It is hard for me to believe this, even as I type it – I am moving. Again. Why oh why do I move every $@#%ing year!?! Since moving back to Cincinnati in 2004, after a brief post-college stint living at mom’s house, this will be the 4th place I’ve lived (not counting Casey’s house, where I might as well have lived). However, Casey and I, after much deliberation, decided that our current house was no longer working for us. Aside from the fact that we love it’s great location, and the fact that we have great friends living several doors away, there were too many other negatives that were eventually going to have to be dealt with. So for the past few months, I’ve done my daily Craigslist rental searches, made phone calls, looked at ugly houses, etc.. We didn’t want to move for just any house – we’ve been waiting to find a house with at least the following requirements:

- fully fenced dogs-will-not-escape backyard
- driveway and/or garage
- extra bathroom
- nice kitchen
- central air-conditioning

Finally the search has come to an end. Aside from the fact that I hate moving, I am very excited about our new house! It has 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, a strong fence, 2 car garage, and much much more. And it’s less than a mile away from our current house, which Lindsey so kindly mapped out for me as reassurance that I could handle this transition away from being her neighbor. So begins the next few weeks and of boxes and chaos and disorder. I am determined that this new house will be spotless and organized come hell or highwater (or doggie bootcamp).

One of the things I’m most nervous about is seeing what the dogs think of the new digs. Sounds silly, but I really want them to be happy too. Especially Huey – he’s moved so many times in his short life. He deserves some stability! The new yard has less grass, but I think they will like the driveway and the firepit area, and we will like the fact that they aren’t running away once a week (like they are now!).

Still not quite sure when moving day is – either August 1st or 15th. Who wants to help us move, any takers?!? :)

Last but certainly not least, a blogger birthday shoutout to Knit One, Purl Too’s own Mary Ann, who turns 27 today. MA*, I wish I was going to be on your doorstep wearing a big red bow tonight, but since finances do not allow, I’ll be calling you from the lawn at Riverbend instead. Brad and I will both miss your boot-scootin self. Happy Birthday, lady!

What a weekend! It is offical – Liz is married! Thursday and Friday were some of the most fun times I’ve had in a long time. I am so happy for Liz and Eldrich, and they seemed so happy and in love. Friday during the day, all the bridesmaids hung out at Liz’s parents house while we got our hair done, did makeup, watched movies, etc. Once we got to the church I was super nervous. Not having ever been even been a bridesmaid before, I had my work cut out for me as the maid of honor! The wedding was beautiful and everything went as planned. Liz was such a beautiful bride. Here is a picture of us at the reception:

The reception was a lot of fun, and I almost made it through my speech without crying. Liz seemed so happy – I never wanted the night to end! Here is another picture of the Holcombe fam enjoying the reception:

I can’t believe the wedding is over! I’ve been so focused on Liz’s wedding for so long – it’s probably time to start digging into the planning on my own. I’ve looked at a million websites and magazines, and my mom has sent me insane amounts of ideas, but I haven’t actually made any real decisions on anything. Here is the list of next steps we need to take:

1. Book a caterer. So far we have one quote (that Casey wasn’t happy with) so we probably need to get a few others.
2. Talk to a florist. We need to find someone to do just our bouquets, corsages, etc., as we are going to try to handle tables on our own.
3. Find a wedding photographer. While we can’t afford super expensive photography, I’d still like to have some professional pictures to capture our day. Neither one of us is really into all the lined up and cheesy posed photos, but we would like to have some of the photo-journalistic, more “candid” pictures of our day. No engagement pictures either, sorry folks.
4. Figure out music. There is a lot of hype around the “be your own dj” iPod idea, but I’d like to see it successfully done before I can commit. I can see it being a huge money-saver though. Especially since I’m such a huge control freak – we definitely want to choose our own music.
5. Shop for a dress! This needs to happen relatively soon. My goal is to feel ready and willing by the end of summer. I need to save up a bit more money and lose a few more pounds first…

And many, many more. There is so much to DO! Any ideas and suggestions are welcomed. I will keep the blog audience posted as decisions are made and deposits are written!