Killough/Cruse Wedding

Coming along....

2010-05-15T17:59:00.001-07:00

I can't tell you how many times I wake up in the middle of the night and start thinking of everything I need to do. I get bad anxiety, then I discreetly do wedding stuff at work and then come home and do wedding stuff. I feel much better. The only thing I am kind of stressing about are programs. I need to get those made but first, I need my mom to talk to the music director at the church and have him "approve" my music choices. I was even more worried before because I didn't even know what music we were playing....haha, yeah. Less than a month away and no music. Brett helped me today and now I do know and it is such a relief!

Last week was my bachlorette party (1st one!) and it was fun! We went to Pete's Piano Dueling Bar. I got to go up on stage and after that, we left and went to some other places. We were home by 1am!

Next weekend is my 2nd! I am NOT having a 3rd. I don't have time and 2 is definitely enough. I love having friends everywhere but I don't need 3. I was fine with 1. The girls that are hosting the 2nd party insisted on having the 2nd one so it makes me think, is it really for me or is it a good excuse to get away?? Either way, it should be fun!

Here are some pictures from the bachelorette party last weekend. After I publish this, I am going to add some shower pictures to my last blog.

This picture is funny because we stole the landscaper from next door and he was our "stripper." No Mom, he did not strip, but he enjoyed taking pictures with us!

Wow...

2010-05-08T13:38:00.000-07:00

February 5th was my last blog!! It seems like I just wrote it. When I created the blog, my intentions were to write on it! I knew wedding planning was time consuming, but I still thought I would be able to squeeze in time to write. Well, as you can see, I haven't! When I'm not working, I'm listening to music or thinking of of things for my wedding. I do a lot of research on the internet and then before I know it, it's way past my bed time.

I know in one of my past blogs I mentioned I was scared that no one would come to the wedding, no one would come to my shower, blah blah blah blah blah. Quite the opposite is happening. Dustin and I have truly been blessed. I thought since I moved to Houston, I wouldn't have so many people that cared and now I feel so crazy for thinking such a thing! We have had 3 AMAZING showers! Our first one was here in Houston and it was so beautiful. While I'm on the subject, I need a photo with my hosts/hostesses at the wedding!! Thank you Perry, Cinda, Bob, Linda, Brandon, Tiffany, Brandon and Suz for such a great shower. It was catered, and the cake was awesome! We were blessed with awesome things to fill the house! I hope everyone had fun and thank you for coming!

My second shower was a complete surprise. My boss threw a surprise bridal shower for me. One of my lunch buddies took me off the property "for lunch" and then she got a "call" and told me there was an emergency and we needed to go back! I'm closely involved with any emergency on the property so I called Security and asked them what was going on. She played it off like someone fell down the stairs and broke their leg. We came back and I saw our day maid and asked her what was going on and she says, "oh Miss Sarah! I don't know! I have an emergency!" I'm thinking, yeah, I know! Where?! What's going on!? I followed her (we were walking really fast) and she lead me right into a conference room where there were 20 people standing around and they said, "surprise!" I was so confused! I'm pretty sure the first question I asked was, "who broke their leg?! Are they OK?!" My boss had Pappasitos cater, the room was filled with gifts and people I see everyday...(that sounds bad but I really love the people I work with everyday!)

My 3rd shower was in New Mexico where 26 attended out of the 28 that were invited. I just can't say enough how blessed I feel. I didn't know so many people cared! I have been writing Thank you notes like it's my new day job.

Now TONIGHT is my bachelorette party. I am so excited! We are starting at Tiffany's house for dinner and then taking a limo downtown to Pete's Piano Dueling Bar. Suz says it is a BLAST and it sounds like it! All of us girls are going to dress up and go out on the town. I feel like I should take a nap because I don't stay out very often but I'm so excited, I wouldn't be able to sleep!

Not only am I going tonight, but some girls from Lincoln (my company) are planning a girls weekend for me in 2 weeks. I don't know where we are going but I do know it involves laying out and sippin on girly drinks. THEN last night, some other girls I work with (at Exterran) told me they are going to take me somewhere for their version of a bachelorette party. AAGH....Dustin is going to hate me. Not that I feel like I need to get any "partying" out of my system, but whether I like it or not, I will be getting any "partying" out of my system. I am going to be EXHAUSTED come time for the I Do's!

Well, this is a wrap. First I need to say how thankful I am for my Mother and my Grandmother. I am so fortunate to be raised in a Christian home where my parents cared and gave me curfews, wouldn't let me date until I was 16...I mean, where would I be right now if I didn't have what I have? I was very close with my grandmother and still am. I love them both. My sister is an AMAZING mom. She has had a lot going on and is now raising 3 boys and working 2 jobs. I don't know how she does it.

I am so happy for all my friends that are new mothers. I have several who will be celebrating mother's day for the first time this year (well, celebrating it for themselves.) I don't think I worded that right but you know what I mean, right? I have 2 friends that are with child...Happy Mother's day to you too, Candace Hebert and Sarah Hickman! You count too!

