more.

If you sit down and have a conversation with my Mom about what I was like as a child, she may tell you that I hated when she brushed/braided/touched my hair because I thought she pulled "too hard"; or maybe she would tell you that I was obsessed with mimicking my brother's every move; but most certainly, I am sure, my Mom would tell you that I was absolutely in love with dolphins.

I'm not sure when it started or even how. As much as I hate to admit it, it could possibly have come from my mild addiction to Baywatch. I can't lie to you, I still know every word to the theme song and if you don't believe me, just ask me to pop in my soundtrack the next time you are in my car. You are in for a treat. In any case, I found a special place in my heart for dolphins and animals of all kinds.

That is why the video I stumbled across this morning hit me so hard. I understand we live in a society with HUGE issues; healthcare, budget and spending, the economy; international relations; just to name a few. But for me, those things always seem out of my hands. I live my life, day to day, as we all should. After awhile, at least in my case, you begin to feel as though you can do more. You can do more than wake up, go to work and come home at the end of the day. I can do more. And this video made me realize that.

A documentary film will be released at the end of the month that although I don't want to watch, I know I can't not watch it.


I invite you to visit the following link and watch the trailer for yourself.


Perhaps it will make you think about just what you can do. On the other hand, maybe it won't. All I really hope is that it makes you think.

life as usual.

I'm not sure if anyone else is counting the days, but Dave and I have officially been Mr. and Mrs. now for 39 days! Although we don't have a lot of candid photos, looking back all still feels like a dream. Good thing we have the marriage license to prove it really did happen!

I don't have a lot to update on quite yet. We haven't found any larger apartments in our price range. With Dave having to drive back and forth to Mayville every day, finding something a bit further "north" was what we had originally planned on but that hasn't amounted to much of anything either. Which leads me to my new slogan: take life one day at a time. They always say not to live in the future, or the past and to focus on the present but that's so much easier said than done. Fingers crossed that something comes our way!

Photos will be coming very, very soon. If only I didn't have the need to crop and edit photos - it would be much less time-consuming! But, that's the perfectionist in me. I guess you will just have to wait like we are.

Stay tuned (I mean it this time)!

whoa.

And then the wedding was 15 days away and it had been nearly three months since my last post. I will say this over and over, but no one ever has an answer for me: WHERE DOES THE TIME GO?!

Okay. So on the agenda, first and foremost is to let everyone know that today is the LAST day to make reservations at the hotels with the discounted block rate. So if you are planning to stay overnight and really kick up your heels, make sure you reserve today. My personal choice in hotel? The Candlewood. They are less expensive, have a shuttle to take you to and from the reception if you wish and it is where the gift opening will be on Sunday, if you are interested in joining us for that. Any questions, just let me know or hit up www.kindsethmoe.com

I promise I will write more later, but that is the message I want to get out at this time. Check back - I assure you there will be photos and more info to come by the time the clock strikes midnight!!

snow flies.

In case you didn't know, I was in a blizzard the past couple of days. I mostly felt and saw the effects of it yesterday, with a bit of aftermath today, but it was an experience all-around, I will say that. I had fully intended to post a photograph of my chapped, wind-burned face in addition to my pants that were able to stand completely on their own after spending over 2.5 hours digging my car out of the driveway to my apartment, but, the picture somehow got deleted off my phone and I have no proof of what I went through. I simply adore March.

One thing I would like to interject before moving forward: just when you think there are no wholesome, warm-hearted people left in the world, you are faced with something that completely changes your view. To the sweet woman who came out with her shovel and spent well over an hour and a half with me outside; to the guy who was just coming to cozy with his girlfriend who lived in my apartment and also spent a good part of his afternoon digging me out; and to the hand full of others who stopped to help, offered advice or added a couple extra hands to my car to push it out...a sincere, deep and oh so grateful THANK YOU!!

Now, I have obviously spent a great deal of time searching for shoes over the past month (or so) and I am happy, actually, exuberant, to update you all on the fact that I have indeed found a pair of shoes!! And I can't even tell you the price I got them for because I refuse to make you envious of my deal! I am THRILLED to get them in the mail...they shipped today - yippee!

I do have five others who are looking to find shoes and I promised some photos and links tonight...but my computer decided to take an hour to load one webpage therefore making a post nearly impossible. So stay tuned for many fun things tomorrow!

