same photo shoot. bigger chin. 

here we are. the cute couple.  

Feels like summer...

Winter is over; Spring is here, though it feels a bit warmer than an Ohio spring. Ben and I did our first yard work of the season on Tues. (his idea) I only worked at Pablos twice and got to work outside. It never ceases to amaze me how wonderful the sun can feel after a bitter winter. (or a mild one, for that matter.)
After a bit of a lull in wedding planning, and quite a bit of feet dragging, I met with The Pastor. We have a date and time for the ceremony and a rehearsal date and time. We have counseling sessions scheduled. We are really getting married. *eek* Another 6 months to go. Maybe it's time to buy the dress....
Speaking of The Church: I am joining the church we are getting married in, and I am thinking about helping with the middle school youth group. Anything for a bit of peace. I am going to miss Easter service due to my fabulous job, but such is the nature of the beast.
Have a blessed Easter. Eat some eggs for me. Talk to you later.

Forgot to mention...

Oct 21! I will be a Mrs.

Things accomplished in the last 9 days:

a. picked a cake. Yum!
b. reserved the hall.
c. started the registry.
d. reserved the domain name. (rustyandben.com)
e. narowed down the church list to 2.
f. read 3 books.
g. took a few naps.
h. only worked the 2nd job one night.
i. bought some "cute" jeans.
j. did not cheat on my lent resolution. (no sweets)

post birthday update...

Yesterday, I turned 29. I wasn't prepared for the trauma the day would bring and was shocked and dismayed by my lack of enthusiasm. 25 was bad; I hope 30 will be easier. All in all, it was just one of those days. Thank you to all my dear friends that remembered. I'm sorry I stayed under the radar and waited until today to express my gratitude. *blech*

wedding updates

Well,

A. we've found a reception site. think BBQ in the park. hope for warmish weather.
B. decided to do almost everything ourselves. flowers, food, etc. not the cake, though.
C. set up cake tasting appointments starting next week.
D. found a dress, but not completly decided on it.
E. Ben has STARTED the site, but has yet to finish it.

that's the update. work is okay. tired most of the time. pets are good. we added another dog, Olive. My mother was going to give her away, so Ben decided to take her in. She's a good dog; we just have to keep her tied up outside. She likes to explore. Calli likes to chase her. Now that's entertainment.

Bridal Fair went well other than that darn panic attack...

Is it normal to cry every day after you get engaged? I have cried listening to sappy songs on the radio almost daily for the past two weeks. happy tears, but uncontollable sobbing, nonetheless. Thinking about the future and how amazing B is and how wonderful our life is going to be gets me a little emotional. I have never in my life been able to count on a man like I lean on him. He is the most selfless person I have ever known, and I have no doubt he would do anything to make me happy. I have no doubt that he will continue to do so for the rest of my life. It's a little frightening. Thoughts like these have led to a handful of panic attacks. I am the independent one. I'm the free-spirit, but I want nothing more than to hide away and keep him all to myself. Maybe I'm losing my mind. *smile* I blame him.
My mother and future mother-in-law got along wonderfully; I knew they would. We are all going dress shopping the weekend after next. My mother hasn't returned my phone calls for the past two days. *grumble* Ah, family. What would we be without them?

Let the planning begin!

1st bridal fair w/mom and mom-in-law is this Sat in Columbus. I'm pretty excited. Sure wish my mother would return my phone calls. *grumble*
Ben is creating the print work and the website for our shindig. I think i've decided on wine and slate grey for our colors. Other than that, I've made no real plans. I guess I need to get to work!