Our new home...

Haven't had a chance to post since last weekend, but here is an update. My mom and dad came to Springfield to come see our new condo before we signed our contract and help us make some design decisions. Since we caught our condo in the early stages, we had the opportunity to give it our own personal touch. It's great...but very stressful! So many decisions and so many colors...it makes it hard! They got in Saturday morning and after shopping and picking out countertops...Lolo and I decided we needed a nap :)

We went to dinner with Leanne, Brett's mom, downtown at Saputo's. If you're ever in Springfield..and you like Italian food...go to Saputo's. You definitely won't regret it! My parents left on Sunday afternoon, after we drove all around Springfield to find a flooring company that stocks absolute black granite tile. We decided to use it around our fireplace and hearth. We drove to Bloomington, about an hour drive each way, when Brett got home on Monday to get 20 pieces of black granite...we were desperate! They were going to lay the tile last week so we had to step on it if we wanted to make it happen. Here is a picture of our BEFORE fireplace...

Here is a picture of our eat-in-kitchen. They still have to finish laying the tile next week...

And here is a pic of our master bedroom. They are storing most of their tools in that room so it doesn't really give it the full effect :)

I promise to post some new pictures once everything is finished in mid April. We have almost finalized all of our rooms...just a few minor decisions such as faucets. Can't wait till it finally gets done and we can move to a new, nicer neighborhood!

Friends for Finn

Last night, Brett and I volunteered at the second fundraiser held for Finnegan Grady. Finnegan is a three year old boy from Springfield, IL. In January, he was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor located on the brainstem, therefore considered inoperable. Finn was sent to St. Jude's Hospital in Nashville where he is receiving treatments to shrink the tumor. Last night a benefit was held at Catch 22, where we raised over $17,000 JUST AT THE DOOR! I couldn't believe the turnout that we had! It was AMAZING! A total hasn't been ran on the live & silent auction items because some still hadn't been paid for but I can imagine it was a pretty large amount. Brett and I walked away with a BEAUTIFUL picture of Sportmans Park, old Busch Stadium and new Busch Stadium.

It is going to look great in our new basement...if we ever make it to the dang place! Still over two months before we will be able to move into the condo. Mom and dad are coming up this weekend to help go over the contract with our builder and decide on a price, including the upgrades we have made to it. Keep your fingers crossed that we can all agree on something..that is key!

Please pray for Finnegan!! His friends and family have made a great effort to provide the best medical care for him and made it possible to have his parents by his side the whole time! A miracle will need to happen for Finnegan to be able to walk away from this! So...lets pray for one!

Brett's 24th Birthday

I picked a great day to start....my soon-to-be hubby's birthday! This is his third birthday that we have spend together and we have many more to come! I hope he enjoyed it because this is his last birthday as a single man. Here is a recap of the birthdays Brett has had since we met...

Brett's BF Josh came to spend Brett's 22nd birthday with us in Carbondale. I can't even believe I am posting because of how horrible I look...yuck! Josh bought us drinks and shots all night....and this is what it will get you!

Brett didn't spend his 23rd birthday with me :(. He spent his birthday at the St. Louis Blues game sitting 4th row with my dad, brother, and Niesel drinking all the beer Scottrade Center could supply. That night was the night Brett asked my dad and my brother for their blessing to marry me. Brett was able to stop the word slurring long enough to ask their permission. My dad responded with a ..."Are you serious? Do you even need to ask?". My brother agreed that YES, they were so happy to welcome Brett into the family. However, with a moment to themselves my brother had to ask..."Did Courtney talk you into this? Are you sure this is something YOU want?" Thanks Lee :)! So Les and Lee decided to welcome Brett into the family...Palmer style! Brett got so hammered he couldn't even make it into training for his NEW job the next day....how professional! He says it was his best birthday and wishes he could have spent this one the same way!

I don't have a picture of this birthday, as it is still on his mom's camera. Brett got a new golf bag and some golf balls, compliments of Les and Lolo. He also got a new windproof jacket from yours truly! He loved it...but then again who wouldn't! It is a sweet jacket for any golfer who knows how cold it can be at 8a.m. on a summer morning. Brett and I both worked at Jackson Country Club and some mornings were horribly cold! I always kept my trusty blue windbreaker with me to bare through those miserable mornings pulling the golf carts out at 6:45a.m. Nonethless, Leanne took me, Brett, Grandma Oswald, and Grandma Langford to Westwoods so Brett could have his favorite dish...an italian beef snowshoe with ragin cajun cheese sauce! Although he worked ALL day, I think he had a great birthday. He says his best present was ME! Let's ask him again in 5 years and see what his answer is ...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY!