Those that know me in real life know that I am an obsessive planner. I don't leave for Puerto Rico for three weeks, but I have an Excel spreadsheet with tabs for everything I need to pack, everything Tyler needs to pack, what will go in our carry ons and what we'll wear on the plane, and an itinerary. The itinerary is still a bit open, but I'm hoping to finalize dinner reservations and day trips as soon as the wedding coordinator gets back to our friend Jessie about her wedding vendor appointments while we're down there :)
The point is, I want to plan everything. And not being able to plan my fertility has been such a huge stress in my life. I constantly am faced with things that I can't react to, because I don't know if I'll be pregnant, how far along I could be, etc. Like ordering bridesmaid dresses - we're probably doing that this week, and I still have NO idea what size I'm going to order.
Today, we received a Save the Date to Tyler's cousin's wedding in Ithaca, NY. Its at this gorgeous little spot on a lake, with a ceremony in a stone hedge, and they want to book a cluster of cabins on a side of the lake - with fire pits and docks, canoeing and grilling - it looks heavenly. Its also July 2-4th. I could still get pregnant before then. I could be too pregnant to travel all the way up to New York. I could, God-willing, have an infant.
But I don't know. And normally, that wouldn't matter, but in order for them to book the cottages, they need a commitment by October 13th - with a $130 check.
I emailed the bride to explain my situation, and find out if its possible to get a refund if we aren't able to attend. I have no idea if we'll be able to go - and it'll make me sad that we'd have to say no to a "what if" - but it seems like my whole life is one big "what if" right now.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Yea!!
The doctor just called to talk about my test results - and they came back perfect!! I definitely ovulated this cycle, and likely in the first time in a year.
It is amazing to me that just five small pills could force my body into doing something so important, so correctly. I am so grateful that I tried this medication. We were really against it at first, for all of the side effects and the risks. Who knows about the long term stuff, but I am so lucky that I didn't have any of the immediate side effects, and that those five days of pills didn't bother me.
Its a huge relief that this worked. Granted, it doesn't mean I'm pregnant - it does take two of us. But whereas Tyler and I originally only wanted to try Clomid once before considering other options, we are now going to talk again tonight about doing this one more month.
God is great.
It is amazing to me that just five small pills could force my body into doing something so important, so correctly. I am so grateful that I tried this medication. We were really against it at first, for all of the side effects and the risks. Who knows about the long term stuff, but I am so lucky that I didn't have any of the immediate side effects, and that those five days of pills didn't bother me.
Its a huge relief that this worked. Granted, it doesn't mean I'm pregnant - it does take two of us. But whereas Tyler and I originally only wanted to try Clomid once before considering other options, we are now going to talk again tonight about doing this one more month.
God is great.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Yet another Day 21
Today was my third or fourth Day 21 since starting infertility treatments - I can't even keep track anymore. This means I went back to the laboratory to get blood drawn. I was shaky and nervous like I always am, and flinched badly when he first stuck me. Afterwards, the technician commented Wow, you really don't like that, huh? Is there anyone that DOES enjoy their blood being drawn?
They will test my levels to see if I ovulated this month. Unless my OPK stick was broken, I am very excited about getting a call from my doctor tomorrow to tell me that YES I ovulated, and that the Clomid works!
However, I've already broken the biggest rule - getting my hopes up. Last night in bed, I was talking to Tyler and realized I could be pregnant right now. I said it out loud and he smiled, in his don't get your hopes up! sort of way. And I tried, I really did try to not think about it until I can start testing, but now its consuming me, and I'm thinking about things like how I'll tell my friends, and whether or not it'll be too soon to make it into our annual Christmas card letter. And when I could be due. And then I got WAY ahead of myself and starting thinking about the sex, and how to decorate the nursery, and what to name them.
I realize I'm not being practical. I'm just setting myself up for major disappointment. And the odds are high that I'll be posting a long and weepy post on Sunday.
But today - today I'm dancing in anticipation. I'm excited, and happy and hopeful. I believe that there is a chance.
