30 June 2010

Oh, You Make Me Smile!

It's plain and simple- my husband makes me smile... laugh... and enjoy life. It's normally the little things in life that make me smile and laugh the most.

Last night, as I was going to bed, Andrew said he was going to stay up and do the dishes before he called it a night. This made me smile.

This morning, I was quickly running around getting ready for school. Something stopped me in my tracks.

I looked at the sink filled with clean dishes and saw this...


... this made me laugh.

Like I said, it's something as simple as a collander balancing from a pot handle that can make me laugh. I so enjoy being married to someone who can so easily make me smile and laugh.

Like I said- it's the little moments that can make the biggest impressions.

I couldn't think of a better way to begin my day!

And, yes, those are homegrown tomatoes in the background. That makes me smile as well. A watermelon has recently been added to my collection of summer produce. I'm a happy gal!

24 June 2010

Need You Now

Long day.

Exhausted.

Crabby.

Done.

My midterm was 5 pages front and back... essay. Yes, I wrote that much. Why? Because I wanted to cover as many bases as I could. Maybe get SOME points. Yeah, it was one of those. And, because of this class and a group project, I was unable to see Andrew before he went to work. Sucks.

Anyways, after my midterm, followed by class (yes, she required class AFTER the test), I was fed up with school and done. My solution: Andy's Blackberry Concrete. I thought it would do the trick. It raised my spirits quite nicely.

Andrew had texted me saying I had a surprise at home. When I got here, he had ordered my favorite pizza of all times, Papa John's breakfast bacon and onion, just so I wouldn't have to cook tonight. He spoils me! I thought that this was my surprise.

Then, I came across fresh chicken tenderloins in the fridge. I thought this, too, was my surprise. But, I was confused because he said I only had one surprise for the day. But, you see, I don't like frozen chicken, and chicken tenderloins far outweigh chicken breasts. I'm wanting to make tortilla pizzas with whole wheat tortillas, tomato paste, garlic, sauteed aspargus and chicken tossed in cooking wine, and parmeasan cheese. So... he made sure he picked up the best chicken for the pizzas.

Then, I saw my favorite popcorn and quart baggies that I take it to school in. I thought this was probably my surprise. Little did I know that all of these items were just him being sweet and making sure he got everything that I love the most. Again, he spoils me rotten.

Really. Truly.

And I don't take a single thing for granted.

About an hour ago, I found my "real" surprise...


Yes, that's right... The Lady A CD I've been coveting for some time now. Attached is a note which reads, "Only surprise for today." Little does he know, this made my day. Since finding this sweet surprise, I've been listening to the songs and chilling out. What's exciting about this CD- it's real life... and very love-centered. It's perfect.

He sure knows how to make a bad day better... even when he isn't here with me. He's wonderful, and I am sooo blessed to have him as my husband! I'm so lucky to be in love with my best friend!

21 June 2010

Happy Summer!

Sweet Summertime...


In celebration of summer, Andrew and I purchased our first watermelon for the summer.


As Andrew was cutting into it, it popped right open. That meant it was going to be yummy.

I couldn't help but to dig right in. It is quite possibly the best watermelon I've ever tasted.

Mmm Mmm Mmm!


We also purchased our first round of homegrown tomatos. We can't wait to grow our own, but for now, we must rely on others. We bought them from the same stand as the watermelon, and I am hoping they have the same great quality of taste! I am so looking forward to biting into one of these!

Homegrown produce = The reason I love summer.

18 June 2010

Little Surprises

Today Andrew went grocery shopping for our upcoming camping trip. Andrew is the world's best at picking up little surprises for me when he goes to the grocery store. He doesn't always do this, but he is fairly consistent at spoiling me rotten.

When I got home from school today, I was met with a somewhat crabby husband. He picked up the mail today... which is something he never does. I love mail days. We've established that before on this blog. BUT... He got the mail today. This is probably a good thing overall. The mail was filled with multiple items of bad news. Not really bad- just aggravating. Sooo... he was not happy.

