{:!:} N.Y.E 2011 {:!:}

As I sit here enjoying this quiet New Year's Eve night with my husband at my side and my pooch at my feet, I am calm.  And happy. 

Two thousand eleven was THE year of my life.   (Although, 2009 was great {I met Blake}, and 2010 was super great {Blake and I got engaged}, but marriage is something else...)

In January, I began my graduate studies program.  I have completed five courses and hope to be finished in just one and a half short years.   I feel proud of myself and excited that it is breezing by so quickly. 

Shortly after, Blake's grandpa suffered a stroke, which struck a chord in my heart in many different ways.  In this event I felt almost as an outsider watching a family come together seamlessly and effortlessly in their love for Dale.  There was a new respect and admiration for this family whose faith will not be shaken even in the hardest times.  This event was devastating, but God so graciously blessed Dale's recovery.  He's not exactly the same, but is doing so well considering the circumstances.  

In May, I completed my first year teaching the fifth grade.  After two years teaching Kindergarten, this first year teaching fifth grade was simultaneously a breeze and a whirlwind.  Thank God for fantastic colleagues.

In June, Blake and I were married.  The days prior were filled with last-minute preparations and the rehearsal.  I tried not to let the days and moments fly by without letting those moments sink in my long-term memory.  Every moment I couldn't help but feel overwhelmingly blessed.  I had family and friends who helped in completing tasks and buying last minute details.  I had friends and family who would do what they could to make our day as stress-free as possible.  Our wedding wasn't an isolated event--these special people do what they can whenever they can to be helpful and loving. 

In June, Blake and I took our honeymoon to New York City.  IT. WAS. FABULOUS.  There's not much more to say than that.  We loved our time there.  It wasn't perfect, but it WAS perfect.  :)

In September, Amy and Garrod were married.  It was a beautiful ceremony in the mountains of Alma, Colorado.  It was a small, simple and gorgeous affair.  I think this wedding was one I was most emotional for, other than my own, because I was remembering the feelings I felt on my own day and so happy that Amy and Garrod were experiencing these same emotions.

A few weeks ago, Blake graduated with his masters from Doane College in Curriculum and Instruction.  He is the most deserving person I know and I was a proud wife that day.  Now he's looking more toward the future and the possibility of getting another degree.  He's ambitious and talented, I know he'll achieve whatever he sets to do.

Now, it's the last day of this blessed year and I'm looking to the future.  What will 2012 hold for my new family?  Only time will tell...

Today, I'm thankful for: a great holiday season spent with family, a silver party hat sitting on my counter to ring in the new year, remembering our Savior's birth and the salvation He provides, warm towels, and homemade bread in the bread maker  :)

Half-Year

Tomorrow marks our 6 month wedding anniversary, and earlier this week we FINALLY received our wedding album and CD.  It was a long and somewhat irritating wait, but being able to see the pictures in person brought back all the great memories of that special day.  Here are a few of my favorites:

I hope you enjoy this snowy day!

Today, I'm thankful for: warm cuddles with my dog, hot tea, fun times with colleagues.

{Trust Him}

There's not much new news to post.  Just the usual humdrum of life beating away.  Blake has been continually busy with the Fall Play under his belt and now the One Act underway; I'm proud of my super-achieving and passionate husband.  I am somewhat busy, what with the approaching closure of my fifth grad class.  It has kept me busy with reading and writing, and it has left me stressed when joined in combination with the normal grading of assignments from my own class, maintaining house and dog, and enjoying the simplicities of life. 

I've stumbled upon a magical website by the name of Pinterest.  It has led to my newest web obsession and I have been able to try two new recipes and completed a project that is the Christmas present to both my sister and brother-in-law, and my sister-in-law and brother-in-law (if that makes any sense whatsoever).  It was fun to complete and gave me a boost that I really can do some crafty projects to my own accord at home.  Love. 

Our great city has been more than sufficient in providing one of the most beautifully scenic autumns upon which I have ever laid eyes.  I'd like to attribute my growing maturity to my ability to enjoy and appreciate this one of my utmost favorite of God's gifts.  But, perhaps, it is just a wonderfully bright and warm autumn season.  Nevertheless, I am overjoyed.  I know it is coming to an end, but I will relish in its beauty until the leaves have all fallen. 

