Monday, June 4, 2012

June


Here some pictures I remembered to capture during the whirl wind two weeks I have had.

Loved it.


 Every second.



But I honestly don’t have interesting stories to go along with all of them,

I did get to spend some extra time with this hunk during the last two weeks.

Headbands for the flower girls in the wedding, not quite sure I like them though. They might be “misplaced” before that day comes a knockin.

 
Made, or “re-made” some jugs.








Politically correct, a pickle jar & a Ranch dressing jug.

One is for change, cuz this isn’t cutting it.

 And the other is for all our “memories” ticket stubs, programs, most recently 3D glasses from Avengers


SAWOOON



I think that is enough for one month!

This next month is full of quick day trips to Greeley, for last minute fittings, showers & bachelorette parties.

Baseball games, Karly's State Convention in Pueblo, hair doos, cuts and colors

A little family reunion in Glenwood, a horse show, dog, chicken and house watching.

Getting my hair all ready for the big day and after June, there are only 7 days left until I will be a Stoltzfus.

BRING IT ON!!!

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Blogity Blog Blog


I know it has been absolutely way to long since I wrote last, BUT! I have a few Instagram photos to share that should make up for it!

And, may I just say that um, HELLO Instagram is by far the coolest phone app you can ever have! I feel like a real life photographer most days I get the chance to use it!

Oh, and something else, WHERE DID APRIL GO?!? Don’t get me wrong I absolutely love that time is just FLYING BY but seriously?!? Wasn’t it just St. Patrick’s day?

Tomorrow marks 75 days until my wedding.. I have been making myself stay away from my i-tunes account and blank CDs to hopefully not drive everyone crazy with all the oldies that have to do with wedding bells, chapels, & “I will follow him, follow him wherever he may go…”
My Pandora on the other hand… is about Wedding-ed out!

Country wedding
Oldies Wedding
Wedding songs
Love songs

BLAHH you would think I am a sappy lovey dovey person or something, in all honesty I totally am.

I’m such a sucker for romance!

 Alright so things that have been happening for real:

Still loving my waitressing job

Invitations are waiting to be addressed and stuffed into envelopes but other than that are completely done!

I have done more hair in the last two weeks than I ever remember doing  since out of school (AND LOVE IT!!!) I totally miss doing hair every day all day.

Jeb and his boss, Blue, have been working on finding us a place to live in and have almost 100% got something figured out! It’s a 3 bedroom 2 bath house close to an older couple’s home whom we would be renting from. I haven’t had the chance to go down and look at it yet, but Jeb did a great job filling me in on all the details. Here’s what that conversation sounded like:

Me: “So what did you think of it?”
Jeb: “It’s really nice! They have been working on re-doing all the inside, I think you really will like the kitchen.”
Me: “Really?!? (Sheer excitement) what does it look like?
Jeb: “Well they have all pretty new appliances and dark brown cabinets; you know that silver look that looks so clean... That’s what the oven dishwasher and fridge is like”
“Oh! And the guest bathroom is painted green, like the green you like! Not dark green or forest green and not neon either just like you like!”
That’s just a taste but I won’t bore you with the rest J

One of the best parts is that they are willing to drop their rent per month if we agree to do some work once a month.
It’s almost like a dream come true, I CAN NOT WAIT to start projects and Jeb is just as excited he keeps talking to both of our very handy dads about things that we could do and things that the woman we will be renting from has asked him if we could do
.
Now we just hope they let us have a dog. And if not I will put my dreams of naming our bull mastiff Skynard on hold for a few years.
Now for my many DIY projects I finished this month:
These are obviously not a project, these are my wedding boots!


the beautiful "S" my Dad carved 
"Red-neck Wine Glasses"

Bridesmaid bags
Tags on bags

insides include:
A button down shirt to wear the day  of
necklace and bracelet
pearl bobby pins



