Merry Christmas!

Wishing everyone a bright and merry Christmas. May the love of the savior be with you and your family through this blessed holiday season.

Open House Reminder

Our Open House is this weekend. We hope to see you all there!

When: Saturday November 6th
Where: Hooper Civic Center
Time: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

-A

Quote

"Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones. When you have finished your daily tasks, go to sleep in peace. God is awake."

-Victor Hugo

Update

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I thought I'd take a minute to update everyone on our life events...except that nothing is coming to mind. :)

We've been busy the last couple of months, I'm just not sure with what. I guess just with life. Scott and I have been spending A LOT of time working to get things ready for our Open House on November 6. We're getting excited! We can't wait to see how everything turns out.

We've also been working A LOT. Two weeks ago, Scott worked 58 hours in one week! He's a crazy boy, I know! While I love having the extra money that comes from working long hours, I don't like never seeing my husband.

Scott was made forman over a job in Ogden, thus the long hours. However, as a perk of being forman, Scott got the company vehicle back. Big YAY there. Since the company vehicle is back, we no longer have to fork out the big $ for gas. This, in itself, is a big relief.

Scott and I have also stayed busy hashing out our future. We've discussed/decided/rediscussed everything over and over. We are so unsure of what the future holds--we're not sure what direction we're headed in. But, we're happy and enjoying life together.

Sorry, I know that last paragraph is super vague, but when we figure stuff out I'll be more detailed.

Until next time!

-A

I'm Addicted

I'm addicted to this blog: http://www.regirlfriend.com/.

It details the life of SLC girl whose fiance died in a plane crash along with his brother and father a year ago.

Having started my volunteer experience with the Sharing Place this week, I'm so thankful to have found Kirsten's blog. She gives me a glimpse of the raw feelings associated with losing someone so close, so special, so key to your life.

I've read, and cried, and read some more. The power of Kirsten's words have given me a strong appreciation of the lot I have in life.

If you have a few minutes to read, check out her blog. You'll be forever changed. I promise!

-A

Open House

So, I guess I'm not OVER and DONE after all.

My mother-in-law is throwing an Open House for us.

Date: November 6, 2010
Time: Evening
Location: Hooper City Civic Center

Sorry for all the confusion and flip flopping. This one is a go. I promise!

Open House Cancelled

I know what you are probably thinking right now. Go ahead and roll your eyes about a hundred times because that's what Scott and I have been doing since yesterday.

It seems there is a bad luck something in the cosmos when it comes to wedding anything for us. So, we've cancelled the Open House, and this time we're not making any other plans for wedding get-together "fun". We've had planning up the yang and way too much disappointment to not take this hit personally. Yeah, we're officially done with trying to celebrate our marriage.

I'm not even sure what happened to cause this latest whatever. I'm pretty lost on the whole debacle. But, after everything that was said, Scott and I feel insulted. Apparently, from what we've heard, we overstepped my family's hospitality, required too much and didn't understand the financial toll our event would have on everyone.

However, here's the kicker. The idea to do any type of celebration was not our idea. Even when an Open House was first mentioned, Scott and I let the idea slide to see where it'd go. Then, the idea was brought up again. Everyone in my family wanted to help. Many people offered to bring this and that. It seemed, with everyone pitching in, things would work out. Finally, things seemed to be falling into place. Scott and I would use the things we spent months planning and deciding on for our Open House--the invitations I designed, the cake, my custom dress six months in the making.

My dad's family were the first coal in the fire. After pitching the Open House idea to my dad, he threw a man fit. Yes, a man fit. He told me he would not feel comfortable having the Open House at my uncle and aunt's house. He said we needed to find a central location to hold the event, or he and his family would not be attending.

I thought maybe he'd get over it if someone else pointed out the fact that he'd be interacting with the same people if the Open House were held at my uncle and aunt's or a central location. So, I sent Scott to test the waters with him. He threw another man fit.

Scott and I decided to continue with the event offered by my mom's family. We figured the Green's had made their decision, and we couldn't really force them to participate if they didn't want to.

