Invitations!

Oh man. These invitations are just the most awesome part of the wedding. 

Although it took quite some time to get them out (due to my inability to make ANY decisions), they turned out BETTER than I could have asked for!

Tessa is truly amazing and you should ask her to do your invitations too!

I am just so proud of these!

ahhh c'est l'amour

ok.
Just for a minute, can we talk about the fact that I am getting married less than 19 days to the man of my most fantastic dreams?
It is absolute craziness around these parts. Wedding planning in full-force with a thousand and one things to do each day. (That's what I get for being the world's best procrastinator. You might as well give my my trophy now.)
It's quite possible that between my phone shattering, changing venues last minute, and losing over $2,000 cash in a Subway, my brian chemistry has been only SLIGHTLY altered. (Maybe I had 20 million melt downs, maybe I didn't.) Let's just say that I have been struggling - to say the least.
Listen, I don't want you to get the wrong idea.
I am over the MOON to marry the Kirky Lirky.
And I LOVE to plan events and parties.
I'm not usually the one who these events and parties are for, so there is a little bit of awkwardness that takes over me when people ask me wedding questions.
For example, the florist:
Me: "Hi. Make me a bouquet."
Florist: "Ok. What do you want?"
Me: "Uhhh... I don't know, you're the florist."
Ok, so it didn't go EXACTLY like that, and the florist was actually way awesome.
However, it's difficult for me to tell people what I want because I don't really know what it is that I want from them. Just give me something pretty. Give me something delicious. Make it look good. That's all I ask. Then I realize, people are different, and what they think may look good to them may not look good to me. This, my friends is what I refer to as an epiphany.
Weird that other people think the things I like aren't pretty and cool and with that same token, there are people out there who like ugly things. Strange it is my friends, strange indeed.

Listen. I have been meaning to tell all sorts of tales of happiness and life changing moments during this wedding planning process. But, you know me, I am a realist (or as some people call it, a pessimist. Whatever.) And at the end of the day, all my thoughts go back to what I wasn't able to get done and why. So it's easy to see that all I want to do is curl up in my heated blanket and dream of dreams in the sandy, tropical beaches with my lover... who is also my friend.
What I want to tell you about is the part when Kirk and I went to get our marriage license and how Kirk refused to register to vote. So naturally, I wrote in big capital letters on a voter's registration form,
"KIRK ROY OUIMET IS A CONSPIRATOR AGAINST THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT! HE CANNOT BE TRUSTED!"
And found the nearest security camera to expose the truth while Kirk scrambled to destroy the evidence. (Which looks sketchy enough in my humble opinion.)
Or the part when Kirk and I were apartment hunting and every single place we looked at was a dump, and how we would take our time going through each room acting as if it were a mansion and later laughing about it over McFlurries and Diet Coke.
I mean, those are the moments that MATTER people!
So, this is what I reflect on when I do lose money in a sandwich shop, or when I shatter my phone. Or when the wedding day seems more overwhelming than anything else in the world. I gotta go back to my roots and remember why I am even PLANNING this wedding in the first place.
And that reason is love.

the one time a kid threw up during the opening prayer.

While Kirk and I were in Washington, we were able to stay at my near and dear friends house, the Beeson's!

OH how I have missed them so!

It was the first time I have seen their new house all finished and it was spectacular! We got to watch a lot of movies in their theater room, play a lot of RockBand and eat a ton of junk... Kirk and I felt very welcomed and probably gained 20 pounds due to our free refrigerator rights.
Kirk was also able to get everyone addicted to a few iPad/iPhone games... there was only minor competition going on.

We were able to spend some good, quality time with their entire family whom I practically grew up with. It felt like home. 

I also went to my old ward, and even though it has changed quite a bit since I have last visited, there were still a few friendly faces have missed dearly.

We also were able to go to the stake's Christmas Devotional.

Kirk and I were pretty tired from the wedding the night before and debated whether we should go or not.

But I am OH SO GLAD WE DID.

