Friday Fun

I was laying in bed this morning as my alarm went off at the lame same time it does every morning, 6am, and I decided that Fridays would become by "lists" day.
If you don't know me very well, you should know that I am a list girl.
I like to make a list of all my to-do's, even the ones I have already completed, just to cross them out later.
Also, I am kind of obsessed with making these lists beautiful. Colored sharpies and card stock make my heart go pitter patter.
So, with it being a Friday, Im going to do a top 10 list today of my favorite holiday traditions.
My family is a little different, or just like yours, in we have always had to split time with Mom and Dad. I dont really know anything different than this, since we have done it since we were 5. So, some of these traditions are my favorite that we have in our family and others are what I want my families traditions to be. Ill let you know whats what, because Im just that cool. :)

(These are in no particular order)

1. Making a fireplace with my little brother. (I have a 5 year old brother, Jay Weslee, who I adore. My Dad and Jennifer don't have a fireplace in there house and so every year we make a posterboard fireplace and hang it on the wall so that Santa can come down the chimney and drop off the presents. Hands down, this is the most fun tradition.)

Jay Weslee-He honestly makes the best faces!

2.Christmas PJs (Yall I love openening new Christmas pajamas on Christmas Eve. We used to do this all the time, it hasnt happened in quite a few years, I think this year its making a comeback. Wink wink.)

3. Christmas Breakfast (I haven't gotten to partake in this tradition in a few years because I haven't been home for Christmas, but every year we go to my step-mom, Jennifer's, parents house and have a GIANT breakfast. It is the JAM! Love it!

4. Christmas lights ( I grew up living with my mom and step-dad and we NEVER put lights on our house, so I am DETERMINED to put lights on my house/loft/condo every year!

5. Baking (Okay, so I always love to bake, but especially during the holidays. I love to make cookies for Santa and then eat em all the next day. haha!)

6. Family time ( I moved to Texas about 6 years ago and love that I get to see all my extended family all the time, but there is just something so special about us all getting together during the Christmas holiday. I adore my family. )

7. Movies ( There have been so many years that my sister and I have gone to see a movie on Christmas night, its been a while now since we have gotten to do this, since she's been married and now lives in Portland, but yall, I cherish this time with her.)

8. Colorado ( This is a tradition I beleive we are getting ready to start evey year. My man loves to snowboard and so his best man got us a trip to go to CO in January as a Christmas/Wedding gift. It will be my first time to go, so we will see how this gos.)

9. Christmas Eve Church ( As long as I can remember we have attended a Christmas Eve service at church. I love this tradition because its an opportunity to stop and remember why we are celebrating. I think everyone gets a little caught up in all the silly stuff that surrounds us during the holidays, so this is a nice time to take it all in and worhip Jesus.)

10. Christmas Cards ( I love that everyone sends out a card saying how much they love you and how pretty there family is. Its such a great way to stay in touch with the people you only see once a year or once every 10. :))

Well, thats it for that.
I've got a fun filled weekend of family stuff to attend to and I am so excited to celebrate my first Christmas with my husband!  HOLY JESUS! SO HAPPY!
Thanks for reading peeps, hope you enjoy.
See you on the flipside.
Britt

Welcome!

I've been thinking a lot lately about wanting to be more intentional about writing, since its a great stress reliever and gives me an opportunity to talk about the random things that go on in my head so I thought today would be a good  great day to start by telling you a little about me. So here we go! :)

My name is Brittany Paige Fletcher.

This is what I look like. Every day I'm this good looking. haha! Just kidding, this was after much makeup and hairspray.

Bridal Portraits credit Paige Meyer of Paige Meyer Photography

In all actuality, this is what I normally look like. Not graceful, or elegant in any way. 

I like to call myself funny. 

Even if you don't think I am funny, that's okay with me. I like to laugh at myself.

I don't like to take myself to seriously.

Sometimes, I struggle with that. 

Laughing and smiling really are my favorite things to do. 

Making people smile is even better. 

I have a very HOT husband! His name is Ryan. We got married December 10, 2011 out at our meeting spot, Camp Tejas.  I love this man more with every day. He is so loving, kind, funny, generous, passionate and just plain HOT! I adore him. He loves Jesus more than anything in the world, adores his mom, respects his parents, is smarter than a fifth grader and knows how to have fun and make me laugh. Sometimes we are a little crazy, and don't see eye to eye, but what marriage is perfect? After 3 years of crazy fun we are finally married and I couldn't be happier. 

Engagement pictures credit Paige Meyer Photography

I am a lover of Jesus. He alone is worthy of my praise. Jesus is the reason I am where I am today, with Ryan. Our marriage is on a firm foundation of our savior and I am forever grateful for His love for us and His grace. 

I'm from the beautiful Eastern Shore of lower Alabama. (This should explain my lack of  English/writing training.)

I'm from a broken home, since I was 5. 

I love both my parents so much and am so grateful for all they do for me. 