We began making plans. We got the invitations redone. Then everything came to a crashing halt yesterday with a phone call. I was all of the sudden given an alternative idea to the Open House. I was pretty shocked by the call and that we needed an alternative. Two days prior, everything seemed set in stone. I really didn't know what to say, and I didn't have time to process what was really going on. However, a few minutes after getting off the phone, the wheels in my head started turning. Why would we need alternatives to the Open House unless the Open House was a no-go?

Well...no need to get into the nitty gritty except for what I said above. We overstepped ourselves and expected too much without even knowing that's what we were doing.

So, contrary to what my family said, there will not be no special day for us. Things are tight for everyone and throwing something like that is way too much of a burden even when food and decorations are split between tons of people who volunteered to help.

The best part of this whole thing is we now get the opportunity of telling everyone who wanted to celebrate with us that we've failed to pull together another event. I'm really looking forward to the chat I'll be having tomorrow with my mother-in-law, after I spent half a day on Saturday talking and planning details with her. And, I'm really happy that my dress I'll never get to use is ready for pick-up tomorrow.

Sorry for the snappy sarcasm here. This girl is OVER and DONE with anything and everything wedding.

-S&A

Open House Update

We've picked a date.

October 16, 2010

We will be sending out invitations sometime in the next couple of weeks. So, mark your calendars!

The Perfect Dress

I had my final dress fitting on Monday, and I was beyond overjoyed at how the alterations and custom work turned out.

Put simply, my dress is beautiful. At least I think so. :)

I was thinking I would be able to bring my dress home with me, but it turned out that we had to adjust a couple of things that weren't quite right. But, I get to pick it up on Tuesday.

Scott came with me for this fitting. I figured since we're married, it didn't really matter if he saw the dress. I really wish I could have captured the expression on his face. The way he looked at me made me feel gorgeous. Oh, I love that man.

Nothing else is really happening right now. I am trying to get in the swing of working 40 hours a week. I already miss school like mad. I want to go back, but then I don't. I'm really liking homework free nights and weekends, though.

The future is still unknown for Scott and me. We don't really know where were going, so we're trying to focus on the present. Guess we'll see how it turns out.

-A

Open House

Hey folks. We are definitely doing an Open House. We just haven't set a date yet. Stay tuned for more information!

-A

Wedding and Honeymoon!

We've officially been married for two weeks!! Wow, how time flies.

Las Vegas was awesome--full of fun and adventure. We definitely enjoyed our time away.


Vegas

Scott and I left Saturday morning, around 6:00 am, for Vegas. I can't even think of a time I've been more excited. The drive to Vegas wasn't terrible, mostly because I slept the majority of the way there.

Getting to Vegas turned out to be a bit of an adventure, however. We stopped in Cedar City for the worst breakfast we've ever eaten. And, when we got to Vegas, we had no idea where we were headed. Scott and I ended up spending over an hour looking for our hotel. The only direction help we could get was "south of the Strip." So, we kept driving south hoping we'd come across it. Finally, an hour later, we found it. It was definitely south of the strip. The directions should have read: "Go south of the Strip, then south some more and then keeping heading south."

At first, Scott and I were a little disappointed that our hotel wasn't closer to the Strip. But, the more time we spent near the Strip, the more grateful we became of where we were.

Our hotel was a city in itself, containing eight restaurants, a Century movie theater, bowling ally, casino, spa, exercise room, salon and swimming pool. Our room wasn't half bad either. We had a large bathroom, king bed, flat screen TV with cable and a couch/chair sitting area.


Marriage

After we found our hotel, Scott and I got ready to go get married. My brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Rick and Tina, met us in Vegas to witness our marriage. The whole wedding experience--from getting the license to saying "I Do"--took about 20 minutes.

The first step was getting the marriage license. Rick, Tina, Scott and I drove to the Marriage Bureau to do this. When we got out of our cars, we were approached by a sales representative from a local wedding chapel. He was kind enough to give us the low down on the process. He explained that all the people we saw on the sidewalk in front of us were sales representatives for wedding chapels. He said, "Keep walking. Don't stop or you'll be here all day. Check your marriage license for errors. They make typos all the time." So, we did as he advised. We walked through the mob of sales people and didn't stop.

By the time we got to the building doors, each one of our hands were full of wedding chapel fliers. It was really funny. Inside, Scott and I each filled out forms to apply for the license. Then, when we finished, we headed to a window where we paid the woman and she gave us our license. Yes, we took the nice salesman's advice and proof read the license for errors.

