Okay, I've been in eight weddings, worn eight bridesmaid dresses, and I've worn dozens and dozens of bridal gowns for bridal expos. Each dress, special in its own way, could not ever compare to the feeling I got when I put on MY dress! It was amazing. A moment I will never forget. It has felt like years since I've ordered it, (Keep in mind I only ordered it in January), but it is here! It is really and truly... FINALLY Here!!!
Kyle asked me how many times I think I'll try it on between now and the wedding. I casually replied, "probably only a zillion." Of course that was probably an understatement because I plan on putting it on every time he isn't around! Heck, I might even wear it on the plane the day after the wedding for the entire trip to Hawaii. I may even wear it on the beach when we get there! I love my dress! It is so perfect in every single little way! Kyle might just have to pry it off of me in order just go get me out of it! Of course I'll be kicking and screaming and cursing him the whole way! :o)
I'm going to pick it up tomorrow night. Naturally I'm going to the gym tonight to see what I can do about miraculously getting in shape one day before trying on MY dress! Hey, stranger things have happened!
Also, we booked our flight. Kyle's parents are amazing! They are flying us to Hawaii FIRST CLASS!!! Can you picture it? Me looking like Ellie May from the Beverly Hillbillies sitting in First Class in my wedding gown ordering free cocktails all the way to Hawaii? Yes, I think that sounds fantastic!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
In 3 Years...
Three years ago I started dating my best friend. Today is our anniversary and I've been thinking...
Three years ago, I was a college student. I had been living in a college dorm and getting ready to begin my 4th and final year of school. I was just starting my summer vacation. I was newly single and fiercely independent. I was determined not to date ANYONE for a long time. I was stubborn and I was addicted to Starbucks. I stayed up late and woke up late. I was spontaneous. I got a weekly allowance that I would usually blow on concerts and clothes. I didn't have any worries and stress was a foreign concept to me. I was almost 21 and I had never had one alcoholic beverage. I was in between churches. The biggest concern in my life was what I was going to do with my two months of bliss away from school.
Three years ago, I was completely blindsided. Someone came into my life and knocked me right off my feet. He knew how stubborn I was and he was determined to change my mind and make me his. He was sure that he was going to make himself a permanent fixture in my life. He was relentless and I was determined not to let him have his way. Well, he got me.
Three years later, I have graduated from college. I live on my own. I can only dream of summer vacations anymore. I have fallen helplessly in love for the first time. I have gotten engaged and we are now planning our wedding. I do have to admit that I am still quite stubborn and sadly, my addiction to Starbucks has only worsened. I have had my first alcoholic beverage or two. I have acquired the cutest little Chihuahua in the world. We have found an incredible church home. I have officially retired from the bridesmaid business. I have met some really amazing people and at least one of my best friends. I have grown up a good bit. The invisible bubble in which I liked to live my life has vanished. I pay bills now. I have to actually try to save money these days. I read more. I relax more. I like to stay at home more. 10:00 is my new bed time and my wakeup call occurs somewhere around 6:30-ish each morning depending on how long I decide to "snooze."
Time can change a lot of things in your life. Looking back over just the last three years, my whole world has changed significantly. Who knew that in three years I would be where I am now. I'm incredibly happy. I'm healthy. I still have the most amazing family and friends a girl could ask for. Starbucks is still warming my heart every morning… and afternoon... and sometimes in the evenings or various other times throughout the day. My wonderful life has only become exponentially more wonderful! ... makes me curious as to what it will be like three years from now....
Three years ago, I was a college student. I had been living in a college dorm and getting ready to begin my 4th and final year of school. I was just starting my summer vacation. I was newly single and fiercely independent. I was determined not to date ANYONE for a long time. I was stubborn and I was addicted to Starbucks. I stayed up late and woke up late. I was spontaneous. I got a weekly allowance that I would usually blow on concerts and clothes. I didn't have any worries and stress was a foreign concept to me. I was almost 21 and I had never had one alcoholic beverage. I was in between churches. The biggest concern in my life was what I was going to do with my two months of bliss away from school.
Three years ago, I was completely blindsided. Someone came into my life and knocked me right off my feet. He knew how stubborn I was and he was determined to change my mind and make me his. He was sure that he was going to make himself a permanent fixture in my life. He was relentless and I was determined not to let him have his way. Well, he got me.
Three years later, I have graduated from college. I live on my own. I can only dream of summer vacations anymore. I have fallen helplessly in love for the first time. I have gotten engaged and we are now planning our wedding. I do have to admit that I am still quite stubborn and sadly, my addiction to Starbucks has only worsened. I have had my first alcoholic beverage or two. I have acquired the cutest little Chihuahua in the world. We have found an incredible church home. I have officially retired from the bridesmaid business. I have met some really amazing people and at least one of my best friends. I have grown up a good bit. The invisible bubble in which I liked to live my life has vanished. I pay bills now. I have to actually try to save money these days. I read more. I relax more. I like to stay at home more. 10:00 is my new bed time and my wakeup call occurs somewhere around 6:30-ish each morning depending on how long I decide to "snooze."
