Day 8

It's been over a week, most of it feels like we are still dating, moving right along in our lives. Now I see how people who never lived together before being married can experience such great changes. All of a sudden they are having their space taken over by another person, learning their habits-and they may not like all of them. I may not have survived this transition. I am so particular about how things are cleaned and where they are placed that having to deal with changes would have led to a lot of stress.
Darren and I have our groove, we have our separate responsibilities that make us a productive couple. Sunday is filled with laundry, Darren takes down the laundry, I separate, wash, dry, fold. Darren takes it back up for me and we each put away our own clothes.
Dinner is decided on a night before, we are beginning to grocery shop together when possible, I clip the coupons and put away a bulk of it. I clean house Saturday mornings, Darren waters and maintains the lawn, takes out trash. Thursday night is date night, depending on how we feel it may be a night out or a night in eating at the kitchen table. I like that we have our way of doing things already, enjoying our lives.

Day 5

Life is exhausting, it's been a tough week to get back in the groove of things. All the things I imagined would happen as a married couple are already hitting me in life. By that I mean all the great things that I thought would be, less stress, less thinking they do not always happen. I KNOW life is not going to be perfect or as planned. Things like being in great health is something I thought I was on track for, considering all Of the hard work I have been putting in at the gym, that work stress would lessen back down and stay at work it would not follow me home. But it's not that way right now. My back has been acting up, work stress is way high, I have already had a melt down this week. Somethings are just unpredictable. On my way to the doctors office and while being there today hearing information I did not expect, thinking about my meltdown, next week, work and more I just wanted to cry, too much all at once. But somewhere in me came this need to say, I can deal with this, I will push myself through this and it's just going to be a part of life I have to tackle. I can take life on and with love and guidance from God, I am excited to see his grand plan for us unfold.

Day 3

I think I married my best friend. I always thought it was cheesy when people would say they married their best friend and their spouse is the only person they share everything with about their lives. But I tell Darren everything, I can cry and holler and only he can console or laugh at me the way I need it. I can always count on him to tell me like it is, to make me a better person, to give advice even if it's about clothing and not the easiest thing. He makes me giddy, upset and makes me realize how I want to grow with him. I want for our relationship to evolve and become more amazing, a roller coaster that is always full of love.

Something that touched my heart so strongly on our wedding day was a surprise from Darren. I had a special delivery from Kitty, a friend of ours, an envelope. Inside the envelope was a card from a store. I read the card and then Darren's handwritten note, and as I was being zipped in my church wedding dress by Mrs. D, it hit me, this a grand surprise by my love, a heartfelt note of hope- this brought me to tears. And almost brought Mrs. D to tears as I sobbed and almost could not catch my breath. My photographer and kid sister were the only ones to witness this moment that probably made no sense, I read the card to myself, and then I had to fix my face from the makeup I washed away from my tears.
I also wrote a letter to Darren on our wedding day, very early as I could not sleep, a note of hopes, wishes, and the love I feel for him. I hope to share these with our child one day, and someday they too will find a love like we did, unexplainable and grand given by our Lord.

Day 1

We are married and Day 1has come and gone.  Its still very surreal, it feels the same but also better.  There is a great love that I felt and I wanted to give to Darren and I think I did by taking my vows. 
Still very exhausted, but here are some photos from rehearsal dinner, before photos and our after party.

Tock...

It's nearly here. I walk down the aisle in a few minutes and I am so glad that we have decided to spend the rest of our lives together. To grow and and experience so much more. I am ready to tackle the hard times and enjoy our great times. To see us become a family and be the best we can be, together. I am excited and anxious for forever.

Tick...

Another busy day, it may not have been a day of office work but it has been another extremely tiring day. Had a cavity taken care of, too costly. Got things loaded, finally taken to the church and set up decorations. Dinner with my family, some cornhole playing, laundry and cake ball making. It's been chaotic but it's got to be worth it. Its still surreal,I do not feel like its really hit me and I thought it would be more of a rush, a great excitement. Maybe when I am all made up, hair done and i slip into my dress it will all come to me. Tomorrow some running around, relaxation and my DVF vintage dress. Less than 2 days...

