heel shoes!  They are going to lift me up enough so that the dragging dress is no longer a problem.  Plus, I can walk in them and they are so freaking cute!  This may not sound like a big deal to you, but to someone like me who wears a size 2 in children’s, this is A-MA-ZING!  It is virtually impossible to find any kind of heel, much less a suitable heel.  They usually consist of Hannah Montana on the side with a light up heel in neon pink.  And even those are sometimes too narrow for my foot.  So, like my magical dress (see blog: say yes to the dress) I found the perfect shoe at the last moment, when all hope is lost.  They are going to match prefect!!

 Saturday was the Bachelorette and Bachelor parties.  I had so much fun hanging out with the ladies just being silly.  We met up later with the guys and kept the party going all night!  Biscuits and Gravy in the morning (care of Miss Amber) was a great way to finish the night.  LOL.  Soooo sleepy Sunday.  We did manage to stay up and get a few things done before crashing out early Sunday evening.

Monday marked the 5 day mark and although I was expecting call backs and confirmations, I didn’t expect them all to come in at once!  Getting the calls and talking about the day are defiantly getting me more and more excited!! 

Friday there will be a laundry list of things to get done.  We have to make sure to drop everything off at the venue, Nathan needs to pick up the tuxes and I need a manicure.  We will end the night with a huge family style dinner (a good stiff drink, LOL) with our bridal party.  I hope I am exhausted enough at the end of the night to get some good beauty sleep! 

If we can make it up to the venue the day in time, that will be a start.  It’s a goal to not cry before the ceremony starts!  Amanda has suggested to watch movies while getting ready.  This means no sad movies, like The Notebook.  They better be fall out of my seat (not literately, I hope.) hilarious!

No nerves yet!  Just simply excitement!  I could not be more ready!

11 days!

11 days until the rest of my life!

Last minute details are being finished and things that can’t get done are being marked off the list.   I am not nervous or anything, at least not yet. (Besides about the amount of money we spent, LOL)  I think if I do get nervous, it will be about everything going well and not about getting married.  I love Nathan and I am ready to be his wife.  We have decided, or Nathan did anyway, to write our own vows.  It is sweet, but I just didn’t want to add any additional stress.  Plus, I wanted to know ahead of time what he was going to say…  He said he won’t read them to me before the wedding, but I know the truth is that he will not write them UNTIL the day of the wedding!  I guess that’s a man though.  I know going into it that he is definitely a procrastinator.  Can’t say that is anything new…  I am ready.  I am especially ready for all this planning and craziness to be over.  Ready to get my normal craziness back.  LOL.  I just want to spend a weekend vegging on my couch instead of cake tasting, dress shopping, party planning, venue seeking, or flower arranging.  So much has went on in the last 4 months.  Geeze, it was only 4 months!  Glad we didn’t wait a year.  I think I wouldn’t have any nerves left then! 

Nathan’s birthday is today and we are going to Crackers to celebrate for him tomorrow.  Bachelorette/bachelor party is this weekend.  Hope it is fun for the both of us.  I know we both scaled down plans due to money issues so… 

Next week will be just be trying to mental prepare.  I have been trying to focus on the things I am excited about, like becoming Mrs. Ford, the cake, the honeymoon…  it helps to take the stress off of everything else having to be perfect.  Just hope all goes well and it is a happy and fun memory…  And the plane departs to Las Vegas ON TIME!!!!! J  

Until next week…