Monday, March 19, 2012

Weekend Adventure


Sometimes a weekend away can make all the difference.
I have been looking forward to our weekend in Denver since Valentine’s Day.
We had big plans.
Go to the Powder Hat Company in Elizabeth to order Jeb’s hat for the wedding, put a CD player, and tires on my truck, buy shirts for the groomsmen to wear in the wedding, and check out what all the recent buzz about Ikea is actually about. AND, we had tickets to see Miranda Lambert in concert at the 1st Bank Center in Broomfield.
Jeb was given Saturday off so that we could make it up to Denver in plenty of time, so he came home Friday after work and we had a big St. Patty’s dinner with him mom, brother and his girlfriend.(Who were on their spring break.)
Since they were visiting, Jeb was going to have to sleep on the couch, so I offered him my sister’s bed instead. We left his family around 11pm and went to my house, where I still needed to pack for our weekend.
We actually stayed up way past the am, fighting.
I am seriously so beyond having to worry about wedding expenses and where money to pay for this and that I going to come from. Jeb and I hardly ever fight about anything longer than a few minutes, and then we are over it and have moved on, but this wedding has caused more issues than happiness. I really just can’t wait for it to be over and done with.
We woke around 8 so that I could actually pack and we could get going.
Saturday started out much better than how Friday ended.
We stopped in Florence for Subway and a “truck” wash, (I love getting my vehicle washed, makes me feel clean and accomplished. Every time.)
We headed right to Elizabeth from Florence to stop by The Powder River Hat Company so Jeb could be fitted for a chocolate cowboy hat to wear in the wedding, and events after. The family that owned the company were so nice, the man cracked jokes with us about the wedding, telling Jeb that he needed to get exactly what he wanted because, after the wedding, he wouldn’t ever make any new decisions. He was quite the character.
We also stopped by a neighboring shop to check on some saddles that were being built as prizes for the next cow horse show Jeb and his boss are headed too. There also the family running the place was nice as can be and had more than a few stories to tell us about the “Good ol’ days” I actually felt bad having to leave. I know Jeb could have listened to them all day long.
Next we checked into our hotel, which was great, our room was so big and had a full kitchen (not that we needed it, but that was the smallest room offered in the place so I wasn’t about to complain!
We went to Red Robin to have dinner before the concert, and then headed to the mall to kill some time before our shuttle was supposed to pick us up.
I haven’t been to a forever 21 in all my life, only ordered from their online store or received a magazine. The store is something to be seen if you ask me! It was SO SO SO BIG! My eyes couldn’t land anywhere there were so many things to see!
We were picked up from the hotel about 20 minutes before the concert started, just enough time to get a t-shirt and find our seats!
Jerrod Neiman (Who is also a favorite of mine) sang his set first, then Chris Young who neither of us were too familiar with, but both enjoyed.
Miranda did a GREAT show! She is just a feisty and full of life as you think she would be.
I absolutely loved the concert, it was so fun! And I loved that Jeb and I went together.
Just what we needed! (At least what I needed!)
The next morning we had breakfast at the hotel and were off to finish our errands before we had to head home.
We got to do a little extra window shopping thanks to the installation delay at Best Buy. (I was thankful, Jeb on the other hand was a little over shopping and the city.)
Finally our last trip before driving home was Ikea. Gail (Jeb’s mom) and my Cousin, Leanne had been telling me how wonderful it is, full of very useful items! I would have to agree, it is a pretty nifty store, and Jeb didn’t mind it so much either.
We picked up some buckets to use at the wedding and Jeb got some frozen Swedish meatballs to have for dinner once or twice this week.
The drive home was pretty quiet and I think we needed that too.
I hate saying goodbye to Jeb every Sunday night.
It’s for the birds.
Only 110 days until our day, and for me, it can’t come fast enough.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Things I Love in: March


1.     Giraffe print: Anything and everything covered with this “print” I found a beach bag on clearance at Ross a few weeks ago, and it has spiraled out of control from there. I bought a spool of ribbon with this particular pattern to make a bow to hang from my rear view mirror in the “new” BEAST! And for a short moment thought the tan/yellow and brown pattern might add a unique touch to the wedding. (Who am I kidding?!?)
2.    This bad boy is totally my new favorite reason to make the 6 mile trek into town for anything! I am very excited to add some finishing touches to it this weekend!
3.   Organization of any kind. My room slowly keeps filling up with odds and ends of all kinds, I have used all of the file folders in my position trying to get at least the many papers that find a home in my room under control. Other than that, my room is still a war zone I feel.
4.   Still the easiest way for me to waist a day away, one day I will actually put some of my pins to work!
5.   Listening to Sam Cooke on Pandora
6.   FINALY going thought my “go through” box and finding all kinds of event stubs and programs to put in an old pickle jar, that I vamped up to collect all the things Jeb and I have done together in.
7.   My new job at a local restaurant called “Mavericks” I love it!
8.   Four months until the WEDDING!!!
9.   St. Patrick’s Day!
2.       My own

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

photo-booths aren't just for the mall anymore

Last weekend My sisters and I along with one of Lacy's closest friends, Amy went to a Bridal Exbo at their college (CSU Pueblo)

I had never been to one, and thought it might be something I for sure needed to do before my big day.