The next step was picking a chapel. We got in our cars and drove south down the road where we parked. A block down the road, Scott and I saw a chapel. We decided this was the one. I mean, why not?

When we walked in, a woman kindly greeted us. She told us about the different packages this chapel offered. First, there was the walk up window for $50. The second option was the drive thru window for $100. And, the third option was a private room for $250. We decided on the walk up window. We filled out another form, handed the woman our license and then waited for the priest to finish another wedding. Ten or so minutes later, an old man approached us. He asked which of us were Ann and Scott. Scott and I introduced ourselves. He then asked us two questions: What do you prefer to be called? Do you want God or no God in your ceremony?

After answering his questions, he directed us outside. We stood in front of the walk up window, and two minutes later we were married.


Honeymoon

The best thing about getting married in Vegas was being able to stay for a few days to rest and relax. Scott and I thoroughly enjoyed our time away.

We had a lot of fun trying out all the different restaurants, and we entertained ourselves with the many different activites the hotel had to offer. We gambled a bit (we didn't lose too much), went to a movie and watched way too much cable TV (a treat for us non-TV watching dudes).

We also took advantage of the outlets in Vegas to do some inexpensive shopping. We really hit some bargins, and I think Scott actually enjoyed shopping with me. :)

On our last night in Vegas, Scott and I headed to Fremont street for some fun. On the way there, we saw a hit and run accident on the Strip. After that, I was a nervous reck every time we were on the Strip.

We really enjoyed seeing the famous Fremont street. We walked around to look at the various street shops and took a million pictures. One of our favorite things on Fremont street was the spray paint artist. This man created amazing picutures in minutes using cans of spray paint and a putty knife. Scott and I were both amazed by his talent.

Overall, our wedding and honeymoon experience was awesome. I love my husband so much, and I am so happy to be his wife.

-A

P.S. I took a million pictures, but every time I try to add them to the post it messes with the wording format. I will add pictures in another post.

Oh Yeah!

We're married, and we're loving life.

The end.

-A

P.S. I will update about the wedding and Vegas later. Scott and I are completely wiped tonight, after our first day back to work. Who knew--a lazy vacation can sure leave you exhausted! haha!

Love

Vegas!

We're getting married! This Saturday in Vegas. In three days, I'll be Mrs. Barton!

We're playing with the idea of a reception in a couple of months, so we can celebrate with family and friends. My family is brainstorming ideas, so I'll have a better idea of what we're doing later next week.

-A

College Graduate

It's official today! I am a college graduate.

It doesn't feel real yet, but I am sure it will in a few weeks when school starts. :)

-A

Wedding Cancelled!

Scott and I have cancelled our wedding.

Don't fret though! This decision does not reflect how Scott and I feel about each other. We are very much in love, and we can't wait until we get married.

Last week, Scott found out he'd be losing his company vehicle for awhile. Awhile meaning maybe a short time or a long time. We aren't sure right now. The company Scott works for needs the vehicle for other employees who are doing service calls and are using their personal vehicles to drive back and forth. Very understandable. However, not having a company vehicle means Scott now has to use his truck and pay for gas--expenses Scott and I didn't expect and didn't budget for.

In the last few months, Scott and I have struggled to save money for our wedding, while staying on top of living expenses. We now feel, with the extras that have surfaced, we need to hold on to the money we've saved, as we may need to rely on it in the coming months.

We're completely sorry for all the hype. We hated making this decision, and we're way bummed. But, we feel planning for the future is the smartest decision. We'd rather cancel the huge wedding and have a savings when we start our marriage, rather than be completely broke. So, we're making the adult decision here and planning ahead.

Thanks everyone for your support and help in planning. We appreciate it and love you all!

-S&A

Ms. Sarah Pike!

My very cute roommate Ms. Sarah Pike is leaving soon for graduate school in Iowa, and I'm beyond devastated to see her go.

I've never lived with a roommate (besides my momma, if that counts?), and so I worried in the beginning of how things would work. But, having Sarah in my home over the last few months has been a blessing for me. She's such a positive force, a bright light. I'm so grateful she came to stay with me. We've had some fabulous times together--special moments I'll hold onto forever.