They will test my levels to see if I ovulated this month. Unless my OPK stick was broken, I am very excited about getting a call from my doctor tomorrow to tell me that YES I ovulated, and that the Clomid works!
However, I've already broken the biggest rule - getting my hopes up. Last night in bed, I was talking to Tyler and realized I could be pregnant right now. I said it out loud and he smiled, in his don't get your hopes up! sort of way. And I tried, I really did try to not think about it until I can start testing, but now its consuming me, and I'm thinking about things like how I'll tell my friends, and whether or not it'll be too soon to make it into our annual Christmas card letter. And when I could be due. And then I got WAY ahead of myself and starting thinking about the sex, and how to decorate the nursery, and what to name them.
I realize I'm not being practical. I'm just setting myself up for major disappointment. And the odds are high that I'll be posting a long and weepy post on Sunday.
But today - today I'm dancing in anticipation. I'm excited, and happy and hopeful. I believe that there is a chance.
Monday, September 27, 2010
I need a name!
Its no secret that I love to throw parties. I adore it, and I hope to become a lot better at it.
My favorite parties I've thrown are:
Tiffany themed Engagement Party
Cirque du Bebe Baby Shower (1, 2 and 3)
Butterfly Baby Shower
UVA Engagement Party
Carnival Engagement Party (1, 2, and 3)
I know I'm a long way from doing this full time, or making an actual living off of it. But I keep getting asked about what I do, and I've slowly been getting referrals to people wanting help. And I think its time I actually started a legit company, with a legit website, and business card, and all that fun stuff :)
But, I can't come up with a name! So far I have:
Please leave a comment telling me what you like best, OR, if you click over to my blog, I have a poll embedded in this post, and you can just vote there.
Please please please help me out!
AND, if you suggest something fabulous and I use it...I will find a way to properly thank you :)
My favorite parties I've thrown are:
Tiffany themed Engagement Party
Cirque du Bebe Baby Shower (1, 2 and 3)
Butterfly Baby Shower
UVA Engagement Party
Carnival Engagement Party (1, 2, and 3)
I know I'm a long way from doing this full time, or making an actual living off of it. But I keep getting asked about what I do, and I've slowly been getting referrals to people wanting help. And I think its time I actually started a legit company, with a legit website, and business card, and all that fun stuff :)
But, I can't come up with a name! So far I have:
- Details by Kelly
- Event Designs by Kelly
- Events by Kelly
- Project Party
- or, Other?!
Please leave a comment telling me what you like best, OR, if you click over to my blog, I have a poll embedded in this post, and you can just vote there.
Please please please help me out!
AND, if you suggest something fabulous and I use it...I will find a way to properly thank you :)
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Oh please oh please
Because this was my first month taking Clomid, I was cautiously optimistic that I may ovulate. Finally. Starting last Monday, I was peeing on Ovulation Prediction sticks three times a day. For the record, I've bought hundreds of these in the last year, and have never ever once seen the second line darker. Its either super faint, or non existent. I was starting to think that that the tests don't actually work.
On Thursday morning, no line. On Thursday at lunch, a faint line. And that night, I saw a SUPER dark line! I couldn't believe it! I ran to bed, and I asked Tyler which line was darker, and it was totally the right one - I ovulated! And on Day 15, which is pretty much text book ovulation. I am shocked that the Clomid actually worked so quickly and so well.
I am still floating on Cloud 9, and in disbelief that it actually happened. Granted, the odds still aren't in my favor, since Tyler's test results are pretty bad. But, we keep telling ourselves that it only takes one :)
You can first start testing for pregnancy at 9-12 days past ovulation, and my next RE appointment is October 6th. So I'm just praying that we have good news for her, and never ever have to see her again!
On Thursday morning, no line. On Thursday at lunch, a faint line. And that night, I saw a SUPER dark line! I couldn't believe it! I ran to bed, and I asked Tyler which line was darker, and it was totally the right one - I ovulated! And on Day 15, which is pretty much text book ovulation. I am shocked that the Clomid actually worked so quickly and so well.
