{:!:} 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