Julie (The BIG Sis), Dad (The ONLY), and me on Mobile Bay in Fairhope, AL.

My 2nd mom, Jennifer, me, Dad, my little bro, Jay Weslee, and Julie. (Our fam has since grown but this is one of the only pics I had of all of us)

My Momma and Me. She is awesome! :)  (I know I look crazy in this pic-way over accessorized!) 

 I love diet coke so much that sometimes, I wish I could fill a camel back with it and drink it all day. I know that I could do this, but I am definitely trying to diminish my love for this cancer inducing drink. I love it. An ice cold, so cold it hurts your mouth, fountain diet coke it my weakness. Don't judge.

I am a jack of all traits. 

Hairstylist. Wedding Planner. Artist. Florist. Secretary. Baby Sitter. Lifeguard. I love anything that requires being creative. I have a very strong desire to be a stay at home mom once we have kiddos. I really want to sew my kids clothes, bake with them, craft with them. I seriously can not wait for this day to come. 

The only picture I could find of me in hair school.

My favorite flowers, EVER, peonies. 

  That's pretty much all the craziness you need to know today. I know, I overloaded you a little bit. That's something you should get used to on this blog. I'm a little much sometimes. I'm a line crosser other times. Sometimes though, I'm just enough. Hope you enjoyed yourself. Please feel free to talk to me. Ask me questions. Let me be friends with you, I would love it. I love people and love talking. :)

Love photo credit to Paige Meyer Photography

LOVE! 

Britt

Weekend.

I am so thankful that yesterday was my first day back at work and that today is already FRIDAY!
I woke up this morning, exhausted still, thinking, "Man! How in the world am I going to manage waking up at 6am the rest of the week?" Then, I got ready for work and headed out the door at 7am.
As I turned on the radio to 104.1 KRBE, Roula and Ryan were talking about how its FRIDAY! I nearly screamed with joy as I realized it was, indeed, already FRIDAY!

When I first started this job, about 3 months ago, the main thing I was most excited about, was having a "normal" scheudle.
I've worked retail, or some sort of service industry job since I was 15 years old, and have ALWAYS had to work on Saturdays. Even my most favorite job, camp ministry, was a weekend working kind of job.
It never really bothered me until the past couple years, since I have grown so much closer to my family and my husbands family. They would always plan things on the weekend, and I, of course, would NEVER be able to go because I had to work.
Now, not only do I get EVERY SINGLE Friday night-Sunday night off, I am making triple the amount of money I ever made with the old job and we all got holiday bonuses yesterday! It was amazing! I feel so valued with this company, so loved by them, it's a wonderful feeling.

I had a rough night driving in the traffic for an hour and a half last night and so I really felt the need to remind myself how great I have it here at MPP today.
So, Thank you D.M., L, and J.P for hiring me 3 months ago. I am so greatful for the open arms you have given me.
Much love!
B Fletcher

Bachelorette Party!!

 Thursday night was the the start of the festivities.
 I was lucky enough to have my sister, Julie and my best friend, Danielle fly in to help coordinate everything.
Julie lives in Portland, Oregon now and Danielle, lives in my hometown, Daphne, Alabama.
Im so greatful that they came down and planned this party for me.
My other bridesmaids, Nelan, Meredith, Jennie and Lindy all made the treck into downtown on Thursday so that we could party!
The day started with a wonderful breakfast with my Dad, 2nd Mom-Jennifer, little brother-Jay, Grandparents, Julie and her husband Simeon. Papa J. made yummy biscuits, with eggs and bacon and sausage. It was delicious.
After breakfast, Julie and I got all packed up and headed for Houston.
We stopped in town in Brenham first to have lunch with Jennie, Mer and Nelan at the Whataburger, cause we're classy like that.
Then Julie and I ACTUALLY headed for Houston.
We had a few errands to run so we completed those and got to check into our hotel around 4pm.
We stayed at the Alden Hotel in downtown Houston, which was quite the adventure for this little small town girl. (I've never stayed in a big fancy hotel where you have to tip everyone who helps you, so lets just say I learned after Julie told me how things go)
So, $25 in parking fees later, we got checked in.
Our hotel was really nice, but not AT ALL what I expected. It was super dark, smelt kinda weird and there is a club on the lower level of the hotel which made for a late night thump in our beds. haha!
Back to the story,
Julie and I got freshened up and drove to the airport to pick up the best friend, Danielle.
Once we got Danielle, we tried to make reservations for this little pizza joint in mid-town and they said that the first open reservation was for 10pm! HOLY PIZOLI!
After making quite a few phone calls, we wound up getting into the original pizza place.
It was actually quite funny, we were one of 4 groups in the whole place. They weren't busy AT ALL! It was pretty hilarious!
After dinner we all went back to our hotel and had some fun!
We had sangria and champagne, opened sexy time gifts and played a game.
The game was so cute!
Danielle put together a grab bag for me.
She had asked Ryan some questions and I had to answer the same questions and if I got them right I got to pick something out of my bag, if I got them wrong, I had to put a piece of bubble gum in my mouth.
I got a TON right and 6 wrong. :( haha! It was so fun though!
I ended up with some pretty peices of lingerie and 27 pairs of panties. How awesome is that?!?!?!?
I mean, I dont have to do laundry for a whole month! Its awesome!

