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!

Moving on Up.

To the East side...of the US, that is! That's right the "future" Gordons are moving to Pennsylvania. You might remember my post about Brett's trip to PA to interview with Hanover Foods, if not, read it here. Even though his traveling wasn't ideal, apparently the interview was. As hard as it will be to leave good ol' Arkansas, it is a great opportunity for us! I'm so proud of Brett, and I think he will really enjoy his job. Hanover Foods is a large vegetable/snack food corporation. Brett will be overseeing their green bean production. In other words, he will be the connection between the farmers/farming and the company. 


Brett will have business cards with this little Amish boy on them. I'll be sure to send some in the mail :)


Even though we have discussed the move with family and friends, it really didn't feel real until this past week. Probably because I kept announcing things like "Well this is my last Thanksgiving while living in Arkansas" and "Mom, this is our last Thanksgiving as a family of four". It's also no surprise that my mom cried after both of those announcements. My feelings about moving are so strange. Some days I'm so excited and can't wait for a new adventure and then others I feel very overwhelmed and scared, but I guess that is natural! *praying for peace!

So that you too can picture where we'll be, here is a map of our new home:

We will be very close to Baltimore, Annapolis, D.C., Philadelphia, and NYC! Those are the things I am getting excited about. I can't wait for Brett and I to take weekend trips to all these places. And for all my friends to come visit so I can travel with them too- hint, hint.

We are still in the process of figuring out moving dates (hopefully we won't have to be apart for too many weeks) and where to live, but for now I'm content with shopping for new furniture for our future home and spending as much time as possible with my loved ones here.

Wedding Inspiration

A few photos that have been inspiring me lately:



I love the handkerchief tied flowers



The colors in this bouquet are to.die.for.

Tossled curls-my favorite

White, green, classic.

I have some big news that I will hopefully be able to share with everyone soon :)