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!