ONE YEAR

ONE YEAR!!!!!!




366 days!!!!!


(I'm know I'm not a math whiz but we, of course, picked a LEAP YEAR to get married.  Yay extra planning time...or not!?!???)

YAY for 2012!!

I also want to say thank you to all the wonderful people out there that have helped us this last year with all the planning we have gotten done so far.  It's been a fabulous year and we could not have done it without your help, love, and support.

That includes you, dear reader!! Thank you for listening to me vent, whine, and wax poetic about tulle, shells, and just the right shade of teal. Thank you for all your kind words and comments on posts and for the wonderful friendships that I've been able to start through the great big wide world of blogging. 

 

Ups and Downs

I'm back.  I know I said it would be only a week...well life happens.

We had a tragic event at the school where I work and the past two weeks have been so hard to emotionally process. 

With that said, the SandyToes household is closely approaching ONE YEAR!  Ahhhhh.  It's crazy to think that MORE than a year has done and gone by in this waiting game.

To help us get in the spirit of the wedding Mr. ST and I have signed up for Weight Watchers together.  I was very successful at it before about 3 years ago.  We all know about the hip injury and how it still plagues me to no end.  I'm going to try going to the gym nice and steady for a few days a week to get back in the swing of things.  Being around skinny, tiny, thin high school students certainly can make you aware of your own size! lol.

My starting weight is 167 pounds.  I am in no way proud of that.  I am aware that I put most of it on during the last year I was unemployed.  I emotionally ate ALL THE TIME. I'm all set to go to my first meeting tomorrow.  I'm going to try a few out to see which "leader" I mesh with the best.  I'm also going to have to FORCE myself to fit in gym time.

My schedule most days is: up at 4:30 am, shower, get dressed, and out of the house by 5:50.
Work (school) 6:30-4ish  - if there aren't any SGA/Sports events
4:30-5ish  - grading and making dinner
6:-6:30 ish dinner with Mr. ST.
7:30 ish - finish up grading/planning for the next day
9:00 - 10:00 - pass out from exhaustion.
* I have 'hall duty'  at the end of the day and I've been trying to walk the entire 45 minute period - but it can be hard because I'm still 'working' and can get called to do other things.

I need to find gym time.  Do you have any suggestions?  How have you managed to squeeze it in?  Any sneaky way for me to add more to my day? 

Miss you!

It's been about two weeks since I last posted.  It's also been a bit over a week since school started.  PHEW.  Life has been exhausting, but fantastic and amazing. 

I've been slowly reading all of your posts out there - promise!  I can't keep up with the commenting if I want to read them all, but know that I'm still so happy to read about your lives and what you have been up to in the last two weeks.

I just wanted to say hello and that I miss you all and I miss blogging.  I'll be back hopefully next week to share all that wedding nonsense and craftiness going on in the Sandy Toes household. 

Happy Planning and Crafting!!!

Phinally a Photograper

PHINALLY we have a PHOTOGRAPHER!!!

Mr. ST and I met with another photographer, Dan, from Inlight Studios.  He was meeting us for a "dinner meeting" at the local Atlanta Bread.  I was excited about getting a soup and sandwich combo let alone getting to meet with an other photographer!!  You know you love those artisan meals too.

Anyway - We were a few minutes early for the meeting, and much to the JOY of Mr. ST Dan was already there!  I'm pretty sure Mr. ST would have hugged him for being earlier than us.  Punctuality is a big thing for Mr. St - which is hilarious because I'm NEVER on time.  haha.

We sat down and got started with the meeting right away.  From the first moment Dan started talking we were all very comfortable.  He was honest, funny, and had an answer for all my crazy, neurotic bride questions - "What happens if we have a major natural disaster and you get stuck in your house because of a giant tree that fell and your car was crushed by a crane trying to get the tree off your house, who will come to my wedding then?????"  Seriously the question I asked.  lol. Dan was relaxed and it made Mr. ST relaxed so he actually asked questions and was involved. 