Thank you everyone for such an awesome pre-wedding. I made the guest list back when I didn't think anyone cared and we invited over 300 people...haha. I can't wait to see how this turns out. Should be interesting!

Trying to kill time...

2010-02-05T14:02:00.000-08:00

What better way to update my blog then when I am trying to stay awake at work?? I work at the Exterran buildings and they clear the property before 3, my boss has an excuse not to be here every Friday (hmmm, really does she think I am that dumb?) and I am now the ONLY warm body on the property besides our security. Don't worry though. I plan to climb the ladder of success and step on every toe and face getting there...gracefully of course!

I booked a DJ! I need a florist and a hairdresser and I can't think of anything else. I can't WAIT for it to warm up. I am in dier need of a run...more like a lot of runs. My skinny pants don't fit and my skinny pants and my wedding dress are about the same size so you do the math.

I was looking through pictures today and Dustin and I haven't taken a picture together since our engagement pictures. We never take pictures together. He said something about a slide show at the rehearsal dinner and I'm thinking that is a possibility but none of the photos are going to have the BOTH of us in them. haha! I think it is kind of funny! I just feel weird asking people to take photos and if I feel weird asking, Dustin feels 100 times weirder (word?) asking or knowing I just asked. BTW-our photographer that took our engagement pics raised her prices about a month after our session and she is asking for our first born child in exchange for a 4x6 photo. Just FYI. If you don't see many of our pictures, that's why. I need to sell a couch on ebay before I buy a picture to put on our save the dates so if you don't see one in the mail anytime soon, that is why! Good news is our photography package in NM includes either a bridal session or engagement session. I'm thinking Dustin and I will take some a couple of days before the wedding. Of course they won't be ready by the wedding but they will be great keepsakes.

Well, I am going to clean off my desk, go home, and hopefully the buildings won't come crashing down before 5...after 5, it's not my problem anymore :)

My mom put a posting in the local newspaper back home and I'm trying to upload it into the blog...I will post that and some pictures from the bridal fair last week this weekend...I don't have the pictures on my work computer.

It's Coming Along!....

2010-01-17T18:44:00.000-08:00

Dustin and I have accomplished a lot this weekend. Friday I picked out colors and Bridesmaid dresses. Saturday I picked out my OWN dress with help from Tiffany and Candace! I also scheduled a photographer on Saturday!! Today Dustin and I confirmed how many are going to be in our bridal party and who we want. I picked out flower girl dresses online but need to wait until Jadyn comes in March to figure correct sizes. I feel like we got so much accomplished and I am very pleased! One of my bridemaids called me today and already went and tried on her dress. This is so exciting! Next Sunday, I am going to a Bridal Extravaganza at the Houstonian. I am hoping to get ideas on center pieces and bouquets. I have a vision but I am also open minded. I wouldn't mind leaving the place with some merchandise either. That's the latest! I would post some pictures of dresses but can't for obvious reasons. Off to bed...

Less than 6 months to go!

2010-01-10T15:57:00.001-08:00

I haven't ordered invitations, I haven't found a dress, I don't even know my colors. It helps I know who I want in my wedding party but I don't know how many I can have. I really think Dustin thinks we can just wait and do all of the planning the last minute! It couldn't be that he just wants me to do all the planning because he is too opinionated! He told me I couldn't have more then 5 bridesmaids but I put my foot down and asked for him to compromise.

For New Year's Eve, I went to a friends house. It was fun!

You know what my fear is? I go to all kinds of showers here. I go to bridal showers and baby showers. I would throw showers for my friends and bachlorette parties for the weddings I played a part in. I'm afraid when it comes my turn, no one is going to come to my showers or bachlorette parties. It's like the nightmare where no one shows up to the wedding you worked so hard to plan! Is this normal??

I have good news. My "Required Maintenance" light has been on in my car for the past 10k miles. You may think I'm crazy, but I avoided taking my car in because I am so scared of what the problem is going to be. I don't have a "favorite" mechanic or a mechanic I can trust so naturally, I am afraid I will have to pay $600 to change out a timing belt or something. I took my car to get the oil changed today and I let them talk me into new filters. My light went off!!!! That's all it took! Thank you little baby Jesus!!

I don't have any pics just yet. Maybe I will post some tonight!

Christmas time!

2009-12-27T17:52:00.000-08:00

Christmas was good this year! Besides finally having a time and place for the wedding, Dustin and I got to spend Christmas with Jadyn. She received entirely too many presents that she didn't even have time to play with everything before she left. Santa brought all three of us a Wii so we have been playing since Friday. We did stop and socialize a couple of times, but for the most part, we have found who is really good at bowling, tennis and Maria Bros. I am the bowling QUEEN. Don't mess with me! My arm is sore!

Me and Dustin's mom at Linda's

Tiffany crimping the girls hair with the crimpers they received for Christmas from Brittany.

