04/11/08 Paul finally got his greencard! phewwwwwwww Thank goodness that is over with! :)
03/18/08 We celebrated our 2nd Wedding Anniversary! :)
02/13/08 I got a puppy we have named Ollie he is a wonderful little cockapoo! He was born the last nite that we was in England and I will never forget that nite as Paul, Paige and I was upstairs at his parents house in Birmingham, England watching fireworks being shot off into the sky like magic all over the city we watched for at least an hour in awe.
01/01/08 We flew back home from Birmingham, England. We had a very nice trip and got to visit with all of our family and friends!
12/23/07 We flew to Birmingham, England for Christmas.
04/26/07 Paul officially started working at Lennox Industries!!! I am sooo VERY proud of him!
04/05/07 Continental called and they have found our missing piece of luggage! Thank God!
04/02/07 We finally made it back home from England, still short 1 piece of luggage!
04/01/07 We left Birmingham, England around 9am and got to Newark, NJ around 11am and we took the Air Train tot he shuttle bus to visit the Jersey Gardens Mall! We later went back to the airport to await our 7pm flight and come to find out our flight was overbooked! So lucky us we had the joy of laying over the nite at the Ramanda in Newark, NJ and flight out the following day into Memphis,TN and then onward to Little ROck. We laughed at Paige when she said "we just had a little adventure!"
03/30/07 Brian and Frances got married in Birmingham, England at 2pm at the Solihull registry office. The ceremony was beautiful! We all then came back to the house ot get ready for the reception which was held at the Sedgemere. A good time was had by everyone it seemed! Congrats Brian and Frances!
03/29/07 Stag and Hen nite. We ate at Duet Cuisine at Fort Dunlop. Brian, Frances, Tyran, Linda, Jonathan, Sarah, Alexander, Paul, Stacy and Paige all attended and we all had a very nice time! The food was wonderful and so was the company.
03/27/07 Paul, Stacy, Paige, Brian and Frances took a train ride to Oldham, Manchester to visit with Uncle Jim and Aunt Cathleen. It was a beautiful day for the trip and it was wonderful getting to visit with them and also with Mark.
03/26/07 We ventured out to visit Warwick Castle! We took Nan Smith along for the trip and we had a load of fun! Frances stayed back at the house on this day to finish up some wedding things.
03/25/07 Nan Smith's 90th surprise birthday party! There are too many people that came ot mention everyone's names, but I can you it was so nice for us to see everyone again and to meet new people from Nan's side of the family Paige and I had never met and Paul hadn't seen in years.
03/24/07 We arrived in good ole Birmingham, England!!! Our day started out at 7am when we grabbed a taxi back to the house. Frances and Brain ahd a nice English breakfast waiting on us...yummm we have missed the English back bacon! lol It sure was glad to be back!
03/23/07 We stayed up all nite lastnite packing and gettign prepared for our long flights to England! We arrived at the airport around 5am, and because of it being Spring Break it was a MAD HOUSE! lol Flights overbooked everywhere and people missing flights because check in lines are so long and security checks taking extra long! We was smart and got there EXTRA early!!
03/18/07 HAPPY 1st WEDDING ANNIVERSARY TO US!!!!!
03/12/07 We checked in at the passport office 30 minutes early of my appointment and they got right to us. We was told to come back at 2:30pm and they would have my passport ready and indeed they did! *happy dance*
03/11/07 Paul and I drove down to New Orleans, LA to be at the passport office on Monday morning. We ventured down to the French Quarter and ate at the Hard Rock cafe and went back to our room for the nite.
09/22/06 We finally booked flights back to England for the upcoming wedding of Brian and Frances! Now we just can't wait til March 23rd, 2007 to get on that plane to fly back for the big event and to spend time with family!
09/10/06 We headed home from San Antonio, TX and dropped off the happy couple at the Austin airport as we headed north back to Arkansas...We had a lovely week long vacation in Canyon Lake just north of San Antonio! We finally got to meet the bride to be on this trip and she is a very special lady and we couldn't be happier for them both!
09/01/06 San Antonio, TX or BUST!! We left for vacation and picked up Brian and his soon to be bride Frances at the Austin airport on Saturday evening on our way down. Boy that was a long drive down there!!
06/29/06 We bought a new house!! We was ever so excited to finally be truly starting our new life together in a new home that was now OURS!! We moved 4th of July weekend and oh what a hard weekend that was!!