Also, I want you to know we are in the final stages of proofing our invitations. My dear friend Beth who moved out to Denver almost two years ago (how has it been this long?!) has been working on designing the perfect invitation for Dave and I and with a few more tweaks, I am certain we have it! You may ask why I am having someone design invitations for us who lives so far away.

Let me explain.

I have a great number of extremely talented friends - extremely talented, but from the moment I met Beth, it was as though she already knew everything about me. So, after my first date with Dave, I walked into work with a huge smile plastered on my face as Beth looks at me and says, "Just promise me I get to design your wedding invitations when you two get married." I never get sick of that story and I know I never will. So Beth, with little to no direction from Dave or myself, designed invitations that capture a simplistic elegance that I find so apparent in our relationship and is what we are striving so diligently to portray in our entire wedding. And Beth understands that...she always has, from the very beginning, which just says how true and how deep our friendship runs. I believe I am speaking for both Dave and myself when I say that absolutely nothing could make me smile more than looking at what some may consider "just a piece of paper" and knowing how much heart, compassion, talent and understanding went into every letter and every inch of the design. As I told Beth earlier today, I cannot say thank you and have it truly mean what I want it to. I find the word blessing to fit more appropriately.

Yes, it's true Beth, that used to be your desk (shared by eight other people) - GHETTO!

So, here is a sneak peek. But for the real deal, you'll probably have to wait for your mailman. Sorry, this is all you get!

yowza.

So I was just perusing (I adore this word!) through my journal, which I have kept since I was in high school, and realized that I haven't wrote in it since last March. Yep, 2008. One year ago. It kind of hurts my heart that I have strayed from my writing for so long (even though I have my blog which is kind of like an electronic journal). Anyway, I'm sure I'll think of a point to that random observation but for now, I am just going to move on.

I have just a few things to mention before I call it a night.

First of all, MY DRESS IS AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHMAZING! It is safely being kept at the Moe house since I have no space in my little apartment. No peeking!

Second of all, Dave has decided and picked out the tuxes for the wedding! It's such a relief to have that scheduled and out of the way - yippee!

Last update of the day: our website is almost complete! That is correct, we have developed a website aside from this blog. I figured since we didn't send out "Save the Date" cards, it would be a really great resource for wedding information, things going on in the area for out-of-town guests and of course the online RSVP option was a bonus too!

Oh, and if you are interested in taking a look at the website, either click here or click the title of this post to be taken there!

back on track.

Back to wedding posts! First things first...my dress is in!!! Mom is planning to come up next weekend and we will try it on for the first time...oh me oh my!

(I thought this adorable picture of Brynn was 100% fitting to use to describe my excitement - isn't she just a doll??! )

Now, with the dress ready to be picked up (and in my possession) the issue of shoes becomes a bit more pressing as no alterations can be done until the shoes are decided on. Hmmm. So I spent some time last night searching for shoes. (thanks Chmoe and G for your opinions - believe it or not, you do have one and it is held in high regard!)

I saw these fun blue shoes at the mall and snapped a photo with my phone. Kind of fun, but are they exactly what I am looking for in a wedding shoe?? I don't think so.

After some more searching and finding all sorts of shoes with price tags that seem to continue to rise the more I look, I got to thinking of an idea. Why in the world can't I order the basic shoe that I want and add details that I would like but can't find for a decent price?!

Genius! Don't ask me why it took me this long to figure out...I'm kind of ashamed of myself!

I was looking around a British site (yes, not in the U.S.) and I found a PERFECT pair of shoes. I emailed the company to find out a few more details, most importantly, if they ship to the United States. After that, I will make a decision. I'll keep you updated!

Also, I stumbled upon a website with centerpiece ideas and I absolutely LOVE this birch look and feel they have incorporated into the decorations. It makes it look so natural and simple yet elegant...I love that. Once again, it gets my head a-spinning...

a special day.

I haven't exactly been sticking to the wedding topic the past few posts. There have been a few very significant days that are more important to me than talking about some silly detail...like the anniversary of my dear fiance being brought into this world. Yep. It's Dave's birthday!


That being said, I wanted to recognize how incredibly thankful I am for that smiling face pictured above that in a few very short months, I will be able to wake up next to every morning! That thought alone is enough to make my heart skip a beat. I simply cannot wait!