I'm sad to see her go, but I know Sarah is headed where she needs to be. I only hope that amid the coursework and fun at Iowa State, she has time to come back for a visit or two.

Good luck Sarah in your future endeavors. I know that you're going to rock everything you do.







Love you!

-A

Scott (& A Bit About Me)

This is an all about Scott post. Here goes!

1. What is his name? Brian Scott Barton
2. Who eats more? Scott
3. Who said I love you first? Scott. He loved me before I realized what a truly amazing man he is. I'm so glad for whatever it is I did that made him stick around--even when I was a crappy friend!
4. Who is taller? Scott by a foot!
5. Who is smarter? Scott for sure. His wisdom amazes me!
6. Who is more sensitive? I think it's a tie. We're both pretty sensitive.
7.Who does the laundry? We both do our laundry. Scott helps me with mine though because I never have time to do it!
8. Who pays the bills? Me
9. Who cooks more? Scott cooks dinner for me every night. He's such a sweetie.
10. What meals do you cook together? Dinner some nights, but mostly it's Scott.
11. Who is more stubborn? Me for sure.
12. Who is the first to admit they're wrong? Scott. I am never wrong (haha!).
13. Who has more siblings? We are tied. I have one brother and Scott has one brother.
14. Who wears the pants in the relationship? We both do. We're pretty equal in our relationship.
15. What do you like to do together? It doesn't matter what we do, just as long as we're together.
16. Who eats more sweets? Me
17. Guilty pleasures? Scott: Mountain Dew and Doritos. Me: Anything chocolate.
18. How did you meet? We met through family.
19. Who asked who out first? Well, Rick (Scott's brother) asked me out for Scott because Scott was too shy.
20. Who kissed who first? I kissed Scott. I was sick of waiting for him to make a move.
21. Who proposed? Scott!
22. What are his best features? I love everything about my man!
23. What is his greatest quality? Scott is extremely kind and sensitive. He gets me completely, unlike anyone else. I love him so very much!

-A

101 days!

In 101 days, Scott and I will be married! We.really.can't.wait!

-A

Maybe One Day

Life sometimes sucks.

Tonight I had a phone conversation with a girl I call my best friend. For me, a call from my best friend is the highlight of my day. See, I don't often receive phone calls or texts from my bff anymore. So, I savor the time I get with her....a call, a text, an occasional visit when she can fit me in. It's not ideal, but it's all I have and what I hold on to.

At first, the conversation tonight was going well. We made small talk about some life stuff. However, half way into the conversation, things changed. I heard someone in the background ask my friend who she was talking to. She replied, "Ann, a friend from school."

Clearly things haven't been so great for awhile now, but I've tried and tried and tried. I really have no idea where things went bad, but somewhere between last summer and tonight, I went from being a best friend, part of the trio to just being a friend from school. WOW.

It wasn't so long ago, that this friend, another friend and I were best buds. We spent every minute we could together. We were inseparable. I grew up with these girls, shared every life experience with them and knew with certainty they would be there for me always.

But, somewhere, somehow this changed. Not on my end, but on theirs. They changed. They grew up, they got busy, they forgot. They forgot the promises, the fun, the sisterhood we once shared. They forgot me.

In one of the happiest times of my life, I hoped these friends would stand by my side and be with me on the most important day of my life. But, I really doubt that will happen. I've tried, but to no avail.

I feel so empty without them, scared to throw in the towel and be done. I'm afraid because I still have hope. Maybe one day, they'll include me. Maybe one day, they'll want to be part of my life. Maybe one day, they'll remember they loved me. For this, I pray.

-A

The Sharing Place

I just got the word this morning. My application to be a support group volunteer at The Sharing Place has been accepted. YAY!

What does this mean? As a support group volunteer, I will assist in group bereavement therapy sessions. I'm so excited to be able to use my senior thesis research and knowledge to help others during the grieving process. I really can't wait. This is going to be one of the best and hardest experiences of my life.

Wish me luck--I'm going to need. 18 hours of training, here I come!

Another Quote

"We know what we are,

but know not what we may be."

-William Shakespeare

Limbo Land

I'm stuck in limbo land, and I'm not enjoying it at all!