03/19/06 Brian, Linda and Roger pop into the Arlington to say goodbye to Paul and Stacy before heading onto Graceland. Paul and Stacy then hookup wit Stacey, James and James Jr having lunch at Applebees and then a long 2-3 hour wait in Walmart trying to print off more pictures! before another game of bowling before we say good bye to Stacey and James and James Jr as they start their road trip to Florida! And we head off to the Outback Steakhouse for dinner and then after dinner went back to the Arlington for the nite.
3/18/06 OUR WEDDING DAY!! Breakfast in bed at 7.30am for Paul and Stacy, Massage at 9am, Shelly comes over at 11:30 to start getting Stacy ready for the wedding. Gentlemans Haircut with neck, arm and hand massage + facial wrap at the Arlington Hotel's Salon for Paul before finally meeting up with a panicing best man, Brian who then takes them to Emerald Isle to get dressed. Wedding at 3pm!! Over at 3:10pm (a real quickie!) Photos in Chapal til 4. Then onto Ruby Tuesdays for the recpetion and wedding cake! mmMMmmmmm talk about YUM!! Then Paul, Stacy, Brian, Linda and Roger then head over to the Bowling Alley across from Rubys for a game, Stacy was in her wedding dress, Paul in his tuxedo and all! Stacey, James and James Jr come later on too. Another Visit to Walmart to get prints of the wedding photos for Brian to take home and show all. Paul and Stacy come back to the condo for a drink of wine while waiting for a taxi back to the Arlington hotel for the honeymoon to commence.
03/17/06 Picked up Linda and Roger from the Knights Inn and onto breakfast, again at Waffle House, showing Linda and Roger how to pig out American style and what real hash browns are! Then back to the Emerald Isle for Linda and Roger to move in, with a stop over at the balcony to enjoy the view and suns on our faces before moving onto Oaklawn! Then on our way for Paul and Stacy to check into their Honeymoon Suite at The Arlington Hotel we pick up Stacys dress from the dry cleaners from being pressed and Brians trousers from being lengthened. Then onto the Worlds Smallest 1st 3rd annual St. Patricks Day. Paul, Stacy and Linda was then dropped off at Bennigans for tonights dinner, awaiting Stacys friend Stacey and James and their son James from Ohio to arrive :) While Brian and Roger go back to the Emerald Isle, awaiting a taxi to pick them up. Brian takes this opportunity to try on the so called lengthened trousers, but to his surprise, they had actually SHORTENED them a further 2 inches! (oh my). From they went to Bennigans to tell Stacy about it, and to meet Stacey and James and James Jr and overpassing everything with some very good food and drinks! On following was waiting for our Number 22 Taxi for a hour in the cold.
03/16/06 Eat breakfast at the Waffle House (mmMMMmm!), to the Belle to purchase tickets, then checking both bowling alleys to see for Pro Shops, then back to the Belle Riverboat cruise over Lake Hamilton. Paul and Brian played Texas Hold'em rules Yahzee while Stacy had a nice long jacuzzi and then all 3 played Lord Of The Rings Monopoly Edition. Then the big drive back to Little Rock to pick up Linda and Roger at the airport, with Linda and Stacy in one car, and Brian, Paul and Roger in the other driving back.
03/15/06 Drive down to Stuttgart to pick up tuxedos and try on; Brians trousers was too short! Eat at Olive Garden in Little Rock on our way back up to Hot Springs, with Brian driving from Little Rock to Hot Springs. Then Dropping off Brians trousers to be lengthened 2 inches before going back to the Emerald Isle for a quiet night in.
03/14/06 Lunch at Ruby Tuesdays, confirming our bookings for the reception, then off to finding a the Royal Dry Cleaners to ask some questions about pressing Stacys Dress. Then Enterprise Cars to book a rental for the wedding day we so dont have to drive around in our wrecked car.
03/13/06 Breakfast at Perkins, drive down to the Arlington Hotel to pay for it, and find out what time we can check into it on Friday and to book our Champagne and Breakfast in Bed days. Stopping at the Belle to check out their prices for their cruise and we went back to the condo for a jacuzzi visit for Paul and Stacy. Then Walmart, where Stacy goes onto get her Nails done while Paul and Brian shop for pullover! We ate at Bennigans for dinner and booked tables for friday night for our co-ed hen-stag nite.
03/12/06 After Paul and Stacy packing all morning long like mad people, we finally start off at around 12, on our way we drop Paige off at her Aunt Lisa's in Hazen. Paul, Stacy and Brian then stop over at Road House in Little Rock to munch on free peanuts and hot bread while waiting for thier food mmMMMmm! After checking in to the Emerald Isle and unpacking, we then make our way out to Kroger to buy some grocerys for the week, and most importantly, checking out the international Cheese section :D. Stopping off at Applebees to eat before heading back off to the Emerald Isle for the night.