I am still floating on Cloud 9, and in disbelief that it actually happened. Granted, the odds still aren't in my favor, since Tyler's test results are pretty bad. But, we keep telling ourselves that it only takes one :)
You can first start testing for pregnancy at 9-12 days past ovulation, and my next RE appointment is October 6th. So I'm just praying that we have good news for her, and never ever have to see her again!
Friday, September 24, 2010
Relationships
After so many issues with my tests, Tyler and I had accepted the fact that IVF was our only option. I hate that I'm even saying it out loud. IVF goes against everything I believe in, and it definitely goes against everything my church believes in. But after dozens and dozens of heart to heart talks with Tyler, where we go around and around...Tyler finally just asked me quietly, Which is more important? Do you want a kid or not? And our desire to be parents outweighs our beliefs, so I'm just trying to not think about the way our child will get here, and focus on the fact that we may, actually, be parents.
We sort of suspected it would always come to this. And when I went to my first Reproductive Endocrinologist appointment in June, we always just assumed we'd be pregnant this Fall. Back then, Fall seemed years away. Now, its here. And its not going to happen this Fall. We just, plain and simple, can't afford it. We were hit with some surprises - new tires for both cars, higher medical bills than expected, etc etc. We thought that someone might be interested in helping us pay for this, but that isn't happening. So we're back to square one. It might be June before we can afford to begin this.
I think the worst part about everything has been the fact that some people in our lives have been really unsupportive. Someone close to Tyler actually told him that they don't think he wants to be a father. They said that they try to stay out of his business, but they felt it was obvious that he doesn't like kids. Those unsolicited comments were like a knife. First, they know exactly what we've been going through. So if they think we're doing all of this for my benefit, when Tyler doesn't want it, then it doesn't show that they think too much of our marriage. I can't imagine any couple would go through this if they weren't on the same page. And secondly - do they really not know Tyler? To think that he'd ever go along with such a life changing decision because I made him? To think that he actually doesn't want kids? Not only does Tyler want to be a father, but I have every confidence that he's going to be the best father I've ever known. My heart has been breaking for him this week.
When I talked to my mom about everything going on, she tried to be supportive. But the very next day, when I got a text from my younger sister announcing the sex of her third child, I had an emotional breakdown. It was the worst timing - we'd just found out that we had to move our IVF date from October to maybe June. And when I reached out to someone I am close to, she couldn't bother to text me back, let alone call and talk. Offer just one, single word of comfort. Today she tried to apologize, but our relationship is falling apart. She seems completely incapable of knowing how to support me, and its really starting to wear on us. None of our friends get what we're going through, and most don't even know. Its just so hard dealing with this by ourselves when the people we thought we could always count on don't know how to or are unwilling to be there.
Today, like I do everyday, I say a prayer of thanks that I have Tyler by my side. He truly took our vows to heart - for better or worse - and I can't imagine anyone better by my side.
We sort of suspected it would always come to this. And when I went to my first Reproductive Endocrinologist appointment in June, we always just assumed we'd be pregnant this Fall. Back then, Fall seemed years away. Now, its here. And its not going to happen this Fall. We just, plain and simple, can't afford it. We were hit with some surprises - new tires for both cars, higher medical bills than expected, etc etc. We thought that someone might be interested in helping us pay for this, but that isn't happening. So we're back to square one. It might be June before we can afford to begin this.
I think the worst part about everything has been the fact that some people in our lives have been really unsupportive. Someone close to Tyler actually told him that they don't think he wants to be a father. They said that they try to stay out of his business, but they felt it was obvious that he doesn't like kids. Those unsolicited comments were like a knife. First, they know exactly what we've been going through. So if they think we're doing all of this for my benefit, when Tyler doesn't want it, then it doesn't show that they think too much of our marriage. I can't imagine any couple would go through this if they weren't on the same page. And secondly - do they really not know Tyler? To think that he'd ever go along with such a life changing decision because I made him? To think that he actually doesn't want kids? Not only does Tyler want to be a father, but I have every confidence that he's going to be the best father I've ever known. My heart has been breaking for him this week.