But... As he was leaving for work, he told me to look around for little surprises that he had picked up. I so love my silly, wonderful husband!!

Surprise #1...


He got me a hot pink blow up raft! We are going camping this weekend as I already mentioned, and since it's going to be extremely hot, we are camping near water. So, he got this so I could float around on it! Yay!

Surprise #2...


I am completely, utterly, and severly spoiled. I LOVE Fiji water. It just so happens that it's the more expensive of the bottled waters. Andrew knows that I adore Fiji water... the bottle, the presentation, the taste... everything. So, he caters to my taste buds and buys me this water as a surprise.

Surprise #3...


Yes, it's another bottle of Fiji water! What a perfect item to take camping! And, yes, he labels my surprises with sticky notes... which makes the whole thing even cuter. Please ignore the Shrek milk. That is NOT a surprise- that belongs to the little girl I babysat last night. Anyways- back to my adorable husband. I love surprises, and I love him for wanting to surprise me. As I said in my blog last night, it's those little moments that connect us that mean the most. I love him so much!

Along with the surprises, I saw that he had purchased our favorite brownie mix. It wasn't put away with the other groceries; instead, it was sitting out with the rest of the food that we are taking camping. I'm not sure if he was hinting around at wanting baked brownies or not, but I decided to prepare a little surprise for him to have when he gets off of work...


... I baked a super yummy pan of brownies. Yes, I had to taste test them first to make sure they were acceptable to feed to my love!

Anyways, I just had to devote this blog to a little bragging session about how wonderful my husband is. I truly did marry a top-notch guy!! He makes me smile.

17 June 2010

Sweet Connections

Two days after the wedding, Andrew was put on night shift for his internship. This means that as I am getting home, he is leaving. Sometimes our paths cross- that's wonderful. Also, he gets home late, which means I'm sleeping soundly after a long night of thank you cards, looking at wedding pictures, and doing homework.

Last Friday, I didn't have school. We were between the pre-session and regular summer session. That meant that I did not have to get up early- which made the wheels in my head start spinning...

Then, as Andrew was getting ready for work, he commented on one thing that he really missed more than anything else. What was that, you may ask? Well... he missed having a fresh out of the oven meal with his wife. He missed sitting at the dinner table with me. He missed my homecooking.

As a newlywed, this melted my heart. And, I simply could not stand by and let this feeling go on. So, I set out to fix it. I took an hour nap to regroup from finals that day, and then I got to work making a homemade lasagna. Yum!

I prepared the lasagna ahead of time so that all I would have to do an hour before he was due home is pop it in the oven to bake to perfection. What a good idea!


Here is the bubbling lasagna. Mmm, Mmm, Mmm!!


I also set the table nicely. For picture purposes, the lights are on. But, when Andrew walked through the door, the lights were all off, and the candles were light. I poured glasses of sparkling grape juice and just waited for him to walk through the door!

When he came in, his face lit up! It was the cutest thing ever- he was so excited to be able to share a homecooked me with me!

I believe my reward was much greater though- I love giving rather than receiving. It made my heart feel so good to know that I had done something that meant so much to him! It was such a great evening!

Then...


I got home the other day to a much cleaner house, all of our new cube organizers were put together, the bed was made, the dishes were done, and this sweet note was left on my pillow!!

Despite the fact that he's working so hard to earn a living for us right now, he understands that I am also busy with school work. These little reminders... and little acts of kindess go such a long way with us.

We have to reach out to each other in this way- we have to do little things here and there so that we stay connected. Although he is almost done with the night shift, it's been difficult having to be apart right after the wedding. But, we've done such a great job staying connected throughout the week, and truthfully, I've really enjoyed being able to spoil him from time to time. He deserves it.

16 June 2010

Wedding Blog: Post Wedding Fun

I know, I know... Two blogs in one day. But, what can I say? My husband is working, and I want to avoid doing homework. So... here I am, blogging again. Also, I'm pretty excited to blog about other events in my life, and this blog will conclude the wedding series.

