What I'm Listening To...

I don't know why I think it is so important for me to document the songs I can't get enough of at different points along this journey.... I guess they are a bit of a soundtrack to what is going on around me. And if I don't write them down somewhere, I will stay up until 3 am searching youtube for "that one video of that one song I listened to all night last month". Yes, that did happen last week and PTL (praise the Lord) for TimeLife.com for helping me figure it out!

Also some big news: my dad had a DR appointment this week and all tests came back negative for Hep C which means...NO MORE CHEMO! I cried when I found out. It has been a difficult few months for him and I'm beyond thrilled that it is ending. I haven't shared much about his health over last few months or really told many friends about what was going on with him. But now you guys can all rejoice with us that he IS getting better!!

1. Townes Van Zandt- If I needed you

2. Mandolin Orange- I've just seen the Rock of Ages



3. Taylor Swift (with The Civil Wars) - Safe and Sound

4. The Raconteurs- Old Enough



5. Rihanna- We found love

Now back to thesis writing and anticipating the arrival of Mrs. Jessica Dineen this weekend!

Mondays and Things to Come

To say that I am ready to see Brett is understatement. But, having my best girlfriends around always lifts my spirits. A few years ago we started the tradition of getting together on Mondays and watching "The Bachelor". Although, this usually turns into us all yelling at the women on the show "to get a grip" or to us not watching the show at all, it simply gives us an excuse to get together, drink some wine, and chat. I am so thankful for what each of my friends brings into my life. This is a really precious time in my life because I realize I only have a few more weeks to be so close to them (geographically). I'm trying to soak up every second!

While being away from Brett is really hard, it is making the wedding even that more exciting! Brett and I love to discuss how amazing that week will be, when we are finally reunited after weeks of being apart. And not only do we get to see one another again, we will be married and surrounded by everyone we love! We will officially be joining our lives together, and Fayetteville will no longer be my home. My home will be with Brett in PA.

This month has so many exciting events and I can't wait: two wedding showers and Jessica returns to the US (YAY!).

And a little sneak peek as to where we will be spending our honeymoon:




via



That's right...in a cabin hidden away from everyone and everything in Eureka Springs! Since we will be moving all my things to PA which is a 2 day drive, we would waste a lot of our time by flying somewhere for the honeymoon. Instead we thought we'd spend time in a place that has played a role in our relationship. We can go to Eureka for dinner or walk around downtown, but we won't feel pressured to do anything if we feel like be lazy for a day or two. I can't wait!

Happy February, Everyone!

A glimpse into Christmas, New Year's, and Moving

I can't believe it has been a month since I posted! In the past month: Brett graduated from the U of A with his M.S. We had Christmas with both our families. Spent New Years with good friends. Packed everything we own and drove 1300 miles! And now it is officially two months until the wedding!

So yeah...A lot has been going on. I stayed with Brett in PA until classes started back. Then, I had to return to working on my thesis (here's to finishing up this semester!). My mom and I spent three days locking down all the rentals/vendors for the wedding, and I had my bridal portraits taken (Thanks Sam and Stephanie!). I really love some of the shots they got.

We are definitely in a transitional phase. I am currently sleeping on an air mattress and living out of boxes. Brett, on the other hand, gets to sleep in my nice, comfy bed in PA (not that I'm envious or anything). But, I know the wedding will be here before we know it. I am so ready to see Brett and get to live with him!

Well to make up for all the posts I didn't write, here are a few pictures from the last month!

My brother, Mom Mom, and Andy on Christmas Eve.



How are they both so tan and it is winter!



Cousins!



Just move to PA with us, okay,  guys?!

 And a few of our new apartment! Brett is still unpacking boxes, because it took the movers 3 wks to get our stuff to PA! ugh.

our room-before the movers arrived



The living room!

 We still need lamps, rugs, plants, and to hang up pictures, but it is a good start. :)

I will try to be more diligent in my blogging. There are fun things ahead and I want to remember all the details! Things like Brett's truck breaking down on me the first time I drove to pick him up from work. ha! Not so funny then, but definitely a good memory now.

