I must seem soooo old to my students. Being around teenagers all day, it makes me FEEL old, but today a student was telling a story about a sub they'd had in another class. I stopped her and asked if she was a young sub or an older sub (trying to see if I knew the substitute she was mentioning), and my student said, "She's younger than you- she graduated from high school like 10 years ago...". I told my student Tristen that just for her information, I graduated from HS 9 years ago, thank you very much! It is days like today that 27 feels REALLY OLD! Keith and I are chaperoning the Sadie Hawkins dance tomorrow night, so I'm sure i'll have some stories to tell from that! I am off to hunt at ROSS for a dress....I love that place, by the way!
Also, during lunch I was shuffling my iTunes and rediscovered my RENT soundtrack. I listened to this non-stop when I first moved to Birmingham after college, and it reminds me of all that new independence, new job, new everything! If you aren't familiar with that musical I suggest that you aquaint yourself with the songs.
Maybe I can write something more substantial later :) Happy Friday!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
108 days.....
I cannot believe we are almost at the 100 day mark........WOW!
Lots to say! Keith and I had a fun trip to Ozark this weekend: Tasted some cakes, met with our FABULOUS photographer (Shoutout to http://www.tdarleyphotography.com/) and took a side trip to see my sweet grandmother in Andalusia. She was the last family member to have not seen my ring in person, so we made the 120 or so mile round trip Saturday night with Mom and Dad. SO fun! We have our engagement photos over my Spring Break...I am so pumped for that!
We both got a horrific stomach bug upon our return Sunday night, and missed a couple of days of work this week. I am feeling much more steady today, thankfully- though I still don't really want much along the lines of solid food. Guess tonight at Weight Watchers will be a good one! (silver linings....right?)
Keith and I have a place to LIVE! He moves in as of March 2nd, and i'll follow after the big day :) It's in Hayesbury in Pelham (Yes, Kelly!), 2 br, 2 ba, cute little backyard, garage, washer/dryer...you get the picture. Perfect for what we need, and improving our commutes to work by ALOT. Commutes to anywhere, really (I will never live in Helena again.) I have been really bad about taking pictures, but as I help move him in next week, I'll try and document. We bought our first little batch of furniture this past week (Sofa, Barstools, new TV Cabinet) so it's going to be great to have somewhere to PUT it after us both living in other people's homes for the past 3 years (props to some great 'landlords', though!)
Lunch break is over, but I will be updating a little sooner next time...hopefully with pictures :)
OH! and congrats to my cousin Emily and her NEW fiance, Billy!!! They were engaged on Valentines day, and will be married July 31st in Huntsville. My grandfather would be SUPER proud to know that 2 of his 3 granddaughters are getting married in the same summer :)
Lots to say! Keith and I had a fun trip to Ozark this weekend: Tasted some cakes, met with our FABULOUS photographer (Shoutout to http://www.tdarleyphotography.com/) and took a side trip to see my sweet grandmother in Andalusia. She was the last family member to have not seen my ring in person, so we made the 120 or so mile round trip Saturday night with Mom and Dad. SO fun! We have our engagement photos over my Spring Break...I am so pumped for that!
We both got a horrific stomach bug upon our return Sunday night, and missed a couple of days of work this week. I am feeling much more steady today, thankfully- though I still don't really want much along the lines of solid food. Guess tonight at Weight Watchers will be a good one! (silver linings....right?)
Keith and I have a place to LIVE! He moves in as of March 2nd, and i'll follow after the big day :) It's in Hayesbury in Pelham (Yes, Kelly!), 2 br, 2 ba, cute little backyard, garage, washer/dryer...you get the picture. Perfect for what we need, and improving our commutes to work by ALOT. Commutes to anywhere, really (I will never live in Helena again.) I have been really bad about taking pictures, but as I help move him in next week, I'll try and document. We bought our first little batch of furniture this past week (Sofa, Barstools, new TV Cabinet) so it's going to be great to have somewhere to PUT it after us both living in other people's homes for the past 3 years (props to some great 'landlords', though!)
Lunch break is over, but I will be updating a little sooner next time...hopefully with pictures :)
OH! and congrats to my cousin Emily and her NEW fiance, Billy!!! They were engaged on Valentines day, and will be married July 31st in Huntsville. My grandfather would be SUPER proud to know that 2 of his 3 granddaughters are getting married in the same summer :)
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Update!
