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

To lift you up

Recently there have been a variety of stresses that have taken me to a low point in different days, this song by Matthew West lifted me up.

How to say thank you for...

Sometimes a thank you does not feel sufficient.  I am thinking of this as the love that surrounds me is constant and overwhelmingly beautiful.  Thank you does not seem enough for the hard work, love, patience.  The thoughtfulness, love, and time that goes into everything.  I am surrounded by the family that raised me- my grandparents, parents and aunts.  They helped found my beliefs and values.  
I have become the woman that I am because of the amazing ladies who have paved a path for me.  
And now as an adult I have found more wonderful people that have become a part of my support system.  It's so grand to feel the love.  I am beyond grateful for the blessings of our family and friends.  

recently...

I know its been way too long, but this is what I have been up to...

We visited with Shana and the boys, always an adventure and time to catch up.

We only had one nephew at the Easter Egg Hunt, and Caleb seemed to enjoy himself.

I went to the Bend for family time/ bridal shower.  I love my niece, even if at times I had to bribe her with food, generally going for fruit snacks and my entire cupcake-she refused to share.  She truly has a personality now.  She is palying with her Easter bag and Eze's.

We had ice cream cake~ my fave!

And their were gifts, cards, and well wishes as we continue on our journey to marriage.

After being up since 7am, at 8pm I was toast. Drinks were in order.

On occassion we have a set of ducks that come to the house to be fed by Darren.

Just this past weekend I spent time with some great ladies for Alumnae training at the Purdue Phi Mu house.  I gained tons of valuable knowledge and hope to incorporate some into our Alumnae chapter in the coming years.

Another busy weekend to come, and hopefully more to show and say in the coming days.