Our Wedding Video

So I just have to share the fabulous new wedding momento, we just recieved, courtesy of the fabulous Rebecca @ Ford Family Photography.

Amanda + Brian from Ford Family on Vimeo.

M - I - Double SS - I - Double SS - Double PP - I

For those of you who don't know my wonderful husband is a rice farmer, he grew up in the huge (sarcasm) town of Maxwell, California. His family has been farming rice for many generations and my dear husband also works in the rice industry, buying and selling rice for ADM Rice. So as you can probably guess, rice is a huge part of our lives. We even took our beautiful engagement photos in his families rice fields.

Photo courtesy of Rebecca @ Ford Family Photography

So I know now you're saying we get it move on your husband is very involved in rice. Well December 6th - 10th, my husband is going to Biloxi, Mississippi to interview for a spot in the 2011 class of the Rice Leadership Program, and I get to join him!!!
I am so excited I have never been to the South and I am looking forward to spending a week with my husband in a new place.
However, I am hoping I can get some input from my blogger friends, on must see/do activities in Biloxi, Mississippi???

I received this in an email and then found it again today on MJ's blog, Teaching in Heels. It's too funny not to pass along, enjoy =)
ADULT TRUTHS

1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blu Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

15. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

16. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.

17. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

18. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

19. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

20. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

21. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

22. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch three consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

23. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey – but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from three feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time.

Omega Nu Conclave 2010

Last year I was given the honor of an invitation to become a part of the Alpha Kappa chapter of Omega Nu in Colusa County. For those of you who do not know, Omega Nu is a women's group or sorority (but not affiliated with a college) which raises money for groups within their region who are in need of monetary support. Our biggest effort in Colusa County is to give scholarships to high school seniors going on to college. This past weekend the Alpha Kappa Chapter of Omega Nu hosted the annual conclave for all of the Omega Nu chapters in California. Conclave took place at the Beautiful La Rivage hotel in Sacramento, California. Friday night was a hosted cocktail party followed by a beautiful dinner at Scott's Seafood




Saturday was a beautiful Murder Mystery Dinner Dance and Sunday was lovely hosted brunch.


It was a wonderful weekend with some of the most amazing women I know. I feel so lucky to be in a group with such wonderful women!

Our Kitchen

So our latest project is finally ready for revealing! Brian & I (mostly Brian) have been working on remodeling our kitchen for a couple months now.
Here is the before:

as you can see there was really nothing wrong with our kitchen. It was very functional and for all purposes worked very well. But since we have moved in we have talked about wanting granite and wanting to get rid of the wood cabinets which seemed to overhelm the whole room.
So we decided it was time to demo:

New granite, new backsplash, new sink, new faucet and refinished cabinets:


Not bad if I do say so myself! I have to admit I am very lucky to have such a talented husband!

Our Wedding

My oh my! I don't even know where to begin. But I can say it was everything we ever dreamed of and so much more. The day flew by like a fairytale, but it was beautiful and absolutely perfect. And the best part, at the end of the day I was married to the man of my dreams.

The morning of the wedding I was surrounded by all of my bridesmaids and my dad cooked us his famous omelets

before the limo arrived to take us to the Ryde for hair and makeup.
Our ceremony and reception took place at the Ryde Hotel in Walnut Grove on the Sacramento Delta in their beautiful garden.

My mother looked stunning

And I am kinda in LOVE with my dress too! I LOVED it the moment I tried it on in the dress store. And the day of the wedding I did not regret my decision for one instance. It was the dress of my dreams and literally it looked like it was glowing under that lights in the trees.

We could not have asked for better weather. We were surrounded by family and friends as we made our lifelong commitment to one another.

The party lasted until the wee hours of the morning and the dance floor was jam packed the entire evening.

Our photos compliments of our amazing photographer, Rebecca @ Ford Family Photography. If you are looking for a wedding photographer, look them up. They are amazing! They go above and beyond any other photographer.