When I talked to my mom about everything going on, she tried to be supportive. But the very next day, when I got a text from my younger sister announcing the sex of her third child, I had an emotional breakdown. It was the worst timing - we'd just found out that we had to move our IVF date from October to maybe June. And when I reached out to someone I am close to, she couldn't bother to text me back, let alone call and talk. Offer just one, single word of comfort. Today she tried to apologize, but our relationship is falling apart. She seems completely incapable of knowing how to support me, and its really starting to wear on us. None of our friends get what we're going through, and most don't even know. Its just so hard dealing with this by ourselves when the people we thought we could always count on don't know how to or are unwilling to be there.
Today, like I do everyday, I say a prayer of thanks that I have Tyler by my side. He truly took our vows to heart - for better or worse - and I can't imagine anyone better by my side.
My Master Bedroom
Today I thought I'd play along with Kelly's Korner's Show Us Your Life. Today, we're showing off our Master Bedrooms :)
Tyler and I haven't done hardly anything with our room. Since we are the only ones that ever see it, its probably going to be the last room we decorate. Like everything else in our house, its a work in progress :)
Walking into the room:
Our dresser and TV (that we got for free from a VERY generous friend!)
Looking back out of our room:
AND, now to show you what we have left to make it "done":
I already bought oil rubbed bronze curtain rods, and I'm going to make some dropcloth curtains. I need to add some art above our bed, add crown molding, and have an electrician out to add wiring for a fan. I'd love a chandelier, but our room gets SO hot, in this case, its better to be practical!
I love the Target Dolce slipper chair, and I'd love to fill this space with that, a side table, and probably a small lamp and framed picture. I also need some wall art here, probably a large mirror.
Tyler and I haven't done hardly anything with our room. Since we are the only ones that ever see it, its probably going to be the last room we decorate. Like everything else in our house, its a work in progress :)
Walking into the room:
Looking at our bed:
Looking back out of our room:
AND, now to show you what we have left to make it "done":
I already bought oil rubbed bronze curtain rods, and I'm going to make some dropcloth curtains. I need to add some art above our bed, add crown molding, and have an electrician out to add wiring for a fan. I'd love a chandelier, but our room gets SO hot, in this case, its better to be practical!
And the last thing that we'll do in here is unfortunately the thing we want to do most - hardwood floors, in the same dark walnut color as our main level. I'll also do a photo wall on the large blank wall when you first walk in.
So thats it! Hopefully I can update this room sooner rather than later, and will have final pictures to show you!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Engagement Party: Part 3
Continuing talking about Joel and Jessie's engagement party :)
Read Part 1 here.
Read Part 2 here.
So the hardest part of throwing a party for your friends is that you don't capture all of the pictures you'd like. For example, I made them custom water bottle labels. But I forgot to take a picture of it. So here's a screenshot from the template ;)
I had also made a sign for the Moon Bounce, and didn't take a picture of that either. So I just grabbed one on my cell phone real quick!
I also wish I had a better overall picture of the Moon Bounce. Even though the guest list was overwhelmingly adult, this was the PERFECT way to keep the kids distracted and happy - and I'm pretty sure all of them slept VERY well that night!
But, ended up being not so much. We only got 3 pictures out of it. Ooops.
The best part of the party was absolutely all of the fabulous people.
And the fact that the other two bridesmaids, one in NC and one in CA, were both able to make it!
We got a great picture of the entire bridal party.
And some fabulous picture of the bride and groom (christmas card photo?!)
And a great picture of the groom and groomsmen.
I would call the entire party a huge success.
Joel and Jessie, we wish you all the best! We can't wait to go to Puerto Rico with you next month, and then again in April to celebrate your marriage. Love you!
Read Part 1 here.
Read Part 2 here.