Today, I'm thankful for: a great book into the mind and life of a slave in 1840s (really, I'm enjoying it!), my salted caramel candle, marriage from which I learn everyday, an understanding and completely loyal companion (I meant my husband, but June can also count in that!), life and all of God's abounding and surprising blessings.

AUTUMN. LOVE.

It's a toss up between Christmas and fall for my absolute favorite time of year.  Getting to wear sweatpants, and sweatshirts, leaving the windows open and the air off (FINALLY!), lighting a million delicious fall scented candles, baking warm treats, Husker football games, anticipating trips to haunted houses, and looking forward to carving pumpkins, and watching my nephew play flag football make this season spectacular.

But, the absolute best thing that has or will happen this fall was the marriage of my new sister and her wonderful hubby.  Blake and I were lucky enough to travel to the mountains in Colorado last weekend to witness and celebrate Amy and Garrod's union.  It was a very special weekend with family and the most beautiful wedding I've seen.  The intimacy of the ceremony and the mountainous setting was breathtaking.  :)

We're in our sixth week of school and things are still crazy busy.  I've got my mind set on being a better teacher this year than I was last year.  I want to improve everything I do as a teacher, and that takes a lot of work.  I find myself working long hours and still having tons to do at the end of the day.  No complaints here, I love my job.  Some days are more stressful than others, but I'm happy where I am.  Blake is in the heart of the fall play and working even longer hours than I am.  He's really loving what he's doing and I'm grateful for that.

On a side note, Blake and I have hit an itching for a new season in our lives.  We're happily newlyweds, who love our home and our dog, but we have this intense desire to have a home of our own.  We've looked and been disappointed, been taken through loops that end up burning out.  Through these experiences, we've learned a lot about home-buying and are saving up like mad people to have money for down payment and closing costs so that we can have our own little nest sometime next spring!  So, I guess I'll be loving that season about as much as I'm loving fall right now  :)

Things I'm thankful for: crisp fall air, cozy nights at home with my hubby, my sweet puppy june (who's having surgery tomorrow-eek!), my new pharmacist brother-in-law, a team who keeps me sane, and hot tea with lots of honey, and a God who loves me despite who I am

We "Rocked Like Party Stars" and Got Hitched!

WARNING: This is long. But, it was my wedding after all, so I have a lot to say. I could've said more, but I'll let the pictures do the rest of the talking later when they come in.

It's been well over a month since my last post and a LOT has happened since...where to begin?

I finished up my first year teaching 5th grade, and 3rd year teaching overall. I also completed my first ever graduate level course for my Masters. And, as exciting, and relieving as those things were, they couldn't even come close in comparison to what was next.

The first week of summer was the week before the wedding, so I was in complete and total "wedding mode," if you will. There wasn't a ton to do but enough small things to fill my days completely. Thankfully, I had some amazing people by my side. The Thursday before the wedding we were able to decorate our reception location. I was so grateful to Yankee Hill Country Club for allowing us to come in to the site this early. My mom, sister, dad, and faithful friend Ali went to town decorating the site. I had a picture in my mind of what it was going to look like and where things needed to be, so we each took a task and went to work. It was enormously helpful that they were all there to help set up. It was a breeze and we had NO problems. I think this is when the excitement really began to set in.

Friday, I had a few menial tasks to do in the morning and was able to have lunch and meet my mom and sister at the church to decorate. We only had to set up two pillars with tulle and lights, and candles set on top. It wasn't much but it took some time. It was a great feeling knowing we already had the reception hall all set up. My soon-to-be-in-laws also came to the church to set up for the rehearsal dinner that night. It was so great to be in the company of all these people I love so dearly. Later came the rehearsal. Slowly, people began to trickle in. Having our wedding party, ushers, musicians, pastor, family all in the same room was very emotional. I needed to hold it together this day because I knew tears would come the next day. We went through the rehearsal and everything went smoothly. Then, we got to have a spectacular dinner catered in by my in-laws from Chances R. YUMMO! It was a delicious dinner and such a joyous occasion to sit in front of people who give us so much love and support and were there to celebrate our upcoming nuptials. There was even a surprise for us--Blake's friend since childhood, Josh, read a poem written by their hometown church pastor about Blake and my beginning. Here it is:

Blakey At Bat

It looked extremely rocky for the Tobey boy that year
A senior now at Doane, and not a girlfriend even near.
So when Chris teamed up with Molly and Willems married Shea,
A pallor wreathed the features of our Blakey boy that day.
He'd watched as Josh had wooed and won the heart of Sarah fair.
He'd seen how Jake and Monica had come to be a pair.
The years were sliding by and Blakey knew he'd really aged
When suddenly it looked like even Amy'd get engaged.
The ump was just about to call an ending game "strike three,"
When Bowers went to bat with an idea which was free.
"A blind date, just the thing to get you started toward first base,"
"Just try it," Kelli said, "go on and look her in the face."
A stranger's eyes were on him as he walked into the Mill.
November 8th had come and he had bowed to Kelli's will.
Six hours later still they sat, not strangers any more,
Though Blake feared if he let her leave no future was in store.
The second date came quickly, not a week gone in between.
An Old Chicago was the place where next the two were seen.
"Christmas Carol" in 3D and love in every heart,
Since from that day their time as one was more than time apart.
Then from family multitude went up a joyous yell.
It rumbled in the river and it rattled in the dell.
It echoed from the mother and dad who couldn't wait
To hear that Blakey had grabbed the bat and stepped up to the plate.
O somewhere in Nebraskaland, dark clouds may hide the sun,
And somewhere bands no longer play and children have no fun.
But not in Tobey country, for there's joy that can't depart,
'Cause Ashley came and hit the ball that's stolen Blakey's heart.


Blake and I spent a little time together alone after the rehearsal and said our goodbyes. I went home, talked with my family, got ready for bed and was handed a sweet note from my betrothed, delivered by my big sis. When the wedding day rolled around, I could hardly believe that a year and two weeks had passed by so quickly. I rose from bed and was handed another note by my sister from my almost-husband. We got ready and went to get our hair done and had lunch. I was given two more notes hand-written by my man during this time. We headed to the church, the girls got dressed, a lady from Ellynne came out to steam and lace up my dress (so incredible of them!). My lovely cousin did my makeup and during this time, I received yet more notes from him.


Then, it was time for our "first meeting." I was handed another note. With each succeeding note, I'm reminded of the love this man has in his heart for me. And, with each succeeding note, I'm reminded of what a great man I am marrying. I met him in the open green space to the southeast of our church. This was such a surreal and beautiful experience. I couldn't have prepared myself for how precious this moment was.


Now, it came time for wedding party pictures. We first went to Campbell's Nursery to take pictures of just him and I, then moved onto the Capitol building and later the Mill, where we first met, to take pictures with our wedding party. This was so much fun!


Fast forward many hours and I am walking down the aisle. All of the planning, the stress, the anticipation, the excitement, the emotions have culminated to this moment. From my very biased point of view, it was a beautiful sermon and the music was magical. This day was not "perfect," but it was so PERFECT for us. In the limo going to the reception, Blake's friend, Chris, turned to me and said, "Now, the only thing left is for you to take care of him, and I couldn't think of anyone better to do it." Talk about pulling on the heart strings. But, it is true. The wedding, the celebration, the desserts, the fancy clothes, the dancing, is over. Now, we're in a marriage together working as husband and wife. I pray that God will continuously strengthen me and guide me to be the best wife that Blake deserves. Because, he deserves the very best.

This may be my last blog as Miss Samson (:

Our pastor does a great job in teaching the Bible and in connecting passages from various books to really tell a point.  We're in the book of Genesis now and the sermon was over Genesis 18:9-15.  "Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, "After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?""  God promised Sarah a child after many unfruitful years.  And, she laughed.  Disbelief in God's promises is calling God a liar. It's a bold statement.  It challenges me to remember that the Lord is in charge.  He is our King and our Father.  "Is anything to hard for the LORD?" (v.14).  Why should we ever doubt? He has chosen us and loves us and desires nothing more than our love and willingness to declare him our Father.  I flipped my Bible to Job during the sermon and found this, "By the breath of God ice is given.  And the broad waters are frozen.  Also with moisture He saturates the thick clouds; He scatters His bright clouds.  And they swirl about, being turned by His guidance" (37:10-12).  It's beautiful.  In the margin of my Bible next to these verses I wrote, 'the control of God's hand is mighty.'  And, don't you ever forget it.  