We finally went and got some GREAT food.  I wanted to book Dan right then and there.  I kept looking at Mr. ST trying to send him messages with my mind that I was SUPER happy and wanted to book RIGHT NOW.  I guess my Jedi mind tricks need practice because Mr. ST didn't get it.  At ALL.  We finished eating and left. 

I wanted to see what Mr. ST thought before I waxed poetic.  I waited and waited....and waited.  He finally said, "I like him." 

That's it?????  I could hold it in no longer and let it alllll out.  I wanted to book right then.  We went home and discussed a bit more and decided we were happy and would book the following day.

SOOOOOOOOOOO - Photographer is finally on the DONE list.  YAY!!!  This is something that was very stressful for me and I wanted to book sooner rather than later.  I am SO glad it is done.

What was the ONE vendor you wanted booked right away?  Which vendor did you stress over the most?

Time flies

So last I left you, it was our engage-iversary.  I had planned to make mini burritos for a late snack when Mr. ST got home. Well, during the day the doorbell rang - I had a delivery!

You can't see the card very well, but it says: "Thanks for saying YES"  - made my heart melt.  LOVE HIM.

They are sooooo pretty.  And I'm not a huge flower person either, but I loooove them.  And a week later and they still look the same.  The secret?  Change the water every two days and add a bit of sugar.  Keeps the flowers looking AMAZING. :-)

This last week was busy with last minute preparations for BFF and MOH NM's suprise baby shower.  I made the 40+ cupcake display.  It was hard work - especially hiding it all from her! I'll have a post about more of the fabulous baby things later. ;-)

Even one of the dogs got in on the fun. He is a silllly puppy wearing the soon to be here baby SM's tutu.  He did kinda like wearing it.  haha.  

 He's also here to help me share a VERY big surprise that I've been DYING TO SHARE WITH YOU!!!

I GOT A JOB!!! 

 I'll be starting a full-time job for this coming school year.  I am beyond excited and nervous and everything else in between.  It's been an AMAZING week so far.  So I appologize now if the blog posts are few in the next few weeks - I'll be starting a new job, in a new district with alllll new curriculum - so it's going to be a big adjustment. It's so nice to know I won't be on unemployment any longer, and the most important thing: it's going to make wedding planning JUST a tad bit more fun because money won't be as big ( but still a tiny bit) of a worry now. :-) Hope everyone else is enjoying the end of summer!

Engage-iversary = Wood

365 days ago, Mr. ST came home from work and asked me to marry him while I was making a burrito. 


It's been a fabulous year of planning, fighting, learning, growing, and falling more in love with each other.  We don't have any super special plans and Mr. ST is stuck at work late for some training and won't be home till after 8 pm tonight.  I am going to make us some small burrito snack tonight to celebrate. :-)  BUT he has an extra day off this weekend, so we'll be spending it doing some major yard work.  haha.  Ya us!

I did get a surprise "gift" today.  When I got up, THIS was in my backyard:

See that shed?  It was just built.  I had asked the builder if I could have the scraps of wood he would normally throw away - I explained I craft and could use them for cakes, diaper cakes, crafting in general - He was happy to oblige when the job was done. YAY FREE WOOD!!!

These are two of the largest sheets of ply-wood.  You can see they are as tall as my kitchen table.

More ply-wood!  It's various shapes and sizes. 

I cannot wait to turn these into letters, signs, gifts, etc.  That pile is about three feet high too. YAY!!

And last, the ply-wood scraps - but most are still very large pieces.  SO excited to think of all the FABULOUS-NESS that can be made.  Mr. ST can't be mad because this was all FREE!  I looooove free crafting supplies!



Did you have an Engage-iversary?  How did you spend it?  Any ideas for me to surprise Mr. ST??

Photography Phrustations Part 2

Mr. ST and I met with a photographer.  She was recommended to us by BM TBG.  PhotogR was the photographer at TBG's wedding back in April.  I knew I liked PhotogR's style of photography so I emailed her to set up an appointment.

