Just Dance

We FINALLY booked a place for the reception. I know what you're thinking, "finally? It's only been 19 days" Even still, this was one of the biggest stressors because there are so many things you have to think for - space, food, budget, seating, music, dancing. Here it is. Its called the Lodge & we are so excited. Its pretty simple with lots of wood an stone details like something you'd find in the mountains, 2 floors with 2 porches, upstairs and down. Now comes all the detail work of decorating-not my forte, any suggestions? Note the large space to the right, that's right, room for dancing. Who cares if its 3 o'clock in the afternoon, just dance!

Too much hospitality?

There is a certain restuarant here that a friend and I are considering foregoing all together. No, its not the food or the prices that will be driving us away. Some may say that there is no such thing as too much hospitality, especially here in the South, I now beg to differ. Is it too much to ask not to be interupted at a fast food restaurant by an over-sized, over-friendly, t-shirt wearing farm animal? In attempt to avoid this awkward scene again we opted for the drive thru today when out of nowhere the back door opens up and I kid you not, our new friend was headed towards our car waving like an unwelcomed twice removed aunt at Christmas. Looks like we will be finding a new place to chat over lunch. I never want to shake another hoof again...

Something not blue?

A lot of people give you advice on weddings. The lady who sold me my wedding dress said to make sure that the colors I picked for the wedding were colors I really liked because you will quote "be surrounded by them!"[insert sweet, sassy, southern accent]. She knows her wedding stuff. So as it turns out EVERYTHING is in fact blue. Danny & I registered at Bed Bath & Beyond today & also went by Men's Wearhouse to pick out all the tux accessories. Blue. Blue plates, blue bowls, blue mixer, blue pillows, blue towels, blue blankets, blue shower curtian, blue bridesmaid dresses, blue vests, I just realized that some of the thank you gifts I bought are blue (oops)... I'm learning a lot of things about myself in this process. One, I don't like or pay much attention to many details. Two, apparently I really love blue.

Save the Date!

We printed our Save the Dates today! They look awesome. Emily came up with the design thanks to her mad Graphic Design skills. My mom picked out the colored evelopes, which was a nice touch. And she found the stamp at my request for something vintage looking. Can you believe it only cost $12 to get them printed?

I'm trying hard to trust that everything will fall into place at the right time. But it's like my dad has always said-the Lord is never early, but He's never late. That is so hard when we live in such a plan and control lifestyle. I know one day soon I will look back and say "Why didn't I just trust God, why didn't I just wait on Him to move?" Its a daily surrender even in the mundane or seemingly small things. I think I just need to start planning ahead that I'm not going to know when its all going to happen (or how), but to God's glory He will bring what we need to praise His name. Amen

Promise Figurine

I'm not feeling very literary tonight, but wanted to show you girls this. We just bought a figurine similar to this as our wedding cake topper. I tried to find one of those old school bride and grooms you see in movies like "Runaway Bride", but they don't make them like that anymore! You know I like the antique looking stuff so I thought this was a good second. Its a Willow Tree carving so it looks really earthy :) I'm really looking forward to our weekend of the staff training seminary class and the farm-a break from wedding and support details!

P.S. I think you'll laugh at our idea for a groom's cake...donuts

"The flower girls are drunk again!" Viola Fields

Did you know that the average cost of a wedding these days is $20,000? Are you kidding me! Its so insane. Everywhere you go someone is trying to convince you that you have to have this, or you just won't make it with out that. Whatever happened to a small party to celebrate the joining of two lives? Right now I totally understand why people elope. The wedding is really more about your friends and family than about you anway. That's why you stay up til 3am looking at venues, cakes and flowers, so that your friends (and even more importantly your family) will have a memorable day. Its honesly quite exhausting. If you think you know what you want or what you like, don't worry there will be 3 women at your side immediately to give you 5 reasons for why you in fact do NOT like this type of fabric or can NOT wear this type of shoe. I'm so glad I could be corrected before making the devastating mistake of wearing chiffon instead of taffeta...

Recalculating...

My friend Anna and I were talking this morning about God's big picture. We both have been living at home again for a little while (not necessarily as a first choice, even though we love our families). When I first got home in June I was counting and planning on only being here for a couple of months. I spent the first 3 months literally crying everyday because of disappointment, lack of control, and lack of trust. This was quite an accomplishment for me might I add.

We started taking Anna's dog, Rileigh, to the Mountain 2 or 3 days a week. Just for some sanity and some sort of rountine. We're girls so we usually spend the entire 1 1/2 up and back talking. Its been so cool this week to look back and think of all the things we were both anxious, fearful and complaining about even 4 months ago. God has been so faithful to us both. There are things I would never have learned if God had just give me what I wanted from the begining. Everyone always says that, but I'm really seeing how His plan is not only bigger, but truely better. It's easy to think "Oh, I can be joyful once I get my full support and get back to Southern" or "Everything would be a lot easier if Danny and I just got married". But, even when these things do happen we find there is always something else unatainable or just out of reach. That is when we forget to put our hope in God and put our hope in the things God can give. I'm learning and see how attentive God is to the details. Not only does He see them, He created, ordained and somehow works them all together for our good and His glory. This is truly amazing.

I never believed anyone when they said a wedding was hard to plan or that there were SO many details (if you are shaking your head you don't know what you're talking about either). Its so insane. Its fun, but so easy to get overwhelmed because you've got to micromanage and think for A TON of people. We've got a lot of the big things worked out already, but the last one is pretty huge-the reception. It may sound funny, but I'm really fighting and reminding myself to trust the Lord. He is the one who has brought me and Danny together, I fully believe that. And He is the one who has already made so many impossible things possible. As I remind myself that I don't have to have it all together, but just take one step in the direction of the Lord at the time, I want to say the Lord will bring just what we need and no less. Can't wait to see what He provides. A wedding is joyful and exciting and it is meant to mirror the church and Christ, why wouldn't He want it to be a glorious celebration?!

I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends

Well, after the third suggestion to do something like this, I finally thought I would give it a try. In less than four months a lot will be changing & there are a few girls I want to be a part of this with me. My life has been turned upside down ever since graduation. It has been a roller coaster with unexpected (often unwanted), and exciting twists & turns. A few close friends I thought I would be reunited with in only a matter of months have had to go on with out me. Life doesn't stop just because you think you've coming to a stopping point. The purpose of this blog is to fill them in on all the details of what is going on, from the day to day to the big stuff. From finishing up support raising, planning a wedding & moving again , I feel like there are things I want them to see & know. Its not going to be easy, and some of it will be sad, but that doesn't mean it isn't WORTH IT! I can't wait to see & show you what God is doing & is going to do!