Another Week, Another Shower!

Yesterday, one of my very best friends, Julie, and her mom, Jan, held a "Bridal Brunch" for me. It was SO MUCH FUN!!! Julie and I met the summer before 6th grade when we played on the Renegades softball team together. We quickly became great friends....and stayed that way all the way through high school. We both left for separate colleges, often staying in touch and getting together during school breaks. As luck would have it, we both ended up going to the SAME medical school!!! She is heading into Pediatrics while I am pursuing a career in Emergency Medicine. Either way you slice it, we have and will always be great friends!!!

Thank you so much, Julie and Jan, for throwing such a wonderful party for me!!!

A very special "THANK YOU!" goes out to my cousins, Maddie and Camryn, for coming to my bridal shower. The night before, Camryn got shuttled by 3 different drivers to get her from Kansas City to Des Moines. This took a special effort by my 2 uncles...and I very much appreciate it! Also, thank you to Tori (an honorary member of the cousins) for being here!
**Special note: You can STILL see the boot on Taylor's foot...she made the trip from college to be here! Thanks!!! And Kasey is STILL in the midst of studying for law school finals - but came to the shower as well. THANKS!!!

Below is Julie (left) and Jan (right) after just receiving their thank you signs! I knew Jan would love the sign, because she has a lot of my other artwork! I was so excited to give these to them!

Here I am with Julie - THANK YOU, THANK YOU again for hosting such a great shower!!!

Julie and Jan had everything arranged so nicely! They even had photos of Brandon and I on the table! Brunch consisted of fresh fruit, an egg casserole, and homemade cinnamon rolls! Everything tasted SO GOOD!!!

Check out the sweet place setting!!! The napkins were all different patterns of black and white fabric...I'm thinking of making some for myself!

Dessert was an AWESOME lemon sherbet with a wafer! Doesn't this look like a gourmet chef made it???

One very special surprise came in the form of a wrapped package. When Julie handed me the box, there was no card with it. I asked, "Has a card fallen off? I don't know who this is from." And Julie said, "I think the card is in the box." So, I began to open the package and there were TONS of things inside...but no card! I kept wondering when someone was going to tell me it was from them so I can thank them appropriately. At the very bottom of the box was a card for me - from Brandon's mom!!! Since she was unable to come all the way from Tennessee for the shower, she decided to send me a surprise package! It was SO NICE of her...and we got a ton of Pink kitchen stuff! I was so excited!!!

Thank you, thank you to Diane, Katie, Maddie, Camryn, Susan, Lynn, Marie, Emily, Tori, Taylor, Kasey, and Mom for coming to the shower!!! And thank you, Julie and Jan, for hosting such a great event!!!

The Almost Newlywed Game

I thought some of you readers might get a kick out of the game we played at last weekend's shower. It was called "The Almost Newlywed Game" - a take off of the old "Newlywed Game". Instead of having everyone participate, I was the only contestant in this game.



A couple of months prior to the shower, Cindy had emailed Brandon for his responses. The day of the shower, I gave my answers. You can see below how great of a match we are!!!

The Almost Newlywed Game

by Cindy

Brandon's Answers in Blue

Brooke's Answers in Pink

1. When Brooke puts on a new roll of toilet paper, does the paper fall up and over or down in back?

Wow. Up and over?

Up and over.

2. When and where was your very first date?

2005 - P.F. Changs

December 2005 - Cheesecake Factory

3. What were both of you wearing on the first date?

I'm pretty sure she had jeans and UGGs on, but I'm not sure about the top. I also had on jeans, along with sandals - in minus 3 degree weather!

I was wearing jeans with a black fleece. He was probably wearing jeans and a t-shirt, with a heavy winter coat on because it was minus 3 degrees outside!

4. What is Brandon's favorite food?

That Brooke makes??? Chicken Alfredo.

Chicken Alfredo.

5. What would Brandon say is his favorite hobby?

Watching the Cubs, golf, and softball.