A Father's Love

Oh my, I have so many things to blog about when I get a free moment, which seems even harder to come by since the wedding, funny how that works. But I felt the need to share this amazing song because I think it describes my father in law to a T. And also I think it just reminds everyone in general that just because some people may not say the words out load, they share their feelings in other ways. Happy Monday!

Flowergirl Dress Shopping

We found the flowergirl dresses and they are AMAZING!

Kirk Family Bridal Shower

The following Saturday morning I had another fabulous Bridal Shower through by my incredible sister. As busy as she is with school and her internship and moving to San Diego, she found time to put together an amazing bridal shower! The food was delicious, my parents neighbor and close family friend, Cindy Dettner, down the street made this beautiful watermelon bowl
The cake was incredible from Freeport Bakery and believe me it tasted every bit as delicious as it looks.
So many close friends and family members came and at the end of the evening I felt so incredibly loved. I was also blessed to have all of my beautiful bridesmaids in attendance (Kelli was even able to make it all the way from LA)
Of course, no bridal shower is complete without games (according to me), here are the beautiful toilet paper brides.
My sister also created an amazing video of Brian answering questions about himself and me. It was the hit of the shower and everyone LOVED it.
The shower was amazing and we received so many wonderful gifts!

Barrett Family Bridal Shower

Last Friday night was my 1st bridal shower thrown by my wonderful future sister in law, Deeanna. It was absolutely beautiful! It was a wonderful evening and I enjoyed every moment of the evening. Coincidentally I even matched the favor bags =). We had a wonderful meal with a delicious batch of Sangria. And bless my sister in laws heart she even planned some games, since she knew how fond of them I was. The best game ended with a surprised guest opening this little number
Everyone was amazingly generous! I feel so blessed to have such wonderful people in our lives!

It's Real

It's real, it's almost here! Brian and I have been planning our wedding for a little over a year now and it has since the beginning felt like this magical event that was part of a dream. However, as the wedding day grows closer and we make final appointments with the DJ, the florist and the photographer it's becoming more than just a magical dream, it's a reality! It's here! Our wedding is in 35 days! The invitations are out, the registries are created and my first wedding shower is tonight!

Five Question Friday

My poor lonely blog! I have been neglecting my blogging!

Five Question Friday: Compliments of Mama M @ My Little Life

1. What is your favorite thing about summertime?

The weather! I LOVE the heat. I love being outside in the sun and soaking up the heat! Oh and the nights I love when you can be outside at night and not have to run back in for a sweatshirt!

2. What is your ideal retirement location (if money didn't matter)?

Anywhere near the Ocean!

3. Do you live in the same town you grew up in?

Nope, my fiancée talked me into moving to an even smaller town than I grew up in and I hate to admit it but it's really growing on me =)

4. What nervous habit did you have as a child that you kicked to the curb before becoming an adult?

Wrinkling my nose, my mom always said I looked like a bunny rabbit =)

5. What is the most embarrassing thing that happened to you while on the job?

Hmmm....probably tripping over the carpet in front of my kindergarteners and almost falling on my face

The ABC's of Me

I found this on on Dreams Do Come True and thought it was perfect for my first blog after my short hiatus from blogging =)


A - Age: 24

B - Bed size: California King

C - Chore you hate: Vacuming but luckily my honey does it for me =)

D - Dog's name: Peaches & Cabella

E - Essential start your day item: Shower

F - Favorite color: Pink

G - Gold or Silver or Platinum: Silver

H - Height: 5'3

I - Instruments you play: I used to play the piano but I am pretty sure I can't play anymore

J - Jewelry you wear everyday: my BEAUTIFUL engagment ring

K - Kids: not yet =)

L - Living arrangements: Our beautiful home with our two fur babies

M - Mom's name: Lauri

N- Nicknames: Manda, Manda Lynn, Manda Panda

O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: None

P - Pet Peeve: Flaky People

Q - Quote: Everything happens for a reason

I always say shopping is cheaper than a psychiatrist.
-- Tammy Faye Baker (Stole this from Tiffany, thank you =))