You see, probably one of the most epic barfing stories of my life took place that night.

And so the story goes...

Kirk and I walked in just before the opening prayer was about to start.

We took a seat in the back row right next to the aisle.

Right when the prayer started, we heard a very strange yet recognizable sound followed by a huge commotion about 5 row in front of us. 

Obviously a child got sick...

As the prayer is still taking place, the parents of the sick child start to run down the aisle with their him in  their arms and the mother is holding the kids mouth...

All of a sudden the kid just let's it all out and throws up EVERYWHERE and since the mom had her hand over his mouth, the vomit sprayed in all sorts of different directions splashing a few people along the way.

Let me remind you, the prayer is still going.

Kirk and I are OBVIOUSLY not feeling the reverence nor the spirit at this time... We just stared in complete shock asking ourselves, "Is this REALLY happening right now?"

After the kid exits the room, still throwing up everywhere, people start to run out of the room too.

One girl in particular, who probably got some vomit on her long coat, tried to run out of the room only to slip and fall into the vomit and kept sliding around trying to get up. Like a fly stuck in a spider's web.

Mind you, the prayer... is STILL going.

Someone helped the girl up and they both walked out together. Oh the kindhearted. I just couldn't help her, I don't DO vomit.

Anyway, when the prayer was finally over, a rally of people got up and started cleaning up the pukey mess. I felt very grateful for people like that since I would probably NEVER be one of those people. 

Bailey Beeson came over and asked us if we wanted to come sit with her family on the other side of the room. Once we sat down, Bailey's dad asked, "Did something happen over there?"

OH... how much you missed!

And although Kirk and I were sitting RIGHT in the middle of the action, we managed to walk away from the scene unscathed by the projectile vomit. Lucky.

Moving on with our trip.

On Monday, Kirk went to visit one of his friends in Seattle while Brandi and her son, Cade come to the Beeson household to play.
I was so excited to see Brandi because I haven't seen her since she told me she was pregnant! And now she is in her 2nd trimester and showing and I LOVE it. I even got to feel Miss Litchfield move around inside that belly. 

We made caramel corn and enchiladas and watched movies.

That night, we went to Snowflake Lane in Bellevue with their family.

We stayed up late that night watching more movies and sneaking in a midnight snack, then a 1am snack and so on and so forth... 

Sadly, we had to leave the Beeson home the next day to head to Portland to my aunt's house for Christmas... more on that to come. :)

Katie is MARRIED!

A few weeks ago, Kirk and I were able to make our way to Washington for my dear friend Katie Pwotahhh's (now Katie Neilson) wedding!

The night before the wedding, Katie's in-laws threw a fabulous rehearsal dinner/party/bowling night at Lucky Strike's in Bellevue.

It. Was. A. Blast.

Such a great idea!

KHAM! OH how I have missed you! Don't worry, I'm representing the asian thing here. Apparently he didn't get the memo.

Whitney... The groom's sister. She was my very first and bff when I moved to Washington 17 years ago. 

The next day was the wedding day for the happy couple.

The reception was true to Katie and Adam style... Straight up dance party.

Katie's sisters even organized a flash dance!

I am proud to say that I participated.

I am so happy for you Katie and Adam!

WOO HOO!

oh my word.

good golly miss molly.

this holiday season has gone by much to fast.

i have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off for the past few weeks and i think this feeling won't go away until after March 9, 2012.

So many things to catch up on...

Katie Porter's wedding

Staying at the Beeson's abode

The kid who threw up during the opening prayer, all down the aisle... splash zone

flying on the tiniest plane I have ever been on in my life

A very Portland Christmas

The best crepe I ever had

Packing and moving (so glad phase one is complete)

Driving to California all by my lonesome while my oh so kind fiance decided to take a trip to L.A. and leave me alone on New Years. It's ok. I promise...

It is now time for me to relax and put my dogs up... at least for a day or two.

And then about to begin phase 2 of wedding planning. Let the fun begin!

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE!

quite the thursday night.

Sometimes the Turkey works a lot.

And by sometimes, I mean for the last 6 months or so.

You see, he and his friends started a business. It's called Scan Inc.

They are hoping to make their website public this week.

They are busy bees and nothing makes me cherish those moments that I have with the Kirk more.

Last night, we decided we probably should go on a date since I can't remember the last time we did so.

Usually, our evenings consist of me hanging out on the couch watching all manner of television - Sister Wives, House, Big Ban Theory, Friday Night Lights... The list actually is quite extensive and I just would hate to bore you with all the shows I watch. It really is pathetic.

(However, my cable at my apartment is not currently working due to my lack of motivation to do something about it... so I don't really watch TV unless I'm at Kirk's.)

Anyway, I watch TV while Kirk works in his office. Sometimes I make treats or dinner by myself and bring it to him as if I am his 1950s housewife. Sometimes there is no food around and I beg him to take me out.

Well, last night was my lucky night. We went to Guru's for some ever-so-delicious sweet potato fries and tortilla salad. I was mid sweet potato fry when in walks none other than Jimmer Fredette with his fiance. 

I was all, "Hey Kirk, I think that's Jimmer."

And Kirk was all, "No... he wouldn't come here."

You see, Kirk isn't really a huge fan of the Guru's sweet potato fries. Sometimes they mess up Kirk's order every time he goes there and he doesn't like caesar salad wraps! So clearly, his logic is that if he doesn't like it, neither should Jimmer.

Moving on.

Jimmer ordered his food and sat only 2 tables down from us. Onlookers from around the restaurant stared and whispered and smiled and giggled.

I, on the other hand, played it cool... and snuck this photo:

I'm one sly dog.

Kirk then tried to demonstrate the way looked while I took the picture:

The Jimmer finished his meal while his fiance was on her phone... I thought this would be the perfect moment to ask to take a picture with him. Kirk begged me not to, but I stood up about to walk over when Jimmer and his beloved got up and walked out of Guru's never knowing my hopes and my dreams. Kirk told me that Jimmer could probably sense what I was about to do and hopped out of there so he wouldn't be bothered. Shoot.

The night continued. We wanted to see a movie and after careful research, it looked like HUGO would be the best option. 8.6 on IMDB? Ok. We'll give it a shot.

I came home to change into something more comfortable for the 10pm movie when Kirk informed me that he wouldn't escort me to the theaters if I didn't wear his gift to me.

My jumpin' jammerz. I fought him on the matter but ultimately gave in. I found it only suitable to wear some jumpin' jammerz to the movies on the night I saw Jimmer. They are my jumpin' jimmer jammerz.

I was only mildly embarrassed when the lady behind the concession counter complimented me on my cute pajama pants... and then I unzipped my jacket to unveil that the pants were actually a onesie. Oh the humanity.

I know I look psycho. And those UGGs. I already know all of the fashion rules I am breaking, ok?

The movie was pretty good in my humble opinion. Definitely long and kind of slow, but I focused on the story and the details of the movie and fell in love with it. Kirk on the other hand, slept during the vast majority of the movie. 

Oh well, at least I had fun on our date night.

Turkey Day - The Most Wonderful Day of the Year

Thanksgiving this year came too soon and felt too short!

Ani, Kirk, and myself made the 11+ hour drive to California (deja vu anyone?) and spent the Thanksgiving holiday with the Parkinson side.

The food was remarkable and the company was amazing. We chatted and chatted and chatted and lingered and lingered some more. I was so busy gabbing with my CDF (Crazy Dysfunctional Family as we so lovingly call ourselves) that I didn't even get to enjoy the dessert!

All the grandkids with the pops... or Poppi as we call him. Can you say estrogen much? Girls rule in this family. 

Calvin enjoying a nice beverage from his very own goblet. He was pretty proud of that thing.

And the scruffy turkey as I affectionately call him. I LOVE a little scruff on a man and it only took minor convincing - he ended up loving it more than I did! And it's red! Who knew?

I love this picture of my mom and great uncle Dellenbach! They look so happy.

After the feast and festivities, a few of us cousins decided to go see Breaking Dawn that night and drag our significant others to the movie - Kirk was a trooper. (I highly recommend movie theater going on Thanksgiving. You get the whole theater to yourself!) We had a grand old time pointing and laughing and cringing throughout the show. I didn't know honeymoons could be so awkward...  

On Friday, we decided we wanted to get our hit of Chipotle - a must if you are in the Fairfield area - and invited everyone and their dog to join. It wouldn't be a true family outing if every family member didn't attend. We couldn't find enough seats inside the restaurant to we took over the outside patio area and dinned like true Parkinsons do - burrito bowl style.

We spent the rest of the day hanging out, watching home videos, talking wedding, and eating sweets. I even made a batch of chocolate covered oreos thanks to the great mind of Kirk Ouimet. (I know, the chocolate covered oreo thing is getting a little out of hand. But they are so fun to make and so delicious.)

We decided that should head east back to Utah on Saturday. We woke up kind of late and wanted to say goodbye to our mama llama and Bebe and Dolly (our family has quite the nickname repertoire.) The early afternoon turned to noon and by then we thought we should probably eat before hitting the road, so we made a trip to In-n-Out with everyone in stow in the back of the van and retrieved the extremely large order of cheeseburgers, fries, and diet cokes. $40 to feed 11 people? Not too shabby.

After our feast, we lingered a little longer in hopes that maybe if we stayed long enough, the day would never end. But alas, 4pm rolled around and we thought we should probably get on the road before Monday comes.

Travis, Rachel's BF, even loaned us his radar detector in an effort to help get us back to mormon-town faster. It did help. We shed off at least 2 hours of the drive and made it back and snug in our beds by 2am. We are leaving at 4pm every time now... JUST KIDDING.

Sidenote: The drive always seems to work out nicely for Kirk. He sets up camp in the back of the car and "works" while I manage to drive the whole way... funny how that happens.

Now it's time for the Christmas festivities to begin! Christmas shopping, staring at lights, listening to holiday music and a possible musical or two!
Happy Holidays EVERYONE!

a dress story.

The time has come for me to knuckle down and do something important for the impending nuptials taking place in March.

I make it sound like the world is going to end. And so what if I am a negative Nancy about planning my own wedding? Have I ever mentioned that before? Are you sick of it?

I met with the oh-so-very talented Melissa Blackburn to whip up a wedding dress of the century. A wedding dress fit for a queen. Let me tell ya, when you see it, you will DEFINITELY think Kim Kardashian/royal wedding status. Only kidding.

Since she is working with probably the most indecisive person this side of the Mississippi, (that's debatable... I can't quite decide if I am...) Melissa has some wonderful and fabulous ideas to help move the process along.

The first meeting went something like this:

Me: I want it like this and like that and like this and like that.

Melissa: Ok, let's do this.

Me: Good. It's settled then. See you in three weeks.

She informed me that we don't have to make any hard plans at this first meeting.

I told her with every fiber of confidence in my being that I am "not afraid to commit to the plans."

Wait. What were those words spilling out of my mouth?

I just wanted to her to think that I wasn't going to be one of those "difficult brides." Or I suppose wishy-washy could also work.

I left that meeting feeling great about all things discussed... except for the sleeves, and the neckline, and the fabric, and the color... 

I waited a day to contact her in fear that my indecisiveness was only happening because she said I could change my mind and it would be okay. Don't give me options, I will definitely abuse them.

I finally mustered up enough courage to email her (I couldn't call her because I did not want her to hear my weakness through the phone.)

I told her of all the things that I was unsure about and how I didn't want to seem difficult but, I think I want to change a few things.

We had a second meeting.

Melissa: You don't have to make all the decisions now. We can conjure up an outline and work outwards from there.

Me: SIIIIIIGGGGHHHHH.

She just gets it.