I know Dave's birthday usually come at the end of each basketball season which usually puts game time or practice time above celebrating his special day. Once again this year, that same fact is true. But I want him (and everyone, everywhere!) to know how very special this day is; whether you have met him once or known him your whole life, there aren't enough words in this world to desribe how incredible he is.

So although the situation isn't ideal, I have been celebrating every minute of today for YOU...my one true love and one and only...HAPPY BIRTHDAY my incredible husband-to-be!

today.

Today, February 19th, is my big brother Jeremy's birthday!

(Jer at the top of the Canyon...before we started hiking)

It's so hard for me to think about how long it's been since I last saw his face or the last time I heard his laugh. It's those little things that I miss the most. Although Chile doesn't seem that far away, the distance has made a tremendous impact.

(Jer, Mom and I sitting down for a short break; well-deserved AND needed!)

I was just remembering back to one of our last "family vacations" we took together. Mom and I flew out to Arizona to help him finish up on the house he had moved into in Tucson. To this day, I can't help but wonder how one person could be so intelligent and talented but seeing the work he did on this house would have made anyone inspired. During that time, we went to visit the Grand Canyon and it was one of the most magnificent things I have ever seen. We hiked down into the canyon on a rustic trail we thought would be a good idea. On that very day (due to my own lack of physical fitness), I truly believed I was going to get stuck in the Canyon; and by stuck I mean unable to physically push myself past my limits to climb out.

Scary? Yes.

Surreal? Yes.

Weak? Oh my YES!!

But we made it!

(Jer in the Canyon; as usual, no fear whatsoever)

(Getting a better glimpse from the edge)

Anyway, I stumbled on a few of the pictures we had taken while we were there and wanted to share some of my brother on his special day! I wish you all the happiness one day can possibly bring to one person and wish I could spend this day with you.

Happy Birthday Big Brother!

(I know you have to look close, but that "speck" on the protruding white rock is actully my brother; he climbed over an outlook at the top of the Canyon and I think many of the tourists thought he was going to jump off the rock into the plummeting Canyon as he was hurling himself down there. Entertaining and yet scary. Again, no fear!)

UP. date.

I started a countdown of wedding days about a month and a half ago. I used to use a timeline of months which allowed me to believe we still had LOTS of time to decide on things. But once you start using days, it really puts things into perspective. For instance, observe the following:

"We are getting married in about four months."

this message = plenty of time.

"We are getting married in 110 days."

this message = a lot less time.

Do you see the difference?

(reality check: we are getting married in 110 days; not just a random number)

I think it's kind of humorous. It's not the fact that I am panicked about the time frame by any means; it just means we have to start making final decisions and I don't feel I have shopped around enough to do that! In fact, my Mom who is so great at keeping me on task, finally looked at me last weekend and said, "you really do need to make up your mind..." Isn't it funny how your Mom is almost always right??

Well, in any case. Here is a little update. I got the ring situation figured out and Dave's ring is currently on layaway. Hip-hip...Hooray! It's classy yet simple and I know it is going to fit his personality perfectly. I think that is why I had a difficult time finding the right ring for him. I wanted this to not only be a symbol of my neverending, head-over-heels love for him but also who he is as a person. You'll have to tell me how I did once you see the ring. Of course I can't post that here...that would make it too easy.

Also, I stumbled upon this cute little blog site tonight as I was searching (yes, again) for shoes. Not a hard search, just browsing to see if I've missed anything in my past 83 searches (did you know Cole Haan has designed shoes with the Nike Air technology? I was totally intrigued until I saw the $400 price tag. I still want to try those things on...). I came upon this and created my own little kissing tree. Isn't it cute??!

(It says "sheena hearts dave" in the heart on the tree)

I'm kind of sleepy...so I guess I need to break the update into two different parts. That's okay though, I will fill you in on more details tomorrow.

long time coming.

Dave's birthday is right around the corner...literally. And since we are saving every last penny that we possibly can, I can't afford to get him what I really want to. At least not this year. So I am keeping my fingers crossed that the opportunity will arise again...I mean, this idea is so good that if there were even a slight chance (which I know there isn't), of him falling out of love with me, this would seal the deal for GOOD! I know, I know...you are all CRAZY with anticipation about this "perfect" gift but guess what? I can't tell you.

Let's keep going, shall we? Okay then. I have been perusing various jewelry stores trying to find a ring that "fits" Dave. No, not his finger. His personality! And I found the perfect one at the same store he bought my ring at...but there is a problem. Both of the sales guys I was working with over the past couple months suddenly don't work there anymore. Color me bewildered. And I have to be honest...I don't care for any of the other people there except the owner. Dilemma.