I'm about to finish up my last college course, and I have no idea what direction I'm going in terms of school or a career. As I've thought about this day (finishing college) for years now, I've always thought I would have a clear idea of what to do. Nope, nada! For the first time in my life, I have no plan for what's next.

As I see my friends preparing for graduate school and starting careers, I wonder where I've gone wrong. Why am I so lost? What am I going to do? What am I supposed to do?

Law school. Well, there's a thought--a thought I'm very uneasy about. My plan was law school. But, I'm not so sure anymore. I now have other dreams in life, like children. If Scott and I decide on having little ones, I want to be an active part of their lives (the whole soccer mom, PTA president gal), and being a lawyer doesn't really work with that.

So, my plan is gone. I am officially lost. All I know is I am almost finished with college, stuck in a job I don't like and completely confused!

Quote

"The only real mistake is the one

from which we learn nothing."

-John Powell

I was walking on campus yesterday, and I noticed the fountains have been installed in the new Commons area. This is the quote engraved on the south fountain. I was really touched by this quote. As I think back on the things I've learned and accomplished, I realize the truth to these words.

Thanks Westminster for this subtle reminder.

-A

Just A Thought

I love this photo and the saying, but I can't overlook the huge grammatical error it displays. So, here's what it should read: If you don't know where you're going, any road will get you there. Yes, I am an editor and proud of it.

-A

Scott

I.Love.Him.

-A

P.S. 123 days!

Independence Day!

Happy 4th of July! We hope everyone has a safe and fun holiday!

-A

L.O.V.E.

Have you told someone you love them today? If not, what's holding you back? Life is short, so seize this moment to tell someone how very special they are to you.

What a Year!

This past year has flown by, but at the same time, it's been the longest and best year of my life.

I've hit so many milestones this year, and I've been blessed to share them all with a wonderful man.

A year ago, I was going out on my first date (the second time around) with Scott. Our second time seeing each other after our first date was over the fourth of July weekend. I went to Rick and Tina's to spend the day with them, and Scott joined us when he found out I was around.

I can remember it like it was yesterday. I got my haircut that day--that's why I planned to spend time at Rick and Tina's. After chopping my hair off, Rick, Tina, the girls, Scott and I went to dinner. Later that night, we headed to watch fireworks at a local school.

It was this day that I realized things would be different for Scott and me this time around, or maybe it's the first time I realized I wanted things to be different. During the fireworks show, I spent more time looking at Scott than at the fireworks. And, I knew from the corner of my eye that when I wasn't looking at him, he was looking at me. So, I built up every strain of courage in my body and kissed him.

Scott was shocked. Tina, who just happened to look over right when I kissed Scott, was shocked. And, in retrospect, I was shocked too.

After that night, Scott and I were pretty much inseparable for the rest of the summer. I kept insisting that I wasn't ready for another relationship, mostly because I wasn't sure how falling in love worked with my life. I was about to start my senior year of college as a double major, I had two very demanding jobs and I was about to start an internship. As clearly evidenced by my schedule, this was a bad time to start anything.

But, love conquered. Scott and I were engaged by the end of summer.

Since things happened so fast, we decided we'd wait until December to tell everyone the news. That way, Scott could meet my mom and family and it wouldn't be such a shock. But, Scott spilled the beans to his mom a couple days after, and so it was out.

It's exciting to hit the one year mark of being together. Now, the memories from this point on are focused on what Scott and I have done together. All I can say is I am so lucky...and very blessed!

Thanks love for making this past year the best one I've ever had. And, here's to many more!

-A

P.S. 130 days!

Life Road Map

Here's the current road map to my life.


-A

The Cake

First came the place. Then came the dress and then the photographer. We had a shoe-in for the florist. So, what's left, right?!

THE CAKE.

I decided a long time ago that I wanted a red velvet cake for my wedding. Red theme, red velvet = perfect!

But, I had a hard time deciding the look of the cake. Round? Square? Hexagon? Hmm...

After careful consideration, however, I decided simple, elegant and traditional was best. My dad set me up with a lady he knows who does wedding cakes, so I got a sweet deal.

Here's what I decided (or I should say we, even though Scott really didn't have a say on any of this):

A four tier red velvet cake with flour frosting (a family recipe). The design will look similar to the picture below.

