we're married!

June 26, 2010 at 6:00, I became Mrs. Bailey.

There are lots of words that can descibe us Bailey's these days: rested, tan, happy-very happy.

More wedding & honeymoon pictures soon...promise

love,

Mrs. Bailey

it's June!

How many days until the "Big Day?" Welp, just ask the groom.
He will tell you (and it's pretty cute that he has a countdown-on his John Deere Tractor calendar no less.)
23 days and counting. Let the countdown continue!
Lots has happened in a month blog readers.
I will post shower pictures soon.
One thing is for sure, people are so nice and generous.
I am honestly blown away by the gifts, cards, and kind words!

girls just wanna have fun

My bachelorette party was April 24th and what a good time it was!

Oh what great friends I have from every part of my life...sorority sisters, roomies, pommies, family...all showed up with their party pants on to celebrate my bachelorettness!

We had dinner, opened lingerie (ooh la la), and had a wonderful girls night out on the town.

Of couse the night would not be complete without a little pom moves from the past :)

It was such a fun night...my bridesmaids worked so hard to make it perfect. Thank you girls. Love you!

quick wedding updates

The weeks are flying by and we are checking things off of our wedding "to do" list:
engagement pictures-check
jessicaritchiephotography.com; blog (for a sneak peak) she is absolutely wonderful.

bridal portraits- check

bachelorette party-check (okay thats not really a "to do" but it happened and was a blast!)

invitations picked up and ready to be mailed-check

dress is altered and in-check

so excited to become Mrs. Bailey that my heart is at a constant pitter-patter-check

two months and counting...

It has been quite some time since my last post.

Two months, exactly.

Alot has happened in the past two months...

weddin' planning...

moving....

and showering...

So far, we have been blessed with 2 wonderful wedding showers.

Both were in Mountain Home-Reece's roots-and let me tell you folks, Mountain Home knows how to "shower"

One at the Deweys...

hosted by these lovely ladies {jen, bekah, allyson & elizabeth}




and these little lovelies as well {leah, lauren, & libby}

So glad my family was there to celebrate {aunt janny, nana, & mom}

mothers

We recieved countless thoughtful gifts...the most practical coming from his cousin Liz-a basket filled with cleaning supplies-you laugh, but we have already put them to use quite a bit!

We also had a shower at his church. It was very special to meet and celebrate with so many people that have watched him grow up!

The wedding showers were wonderful-such a special memory. Thank you everyone who came!

Less than four months away...

Let the count down begin. In less than 4 months, you can call me by my new name Brooke Bailey.

Am I excited...absolutely! I have been practicing and doodling my new name for quite some time now...you know, practice makes perfect.

There has been alot going on lately in preparation for the big day. My Mom has been a wonderful blessing to me in helping plan all of the details...because in case you didn't know..I'm kinda busy.

In just 2 weeks, I will be going to my first showers! Reece's wonderful family is throwing me a shower in Mountain Home. The next day, his family's church is giving us a shower as well. I am really looking forward to getting to know all of the people that were a big part of his life.

I know this spring is going to fly by...before you know it, I'll have a new name, new husband, living our new little life...not to mention a new little one to play with-not mine, our sweet friends the Hoppers are having a little one! Wheeeee!

Not to mention our new house (BIG SMILE)...more on that later...and pictures I promise.

Big changes and busy time, but can't imagine doing it with anyone else. Just can't wait to be Mrs. Bailey!

Carnell Hall Reservations

Attention out of town guests!

...and locals.

Inn at Carnall Hall is providing a remarkable rate for our wedding weekend. Book under "Brooke and Reece" and recieve a nightly rate of $120.

The building was built in 1906 as the first young women's dormitory on campus. It was constructed in the far northeast part of campus, away from male dormitories. It served as a female dorm until 1967, a fraternity house until 1977, and joined the National Register for Historic Places in 1982. In 2001 the Board of Trustees approved the structure to be turned into an historic hotel.

Since the wedding and reception are at the same location, you can sit back relax, and enjoy without worrying about parking or walking. Inn at Carnall Hall is just a short walk from the historic campus and Dickson Street's shopping, eating, and entertainment.

There are 40 rooms at the hotel...each unique in its own way.

Book a room if you would like and don't forget to ask for the wedding rate!

a very "Fayetteville" wedding

Friends and family have asked or may be wondering why we decided to get married at Carnell Hall. Sure, it is a beautiful building...but its more than that to me.

As I dreamed (...and dreamed) and Reece and I discussed getting married we were without a doubt sure that we wanted to get married in Fayetteville.

Its where we went to school,

met,

fell in love,

proposed...

you get the idea, but where would we get married??