Through my most difficult and trying moments, I struggled the most when I tried to wrap my tiny human brain around the issue and solve it myself.  I struggled the least and found myself most at peace during those times was when I relinquished control to God.  It took some time but when I finally did, it was amazing.  My attitude was changed, I saw things more positively and things turned around for me.  God is here.  He is real.  He wants us to love Him and seek Him.  And, when you do, you'll never forget it. 

Blake and I are getting married in 19 days.  Less than three weeks.  That. is. insane.  It's not just a month or months away, but WEEKS.  WEEKS AWAY.  I've got my bachelorette party coming up this weekend and I am so excited to spend the evening with my girls.  It shall be a fine time  :)  We've got a great friend, Kelli, who volunteered her services to make the picture slideshow for the reception.  What a gal.  And, my dear friend, Ali, has been of great assistance as usual helping me with any and all crafty wedding things I have on my plate.  She's incredible.  My sister (sis sis as I like to call her), Shannon, has been planning the bachelorette party and is being amazing as usual.  I can't wait to see her this weekend and have some much needed sisterly bonding time.  I. love. her. so. much.

After this weekend, there will only be two sweet weeks until the wedding day appears out of nowhere (seemingly) and sweeps us off our feet.  I know it will be a blur and I'm a little saddened about that.  I'm going to try to take some moments to slow down and savor the moments because I know this day is the only day like this I will have.  But, then, I will be a wife.  Wow, a wife.  I'm excited and hope that I keep up my end and serve Blake in the way the church serves Christ.  It's a task, but I know that with the God, it can be done. 

Today, I'm thankful for these numbers: 6 fantastic bridesmaids, 9 days of student school days left (YAHOO!!), 19 days until I say I do, 1 really special dog, 100 damask luminaries that need assembling before 19 days are up, 13 days until my birthday and we get to see WICKED, 2 adorable nephews whose presence will bless me in 4 days. 

"...and then it wasn't cold anymore."

It wasn't until my last bridal shower a week ago that both Blake and I realized how close the wedding really had gotten.  As I sit here writing, we are only four weeks (28 days!) from our wedding day.  The questions have shifted from, "Are you excited?" to "Are you nervous?" And, truth be told, I'm not. I kind of thought maybe I would feel that way the closer we got, but I'm just feeling really good.  And, with the amount of stuff we have left to do, I don't even feel stressed out.  We have a few small projects left, but I have confidence in a couple good Saturdays, and some really wonderful bridesmaids, that they will get done, no problem.

I purchased Blake's wedding ring last weekend.  It was such a fun experience to do that for him.  He tried on quite a few less rings at quite a few less stores than I did, as I expected.  He tried on a few, found one he like and was set.  I kept asking, "are you sure you don't want to try on more at other places?"  I'm such a girl.  He just said, "Nah.  I like that one."  He is looking forward to being able to wear it and I can't wait to see him with it on.

The shower was so good.  A lot of Blake's family made the trip, which I so appreciated.  And, all of my bridesmaids, grandmas, my sister, and many good friends of mine and my mom's made it out to our house.  It was a beautiful day and my aunt who hosted made everything so nice.  She did such a great job planning and putting everything together.  We played games, ate delicious cake and I opened presents.  The house was a little crowded and warm, but what a problem to have--too many friends gathered to celebrate our marriage!!

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, all these pre-wedding fesitivities have me so emotional.  A great friend was texting me after the shower and the things she wrote were making me tear up thinking about how supportive all these people have been for me and Blake since we first met.  This is truly a perfect time.

The next big thing to look forward to is my Bachelorette Party just two weeks before the wedding.  Another fun time to be with friends and family!  :-)

There were many years I thought I knew exactly where my life was headed and how it was going to go in that direction.  BUT, thankfully, "In his heart, a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9. 


Things I'm thankful for: love, warm weather, colleagues who make work so much fun, all the men and women past, present, and future who serve for our country, and the Lord who knows me better than I know myself

spring has sprung

One of my favorite things ever is noticing the seasons change (except from fall to winter--I HATE that one).  There are times when life seems so busy that you don't even take the time to notice and then it seems as if the seasons changed overnight.  Well, look around, the seasons are changing and it's beautiful!  This is a wonderful gift from God's creation.  I'm in the middle of seasons in my life and am thrilled to be able to see the change happening in my life!

Two things I've never been in my life:  this happy.  this busy.