Several emails later we settled on a date, place, and time.  We would be meeting off the Parkway (major highway in Jersey) about half-way between our respective places.  No worries - Starbucks means I get to appease my major coffee fix. 

Mr. ST and I left with a small cushion in case we got lost.  We arrived about 10 minutes ahead of schedule.  No big deal.  We checked out the place, didn't see PhotogR, so we got breakfast and coffee and waited. 

Then we waited some more. 

Finally, 13 minutes late (yes, 13, Mr. ST kept track), PhotogR came in to Starbucks.  She threw her multiple bags down, made a small introduction, then ran over to the counter for a coffee.  I could sense that Mr. ST was not a happy Groomzilla. 

I smoothed out my sundress and waited with a smile.  I'm willing to let people be late because they were lost, it's not a great impression and something I won't forget, but I understand that it was a new location for both parties.  PhotogR comes back to our table, pulls out a few sample albums, and begins to chat with us about album options, pricing, and shows us all these album cover options.

Hold on just a minute.  When the multitude of emails went around, I had expressed that Mr. ST and I were interested in services for the day - that albums would come later - we didn't need to hear those options first. But she kept going.  And going.  I politely reminded her we were not interested in albums up front, but were glad to see her work.  I also reminded her that we had seen her first hand in action.  She continued to show us more album options.  After reminding her three times that we could discuss it later I could REALLY tell that Mr. ST was no longer interested. 

I asked all my usual questions and I did like her personality.  It would be an interesting discussion on the way home.  We finished up the meeting and got back in the car.  Neither one of us said anything for a while.  I could tell how Mr. ST felt about her, so I asked.   He didn't like that she was late with not phone call, he didn't like that she didn't listen to what we wanted, that she was "scattered brained" with all her things. 

He was right.  So we went home, I sent an email thanking her, and told her we would be in touch. 

We've got ONE MORE appointment made.  I've gotten a few more numbers and will contact that if need be.  I've got my fingers crossed this next one will work out!!

Did you have a hard time when you interviewed vendors?  Were you able to choose the first one you met with?  Any advice for helping us decide?

Whaaat a Weekend

It was a busy one again in the ST. House.  Mr. ST and I are still slowly working on the invites - cut, fold, crease, cut, fold, crease, cut, fold, crease.  It makes my fingers tired just writing it again.  I know these will be well worth it.  They are what we want and we are VERY happy with them.  We have the time - we are going to take advantage of it!

Bridesmaid TBG stopped by on Saturday night to help our with the Cut, Fold, Crease Routine.  We got about 50 pocketfolds done - we also gabbed away for several hours so that's a big accomplishment for us.

I made another crayon monogram for a baby shower.  I love making them.  If any of you lovely readers out there want one - I'd be happy to discuss it with you! Send me an email!

There was beautiful sunset that I saw while walking in the park.

For a SNEAK PEAK -

This Giant 2' x 4 ' canvas is getting a make-over.  I found it in the thrift store for only $3.00.  SCORE!

I also want to reach out to any of you crafty ladies (gentlemen?) out there!  A very good Blogging friend, Kira from Her New Leaf is hosting a Craft Challenge!!!  She did another one a while back back and I was SO jealous because I wanted to join in the fun.  So go check this out and send her an email to join !!!


Finally, something to share - I received an email from Diane @ Simply Bridal - an online dress store.
Simply Bridal is an online wedding dress store, selling 100% handmade, customized to fit dresses. They're giving away a free wedding dress every day for a month!

Promotion Details:
-  Enter in Simply Bridal's DAILY Dress Giveaway from Aug 8 - Sept 8 HERE
-  Tell us your Name, Email Address, and Zip Code to Enter - That's All!
-  No purchase is necessary to enter our giveaway!
- Don't forget to 'like' the Facebook page so that you can see who won each week.
More details about our promotion can be found in this press release:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/08/02/prweb8688796.DTL

I just wanted to share - I'm going to enter, see what happens.  I'm not being paid for sharing that or getting any compensation for it - I just wanted to see if I could help someone I know win a dress!!