Reece and I love the U of A and everything about Fayetteville -dates at US Pizza, the Fayetteville Square at Christmas, and of course, the Razorbacks. During school he was very involved in Greek Life and I could (and still can be) found at every athletic event "Callin' the Hogs." We met on the football field for goodness sakes...so a wedding on campus in Fayetteville seemed perfect.

After I convinced Reece that it was okay to sweat a little on your wedding day, we booked June 26th on the turn-around overlooking Old Main Lawn at Carnall Hall.

During my Pi Phi years I walked from the sorority house at the end of Maple street to the campus. Each day I walked up the hill and cut across the turn-around at Carnall Hall. I can remember seeing couples taking wedding pictures there and always looked forward to the tulips that bloom outside every Spring.

Little did I know that I would be getting married at that exact spot 5 years later! From the window of the Bridal suite, you can even see the Pi Phi house...positively perfect.

We love Fayetteville...the time we spent at the U of A...and can't think of a more meaningful place to get married.

"Pom Across America"

...is what I like to call this week. Women's game 29th, Little Rock game 30th, Liberty Bowl pep rally 31st, parade 1st, game 2nd, practice 3rd...Texas game 5th! What a big week! Little cold here in Memphis, but full of Razorback fans ready for the bowl game!
I had dinner tonight with my oldest and dear friend, Taylor. We have been friends since kindergarten. She picked me up at the hotel and we had a great dinner at On the Border and I got to see her way cool apartment in downtown Memphis. Dinner with old friends is like a comfort you can't find anywhere else...
I have missed being with family and Reece on New Year's but nonetheless, great time in Memphis and ready for a win tomorrow!

wedding

Or as Reece likes to say, "weddin'" planning is going quite well. We have a date: June 26, 2o10. We have a location: Inn at Carnell Hall, Fayetteville.

We have our wedding parties. A photographer. Wedding bands ordered. Registry started."Save the Date" pictures taken. And...I have a dress! It should arrive in January. Yay!

The theme and inspiration for the day is Art Deco. Think "southern charm" meets Radio City Music Hall. Having a great time planning and enjoying all the little details.

Looking forward to 6.26.10

the perfect proposal

I am one lucky girl. Last Sunday, Reece asked me to marry him and I couldn't have asked for a more perfect proposal. Thanks to our very own and very secret photographers, I have amazing pictures to remember the day {thank you Bekah & Dallas}

Here is our story.

Reece and Mrs. Jean have been planning for quite a while...

Jean asked me to meet her in the football lockeroom at 12:30. When I arrived, I found Reece in a suit and tie...cool as a cucumber. He asked to go for a little walk. As we were walking, Reece and talked about the day we first met: He was driving Tusk on the football field and I was riding on top. He helped me down from the trailor, our hearts went pitter, patter, and the rest is history.

Our families were waiting for us at our favorite restuarant, Noodles. I was very suprised!

So in love. So very happy. I cannot wait to marry my best friend.

Thank you Reece for a perfect day.

Thank you to both my family and Reece's family for sharing our special day with us!

Yes, I am still here...

Hello all. I am still alive and kickin'. This has just been very busy year so I haven't had a whole lot of free time to get on here. But let me catch you up to speed...

First grade is getting better everyday. It is so neat to watch their young minds grow. I have some very sweet little ones and some little stinkers mixed in..but I love them all just the same.

The pommies are great too. We all survived the busiest November to date...and they did so beautifully. Between the two squads, we are getting ready for 4 halftimes and a few timeouts... But basketball season is officially here so maybe things will slow down just a little bit. Maybe.

I really appreciate my family and friends (Reece) being so understanding with my schedule and occasional crankiness. Occasional. You are all wonderful and I am blessed.

Happy Birthday Reece!

I am a little late...but I still want to publicy wish my wonderful boyfriend Reece a "happy birthday." We had a great birthday celebration week...Much like your average celebrity, Reece had 3 birthday parties...4 if you count the one at Tyson. I wish I had moore footage of the events. You will have to visit the hopper house for that.

Either way, Reece had a great 24th birthday. It is so great to watch people celebrate the man you love. Gosh I am so blessed to have Reece in my life. Love you.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Today is my Dad, George's, 55 birthday! He came up Thursday and we have celebrated all weekend! Saturday he went to get a routine haircut and came out...mustache-less! His response..."when you turn 55 you gotta embrace your youth." Oh Dad...haha
I am so lucky to have such and wonderful father. I can't even begin to describe how much I love and respect him. He's a good man, that George Palmer. And I'm lucky to be his little girl. Love you, Dad! Happy Birthday!

pom camp, flying solo, and lots of meetings

Well we are all back and survived Pom Camp '09...The girls did a great job and represented the U of A so well. Here's a list of all their awards (sorry I have to brag just a little): 4th place home routine, superior trophy for "blue ribbons", superior trophy for home fight song, a program improvement award (thank ya very much), and most importantly Most Collegiate!
Wow! I'm very proud of the girls and their positive attitudes. Watch out football season, here we come!