Our New Home!

This last weekend was packed with exciting events! First, some of our closest friends, Katelyn and Chris, got engaged! And, Brett and I traveled to Hanover, PA to check out the town and find a place to call home.

Hanover is NOT what I had pictured. I think I gave Brett's boss a good laugh when I told him that I thought we would walk into a restaurant, the music would stop, and everyone would turn and stare at us! The city of Hanover is small, but it is called Hanover Borough because of all the neighboring towns that have really developed over the last few years which has led to a total population of about 60,000. The downtown area has a lot of charm. I think we will really like it there!


Hanover Foods let us stay in one of their farm houses. It had amazing views (and it snowed!).

On Saturday, we check out a few apartments/houses and had time to go to the Gettysburg National Park. Gettysburg is approx. 25 minutes from Hanover. I can't wait to go back when the weather is warmer and we can walk around the park!

We did end up finding an apartment in an old house near downtown. The couple who own the home have been so nice and helpful as we have been trying to figure out the area and find a place to live. 

Side of the house. We have the whole first floor!

Cute front porch!

Our small backyard

Part of the living room. Through that doorway is the dining room.

The living room has a lot of light and great character!

Now on to packing everything Brett and I own! Brett will be moving in the first week of January so we have a lot to do between now and then!

Thanksgiving 2011

Well, they are almost a month late, but here are some pictures from our Thanksgiving!

First, I spent Thankgiving day with my family in Little Rock. We had a wonderful meal and it was so nice being with my family!

My brother, John.

The beautiful table!

 Then I headed to The Gordon's farm in Pleasant Plains. Brett and I spent time hanging out with family and friends. I love listening to the guys play music!



I had to put this picture up, because each of their faces are hilarious!



I couldn't leave out PJ! Dressed in his Thanksgiving tuxedo!

Christmas time is here!

Due to crazy schedules as it gets closer to the 25, we decided to have our Girl's Christmas Party last Friday night. I know I've expressed before how much I love my friends, but I'm going to do it again: I love every second of being with them. Our dirty santa Christmas party tradition started a few years ago and it is always a great time! This year was a bit bittersweet. We felt the absence of Jessica and Taylor and tried not to think about the fact that Anna, Chesna, and I will all be living elsewhere by next Christmas. But, we have all vowed to make every effort to still have our party next year! I didn't take any pictures, but that is okay because Sarah takes amazing photos and I've snagged a few for you guys.

We had a wonderful time! Chesna let us have the party at her house which she had beautifully decorated.

Eating delicious appetizers, drinking cider and egg nog, opening gifts followed by drinks at Bordinos. 



Shep-the center of attention, as always...

 Hope you all are enjoying the holiday with your friends and loved ones!

Save the Date

Well I've made a bit of progress on getting the save the dates in the mail. Yay! Here is a sneak peek:

Photo by Catchlight Photography. Design by westwillow (on etsy).

This weekend Brett and I are traveling to Hanover, PA to (hopefully) find a place to call home. We've already started boxing up his house, and I have been cleaning out my closets in preparation of packing. You never know how much stuff you've accumulated until you try to box it up! I already have three bags of things to sell/donate!

We aslo made our first furniture purchase together last week- an old railroad cart we will use as a coffee table. I spotted it in a store early last week. I decided not to get it, but after three days of thinking about it, I took Brett back with me to the store and he loved it! It is really weird to start thinking of money as "ours" instead of "mine". I have been feeling the need for his approval/confirmation on all purchases lately. So strange!

I also got to talk to my sweet Jessica last night. She has been giving me wonderful advice on adjusting to married life, as well as, moving far away from friends and family! Not that my 1300 miles can compare to moving across the world, but it is great to have a friend going through a similar stage of life. She encouraged me to soak up time with my girlfriends which I am definitely glad to do. In fact, we had our Christmas party last Friday, but that deserves its own post :) pictures/post coming soon!