A tribute to my dad.

Dad & Katy, Nauvoo Pageant Workshops 2005

Last Thursday, as I was walking out of the doctor's clinic at UVU after my mandatory marital examination *cough*, I was reminded of how fabulous my daddy is. What an odd time to think about your dad, you say? Well, let me tell you why.

I had just been stuck several times unsuccessfully trying to get a blood sample out of me.. and finally they just gave up and told me to come back on Monday.
This reminded me of my first year of college when I spontaneously decided to get licensed as a phlebotomist. In case you're not sure what this is, it's that person that pretty much everybody hates in hospitals or at blood drives or at plasma centers that sticks sharp needles deep into your veins. I give you permission to become extremely paranoid when I tell you that it only takes 4 classes to become one of these dreaded people. Maybe that is why most of them hurt you so bad? I'm not sure.
I was pretty good at it though... but that is beside the point.

Anyway, this class was a little scary.... They handed us needles the first day and had us sticking each other before the class was over. Two days into it, we had to bring volunteers to class, (probably because all of our veins were bruised and nearly useless at this time...seriously, we all looked like heroin addicts.)

Do you know how difficult it is to get someone to volunteer to come and have a bunch of terrified needle stickers poke you over and over?? -I must say it is terrifying the first several times you do it. The sensation of a needle pushing through flesh is rather disgusting, in addition to the pain of the patient. Overall, not a very pleasant experience.

So... let's just say, nobody was pounding my door down for the opportunity. However, my dad agreed to come and do it without hesitation. What an awesome guy :)

When we got to class, he really got thrown to the dogs. After I stuck him once or twice, the scary, possibly not-all-there, slightly un-hygienic guy in the class had a go at him..(only because no one else would let this scary person near them.) I'm all about treating people nicely and everything, but when it comes to pain and major bleeding, I am a bit more selective. After the encounter, he tried to sell my dad his homemade calendars he was also trying to push off on his fellow classmates....

Well all lived though, slightly bruised, but noone got hepatitis :)

So as my darling dad was voluntarily looking up the prices of my birth control prescription online, and when all of my car windows were scraped of ice and snow when I woke up this morning, I thought of all of the things my dad has done for me. He has done so much, ranging from terrifying to expensive to heroic to thoughtful to sweet... he is the best dad ever.

Two Peas in a Pod

Wow, it is a good thing these two weirdies are getting married...

He's goofy & I love it :)

Planning a Wedding is Fun!

Only about 2 more months to go until the big day, and I actually feel like some things are getting done! Hooray! Starting this weekend, I have been actually doing things to prepare! Imagine that!

The theme for our wedding is a 1950's-60's updated retro springtime theme. It is going to be adorable!

The first thing my mom and I did this weekend was pick a quilt pattern and buy the material. This quilt isn't exactly like mine, but it does have the same basic block called the "Ohio Star". I love it because it looks so antique-y. I think it is darling. We are making it out of delicate florals, stripes and plaids in light greens, salmons, blues, oranges, browns, ivories, and yellows. It is going to be adorable :)

My second mastermind plan came from a Martha Stewart wedding magazine that I am currently tagging and ripping to shreds. I saw two silhouettes (much simpler ones than this one) of the bride and groom cut out in paper of their wedding colors and simply framed in white frames. I loved it the moment I saw it! ... I also thought 'I could make that! Easy!'
So, tonight I took side-view pictures of Nathan and bought white frames. Love it!


Tonight mom and I also met with the woman who is making the wedding cake. I found out about this extremely talented lady because she made Nathan's sister, Renae's wedding cake last summer. It was the most extravagant and beautiful cake I had ever seen! Mine is much much simpler, so I knew she'd be up to the task. She is such a dear, too. After meeting with her, I couldn't help but just love her!
I took the picture below with me, along with paint chips in my wedding colors, and she said she could easily do the whole thing. She is even going to make the blossoms out of sugar! She is amazing! She even has the hexagon pans! Hooray!
The only thing different we are doing from the picture below is we are only having 4 layers, and none of the blossoms will be dark colored like the ones on the bottom layer.
The top layer, )which we are supposed to save for a year I guess), is going to be double-fudge milk chocolate. The bottom layer is going to be cherry-chip flavor, and the two middle layers are going to be rice crispy treat! I thought that would be a great idea, considering I wanted a tall cake, but didn't want to have to deal with all of that cake afterwards. My mom's favorite treat is rice crispy treats too, so we can leave a layer for my parents to eat (which I am sure they will love).
This cute lady also said she would put a 'surprise' inside the top one of the rice crispy treat layers for Nathan to find (I know what it is, but in case he is reading this, I don't want to give it away!)


We also ordered the bridesmaid shirts this weekend. We got them from one of my very favorite stores in the mall, Charlotte Russe. I know it looks white here, but they are actually ivory in person. I think they are just retro enough to look vintage, but also sophisticated enough to not look too casual. I love them! Mom is making the skirts out of a light robins egg blue material. Adorable!

Because our theme is springtime, I wanted to also include a very subtle bird motif throughout the wedding. I think that bird designs look so adorable and retro, and so I think it would be fun to incorporate it.
So, in addition to a bird or two printed or displayed on things, we are going to have a couple of these little darlings in a cage at our reception. (probably by the book or something) They are white zebra finches! They are tiny little birdies, only about 2-3 inches long. Aren't they adorable?


In keeping with the subtle springtime bird motif, the bridesmaid jewelry will also match accordingly. These are the necklace pendants I am looking to either order (through etsy) or contract a friend to make. They don't look very difficult, but I love how darling they are! The earings would then just be something small with pearls involved. Not quite sure on that one though.
I do not have a picture of the dress, because it has not been made yet (hee hee). My mom is making it, but it has been designed and the fabric will be ordered this week. It is going to be made out of Chinese Dupioni Silk. It is going to be mid-calf length with long sleeves (since it will probably still be pretty cold outside), and have gentle scallops along the bottom hem. It will also have a low surplus cris-cross front, and a bow tied on the side on the lower left waist. It is hard to describe, but it will be blissfully, classically retro inspired! I am going to wear my great-great grandmother's jewelry for the day too, which will be something borrowed & something old :) It is gorgeous. I can't wait to wear it!


Today I ordered the shoes to go with my dress They look pretty retro, so I am happy with them. They are really really tall though. That is a 4 1/2" heel! We will see if they are going to work. I am not sure yet. With a shorter dress, I don't really have the option of taking them off. Oh well, I have a while yet to break them in. ( & I love the sassy pink soles too!)


Well, school starts tomorrow! Time to sleep! Happy New Year!