Kevin's Birthday...

...was in February. But we just got done celebrating this past weekend! His favorite restaurant is Outback Steakhouse, but every single time we go there the wait is more than 2 hours and we just simply refuse to wait.

So, 4 months late, Happy Birthday to the love of my life. I can't wait to marry you this weekend! :)

Feeling accomplished

Well, 'tis the season for checking things off my to-do list!

It seems nearly impossible that in 2 short weeks I will be done with another school year and getting married!

Last week, I finished my grad classes of the semester with 2 A's. I have very much enjoyed my graduate work, but the timing hasn't exactly been perfect. I have quite a lot on my plate these days, so it has been difficult to devote the attention needed to my classes and homework. I often find myself spending lunch periods or other inconvenient times working on homework or projects - but I can say with certainty that it has been more than worthwhile. I am highly relieved that I have one year down and only one to go until graduation!

Additionally, last week I completed my Professional Development review with my principal. Each year, I have to create a plan for how I will improve my teaching, log weekly how I am working on that goal, keep data on how my goal is improving student achievement, and then put all of this together for an end-of-the-year review which is then submitted. It is quite a bit of busy work, and I am ultra-relieved that it's D.O.N.E.! :)

And probably most exciting of all, the wedding is just 19 short days away and almost everything is done. My best friend Jamie, my mom, and I spent our Friday night watching Girl Meets Gown while folding programs, measuring birdseed for the center pieces, getting other decorations ready, & placing stickers on the wedding favors - I left feeling much better about my to-do list. The RSVP deadline is this Friday, so the end is definitely near! It seems crazy how quickly time has flown. We got engaged 10 months ago tomorrow and it seems like just yesterday.

Everyone keeps telling me to take all of this in - and I am - but a part of me ((a HUGE part of me)) is ready for this phase to be over so I can enjoy being married, get my life back in order, and take a huge breath. of. relief.

More to come soon on my bridal showers, the bachelorette party, and the final days of my school year.

Lots of Love,
Katie :)

Easter Preparations

Our family enjoyed coloring Easter eggs tonight! Somehow this simple tradition turned into coloring one of Kaitlyn's shirts...

With this ring...

Kevin and I thought it would be nice to involve Kaitlyn further in our wedding by allowing her to have a ring to symbolize what a special day this will be for our family. She has an absolute blast going through our jewelry store and having our favorite jeweler, Kristin, give her some undivided attention. She had many rings on and off her precious little hand that day - and spent nearly an hour narrowing down her selection. After much thought, she finally decided on a very special ring that she will cherish forever.

R

So it's been a big inside joke in ouR family Recently that I think it would be gReat to have R's spRinkled thRoughout ouR Reception - because on June 5th, R will be the beginning of my new last name!!

Man, was I showeRed with R's foR ChRistmas and my biRthday in December!! They aRe all oveR my house!

We aRe up to ouR eaRs in R's...! :)

Look what arrived this week...

It's really and truly happening. For some reason, it's really hit me this past week. Everything is coming together and I'm really getting married in 102 days. Wow.

My Favorite Boys

Last week I had the day off school to celebrate President's Day. We decided to use our afternoon to choose our tuxes - and we took my nephew Sam with us. I am telling you, that child is SO excited!!

He was so still while she was measuring him :)
"Tante, take my picture!! I'm so handsom in this suit!" Yes, Sam Michael, you certainly are!

"Tante, this isn't my real tuxedo right? Cuz it doesn't really fit right." "No Sam, for the 10th time, this is not your real tux - they will get another one that fits you just right." "Then this is just so you can take pictures to send to my mom to scrapbook?" "Yes, Sam, that is exactly right. Good listening."

Ah, what a day. :)