The family went to Bob and Linda's for Christmas. It was a lot of fun. We played a fun game, ate good food and drank good wine. Jadyn is losing her teeth and she had a stubborn tooth that has been hanging on for dear life since she got here last Friday. Well, being the fearless child she is, she let Brad tug on it and after a good pull, it came out! She was really excited to lose a tooth on Christmas and while she was in Houston. Her mom says Jadyn wanted to lose a tooth here to see if the tooth fairy is more generous here in Houston. It was fun! Christmas was definitely great closure to a great vacation. I had the whole week off and now I am going to work tomorrow. Not only am I going back to work, I am getting back into the swing of working out again. I have exercised but it has been inconsistent. My work outs can't keep up with my calorie intake and it is beginning to show!

Here are a couple more pictures! I hope everyone had a great Christmas and please have a fun and safe New Year's!

It's time!

2009-12-16T16:13:00.000-08:00

I feel so relieved we have a date. My next step is confirming bridesmaids/groomsmen...this is the next stressful part for me at least. Of course my sisters are going to be in my wedding...I wouldn't have it any other way. I have several friends that I want in the party but Dustin won't let me have a big wedding party. I think I am just going to start drawing names. As soon as he confirms his number of groomsmen, I will confirm mine. I have also been looking at dresses. I have tried on dresses once and now I have been looking in several magazines, internet and even Ebay...I haven't found anything that I like. I need to find one soon because it could take some time. It is hard because I don't really want to bother anyone to go with me to try on dresses here in Houston.

Look what my sister sent me and I received it in the mail today!

It matches my tree perfectly because it has little red berries on it and my tree has little red berries with pine cones! Thanks, Kristin!

I was surprised last week when my boss told me I needed to take my vacation days. It is kind of sad that I need to use them because I haven't been able to use them, but the good thing is I get to use them next week and have the whole week off! I'm really excited and it is perfect because Jadyn will be here and Dustin has the whole week off. It worked out REALLY well.

I hope everyone is having a good week. I'm hangin' with the girls tomorrow night at Natalies and everyone at Candace's on Friday so I forecast a busy weekend!

June 12th

2009-12-14T19:05:00.000-08:00

Say hello to your next June bride! June 12th 2010 in Albuquerque, NM. I will send more details soon.

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas...just in case.

2009-12-08T17:15:00.001-08:00

OK! OK! So it has been another month since I posted anything! I can tell you that I have been busy, but I also remember several times I could have logged in and posted something. Sorry! Like I said before, computer time at home is no longer fun for me. I have pretty much burnt out my computer at work they are buying me a new one...I ordered it today! My hands feel like they have carpal tunnel so I'm sure I will have a to wear wrists braces on both hands by the time I'm 30.

Anyway, the wedding planning is coming along finally! I went to New Mexico for Thanksgiving and my mom and I went and started looking as soon as I stepped off the plane. My biggest hurdle has become people responding to our correspondence...or not responding should I say. I'm sure it is because it is the holidays but they are going to have to work with me since I live out of town...oh yeah, we are having the wedding in Albuquerque. I could have it both ways, Houston vs. Albuquerque. Enough said about that. Anyway, the plan currently is to have the ceremony at the church my parents married in. Then there is a hotel down the street where we will be having the ceremony. The tentative date is June 12. I will know for sure after tomorrow. Dustin and I are arguing...I mean planning a mock reception based on so many people.

Yesterday was a little tragic for my children. They both went to the vet and lived through the neutering process. The kitty is a haus and was doing flips and tricks after his surgery. Max wasn't that excited. I didn't think he was going to live through the night. He was making noises I have never heard out of him before. He was in so much pain. I paid extra for pain medicine for both of them but Max wouldn't eat anything. For the easy one (the kitty), they gave me a liquid med...for the sickest one (Max), they gave me a big pill. SMART PEOPLE! I wanted to call their emergency line to see if I could just give Max the feline liquid medicine. It truly broke my heart to see Max in so much pain. I wish I could have taken the pain for myself. I started to regret taking him in the first place. Today he is feeling much better though and soon he won't even remember. Well, hopefully. Yesterday morning was probably the last time he happily jumps in the car by himself. Next time I am going to have to pry him away from home.

Jadyn comes on the 18th so we put up a Christmas tree. I was totally against it saying we should just save our money and buy one next year but this is Dustin's first Christmas with his daughter so he demanded we have one...(that's what I like, a man that knows what he wants!) He went and bought one with some ornaments and it is BEAUTIFUL. I'm really glad he made such a good decision. Now if he would help plan instead of being so opinionated about the wedding....hmmmmm.

If I don't post a permanent date or news about the date within the next couple of days, feel free to email me! I hope everyone is enjoying this CHRISTmas season. American seems to forget the reason we have Christmas. Make sure your Christmas cards mention CHRIST. Sadly more and more items say "Season's Greetings" or "Happy HOlidays." I ordered cookies in these cute tins for our favorite clients. I made sure I purchased the "Merry Christmas" tins and the lady called me to point out which tins I had ordered...I let her finish her sentence and then gracefully told her I was perfectly aware of my order and they should provide more options (I only had one choice!) Anyway, pray for our country. It was built on Christian values and no one, including our President, obviously has not read the Constitution in quite some time. In God we Trust is not a past time as far as I'm concerned.

So...Have a Merry Christmas!!

Catching up!