Life has gotten insanely busy lately what with being in grad school, teaching a new grade this year, planning a wedding, taking extra classes to assimilate into my new grade level and become tenured, and just simply having a life.  Everyone is busy all the time, but this is the busiest I've ever been in my life.  All of these things that keep me occupied are wonderful things that make me oh so happy.  So, I can't complain.  In fact, I have enough time to sit here and write this blog, but I do this because it makes me happy, too. 

Blake and I recently had our first session of marriage counseling with our awesome pastor.  I don't know him all that well, so we had some "get to know you" time and then jumped into some beginning marriage counseling stuff.  The verses I need to focus on are from Ephesians 5,

"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.  For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.  Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything" (vs. 22-24). 

I take my role as a wife seriously and want to truly understand what God meant when these verses were written.  I know it means not that I cook and clean until my knuckles bleed to make Blake happy and give up everything of "mine."  But, what I'm beginning to realize is how God created husband and wife to be representative of Jesus' relationship with the Church.  It's all about love, respect, serving, and allowing Blake to be the leader of our household.  Our pastor pointed out that God created us as equals but with different roles to fulfill. 

Anyways, I'm excited to see all of God's blessings right in front of me and am looking forward to the rest of our counseling sessions.

Today I'm thankful for:  KLOVE, Spring!, my mama and sis sis, and hummus (YUM!)

a shower, tons of tears, dozens of hugs, a million smiles, and one great weekend

We're two months out from the wedding day today--61 days.  It's almost to the surreal point.   We spent this last Saturday in North Platte getting loved on.  And, I mean BIG time loved on.  Blake's fabulous Aunt Pam, cousins Gina, Gracie, and Janie, and good family friend, Tanda, hosted a Pampered Chef Bridal Shower for us.  This was the point in which Blake said (afterward, that is) is the "no turning back" point.  Not that there was any hesitation or questioning, but I know what he meant. 

It started to get really "real" when we were going around the room, everyone was introducing themselves, how they know Blake or I, a cooking disaster, their favorite P.C. product, and a piece of marital advice for us.  Everyone had hilarious cooking disasters, and wise marital advice.

For the last six months or so, while I'm alone in my car or wherever, and I start to think about the wedding day and giving our toasts as Bride and Groom, I can't help but well up and get emotional.  Well, as everyone took their turn sharing marital advice, we got to Blake's Grandma T. who shared with us about the sweet love she's had with Dale for almost 55 years. [I honestly can't remember now what her advice was because it was so precious, I had to hold back tears]  Then, we go back and end with Blake's momma, my mama, and my sis-sis.  Each one gave us sincere, loving, mature advice about marriage with tears in their eyes and a quiver in their voice.  [I have to say again I don't remember a word that was said other than that it was given with such love that it made me cry & as I write brings tears to my eyes]

I am so over emotional (if that's possible) when I think of all the support and genuine love that we have received all our lives, and even more so now that we're engaged.  I felt overwhelmed at the amount of contribution to our Pampered Chef party, but I know that it is only because these people care for my fiance and his family so much, and that means the world to me. 

My mom, sister, Blake, and I had dinner with Blake's parents, sister and her fiance, Granny  & Gramps K., and adopted grandparents, Bill & Theora.  After a lovely dinner, Granny embraced my sister to say goodbye and said to her, "We love your little sister, and so we love you too."  And, that is what family is all about.  It brings such joy to me. 

It was such a fantastic time sharing with all of Blake's family and their friends.  I felt so much love and generosity that when we headed back West, I felt like I was on a high.  It was an inexplicable feeling.  And, I know this is just the beginning.   I'm looking forward to my next shower at the end of the month, my Bachelorette part/personal shower in May, and the wedding in only 61 days.  But, what I'm looking forward to most is spending my life with Blake. 

Today, I'm thankful for : two terrific friends who landed new jobs!, my pup June, wedding fun, family love, all my new Pampered Chef loot, waterproof mascara {which I know now is MUST have for the wedding}  (:

faith looks up

I've had a lot of time recently to think about the family unit. What a precious gift God has given us.  Whether your family is super close-knit or not, it always seems that in times of great need, the love in a family pulled a little tighter, a little warmer. 