How was your weekend?  Were you busy?  Did you get to relax?  We've got another craft day coming up this week! 

Oh no! Missing Invitations...

Alternate title:  Why Mr. ST is so amazing and surprises me daily.

Don't get me wrong, the invitations are not here.  They are not in our house.  They aren't exactly "missing" either.  Mr. ST and I labored over cutting again last night.  I am up to about 20 pocketfolds an hour - using only scissors.  The to-be-cut piles still looked so large!  I was grumbling about it when we went to bed last night.

When I woke up this morning - the GIANT paper cutter and all the invitation envelopes were missing! Of course the stinkin' pocketfolds were still on the table.  Evil thieves took the easy part and left me the tough job!!! ARHG!

YES!! These giant manila envelopes were all missing. 

I texted Mr. ST  - he explained that he took them to work with him.  phhhheeeewww - SAY WHAT?!?!.   He is working a double, then is off for 12, then on again for 16.  During some of his downtime he said he would set himself up to get more of the cutting done.  Yes, you read that right ladies.  He voluntarily took the paper cutter and bulging manila envelopes to cut more items for us.

Sometimes, when I least expect it he surprises me in the most wonderful ways!! Now if I could only get him to be eager to cut the pocketfolds too.... ;-)

See - how can you NOT love that face?!?!?!  Has your groom surprised you and taken responsibility of any tasks?


Welcome to all the new Weddingbee readers too!! If I'm not following your blog make sure you leave it in the comments so I know to go there!

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not forget to go comment on this link for us.  We are still in the contest and need more comments!  PLEASE!!!! Mr. ST and I appreciate it!! :-)

Slow and Steady Wins the Invitation Race

Mr. ST got all the invites, inserts, tags, and pocketfolds printed this week.  We finally settled in tonight to start cutting them. 

Well, when I say we, I mean Mr. ST. 

While I was busy doing this:

Yessss.  MESSY KITCHEN. 

I made a trial batch of homemade pickles.  haha. I apologize now for anyone that gets an invite in the future and it's scented like garlic and dill.  I washed my hands thoroughly, but garlic is so pesky on skin.

But back to the invites - This is what our kitchen table looks like:

Several inches high stacks of paper.  In various colors.  With several paper cutters. 

Mr. ST even made this AMAZING template that we printed on the pocketfolds so that we don't have to mark them up with pencil and score marks.  He is AMAZING sometimes. 

I finally settled in to cut all the tags for the front of the pocketfolds and wouldn't you know, the silly blade on the paper cutter was all banged up from all the trials we had done.  AGHR!

These are the envelopes that Mr. ST labeled to help us keep all the items organized.  I've invited a few bridesmaids over this weekend to help with this amazing cause. :-)

We made a very small dent, but the invitations that we worked so hard on for all this time are beginning to take shape.  It means we are getting closer and closer to an wedding day!!!! Oh, and if you want the PDF file for the pocketfolds, let me know and I'll email it to you. 

And one last thing, Mr. ST and I are still in the contest for our videography.  PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE go to this link and leave a comment PLEASE GO COMMENT We really need to win this to have videography at our wedding.  You're the best!!! :-)

Did you tackle a DIY that took tons of time?  What the result worth it in the end?

Monday Funday

Mr. ST and I had a very busy wedding prep weekend. 

But before I get to that - I'm asking a HUGE HUGE HUGE favor from ALL of you that are reading this blog.

Mr. ST and I have entered a contest to try and win a videography package from Storymix Media.  We are entered for a chance to win the Free Wedding Video and $250 gift card.  I need YOU dearest readers to go HERE and vote for us.  Just enter a comment and leave a few words to cast your vote for us.  It will only take you a few minutes to go comment HERE and it would mean SO much to me.  If we don't win this contest, there will be no video at the wedding.  We so desperately want video at our wedding.  So PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE go and leave a comment.  Again, the link is HERE!  If you want to spread the word, that would mean SO much to us too - the more votes the better!!!