Time can change a lot of things in your life. Looking back over just the last three years, my whole world has changed significantly. Who knew that in three years I would be where I am now. I'm incredibly happy. I'm healthy. I still have the most amazing family and friends a girl could ask for. Starbucks is still warming my heart every morning… and afternoon... and sometimes in the evenings or various other times throughout the day. My wonderful life has only become exponentially more wonderful! ... makes me curious as to what it will be like three years from now....
Monday, May 3, 2010
What an Amazing Weekend...... Now What?
God has a funny way of showing up right when you need him... even if you don't know that you need him right then. This weekend was so wonderful and exactly what I needed! I was so overwhelmed with the love of God and for the first time in a long time I felt refreshed. I feel renewed and revived and I am even more in love with my Jesus!
However, this weekend also lead me to think... a lot... and this is what is on my heart...
Every day lately seems to bring a new realization to me that I'm not getting any younger. Don't get me wrong... I'm only 23, but I'm not 22 anymore. I'm not 19 anymore, and I'm not a timid 18 year old trying to figure out what the future holds for her anymore. Now I'm almost a 24 year old who is getting ready to be married and start a family of her own. You might even think that I am a nut for just realizing this....
When I was younger, I had big dreams for myself! I knew that one day I wanted to be in full-time ministry, traveling the world, singing and leading worship everywhere I went. I was 200% sure this is what God had planned for my life! Today the biggest decision I made is whether or not to attend my spinning class tonight at 6:00. When did I go from a teenager with big ambitions to a young adult who just lives day to day life? Is this part of getting older?
A couple of weeks ago, our pastor made a statement that struck through me like a lightning bolt. He said "We can live our entire lives as Christians and STILL miss out on the plan that God has for us." Wow! What a miserable life that would be! I know God has bigger plans for me than the ones that I have for myself. I've always known that. But what are they? How do I get from where I am to where He wants me to be? What is my purpose? Will I ever be that traveling worship leader that my heart longs to be?
I am incredibly happy to be marrying the man of my dreams and I'm counting down the days until I am his and he is mine. But what next? Where do we go from here?
However, this weekend also lead me to think... a lot... and this is what is on my heart...
Every day lately seems to bring a new realization to me that I'm not getting any younger. Don't get me wrong... I'm only 23, but I'm not 22 anymore. I'm not 19 anymore, and I'm not a timid 18 year old trying to figure out what the future holds for her anymore. Now I'm almost a 24 year old who is getting ready to be married and start a family of her own. You might even think that I am a nut for just realizing this....
When I was younger, I had big dreams for myself! I knew that one day I wanted to be in full-time ministry, traveling the world, singing and leading worship everywhere I went. I was 200% sure this is what God had planned for my life! Today the biggest decision I made is whether or not to attend my spinning class tonight at 6:00. When did I go from a teenager with big ambitions to a young adult who just lives day to day life? Is this part of getting older?
A couple of weeks ago, our pastor made a statement that struck through me like a lightning bolt. He said "We can live our entire lives as Christians and STILL miss out on the plan that God has for us." Wow! What a miserable life that would be! I know God has bigger plans for me than the ones that I have for myself. I've always known that. But what are they? How do I get from where I am to where He wants me to be? What is my purpose? Will I ever be that traveling worship leader that my heart longs to be?
I am incredibly happy to be marrying the man of my dreams and I'm counting down the days until I am his and he is mine. But what next? Where do we go from here?
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Well it's Thursday and this concludes the end of my work week....
I'm leaving the office today at 4:00 to attend a retreat for the weekend. I can't really say a whole lot about what I'm going to be doing there because frankly, I have no idea! What kind of person signs up for a weekend that they don't know what they are going to be doing? Heck, I could be hanging around a bunch of hillbilly jagaloons for all I know and I won't have the slightest clue until I get there! The thing is, no one will tell you about this kind of retreat. It's called "Discipleship Walk" and it is supposed to be a weekend that you commit to spending with God. I'm told that the reason you don't know much going into it is because if you knew, it would ruin it. Typically my cynical self would be completely opposed to something like this, but on this occasion both of my parents have done this before and highly recommend me to do it as well. I suppose I should be able to trust my parents.... but if I go missing after Monday, call anybody you can think of! ;)
I'll try to give an update next week to say how it went...
