Life and OOTDs

*Insert requisite apology for being such a lame blogger*

     I’m not really sorry, but I do have so much to share with you.  The first (and hugest and most important) is that prayer works.  God hears prayer and answers.  It may not always be in the expected way (I’ve found it usually isn’t), but it is an answer, and it is perfect.
     You probably remember the whining talking I did about how waiting for a job was hard.  It was.  I didn’t enjoy it, and I’m glad it’s over…for now.  Friday, after about a month of on and off work at the daycare and about a million resumes passed out, I got the call(s).

Let me give you a timeline.
8:30 – Wake up…move to couch.
8:30– 9:30 – Watch Frasier, eat cereal, read blogs…be lazy.
9:30 – Shower
9:45 – 10:00 – Blow dry my hair, wander around picking up clothes in my room and drinking water.
*I’m so exciting*
10:41 – Get a call about subbing for three weeks in a three-year old preschool class (starting Monday).  Yes…obv.
10:45 – Call my sister.
11:00 – Get a call about a maternity leave in a different county.  Yes…natch.
11:05 – Call my sister again.

     I’m not bragging…I’m just not sure this happens in the real world.  What incredible providence that I’m going to be able to take both of these positions.  I started Monday at the preschool, and I am loving every minute of it.  I could tell on day one that at the end of these three weeks I am going to be so sad to leave these little sweeties!  I’m still on cloud nine.

     Switching gears entirely, I’ve been taking not the best pictures of my outfits lately for some OOTDs (Outfit of the Day…if you’re clueless like me). 

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I have about 15 scarves…I figure I should wear them (every single day).

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Keith may not have mastered the zoom feature…(also, that’s Blue’s ear at the bottom).

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These shoes? The best $9 I’ve ever spent.

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Blurry…but I love this sweater.  Love.

     Clearly I’m not the greatest picture taker.  Clearly I’m not a celeb superstar blogger.  Clearly that’s okay.

Also…go check out Kid President.  He’s hilarious (and from West Tennessee)!

Friday’s Letters

     It’s been a looooong time since I’ve done Friday’s Letters, and you know I can’t resist a link up…so let’s jump in.

Dear God, thank you. Thank you. Thank you for answered prayers.  Obviously you were totally aware of my heart these past few weeks, and you still saw fit to pour out blessings today.  Thank you. Thank you. Thank  you!  Dear those two school systems that called within twenty minutes of each other this morning, while I’m a little irritated at the wait, I’m willing to let it go for these two jobs!  I cannot wait to get started!  Dear these two maternity leaves I’m about to start, please be good to me.  I’m terrified/excited.  Dear veil, please be in stock tomorrow.  I want to wear you out of the store and not have to wait for you to be ordered.  Dear Keith, just three days ago was our five month pre-anniversary.  We’re almost married!  Dear wedding, please stop being so wishy-washy.  Sometimes I like for my plans to work out…take that into consideration. 

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Not the greatest photo…but that’s how I’ve been smiling today - with ALL of my teeth!

So Glamorous

     It’s been almost a week since I last posted…but I don’t feel bad about it.  Mostly my days have been a mix of working (or waiting for work) and just hanging out waiting to hear about jobs.  Glamorous, I know.  In the mean time I joined the choir at church, got to spend a few days with Keith, and finally nailed down a time to meet with a potential florist.  That one is tomorrow.  I've got tons of pictures saved to show him.  Here’s hoping another thing can be crossed of the list soon!

Normally, this would be the part where I share a few pictures…but to be quite honest, my camera is in my bedroom, and I don’t feel like getting up.

Now how about a little linky love?

If I was a boy…
with Erin and Gay

1.  My name would be Logan…true story.
2.  I would keep my hair short – so short that I never had to do anything but wash it.  None of this long hair, gel, pomade, pompadour business for me.
3.  I would wear plaid every day (maybe not every. single. day. but definitely a lot).  It’s my favorite pattern on a guy.
4.  I would wear clothes that fit properly.  No sagging and no skinny jeans…it’s not that difficult, fellas.
5.  I would exercise…just to see what all the hype is about.  (FYI, girl self {i.e. me} – so not interested)
6.  I would not care about my handwriting.  Bad penmanship is more socially acceptable for a guy.
7.  I would definitely be good at sports.
8.  I would keep it classy.  Not that difficult, fellas.

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Not really related to this post…except it does have a boy!