Two exceptions to the cake above: our cake won't tilt to one side and there will be no flowers on the cake. My dad has agreed to add the base wreath to his mile long flower to-do list. And, instead of flowers on the cake, we will add red ribbon to the base of each tier.

I think it's going to be beautiful!

-A

P.S. 148 days to go.

Graduation Day

Today I graduated from college (well, kind of).

It was such an awesome day. With four years of college behind me, I'm so excited to embark on the next chapter of my life.

And, as I look back on today, I can't help but think I'm the luckiest girl in the world. Tonight, I was surrounded by family and friends I love and adore, many who traveled out of their way to celebrate with me. I love you all. Thanks for making my day so special.

-A

Though The Years

20 Years Ago…
1. I was 2 years old.
2. I had dark, almost black hair.
3. I was tiny. I looked like I was barely one.

10 Years Ago…
1. I was in sixth grade and VP in student government.
2. I was 12 and way excited to join Young Women’s.
3. I changed my clothes at least 3 times a day.

5 years ago…
1. I was 17 years old.
2. My favorite thing to do was hang with my BFFs Sara and Liz.
3. I was a junior in high school and completely overwhelmed!

3 years ago…
1. I was a freshman at Westminster College.
2. I met a life-long friend.
3. I learned what being open-minded really means.

2 years ago…
1. I started dating my fiancé but thought we would never be more than friends.
2. I spent ever spare minute with Sara and Liz when they were home.
3. I decided the Single’s ward was NOT for me.

1 year ago…
1. I was just breaking up with a very bad guy.
2. I wasn’t even talking to Scott because he was really mad at me.
3. I would have laughed if you told me I'd be engaged by the end of the summer!

This year so far…
1. I’ve practically finished college.
2. I found the dress!
3. I remembered how very important friends are.

Yesterday…
1. I went to work.
2. I made note cards for my final tomorrow.
3. I visited by buds S&L.

Today…
1. I woke up with a start, as I realized I was running late.
2. I had a yummy lunch.
3. I updated the blog.

Tomorrow…
1. I have to take a final.
2. I will pick up my cap and gown.
3. I will spend the evening with my guy.

Next Year…
1. I will be married.
2. Scott and I will talk seriously about future life plans (kids, school, etc.).
3. I will let you know the rest when I figure it out!

-A

Work, Work, Work

Whoever said working was fun needs to get a life. If this is fun, please shoot me now!

On the other hand, I guess I should be thankful I have a job. But, right now, I'd be more than willing to trade it for a nap.

-A

Update!

The past few weeks have been so relaxing! I only have one class during May, so I really don't know what to do with myself.

Everything is going well in our world. Scott and I spent the last couple of weeks looking up addresses for our wedding list and sending out save-the-dates. We also met with our wedding coordinator at Eaglewood to finalize times and details for our wedding day. Ohh...I'm getting so excited! We've hit the six month mark--less than six months to go. We really just can't wait!

In other news...

I graduate in a week. I am so excited to be finished with school, yet nervous also. Getting married has kind of changed my plans a bit, as I'm shifting from thinking about my plans for the future to OUR plans for the future. Graduate school is still at the top of the list, but I'm not sure when that will happen. But, for the time being, I am perfectly content in taking a break and spending some time with my fabulous man!

Well, that's all for now :)

-A

Sleep Please!

I've been a little busy...it's called trying to survive finals. So, I promise I will update more about what is happening in life when two things happen:

1) All of my finals, papers and projects are completed.
2) I get 12 + hours of sleep.

That's it.

-A

P.S. 194 days!!

Save-the-Date Pictures

Here are our save-the-date photos!

Preview of Save-the-Date Pictures

Our Photographer

We picked a photographer (again, that is). But, this time we are sure and so happy to have Sandy Landon as our wedding photographer.

Sandy has a great offer. It's called her digital package. With the digital package, you pay to obtain the rights of all the photos taken during your engagement and bridal sessions and on your wedding day. Even better, another perk is the package comes with unlimitied wedding day coverage. How can you beat that? I really don't think you can.

You should check out SL's site! She's done some amazing work. (Click here to see her website.)

-A

Save-the-Dates

Scott and I decided awhile back that we wanted to do save-the-dates for our wedding. Save-the-dates are definitely not a Utah thing, since many people get engaged and married in six months or less. But, since we have had a long engagement, we are sending out save-the-dates.

