My Life Is Not A Dress Rehearsal

Prometido. Uno mas album de fotografias a nuestro dia de la boda, por tu voluntad!

"How Sweet It Is"

Of course, I should have been working on my speech for my comm class or even more thank you cards, but I worked on the first of probably three albums last night! This was likely the tenth time I've looked through all of our photos, I just love them! I hope you enjoying viewing them, too!

"Gee, I Really Love You"

More to come.

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Oh where, oh where do I begin? Miss Ohio is next month, so that's exciting! Oh & I just got married! Now that's ReAllY exciting! Ha!

Thank you 1,000 times over for being patient with me, readers. I'm sure you all have busy lives to live and can feel my "bloggers anxiety." At least Miss Abby's been keeping you posted, I'm no where near her blogging level of expertise!

Seriously, I don't know where to begin. At this point I'm just typing out random thoughts. What should be the direction of this blog? Where shall I start? Do I go back months and months, do I start now, do I start with tomorrow? Ahh! You start a blog & see how it feels! Now I'm just making myself laugh. Ok, control...focus...go...

Well, I've made quite a few "appearances" that I have yet to share. And I'm speaking at the Statewide Optimist Luncheon tomorrow, so I'll be sure to write about that. I'm speaking at a local high school next week, that could be a nice post. But I have a sneaking suspicion, you want to hear about our BiG DaY! Am I right? Huh?! Thought so!

We couldn't have asked for a better day, or week rather! Steve & I are so blessed and so lucky. Not only to have eachother but we had perfect weather and the day went off, without a hitch! No pun intended, well actually it was! It was a warm and sunny Saturday and the sanctuary and reception hall's were filled with the people we love!

My amazing hairstylist who traveled with me to Las Vegas, for Miss America, styled my hair that morning. There were little ladybugs in my bouquet as well as the bridesmaid's bouquets. My grandmother, grandfather and cousin made it from Utah! My God Parents even made it up from Georgia! Steve loved my surprise gift to him, The Best Damn Band In The Land - Hyperactive Alumni Band! The food (& cake) was...melt in your mouth delicious! And we already have all the pictures to proove it was the best day ever! Here are a few:

I am compiling an online photo album, but got over 500 images back from our AmAzInG photographer so it's going to take a while. As soon as it's ready I'll post the link!

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I have a really REALLY good excuse as to why I haven't blogged in nearly TWO MONTHS, because...I'm getting married this weekend!!! I have SO much updating and so much I can share, but have so little time. I hope readers and those who have any interest in this blog will stick with me. I will be "back in action" in a couple of weeks! And with a "new" title!

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*Buy my dresses*...you know you want to! I've got a closet that's over flowing and is in need of some revamping! There's more where this came from, too. I've got to give my supply of clothing and dresses and what-not, a "restoration" because...it won't fit in our new house! That's right...Steve & I will be homeowners soon! So if you're interested, please leave me a comment and I will provide you with my email address! Keep checking back for more dress options! Enjoy!

*Buy My Dresses*

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Steve & I had the pleasure of attending a close friend of mine's wedding yesterday. You all know her too, Terri! We drove up early because I was privileged to be a soloist for the pre-processional. I sang "Open Arms" & "Blessed", Tim O'Guinn sang "Dance With My Father" which was extremely touching. We had such a nice time and the wedding was wonderful! Terri looked beautiful and her new hubby Brian didn't look so bad himself! Ha! It was really nice to see a lot of familiar faces and get to catch up with people, people who sometimes I only see in June! For their first dance, Terri & Brian started out slow with my favorite (Tim McGraw) but then got down and boogied to a song choreographed by Melanie Murphy-Miller! I don't want to forget to mention that I caught the bouquet! Everyone made me get up for the bouquet toss, even though I have a ring on my finger Terri said "I don't care, I want you up here!" I did & what do ya know!? It was like she was aiming for me. I gave the flowers to Brian's daughter, Tori, because she told me numerous times just how bad she wanted it! It was a very memorable night that I am very happy to have been a part of!

Me with my amazing "host mom" Lorrie, the new Mrs. Bednarz & Melanie!

Brian & Terri gettin' down on the dance floor!

Robyn Hancock-Wenske, Melanie Murphy-Miller & I at the reception.

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I have had (still have) a full plate since returning from Miss America. Steve's mother had a birthday the day after we got back from our ventures in Vegas. The following day Steve & I (finally) made the trip to pick out tuxedos for the big day! It wasn't as easy as we anticipated. There was a lot to choose from. When we finally got the information out to the groomsmen, one went to get fitted. He called us to let us know the jacket didn't match the pants! I said to myself "If this is how things will go wrong during the planning process, I am a.o.k. with it!" However, the next day I went to the jeweler to order Steve's ring and the person we worked with, did not write down Steve's ring size! How does that happen? Isn't that a part of their job as a jeweler? I'm not getting frustrated, not at all! Sarcasm! Really though, it could definitely be worse. I'm sure some of my readers could tell me horror stories!

Steve's mom agreed to help me hand address the envelopes for our invitations. She's cursed with great penmanship. We started last weekend and hope to have them post marked for Valentine's Day! I'm sure you're saying "Aww..." or "Gag me..." I took my dress in for alterations and had to part with it until mid-March! Oh how it pains me! But it will be more beautiful and fit more like a glove, for the big day! For obvious reasons, I can't show you a picture of my dress but here's a pic of our invites:

An acquaintance of mine, Kari Virding (Miss Oregon '07), was married over the weekend! I was cordially invited to her special day but was not been able to make it! Mine & Kari's friend, Kaitlynne Postel (Miss Kentucky '07), was able to go however. She was one of her bride's maid's! I had to share these pictures of the new Mr. & Mrs.:

Scanning through her photos got me so excited for our wedding day, which is really right around the corner! I booked the DJ last week as well and set up an appointment with our caterer to go over entrees! Yum! Even though this has been a little overwhelming at times, it is truly a LOT of fun! I've been trying to hold on to my sanity through all the traveling, school, work and wedding planning!

My little sister, Faye, had a blast this past weekend as a featured performer at Miss Maple City! We took our "family act" on the road as both of us performed on the Ernsthausen stage in Norwalk! I had my work cut out for me but I had the pleasure of choreographing the contestants for opening number, introductions, swimsuit and crowning! Faye & I both sang during pre-show. I sang "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" by Dusty Springfield & I SO wanted to sing "Open Arms" for practice before Terri's wedding! She sang "There's Your Trouble" for pre-show & "I Heart Question-Mark" (which is SO cute, by Taylor Swift) during the competition & I asked each lovely lady their on-stage question! I always have a nice time in Norwalk with Dolly, Wil & the MMC Crew! I also got to catch up with Natalie (Heilman) Clark! It felt like I saw her just last week but really it had been since MY FIRST YEAR competing at Miss Ohio! Which was her last! She & Heather Wells did a splendid job as emcees for the event! Here are some photos: