A lot has been done in the last 2 weeks. We went to Blacksburg two weekends ago and met with the owner of the bakery, the florist, pre-marital counseling and the caterer.

Getting everything together for the cake was a blast. We got to taste cakes and she was really on top of everything and we felt like she understood the look we were going for. The cake ended up costing a hundred more than we had expected, but I think we can handle that. We just need to keep in touch with her and we are getting a lot of things taken care of through email.

Then the florist. What a nightmare! This man was just an idiot. His flowers come recommended but the things we were asking him to do (quite simple in our minds) just was too difficult for him to grasp. He kept cutting off the conversation Justin and I were having with him and would ask my mom an entire irrelevant question. Justin handled that meeting great. I was so fed up with the guy I just wanted to leave. Finally we decided on basically just the bouquets, etc. and then loose cut flowers. That cannot be too tough and his price is great. I guess I can overlook his lack in mental capacity if the flowers look great for an excellent price.

Then on Sunday we went to pre-marital counseling. This went well. We had answered this nearly 400 questionnaire and we found out our 'compatibility' and then had to discuss. The meeting went well. Mildly awkward because of some of the questions you get asked by your minister, but nonetheless, she still said she would marry us, so I guess she still approved. :) We only have to meet with her one more time before the rehearsal.

Also on Sunday we met with the caterer. I had never met the caterer, but my mother knew her. This meeting was hands down our best meeting. She really made me feel at ease with her abilities. She also brought some new ideas to the table that we really liked. She also is going to handle hiring all the waitstaff and bartenders for us. She is suppose to get a final cost to us by the end of this week I believe. Hopefully it isn't outlandish because she really is wonderful and I don't think I have the time or effort to find a new caterer.

What else have we done...oh yes, the invitations. We got them all folded and organized, then on Sunday this past weekend, we went out to Justin's parent's house in Leesburg and it turned into a family event tying the ribbon onto the invitations. This helped SO much and we got to eat some tasty venison that Justin's little brother had shot. Now I just need to hand these off to my mother this weekend and she is handling the addressing and mailing.

Wow, this actually feels like things are falling into place!

We have our engagement party that Justin's parents are throwing for us this weekend. I am really excited about this. I am actually amazed how much of my side (both friends and family) are coming up for it. My brother, Will and his wife and child are coming, my mom, my brother Douglas in Chicago is coming, and then a whole slew of friends both in Blacksburg and up here are heading out for the party. The theme is winter wonderland. The Gorman's tell me they have some surprises up their sleeves, so I have no clue what all is going on. But they are known for throwing some pretty amazing parties, so I know that it will be a blast! All I know right now is that Justin has to stop and pick up some oysters on the way out too Leesburg. YUM!

My mom is suppose to arrive on Thursday...I also think my brother and sister in law are coming that day. Douglas flies in from Chicago on Thursday night. Mom and Douglas are at a hotel, everyone else is staying with Justin and I. Good thing we have a three bedroom house! Then on saturday we will head out to Leesburg. I'm pumped.

All else is good. At the moment I don't feel very stressed. Mildly anxious about this weekend and having so many guest at our house and so many friends/family in town. But other than that everything else is good....we are at the 4 month point in the countdown this Saturday...