La Vita E Bella

Friday 5

What one thing are you most looking forward to . . .

1. ...today?

Taking the drive to Palm Springs with my future husband - having a wonderful conversation, discussing why it will be wonderful to be married.

2. ...over the next month?

Spending time with my family, planning parts of my wedding, visiting with my aunt from North Carolina, and finishing some of my classes at Thomas Edison.

3. ...this year?

Graduating College, and GETTING MARRIED!!!!

4. ...over the next five years?

Being a loving and supportive wife, growing in my position at work - hopefully expanding the company, and holding my first child.

5. ...for the rest of your life?

Being an incredible wife and mother, loving the Lord with all that I am, Spending time with my family, and enjoying all of the blessings that have been given to me.

I got this from trei's mom - it's worth watching.
The Interview with God

I probably won't get to blogging this weekend - so until Monday.....
Me

Have I got something for you!

Okay - I promise something of substance very soon!

For now, here is another quiz I made. It's better because you don't have to sign up to take it. Quick and painless.
Another Fascinating Quiz!

HAVE FUN!

Me

Wedding Plans - Part II

Well I wish I had more to comment on - but not a lot has changed since Part I.

A little irritating. Although 8 months seems light years away - I still can't help but feel that I should have more accomplished.

The Bridesmaid dresses have been chosen - Not ordered. But chosen. So thats exciting. The road there wasn't very smooth - but all in all, things are turning up beautifully.

*note: I have noticed a few things since being an active participator on the "wedding journey". There is some unwritten rule, that only bitter woman get hired in bridal shops. Or anywhere wedding related for that matter. Whats the deal? It's as though they've been scarred by a man - and somehow stealing the thunder from those - naive, in love young woman - brings them this sad pleasure. I have encountered ONE woman who was gracious enough to stop and be polite - congratulating me on my engagement. And she sold me my wedding dress - so I'm sure it was somewhat money driven - but thank you for your kindness anyway wherever you are. K - I'm done grumbling.

Anyway -here are some pictures from the day that the girls and I went shopping for the dresses. We really missed having Karissa, Tristan and Kristin there - but were excited to have them around in the future.

I am meeting with 2 wedding coordinators - One tonight at my house, and the other on Monday at my house. I am excited - but a little more excited to meet the woman on Monday. She was sweet, and wonderful, and a Christian (which is a plus). But I do have to give the woman tonight a try. I need options I guess. I'll let you know how things are going.

*note: Another thing. I hate surprises. I just want to gush out with everything exciting. So it's very easy for me to just come out and tell everyone about very detail of the wedding. And VERY hard to keep my mouth shut. Just imagine - the pur difficulty of having my wedding dress - sitting in my house, and having to keep it from Trei for 8 months. I want to die. Everytime he comes over, I ask him if he wants to see it. Thank GOD for his strong will. I'm like a melting icecube. I just can't do it.

Other than that - nothing else has been accomplished. Well - a lot of talk has gone one. But no real planning. Which is okay with me. It will give me something to look forward to in the future.

Me

Just wanted to put this up..

I was finally able to scan a bunch of pictures from this past summer onto my computer. With a little help from Corel Draw, I was able to make this picture horizontal, in order to make it easier to view on the blog. Did you know that your able to click on any picture in my blog, and it will vcome up bigger in your web browser? A little hint for the sight challenged! :) Just a thought.

Me

Bill Lumbergh of Office Space has left you a message :)

Refiners Fire...

I've been thinking. It's a never ending process - but, I couldn't picture my life without any type of curiosity or imagination. I love to learn new things, and to wonder. It's a fascination with life, with myself, others, and the mystery of God.

I was reading, and came across Malachi 3:3 (I wish I could assume that everyone knew this verse - but if anyone is anything like me - they are terrible at memorizing verses or many aspects of the bible at that. Ask my dad - when I was 11, my dad asked me who killed Jesus. I replied "Pyrex". Yes Dad, I realize that it was the religious people that killed Jesus - not a pot or pan).

Anyway, Malachi 3:3 says He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver...
Remembering a story that was told years ago in my youth group - I looked it up on the internet. Here is the story:

"Some time ago, a few ladies met in a certain city to read the scriptures and make them the subject of conversation. While reading the third chapter of Malachi they came upon a remarkable expression in the third verse.

"And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."

One lady's opinion was that it was intended to convey the view of the sanctifying influence of the grace of Christ. Then she proposed to visit a silversmith and report to them what he said on the subject. She went accordingly and without telling the object of her errand, begged to know the process of refining silver, which he fully described to her.