Blake's grandpa had a stroke almost a week ago.  It has been an up-and-down rollercoaster for everyone since.  But, let me tell you, the strength this family has is indescribable.  As we made the drive to Denver last Tuesday, we didn't know what was in store for us when we got there.  Thankfully, Dale has made great progress.  Seeing his family stay positive and encouraging throughout this process has been so inspiring.  The hardest part about these kinds of things is seeing loved ones in a state you're not used to seeing them.  I think it's most difficult for those surrounding them to see that person so changed.  His grandma's continuing faith in our Lord brought me to tears.  She acknowledged God's many blessings, and that He's always brought them through, taken care of them, and she has faith He'll do the same with this.  

Today I am thankful for warm weather, being able to look ahead at Spring Break, freedom of religion, and the Tobeys.

“Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing.”

Dreaming Damask

Hello all!

Only 98 days to go til the wedding and I'm spending the day with one of my favorite people, and one of my bridesmaids, Ali, printing Blake's and my wedding invitations!! 

 

 

Our original plan was to print them at my mom and step-dad's house but their computer was having some glitches and after a couple of hours, we decided to head to Omaha to use Ali's fabulous computer.  Ali's been such a help and is a whiz with the computer--I so appreciate her help. 

I've already got, with the exception of a dozen or so, all the invitations addressed.  As of right now, we're about half way through printing all the invitations and then I will need to print inserts with wedding details.  After that, we're all set. 


The future-in-laws came to surprise Blake at his BYOM2 (Big Yearly Oral Mosaic/Bring Your Own Mug) event at the school yesterday.  He was so excited for this event and it was so sweet of them to surprise him.  We got to enjoy a LATE dinner at Village Inn afterward.  It was a wonderful time.  Apparently, there's a little surprise waiting for me at Blake's apartment--as I told Blake's mom, "it's the little things in life."

I'm so thankful for these wonderful individuals, for time to spend with my bridesmaid/bestie, and for the happiness of my future husband (it was such an incredible experience to see him so pleased with his event & to hear the wonderful compliments given to his parents in adoration of their son!) I'm a lucky girl!

Cream Puffs and Purses

I feel really good.  Like immensely happy, excited, feeling loved and refreshed kind of good.  Yesterday, I took a mental health day.  I just needed a day to step away from the craziness and get caught up on things I seem to never have the time to do--wash my car, pay some bills, do some laundry, set up a couple doctor appointments.  The usual.  That day, and dinner with some fabulous friends really did me good.

A few days ago, I was feeling really crappy.  And, not because I was sick, but because things weren't going perfectly and I decided to throw myself a pity party.  Boo. Hoo.  And, the whole time I'm throwing this silly party I'm thinking to myself, "You're ridiculous, really ridiculous."

My life is chalk full of blessings.  Sometimes it's hard to look at the bright side of things when something or things go wrong.  However, God has taken this last year to teach me to do just that.  I haven't perfected it yet--but I'm working on it. 

I was inspired by a fellow blogger, who is inspirational, to write a few things I'm thankful for (and, there's always something to be thankful for, amidst the chaos of life).  This person has been battling cancer courageously and continues to be thankful.  God bless her.

I'm thankful for: wonderfully amazing, and incredibly reliable, hilariously amusing, painfully honest, stinking adorable, incredibly smart, wholeheartedly devoted, super-spectacular family, friends, and colleagues.  I'm not sure I could be surrounded by a better bunch of people.  Many, many thanks to those fine folks  :)  I cry happy tears and experience hearty belly laughs with these people on an everyday occurrence. 

Some smaller, less important things I'm thankful for:  good, Christian music, sweatpants, my Rocket Dog sneakers, cream puffs, and my new black purse!

OHMYLANTA!  I'm getting married in...{brace yourselves}...105 DAYS! 

Yep, that's how I feel about my wedding being so close.  It's kind of scary, I know.  That's why I only make these faces in private  :) 

Until next time,
A

Wedding Preview....

My days seem to be consumed with school, classes, wedding, repeat. All great and positive things to be consumed with--I completely cannot complain.  I absolutely adore all things wedding and wanted to share with whomever is out there a little sneak peek into what our wedding will be like.  Our theme includes royal blue, and the black & white damask pattern.  ENJOY!

Here is the cake (LOVE), which will be made by my wonderful cake decorator-friend, Laura Beth!  So excited for this masterpiece!!