Let's begin:


This is the quaint little cottage we stayed in the night of the wedding. It is the most adorable little house ever, and it was right on site! So, after leaving the reception, we drove to a local gas station and grabbed a soda. That gave our guests time to clear out... mostly. We hadn't told anyone where we were staying.


I want a door like this someday. The green is so peaceful and inviting... and would be even without the "welcome" sign. Oh, it's just too cute for words!!


As we entered the cottage, we walked into a little sitting area with an electric fireplace. Hey, it might be fake, but it sure was nice to have a fire the next morning! It added some atmosphere!


As we walked through the living room, we entered the kitchen. Notice the wood floors- they are original. Very old, very cool. Love it!


We found that the upstairs houses a loft. In the loft, we discovered a bed with the softest comforter known to man. I'm telling you, this thing was incredibly soft and just as comfy as can be!


The bedroom area is connected to the bathroom. No privacy here.


The next morning, while I was getting ready for our gift opening luncheon, Andrew made me breakfast! He made his famous (to me!) egg sandwich, and boy was it delicious! It was such a nice treat to have breakfast made for me!


He also brought a plate of fresh fruit up to me while I was getting ready. The staff at Riverbend Chapel had this waiting for us in the fridge. It sure was tasty!

We had the most amazing stay at this little cottage to top of the wedding of our dreams. Once again, everything was absolutely perfect!!! We couldn't have asked for more!

But... the fun wasn't ending just yet! We left the cottage to head to my mom's house. Mom had prepared a nice luncheon for my family and Andrew's family to share before Andrew and I opened gifts. But, before we headed over to the house, we had to make a quick stop...


... to get my hair chopped off!! I convinced the sweet lady who did my hair for the wedding to come in on a Sunday and chop a good six inches off of my hair! I would like to get a little more cut off, but this is a nice start! I am soooo thankful she was willing to do this, and she did such a great job!

Anyways, Andrew and I posed for our first post-wedding picture with all of our gifts from the wedding! There is no doubt that we are well loved.


Though we opened many awesome gifts, I am not going to post them all. One of the coolest we received was a cedar chest of my Granny Miff's. It's been in our family for many generations, and I've had my eye on it for a while. Little did I know that Granny Miff was having my brother, Tyler, restore it and make it absolutely beautiful.


Inside the chest was a note from my Granny Miff about the origin of this beautiful chest and also before and after pictures... including ones of my brother working on it. So cool!

We opened many useful, meaningful, and wonderful gifts. We are thankful to all who helped us celebrate our wedding day! Most of all, we are thankful for the gift of love. We are surrounded by so many people who love us, pray for us, and lift our spirits. That is an irreplaceable gift, and it's the best gift of all!


After a fun day of fellowship and gift opening, we got in our cars and drove away into our happily ever after...

... and we've been enjoying it ever since!!

I love being married... I love my husband... and I thank God each and every day for the many blessings He's given me. I could not have wished for a better husband, and I am so excited to see what God has in store for our future!

Wedding Blog: Favorite Details

I have so many wonderful memories from the wedding... but I don't need to tell you that. It's obvious that I do! Our photographer, Jim Fish, did a wonderful job capturing some of the most important details of the wedding. I love looking through these photographs, and I hope to sit down with my little girl someday and show her all of "mommy's" special items from the wedding day.

Let me share...


My bouquet. I chose everything for the wedding based off of this bouquet. I found a picture of a similar bouquet online, and I fell in love! I changed the wedding colors, flowers, everything because of this bouquet. Our local florist not only brought this dream to life, but they made an even prettier bouquet. I love it!


My great-grandma played a huge part in my early childhood and into my preteen years. She passed away too soon, and I miss her each and every day. I had this frame attached to my bouquet so that I would have a tangible reminder that she was with me on my wedding day. I love her so much, and I am so glad this picture was taken!


My mom presented me with this gold shell for my "something borrowed" item. My dad made this for her years ago out of dental gold and a pearl. She has saved it through the years, and despite her divorce, she kept it for a moment like this. The card that accompanied this precious item meant the world to me and described her reasoning for choosing it. It is very special to me.