2009-11-01T10:21:00.000-08:00

I don't even know where to start! I have been so busy at work that I just don't feel like being on my computer when I get home. At work, as soon as my Outlook is open, I am emailing away...I answer emails I received after I left work the day before, I answer emails I received before I got to work, I EMAIL! I write contracts, I do a lot of accounting, I look at numbers, I compare numbers, I email, I do accounts payable, I email, I do accounts receivable, I email, I have a boss on crack (is that appropriate?), she emails and I email her back, sometimes I finish her emails, I email...98% of everything I do is on the computer. I just don't feel like being on mine when I get home and it has really shown! I looked at my last blog and it is almost 2 months ago. It feels like it has only been 1 month! I probably have lost half of my readers, but maybe not.

Some of you may be surprised to find that I have not made any wedding plans. If you know me well enough, you are probably not surprised. I go back to NM for Thanksgiving and hopefully I can look around and figure out what I really want and decide on a date.

Last weekend, I went back to college! I went back to Las Cruces for Homecoming. A lot of my friends went back too so it was a blast! Unfortunately, my camera has been broken and I didn't take many pictures myself so I am waiting for people to post pictures. Here are some that I have seen so far that I like:

Sorority pose!

Me, Wendy and Kristen. We have this exact same picture from 4 or 5 years ago...

Me, Megan and Jenn...girls from my pledge class.

Anyway, I love those girls and I am so glad I had the opportunity to go last weekend. It was a nice little break. Last night I went to a Halloween party. It was a LOT O FUN! Everyone had to dress as a famous couple (dead or alive) so Dustin and I dressed up as Dog and his wife, Beth. For those who don't watch A&E, Dustin was the one in front and I was the one on the left with the fanny pack:

I will post pictures as soon as I retrieve some! Well, that's it! I will try and be more loyal to the blog! It was fun reading up on all of my friends blogs too!

Happy Birthday, Ryan!

2009-09-12T11:46:00.000-07:00

I can guarantee Ryan won't read my blog, but just in case, HAPPY 7TH BIRTHDAY!! (He is the one in the front.)

So the weather in Houston has been gloomy and it is making me a little gloomy! I'm so bored and I don't want to do anything! I sit here thinking of all of the things I could be doing and none of them sound that important...except wedding planning but I guess I'm just waiting to win the lottery before I get started. I also sit here and am thinking about how much I miss my friends back home! I have been talking to them a lot and makes me miss them even more!

Anyway, although I miss my friends back home, I do have a great support system here. Dustin's family and the friends I have made through him are all really great! I don't think I would make it here in Houston without all of them. I am also trying to get more involved in things here so I should stay busy....it's so weird without Jadyn here! I just realized this is probably the first time I have been bored in months! We were always doing things when she was here and staying busy entertaining her! haha! I guess now I am going to have to find new ways to stay busy.

Last night I heard a rumor that people actually read my blog. I instantly felt really bad because I post things about once a week. The last time I posted something, it was 2 sentences...so I will try to stay loyal to my readers and post more! (K, so I will try not to flatter myself!)

OH! I love to post pictures, but this time, you will have to click on the link to view this one. Dustin and I went out on a date last night to an Astros game and there is a guy that takes pictures of as many people as possible and then posts them on the fanfoto page. Beware of the margaritas...Dustin bought both of us one and it was really good! I'm usually not a big fan of margaritas, but it was really tasty! I asked if there was any alcohol in them and he didn't know...well, after I drank it, I could tell there was definitely some alcohol in that thing! Wait a few hours before driving if you have one of those...luckily, I didn't have to worry about that. Anyway, here is the link:

http://www.printroom.com/ViewGalleryPhoto.asp?evgroupid=0&userid=astrosstaffevents&gallery_id=1750829&image_id=1&pos=2

sorry, I tried to insert the link so you can just click on it, but it didn't show up when I published the blog. You will just have to copy and paste! Sorry!

Pictures!!

2009-09-10T19:43:00.000-07:00

Sneak peeks are up! We get the rest in a day or so. I think I look weird in a couple of them, but oh well! Enjoy!

www.kdloftisphotography.com/blog

boooo...

2009-09-04T14:59:00.000-07:00

No sneek peak yet! The photographer hasn't emailed me yet. She says she puts sneak peaks on her blog but she doesn't have them up yet! I wasn't too anxious before but now I'm getting a little impatient.

I was supposed to go meet my sister in San Antonio but her hubby got sick. We were going to shop for wedding/bridesmaid dresses, but that's a no go! I am getting frustrated because I don't have a date! I don't have a place! I don't even have my wedding party yet (I have people in mind of course;0). Is this normal??

Since I am not going to San Antonio this weekend, I am going to meet Dustin at the bay house. Poor me! Last weekend, Dustin caught a big 'ol Red fish. I caught a medium size fish and Jadyn caught a little bitty fish.

I am going to start packing. I came home early, but not early enough to miss traffic. I hope everyone has a fun and SAFE weekend! Don't drink and drive!!

