The beans are spilled, I'm officially Mrs. Big Dog

So, I've been a little MIA because I just couldn't think or write a word without spilling the beans.

You see, when Mr. Big Dog asked me for forever, I screamed YES from the rooftop. Yes to being with him for all my life and yes to being is other half. But the more we talked wedding plans, the more my stomach knotted and all plans seemed overwhelming and expensive. Not to mention all for show, and not really for us. Don't get me wrong I love a beautiful wedding, (hell I've had one and so had he) but I don't necessarily like being the center of attention with planning and then the build up of it all. And Mr. Big Dog had the same feelings. We wanted our marriage beginning to be just about that, marriage and forever. We thought why not make a fun memory to boot? We wanted to be married, but not so keen on putting on a big show for it with months of planning and cash.

So after talking and lots of back and forth a plan was devised.

What if we planned something but didn't tell the guests? What if we could have our cake and eat it too? Not an elopement but also not something everyone knew about?

IT WOULD BE AWESOME.....so we started to plan and scheme.

We wanted it very small and intimate with all the closest people in our lives possible attending. Knowing that it would not be possible for everyone to attend that we would love to have there in our perfect fantasy celebration and still keep the secret part (sorry to those of you out there, but know we would have had everyone possible if you lived nearby, were here on the exact date, and could have been fooled into attending).

We knew it may not go over well for everyone, but we were willing to take the chance. Take a chance and hopefully have a fun surprise for everyone:)

We told white lies to everyone. All the family was cohered to thinking it was "just" a family dinner for both sides to meet and get to know one another. Others thought it was a surprise party for my mom turning double nickels. And even some thought it was a charity fundraiser for my sister's African cause with an auction planned.

We hated all the white lies and even started to get confused ourselves, and as the date grew closer and closer we avoided people more and more as to not let on what we were really doing.

So on December 17th, 2011 we said I DO with our family, some close friends and beautiful Multanomah Falls in the backdrop.

The looks on every one's face was priceless, we got our cake and ate it too, and I am now a wife to I think possibly the best man on the planet (sorry ladies he's now mine:) ).

I will have pictures very soon from our photographer and maybe even a knew banner in the works too.

More to come, but I had to let you all in on where I've been:)

P.S My mom's face was the best!!!

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Up with the moon

We have been so busy around our house. I was working consecutive days up until Friday and Mr. Big Dog was out of town twice in the past week. The dogs even seem confused as to if we are coming or going lately.

This weekend I got our house Christmas-fied for our first real Christmas together and I must say between my mom's creative assistance and my sister lending me some of the extra decorations she didn't want to use this year, our house is almost magazine worthy;) More pics later:)

Growing up, my mom always decorated to the nines for Christmas. I remember at least one Christmas with a tree in every room of the house. And I just love having a little bit of Christmas everywhere. From the family room to the bathroom, just a little here and there.

I've said it before but I love how my mom, sissy and I can trade decorations or home decor items back and forth. It's usually just a passing "hey I'm over that chair....you want it?" or "I am doing gold this Christmas, you have anything?" I'm telling you it is the cheapest best way to hoard things but also not just buy new stuff every year. I think I spend a total of $40 on new decorations (which is cheap for how much extra I really needed with the increase in house size). And then of course one of my besties beef cake husband is selling his Christmas trees again;) So we did make a donation (way less than they were worth) for our beautiful trees, he just wouldn't take more $$$ but I did try. A chunk of the money goes to charity and they are beautiful trees all the way from Seaside, OR via the beef cake:)

So my schedule's been full, my life's been hectic, and I have not been breathing much. I got a reminder this early morning of the need to slow down and enjoy. I woke up the other night with an achy head at 2 am. Sometimes I think god is just giving me a little nudge with the achy head. Like "hey, hey you, you need to slow down....you need to breathe, and you need to take care of yourself. Oh and by the way, in case I was a little harsh waking you up:( I put a big full moon out for you to enjoy;)"

And the moon was beautiful. Full and bright, lighting up everything outside. Like a watchdog over everyone, and so constant. You know it will be almost gone, then back in full force. I never did learn the moon cycle but maybe this week I'll will. I do know it is ever changing, but always around. Which is a really nice thing if you think about it.

Hope you are all getting ready for Christmas out there:)

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