The Big List

     Now that I’m out of school and not so busy, I thought this would be the perfect time to update all of you on wedding plans such as they are.  We knew that having a long engagement would make planning sort of slow, so things haven’t kicked into gear fully…but we’re getting there!  I found this list on Something Blue Book, and I’m just going to walk through it periodically. 
Bold indicates in progress.Strikethrough indicates completed.
After you are engaged…
  • Take engagement pictures. (Here)
  • Send out engagement announcements; announce your wedding in the newspaper if you’d like. – We’re not sending out announcements, but we will put something in the paper closer to the wedding.
  • Have your engagement party. – Not having one.
12 months before your wedding day…
  • Pick a date and time for your wedding.  - June 22, 2013 at about 2/2:30ish
  • Buy a planner with a calendar, to-do list, and place to put all your ideas, coupons, etc. – We have a file folder.
  • Begin to discuss your wedding budget with your fiancé and family. Look at the average costs of some wedding vendors to get an idea of your budget.The ‘rents have this one under control.
  • Research local wedding vendors and write down their contact information. – The bridal show took care of most of this!
  • Start looking for sales and deals for wedding dresses & other wedding-related items. – Always.
  • Make sure you don’t start off on the wrong foot by making these common wedding planning mistakes.I’m not doing any of these…I have a strict no-stress wedding policy.
11 months before your wedding day…
  • Start interviewing wedding planners if you are going to hire one. – Not hiring one.  That’s what my mama is for!
  • Begin a guest list draft. – I have the list from my sister’s wedding, and I keep a running list in my head.
  • Enlist your groom to help. If he’s not interested, read these tips for getting the groom involved.I run pretty much everything by Keith…usually.
  • Pick out your wedding colors. – Work. In. Progress. I know the men are in gray and the women are in navy…as for flowers…it’s up in the air.
  • Begin looking at ceremony & reception sites. – Both will be be at my church.
10 months before your wedding day…
9 months before your wedding day…
8 months before your wedding day…
7 months before your wedding day…
  • Order save-the-date cards or magnets
  • Get all your guests’ addresses
  • Order bridesmaids dresses & accessories
  • Decide on a baker and order your wedding cake. Need help deciding what kind? Take our quiz: What type of wedding cake fits your personality? – I know what baker I want…but that’s about it.
  • Think about what your groom and groomsmen will wear. Suits or Tuxes? – I’m thinking gray.
  • Shop around for invitations and work on the invitation wording
6 months before your wedding day…
  • Make a final selection for a wedding dress
  • Choose your veil and accessories to match your dress
  • Decide what your parents will wear
  • Finalize your honeymoon details
  • Request off work if you need to
  • Send out save the date cards
  • Purchase or rent groom’s and groomsmen’s suits or tuxes
  • Finalize the menu with the caterer
  • Register! All your wedding registry questions are answered here.
5 months before your wedding day…
  • Order or make your wedding favors. Here are some unique ideas.
  • Reserve hotel rooms and make accommodations for out-of-town guests
  • Start thinking about your make-up and hair
  • Order your wedding invitations
  • Create a wedding day timeline
  • Make your wedding night plans & reservations
  • Begin thinking about the rehearsal dinner
4 months before your wedding day…
  • Plan your rehearsal dinner; decide on a location, menu, etc.
  • Reserve a car, limo, or your desired wedding transportation
  • Think about your wedding music (first dance song, father/daughter dance song, etc.)
  • Book a hair dresser and make-up artist
  • Help your maid of honor make a bridal shower guest list
  • Shop for your wedding bands
3 months before your wedding day…
  • Have your wedding shower
  • Make sure your dress is tailored
  • Finalize your wedding music
  • Address the envelopes for your invitations
  • Buy your wedding rings
  • Have the maid of honor and best man make sure the wedding party has purchased their outfits and accessories
  • Designate people to give toasts at the reception
  • Make sure you have started an exercise routine and diet if you need to lose a few inches before getting into your dress! Here are some tips to tighten your tummy before your wedding day.
2 months before your wedding day…
  • Buy your wedding party their gifts. Check out some cool wedding party gift ideas.
  • Write your wedding vows if you so desire. Read about the secret to writing great vows!
  • Send your wedding invitation 6-8 weeks before the wedding
  • Start making a final guestlist as you begin to hear back from guests
  • Fill out any documents needed to change your name
  • If you are going to have your rings engraved, do so
  • Fill out any documents needed to change your insurance information after married
  • Create and print wedding programs
  • Buy lingerie or undergarments before final dress fitting
  • Send thank you notes for gifts received at your shower
1 month before your wedding day…
  • Work on your seating chart
  • Make or buy placeholder cards
  • Get anything you need before your honeymoon (passport, shots, etc.)
  • Do a final fitting for your dress; begin a diet and exercise routine if necessary
  • Confirm all the details (arrival time, cost, etc.) with your wedding vendors
  • Get a marriage license
  • Send rehearsal dinner invitations
  • Order alcohol
  • Buy a guestbook
2 weeks before your wedding day…
  • Take care of all the details like what you will use to cut the cake, toasting glasses, etc.
  • Prepare welcome baskets for out-of-town guests
  • Purchase thank you notes
  • Finalize the menu, etc. for the rehearsal dinner.
  • Finalize your seating chart.
  • Give final headcount to caterer, etc.
  • Do a hair and make-up trial run.
  • Plan the activities for the night before your wedding.
  • Help your wedding party plan the bachelor and bachelorette parties if they need it.
1 week before your wedding day…
  • Get checks ready to give your wedding vendors.
  • Make sure you have something old, something new, something borrowed, and (most importantly to us) something blue.
  • Make sure you have a garter.
  • Get a manicure, pedicure, hair cut, eye-brow wax, etc.
  • Pick up your wedding dress and the bridesmaids dresses
  • Confirm all the details with your florist.
  • Give the members of your wedding party their tasks for your special day.
  • Pack for your honeymoon!
The day before your wedding day…
  • Go to the spa to get a massage!
  • Hold the rehearsal dinner.
  • Give your wedding party and parents their gifts.
  • Attend the bachelor or bachelorette party.
     Wow…that’s quite a list.  I tried not to delve too far into the sections that were closer than six months (where we are now), because I have plenty of time for those things.  My mother and I went up to the church today to meet with the lady who helps coordinate weddings.  We were able to get a few more details nailed down (yay), and talk about the particulars of the sanctuary and the fellowship hall, times to be there, etc.  Every time we do even a little something I get more and more excited!  I’m not saying I’ll repost this list monthly or anything, but you can definitely expect me to check in more often now that things are in full swing. 
     Well…I’m off to go look at my dress again.
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156 Days
Not so many pictures lately…I’ll work on it. I promise!