A New Life

2009-09-01T20:35:00.000-07:00

Babies are beautiful. Congratulations to Bryon and Brittany Frank (Brittany is Dustin's cousin). They had their first baby together tonight. Her name is Presley and she weighs 8 lbs 15 oz. We got to be 2 of the first few people that saw her in her first few minutes of life. She is so beautiful! She was very entertaining with all of her funny faces. I took pictures with my phone...

So engagement pictures went well I think. We don't get to see them for another week so that kind of stinks but I'm not too worried. Since I was in kindergarten, I could never find the right outfit for school pictures and my mom would always make me wear something that I did not want to wear. Well, no wonder she MADE me wear what she picked out. I can't seem to picture what I want to wear. I'm not kidding when I say I was changing shirts 1 minute before I walked out the door for pictures. I was almost in tears on the way because I was so mad at myself for not being able to just pick something simple. Instead, I wore this shirt that I wear to work frequently. It is collared and has a ruffle on it...a ruffle! For my engagement pictures! I have known about pictures for 3 weeks and I didn't even have my outfits sorted out. What is wrong with me??? I was able to take another outfit, but instead of taking a whole other outfit, I took one other shirt. I thought that shirt was cute but I wore it with the same jeans and crappy shoes. I had these cute khaki pants I wanted to wear and I didn't take them. Can I rewind back to Saturday and take these all over again? The only good thing that came out of Saturday was I had my makeup done. I met a girl at the Cos Bar in the Woodlands and she said she would do my make up anytime. She did a great job! OH and I found Jadyn a cute outfit too. Maybe I was just focusing too much on what she wanted to wear. Yes, that has to be it...I was worried about Jadyn because she wanted to wear the crazy purple, blue and pink dress with bows all over it. Instead I had her wear a jean skirt with a white shirt with little gems on it. So everyone looked great except me with my big ruffles. Go figure! Sorry Mom for all the crap I have given you about clothes. Why can't we just wear the same thing everyday like the Flintstones?

Stay tuned and I will give you directions on how to look at the pictures once I get them. Again, CONGRATULATIONS Brittany and Bryon and another Congratulations to Linda and Bob. Linda and Bob are grandparents for the first time!

Girls just want to have fun!

2009-08-27T14:21:00.000-07:00

Jadyn's time is coming to an end. She leaves back to Pennsylvania on Sunday. Dustin got us pedicures so we went yesterday. She got a manicure too....

This is the picture we took for her mom.

I don't have anything to report. We are taking pics on Saturday and then I will either post the pictures or post the web address. 2009 is mov'n really fast. I kind of need it to slow down a little bit!

Picture perfect...but not until next week!

2009-08-21T13:18:00.000-07:00

Jadyn a couple of months ago...she lost a tooth.

On Wednesday night, Dustin, Jadyn and I went to a Houston Astros game. I LOVE going to games. They are so much fun...of course I'm not the one spending the money ($75 for a hotdog and beer sounds just about right!) Jadyn had been at Aunt Cinda's and wasn't feeling very good. She felt a little better so we went ahead and went to the game. While we were at the game, she fell asleep so we left. That night, she barely made it home and vomited everywhere. Ever since then, she has been sleeping/throwing up. I feel really bad for her. Dustin took her to the doctor yesterday and she definitely has a virus! I hadn't seen her since Wednesday night because she has been sleeping so much. I am with her right now and she is feeling much better. Engagement pictures have been rescheduled anyway! The photographer encouraged us to reschedule which is understandable since we didn't know if Jadyn was going to be better. We are just going to take the pictures next weekend.

Still no venue. Honestly, I haven't been trying too hard. Enough about that...there are just way too many options. It's times like this I wish I lived in a SMALL town where there are very few options. In a small town, yards are big enough to have the wedding right at home!!

If you have planned a wedding, have you ever thought of how you were going to exit the reception? My sister rode off into the sunset with her new hubby on a motorcycle! This ones for you, Christopher, even though you don't read my blog!

I love posting pictures so here is one of little J Money...(Jadyn's nick name for those of you who don't really get it!)

A long road ahead.

2009-08-16T16:15:00.000-07:00

Today my friend, Laurie and I went to check out a place where Dustin and I can get married. There was a bridal show at a country club. From the looks of it on the internet, it was a very nice country club. It was 50 miles away but I thought it was worth checking out. Well, we pulled up and there wasn't even a "club." There was no building like it showed on the internet. It was a tent like thing. It was a permanent tent with doors. The carpet was gross and the dance floor looked a little...uneven? There was about 15 vendors there so we decided to give them a try. It was when we had to use the bathroom when I decided there was NO WAY I was going to have my wedding at this place...the bathroom was a porta-potty outside! In their defense, it was a nice porta-potty...one where there are actually stalls inside. The thing is...there is a GOOD chance I will be wearing a big dress and how am I going to go to the bathroom? Besides that, I don't want my wedding being remembered as the wedding with the porta-potty. I have a budget, but you still don't have to worry about going to the bathroom in a porta-potty if you are a guest at my wedding!