R - Right handed or left handed: Right

S - Siblings: A brother and a Sister

T - Time you wake up: Lately not till like 7:00, SLACKER I know =/

U- Underwear: Victoria's Secret

V - Vegetable you dislike: cauliflower

W - Ways you run late: I really try not to be late but for some reason I always seem to be a just a little behind

X - X-rays you've had: My arm, my wrist and my mouth

Y - Yummy food you make: Chicken Stroganoff

Z - Zoo favorite: Panda Bears

Feel free to copy it and fill it out yourself! It's always fun to learn new things about you!

My Furry Children

So I realized I have yet to talk about two of the most important people in my life, my two furry children, Peaches & Cabella.
Peaches, is my 3 year old pitbull. Peaches & I share a very special bond and she has been a part of my life since before I met Brian. Peaches has completely changed my opinion about pitbulls. She is the greatest dog I have ever had and wins over the hearts of anyone who meets her. Peaches is wonderful with children, small dogs, large dogs, everyone! The pitbull breed is so wrongly misjudged and I hope that through Peaches life she can touch many more people and change their opinions as well!

Cabella is our 1 year old yellow lab. Brian was given Cabella by one of his rice growers about 6 months after we started dating. Cabella has grown into quite the giant. Our family teases that she is part hound and part giraffe, however she thinks she is a lap dog.

Peaches & Cabella instantly became best friends and now do EVERYTHING together. They are literally inseperable. When Brian and I first got Cabella, Peaches was like a mother to her, Cabella could do no wrong and believe me she tried. Cabella would walk up to a sleeping Peaches and bite her right in the face and Peaches would simply lay there and let her bite her.

They ride in the car on top of eachother, it's pretty funny!

Do you have any furry friends? I would LOVE to hear all about them!

Musical Mondays

So since music is a huge part of my life and it can turn my whole day around I have decided to start a new blog on Mondays in which I will paste my theme song for the week. Here is my song for this week



I absolutely LOVE this song! It always reminds me of tropical weather and since Bri & I leave for Hawaii on Wednesday I figure it is very fitting. Brian has a work conference in Hawaii, the CWA or California Warehouseman's Association, annual trip.
What is your theme song for the week?

Five Question Friday

Five question Friday is completely new to me but I found it on the wonderful blog of Mama M.

1. Do you sing karaoke? If so, what is your go to song?

I can only sing karaoke after a few drinks otherwise I am way too terrified to speak, let along sing in front of a crowd of strangers. But usually when I do sing it's with a group of my friends and we sing, something country! "Man I feel like a woman" was the latest song.

2. What is your favorite coffee drink?
I LOVE coffee. In fact I am treating myself to Starbucks today because it's Friday and it's been a long week! My favorite coffee drink is a Non Fat, Extra Hot White Mocha with Whip Cream. Yes I know the Non Fat is kinda pointless when you order whip cream but what do you do =)

3. If you could choose your own name, what would it be?
I always thought if I could choose my own name it'd be something fun, unique and different with a really short adorable nickname like Lexi or Lex.

4. Were you ever bullied?
In junior high there were a couple girls who thought they could push me around because I was a goody two shoes but as I remember it didn't last too long. I guess I wasn't much fun to bully because I don't like confrontation =/

5. How often do you eat fast food? We try to eat healthy, so we don't have fast food very often. Although Taco Bell is one of my weaknesses.

A crumpled note...