This picture was taken before the ceremony. I think it's a great picture and a wonderful keepsake.


I adore this picture. Not only does it beautifully capture our rings together, but it shows the pretty detailing of my dress.


Beautiful!!


I ordered these shoes online, and they couldn't have been more perfect for my dress! The criss-crossing pattern, rhinestones, and ivory silk matched perfectly. They were beautiful AND comfortable. I was able to wear them the whole night without my feet screaming at me.


The brooch on my garter appeared in an earlier blog. Andrew and I purchased this item to stand for my "something old" and "something blue" object at the wedding. We were on a Valentine's date (I know, I know... so not me), and we found this at a local antique shop. The pearls and pale teal stones make a beautiful addition to my garter. I hope to use this brooch as a family heirloom. I wish I knew the story of who wore it before me. It's stunning.


On the morning of the wedding, my mom surprised me with this heavily beaded ivory handbag. My great-grandma carried this. It was so important to me that I not only had her picture with me, but I also had an item of hers to carry. This is my favorite keepsake from the big day.


Jim could not have captured a more meaningful moment between my mom and me. This picture beautifully captures this special moment in time. I absolutely love this picture!


I love how this picture shows my mom soaking in the moment. I am her first child to get married, and we are best friends. We have had our ups and downs as every mother and daughter do, but we shared so many special moments the day of the wedding. Moments that will never be forgotten. Moments that will never be replaced. I will always remember the special time I shared with Mom on my wedding day!


I am so glad Jim captured this moment! My sister, Miranda, is helping me with my garter. She, too, is extremely important to me, and I will always remember the memories we shared on this day. She was the perfect maid of honor- helpful, loving, patient, kind, and she was able to get the job done. For only being 15, she did an amazing job organizing, planning, and making sure I had the best experience ever. She deserves the world! I love her like crazy!!!!


This is a picture of the back of the estates. Isn't it simply gorgeous?


In lieu of a bouquet, we chose to place a palm tree at the alter in memory of each of our family members who were watching from Heaven. Pictured are six palm trees, and the seventh palm tree was placed by the piano. I missed having them there, but I know they are much happier in Heaven!


The pew arrangements were gorgeous! There were three different kinds, but this one is simply beautiful! Who would have ever thought that I would have roses at my wedding? Certainly not me, but they provided such a classy and timeless element to the day!


I loved the alter arrangements. So beautiful- so different- so me. They were outstanding.


Our unity candle was inscribed with "Two Hearts. One Love." and were crafted out of pearls and a pearly silver metal. They were soooo pretty. I had decided against a unity candle until I saw these. I couldn't pass them up. And, I found an online coupon for 40% off. I decided to gamble and see if it worked for Things Remembered. It did!!! I was shocked, but it was a sign that I needed them!


The cake servers matched the unity candle. We also had flutes from the same set that were engraved with "Mr. and Mrs." They, too, were stunning and perfectly matched the wedding decor.


Our cake was absolutely gorgeous. Wedding Wonderland created the cake and beautifully decorated with ribbon and icing. Watson's Florist decorated with the flowers from the wedding. We loved our cake! It truly was almost to pretty to eat!


Finally, our program was photographed while being held by my grandma's hands. This beautiful picture will always be special to me because of the hands in it. I love little moments like these.

Once again, I could not have asked for a more perfect wedding. So much hard work went into creating the perfect day. I could not be more grateful to my parents, family, florist, Riverbend Chapel, photographer, and so many more. I do not think I could even begin to express how thankful I am, and I am sure I would unknowingly forget someone if I tried. But, in my heart, I know how truly appreciative I am for all that was done!

Andrew and I have so many incredible memories from our wedding day, and there truly isn't anything that I would change... not even the fact that there WAS a huge snake that visited. But, my bridesmaid, Andrea, came to the rescue and had it removed from sight. Though no one was ever going to tell me about it, I'm glad I know. I find it hilarious to know that it DID make an appearance (it does every second wedding- and was due on mine), but I wasn't aware. Andrew says it's Satan's way of trying to ruin our big day, but he failed miserably.