There were some pretty interesting vendors there too. I really wish I could have taken a picture of the cake vendor. Let's just say I got his business card to make sure I DIDN'T use him. It took all of me not to laugh while he was trying to give away a grooms cake for my wedding. He couldn't pay me to have that cake at my wedding. Then there was the photographer. I could have taken better pictures with my camera phone. His pricing started at $3,000...seriously? Really? Is that necessary? Is this a joke? Anyway, I have a long road ahead. There are tons of places to get married...which one do I pick?

One of my favorite past times is the movie, Annie. Jadyn started singing one of the songs today and I chimed in. I didn't know that movie was still around! We are actually watching it right now so I better go. Stay posted...

3 of my favorite pics!

Me and my 2 sisters at my sisters wedding.

My sister is asking me if I have Christopher's ring...and I didn't! This was RIGHT BEFORE WE WERE SUPPOSED TO WALK DOWN THE AISLE.

The 3 KILLOUGH SISTAS!

I love pictures!

Please sign this petition

2009-08-12T08:09:00.000-07:00

Hopefully we can get as many Americans as possible to sign this. Even if it makes the slightest difference, it is worth it.

www.freeourhealthcarenow.com

First Steps

2009-08-10T19:55:00.000-07:00

Dustin with his cousin, Brandon and his friend, Brandon. Suzie posted some of wedding pics and so I looked through my pictures from her wedding and his is what I found.

We finally took the first step towards being a married couple...we SCHEDULED ENGAGEMENT PICTURES! Whew! That was hard! We are going to have them done the evening of Saturday, August 22. The photographer (Sarah Paul's friend) says the lighting is at its best and it won't be so hot. We are still deciding where we are going to take the pictures. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know. I have a couple of ideas of my own, but of course I am not a native here and don't have a lot of ideas or even know the best places out there! I also need ideas on what to wear! Jadyn already offered a couple of her items, but I told her I was thinking of buying something new...I didn't know what else to say to such a nice offer! The photographer is going to brainstorm too. I am going to go look at at least one place this week with or without someone...who is sick. Do I have any volunteers?

I love looking at people's pictures, so here is a fun one...

My nephews and me. There is one more nephew somewhere...

He is getting a hair cut and he is NOT happy! Obviously the bottle isn't helping...but don't mind me...I was just snapping pictures on my blackberry why the poor guy cried his eyes out!

It is way past my bed time. I keep trying to get up early in the morning to go run, but it just doesn't happen. I am really good about going after work so I should probably just stick to that time. We'll see.

In the meantime...

2009-08-07T10:57:00.000-07:00

While I am procrastinating on the wedding, here is another post about nothing! I am (or should be) a member of IREM (Institute of Real Estate Management). I say "should be" because I filled out an application to be a member and either the companies admin hasn't paid, or it's lost. Anyway, I still go to the luncheons and they are once a month. Well, this month's luncheon was on Tuesday at the downtown Aquarium. It was very nice...$50/person nice (don't worry, I'm not spending my wedding budget...my company pays for it.) We eat the nice, extravagent meal and then we hear a guest speaker talk for 15 minutes and then we are done! I car pool with a couple of girls, so after the luncheon, we went and toured the Wellsfargo tower. It's one of two of the taller buildings in Houston and it is shaped like a dollar sign. My company used to manage the building so one of the girls used to work there...actually, it's the girl that refered me to this job! The Chief Engineer took us to the roof 992 feet high. I would hate to be the window washer...

This picture shows the Toyota Center.

I took this picture because we are on the highest building. I can see the building I use to work in (it has the cathedryl looking knob at the top...very tiny from here.)

You can see the Chase building in this picture. I should have taken a picture of the whole thing. It was just so bright, I couldn't really see what I was including in the picture. When you are that high up, you are that much closer to the sun. By the time I was done, I was a sweaty mess. I'm sure I smelled and looked real nice when I got back to my office.

That's all for today! I am making an appointment to go see the venue we like next week. I will keep you posted!

WOW...!

2009-08-03T19:37:00.001-07:00

I gave a little test...I didn't write a blog for one week and I could really tell who my REAL readers were! I was asked why I hadn't written anything from only a select few which is very disappointing! Just kidding-it seems like just yesterday I was writing my last blog. I really haven't had anything going on. I feel like I am in a rut. We still don't have a venue. We plan on looking at a venue sometime during lunch, but Dustin and I both have lunch meetings and such for the next couple of days.

I did find something to write about...I never really said anything because my mother would think I was crazy...and I am, but I had good reason. When I first moved to Houston, I didn't have my little Max because he was with my Grandma. I was a little lonely. One day Dustin and I went to the grocery and this little girl was giving away kittens. Key words-GIVING AWAY. I knew I was crazy when I got home and this little fur ball wouldn't stop meowing. Poor little guy was looking for his family! We took him to the vet for a check up and got him all of his kitty shots and deworming meds (just to be sure). At first, life was a little scary living with this little rat. He would hide behind corners and jump out and attach your leg as you walked by. Well, after he got through the kitten months, he turned out to be a handsome and affectionate cat. If you didn't know I had a cat, you are probably wanting to ask, "Well, what about Max??" Max and the kitty LOVE each other! They play, snuggle and they even fight. I feel better during the day because Max isn't so lonely while I am at work. What is the kitty's name?? His name is Itty Bitty Kitty. I call him Kitty. Turns out, he was too young to leave his mother and he was LITTLE. I have a lot of room in my heart for animals and I just couldn't live without him! If I had room, I would probably have more pets.