I can't believe it's been almost 4 weeks since my last post! Where has the time gone? For me, it's been a whirlwind- I have a feeling that June 12 will be here much faster than I originally anticipated...which is MOSTLY a good thing :) Here are somethings we've gotten done in the last month or so:
Fast forward about 10 days; my mom calls and tells me that a mysterious envelope has surfaced through the mail, addressed to me, but with a return address in Trusville. She opens and reads it to me over the phone- and my heart broke in a million pieces...it turns out our friend Robert has the same name (first and last) as another gentlemen....who has been dead since 1988. His poor, sweet wife had written a short note saying that she'd received the save the date, but "My husband Robert's been gone for years...and I miss him so." She wished us well in our marriage but I could have literally crawled in a hole and died. How horrible I felt! AWKWARD! Anyway, moral of the story: whitepages is not fool proof!!
And now, on to another day at school and work. No rest for the weary!
- HONEYMOON IS BOOKED! We will be spending 5 days and 4 nights at the Royal Cancun resort on the Mexican Riviera! I am super excited about spending a whole "week" doing absolutely nothing :) I am now on the hunt for a swimsuit...GULP!
- Save the Dates are addressed and mailed...just putting the address/return address labels on those babies took Keith and I the better part of a whole evening.
- Wedding Dress purchased :) No details, sorry- but trust me when I say, I knew it was the one when I saw it!
- Rooms reserved for our out of town family
- Appointments set for meetings with the photographer, cake artist and florist over President's Day weekend to finalize plans
- Master Thompson/Owens invite list finalized...that was a huge task! Kudos to my mom (Lisa) and Keith's mom (Donna) for their hard work :)
- Caterer booked for the reception
- Invitations ordered
- Napkins (embossed) ordered for the reception
- there is probably much more but I am frankly pretty tired at this point!
Fast forward about 10 days; my mom calls and tells me that a mysterious envelope has surfaced through the mail, addressed to me, but with a return address in Trusville. She opens and reads it to me over the phone- and my heart broke in a million pieces...it turns out our friend Robert has the same name (first and last) as another gentlemen....who has been dead since 1988. His poor, sweet wife had written a short note saying that she'd received the save the date, but "My husband Robert's been gone for years...and I miss him so." She wished us well in our marriage but I could have literally crawled in a hole and died. How horrible I felt! AWKWARD! Anyway, moral of the story: whitepages is not fool proof!!
And now, on to another day at school and work. No rest for the weary!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Registry Recap!
One of the coolest things Keith and I have gotten to do during these first few weeks of engagement has been to set up our registries! Technology is a great thing, and I know Keith, especially, has enjoyed the stores that provide you with a scanning "gun". Here's a little recap of our experiences:
Macy's- Keith and I went to Macy's at Brookwood Mall. We had a great registry "helper" who made picking china and flatware a pleasant and non-stressful event. We cross referenced our fine china and everyday at Dillards, since my family and hometown friends have access to Macy's online via online.
Bed Bath and Beyond- We probably picked a bad time to register here- the Saturday before Christmas. The BBB in Alabaster was SOOOO busy, and lots of stuff was out of stock. We ended up going back and editing/revising stuff online because the store was absolutely crazy! We registered for all of our bedding, linens and casual serveware here.
Target: This was by far the easiest experience we had. Walk in, get scanner, scan, return scanner and leave. I know alot of people don't register here because of their return policy (you HAVE to have a gift reciept for returns or exchanges), but I just like Target. It is aesthetically pleasing to me :) We went on a Thursday night after work and it was the first place we registered. We ended up registering for all of our Kitchen appliances and gadgetry and a few home decor items here. Keith thought it was hilarious that he scanned some random items like 20 oz diet cokes and a $1500 big screen TV when I wasn't looking. I definitely edited those right off when we got home :)
Home Depot: This was the most disappointing part of our registry tour. They do not use a scanner system, so I had to follow Keith around with a pen and paper, writing down SKU's and model numbers. NO FUN. We didn't know this until we finished, but there is no online registry link for Home Depot- and this seemed a little weird to us. We were able to register for some basic tool/lawn/garden needs and Keith had a great time regardless of the weirdness regarding the lack of online linkage.