Yesterday I got to sub for my wonderful 3rd graders who I did my student teaching with. Only yesterday they weren't so wonderful =( I am not sure if they were testing me because I haven't been around in a while or if they just decided they didn't want to work or if it was just a combination of multiple things. But yesterday was not one of my best days of teaching. I was definitely not a favorite teacher yesterday and the entire class had to miss recess and do their math work because no one wanted to do it during class. However, I think the worst part of the entire day was a crumpled up piece of paper a student brought to me during math. The corner of a worksheet had been torn off and on it was written "(A student's name) is fat. (Same students name) is a pig. "
I was horrified. These are 3rd grade students, these students are 7 and 8 years old. My sweet innocent 3rd graders aren't so sweet and innocent. Unfortunately I have no idea who wrote the note and I have no idea when the note was placed on the particular students desk. Of course no one in the class would admit to having written the note. I had a LONG discussion with the class about how our classroom is like a family and you do not talk to ANYONE especially members of your family in this way.
When did it become ok for children to say such awful things to one another???

Image found here

House Additions

Ever since we put in our hardwood floors I have been wanting to purchase a rug for the family room. Today I had a lovely shopping trip with the ladies of the neighborhood and we picked out a beautiful rug.

What do you think????

My Favorite Kiddos

Unfortunately my future sister in law has strepp throat and with three kids under 3 she has little time to rest. So yesterday, I had the pleasure of spending the day with my ADORABLE future nieces. Ava, 3 and Lilah, 2 are two of the cutest children I have ever met. Since the day I met them they have both stolen a piece of my heart and I feel so lucky that I am soon going to be their "Auntie Amanda".

They cam over yesterday morning and we made homemade koolaid playdough and spent hours using cookie cutters to make various shapes and figures.
Eventually they tired of playdough but they found great enjoyment in helping me wash the cookie cutters in the warm soapy water. However somehow they managed to end up soaking wet from head to toe. With no extra outfits lying around I scrounched through my closet and put them in two of my t-shirts, that were more like dresses on the little munchins. However, as Brian and my future sister in law pointed out it's a little scary when a 2 year old can fit in your clothing =/.
After changing into dry clothing we put on Raffi music, brought back so many wonderful childhood memories, and spent the remainder of the afternoon dancing and making cookies. It was such a perfect day. Children bring so much life and joy.
What are your favorite childhood memories, songs, games?

Valentine's Weekend

This past weekend my wonderful fiancee suggested we go down to San Luis Obispo and visit my sister, Kaitlyn, you can read her blog here. We left on Friday morning and made the trek down to SLO. When we arrived on Friday we went to Happy Hour at the Cliffs, I would highly recommend it to anyone who is in the area. They have a stunning view of the ocean as well as wonderful margaritas and FREE, yes I said FREE food. After enjoying pizza and cocktails we dragged Brian to see Valentine's Day in theaters. As much as he hates to admit it he liked it =). It was very similar to Love Actually, which if you liked that you'd love Valentine's Day.
Saturday morning we woke up and ran 8 miles, we are all in the process of training for the Shamrock Half Marathon in March, we were supposed to 12 but my ankle really started bothering me so unfortunately we only squeezed in 8. After our beautiful run through the hills in SLO we explored Pismo and SLO for the remainder of the day. We were even able to have lunch as Splash, they have the world's best clam chowder.
Sunday we had what I like to refer to as my perfect Sunday morning. We went out for coffee in Avila Beach @ Joe Mamma's and sat and watched the waves crash on the sand.
It was a fantastic weekend and a great way to spend Valentine's Day. Going home was hard as it is always difficult to say goodbye but it was wonderful to spend such a peaceful weekend with the greatest sister anyone could ask for.

Wedding Updates

So I cannot believe how time is flying but our wedding will be here in just over 6 months. I cannot believe it! When we first started planning last June it seemed so very far away but like everyone has said it will be here before we know it.
My dress finally came in and I went to try it on last week accompanied by my best friend, my grandma and my mom. It is even more beautiful than I remembered. It is slightly tight around the mid section however, so I may be needed to work out a little harder as the wedding gets closer =/.
My best friend and I went to look at wedding invitations a couple of weeks ago and I absolutely fell in love with a design from the paper store so I will be ordering those later this week. I am going to be calling upon the help of all of my friends to assembly them because it is going to be quite the process but luckily I am blessed with some wonderful women in my life.
Also we decided upon a florist =)! She came highly recommended by our incredible photographers @ Ford Family Photography, check them out here. Our florist had some wonderful ideas and after spending the morning with her my mother and I knew we couldn't go with anyone else.
Next we have to order the tuxes and begin our registires. So many exciting details =)!
Planning a wedding really could be a full time job!
Any suggestions, hints or tips?!?