03/09/06 Brian is here in Arkansas to attend our wedding and to have a nice long visit.
03/02/06 Work gave me a beatiful wedding shower...we got so many wonderful gifts! Thanks girls!
02/26/05 We finalized choosing a photographer for the wedding and I had my final wedding dress fitting!!
02/23/06 We went and got Paul fitted for his tux and also picked up Paul's custom made wedding ring! During the evening the lady that is baking our wedding cake called us and we finalized everything on the wedding cake...now only a million small little details left to finish up the wedding! hahaha
02/16/06 Paul and I was in a whirlwind today!! We went to buy our marriage license and we got told Paul HAD to have his Social Security card...well needless to say obviously we didn't have that yet, cuz we were told he shouldn't apply til he was in the country at least 2 weeks! Anyways, we had to make a quick drive to Pine Bluff, AR to the Social Security office and got the ball rolling on getting his card sorted (will take 4 to 6 weeks to arrive!) and we found a county in the state that would let us buy our marriage license without the Social Security card THANK YOU JESUS!! *very big grin* we got our marriage license TODAY!!!
02/10/06 Paul moved to Arkansas!! What a nite with the worst snow storm of the year! (Just our luck!) We drove down to Tunica, MS and stayed our first nite together at the Fitzgerald's Casino & Resort...we had a wonderful nite.
02/04/06 Stacy's brother Kevin got married!! The wedding was beautiful and I cried all the way thru it!
01/19/06 Paul passed his driving test!!! Baby, I am so very proud of you!!! Congrats!!!
01/02/06 Paige and I flew back home. I hated leaving England and most of all I hated leaving Paul and his wonderful family!!! I loved every little second of every day that I was there!! Everyone was so very nice to Paige and I and made us feel very welcome. I can not say thank you enough to everyone that played a part in making our stay in England so wonderful! We miss ya ALL!
01/01/06 We spent the day with Nan Smith and went to eat out at the Black Boy and afterwards Nan Smith babysat Paige while Paul, Brain and I went to Star City and I tripled the £10 that Nan gave me!! Gotta love roulette! lol
12/31/05 We went to see Lord of the Dance at the NIA in Birmingham with cousins Sarah, Ann Marie! We met up with Uncle Danny and the girls and then as Paul, Paige and I was watching the Lord of the Dance ...Brian and Danny walked around and took snap shots of Bullring etc for me and then we all met back up in the pub Malt Shovel and had a nice meal as well. OH and of course Uncle Danny brought me a Irish Coffee to drink! it was nice and of course it had Jamesons Whiskey in it We had a wonderful time and the tickets to go to the show itself was a huge surprise to me from Brian and Nan Smith!! Thank you everyone for this special day! We later went bowling at Paul and Brian's Bowling Center where they attend league!! We had a great time bowling and of course I again had a couple of drinks! LOL Oh and we caught a double decker bus home so Paige could finally ride at the top and in the front so she could see the view and enjoy the ride! Ne ways, the rest of the nite is just a quiet nite at home spending time together!! Happy New Year everyone!!!
12/30/05 We woke up to a very rainy day in London, but we were still determined to do the London Eye and we did so and even tho I am scared of heights I still loved all the views the Eye offered!! We then got a GREAT taxi driver that did wonderful commentary as we journeyed thru London. We saw we seen the guards on Downing Street, Tralfalgar Square, we drove up the Mall to Buckingham Palace and the taxi driver let us jump out and take a few pics and then we went on to Hamely's Toy Store on Regent Street and we walked down and I got to see Piccadilly Circus finally!! Then after that we headed back to Birmingham! We got food on the way home and then Paul and I went out to meetup with his mates at the pub Scruffy Murphy's. I got to meet Chris, Kirsty, Joe, and Matt and we all had a nice time! Thanks guys for coming out to meet up with us! OH and I rode on my first bus on the way home from the pub! lol
12/29/05 We went to London!!! OMFG it was unbelievable!!! I loved everything about London even tho it was freaking cold as hell!! We did all the tourist stuff like seeing Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Cruise on Thames River to see Tower Bridge, Tower of London, and then caught a taxi over to Paul's Uncle James & Aunt Angela's and they took us out for a Turkish dinner! We stayed overnite at the St. Giles in London.
12/28/05 We went to Sea Life in Birmingham!! It was a wonderful time and I think Paige favorite thing was seeing the feeding of the Otters. Later we went to eat at TGIF's and the meal was great!
12/27/05 We went to Cadbury World in the morning and later in the afternoon we went to Sollihull shopping!! Later on that evening we had our pre-Wedding family meal everyone finally meet Paige and I. The dinner was lovely we had 36 family and friends attend and besides the shitty service things was lovely. Thanks Linda and Mary on sorting out the manager! LOL
12/26/05 Boxing day..Paul and I went shopping downtown Birmingham at the Bullring while Paige and Mr. Brian went and watched a movie. I had my first long and miserable walk on this day...froze my arse off walking in the freezing rain, but I still had a wonderful time. Afterwards we all went to Sheila & John's for Boxing day celebration! I ummm drunk for the 2nd nite in a row and loads of kararoke and games and fun for all...met loads more of Paul's family. It was wonderful to meet everyone and I can not put into words how wonderful you all made me feel!
12/25/05 We had Christmas dinner with Paul's family. Brian went and picked up Nan so she could be with us for Christmas dinner. Uncle Danny, Aunt Suzanne, Sarah and Ann Marie hosted Christmas dinner and I loved everything about it and I thank you so very much!! Sorry Paige and I fell asleep. OH and thanks Uncle Danny for getting me hooked on Guinness!!
12/24/05 Paige and I flew to Birmingham, England, UK to be with Paul and his family for Christmas and New Years!!!
12/10/05 Paul booked his flight here for the big move!! He will be here February 10th!! OMG! :D Also to add to this thought for the day...2 weeks from today I will be on a jet plane on my way to England!!! Holy Crap! lol :D
12/05/05 Paul's Fiance K-1 Visa interview was today...Paul was APPROVED!! THANK GOD!
11/05/05 We had Paige's 8th B'day Party!! Paige's party came off without a hitch and it was a BLAST!! (Thank you Brian) We also had our wedding cake sampling today. OH btw, Paul won the wedding cake decision! lol
10/16/05 I drove to Sheridan, AR to met with the lady that is making our wedding cake. I had a nice long meeting with her to get ideas and we now have pictures to decide on which design we would like...I know I have my favorite picked out, but I wonder if Paul is going to win on this deal! LOL Needless to say his favorite is different than mine. Just my luck eh?
10/15/05 I had my first wedding dress fitting!! I finally got to put it on for the first time! YAY!! Of course I cried...everything suddenly is starting to feel so real. Paul and I are REALLY getting married!!!!
10/10/05 We bought my wedding ring today..now we just have to buy Paul's wedding ring! (just another thing marked off the list!)
09/15/05 Paul had to go to the doctor to get his immunization shots. Thank goodness he only had to have ONE according to what the embassy sent us.
09/10/05 Amanda (my sister), Paige and I met with our wedding planner! Everything was lovely and I am beyond excited now!!! LOL
09/02/05 We are knee deep in wedding arrangements! We have been shopping for Paige's flower girl dress, my corset, mine and Paige's shoes, the wedding cake and writing our wedding vows. We still haven't decided on our Maid of Honor or Best Man yet.... Besides that, there are sooooo many items on our list of things to do that we have already sorted and now can check off the list. Things are moving right along. *grin*
07/09/05 Mine and Paige's passports made their way to our mail slot!! YAY!!
06/02/05 Applied for Mine and Paige's passports! (Thank you Brian!!)
04/28/05 Mine and Paige's flights are booked to Birmingham, England for Christmas and New Years!!! (Thank you Nan Smith!!)
04/10/05 Paul and Brian flew back home. (A day of many many tears.)
04/07/05 Brian gave us a engagement party at Ruby Tuesday's.
04/06/05 Paul asked me to marry him and of course I said YES!!!! He gave me his mother's engagement ring, and knowing the ring was hers means so much to me.
04/02/05 Paul, Paige, Brian and I set off on our week long vacation.
03/31/05 Paul's dad (Brian) flew to Arkansas to meet Paige (my daughter) and I.
03/11/05 Paul and I took a romantic 4 day vacation to St Louis, MO.
02/24/05 Paul flew back to Arkansas to be with me!!
12/13/03-02/24/05 Doin' the online thing every single day. Missing each other desperately! I can not put into words what hell it was being away from each other that long. All I can say is thank god for webcams and voice chat!
12/13/03 Paul flew back home. (A day of tears.)
11/13/03 Paul flew to Arkansas FINALLY! (What a day that was!) We finally held each other for the 1st time and we knew at that moment we are meant to be... phew!
11/12/02 We are "officially" together and admit our love to each other.
09/2002 We met online on WhyNap a OpenNap chatroom. (Thank you Sky!) We became very close friends spending every single day and many hours together chatting.
"I would rather have had one breath of her hair, one kiss from her mouth, one touch of her hand, than eternity without it. One." - City Of Angels