And so we spent the afternoon brainstorming ideas and making me feel comfortable again. The stress of the wedding dress is no longer and I now I know that I will at LEAST have a dress for the day. If nothing else, it's all I need.

this is actual brainstorming at its finest.

this and that.

Well, as it turns out, this sicky is sick once again.

What the heck.

I'm not quite sure where I got it/am getting it from but it's getting a little old.

Today I had to cancel on my lovely friend Trudy and our outing to H&M today for fear of getting her and her little family sick. I am such a good friend.

Wedding planning is going... Everyone always asks me how it's going and that's just what I say. It's going. Who knew I would hate it so much? I think planning other people's weddings is fun, but planning my own is a whole other story. The one that I'm telling right now.

I am still on the search for a venue. I think I have decided that it will be in California for sure. I was going back and forth between a few ideas. And even considering a destination type wedding but in the end, I think I just should have a party for everyone, k?

Maybe.

I'm so back and forth with EVERYTHING. From location, to colors, to the actual wedding dress. My poor dress maker is probably wanting to strangle me.

However, moving is kind of fun. Well the actual act of moving is not. Packing, packing, organizing, packing and driving to the Golden State will probably not be a walk in the park, but I would rather move 10 times than plan my own wedding. HAHA!

I am moving down to California in January to live with my aunt and uncle (where my mom is) and staying there until Kirk and I get married. Kirk will (hopefully) find a place in the city to live in January and it will be the place we move into once we do get married! I have found a bunch of places that I LOVE and I am trying to convince the Turkey that they are all wonderful places to call home. He is not so keen on living in a loft apartment... He wants office space so he can work at home (which I am totally all for) but there aren't many decent spaces with 2 bedrooms. Well, there are. Just not with the San Francisco charm and architecture that I was hoping for. I mean, we will probably only live in the city once and not for that long... I want to soak up all that it has to offer!

I am seriously SO excited to live there. I have always wanted to live in a city and San Francisco is pretty cool with some awesome views. I have always felt like northern California had a piece of my heart and now I get to reunite with that piece of my heart very soon. I just can't wait to explore and find cool things. Don't you worry, I will document it all. Well, most of it. I'm still working on documenting my life now. But hopefully with new surroundings and basically a new life, I will be more motivated to do so.

We are going to California for Thanksgiving this year and it's a bitter sweet thing. I said this last year, but it's just not the same as having a place to call home. Holidays and family get togethers are always super crowded there (another reason why I'm excited to move there. Then I can just go home at night instead of drive the 13 hour drive back to Utah.) But I am excited to stuff my face with mashed potatoes and stuffing. Oh, stuffing.

Ok, I will get back to healing my sick nose and scratchy throat and finishing my online wedding registry (that part is fun. 1 point for me.)

Happy Friday!

animated.

Have you seen this?

I love it. 

I feel like the older we get, or rather, the older I get, the magic of life tends to be pushed by the wayside and I get caught up in the every day craziness of real life.

When I was a kid, I used to imagine my life and how it would be now. How different it would be once I became an adult. I used to make lists of my goals, my dreams, my aspirations. And although, I feel like this is definitely not the life I thought I would live, I wouldn't change it for the world. I still plan on doing all of the things that are on my list. But I plan on doing them with a partner. With my best friend.

I am so lucky to have someone in my life, someone who wants to be with me forever, who supports me and my dreams. Someone who wants me to succeed and someone who is there when I fall. 

That is what love is.

Sometimes I feel like there is a confusion about what true love is.

We live in an era when comparisons are made left and right and there is that constant knocking on the door to remind us of what we don't have; what we are lacking.

I am so grateful that I have waited this long to be with the man that I know I am supposed to share the rest of my life with. 

To be able to recognize true love and to be able to embrace it.

I have always been drawn to music and dance. And although I am no expert on either, I feel like I can appreciate the beauty and the expression of dance. And I can appreciate the ability that music has to move us. And the way a story can be told by both.

And this,

this is the perfect example of those two worlds coming together.

How amazing.