I cannot begin to thank you enough for all your help. 

Back to our wedding work.  We mocked up some pocketfolds.  Don't mind the garish paper color. 

There was a paper cutter/scoring tool, clear acrylic rulers, scissors, LOTS of pencil and eraser marks (and a pizza cutter 'cause we got hungry during this trial and error session).

We found this AMAZING template from LCI Paper that showed us how to turn an 11x17 piece of paper into a single pocketfold - meaning there is no cutting the pocket separate from the rest of the sheet. 

We have plenty of work ahead of us, but we've never worked better as a team to complete a project.  It's almost shaping up to be fun...almost.  haha. 

What project did you and your significant other have fun working on?  Annnnd don't forget to leave a comment to vote!!!!

Wedding Website

Since we are finalizing our invites and want to print them soon (eeeek!) we decided we would like our own wedding website. 

I know that when I joined The Knot I signed up for our own page - but since I didn't really care for the site in general (I know I'm such a bad bride) I never really finished it. 

I've also heard great things about the Wedding Wire personal sites. 

I'm looking for sites you have used, or sites you suggests.  Let's hear it girls! What did you and your groom choose?  What did you like about it?  What were some of the disadvantages?  What would you do differently if you had a to do a site over?

Crazy Train

Well...it's been a tough couple of weeks around here.  After our last "disagreement" Mr. ST and I have been communicating much better.  Thank you everyone for your support.  Anut and Mom thank you for making fun of me to lighten the mood. 

In our zest of communication, we began looking at the ever beloved pocketfold invitations. You remember that I designed our invitations and gave you sneak peak.  It was time to sit down and really look at if pocketfolds were in our budget. 

I checked several sites:
Cards and Pockets
Envelopments
Paper and More

I was not happy with the prices I was seeing - we have a way to get the invites printed on the CHEAP.  It's the pockets that were going to cost us so much money.  We were looking at around $150.00 just for the pockets.  No envelopes, no postage.  Yikes.  I know it's SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper than ordering them entire thing made, but still not enough savings for us.

Mr. ST happened to be talking to his sister (MOH CG) and she mentioned a store in Brick, NJ called The Paper Mill Superstore.  She mentioned that she got the baby announcements there and that the prices were fantastic.  So, Mr. ST and I checked it out today.  MOH CG certainly came through!  The prices were great.  But we've boarded The Crazy Train with good ol' Ozzy.  We will be MAKING our pocketfolds. No you did not read that wrong - we will be MAKING THE POCKETFOLDS OURSELVES.   A ream (250) sheets of 11x17 card stock paper will run us about $27.00.  A ream (250 sheets) of 8.5 x 11 paper will print ALL of our inserts and invites will run us about $15.00.  The envelopes for both the outside mailer and response will cost $30.00 - so a total of about $75.00 we can have all our paper and envelopes.  A-Mazing!!

I made sure to stress to Mr. ST that it will take an incredible amount of time and patience to put these pockets together.  I also stressed that I own all the tools to make this happen.  He is on board.  So, we did a test print on the paper to determine the colors we liked and will be buying the paper later this week.

Did you run into a surprise vendor you didn't know about?  Have you done your own invites and have any advice to give us? 

Monday Funday Vinyl Crafting

My mom, aunt K and Marty came over today to have a full on crafting day.  We had TWO Cricuts going, some great Pride and Prejudice on the TV, snacks and craziness. 

There was plenty of busting on me for the last blog post.  Lost of talking in high pitched voices - cause that's how we make fun of each other.  There was also some dancing - the hustle, some thriller and some lame, stiff moon walking. 

The dueling Cricuts.

Aunt K has the new Expression 2... allegedly it's complicated.  And has a VERY tiny screen.

Who knows WHAT they are arguing about here...

Mom hard at work on her Jane Austen vinyl sign.

Marty got up to help...he's right there on the left, wandering into the rocking chair legs.

Those sisters... lol. Always nit-picking helping each other!

Aunt K's project...in progress.  She is an expert in transfer tape for the vinyl.

Work in progress. 

Finished project!!

Mom's project had our last name on it...so I didn't post that.   Here's what Marty spent his day doing after he exhausted himself helping mom.  

Testing the carpet out. 

Enjoying the couch.  Tough day for him. 

This is the project I made last week for the bridal shower I had this weekend.  This is what inspired our craft day today: Mr. ST's cousins are getting married this October.  I love this frame.  I would LOVE to do this as a giveaway....maybe for 60 followers hinnnnt hinnnt.  ;-)

All this crafting comes at a price.  When I was spray painting the frames yesterday - I cut my knee with the glass from the frames.  Ouch.

Hope you enjoyed our crazy, crafty, family day.  Did you do anything family related?  And yes Anut, you CAN comment to these questions!!!! You don't have to save your comments for in person.   

Venting

It's 11:45 on Sunday night.  I'm too wound up to sleep.  Mr. ST and I had a disagreement tonight.  It wasn't a fight - no one raised voices or stomped around.  No one went to bed without saying goodnight or a goodnight kiss. 

I made this subway art sign and I worked very hard on it.  I wanted to hang it in the kitchen - by the phone jack on the wall - to cover it up.  Mr. ST said a flat out no.  Well, we started to disagree and I became frustrated. 

The disagreement became about the wedding. 

Mr. ST voiced:

• He does not want our house to be a 'craft house'
• I have too many projects started and not finished
• He has no idea what is going on with the plans for the wedding
• There has been a lack of 'opinion asking'
• He is insisting I spend more money than I think I should on a dress
• He does not think we should spend too much on photography

I voiced:

• I feel like our house is not my whole home because I cannot be creative for it
• That I would like help making decisions
• I do not have more than two projects going for the wedding
• I gave up blinging my shoes because of the cost of the crystals
• I want to spend more on photography than a dress
• That I asked specifically for his opinion on matters and got cheeky responses

I feel like it was a venting session for both of us.  We are still over a YEAR away from the wedding. I want to DIY things for us because it saves money - plus it's who I am - a crafter. 

I know all couples will argue and can disagree about aspects of the wedding.  It's been almost a year since we got engaged and we were both very gung-ho at the beginning - picking out the venue and booking certain vendors.  I feel like we are in a wedding lull now - this no planning land - until we need to really get things done.

When is too early to get things done?  Has anyone ever gone through a lull in planning? 

Temper Tantrum of Happiness

First, I want to thank everyone for the great suggestions about the photographer situation .  There were so many great ideas!  Good news!  We are meeting with someone on Saturday the 6th!  At least I found ONE photographer to meet with us.  Better than only having one to choose from.

Now, time for the tantrum.  I will try to be as mature about this as I can. 

Mr. ST and I got engaged almost a exactly a year ago.  I know I voiced that I didn't want to have to wait TWO years to get married, but with our budget, we didn't have a choice.  We would need the time to save money. 

I drew that.  I know, you are SUPER impressed. 

Then it started to happen.  One set of friends after the next got engaged after us: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven....

I was elated!!  MORE BRIDES TO PLAN WITH!!!!

                                                                         Source

Being as type A that I am, we had our date and venue booked and secured within the week of getting engaged.  haha.  I wanted to lock in at the current rate.  Anyways, I was never worried someone else would pick our date.  It was when all SEVEN of these couples began to plan and pick dates BEFORE ours.  I didn't want to be engaged first then married last.

I know this sounds silly.  I am TRULY happy for each and EVERY one of our friends getting married.  It's just SO hard to sit here and WAIT and watch them get married before us.  There is a small voice in my head that's telling me I will get to learn from what they do, or don't do.  That's nice, but it still doesn't make the situation any better. 