At one of the bridal expos I attended, I found a company who designs and prints save-the-dates and invitations for dirt cheap. Scott and I met with them a few weeks ago and brainstormed ideas and color schemes for our save-the-dates and invitations.

Originally, I planned on using an already existing photo for the front of our save-the-dates. But, all of the good photos we've taken together have been with our camera phones. So, the resolution just wouldn't work for a design oriented piece.

Today, my friend from Westminster took photos for us on the Westminster campus. If anyone needs any photos taken, let me know. Jen is a wonderful photographer, and she makes the whole process enjoyable and fun. (Anyone who knows me understands what a pain I am about having photos taken. I hate pictures of myself, so I kind of put up a fuss.)

Scott and I are so excited to see how the photos turned out. But, I am being patient or trying to be. I will post some photos when we get them back!

210 days to go until I am Mrs. Barton. I.Can't.Wait.

-A

Blessed

Sometimes in my busy and hectic life, I forget how truly blessed I am. But, for some reason, I have had many reminders over the past couple of weeks of how lucky I am.

This is why I know I am lucky...

1. My fiance is the best man alive. He treats like a queen every minute of every day. We have the best relationship ever. I never imagined I could be this happy. I am so lucky to have him in my life.

2. My grandma came to stay at my mom's house for a couple of weeks. I love my grandma so much. She is such an example to me. I hope one day I can become half the woman she is.

3. My brother, Chris, was offered a job at my work. So now, I get to see him every day. Having him around has been such a mood lifter for me at work. When I am stressed, he's there with a smile to rally me on. LOVE HIM!

4. My friend, Lindsay, was also offered a job at my work. I love being able to see her more often! She's the best.

5. The other day, driving home from work, I waited an extra second before turning with a green arrow. Right before putting my foot on the gas, a large truck ran a red light. If I would have gone immediately after the light turning green, I would have been side swipped by the truck.

6. I was blessed to have the greatest grandpas in the world, whom I loved and adored. I think about them every day, and I am thankful for all they did for me. I know I am the person I am today because of their great examples and the wisdom they shared with me. I love you both and I miss you like mad!

7. I am going to graduate in a few weeks with two Bachelor's degrees. I am so thankful to my donors who made my education possible. Without their financial help, I would not have been able to attend college.

8. The other night, I was disscussing finances with Scott. I was expressing my concerns of how I would be able to contribute my part of the wedding savings once my internship ended. The next day at work, I was offered a full-time position after graduation.

9. I washed my tweety bird blanket in the washer this week, and she managed to live through it. This is a miracle in itself, as I've taken the blanket everywhere with me since I was 6-years-old. Yes, I do still sleep with my blanket, and I plan to do so for a very long time.

10. I got a $100 rebate check in the mail on Saturday that I totally forgot about.

See, I'm a lucky girl.

-A

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to my awesome, great, fantastic and loving mom.

Hope your day is fabulous.

Photographer Troubles

Long story short is we fired our photographer. So, we're looking for a new photographer to shoot our wedding. If you have any suggestions, please let us know.

Cost, for us, is a huge factor. We want quality and quantity without spending mega bucks. If you have any ideas, just send me a reply or call.

Thanks!

-A

My Dress

I forgot to mention my dress came in early. A couple weeks ago I got a phone call telling me my dress had arrived. It seriously made my month.

I went to visit my beauty at the store. She looked so good. I talked with my consultant, and we decided to wait a few months before we begin alterations, just in case I have any weight shifts.

So, wedding plans are coming along. It's all so exciting.

-A

Friday!

"I love Fridays, I love Fridays. Ready for the weeekend, ready for the weeekend."

Scott's Friday chant. I love it! And, I love him.

-A

Refreshed!

Last week was Spring Break, and after a week of no school I feel much better. I took advantage of the time off to catch up on some homework, plan some more for the wedding and rest a bit.

Last Wednesday I decided I would try wedding dress shopping again. A friend of mine who is getting married told me to check out Fantasy Bridal. So, I made an appointment for Wednesday morning and geared myself up for a day full of wedding dresses.

