Basement!

Dear Friends & Family,

So I'm not sure how many people were aware that during the last few weeks of wedding planning, we were also finishing our basement.  It wasn't really our intention to have them start so quickly, remodeling any space can be stressful and that's not something I wanted while finalizing the details for our wedding.  But we went ahead and started anyway.  It wasn't too bad since most of the work was being done while we were at work.  We were both ready to have the basement finished and furniture shopping was definitely a bonus.  It ended up being pretty stress free for me because Burdette managed all of it.  If you haven't been to our house here are a couple before shots.

I originally planned on taking pictures while the work was being done, but that did not happen.  I figured you guys get the point and didn't need all the little details, we all know what framing looks like.  ;)

So as you can see the only thing down there right now are a couch and a tv.  We will definitely be adding a few more things, but we are taking it slow.  We also did not finish the entire basement, which made things a lot easier on us.  It's a perfect family room and we plan on using it often.  We are also expecting more visitors, so start making plans to come visit us!

Love,

Shannon & Burdette

Wedding Bliss

Dear Friends & Family,

I realize it has been quite some time since I have updated this blog, but things have settled a bit and I thought the time was right.  Months and months of planning have finally come to end and I must say that it was all worth it.  Our wedding was one huge success after the other.  There may have been a few little hiccups along the way and a lot of tears were shed.  Nothing we couldn't overcome and in the end it was a picture perfect day and I married the love of my life.  Here a couple snap shots for those who couldn't make it.

c

I'm not sure words can really describe the feelings we had that day.  It's a little overwhelming seeing close to a 100 people who just traveled from all over the country to see you.  There are a lot of emotions involved with an event like that.  At the end, I hope everyone knows how much it truly meant to us to have you there.  We definitely didn't get to spend as much time with people as we wanted and we know it may be awhile before we see many of you again, but we are truly grateful.  We are looking forward to many more awesome events with the ones we love.

Love you all!

Mr. and Mrs. Burdette Millen

P.S.  Honeymoon pics coming soon!!  

Change is in the air...still!! :)

Dear Friends and Family,

It's come to my attention that I have been neglecting this blog and a lot of people want an update.  So here it is...  :)

So change is definitely the main theme of our lives in Nebraska.  We're constantly changing and every day I learn something new about myself or about Burdette.  It's been interesting and it's all definitely for the better.  A couple of weeks ago I had a huge change.  I decided to quit my job.  Many of you know that I haven't been adjusting to Nebraska as well I thought I would be.  Now I'll admit that most of that has to do with my attitude, but I think the rest of it had to do with my job.  It's been a roller coaster ride and it's finally come to an end.  I did not have a position lined up, but I wasn't too worried.  I'm thankful to have a wonderful support system.  :)  I had been interviewing at a few places and then yesterday it happened....two job offers!!!  Not only two offers, but two companies that I would love to work for.  What a wonderful problem to have!  This morning I accepted one of the offers.  I'll be the Assistant Manager at two apartment complexes, one in Bellevue and one in Papillion.  This drops my commute down to 6 miles roundtrip...way better than the 34 miles I had before.  Needless to say, I am thrilled and ready for the change.  I start working on Monday.

So enough about work.  There's something else still going on.  Wedding planning!  It's getting SOOOO close and we're getting more and more excited.  I flew back to Alabama for a quick trip to have my bridal shower. When we first got engaged I really wasn't planning to have a shower.  My closest friends live down south and I just figured it wouldn't happen, but it did and it was awesome!  It was my first view of how things will be at the wedding.  So many people coming together to celebrate one thing...our marriage.  I am grateful to have so many amazing people in my life.  This was just my shower...I know it will feel a million times better at the wedding, but that is so hard to imagine because everything has been so great so far.  Here are a few pics from the weekend.  It was awesome and I had a blast!

Part of my bridal party.  :)

Wonderful women who hosted my shower. 

Mom and Daughter

Awesome friends!

Family!

So as you can tell a lot has been going on.  Enough to keep me busy at least. To everyone at SP who may be reading this...it's been an interesting time and I hope we can stay in touch.  :)  As always, thanks for stopping in.

Love,

Shannon

6 Month Update

Dear Friends & Family,

Six months ago this week we made the move to Omaha.  The only thing I know for sure is that it has been one heck of a transition.  I know people are shocked when they hear that I sincerely miss Cheyenne.  I think I had a different experience than most who travel through there.  I met some pretty incredible people and made lifelong friendships that I will cherish forever.  Now I'm not saying that definitely won't happen in Omaha.  I have met a few people that would fit into that category, but in general the move has been different.  Different in a good or bad way is still questionable.  It has been a learning experience and I am looking forward to seeing what the future has in store for me.  I'm also looking forward to warmer weather and exploring more...at least I can finally get around without always using the GPS.  I try to appreciate little things like that.  In the meantime, I am trying to keep a positive attitude and hope for the best.  I also have several trips planned over the next 5 months, so that is a nice distraction.