HA- So, now that that's out... just know that I DID have an amazing wedding day... snake and all. And there STILL isn't a single thing that I would change about it!

I am loving being married- and we are so looking forward to our future together!

Next Up... Post Wedding Fun!

15 June 2010

Wedding Blog: Reception

The ceremony was perfect. What more could a girl ask for? I honestly did not believe that our wedding day could get any better. That is, until we got to the wedding reception.


Andrew and I, along with our wedding party, were announced to the song "Ever, Ever After" by Carrie Underwood. This song, written for the movie Enchanted, was the perfect song to enter to! Seriously- listen to the words. So us!


Andrew and I enjoyed a long awaited meal! We were so hungry! Sadly, my dress and excitement didn't allow me to enjoy the full meal. But, for wedding food, it was pretty darn good!


We really loved our wedding cake! It was almost too pretty to eat!


After the wonderful toasts by Miranda and Kent, Andrew and I cut the first slice of cake. I love that I married a man courteous enough not to shove it all over my face! We still had fun taking part in this wedding tradition.


I'm not sure which is sweeter... the cake... or the kiss.


After the cake was cut, we shared our first dance as man and wife. We dance to "In My Dreams" by Josh Turner. This song wonderfully describes our simple dreams and deep love for one another.


Oh, what a precious picture! I loved dancing with my husband!


At one point, I looked over, and this is what I saw. Lined up along the dance floor were lots of little girls. During the wedding, I was referred to as "The Princess" or "Enchanted" by these little girls. What's funny is, I am often compared to Amy Adams from Enchanted. To these girls, I was a real life fairytale. It gave me goosebumps to know that, not only was I living my fairytale dreams, but I was bringing fairytale princesses to life for these little ones. I told every one of them that if they search really hard and never give up, they will find their prince just like I had. I hope these little girls remember this night and set high standards for themselves now.


This one sits on my nightstand. I love it.


My Dad and I danced to "Butterfly Kisses" by Bob Carlisle. As the song started playing, his eyes filled with tears. He always told me that if I played this song, it would cause him to cry. It did. We shared such a special dance. It is a dance I will never forget.


I also shared a father-daughter dance with my step-dad, Steve. We danced to "Hero" by Mariah Carey. Steve has always been the one to push me to be the best that I can be... and he has had faith in me when no one else seemed to. He's called me his hero for years- and he helped me find the hero inside myself.


Andrew and his mom shared a mother-son dance to the song "Find Your Wings" by Mark Harris. I could see the joy and love in their eyes as they danced. I hope they had a dance as special as I shared with my dad's!


During the Dollar Dance, I danced with many people. However, this picture with my sister, Zoe, stands out above the rest. I love how she is looking up at me. I am telling her here the same thing I told all of the other girls. I hope she never lets her guard down, and I hope she has high standards for any boy that enters her life. I want her, and all of the other girls, to find a love as strong as mine.


I tossed my "throw away" bouquet to the song "Wishin' and Hopin'" by Ami DiFranco. My sister, Miranda, caught the bouquet, but being the super sweet person she is, she gave it to my little niece, Lily! Lily is one of the ones who told me I look like Enchanted. I was so proud of Miranda, but that's no surprise! She's quite the amazing young lady!


Most. awkward. tradition. ever.

I did not like the garter tradition! How awkward to sit there, in front of everyone, with your husband trying to retrieve a silly garter that's cutting off your circulation. The only good thing was, I was able to rid myself of that pesky garmet. Andrew tossed the garter to "Pretty Woman" and my cousin, Brendyn, caught it. Enough said.


As the reception was drawing to a close, I finally talked my little nephew and ring bearer into giving me a kiss. What sweet kisses they were!!


The last song of the night was "I've Had the Time of My Life" from Dirty Dancing. There is no better song to sum up the events of the day!

It was the perfect wedding... and it truly was the time of our lives!! I have found my happily ever after.

As "Ever, Ever After" explains...

"Each happy ending is a brand new beginning!"

And, I am so glad I've found my happy ending... and we are loving our brand new beginning!