New Era

    So, that shows a little of what the wedding was. A few things went wrong, but the family there and the love and togetherness far outweighed anything that could go wrong. I would like to thank those that helped, Mari Chesney who kept me together from beginning to end ...Kathy Gosa and Amy Curran who blessed me with the ability to purchase things. Julie Trimble who made the centerpieces pull together. Jennifer Walker who made the astonishing cake topper. My family and James' family who helped to get it ready and bring the part together for the weekend, not just a day. I love you all...all the support from friends and family near and far. 

    So, what now? Well, I need to work for financial stability and sanity. I am trying to find that right company that will be a good fit for me as well as them. Something that works with marketing and public relations. My dream is to make this home business work. DreasBoutique is a way to express myself. I am learning while growing and hope to get more products up. We will see. I believe and that is all I can do. Thanks for reading. I will get better with my updates.

Well, it's been quite a while. The wedding was beautiful. I learned a lot and thank goodness the important things went right. I am finally settle in as Mrs. Conley, however I hope I never feel too settled. Here are some pics...the decor is my work, the ceiling was graced by Mari, my MOH and my sister Vanessa.

Two weeks from today, that will be the day. It has been a rough week. Thank God I have this to look forward to. Couple of things that I have learned about weddings...first CONTRACT!!! Always get one and get it signed. No matter how you feel about the person!!! The hotel I have one with has changed their requirements and has put us on the edge of the budget. On top of that, family members are struggling and it makes me worry. I worry about too much, sometimes. Finally, the little job I had, I found out was a sham to get what he could out of it. Two weeks before our wedding and he decides he can't afford me, after I have done the leg work for his success. That was my wedding funding, so I was devastated. Too far now to change plans; just need to pray we can eat afterwords, lol. This has been such a learning experience, not just about the process, but about myself. I do wish some things came easy, but sometimes the harder you work for it, the more you will appreciate it. God knows what I can handle and what I can't. He has seen me in action and watches over me. Thank you for reading today. That is all I have, I am worn out.

I am sorry it has been a while. So much has happened. Running a wedding from paycheck to paycheck is not easy, but it is getting done; thanks to some very special people in my life. Mari Chesney, my Maid of Honor, what a person/woman/friend/family. She keeps me grounded and helps me to stay focused. She is also a life saver for several other reasons. I love you Mari! We also have had the pleasure of meeting someone else very special - Victoria Sumner, the wedding planner. It is amazing to find someone who, after showing what we have to work with, still says yes. And, she is able to find the most beautiful and innovative ways to make our day special. Thank you Victoria and thank you for all the advice. I have made most of the decorations and will be making more. I am posting pictures with this blog. Since I last posted, we have maintained. James has found out he has one of the worst cases of sleep apnea they have ever seen. Of course insurance does not cover the full amount so we are waiting a bit to save the money for the machine. My infections are not getting better, which scares me a bit, but my sanity is (lol). I am not worried. We have been through so much in the last couple of years and have some how come through. That, I believe is because someone upstairs is watching over us and is not going to let us go through more than we handle. I forget sometimes how blessed I am. Life has given me several chances and as of today, I have already lived three different lives. While I love the fruits of those labors, I am so happy to be who I am today. I had lost this person and am enjoying watching myself rekindle the loves I had thought I lost. Three more weeks from tomorrow and I will be walking down that aisle and becoming Mrs. Andrea Conley. I am so thankful for him coming in my life. It is fun to watch him starting to get nervous as he drops things and fumbles a lot. I love him so much and am so happy to be at this point in my life. Some how some way this is going to come through.....Thanks for reading and showing interest.

Sorry I haven't been on, but been busy trying to figure it all out. I have been tired a lot and hope it is just my nerves. I am creating all the centerpieces and am trying to think of something creative for my bouquet. I found this great box at a thrift store for 3 dollars and am going to revamp it for a card holder. I have decided to take some of my house decorations for gifts as well. I am trying to find cheap ways to light up bottle without cutting them and at the same time, doesn't look tacky. DOY doesn't HAVE to look cheap. My goal is for everyone to have good food and lots of fun. I know that my wedding won't save the world or help a child in need, and I wouldn't want to take away from their importance, but I would just like to celebrate the fact that I am marrying the man of my dreams. To be honest, I do not know where the money is going to come from for the rest of this, but thanks to two old friends...I am going to be able to look good and have some decor. Now for the food and entertainment.....Thanks for reading my blog.

I am very humbled today. I have some great people in my life. I have a lot to be thankful for and people to thank. This weekend marks the 60 day count down.

So, today, the day after this post I get a visit from a police officer looking for my ex. 2 years ago I took a warrant out on him for communicating threats and they have never been able to find him. Ironique for this to happen today. It brought back some sad and hurtful memories, but I am not letting it bring me down. Thanks to all who take the time to read this. We are enjoying the 4th at home with the TV and old movies. We may watch the fireworks. I hope all of you have an enjoyable day. Thank you to those who keep our independence there!! Dreams do come true...

Conley Wedding: Conley Wedding: Our Wedding

Conley Wedding: Conley Wedding: Our Wedding: Conley Wedding: Our Wedding : I am not yet Andrea Conley, but will soon be. My name now is Andrea Mono. September 8, 2012, I will be marryin...

Conley Wedding: Our Wedding

Conley Wedding: Our Wedding: I am not yet Andrea Conley, but will soon be. My name now is Andrea Mono. September 8, 2012, I will be marrying the man of my dreams. I hav...

Our Wedding

I am not yet Andrea Conley, but will soon be. My name now is Andrea Mono. September 8, 2012, I will be marrying the man of my dreams. I have had two failed marriages to cheating and abuse. The last one actually cut me on the arm. So, how do I know this one is right? He has brought ME back. Back to my family, back to my dreams and back to life. He has given me opportunities, without complaint, to do things I have wanted to do all my life, but have never done. So, when he finally said he wanted to set the date, I was more than happy. We have had a couple rough years with my diabetes and job losses. The wedding will be simple, but nice. I am wanting a wedding to finally bring family in (especially my own) to our lives and show a new beginning. Previous relationships have hindered my relationship with my family. Being an interracial couple has it's tests, but thankfully my family approves and loves him.  I have planned a budget of $1500 that everyone thinks is impossible, but not for me as I have always had to travel the harder road and fight against all odds. However, with all the trials and tribulations we have had, even that small amount seems too far fetched to reach. That is why I have created this blog. Some one suggested seeing where at could and reminded me that every dollar counts. I am hoping someone or some people will want to contribute a dollar to make this dream come true. If not, then please put this in your prayers. Thanks to all who have taken the time to read. 

Truly Happy,

Andrea