So the hardest part of throwing a party for your friends is that you don't capture all of the pictures you'd like. For example, I made them custom water bottle labels. But I forgot to take a picture of it. So here's a screenshot from the template ;)
I had also made a sign for the Moon Bounce, and didn't take a picture of that either. So I just grabbed one on my cell phone real quick!
I also wish I had a better overall picture of the Moon Bounce. Even though the guest list was overwhelmingly adult, this was the PERFECT way to keep the kids distracted and happy - and I'm pretty sure all of them slept VERY well that night!
For any of my readers in the DC area, I HIGHLY recommend Bull Run Premier Events. Not only were they responsive, affordable and friendly, but when my husband mentioned we were going to the Skins game the next day, they gave us a FREE platinum parking pass! You can't beat that for customer service :)
When I looked over at the Photo Booth, I thought it was going to be a hit.
But, ended up being not so much. We only got 3 pictures out of it. Ooops.
The best part of the party was absolutely all of the fabulous people.
And the fact that the other two bridesmaids, one in NC and one in CA, were both able to make it!
We got a great picture of the entire bridal party.
And some fabulous picture of the bride and groom (christmas card photo?!)
And a great picture of the groom and groomsmen.
I would call the entire party a huge success.
Joel and Jessie, we wish you all the best! We can't wait to go to Puerto Rico with you next month, and then again in April to celebrate your marriage. Love you!
Engagement Party: Part 2
Continuing about the Engagement Party! I already showed you Part 1 here.
I was lucky enough to have plenty of tables and chairs between myself and my aunt. The OCD planner in me wishes that all chairs could have matched, and that I could have had time to sew more floor length tablecloths, I have to admit that it still looked pretty good!
When Tyler and I got married, I bought manzanita branches and four ceramic footed urns, and built a beautiful centerpiece. Tyler HATES these trees in our house, but this is the fourth party I've used them for since, and they are always such a statement piece! This time, I painted the white bases purple, light blue, dark blue and green. I also sprinkled some sequins down, and used some yellow circus animals that I already had.
For the other three tables, I took tall silver holders that I already had, topped them with a poof of white feathers, perched some glittery birds on top, and wrapped some carnival tickets around the base. Oh, and more sequins :)
I loved how they turned out!
In addition to the tables, I also had random seating areas set up for smaller conversations.
I also had a bar set up - sodas, juices, beer, wine, and a few specialty cocktails.
And to make my life easier, I hired my sister's friend as a bartender.
I used the ever popular "Something.." bar menu. The cotton candy martinis were a huge hit :)
And whats a carnival without popcorn?!
I also had more appetizers set up against the fence.
Turkey Roll ups...
Cut fruit in mini wine glasses, candy dots, animal crackers, and lollipops.
And the most important part of all...dessert.
There were Cake Balls...
And Georgetown Cupcakes, courtesy of the bride.
Lots and lots of Georgetown cupcakes....
And don't those cupcake toppers just kill you?! They're by Sweetharts, and I have another post for you all about them!
There were actually nine flavors of cupcakes, so the bride make a cheatsheet - Vanilla, Red Velvet, Salted Caramel, Mint Cookies and Cream, Vanilla Birthday, Key Lime, Chocolate and Vanilla, Coconut, and Peanut Butter Fudge. You better believe I cheated on my diet for one of these bad boys :)
The bride and groom at the dessert table.
Sharing a Red Velvet - their favorite!
Stay tuned for Part 3!
I was lucky enough to have plenty of tables and chairs between myself and my aunt. The OCD planner in me wishes that all chairs could have matched, and that I could have had time to sew more floor length tablecloths, I have to admit that it still looked pretty good!
When Tyler and I got married, I bought manzanita branches and four ceramic footed urns, and built a beautiful centerpiece. Tyler HATES these trees in our house, but this is the fourth party I've used them for since, and they are always such a statement piece! This time, I painted the white bases purple, light blue, dark blue and green. I also sprinkled some sequins down, and used some yellow circus animals that I already had.
For the other three tables, I took tall silver holders that I already had, topped them with a poof of white feathers, perched some glittery birds on top, and wrapped some carnival tickets around the base. Oh, and more sequins :)
I loved how they turned out!
In addition to the tables, I also had random seating areas set up for smaller conversations.
I also had a bar set up - sodas, juices, beer, wine, and a few specialty cocktails.
And to make my life easier, I hired my sister's friend as a bartender.
I used the ever popular "Something.." bar menu. The cotton candy martinis were a huge hit :)
And whats a carnival without popcorn?!
I also had more appetizers set up against the fence.
Turkey Roll ups...
Cut fruit in mini wine glasses, candy dots, animal crackers, and lollipops.
And the most important part of all...dessert.
There were Cake Balls...
Chocolate dipped oreos...
And Georgetown Cupcakes, courtesy of the bride.
Lots and lots of Georgetown cupcakes....
And don't those cupcake toppers just kill you?! They're by Sweetharts, and I have another post for you all about them!
There were actually nine flavors of cupcakes, so the bride make a cheatsheet - Vanilla, Red Velvet, Salted Caramel, Mint Cookies and Cream, Vanilla Birthday, Key Lime, Chocolate and Vanilla, Coconut, and Peanut Butter Fudge. You better believe I cheated on my diet for one of these bad boys :)
The bride and groom at the dessert table.
Sharing a Red Velvet - their favorite!
Stay tuned for Part 3!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Marriage and Faith
Last week, Tyler and I got married in the Catholic church. Since I'm a recent convert, this is something that was really important to us. I was SO excited. I really felt like we were getting married all over again, and I was consumed by the most intense waves of love - having him by my side has forever changed my life.
But the service wasn't as sweet as I'd hoped. Father's homily talked about the purpose of marriage - the joy of having children, and raising them in the church. Three separate times, he talked about our "marital obligations" of procreating. Each time, Tyler slowly and deliberately squeezed my hand. I'm here, he was telling me. I love you and I know this hurts.
When we turned to face each other for our vows, and he took my hands in his, I was amazed at how much I can read in his face. I've loved this man for 11 years, and I know him better than I know myself. Our relationship is so strong, and I CAN battle infertility, because he is by my side. He's next to me through every step. He's reading about procedures, and educating himself on side effects. He worries about me. He worries about what I'm doing to my body, he worries about how well I can handle these hundreds of doctor appointments and needles and horribly painful tests. He often doubts how a baby can be worth what we are putting ourselves through - emotionally, spiritually, financially. But he follows my lead and agrees that we were meant to be parents.
I want to see him become a father almost more than I want to be a mother. And I hate that I feel like I'm depriving us of our chance - that my body is making such a straightforward process so incredibly difficult.
We're starting to lose faith that maybe this isn't the right path for us. Maybe God has different plans. I'm starting to get numb about the entire process, and wondering if maybe I just need to give up. It seems like every day we get another medical bill in the mail, and we can't keep up with all of them. I've had to defer a big test that was supposed to take place this week, because I can't justify the cost. Its not fair.
Now would be an excellent time for the free money fairy to pay a visit.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Engagement Party: Part 1
Last Saturday Tyler and I hosted an engagement party for two of our best friends - Joel and Jessie.
Joel and Tyler went to highschool together, and I met Joel in 2000. The two of them got an apartment together in 2002, and even though I technically lived on campus in the dorms...I spent as much time as possible at their place :) Not too long after, they started working together, and have worked at 4 or 5 places together.
When Joel met Jessie, we hit it off pretty much immediately. The four of us had so much fun together, and started spending pretty much all of our free weekends together. About a year ago, Jessie got hired by my company. Its so funny to me that we all work together, spend our time at home texting (those two are the reason why Tyler and I need an unlimited texting plan!) and hanging out on the weekends.
They got engaged last February, and I think I was even more excited about their engagement than I had been about my own. I was SO happy for them, and immediately demanded that I be allowed to host their engagement party. They didn't stand a chance in talking me out of it, and so everything finally happened this past weekend.