Aside from the many "congratulations," "when's the big day? OH! thats coming fast!" and "How exciting!" comments I was given throughout the day... along with the many other brides walking about, I was disapointed with what a BRIDAL EXBO really is.

All vendors in the Pueblo area set up in the CSU ball room and try to get as many bookings as they can.

So in my case I had no real reason to attend, because I have all of my vendors booked at this point.

Thats when the comments turned sour. "Oh... well, good luck..." "Well we can do lunch-ins, tea parties..." "I'm doing a private shooting this weekend for Valentines day (then turns to my 16 year old sister) Do you have a boy friend that you want to take some sexy pictures for?"

But the BEST part was this
The photographer we are using for our wedding suggested a photo booth and told me how much fun they could be. I didn't believe him until us girls took our own photo booth pictures.

Now if any extra money pops up or if our super tight budget should magically explode a photo booth will happen at our wedding.

Other news: Jeb turned 22 yesterday Woop! woop! He is in Texas for three weeks getting ready for a show next week, so I called him at 9:00 last night to see how they were going to celebrate, only to wake him up from his nap.

Wedding plans are going great. I am headed to the local print shop tomorrow to get our Save the Dates and Invitations printed. All the Save the Date envelopes are addressed and ready to be filled.

My grandma is charging full speed ahead with the dresses. Shes just waiting on me to make some color decisions.

Monday, January 9, 2012

Oh the Places You'll Go


One of the best things about the careers that Jeb and I have both dreamed of is that there is not one state where either of us has to be.



OR continent



Jokingly Jeb and I have tossed around the idea of moving at least a few times before our future children are old enough to be in school.



There is NO WAY I am cut out to home-school & I (we) really want our kids to go to a school a lot like the one we went to. Maybe just a touch bigger, but still a small town school.

We also don’t want our kids to move from school to school after they have started, maybe once or twice but not every other year.



So, we play this game, sortof like would you rather, only with locations.

Florida or Northern California?

San Fran J or Ohio?

Mexico or Africa?

Alaska or the North Pole?



Okay so the last few are jokes



But what normally happens is, I am ready for some grand adventure outside of my native Colorado boarders and Jeb is ready to settle down, just down the road.



Don’t get me wrong I love Colorado, and if that’s what is best, I’d love to raise my kids here, but I’m a little ready to spread my wings.



Go on an adventure,

Live in a climate that only reaches 50 degrees F on a cold cold day.



Grow a palm tree, have a fresh fruit garden…

Obviously I am only thinking of warm places to liveJ.



I went to Alamosa this weekend to see my cowboy, and while we were riding horses at the end of the day in the bitter cold air he turns to me and says…



“What about New Zealand?”



Pretty sure he’s not kidding



The people in New Zealand are supposedly obsessed with American rodeo and horse shows, but no one knows what they are doing.



A friend from New Zealand is actually visiting Jeb’s boss and I guess has very entertaining stories to tell.



Jeb says he is making gobs of money running cow horse show, and isn’t close to a professional.



So what is Jeb’s plan?



To move to New Zealand to train rope horses and rodeo.



Me? I’m all for it. Not quite sure how the cosmetology industry is over there, but I’d be pretty stoaked to check it out!



I am just glad Jeb has no desire to sign a 2 year contract with a cattle ranch in Russia like his previous room-mate just did.

I’ve never been there, but I was told if I think Alamosa, Colorado is cold, I better pack another layer of clothes for Russia.

No Thanks!



I think I might like New Zealand though!

Friday, January 6, 2012

Jeb's Family


Jeb and I flew out to PA on the 24th to spend Christmas with his family. I absolutely loved it. I dearly missed my family; I only broke down once though, in my room with only Jeb present.






But we had the best time.



Besides the fact that I sent an elbow through the kitchen door window at Jeb’s grandparents’ house.

His Grandpa is the sweetest, most comforting man. I felt so stupid, but! Kept my tears in, until he kissed the top of my head. Then the water works started.