To the least, the whole experience at Fantasy was quite different than the other two experiences I've had wedding dress shopping. I was kindly greeted by Gayle, who ended up helping me try on dress after dress for almost two hours. She listened attentively as I picked apart each dress, stating first what I liked and then stating what I didn't like (and thus why it wasn't "the dress").

About half way through the session, I came across a dress I absolutely loved. It had everything I was looking for and then some. Since I'm really horrible at explaining what I like and why I like it (or love it in this case), I'll give you a visual.

And, yes, this is "the dress." I've always heard that you'll know it's the one when you don't want to take it off. Well, after leaving the store, I went to work for 2 hours and then decided I needed to go try on my dress again. I called the store, made another appointment, picked up my mom and one of my bridesmaids and headed back. I knew it was the one, and with the approval of my mom and Sarah, I ordered it.

The dress will arrive early June. After it arrives, the alterations will begin. You can't see in the picture, but there are these horrid jewels where the fabric bunches on the skirt. Those are coming off. I'm also adding wedge straps and having a jacket made. Ahh...I'm so excited I can hardly wait!

-A

Update

Hey all.

As you've probably noticed, we haven't posted for awhile (for our two readers out there). Sorry about that, but we've been super busy.

Scott and I have been busy planning our wedding. So far, we've picked the vendor and photographer, and we're trying to finalize the guest list this week. Busy busy! We have decided to get married at the Eaglewood Golf Course event center. It is beautiful, and I'm so excited. I can hardly wait for November. And, the best perk of all is we get to take awesome pictures on the greens and play around in a golf cart. YAY!

Other than the wedding plans, Scott has been busy with work and I with school. Scott is working on apartment complexes in West Jordan and enjoying the job.

I'm just trying to survive school.

Well, I'm going to lunch with my former boss whom I love dearly. I will continue updating later!

-A

Week of Sickness

Scott and I have been sick all week. =(

Let's hope this week brings better health and increased energy!

And, here's a shout out to my team the Indianapolis Colts. Congrats on making it to the Super Bowl!! I'm very proud.

-A

Scott's First Writing

Ok... My love started this blog, and I think it's pretty cool. So it's time for my first writing, and I'm not sure what to say. But, I want everyone to know how much I love Ann. I have never been so happy then when I am spending time with her. She is so beautiful and loving, and I feel I am a very lucky man.

So, anyway, the weekend is almost over and it's time to start a new week. I am really liking my new job, but it's still hard to get up and go on Monday. But, the start of a new week brings new time with Ann, and that makes me excited to start it.

Well, that's it for now.

-S

Scott

JUST IN CASE YOU DIDN'T KNOW...

Scott is the greatest man in the world. I love him so very much, and I'm grateful to have him in my life. I am so lucky!

-A

Beautiful Morning

"Oh, what a beautiful mornin’. Oh, what a beautiful day. I got a beautiful feelin’ cause everything’s goin’ my way."

I think that sums up the morning quite nicely!

Our Life

Hello All!

As you can see, Scott and I are new to the blogging world! My very cute friend Sarah was nice enough to show me how to create a blog, so here we are.

What's new? Well, nothing much. Scott and I are super busy with life. Scott started a new job a few months ago, which has kept him busy and challenged. For me, work and school continue to fill my time. I'm in my last semester at Westminster and excited (and nervous) to graduate.

We are super excited for 2010. We set our wedding date...November 6, 2010. Why so long? Well, I want to get done with school and have adequate time to plan and prepare. Besides, we need time to save money for the big day. I've always known weddings cost a lot, but I've still been continually shocked at the price tags of different wedding related things.

Last week Scott and I attended our first of many wedding shows. It was stressful, but good because it helped us see what venues are out there. At the event, we came across a bridal gown place named Danielle's Bridal, and I fell in love with the dresses they had on display. I decided to peruse their selection some more, so I went to their store on Monday. After trying on two or three gowns, I just wanted to cry. I can't believe how horrible I looked. None of the dresses were flattering to my very curvy figure. =( At first I was really discouraged, but then I decided that Danielle's Bridal just wasn't the right store for me (at least I hope). So, more wedding dress shopping to come in the near future.

Well, I will stop boring you for tonight. Stop by once in awhile to get an update on our lives!

-A&S

Welcome!

Welcome to our blog!
More to come in the very near future.