So while I figure this out, I decided I absolutely had to devote a blog to ugly rings I have seen. I am warning you now, if you own a ring, have bought a ring, or know someone who wears a ring like the ones I am about to post...well, I would apologize but I can't because it is merely my taste doing the typing. Consider yourself warned and hopefully entertained!

Okay, so you are marrying a man. Congratulations, me too! But is it really necessary to purchase a ring that looks like a bunch of bolts glued together? I know there is something to be said about being "manly" but this might take it a bit too far. Ick. *

Hi, my name is gaudy and we've never met. $2,000 for this? It's a combination of "I always wanted a class ring" and "I believe the bigger the ring, the more money it appears I have." *

This ring speaks a lot of words. Wow. I guess if you'd rather say "you are an emperor, rule over all the land!" than "I am so madly in love with you and this is a symbol of that love," this is definitely the ring for you! *

One more thing before I end this...you may be wondering what Dave's birthday has to do with all the "bashing of the rings." Well...it just so happens that he may be getting a wedding band for his birthday! Talk about original, eh?

* Disclaimer: none of these rings have been, nor will they ever be purchased in my lifetime.

quotable quote.

At the end of the day, whether it was up or it was down, I find comfort in several things. One of those things, is a quick email from a friend, even if it only takes me five seconds to read, it puts a smile on my face. Today was one of those days - as I was packing up and shutting my overworked computer down for the day, I received an email from my dear Missy Dale, an old co-worker, who always has a good quote up her sleeve for honestly, pretty much any situation. Here is the quote she sent today...I heart it.

shout. out.

I just wanted to send out a special THANK YOU to Jane, again, who not only got me started on this blog idea but also inspires me in the whole blog world. I recently changed my layout, much thanks to a site I saw on Jane's blog and am loving the look. I just wanted to give her some credit...and think you should all pay her blog a visit and see how adorable her two little girls are. Such sweeties!!

So here it is...my shout out:
Shout. Out. To. Jane. Thanks!

soul searching.

So my title might be just slightly dramatic. Just a teeny bit. So anyway, I decided to get creative in this blog post. And by creative, I mean I simply borrowed some incredibly artistic photos taken by none other than, my photographer extraordinaire, Eden Photography (click here). Brace yourselves folks, it's an original blog picture story!

Once upon a time...hmmm...well, that might be overdone. Let's see. I'll try a different angle. Here is my story on what has been happening lately both for real and simply in my mind!

Spring is just around the corner...I mean if you think about it, by next weekend, February is already half over (how is that for perspective?). The weather last weekend, although a tad on the windy side, was enough to send me head first into: SPRING FEVER!

Along with Spring comes...flowers! And flower choices. Since we are doing real flowers for the bouquets, corsages/boots (as I like to call a boutonniere because it makes more sense), I met with a couple different florists last week. Since I judge my experience primarily on customer service, hands down Designs by Becky won me over (but I suppose I should wait to get an actual quote). I had pretty much everything figured out in my head as to what would look best and what I have always wanted (don't worry, Dave did have a say in this...yes or no and he of course, had the right answer!) but after looking at the hundreds of different flower varieties...a small cloud of doubt rolled in and clouded my train of thought. Three hours later...I had a solid grasp as to what would probably be a final decision.

Simplistic and Plain?

Elegant?

Or Extravagant?

I like to keep you guessing...the possibilities are endless (truly!)


Moving on...the bridesmaid dresses have officially been ordered and will arrive on or before April 15th!!!

(this is my happy dance - yes, I am fully aware that there is no snow in this picture)

And on another note...my very own, gorgeous gown will be here in about a week and a half. It has passed through customs and now has to make the final leg of its journey to Fargo, North Dakota where it will soon be in my possession!

(this was my initial reaction...disbelief/shock/astonishment)

But now everything is coming together so well that I can't help but smile...just like this adorable little fellow. Only four months left...woot!

Here ends the story. I think it's sleepy time now. Abrupt ending, perhaps, but that just means you have to keep checking back to find out more. Like I said before, I like to keep you guessing...each and every one of you! Sweet dreams.

frugality. psht.