We did get our engagement pictures back on Monday and I was pretty impressed. I mean, I don't love them all but there are a few that I thought were pretty cute. I think our photographer should win an award for having to put up with my 27 year old child, and still getting some good shots of him during the process. I suppose I can post a few here:
I'll try to give an update next week to say how it went...
We did get our engagement pictures back on Monday and I was pretty impressed. I mean, I don't love them all but there are a few that I thought were pretty cute. I think our photographer should win an award for having to put up with my 27 year old child, and still getting some good shots of him during the process. I suppose I can post a few here:
Monday, April 26, 2010
We Get Our Engagement Pictures Back Today!!!
I'm not exactly sure when or even how, but somehow I feel like at some point my life started to revolve around wedding plans! What in the world am I going to do when all of this is over? Um... I think I'll need to find a hobby... QUICK!!!
We are finally finished meeting with all of our vendors... **sigh** and we don't really have too much going on for the next month or so with the exception of our save-the-date cards. I'm still not sure what I want to do there, but hopefully we'll find some really cute engagement pictures to use. After that we shouldn't have too much to do other than pick out some decorations and order our invitations.
We started our pre-marital counseling sessions about two weeks ago. We were both pretty skeptical going into it (although I didn't voice my opinions to the counselors like my counterpart), but we were both pleasantly surprised. We really like our counselors and they seem to suit our style pretty well. I can't say that we've learned a whole lot yet, but I do enjoy talking with them and Kyle. So far I'm still on board to get married, but we've only had two sessions so I'll have to keep you posted! ;)
In other news my parents just celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary! 26 YEARS!!! I think it is wonderful. I can only hope that our marriage will be as great as theirs has been. I made them a little mini cake to celebrate too. I'll post pictures later if I can remember to do it.
Today is Monday, and like all Mondays I am sad that I even got out of the bed to come to work. Why do I have to work again? Why can't I be one of those hot little wives that just goes to the gym and get massages all the time. Oh to be a Real Housewife of Orange County!!! ** Sigh** I'm so jealous!
Kyle and I have a pretty big anniversary coming up! On May 5th (Cinco De Mayo) we will have been together for 3 FULL YEARS!!! No breaking up. No breaks. No itches. Nothing. I can't even believe it myself. Boy have we defied the odds!
Somehow just recently it has finally hit me that I am a Bride. No I have to start doing Bride things like diet and try to get tiny so I can look hot in my wedding dress and on my honeymoon in a bathing suit. Now I'm a pretty healthy eater and all anyway and I work out at least once or twice a week, but I've been taking it pretty easy on myself until oh, say, about a week ago! Then it hit me like a ton of bricks!!! I. AM. A. BRIDE!!!!!!!
Needless to say I have kicked it into overdrive and am fully determined to become that hot little bride with 0 arm fat hanging over the sides of her dress and a toned little body in that "just married" bikini! :)
I think I can... I think I can... I think I can... I think I can...
We are finally finished meeting with all of our vendors... **sigh** and we don't really have too much going on for the next month or so with the exception of our save-the-date cards. I'm still not sure what I want to do there, but hopefully we'll find some really cute engagement pictures to use. After that we shouldn't have too much to do other than pick out some decorations and order our invitations.
We started our pre-marital counseling sessions about two weeks ago. We were both pretty skeptical going into it (although I didn't voice my opinions to the counselors like my counterpart), but we were both pleasantly surprised. We really like our counselors and they seem to suit our style pretty well. I can't say that we've learned a whole lot yet, but I do enjoy talking with them and Kyle. So far I'm still on board to get married, but we've only had two sessions so I'll have to keep you posted! ;)
In other news my parents just celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary! 26 YEARS!!! I think it is wonderful. I can only hope that our marriage will be as great as theirs has been. I made them a little mini cake to celebrate too. I'll post pictures later if I can remember to do it.
Today is Monday, and like all Mondays I am sad that I even got out of the bed to come to work. Why do I have to work again? Why can't I be one of those hot little wives that just goes to the gym and get massages all the time. Oh to be a Real Housewife of Orange County!!! ** Sigh** I'm so jealous!
Kyle and I have a pretty big anniversary coming up! On May 5th (Cinco De Mayo) we will have been together for 3 FULL YEARS!!! No breaking up. No breaks. No itches. Nothing. I can't even believe it myself. Boy have we defied the odds!
Somehow just recently it has finally hit me that I am a Bride. No I have to start doing Bride things like diet and try to get tiny so I can look hot in my wedding dress and on my honeymoon in a bathing suit. Now I'm a pretty healthy eater and all anyway and I work out at least once or twice a week, but I've been taking it pretty easy on myself until oh, say, about a week ago! Then it hit me like a ton of bricks!!! I. AM. A. BRIDE!!!!!!!