Wedding preparation is well under way.  I made a trip to San Antonio last weekend and am finalizing a lot of things.  So far the planning has been relatively easy, I can't deny that I have had one or two "bridezilla" moments, but I'm sure everyone does.  I'm thankful for an understanding support system.  Burdette and I are getting pretty excited and are looking forward to married life.  Did I mention that we are going to the Dominican Republic for our honeymoon?  I'm definitely excited about that!  It'll be a nice way for us to unwind after all the wedtivities.

That is the most current update.  Burdette is still enjoying his job and staying active in his sports.  I am spending a lot of time with wedding stuff and trying to add new craft projects, thanks to the addictive Pinterest.  As always, thanks for stopping in.

Love,

Shannon

Bring on 2012

Dear Friends and Family,

It's almost a new year and we are definitely looking forward to 2012.  Now I'm not complaining about 2011, it was pretty awesome, but I know there are better things to come.  I'm looking forward to a year of less goodbyes, less change, and a more "normal" way of living, if there is such a thing.  I'm looking forward to a year already half full of travel, family, friends, and a big pretty big event...our wedding day.  I'm looking forward to adding a husband, 2 parents, 4 brothers, 4 sisters, 5 nephews, and 1 pretty cool niece to my family.  That's 17 more people to call family...that's pretty awesome.

I'm pretty sure I spend more time reflecting and being thankful at New Years than I do at any other time of year. Here are few things I have been thankful for this year....

Challenges.

Family.

True friendship. 

Happiness.

Love.

Trust.

Fun.

Memories.

Relaxation.

New adventures.

Cuddling.

Now these are just a few of things and if you didn't make a picture...don't worry I'm thankful and grateful for you also.  It would take me entirely too long to put up all the things I am thankful for.

I'm not going to make any resolutions for 2012...most of the time those end in disappointment.  But I am going to strive to be a better person...a better friend.  I'm going to smile and laugh and cry...a lot.  I'm going to give a lot more hugs.  Those all are all definitely doable.   

Thanks for stopping in....and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!  

Love,

Shannon

Wedding Venue

Dear Friends & Family,

Well, we've been engaged a little over 3 weeks and I've already gotten so much accomplished.  So far, everything has gone very smoothly.  I flew down to San Antonio last weekend and booked the venue. Feel free to check it out at http://www.sunset-station.com/.  It's Depot 1 under the Venues tab.  It's an old train depot that has so much character and charm.  It seemed like the perfect fit for us.  Did I mention the woman helping us is a rockstar?  She's been so helpful and truly understands how hard it can be to plan a wedding from a distance.  Here are a couple photos of the venue...I'm so in love with it! 


Reception Area



Staircase where the ceremony will take place

I feel like now that I have booked the venue, everything else will kind of fall into place.  So far that theory is working for me.  :)

Right now, I'm looking forward to the holidays and trying not to let wedding planning rule my life.  I think I've done a pretty good job so far.  My family is coming to town for Thanksgiving and that is always a great time.  We'll be headed to Cheyenne in December for a wedding and a Christmas party, so we are extremely excited about that. 



Stay tuned for more information to come regarding wedding details.  Save the Dates are going out very soon!!

Love,

Shannon

We're Engaged!!!

Dear Friends & Family,

So I promised I'd try my best to keep this blog up as long as there was something to talk about, well now we have something to talk about.  I figured I could start a wedding website, but then I would be stuck trying to manage 2 websites, so I'm not going to do that.  I'm going to keep it simple and sweet.  That's how I like things.  :)

How He Did It:  Burdette and I went to Kansas City to celebrate our 2 year anniversary.  We basically decided that Saturday was going to be the day we'd celebrate, since our anniversary was on a Monday.  We had a beauitful dinner at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse and then headed to the Kansas City Improv for a comedy show.  It was a pretty awesome day.  We got back to our hotel late and I was tired, but we got to talking about the last 2 years, then Burdette said, well I got you a present!  I said, you did?  Next thing you know he's knealing next to the bed and asking me to marry him!!  It was perfect. 

When and Where:  We are definitely planning a San Antonio wedding.  It's the perfect spot for us.  Burdette was born and raised in Texas and I spent several years there as a child.  Plus, we just love Texas.  We know that's where we'll end up one day.  When is still undecided.  It will definitely be this summer and we're leaning towards May 26th.  It's Memorial Day weekend, so if people wanted they could spend an extra day in SA and enjoy the town.  I have a trip planned next weekend to visit some venues and hopefully find one that I love and pick a date. 

That is all I really know right now.  There is definitely more to come, so keep checking back.  We're extremely excited and feeling truly lucky right now.  Everyone has been so supportive and we're grateful to have such an awesome group of family and friends.  We love you all so much!!!!

Love,

Shannon