Watching the Cubs.

6. What is Brooke's most favorite store when she goes shopping?

J Crew

Geez, I don't shop a lot. Maybe Old Navy?

7. What is the last movie you saw together?

Confessions of a Shopaholic

Disney's Earth

8. Is Brandon a boxers or briefs sort of guy?

Boxers

Boxers

9. What would Brandon's perfect night at home include?

Alfredo, a Cubs win, cuddling with Brooke on the couch.

Watching a Cubs game. And Brandon is a suck-up for saying cuddling!

10. What one possession would Brandon like Brooke to get rid of?

Nothing.

Whoa. I don't know. My cell phone?

11. What is the color of your kitchen dishes going to be?

Black and white checkered.

Black and white checkered.

12. What is Brooke's least favorite household duty?

Cleaning the toilet.

Cleaning the bathroom.

13. Who says "I Love You" more?

Brooke.

Both of us.

14. If Brooke could replace Brandon with a superstar, who would it be?

No Clue. Matthew Ma____...whatever his name is.

Matthew McConaughey

15. What would Brandon's dream vehicle be?

Brooke knows how much I love the car I have now. Maybe for the future a Hummer SUT.

A big 4 door truck.

16. Who does more cooking?

Brooke

Me

17. What is Brandon's most embarrassing moment?

I don't have one.

I don't know! I don't think he has one!

18. What is Brooke's zodiac sign?

Sagittarius

Sagittarius

19. What is Brandon's worse habit?

I don't think she cares for my sound effects.

He farts!

20. What famous person does Brooke resemble?

Brooke is simple and low key. She is NOT high maintenance. Maybe Reese Witherspoon?

Probably a hottie like Angelina Jolie.

21. What article of clothing does Brandon most like to see Brooke wearing?

She has this black summer dress that I like...

Brandon probably likes me in jeans and t-shirt. I'm low key.

So, there you have it. The "Almost Newlywed Game". It was such a fun game to play...and everyone was surprised by all the answers we had in common! I guess that is a good thing for two people about to get married!!!

***And Brandon made it clear that our first date was definitely PF Changs, not Cheesecake Factory as I originally thought. I have since re-thought my answer...and he is correct. (Dang...hate when that happens!!!)***

First Bridal Shower

Well, the first of 3 bridal showers was today - and HOLY COW!!! - I am overwhelmed! Our very good family friends, Jeri and Cindy, hosted a luncheon that was highlighted by good food, great friends, and AWESOME presents! Everything was beach themed - from the cupcakes, to the decorations, right down to the hostess gifts that everyone received! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU Jeri and Cindy for hosting such a WONDERFUL shower for me!!!

Here is the sign we spotted on the way into the neighborhood... They thought of everything!

The hosts for the event were Cindy (left) and Jeri (right). As a thank you, I gave them hand-painted family signs. I think they liked them =) Haha! Actually, I know they did because Jeri exclaimed, "I know just where to put this!!!" And I swear I saw a tear in Cindy's eye....

Here I am again with the hosts. Mara (Jeri's daughter, far left) drove all the way from college to be here today. I've known Mara ever since she was born - and she is much more like a cousin than just a friend.

The food today was SO GOOD!!! Cindy whipped up some chicken salad sandwiches (with grapes in it!!!) on croissants and we had a really good fruit salad and chips.

These cupcakes were a definite highlight!!! I'm such a shark-girl.....and Martha, I mean Jeri, had little shark fins sticking out of the ocean blue! The "sand" was created with natural sugar...and the palm trees were the finishing touch! Aren't they AWESOME??? Not only did they look good, they tasted even better! Way to go Miss Homemaker Jeri!

Look how generous everyone was!!! Again, I was so overwhelmed by everyone's kindness! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to Cathie, Carlie, Arlene, Jane, Kathy, Jeanne, Cyndy, Grandma, Mom, Kasey, Taylor, Karen, Stacey, Kathie, Jeri, Mara, Carole, Barb, and Cindy for coming today to share in this special occasion!!!