This is somewhat what my bouquet will look like.  A delightful mixture of blue and purple hydrangeas and other flowers I don't know the names of :) Bridesmaids bouquets and boutineers will have the same color scheme/flowers.

This is the dress my spectacular bridesmaids will be wearing (same color, too!)  And, Blake's sister, Amy, will wear the black version of this dress because she's standing on his side.  It's going to be beautiful.

This is the program we're using and the invitations match, but are a different size.  There's a lot of work ahead for us because we have to print the invitations and programs one-by-one on my home printer.  But, I am really anxious to see how they turn out!  A BIG thanks to my girl Ali for helping me print these out--what a gal!

I ordered these off etsy.com from ThePoshEvent.  They require printing and assembly, so this is a project I will be enlisting bridesmaid assistance  :)

We just received our shipment of these adorable napkins from theknot.com.  Ours will be black with sapphire blue foiling.  Love the little lovebirds--YAY!




Only 117 days until we can see it all unfold as planned (hopefully!)  :)  
Blessings!

Keeping The Faith

All my life, I've been faith-filled.  Ever since I was a little girl saying my goodnight prayer in my white canopy bed, I've known there was a God and I knew He loved me.  And so, I would pray to Him every night.  I didn't start attending church until I was in high school because my family wasn't a church-going family.  Not to say they didn't have faith--they just didn't attend.

My first memories of talking to God are from the age of 6--shortly after our move to Nebraska following my parents' divorce.  I didn't know how to sort through all of the emotions I had, I just knew I needed a safe release.  God was my safe release.  I'm not sure I knew I could talk to others (although I now know I could have).  When I felt happiness or when I felt a surge of sadness with that empty space I felt in my heart when I missed my daddy the most, I would pray.  Always at night I would pray, "Now I lay me down to sleep..."  This is still the prayer that guides me every night before I sleep.

My life has not been perfect.  I have had difficult and regrettable moments.  But, the Lord has continued to be my Shepherd and has lifted me up when I needed Him the most.  I shouldn't be surprised; that's His purpose and His joy.  He chooses to love me because I am His.  But, while my life has not been perfect, it also has not been tragic.  I haven't had to struggle through times where life seemed to stand still.  Sure, I've felt heartache and regret and failure...But, never have I had the option to doubt my faith.

I recently attended two funerals in one day.  I met neither of these people prior to their passing, but learned much about them from their services.  All day I was faced with people whose lives are on pause.  A momentary pause in life that is heart-wrenching and faith-shaking.  I have never had to face the loss of a loved one or even the tragic misfortune of circumstances that plague so many lives (e.g. debilitating diseases, etc.)  My faith has never been shaken.

And, so, I've begun to wonder--how do these people keep the faith?  I pray on a frequent basis that the Lord build me up so that when I am faced with any of these unfortunate things, I keep my faith and carry on, knowing that God is God.  God doesn't change just because life does.  I am so thankful for my life and the numerous blessings I hold, and pray to God that I will be thankful even when life does not seem to be worth thanking Him for.  The plans He has for us are beyond our understanding.  I know He is preparing me for my future with each passing day and so I continue to thank Him for my past, my current, and my unknown.

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 

1 Peter 4: 12-13

One-hundred forty-two :)

The countdown has begun (well, really it's been in progress for quite sometime...but we're in the last 6 months, so I can admit it now) to the day of my wedding. 

Marrying the love of your life is quite exhilarating.  exciting. scary. peaceful. 

There are surreal moments when it's hard to believe that my life is my life.  Our God is so gracious. I'm not saying I have the most perfect existence--far from.  BUT, I do appreciate my existence so very much.  Let me correct, I appreciate the ways God has blessed my existence.  i.e. my wonderful man.

There have been slew of surreal moments as of late where I had to have moments of reflection... Christmas 2010.  I now can not imagine a Christmas without him or my lovely new family ever again.  The laughter and love and support that overwhelms their family's homes is incredible. 

We also were able to enjoy two joyous snow days together.  There's a silence and a comfort and a peace from being with those you love most.  This is what I experience with him between the moments of complete joy and hilarity.  Ah, yes, life as I know it...is good.

A few lyrics from a song I'm currently loving: 

That he would leave His place on high / and come for sinful man to die / You count it strange so once did I / Before I met my savior / My Savior loves, my Savior lives / my Savior's always there for me / My God He was, my God He is / My Savior's always gonna be