Needless to say I have kicked it into overdrive and am fully determined to become that hot little bride with 0 arm fat hanging over the sides of her dress and a toned little body in that "just married" bikini! :)
I think I can... I think I can... I think I can... I think I can...
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
I should get better at updating this doohickee!
It's getting closer!!! Almost 6 months now and less than 200 days. Can you believe it?!?!?!? Well, I'm getting excited. All of the fun parts will start up soon, and I'm looking forward to it. Now, if I could just get my little tail in shape, I will be doing just fine!
In other news, ladies and gentlemen I am pleased to announce the new and improved town of Rock Hill. It seems that nature has decided to paint it yellow! No kidding- EVERYTHING is YELLOW!!! I decided to spray off my car the other day when I got home because it was getting hard to see out of my windows. The next morning when I walked out to what I thought would be my shiny semi-clean car, I found Lester (my car) looking twice as yellow as he did the day before! I have officially given up until after all this mess has washed away... Isn't April supposed to be the "showers" month? Hmm.. we should probably check on that!
I made my first fondant cake a couple of weeks ago for my brother's birthday. It was super cute, and I'm right proud of myself for my first try. Everything was homemade (even the fondant and buttercream icing) and it tasted delicious too. It did take 6 l-o-n-g hours to make though!!! I'm making another one tomorrow for my cousin's birthday party on Friday. I bought hot pink and black food coloring and I'm going to get some cute little decorations for it too. Of couse I would want to make a girly cake! Anyway, my brother's cake is below. Check it out!
In other news, ladies and gentlemen I am pleased to announce the new and improved town of Rock Hill. It seems that nature has decided to paint it yellow! No kidding- EVERYTHING is YELLOW!!! I decided to spray off my car the other day when I got home because it was getting hard to see out of my windows. The next morning when I walked out to what I thought would be my shiny semi-clean car, I found Lester (my car) looking twice as yellow as he did the day before! I have officially given up until after all this mess has washed away... Isn't April supposed to be the "showers" month? Hmm.. we should probably check on that!
I made my first fondant cake a couple of weeks ago for my brother's birthday. It was super cute, and I'm right proud of myself for my first try. Everything was homemade (even the fondant and buttercream icing) and it tasted delicious too. It did take 6 l-o-n-g hours to make though!!! I'm making another one tomorrow for my cousin's birthday party on Friday. I bought hot pink and black food coloring and I'm going to get some cute little decorations for it too. Of couse I would want to make a girly cake! Anyway, my brother's cake is below. Check it out!
Friday, March 19, 2010
3 Months Down, 7 More to Go!!!
Wow, they say time flies when you are having fun... but when you are planning a wedding, it just seems to disappear altogether! We have gotten so many things accomplished in the last couple of months! But just when I thought I could finally sit back and enjoy being engaged for a while, a whole new wave of anxiety has come crashing down, ruining my brief moment of bliss.
Oh well, I guess I'll have 7 days of honeymoon time to make up for it. -That, I am looking forward to!!! Speaking of, Kyle and I are starting to look at honeymoon spots. We found a couple that we love, but they all seem to be conveniently located in Mexico, and with all this talk about Mexico not being a safe place to go right now, we just aren't sure what we are going to do about that. I have to say though, I have thoroughly enjoyed checking out all of the links that our agent has been sending. I could just about say yes to every one of them! I want to start singing that "Toes in the water..." song every time! I can't wait!!!
There isn't a whole lot of other news going on in our lives right now. Some would say that we have become quite the bore, but I'm just really enjoying planning our wedding and getting ready to be husband and wife! I do think it is kind of funny though when my weekend plans consist of cake tastings and shopping for engagement picture outfits. I guess I should get used to that though- at least through October! I don't know what I am going to do with myself when all this is over and behind us... But let me assure you- there are no immediate plans for children, so don't bother suggesting that one!
Oh well, I guess I'll have 7 days of honeymoon time to make up for it. -That, I am looking forward to!!! Speaking of, Kyle and I are starting to look at honeymoon spots. We found a couple that we love, but they all seem to be conveniently located in Mexico, and with all this talk about Mexico not being a safe place to go right now, we just aren't sure what we are going to do about that. I have to say though, I have thoroughly enjoyed checking out all of the links that our agent has been sending. I could just about say yes to every one of them! I want to start singing that "Toes in the water..." song every time! I can't wait!!!
There isn't a whole lot of other news going on in our lives right now. Some would say that we have become quite the bore, but I'm just really enjoying planning our wedding and getting ready to be husband and wife! I do think it is kind of funny though when my weekend plans consist of cake tastings and shopping for engagement picture outfits. I guess I should get used to that though- at least through October! I don't know what I am going to do with myself when all this is over and behind us... But let me assure you- there are no immediate plans for children, so don't bother suggesting that one!
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