Apartments, apartments, apartments

We checked out these apartments today (floor plan A2) -- definitely at the top of our list right now. At this point, Ben could move in early- to mid-October and pay less than $600 a month (not including utilities). It's very secluded, close to my school, and a lot of other things we like.

There is the potential for renting a house that we're going to look into. The thought of moving into a house right away does kind of scare me, admittedly. First of all, the thought of maintaining a house sounds daunting to me. Second of all, the thought of ever being alone in a house makes me far more nervous than that of being alone in an apartment. We'll know where God leads us once the time for decision-making comes.

Ben and I had an initial wedding-planning meeting with my parents, his mom, Brenda Whiten (my "other mother" and our wedding coordinator) and Nancy Bohovich (wedding planner in training). We talked about a lot of ideas. It's really overwhelming sometimes, to be honest. I can imagine the relief I'll feel when the wedding is over and there's no more planning to do, in that respect at least.

Apartments and Opinions

One thing I've learned in the short time we've been engaged is that everyone has their opinion. We are blessed that so many of our family members and closest friends are truly excited for us, more so than I honestly expected even. I think I've felt myself becoming overwhelmed with the barrage of opinions and ideas directed towards us though. Some are hilarious, and we more than likely won't take action with them. Others are definitely things to consider. What I have come to realize is that as much as I appreciate and love all of the support that we've had so far, we will have to ultimately decide for ourselves what is best for us. We won't ignore what wisdom people have for us as we choose our steps but we won't (and physically can't) put every single one of them into action. It has been fun making decisions that will actually take place now instead of all of our hypothetical "we should do this when we're married" conversations we had when we were dating.

I've been looking at apartments alot lately, and as much as I would like to buy a house right of the bat I don't see that as being possible right now. At least while Cassia's in school and working part time and I'm making what I am now. I think the best route for us is to spend as little money as possible on an apartment that'll suit our needs. The one we looked at today defintely is a big possibility I think.

Camden

Ben and I looked into the Camden apartments on 79th Avenue, just north of Bell. The downside to Camden is that you are apparently required to pay the "additional" fees for cable and valet trash pickup. This to me defeats the purpose of being "additonal."

We need to set an appointment with Brenda Whiten, our wedding coordinator -- hopefully next week. She'll be able to help us answer questions like, "Would it be weird to have the guys wear brown suits?" and "What do you think of having everyone take communion?" and "Which cake place did the individual cakes that you told us about?"

The big day

First things first: Ben and I have set the wedding for Saturday, March 13, 2010. At this point it will be a 2:00pm ceremony followed by a cake reception. Everything will take place at our church, Northwest Community Church. I have found my dress (yay!) and am anxiously awaiting its November arrival.

I still really want to have suits versus tuxes. My hope is that that will work out. Brown suits are being considered, since I'd like the colors to be brown, yellow and green (think sunflower).

The guest list is going to be ridiculously huge. From NCC alone there are at least 200 people I want to invite. When you add in both of our extended families, people from Calvary Chapel Central, and other friends... the list gets enormous -- haven't quite decided what to do about that yet.

On a different note, we got to spend time with the NCC Czech team at Megan's tonight. It was so much fun to talk and play card games, as well as eat absolutely delicious food served up by the lovely Kimm Brown. I'm stoked that she gave me the recipe for the blueberry dessert she makes. Ben loves it, so I foresee it being a favorite in our home.

Wedding website

We've been talking about having a wedding website ever since we got back from the Czech Republic and have finally gotten around to actually creating one. Ben and I will do our best to update this with new developments on the wedding plans... and life... and such as.

Today Ben ordered a TV! Hopefully it will come in soon. I think that counts as our first big purchase.