Pretty much everyone dispersed around 11pm and we all went to bed. (Can you say, Grandma?)
Im so thankful for all my girlfriends! They truly are the greatest people I know.
Here are some pictures overload.

The next post will be on our Friday Festivites! :)
WooHOO for being a married woman!
Love!
Brittany Fletcher

WOOHOO! We are MARRIED!

To those of you who are single, you have NO idea how much stress a wedding can put on the bride. 

These past 7 months haven't been terrible, in fact they have been amazing, but I sure am glad that it is in the past. 

Ryan and I have waited to so long for that day, and now that it is past us, we couldn't be more thrilled to be together at last!

The wedding was amazing! I can't wait to give a low down on every little detail, with pictures and all. 

The Lord has been so good to Ryan and I, and I can't wait to see what He does in our marriage! :)

Thanks for all the prayers and support!

We love yall!

Brittany Fletcher

Almost a Mrs. to the Mr. in my life.

After 7 months of waiting, I am finally going to be Mrs.Brittany Fletcher in just 3 days!
After all the planning, tears and smiles, Its all going to be a reality. 
This past 7 months have FLOWN by!
I mean, its been fun and all and I am so excited about actually walking down the aisle to my groom, but I sure am gonna be glad when it's all said and done. 
This stuff is STRESSFUL!
I have been on a rather tight budget, which makes things even more difficult, but have had a great support system around me. 
Yall, can I just go ahead and bragg on my handsome groom?
He has sat back and let me make the decisions I have really wanted to make, let my cry on his shoulder when I have been so stressed out, and laughed with me and cheered me up when I needed it most. 
He is such an incredible man who loves the Lord so much and loves me so much! 
I never thought I would find a man who loved me for me, I have always been a people pleaser and thought that I would have to conform to what my man wanted. Ryan though, lets me be me. He lets me say rediculous things that dont make since, lets me dance even though I look silly and laughs with (at) me when I do/say something outrageous. 
Ryan really is the man I have been waiting for all my life. 
I love him more and more with each day. 
I can't wait to walk down the aisle and see my groom. 
He is the most handsome, loving, sweet, thoughtful groom ever. 

Praise the Lord for you, Ryan Fletcher. 
You have always made my heart go pitter patter. ;)


Love, 
Your Bride

Change.

The Lord sure does know what He's doing with me. 

If you dont know me, which I assume you dont, you should know that I am weird. Crazy weird. Like, this next statement will not make any since to you. 

I am not a fan of change, but somehow find myself always on the edge of my "seat" waiting for and wanting a change. 

Well, this couple years, I have definately changed. Here are some of the ways/things:

Broke up with Ryan, my now fiance. (Insert sad face. Another story for another day)

Graduated from hair school. 

Got my first apartment (that I actually paid for)

Bought a new (to me) car

Finished my last summer with Camp Tejas

Got back together with Ryan 

Started my first big girl job in a salon as a stylist

Quit my first big girl job in a salon as a stylist (HATED IT)

Got promoted at my second job

Got engaged

Quit my job of 3 years

Started a new job (That is AMAZING!!! Thank you MPP)

Moved out of my apartment

Watched my best friend from child hood walk down the aisle to her curly headed crush from 8th grade

Watched my big sister move to Portland, OE

Watched my aunt adopt 2 babies

Lets just say it has been a worlwind of change in my life in the past 2 years.

The Lord is faithful to remind me that He is in control, but sometimes, or all the time, I struggle with understanding this. 

Ryan and I were supposed to move into our awesome new apartment last weekend, and the Lord put a HUGE stop sign in our faces. With some wise counsel from our parents, we have decided it is best to not get into this lease as of right now. 

About a month ago, Ryan found out he would be unable to complete his schooling, 3 days before graduation, because of his medical issues. He has been searcing high and low for a job to provide for us for about a month and still we have come across nothing. 

We are 17 days away from our big day and are moving in with His parents until Ryan gets a job and we can get on our feet. This has been one of the biggest things to change in my life in the past 2 years and I am really struggling with it. 

Do you have any words of wisdom on moving in with your in-laws because of financial instability?

I could use all the encourgaing words in the world!

Please pray for us as we begin this journey together. 

Ryan has a second interview with Lyondell on the 30th. This is a job that we have all prayed for for quite some time now. Its the job Ryan wants, needs and loves. Please pray that this happens for us. 

Sorry this is such a long post, I feel the need to preface everything before I write. 

I know, Im strange. 

Much love and Thankfullness on this holiday weekend!

Britt