Am I being totally irrational about this?  Did you have to wait and watch other people get married before your own day?  Any suggestions or advice for how I should deal with this?  Thanks!

Photog Phrustration

A while back Mr. ST and I decided to start hounding down looking at photographers for our wedding.  We figured we could have first picks still since we are still over a year away.  I started with calling the photographers that we knew other people used (like Mr. ST's sister - her photog was amazing)


No one called me back.  NO ONE.  One guy didn't even have an email or answering machine.


Then I moved on to looking through Weddingbee's vendor page to see if I could find someone in our area.  BINGO!  A company that has a branch right down the street from us!  AW-Some.  This works out since Mr. ST travels so far to work and has a very long commute.  It would not be hard to set-up an interview.  We set a date, and the company sent out a sales rep.  She was very nice... however, we only got to see samples of what the photographers work.  We would have to book with them before we could meet with any of them.  What if we booked, I met photographer A and haaaaaated him?????  Then what?  So when she called to follow up I simply told her we were still looking and I would get back to her.  (The company has since called me once a week for every week since we met!!!).


Mr. ST asked around to other couples we know getting married soon, or that have gotten married recently.  He got a few more names.  I placed a few more emails and calls.  The biggest problem we are having: most of the photographers are far away.  We would have to take an entire DAY to meet with one, maybe two of them just to interview with them. I don't know if we are that desperate to be riding around the state all day.


Am I going about this the wrong way?  Do brides/grooms/couples still interview photographers?  PA-Lease give me some suggestions!!  We are in New Jersey, so obviously someone in this state is best, although a little bridey told me about someone who will travel from state to state (<3 you!).  HELP!!!

Issue

I got a comment about the blog.  It was a negative one.  So I have decided to address said negative issue to ensure this person never complains again. 


My dog, er... my parent's dog, er.... our family dog (?!?!) complained that there is not a single picture of him appearing in the blog.  Ever.  Since it started.  He went back and checked.  All. The. Posts. 

So, without further ado, I would like to introduce a Jack Russel Terrier named, Marty:

 This is a puppy Marty.  He was not very hairy. 

This was a former favorite past time of Marty's and my dad: Beer, cheese and crackers. 

 Marty likes to drive.  He's not an angry driver either. 

This is an ollllld photo from around 2002ish.  I went through a phase of DARK hair.  It was fun.  Marty liked it. This is also shortly after the FIRST cataracts surgery Marty went through.

Marty "took" my very first stuffed bunny from my first Easter.  Marty still has it now. He would lay on 'Bun-bun' and sleep.  Silly. 

Marty loves 'Bun-bun' so much, he dresses up at him on occasion. 

When Mr. ST and I were in our 'long-distance' phase and saw each other every other weekend, this is where we stayed at my parent's house: blow up mattress in the living room.  Marty liked to come down for breakfast, eat, then go back to bed on the air mattress.  He is also a cover hog.  True story. 

This is Marty and I at the Outer Banks.  He loves the beach. 

Marty is also an avid cyclist.  He loves the wind in his face, smelling all those wonderful smells. 

This is Marty cheering on daddy at his last race in April.  Marty is an excellent cheerleader. 

This is the most recent picture of Marty from Father's Day.  If you look closely, you will see Marty only has one eye.  The cataracts got so bad that it was best to take the eye.  Marty is also now blind in the other one.  So, Marty needs a seeing eye person all the time.  He still goes for his walk every day though and bikes once a week.

Fun Fact:  Marty was my senior year of high school research paper subject: People and the emotional connection to pets.  I convinced the principal to allow me to have Marty in class.  I wanted to surprise my teacher too.  My dad brought Marty to school (thank goodness English was 1st period), waited in the hall, I opened the door when it came time for my "visual" and let Marty into the classroom.  I got the only A+ of the class.  It is still a great memory.