Why Do I Do These Things?

     If you’ve been creeping around the Twittersphere, you may have noticed my new favorite thing.  Allow me to introduce you…

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I live in the most poorly lit house in America.

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The lighting in Goodwill isn’t all that great, but it does give you a little better idea of the color…sort of.

     I have this awful condition where I desperately want things, don’t buy them, and then regret it.  So…I went Goodwill the other day to drop off some boxes and things, and of course I had make a quick trip inside.  I didn’t really have the energy to look through the clothes, so I headed straight back to furniture, and this guy was just beaming at me from the back corner.  I texted a picture of it to my sister; we talked about it, and I kind of decided not to buy it. 
     I go wandering around for a few minutes to see if there is anything else fabulous (there wasn’t. Bummer) when I see it.  Some other woman is looking at this chair and shaking it (I guess to see if it’s stable?).  I was incensed.  Didn’t she know this was my chair?  As soon as she walked away, I marched over and removed the little ticket.  A quick $30 later, I’m the proud owner of my favorite Goodwill find since the last green chair we bought there.
     As if that isn’t dramatic enough.  Today, after deciding that it can’t live in the back of my Jeep forever, I decide to move it.  By myself.  Y’all…it was heavy.  Not only that, but I had to put it on its side and slide it through the doors in my house.  Also…it was snowing on me when I brought it.  Why do I do these things?  Nevertheless, I love my new chair, and I would probably move it in the snow again.  Maybe.

Nonsense

     Do you ever start writing a post and then delete the whole thing?  I do that nonsense all the time.  Let’s just chat for a minute.  Apparently honesty is all the rage, and I’m all for that.

     I read the other day that some bloggers don’t like when people seem too sweet and not very real.  If it was you, no judgment, because I’m sort of like that too.  Although as a general rule I try not to whine around these parts…because I don’t like whiners, but I hope I’m balancing enough real life too.

     You want to know some real life?  Graduating college was not as fun as I thought it would be.  Don’t get me wrong, sleeping in my own bed is nice, but being away from Keith is for the birds.  There were a lot of parts of college I did not enjoy, but now that I’m not there, all I can remember is what I loved.

     I want to be married like yesterday.  I am trying really hard not to wish my life away…but that’s where I am right now.  I know some girls enjoy the single life and the trend now is to wait to get married, but that’s just not me.  Plus, I have this gorgeous dress just sitting in the closet.  I kind of just want to wear it around the house...kidding.  Sort of.

     I cry every single time I watch Say Yes to the Dress.  Every. Single.  Time.  Is that crazy?  I hope not, because I don’t see this nonsense stopping any time soon.

     I have tons of candy from Christmas, and I want to eat it all. Right. Now.

     We’re getting my veil next weekend!  I may just wear it all day long.

     My camera is in NYC for the weekend with my parents…so you’ll have to forgive the lack of current photos…not that this is something new.  I should work on my picture taking.

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eh…I’ll just leave it to the professionals.

Wreaths…Oh and Ice Cream

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Has there ever been anything cuter?