I bet you can't tell how excited I was to open the gifts!!! Is that rude??? Who am I kidding!!! I couldn't wait!!! Here I am with one of my MOH's (maid of honor), my sister Taylor. As you can see, the crutches in the back were because she just got home yesterday from having a foot operation. Even though she was limping in a boot with crutches, she was there for me! Thanks T-Dawg!!!

And I can't leave out my other MOH, my sister Kasey. This is what she really looks like. She's in the middle of studying for law school finals which begin next week - but she was also there for me today! Thanks Hollywood!!!


Thank you, again, to everyone who came today!

I heard today that I was "one of the most excited brides I have ever seen!" But, seriously, when there is a table full of boxes from Pottery Barn, Target, Bed/Bath/Beyond, etc...who wouldn't be??? I'm mostly excited to be marrying Brandon though!!! =)

What a fun, fun day! I can't wait to go downstairs and look through everything again!

Big Purchase for the Day

Today, our adventure took us to a furniture store to check stuff out for our new place! We had gone last weekend and found stuff we liked, but it took us the week to decide - furniture is expensive for almost-newlyweds who are about to move!!!


Here is Brandon modeling our new couch. Leather with recliners on both sides (that was his request...he is spoiled). I didn't even suggest that he make this face - he did it all on his own!


Here is Brandon relaxing on our awesome zebra-print chaise lounge. We figure this will go into our office - as long as Brandon knows he still has work to do! This one was my choice...I picture a funky red pillow going perfectly with this!

Finally, the sweet chair we picked out! This is NOT the print we are getting...I repeat...this is NOT the print we are getting. We are going to go with a houndstooth print...black and white....that will go GREAT with our new couch! I love black and white...and since we already had zebra, I decided this print would work just fine. It is very classy and sophisticated - and Brandon loves it because he is a huge BAMA fan. (If you don't know, Bear Bryant, the former coach of Bama sort of trademarked the houndstooth look!)

Overall, we are very pleased with our purchase and pleased with ourselves for the deal we were able to get. Not pictured is the awesome new king-sized bed we got along with the bed frame. That was pretty boring and we didn't want to annoy you.....

Wood Hunters

Brandon and I went on a fun adventure today - searching for wooden logs for our home-made dining room table that will go in our new place! We wanted to beat the rain since we would be making a trek in the woods - so that only left us about a 1/2 hour to look for what we needed. Enough time for pictures!


Here we are getting ready for our adventure. Brandon looks possessed by the devil and I look like a constipated clown. Fun times!



We promise that we LOVE the environment!!! All wood that we found was certified D.O.A. (dead on arrival)....trust me....I'm 24 days away from being a doctor! I pulled out my stethoscope and there was no heartbeat. Here is Brandon working his magic. He claims that he did all the work - I say, "No way." We just had different jobs. He was the wood-worker....I was the photographer.

While we were out, I found this bone. Ironic. I LOVE bones. Brandon wouldn't let me touch it. Looked like it had been chewed on for a while at one end....but I promise you, it was a BONE! I'm not an anthropologist, but I can pretty much guarantee that it wasn't human. I totally would have taken it home if it was!

I spotted Sasquatch during the adventure. He was kind of hard to see through all the brush.

And here was our loot. We scored pretty good considering the 1/2 hour we had. We found one tree that was recently deceased - and were able to get 4 pieces out of the one log.

Brandon has been thinking of entering the "strong man competition" - but I'm afraid he will have to carry a lot more than this to even qualify! He said he was only making this face for the camera - but I think he was really working hard!!!

My dad = Awesome wood worker and craftsman. He has been building the table for us and was proud of the wood legs we found for him. He told us a few pieces were "too bendy" - we just thought they had character. In the end he kept 3 of the 4 legs we found. Guess that means we have another adventure tomorrow if the rain stops!!!