This is a sure way to steer my family away. They will not come visit me now that they know I have a cat! They didn't mind Max, but everyone is allergic to cats. I'm usually the one to go visit anyway.

BTW-I didn't forget about a picture for my last post...I'm just waiting.

Just Dream'n....

2009-07-26T09:01:00.000-07:00

It has been an emotional last couple of days for me. After planning the cruise and having it all set up, it is not going to happen. There are many reasons why it isn't going to happen so I'm not going to list all of the reasons why. However, I know it is for the best. I, myself, will have more family and friends that will be able to come see me get married. As before, on the cruise, it was just going to be too much. Besides going on the cruise, ALL of my family would of had to get to Houston, and then on the cruise. If money wasn't an issue, taking time off of work WAS an issue. As sad as I am about not having a destination wedding, I know I am going to be very happy when I have more of my loved ones on my special day. So now we are back to square one and back to dealing with Groomszilla (this is what me and my sisters are calling Dustin.) Let me just say, we are definitely going to have to compromise on some things. He wants the best, and I just want to get married. There is nothing wrong with either one of us...we just need to get on the same page! I couldn't be happier with our relationship! It's just really funny how involved he wants to be and I am more than happy to give him the responsibility of planning a wedding. I just want to do it now and he wants to do it later.

So, what is the new wedding "destination?" I quote that because it is no longer a destination wedding. We are going to try and find a place here in Houston. I did some research last night and I THINK I found a reasonable place where Dustin and I will both be happy. Of course my only information came from their webpage so I haven't spoken to anyone. It could mean I have to trade in my right arm to reserve the place. I will keep you posted on what happens. I hope everyone is having a great weekend!

BTW-Jadyn is here and we spent the weekend at Dustin's aunt and uncles bayhouse. I came home this morning and Dustin and Jadyn are still there with everyone. After she visited last time, she went back home and wanted her hair like "SK's" (that's me!) So now we are twins! She just lets her hair air dry and it comes out beautiful and I spend 15 minutes on mine every morning...must be nice to be 6 years old with super model hair. I'll take a picture when I see her later on today.

Dinner Time!!

2009-07-22T17:08:00.000-07:00

As I promised, a good simple meal...or snack. Depending how you like to eat at home, this may just be a side dish! I discovered these litt'l thangs after I moved to Houston. Someone I worked with turned me on to rocksinmydryer.net. If you like blogs, this lady will post a blog daily. She had this recipe on there. She gives the credit to Taste of Home, and they are called Farmhouse BBQ Biscuits...I think. Anyway, this is a cheap and easy way to satisfy your family. DO TRY THIS AT HOME!

Ingredients:
1 lb Beef
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 can Grand Layered refridgerated Biscuits (They don't have to be Grands, but they do have to be layered.)
1-2 cups Cheddar Cheese

Brown your meat, drain it and mix in your BBQ sauce. Put it to the side.

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Carefully pull apart each biscuit. This is why it is important to get layered biscuits. I would show you what it looks like as I was doing it but no one was here to take a picture. Dustin conveniently had plans after I told him I was cooking!!

With a rolling pin, roll out each half big enough to where it will line the muffin pan. I don't have a rolling pin (that will be the first thing on the registry!) They should look like this:

Carefully place spoon fulls of your BBQ and meat mixture into the biscuit cups. It should end up looking like this:

Cover each biscuit with cheese! Yum!

Bake for 8-10 minutes at 350! Just enough time to clean up your mess and set the table!

And.....

I never said they were going to be pretty! If you aren't going anywhere, add a glass of wine to your meal and you made it that much better! I hope you get a chance to make them yourself!

No news. I still haven't received a call from the travel agent. SOOOO, my boss went over to that property today (since we manage it), and talk to the right hand man of the owner. I need to email him what I want and hopefully he can get me some information. Since I have been waiting, maybe he can get me some better prices. PRAY! Speaking of praying, don't forget to thank the Lord for this awesome meal! He will never give you more then you can handle. A couple of us in my family, including me, has had to remember that recently. It is just so true because I am alive and happy as can be...I just had a really bad situation on my hands and now it's over! Praise God!

Good news-Dustin's daughter, Jadyn is coming in on Friday for 6 weeks! The first thing we are going to do is go see Harry Potter! We have been waiting until we see each other to go see it. She is a beautiful little girl and I am so excited and already planning things for us to do. We are going to make a great little family when Dustin and I are married! Of course it is hard to fill in 6 weeks of fun so I am always looking for ideas. Let me know what you think.

I need to go because I am hungry!

Love,
Sarah

AirDavyBoy

2009-07-21T16:26:00.000-07:00

I had a long, stressful day full of deadlines. I am trying to eat good but I don't have time to eat all the small little healthy meals you are supposed to eat everyday so I am also starving...because I only ate 2 very small healthy meals...I'm cranky. The only thing that made me laugh today is Dustin's friend from New Mexico. This is what he sent:

I can only imagine him sitting at home with nothing to do but distort pictures. I can't be mad at him because he is just a precious little, sweaty, square face. We love you, David!