We did a carnival theme. Joel and Jessie are a very bright, colorful, happy couple - great taste, impeccable style, and constant fun. I wanted to make it more "engagement" themed, and I think I accomplished that.
Our main attraction was the Engagement Ring Toss.
Tyler built the frame, and put it up. I made the sign out of foam board and wrapping paper, and printed out the letters and cut them out. Spray adhesive was my very best friend for this project!
I collected wine bottles from family and friends and spray painted them green, purple and blue.
For the engagement rings, I bought silver jeweled bracelets, and hung them off a hot pink hook on the inside of one of the posts. They did look like giant wedding bands :)
Tyler thought we should hand out real bags of fish as prizes.
Me: No, thats a terrible idea. What if they don't want the fish? Or don't want their kids to have the fish? I mean, what do we do with a dozen spare goldfish?
Tyler: We flush them.
Needless to say , I had to come up with a new idea.
I purchased clear cellophane bags, tucked in some blue gift filler, and put in a snack pack of goldfish. I then blew up the bags to make them puff out, and tied them with a ribbon.
I also had a Fortune Teller station.
I bought a large doll head to be my "fortune teller", and used a glass bowl and gold box for her "crystal ball".
Each guest was asked to write a fortune or wish for the happy couple :) When done, they placed their fortunes in the crystal ball!
And, we set up a photo booth area! I had an assortment of props on hand, ready for guests to pose.
This little cutie wasted no time decking herself out :)
But the biggest hit with the kids? Definitely the moon bounce. I'm not sure why I didn't get a straight on picture of it, but you can see its shaped like a castle :)
Part 2 will be up soon!
Joel and Tyler went to highschool together, and I met Joel in 2000. The two of them got an apartment together in 2002, and even though I technically lived on campus in the dorms...I spent as much time as possible at their place :) Not too long after, they started working together, and have worked at 4 or 5 places together.
When Joel met Jessie, we hit it off pretty much immediately. The four of us had so much fun together, and started spending pretty much all of our free weekends together. About a year ago, Jessie got hired by my company. Its so funny to me that we all work together, spend our time at home texting (those two are the reason why Tyler and I need an unlimited texting plan!) and hanging out on the weekends.
They got engaged last February, and I think I was even more excited about their engagement than I had been about my own. I was SO happy for them, and immediately demanded that I be allowed to host their engagement party. They didn't stand a chance in talking me out of it, and so everything finally happened this past weekend.
We did a carnival theme. Joel and Jessie are a very bright, colorful, happy couple - great taste, impeccable style, and constant fun. I wanted to make it more "engagement" themed, and I think I accomplished that.
Our main attraction was the Engagement Ring Toss.
Tyler built the frame, and put it up. I made the sign out of foam board and wrapping paper, and printed out the letters and cut them out. Spray adhesive was my very best friend for this project!
I collected wine bottles from family and friends and spray painted them green, purple and blue.
For the engagement rings, I bought silver jeweled bracelets, and hung them off a hot pink hook on the inside of one of the posts. They did look like giant wedding bands :)
Tyler thought we should hand out real bags of fish as prizes.
Me: No, thats a terrible idea. What if they don't want the fish? Or don't want their kids to have the fish? I mean, what do we do with a dozen spare goldfish?
Tyler: We flush them.
Needless to say , I had to come up with a new idea.
I purchased clear cellophane bags, tucked in some blue gift filler, and put in a snack pack of goldfish. I then blew up the bags to make them puff out, and tied them with a ribbon.
I also had a Fortune Teller station.
I bought a large doll head to be my "fortune teller", and used a glass bowl and gold box for her "crystal ball".
Each guest was asked to write a fortune or wish for the happy couple :) When done, they placed their fortunes in the crystal ball!
And, we set up a photo booth area! I had an assortment of props on hand, ready for guests to pose.
This little cutie wasted no time decking herself out :)
But the biggest hit with the kids? Definitely the moon bounce. I'm not sure why I didn't get a straight on picture of it, but you can see its shaped like a castle :)
Part 2 will be up soon!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