We start our churches Marriage Prep Sunday School class tomorrow morning! I have been waiting for this day forever it seems :) When we were dating, I used to point out to Keith whenever we saw this signs around church or whenever it was in the bulletin. He would just wink and laugh- and tell me it would come in time. Well, it's time! WHOO HOO! Just one of those things that makes it even MORE real!
Macy's- Keith and I went to Macy's at Brookwood Mall. We had a great registry "helper" who made picking china and flatware a pleasant and non-stressful event. We cross referenced our fine china and everyday at Dillards, since my family and hometown friends have access to Macy's online via online.
Bed Bath and Beyond- We probably picked a bad time to register here- the Saturday before Christmas. The BBB in Alabaster was SOOOO busy, and lots of stuff was out of stock. We ended up going back and editing/revising stuff online because the store was absolutely crazy! We registered for all of our bedding, linens and casual serveware here.
Target: This was by far the easiest experience we had. Walk in, get scanner, scan, return scanner and leave. I know alot of people don't register here because of their return policy (you HAVE to have a gift reciept for returns or exchanges), but I just like Target. It is aesthetically pleasing to me :) We went on a Thursday night after work and it was the first place we registered. We ended up registering for all of our Kitchen appliances and gadgetry and a few home decor items here. Keith thought it was hilarious that he scanned some random items like 20 oz diet cokes and a $1500 big screen TV when I wasn't looking. I definitely edited those right off when we got home :)
Home Depot: This was the most disappointing part of our registry tour. They do not use a scanner system, so I had to follow Keith around with a pen and paper, writing down SKU's and model numbers. NO FUN. We didn't know this until we finished, but there is no online registry link for Home Depot- and this seemed a little weird to us. We were able to register for some basic tool/lawn/garden needs and Keith had a great time regardless of the weirdness regarding the lack of online linkage.
We start our churches Marriage Prep Sunday School class tomorrow morning! I have been waiting for this day forever it seems :) When we were dating, I used to point out to Keith whenever we saw this signs around church or whenever it was in the bulletin. He would just wink and laugh- and tell me it would come in time. Well, it's time! WHOO HOO! Just one of those things that makes it even MORE real!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Roadtrips and Shopping!
Tonight, Keith and I bought our very first Christmas Tree (for next year, of course!) on 50% off clearance at Target. It's the tree pictured above (6 foot Colorado pine) but ours is not pre-lit like the one in the picture. We both have collections of lights already to string around it! Thanks to some smart shopping (and partial use of a Target gift card from my Aunt), we got this tree FOR FREE, along with some ornaments and a 20 gallon rubbermaid for extra christmas storage, too. FOR FREEEEEE. WHOO HOO! Thanks, Aunt Lynn and Target clearance!
Keith was a trooper, because after Target we hit up Tuesday Morning (all clearance and Christmas was an additional 50% off) where I got some pretty Christmas coasters and 400 sheets of gorgeous, thick tissue paper for the holidays for $0.89!!!!
Then, we headed to Big Lots, where I concluded today's bargain hunting with my 75% off snag of 20 christmas gift bags of all sizes. I spent $4.00. It was awesome. I did that this past year, and it sure saved a LOT of headache just having all the Christmas wrap and bags ready to use versus braving the stores and high prices. Keith despises Hobby Lobby, so I will head there tomorrow where hopefully I will finish up any decor shopping. I love love love love Christmas, but the last couple of years, I have been renting from friends, and have not had a true living area/kitchen/etc of my own to decorate. When I last lived in an apartment, I just didn't have the "bug" when it came to all that.
Earlier today, I traveled to Huntsville to pick my Mimi up for a trip home to see my parents. I met my Dad back in Shelby County for them to finish the final leg back to Ozark. It was so nice to spend some one on one time with her and help my Dad out, too. It is not a short trip from O-town to Huntsville...basically coming from the AL/FL line and traveling to the AL/TN line! I am about half way, so I was happy to oblige.
Other than this, not much to report. Back to work January 4th, and then grad school starts back January 11. Thankfully, I survived taking 4 classes this past semester, and came out with 3 A's and a B (my first grad school B *tear*) I am taking 3 classes in Spring Term- ENG 527 (Contemporary Latino/a Literature), EDF 601 (Ed. Psyc for Secondary) and EDF 620 (Social and Multicultural Foundations)...I only have classes on Monday and Tuesday each week....YAY!!!!