I'm sure most of you take one look at my blog and say to yourselves, "like I have time to read this...where are the pictures?" Hmmm. Good question. I am really lacking on the picture side of things, but totally going overboard on the words. I hope you can deal with it. Just like my random postings that I would love to do every day but somehow manage not to...

Anyway, on my quest for shoes (so Dave is more than a foot taller than me...and apparently my Mom won't let me get married in bare feet) has turned rather fruitless. Strappy this, shiny that...sequins here and rhinestones there. I have one word for you: cheesy. Not to be picky but if I am going to pay for shoes to be on my feet, I want something classy, classic and beautiful...with just a slight vintage touch and a simple, natural look. What? Too picky?

Well, much to my surprise, I came across a shoe that not only took my breath away but also stopped me on my mad search for shoes...that is until I saw the price tag. What can I say, Dave, you are marrying a woman with excellent taste!

Seriously. How good would my foot look in that shoe? Sigh. With the price tag attached, however, I better keep searching. And while I search, I am going to pout, just because I can.
(how did I do? a little shorter and a picture...I'm practically a pro!)

banana.

I had a conversation/photo exchange/compliment session over email today with a client I have been working with on an upcoming project. I sent her the link to this blog today, so if this incredibly wonderful but insanely busy woman ever stops by, I hope she knows I am talking about her!

Anyway, after exchanging just a few words with her, it made me stop for just a brief moment and think to myself how incredibly blessed I am. This is something that I am fully aware of on a day-to-day basis and something I truly never forget, but there are those little moments and exchanges that really make you stop and just say out loud to yourself, "I am one incredibly lucky person."

I have a Mother who has given everything she has just to pave the way for success for her children, and to her I will forever be eternally grateful. She taught me; I learned. She loved me; I loved back. She let me learn from my own mistakes; I fell and she helped me pick up the pieces. She supported me; I gained insight to her immeasurable strength and applied it.

I have Friends who no matter what, never cease to amaze me by their continued love and kindness. To have those people that you can turn to in any situation and know that they will be there to punch someone in the face for you or just let you use their shirt for a kleenex; that is an incredibly humbling thought and one that I am so grateful for.

I have a Family that I am marrying into that not only accepts me, but welcomes not only me, but my Mother as well with open arms. It is a dream I have always had, to have those two families come together as one and I see that dream lies before me. Words cannot explain how wonderful that truly is.

I have a Fiance who somehow manages to make me fall deeper and deeper in love with him on a daily basis. He is a source of laughter, a comforting voice, a smile on my face, and the breath from my mouth. Every day I am reminded how truly amazing God is and how he brought us together and it brings in me a feeling that I can't possibly put into words. I cannot tell you how much, I cannot tell you why and I cannot tell you how - but it is a feeling that I wish upon every single person in this world.

I apologize for getting sappy. Let's mix things up a bit. I met with Bethy tonight (our photographer) and instantly became an adoring fan of hers. She is so beautiful, so sincere and so passionate...after meeting with her I just wanted to jump up and down. Literally. I just cannot wait!

Also, I will have you know that I baked some banana crumble muffins tonight for my turn at "treat day" at work tomorrow. My apartment smells like heaven. Just a little FYI for you all. More tomorrow...

sugar.

It's been too long since my last post; no excuses but it truly has been crazy busy with the holidays among other things. I'm sure none of you missed me too much, but for those of you that actually do read this, I apologize!

This past weekend, as I sat in front of Dave's television (which remarkably gets cable channels unlike my own) I stumbled upon the most remarkable show. It's called Amazing Wedding Cakes on the WE channel. It follows three different high-end cake designers in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York as they work with clients and develop the most amazing wedding cakes (funny...how ever did they come up with the name for the show??)

After watching four hours of this show (in a row), I came to the following conclusions:

1. It is a blessing that I do not have cable. Yes, a blessing. There are a plethora of wedding shows on television. Seriously. If I had access to those shows in addition to the endless sources on the internet, I think my head would explode.

2. I had no idea just how complicated and intriguing baking wedding cakes truly was. Wow. That is all I can say.

3. There are a lot of shows about weddings on television. Yes, the word plethora is used again. And for good reason.

The Cake Girls out of Chicago are by far my favorite artists to watch (the images above are also some classic examples of their work). From concept to sketch to finish, it is incredibly difficult to take your eyes off of their every move (you can even ask Dave, he watched two hours with me and actually enjoyed it!). Check out their website here. I dare you to not be impressed.