And 3...

Today was exhausting! I wish I could have been in bed earlier. Busy day at work but was able to leave early, got a lift in at the gym- always the best distraction, shopping, mom is now in town as well. Got some shopping done so mom and my cousin can start making salsa for the wedding, had dinner with mom and my two younger siblings, Darren, my cousin and her 3 daughters. Wish I could sleep in but instead I will get up and head to the dentist office. We are only 3 days away.

4 days

It getting closer...
Today was exhausting! At work only I would have a co-worker who does not realize the stress I am currently carrying is ALL work related. Even if I say it for the millionth time. Considering I hold a huge responsibility and so much to do before I am away from the office. I have not had a chance to think of all the wedding things while at work, I have been too crazed with statements, phone calls, rescheduling, and e-mailing ridiculousness. I long for tomorrow night so that I can relax- hopefully, and not have to deal with crazy people or the crazy things at work.
I just hope to continue sailing thru the next couple of days. The heat subsides a little and the fun begins. Who has a slip and slide? I feel like my inner 11 year old needs to make an appearance.
My adult self did make an appearance at the mall, met up with Sarah bought some wedding under garments, caught up (even if I just saw her Friday), had dinner and just had great conversation. That's a big part of life- great companionship and conversation brought together by food. Don't forget I still love food. Hopefully my dress still fits. We will find out in 4 days...

5 days

It's Monday, I am working this week up until Wednesday then I am home free to enjoy the family and start enjoying the long weekend. I am still very excited to see all the hard work, time and money on display. It's been hard to envision everything in place and displayed for all to enjoy. I have been working very hard on getting all the items/decorations in their positions and to know all the hard work has been worth it. I am ready to relax for just even a half day. I hope all of our guests enjoy the day with us.

Still 6 days

Today, I had a moment, a wow moment I guess I can call it. At church today it felt like any other day. After some of the praise portion started they had kids from vacation bible school present a song that they learned during last week. I got a little teary eyed, my heart melted. It reminded me of what's to come and also my childhood. It re-affirmed my long lost desire to having a child. I am looking forward to what's ahead and to try and stop planning it all. I cannot imagine all the work that is to come in our marriage but I plan on working on it everyday, I want it to be the greatest story. An adventure that I get to share with my great love, Darren. I did not know I had that emotion in me, the longing and desire. We have talked about plans for a family but today hit me in my heart. I told Darren about that feeling, how I feel we will be great parents and that I am looking forward to us experiencing it together. I don't think he realized what I said or even processed it, but I meant it with all my heart. Just 6 more days...

Countdown...

We are down to one week before our wedding, at this time next Saturday we will be married.  So, this is what we did to relax last weekend, it was Toronto Honda Indy race, vineyards and lots of walking.

Darren & I enjoyed a bulk of Free Friday in the Dr Pepper stands, and we got our free sodas.

Justin Wilson's team in the garage.

We walked around And found a swan couple with their babies

Of course the vineyards were next on, our list, Saturday was my day to do things.

Wined out by the time we reached our last stop.

My first visit to the CN Tower.

Before the race we had some snacks.

Justin Wilson and the team had a crash towards the end of the race and it cost him a top 5 spot.

Great time!

6 Days...

These are a few things that...

I am excited about:
-our next getaway
-3 day weekends
-receiving my wedding shoes, they are in Illinois right now
-22 days until the wedding
-seeing my sister Gina
-seeing all the hard work in place at the wedding
-working with our photographer
-Mani/pedis with Rachel & Sarah
-moving all of our wedding decoration items out
-wedding cake
-seeing my family
-sporting my DVF vintage dress
-finally putting on THE dress

I am sure there are more but for now these are some things on my mind