Also, I got my snazzy new Alabama Teaching Certificate, listing bachelor level qualifications in Music Ed AND my new Language Arts Ed from taking and passing the Praxis II in my new content area. I will have the Master's degree in Languag Arts Education and new certificate to prove it by this time next year. Hopefully, the class they are thinking of offering in the Summer becomes reality....if not, I would have to take this class in fall 2010, thus pushing back graduation from August to December. I prefer sooner rather than later!
Also, I got my snazzy new Alabama Teaching Certificate, listing bachelor level qualifications in Music Ed AND my new Language Arts Ed from taking and passing the Praxis II in my new content area. I will have the Master's degree in Languag Arts Education and new certificate to prove it by this time next year. Hopefully, the class they are thinking of offering in the Summer becomes reality....if not, I would have to take this class in fall 2010, thus pushing back graduation from August to December. I prefer sooner rather than later!
More later....Happy New Year!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Save the Date!
This is your "first look" at our save the dates, ordered earlier this week :)
I'm heading back to Birmingham after spending a full 7 day week at my parent's home. This has been the longest stretch of time i've spent at home in Ozark since I graduated from college in 2006. This morning I am going to do my last registry, at a little "hometown place" here in O-town, Family Traditions. My sister works there part time when she's home from college, so she knows the ropes. No scanning guns there, just a clipboard and pen. We shall see how it goes!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Slacker
I have been a TOTAL slacker when it comes to this blog the last week or so. This is not because I have been slacking in all aspects of my life; quite the contrary! In the past week, lots and lots and lots of decisions re: the wedding have been made, and I'll share with you a little peek into what's been goin' down (i'm so hip).
1. Bridesmaid Dresses/Flowers/Shoes PICKED! My home church where the wedding will be held has RED carpeting and pews. RED. Not maroon, not crimson, CHRISTMAS RED. However, I'm getting married in June. This totally eliminates lots of color schemes and palattes for wardrobe (no hot pink, no yellow, no orange, no navy blue to avoid being too over the top patriotic!). I always envisioned marrying in the Fall, and my favorite colors are dark, so I tried to pick wedding colors that I liked but would also go with the church.
I think the green will really be focal against the mocha color. :)
3. Music- Being a music major and music teacher, you'd think I'd want my wedding to be chock full of tunes, but in fact, it's quite the opposite. Keith and I are lucky to have a super talented organist as a family friend to handle the prelude music, and my bridesmaid Beth is going to be singing "He's Always Been Faithful" by Sara Groves early in the ceremony. I will enter to the classical "Trumpet Fanfare" (trumpeter TBA!) and we will exit to "Come Thou Fount". I want a true southern baptist wedding ceremony- 20 minutes tops! HA! Seriously though, too much can be overkill. Hopefully, we will have a pianist for the reception, too.
Anyway, this is just a sampling of where my head has been lately. My family is so helpful, not overbearing and offering helpful and wise advice as I plan. Preparing for Christmas on top of all of this has been...interesting, but I think once January comes, things will seem a bit more connected and real! It has helped being home in Ozark with the family for the last few days. Keith will join me here at my parents house Christmas Day and stay until Monday. I can't WAIT to see that sweet Fiance of mine! I haven't seen him since I was 26! (I turned 27 yesterday, oh yeah!) God has been so good to give me such a bevy of blessings this season. All glory to Him!
More to come!
1. Bridesmaid Dresses/Flowers/Shoes PICKED! My home church where the wedding will be held has RED carpeting and pews. RED. Not maroon, not crimson, CHRISTMAS RED. However, I'm getting married in June. This totally eliminates lots of color schemes and palattes for wardrobe (no hot pink, no yellow, no orange, no navy blue to avoid being too over the top patriotic!). I always envisioned marrying in the Fall, and my favorite colors are dark, so I tried to pick wedding colors that I liked but would also go with the church.
So, here it is- my colors are Mocha (as the dress) and Champagne- I felt this was super neutral, but pretty.
The bridesmaids will be carrying a single lily vs a bouquet, much like this:
I think the green will really be focal against the mocha color. :)
Shoes are below. I never thought i'd be one of those brides who wanted a certain shoe, but then again, I never thought i'd have a wedding in the hot season with tea length dresses! It's all new people, all new. These are SUPER cheap on Zappos, so I think all my maids will still be on speaking terms with me after dress and shoe costs combined!
