Sierra & Wyatt ... sweet, sweet, sweet

A few bridal survivor pictures ....

Callie & Leila Hanging out - no talking! Day 4 Callie braiding Karis hair Day 5 Finals on Saturday Jan. 21st - Sierra & Olivia won shirts (thanks to Chris) and had them signed by all the brides.

Bride-a-thon is over!

Well, I have been home for a week now - thank you to everyone who either came by to visit, or send me a "B"-mail, or watched the web cam, or listened in, or called Chris to check in - all the support we have gotten really is appreciated. What an experience that was! A bit like being an animal in the zoo - people came and starred at us, yelled to us, made gestures to us ... some people were curious, some were kind, and some were cruel. The 6 other woman I was with were all very nice people - we all bonded. There wasn't really anything else to do but talk ... the room we were in was freezing, and we were only fed 3 times a day, only let loose for "potty breaks" every 4 hours (all together, for 20 minutes). We had NO contact with people on the "outside", so we did what girls do - talk, talk, talk. Which led to a lot of crying. But, all in all, I am very glad I had that opportunity. It would have been nice to have won - but the memories and all I am taking from it was well worth it. Coming home to Chris and the kids was amazing - Chris did wonderfully while I was gone - he dealt with sick kids, re-arranged our bedroom, got Bailey off the bottle, kept the house clean and came by the mall every day. I think that I feel even closer to Chris now that I am back, and I still find myself falling more and more in love with him every day. Life is thrilling, wondful, and amazing. Dane, Sierra and Olivia were with us for 4 days. Another heart warming visit. Trent, Wyatt and Bailey can never understand when they leave - so the count-down for the return of the big kids is on again - as of today, there is only 15 more days until they are back with us again.

Tomorrow is the day ...

I am pretty nervous. Its hard for me to imagine what the next few days *might* be like. I already miss home - the boys, bailey, Chris ... work! Dane, Sierra and Olivia are due to arrive on the 21st - so if I am in the finals at that point - it will be just in time for their visit! Dane said that if that was the case, he thinks when Chris takes them to the mall to see me/pick me up, they will have to wear nose plugs. I have to be there by 6am tomorrow. I also got another letter explaining more "rules" - apparently there were many questions about rules, so the radio station was clear that we are now allowed to "layer" at all - and if we do, if we take off a layer, we get disqualified. Wow! They are tough! I am bring my toothbrush/toothpaste as luxury item(s) - 9 days without a shower is bad enough - but without brushing teeth???? Eww! Hopefully Chris will post updates/pictures soon.

Bridal Survivor

Okay, so I am a complete nut ... I entered a radio contest on Mix92.5 and "won", and beginning Friday Jan. 13th, I will be "living" in Factoria Mall for (up to) 9 days - the "winner" gets incredible prizes towards wonderful wedding ... even a honeymoon! BUT ... I just found out more about the event: "A t-shirt has since been ordered for you, and we'll have it on Friday morning. You will be wearing it everyday (24 hours a day) while you are a contestant. Additionally, choose your undergarments, shoes and pants wisely - as they, too, will be the only set you'll have during your time in the competition. Basically, what you wear on Friday morning is what you'll wear until you leave. WHAT TO BRING: * Your driver's license. * (1) luxury item * Medication (if needed) * Pillow (optional, but suggested) * Sleeping bag (optional, but suggested) WHAT NOT TO BRING: Basically, anything that isn't listed above is something you shouldn't be bringing, but here are some specifics ... * Any communication device (including, but not limited to, cell phone, pager, Blackberry, laptop, etc.) * Any electronic device (including, but not limited to, cameras, video games, etc.) * Any entertainment device (including, but not limited to, books, games, cards, magazine, etc.) * Changes of clothes. * Food or drinks. * Makeup and/or toiletries -unless it is your luxury item (feminine products are permitted, but must be disclosed on Friday morning) Tell your friends, family and fiancé that they can visit you at the Factoria Mall (during mall hours) in the former Gottschalks store front window. They can also follow you online at www.MIX925.com via our live Survivor Webcam. PLEASE NOTE: while we encourage your friends, family and fiancé to come visit you, we would also encourage you to remind them that you cannot talk to them (or anyone) on the outside, so conversations will be one-sided. " ..wearing the same clothes the entire time. YAY! No form of communication, people can come and "visit" but just wave .. maybe you can throw food at me (to eat, not rotten tomatoes!). What should the luxury item be? Hair brush? Makeup? A photo album? Shampoo/conditioner? Soap? Any ideas? Chris or I will be adding more info as we get it ... also, please sign the "guestbook" I just figured out how to add - its very lonely so far!