As soon as we got back to Jeb’s grandparents’ house (Gail’s parents) we started peeling shrimp & breading oysters, shrimp & mushrooms for a BIG Christmas Eve feast!
We had the 3 fried items listed above, shrimp scampi, crab stuffed mushrooms, steaks, & sautéed veggies, with peppermint ice cream for dessert. I was stuffed!

After dinner Gail gave me 2 packages for Jeb and me from my mom. (Every Christmas Eve my mom and dad let us open one present, new pajamas and a children’s book.) I insisted to Jeb that we open them in my room alone (I balled the whole time) Gail came in and read the book I was given to each of us, just like my mom would have done & I continued to ball. I’m pretty sure I have never been so home sick in my whole life. But it was short lived.

The next morning we all woke up and had long-johns topped with rich frosting and coffee, and we all just sat around the kitchen table to talk before presents were even mentioned. I loved that.

We spent Christmas day at Jeb’s Aunt and Uncle’s house (which is BEAUTIFUL) with a mound of delicious food!  I enjoyed watching this side of the family interact so much.

Sam (Jeb’s Dad), was raised Amish, but never joined the church. Sam’s parents (Mommy & Dautie) {Grandma & Grandpa} are still Amish as is Sam’s older brother Levi and his wonderful wife Anna. They have 3 kids 2 of which are married with kids and are no longer Amish. Sadie Lynn is their youngest (my age and has already joined the church & is dating a gym who will join the church this summer. (Suspicions are that they will be married in the Amish church soon after.) Lorraine and her Husband joined the Amish church and then left, they have 3 kids all older than me, the youngest Kerry is Jeb’s age. Also, Aunt Mary was present during all the festivities; she is Mommy’s younger sister who never married.



There is so much love in that family. I just loved being there. EVERYONE was at Christmas dinner & stayed at Ike and Lorraine’s house until after all the kiddo’s bed times.



 The next day Gail and I went into Lancaster City with Lorraine and Kerry. I had a lot of fun that day as well.

Tuesday we went to Central Market with Gail’s parents, it was quite a sight

In the afternoon Jeb took me to the restaurant where his parents met to split a burger and then drove me all over to take pictures of the rainy day.

Tuesday night we went over to Levi and Anna’s house for some yummy soup and sandwiches. I also enjoyed that night, lots of catching up, storytelling and laughter. I love just sitting and listening to all the “remember when” stories.



Wednesday, Gail and I went to this little shopping place called Kitchen & Kettle with Lorraine, it was fun seeing different stores, most with some Amish influence. We stopped by Mommy and Dautie’s house to visit with them for a little while, then we met up with Gail’s dad to do some last minute shopping for the 50th Wedding anniversary party we were putting together for Gail’s parents on Thursday night.



Thursday we got up and started working on the party right away. Gail and her brother Kurt made all the food for 60 plus people, and were trying to do it all by themselves as a gift to their parents.



We had gotten up early the day after Christmas to snag all the good deals on Christmas décor (Gold ball ornaments for the centerpieces)



Jeb and I spent Thursday decorating the dining room. I must say that my cowboy does have an eye for decorating. He had lots of great ideas.



By 6:00p.m. All the seats were filled and we were serving salads, prime rib, canned chicken, oven roasted potatoes and fresh green beans.

Kurt did an excellent job cooking; he sure has a gift in the kitchen.



Grandma Miller had make 3 cakes for dessert which we served with THE BEST store bought ice cream I have ever had.

I love the fact that both Jeb and my parents are still married. The even crazier thing is that 2 sets of our grandparents were married on September 2nd and both celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year.

Later we found out that Mommy and Dautie have been married for 60 years!



Friday we had breakfast with Grandpa Miller’s brothers and sisters at a local buffet, later just the 5 of us drove around Gail, Sam, Jeb, Tyler and me. It was fun sight-seeing all the places that they remembered from living there. Sam every once in a while would say something like: “Me, Dad, and Levi built that and that’s where Levi taught me how to chew!” We also visited Steve and Linda’s beautiful home; I was ready to move to PA right then and there if she would have said we could have her house.

For dinner we met all Grandpa Millers family again at a Pizza Hut and then headed over to Levi and Anna’s to say goodbye to Ike and Lorraine and Levi and Anna. The night ended too soon, but we had to pack because Sam wanted to be on the road pretty early the next morning.

We drove straight through and ended up back in Westcliffe about 10:30am New Year’s Day.

I was tired, dirty and cramped from sitting in the middle back seat too long, but I wouldn’t have changed a single thing about that trip.