More pictures to come as the table progresses....

Maybe we'll even take pictures on tomorrow's adventure!

One Month...

We are one month away from heading to the Cayman Islands to get married!!! And I, sorry WE, can't wait!

Above is a picture of the actual beach where we will be saying our vows. I would have preferred to keep this as a secret...but since most people can't be there, I figured it was okay to give it away.

Brandon's family has never been to the island before - so, outside of the wedding, I am so excited to show them around! When my family has been there with "new" people before, it always makes the trip more fun. We get to see things through new eyes! I know they will be blown away by the vacation...and that was my hope for wedding week!

Taste-Testing

Our taste-testing for the reception was last week - and HOLY COW!!!! - this has been our favorite part of wedding planning yet!

I don't know what I was expecting...maybe to try one piece of each item that we would be serving.... I was TOTALLY blown away when we showed up to a room that was decorated in all beach stuff, fully arranged as if it was already the reception! The Chef made loads of each item...enough that we left feeling completely stuffed!

And, I'm very happy to say that with as picky as Brandon is, he liked EVERYTHING on the menu! WOO-HOO!

Our New Place!!!

Below are a few pictures of our new place in Columbus! While our ultimate goal is to buy a home, we figured we couldn't make a big decision like that without first living in Columbus for 6-12 months. We are SO EXCITED!!!

Front entrance (Actually, we'll be on the top floor...so we have to go up a set of stairs first!)

Here will be our living room

Our Kitchen

This is the awesome theater room available to book at any time! If there is a big Bama game going on (or the season finale of Biggest Loser), then we can rent the room FOR FREE to watch. Outside the room is movie-style popcorn...fresh and always ready to eat....FOR FREE!

This is "The Barn". The whole lower level is a fitness center - which has FREE tanning for us! The upper level is a club/restaurant/bar which has live music Wednesday - Saturday nights. We can't wait to be a part of this community!!!

We Have a Place to Live!!! YAY!!!

This past weekend, Brandon and I went to Columbus in search for a place to live. And we are VERY HAPPY TO SAY....we found it!

Not only do we have a great NEW place to live, we also now have membership to "The Barn" which has a full fitness facility, free tanning, a bar and grill, and live music on Wednesday through Saturday nights! We can't wait!!!

Below is our floor plan...Brandon knows I can't wait to start decorating the place!

Yippee!!!

I keep getting home from work - with surprise packages on the doorstep!!!

I understand that the greatest gift I am getting is Brandon as my husband....but, come on, who am I kidding??? It is SO FUN receiving gifts on my doorstep!!! =)

I tried my hardest to wait for Brandon (he will be here next week) to open the gifts...but, what sort of guy gets excited like I do about a Calphalon 12-cup muffin tin? I HAVE waited to open 2 of the gifts (Shhh!!! It's only because the receipt in the box already told me what the gift was....) but I'm sure we'll open them next week!

Busy times are ahead:

On May 2, two of my close family friends are throwing me a bridal shower! They have been like Aunts to me since I was 4 years old...honestly, they aren't friends, they are family!

On May 9, one of my very best friends from high school and her mom are throwing me a bridal shower. I can't wait to see some of my old friends - who I haven't seen in years - and am so excited for this shower!!!

On May 17, Brandon's church is throwing me a shower. This is SO NICE of them!!! They are some of the kindest hearted people I have ever met!

The following weekend, May 23, is GRADUATION WEEKEND!!! Woo hoo!!!

The week after that, we leave for the Cayman Islands...
The week after that, Brandon and I get married!!!!....
The week after that, we have a reception here at home....
A few days after that, Brandon and I move to Columbus, Ohio!...
On June 24, I begin my Emergency Medicine residency...
and later this fall, we have a reception in Chattanooga!

Phew....I think Brandon and I will be ready for a nap after all these festivities!