Road Trip

On Monday Mark and I decided to take a road trip to Scottsboro, Alabama! We went to the Unclaimed Baggage store. It is just one huge store with all kinds of lost luggage! They have clothes, wedding gowns, formal dresses, jewelry, electronics, phones, suitcases, video games, golf accessories, books, bags, shoes, strollers, hats. Think of everything you have packed before, well they have it. Granted it's not priced as cheap as we thought it would be. These airlines (or someone) is making money off of our stuff! We really didn't get any 'good' deals. But we had a great trip. It showered on us and then the sun would shine bright. We had fun singing with the radio, talking and laughing.

It's that time of year again.

For strawberries........yummm! I have eaten them by the handfulls as well as made my favorite little pies. Mmmmmm....

Things I've Realized Since Getting Married

Even though it's only been 3 weeks there are definitely some things we have both come to realize about ourselves and each other. Here are just a few thoughts.

1. I must go to bed first so I can get to sleep before Mark starts snoring - else I'll be up all night.
2. Our bathroom and kitchen are too small.
3. I love Mark more than I can explain in words but I have a lifetime to show him.
4. We are already ready for our second honeymoon.
5. We produce way too much garbage for two people.
6. We enjoy spending time together - we're still just two buddies hanging out.
7. It's fun commuting, fighting traffic and riding in the HOV lane with someone.
8. It's sometimes hard to cook for my picky eater - no salads or green veggies.
9. We have lots of dreams and goals before we think about having kids.
10. I would rather watch network TV while Mark would rather watch movies.
11. I definitely laugh several times a day with my husband. I married my best friend and I'm having a blast. I can't imagine how will I feel after 3 months or even 3 years.

Cheek to Cheek

Last weekend my friend Katie got married in Chattanooga. So one week after our honeymoon Mark and I head to Chattanooga to do the wedding thing all over again. :) We have had such a great time planning our weddings together. It was fun to see them both come together so beautifully. We had a great time at the rehearsal and dinner was delicious at Provino's. Saturday we had a very relaxing day at the church chatting and getting ready, after we finally got Katie calmed down. She had a little upset stomach but was fine after the flowers arrived, the photographer showed up and she finally got to see Jon. He colors were beautiful! I loved the hot pink and green - it was very "Katie." The wedding and reception went perfectly. Congratulations Jon and Katie Cheek!

Honeymooners

For our honeymoon we went to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. It was absolutely beautiful! In the meeting and events industry I had heard that DR was a new hot spot and we for sure didn't want to go to Mexico. So we tossed around the idea of Jamaica, Aruba, etc. So we landed on Dominican Republic since neither one of us had ever been there. It was a great decision. I was lucky enough to win 2 American Airline vouchers during one of my Meeting Professionals International meetings. It's an organization that I'm in and I completed a survey after one meeting and won 2 flight vouchers. That was such a blessing, we were able to use them towards our trip. So with that said, we were limited on the flights that we could take so we had a couple of long travel days. We woke up early on Sunday morning after the wedding and headed straight for the airport. We flew to Miami and had like a 7 hour layover. So we got out of the airport and spent the day in Miami. Then we finally got to our resort in DR late on Sunday night. Upon our arrival we were unexpectedly upgraded to VIP level and into a Presidential suite. The room was FABULOUS! It was like a small apartment! Thanks to some of my colleagues - YOU ROCK! We went with no plans at all. We wanted to wait and see what we felt like doing when we got there. So to be honest we didn't do a thing!! We ate, read, and relaxed by the pool and on the beach. It was the BEST! I'm not a big fan of the ocean. I think I'm more afraid of the water than I sometimes admit. But little kid, Mark got me out in the ocean to play in the waves. So he was holding me up when a big wave came out of nowhere and knocked us both down. In the middle of all that I hit my toe either against Mark or on the bottom of the ocean floor. I swear I broke it! I could not walk for over a week and still cannot completely wear heels comfortably. It hurt so bad and I got no sympathy from my new husband whatsoever. So on Thursday we went on a safari. We got to see the way of life in the Dominican. It was a fun experience. We were going to go snorkeling but I didn't think I could put my foot into one of those fins. So we spent our last day at the pool, of course. Again, we had the best time doing nothing and just being together. Needless to say it was very hard going back to work and getting into a routine.

Our Wedding Day

Wow! What a beautiful day it was on Saturday, April 25th. We were blessed with a couple of days of just gorgeous days smacked right between two weeks of constant down pours. I woke up early in anticipation for the day to get going. I finished packing, took a shower, gave dad his to-do list and got my things for the day packed in the car. Then mom and the girls headed to get our hair done. I went first and then it was on to make-up. To be honest when I left the salon to get my makeup done I was not too thrilled with my hair. I thought it was going to be a disaster, but after I got my face on and went back to the salon for a few touch ups, all was good! I think it's fair to say I was cool as a cucumber all day. The day was very relaxed and I was just excited about my wedding day. After all the hair was complete we went to Chili's for a late lunch. Then we arrived at Cedarwood. Man, what a beautiful place! As I arrived and did a walk through of the property, I was so amazed at everything. It was just way beyond my expectations. I knew what I had planned, dreamed and imagined but had idea it would turn out so perfectly. We did a quick rehearsal with the bridal party (minus Mark) and then it was time to put my gown on. I just loved my dress. It was so simple, yet elegant, very red-carpet, I felt completely comfortable in it, it was not all that heavy and I did not have to wear a bra! :) So I put on the final touches and it was time to see my husband-to-be. Mark and I decided to see each other before the wedding to get several of the pictures done and to calm some nerves as well. It was such a special moment. I did tear up but didn't really cry. So we did pictures then I hid until show time! Before I knew it, Christa was calling me outside ready for the ceremony. I was just so excited to see everyone and finally marry Mark. Again, not nervous and feeling great. I don't think I stopped smiling all day. Then within 20 minutes we were MARRIED! Wow - and we still can't believe it. Just a sweet time. We then started the reception. We had a sit-down dinner with salad, rolls, roast beef, mashed potatoes, and steamed vegetables. And then everything else feel into place -- we cut the cake, had the first dance, father/daughter dance, mother/son dance, bouquet toss, garter toss, and departure. I had the BEST time. Late during the reception, my sweet dad dedicated the song 'I Loved Her First.' He gave Mark this book of Father/Daughter cherished memories with a CD of the song. I danced with dad again through half the song then finished the song dancing with Mark. Now remember me saying that I didn't cry when I saw Mark, well I made it all day................until this moment. I cried my little heart out, it was such a sweet time. And one of my favorite pictures from the snapshots taken by friends and family was one of me, Mark and my dad - the most special men in my life! I'm definitely a daddy's girl and always will be! The wedding and everything was just perfect! I loved every single bit of it, I was so happy! It is a memory that we will never forget. Thank you so much mom and dad for such a special day! We love you both.