I flew back from camp early...my first time to fly by myself...I was just a little bit nervous. I accidentally told several fellow travelers that I'd never flown solo...oops. I made a friend on the first flight and thankfully made my connection in Memphis. Phew! What an adventure.

This week I have been attending meetings for first year teachers. Surprisingly, the 8-3 meetings haven't been all that bad. I am really looking forward to working in Bentonville.

This weekend I have alot to do in my classroom...and when I say alot I mean ALOT. and....Reece has the annual Tyson Softball Tournament this weekend...Go Deli Dawgs! :)

Dust off the pom poms...its work week.

Yep. Summer 2009 is drawing to a close and the new pom year has arrived. Tomorrow the 24 girls will arrive excited (I hope) and ready to practice those fight songs and swing marches...lung 1, head pop 2, clap 3, run 4, shake 5, wink 6, 7, 8. Okay thats not really a dance...I just made it up on the spot...and just kidding about the winks. ;)
While the exact schedule of the week is still up in the air it is not unusual to practice two or three times each day until we leave for camp in Milwaukee on the 31st. Just a side note...I will be moving some things into my new classroom this week too (WOO HOO...very excited!)
Even though workweek is busy and hectic, I am excited to see the fresh crop of pommies and get the season started!

GO HOGS!

"What Becomes of the Broken Hearted" by E. Lynn Harris

The Razorback Spirit family is mourning the loss of our volunteer cheer coach and friend, E. Lynn Harris. The Best-selling author and avid Razorback fan passed away last night after suffering from a heart attack. E. Lynn had the most generous spirit and giving heart. He showered each squad member with love and treated us like his own. All day today, I have replayed various conversations and exchanges with him. Our Razorback family was blessed by his generous and kind-hearted ways. He will be forever missed...but we are forever touched.

"What Becomes of The Broken Hearted" is E. Lynns touching memoir about growing up and facing challenges and adversities.

Roomies

Donna, Me, & Jamie 2006

Recently, I moved into a new apartment. With this move came the end of an era. You see I lived with two of my best friends for four years. Yes, you heard right, FOUR years. Almost unheard of in the girl world. Our friendship began during freshman year when we all pledged the same sorority and became "baby angels." We all had separate lives that year...I knew Jamie, and Jamie knew Donna...but when we moved into the house sophomore year our friendship took off immediately. Inseparable from day 1. Oh boy did I have fun with those girls. Our sophomore year was one of a kind. Wonderful memories that are bringing a smile to my face even as I am typing. It only got better when we moved into our very own apartment the following year. What big girls we were...and what a family we had become. We lived at the apartment on Mount Comfort for three years. I have experienced so much with these girls: joy, laughter, tears, firsts, birthdays, trips...oh I could go on and on. Jamie and I can rap the entire "Grillz" song...I'll never forget my first date with Reece...Donna called and said, "If you are having a good time say the word, octopus." so of course I said octopus in the middle of our date...how funny. I love these girls with all of my heart. I cherish the multitude of memories and I am very excited to see what the future has in store for all of us...no matter what these girls will always be my roomies. "Lizards for life. Love ya. bye."

Happy Birthday Darby!

Today, my baby brother is 20 years old. I can hardly believe it! He has always been such a sweet boy. Story is that I begged and begged for a little brother. A sister just wouldn't do...I wanted a "bubby." On this day, 20 years ago, my wish came true. And don't you know I let him know who was boss from the moment I met him...I pinched his little nose. Well I had "to see if he was real!" :) Always a good sport, he has been dressed in tutus, chauffered me in my Barbie car, and been my ballet partner (lifted like the real ballerinas don't you know)...

Now he is a football player at Harding University and I couldn't be prouder. I am amazed and humbled by the man he has become. But...he will always be my little bubby.

Start spreadin' the news...

This post is about a month late...I've been quite the lazy blogger

In June, Mom and I went on a wonderful trip to NYC. She was honored as a Scholastic Art Teacher of the Year. The only one from the State, thank ya very much. She received a nice gold medal and took a bow on stage at Carnegie Hall.

Our week was filled with shows, art, eating, and shopping...all of our favorite things.

We saw 9 to 5, Guys and Dolls, In the Heights, and a ballet by American Ballet Theatre. I channelled my past life as a ballerina and couldn't help from posing a little...

Mom couldn't help herself either...

I may have had WAY too much fun at the Scholastic Book Store in SOHO. Of course I went on vacation and bought what else...but children's books and puppets. yikes! haha.One of the best parts of our trip was a question and answer session with up and coming fashion designer Zac Posen. He was a former Scholastic Art & Writing Award winner. We met him at the Museum of Art & Design...I was blown away by his genius, eloquent vocabulary, and passion for his field. It was a truly memorable experience.

What a great week!