They finally met!

After months of discussion - the official "Meet The Parents" occured at our home this past weekend. How did it go? Absolutely WONDERFUL. I honestly couldn't have pictured it going any better. Pete & Janet (Trei's parents) arrived at our home Friday evening, and from the start of the evening until it's close (around 10:30) the conversation never tired. Not that I was worried or anything - knowing my parents, and his, I really had no doubt they'd get along - but it really was so nice to have them meet.

My parents had only wonderful things to say about the evening - and Trei's parents. They enjoyed the conversation immensely. The next day, we all went in search of a restaurant for the rehearsal dinner. Lunch afterwards was very nice as well. All in all - I'd have to say it was a productive and rewarding weekend for everyone involved (if I may say so myself). I am so relieved for everyone to have finally met. It was the one thing I was very anxious to have happen.

But one thing I am thankful for? That Trei and I are both marrying into families who love the Lord. That is one detail that, in my opinion, eases th marriage process even more. I love that our parents believe, and are passionate about the same things. Thank God. We are so lucky to be in the situation that were in. I couldn't imagine it being any other way.

Until next time...
Me

Elbow Healer, Superhero, Heartache Healer, Secret Keeper...

I was listening to this song as I was organizing pictures of Trei and I from birth to present. I cried - the whole time. The Lord was opening my eyes. I have a lot on my mind. I need to pursue this thought - and tell you ALL about this weekend. It was an amazing weekend. Trei's parents met mine for the first time. Lord, THANK YOU for such a wonderful time. *sigh* I have so much on my heart. I am at peace about so much in my life. I can't say it enough - I am blessed. I'll give you a nice long blog tomorrow.

Pencil marks on a wall, I wasn't always this tall
You scattered some monsters from beneath my bed
You watched my team win
You watched my team lose
Watched when my bicycle went down again
And when I was weak, unable to speak
Still I could call you by name
And I said, Elboa Healer, Superhero
Come if you can
You said, I am

Only sixteen, life is so mean
What kind of curfew is at 10pm?
You saw my mistakes
And watched my heart break
Heard when I swore I'd never love again
And when I was weak, unable to speak
Still I could call You by name
And I said Heartache Healer, Secret Keeper
Be my best friend
And you said, I Am

You saw me wear white by pale candlelight
I said forever to what lies ahead
Two kids and a dream, with kids that can scream
Too much it might seem when it is 2am
And when I am weak, unable to speak
Still I will call You by name
Shepherd, Savior, Pasture Maker
Hold onto my hand
You say, I Am

The winds of change and circumstance blow in and all around us
So we find a foothold that's familiar
And bless the moments that we feel You nearer

When life had begun, I was woven and spun
You let the angels dance around the throne
And who can say when, but they'll dance again
When I am free and finally headed home
I will be weak, unable to speak
Still I will call You by name
Creator, Maker, Life Sustainer
Comforter, Healer, my Redeemer
Lord and King, Beginning and the End

I Am
Yes, I Am

Lord, bless whoever is reading this page. I believe that they are reading this for a reason. You know the things in their life that burden them. Lord, lift those burdens. Place peace in their heart. Allow thm tp feel your presence in every situation. I ask this in your name. Amen.

Until tomorrow,
Me

How well do you KNOW me?

Think you know everything about me? Take the "How well do you know me?" quiz I created on Tickle and see how you score.

Here's my first question:
1. In Trei's opinion, what's my worst habit?
A. Biting my nails
B. Being late
C. Forgetting to say God Bless You
D. Losing things
Melissa

Just Thinking....

I was sitting here thinking. Ofcourse about the planning of my wedding. Glad that my hair is still on my head despite my little "accident" last night. But thinking about the million of things to still do. Listen any help is ALWAYS appreciated. Any advice you or your friends have. I need all that I can get.

But then I started to wander into the fact that I'll actually be a wife. I'LL BE A WIFE! What? I always pictured such older women being wives. Even my friend who are married - suddenly seem so old and mature. I'm worried. Not about whether I'm ready. I'm ready - no doubt about it. But am I ready?

What if I forget to grocery shop? And my husband comes home for dinner and there is nothing in the refrigerator. Or I did the laundry wrong (I've been doing laundry since I was 10 - but ya never know). What if I don't remember to do something monumentally important? It's a very nerve-racking thought. I mean I am so excited, and ready and anxious.... but petrified to not be a "good wife"... yes, very much so.

Needed to get that off my chest.

Me

Oh and Emily...

You really need your own blog :)