27 Dresses

2009-07-20T16:26:00.000-07:00

First of all, I have a sad note to start on. My dear friend, Jennifer Coyne, died in a scuba diving accident 2 years ago this Friday. She was the happiest, loving girl I have ever met. You could tell her anything and she would never judge...she would probably laugh, but never judge. It was absolutely impossible to get mad at her! Jen, you were the GREATEST sister, roommate, co-worker and FRIEND! I wish more then anything right now that I could ask you to be in my wedding. You are always in my thoughts and I love you and MISS you!

Thank you for giving me that time as it is very important to me that I say something. Now that I have tears running down my face, I will move on with my blog. I am not embarressed to say I am anxious to get married. The little planning I have already done has already caused me to want to elope....which my father has already kiddingly said he would pay for;0) The travel agent said she would get back to us with group rates on Friday or Saturday. Well, it's Monday evening and I still haven't heard anything! AAGH! I am just hoping she is trying to get REALLY good rates and that is what is taking her so long. On a positive note, my company manages the building the travel agency owns. They know this so maybe, just maybe they are trying to find me a good deal. We will see!

I need to go ahead and apologize ahead of time to all my girls whose wedding I was in. I always said yes no matter how much money it was going to cost me to travel, buy the dress, pitch in for showers and bachelorette parties. My mom told me I could always say no, but then I would miss out on all the fun! I would still complain to her about the money no matter how much I enjoyed being a bridesmaid. Look at me now! I am having my wedding on a cruise. If my girls even get to go, it is going to cost them far more money then I had to spend on them A destination wedding is the cheapest and best way to go if you don't have $20k to drop on a wedding! In the defense of my friends, they got married in college or right out of college. It would have been very hard for them to pay for their own wedding no matter where. To my best friends-I would still say yes to be in your wedding and it actually did NOT break the bank like I am making it sound. I hope everyone gets to come, but I understand if you can't make the trip.

I have a lot of things to say so I hope you didn't just tune in for a quick update! I have been researching photographers to take our engagement pictures. Dustin's cousin, Brandon, and his wife, Tiffany, used a great photographer here in Houston. They look the most promising so I contacted them today. Tiffany said the photographer is bad at communicating and guess what?? I have NOT received a call back! What recession?? Apparently travel agencies and photographers are making a GREAT living!

My dearest mother retired this February and takes care of my 3 nephews since they are out for the Summer. My oldest nephew, Luke, and I are serious Harry Potter fans. It took me years to finish the series (sorry! I am a hard working gal!) and Luke finished the series in 2 or 3 months. The point of the story? My mom took my nephews to Harry Potter day at the Library. Their picture was taken and it ended up on the front page of the Valencia County news paper, The News Bulletin. They are so cute! I tried and tried and tried to upload the picture. It is in a word document and I can't insert it in my blog. If anyone knows how, please email me and tell me!!! I really want to show it off!

This is probably enough for 2 days! Tune in on Wednesday and I will give you a great recipe for my favorite dinner. It's super easy, so all you mommy's, you may want to check back! Happy belated Birthday, Grandma! I love you!

Max Killough

2009-07-18T11:53:00.000-07:00

Most my family and friends know of my dog, Max. If you know Max, you know he is similar to having a child. He is very high maintenance. The only advantage to having a dog rather than a child is you can leave them home alone. I'm not saying that it is a good idea, but I leave Max at home alone while I am working. Anyway, this may not mean anything to those who do not know Max, but I am proud to say that he learned how to roll over this past week! It only took 2 days and 2 beggin strips! I think he is very smart. Dustin's family would say he is smart...but has a short term memory. I added this picture to show off my ring...Max was just curious to see what was going on. (Please excuse his toys on the floor.) If you would like a closer look, you will just have to come to the wedding! ;0)

I don't have any recent news about the wedding. I am waiting for the travel agent to get back to me with group rates. She is supposed to email me today. I will post something everyday or so. I hope you all are having a great weekend!

The Planning Begins!

2009-07-17T09:04:00.000-07:00

Greetings to all my family and friends! I am happy to announce Dustin and I are engaged to be married as of July 4, 2009! Unfortunately I still don't have any photos since the engagement, but I have this most recent photo from May of this year. How did the engagement happen? We were strolling down the beach in Galveston, Tx and the timing was right and he popped the question!

The first question everyone asks besides, "how did it happen" is WHEN? Well, we are looking for a time and place right now but you can start looking at May/June 2010. We have been looking at places in Houston and as much as I would love a BIG downtown Houston wedding, we are looking at a destination wedding. We originally looked at Jamaica but it would be very difficult for the people that matter most to be there. So our latest idea is a cruise! It is not set in stone but we are talking to a travel agent and the cruise line. It is getting pretty serious! The places we would visit while on the cruise is Jamaica, Cozumel, and The Caymen Islands. We will get details out as soon as possible.

Thank you for visiting our blog! I will keep you updated. If you have any questions, please feel free to email.