2. Photographer- My dear friend Windy's mother is a very talented photographer in the Dothan area. I was super excited when we found out she was free June 12th to photograph our big day. We got put on her calendar today, officially, and I couldn't be happer. Check out T. Darley Photography online to see her awesome portfolio. Not long till we get our engagement shots done!!
3. Music- Being a music major and music teacher, you'd think I'd want my wedding to be chock full of tunes, but in fact, it's quite the opposite. Keith and I are lucky to have a super talented organist as a family friend to handle the prelude music, and my bridesmaid Beth is going to be singing "He's Always Been Faithful" by Sara Groves early in the ceremony. I will enter to the classical "Trumpet Fanfare" (trumpeter TBA!) and we will exit to "Come Thou Fount". I want a true southern baptist wedding ceremony- 20 minutes tops! HA! Seriously though, too much can be overkill. Hopefully, we will have a pianist for the reception, too.
Anyway, this is just a sampling of where my head has been lately. My family is so helpful, not overbearing and offering helpful and wise advice as I plan. Preparing for Christmas on top of all of this has been...interesting, but I think once January comes, things will seem a bit more connected and real! It has helped being home in Ozark with the family for the last few days. Keith will join me here at my parents house Christmas Day and stay until Monday. I can't WAIT to see that sweet Fiance of mine! I haven't seen him since I was 26! (I turned 27 yesterday, oh yeah!) God has been so good to give me such a bevy of blessings this season. All glory to Him!
More to come!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Whirlwind Love
I don't think I ever truly understood the concept of "whirlwind" until this weekend!! With half of my extended family down, Keith's family, Choir concerts, Church, Dinners, Lunches- It is only just beginning: and I love it!
This morning I am just waiting for the clock to strike 8am so I can call Ozark Baptist...June 12th is our preferred date and you'll see why in a moment:
1.Keith's roommate of 3 years, Jay and his fiance Laura Beth are getting married June 5th.
2. I am singing in Holly and Erick's wedding June 19th (so excited!)
3. My sister, Lorilyn, is leaving the country June 26th for study abroad in Germany until August. She is my maid of honor, so I gotta have this on the books where she can be there!
4. My mom and I are school teachers- and its so much easier to plan and prepare when NOT working full time....I am done the last week of May, but Mom has to go a couple of days past Memorial day, I believe.
I have already called Mr. Hix (my officiant), and my bridesmaids are nailed down. Keith has a couple more groomsmen (ushers?) to get in touch with, and we need to nail down music. And send save the dates. And figure out attire. And hotels. And showers.....AHHH :) SO EXCITING!
Please keep us in your prayers :) Oh, and here's our "knot" page (we are know like officially engaged, right?)
Natalie and Keith!
This morning I am just waiting for the clock to strike 8am so I can call Ozark Baptist...June 12th is our preferred date and you'll see why in a moment:
1.Keith's roommate of 3 years, Jay and his fiance Laura Beth are getting married June 5th.
2. I am singing in Holly and Erick's wedding June 19th (so excited!)
3. My sister, Lorilyn, is leaving the country June 26th for study abroad in Germany until August. She is my maid of honor, so I gotta have this on the books where she can be there!
4. My mom and I are school teachers- and its so much easier to plan and prepare when NOT working full time....I am done the last week of May, but Mom has to go a couple of days past Memorial day, I believe.
I have already called Mr. Hix (my officiant), and my bridesmaids are nailed down. Keith has a couple more groomsmen (ushers?) to get in touch with, and we need to nail down music. And send save the dates. And figure out attire. And hotels. And showers.....AHHH :) SO EXCITING!
Please keep us in your prayers :) Oh, and here's our "knot" page (we are know like officially engaged, right?)
Natalie and Keith!
Friday, December 11, 2009
This is my Winter Song to You-
This is my Winter Song to youThe storm is coming soon
It rolls in from the sea
my words will be your light
to carry you to me
We're ENGAGED!
Natalie Thompson + Brian Keith Owens
12.11.2009- Hoover, AL
God blessed me with a lifetime to spend with my best friend.
Keith, I love you with all of my heart. I will never be able to praise Him enough for all that you are to me and how you've fulfilled His eternal promise for our lives. May the years to come hold nothing but love, laughter and growth. I will always be yours.
"Let us hold fast to the confession of our faith, for He who promised is faithful" - Hebrews 10:23 (esv)
More info to come :)
Thursday, December 3, 2009
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