Inspirations...

As I was running on the tredmill, my ipod began playing a very familar song and I felt a smile instantly begin to spread across my face. The song was "You Gotta Be" by Deseree. The song has special meaning to me because my mom used to play it for us every morning before we left for school, but as a listened to it tonight I realized how truly uplifting the words are.

Take a moment and listen to the song and let the music take your mind. What's your inspirational song?

Graduation

It’s hard to even believe but after 7 years of school I will be graduating with my Masters in Education/Elementary Teaching Credential. WOW! However, although my LAST day of class is this coming Tuesday I still have quite the hefty to do list before I can apply for my credential. I am posting it here as a reminder to myself of what I need to get done within the next week, my personal goal is to be finished by this coming Friday.

My To Do List:

1. Write a 700 – 1050 word paper on an Ethical Issue within my work setting

2. Attend class Tuesday and present our Mock Action Research Paper

3. Finish & Submit TPA 3

4. Finish & Submit TPA 4

5. Finish & Submit my log of observation hours, along with signatures, descriptions and demographics.

6. Obtain & Submit my CPR certification

SO much to do SO little time! But I can do it! Right?!? =/

Shopping...

Shopping is a wonderful and terrible hobby of mine, which I never ever want to give up. However, during my student teaching, continuing into now I do not have the money I used to have to spend on clothing. So I have been trying to only buy things that are on sale.
I have done this little juggle more than a few times =/. Maybe I should become a personal shopper, than I could shop all day long but with other peoples money? Although would it be as much fun if I weren't getting anything for me?
Picture found here.

Last week at Target, I found quite a few wonderful items on clearance:

This beautiful blue sweater was on clearance for $6.24, and I justified buying it because I can wear it to work too =)

This beautiful gray sweater was on clearance for $6.24 too. I couldn't believe it. I remember seeing it for full price which was $29.99 but I just couldn't justify spending that when my closet was already full. Guess that's the benefit of wearing an extra small, sometimes they still have some left on clearance =). This is the item I was the most excited about. I have been eying this dress since it first came out in the stores but it was $39.99 and like Brian enjoys reminding me I don't NEED anymore dresses. However, finding it on clearance for $9.98 I just had to have it!

Where do you find the best deals on clothing? Any helpful hints for deals on jeans?

I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes from Sex and the City:
“Carrie: Honey, if it hurts so much, why are we going shopping?
Samantha: I have a broken toe, not a broken spirit.”

Save the Dates

FINALLY, almost all of our Save the Dates are in the mail. They were quite the process to get done. I spent hours on the phone with my mom and sister picking out the "perfect" picture and Brian came in and said no to everything we had picked out. So we started over again and ended up with the Save the Date we ordered. We only have a few left to send out because I am waiting on addresses from Brian. I can't believe the wedding is only a little over 6 months away...

P90X

I recently started a new workout regime called P90X. My future sister in law, Deeanna, mentioned a couple months back that she had bought the DVD's but with 3 kids under 3 (she is a saint of some sort, I don't know how she does it) she hasn't had much time to try them. However, the other day she called me and asked if I would want to do them with her Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 5:15 -6:15am. We started last week and let me tell you, it is a GREAT workout. I am still sore from last weeks leg workout. It also gives us some girl time every other morning to catch up on what's going on in our lives. Oh and a huge added bonus we motivate one another to get up and workout. Has anyone tried it? If you haven't you definitely should!