     If you’re following my newly created Twitter, you may have seen this little gem the other day.  My sister and her husband just bought their first house, and she has been begging for a burlap wreath for her new door.  I made this for her for Christmas, and Saturday was move-in/wreath-hanging day. 
     I have big plans for this little wreath.  Let me explain.  The S is removable, and I’m thinking it can be changed out seasonally.  A heart for Valentine’s Day, a leaf for fall, something Christmasy for Christmas…you get the idea.  I just hot glued floral wire onto the back of the S and twisted it tight to the wreath.  The making of the wreath was so, so easy.  I got four yards of burlap and cut in in half lengthwise so it wasn’t so wide.  The wreath form was wire with little wires sticking out all over (just a basic floral wreath form).  I started in one spot, twisted the wires around my burlap, bunched it up, and used the next wires to secure it again.  Just do this all the way around.  In some places, I stuck the wires through the burlap to give it more poof.  So easy.  The whole thing took less than 30 minutes.  My kind of project.  I kind of want to make a ton of them now.

     I’ve been keeping busy for the past few days substituting at the day care and applying for jobs.  I’ve got a few things I’m looking at, and I am praying for a positive response.  I’m also praying for God’s timing and His will.  As much as I want a job, I need to know that it’s in His will.  I don’t want to take a job that’s not right…but I really want a job.  That creates a little conflict.  I pray for peace about twice as often as I do for a job.

     On the lighter side of things, I think the fact that I look twelve is seriously hindering my job hunting.  I can only look as mature as I can look without seeming silly.  I can’t help my face or hair or height.  Maybe I’ll invest in a cane or start wearing my glasses all the time.  Who knows…

     Switching gears again, my parents are getting to go to New York City for the first time!  I’ve been, but I was only in fourth grade.  I would love to go again as an adult, and they’re getting to do it.  They are going to have the best time.  (By the by…when I said “go again as an adult,” I meant walk around, look at cool stuff, and eat. A lot.)

That’s life lately.  Not too busy.  Lots of looking ahead.  Oh, and the ice cream in the freezer.

Here I Go

Great I Am

I want to be close, close to Your side
So Heaven is real and death is a lie
I want to hear voices of angels above
Singing as one

Hallelujah, holy, holy
God Almighty, the great I AM
Who is worthy, none beside Thee
God Almighty, the great I AM

I want to be near, near to Your heart
Loving the world and hating the dark
I want to see dry bones living again
Singing as one

Hallelujah, holy, holy
God Almighty, the great I AM
Who is worthy, none beside Thee
God Almighty, the great I AM

The mountains shake before You the demons run in fear
At the mention of the name King of Majesty
There is no power in hell
Or any who can stand
Before the power and the presence of the great I AM

Hallelujah, holy, holy
God Almighty, the great I AM
Who is worthy, none beside Thee
God Almighty, the great I AM
.
Phillips, Craig, & Dean

     We sang this in church this morning.  Sometimes I wish I could put all of you in my pocket (because my dress has pockets) and take you with me.  Just think about those lyrics for a second.  “Heaven is real, and death is a lie.”  I love that.
     “I want to see dry bones living again.”  I want to be dry bones living again.  I had never read that passage (in Ezekiel) until a year or so ago, and I found it so convicting.  Our God can breathe life into dry bones and hard hearts and all of us.
     This really encouraged me this morning.  I have been kind of discouraged the past few days with the whole job situation and just feeling kind of stuck.  I really struggle with feeling so called to be a teacher and just a little more settled in life and not being able to get there right now, but our service this morning spoke to God’s call to His followers.  Sometimes He calls us with no explanations…and we just have to follow.  I don’t understand this stage I’m in, but I’m called to remain faithful.  It is not easy…and I really don’t like it, but I’m called to remain faithful. 

He promised that His plans are for to prosper us.  I know it’s true.  It’s time to start believing it.  Here I go.

Hello, 2013

     I’ve been debating on whether or not to even write a “New Years” post, but after reading about a million and five others, I thought, “I’ve got goals, why not share them?”  Also I read this wonderful post from Pretty Providence (one of my newer faves).  They speak directly to goal setting and how it should be SMART.


via

     Too often, I am lulled into making these broad, vague statements because I somehow think they’re easier to stick too…and I’m wrong almost every time.  If that’s your method, and it works for you, then you go for it!  It doesn’t work for me though; as such, I’ve spent a little time thinking about some things I would really like to accomplish.

1.  I am going to spend more time in the Word.  (In SMART words:  I am going to read my Bible three times a week, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evening.  I am by no means saying I don’t want to do this more often, but I’m starting with what I know I’ll do.  The more I’ll read, the more I’ll want to read…that’s the real goal.)
2.  I am going to get a job in my field. (This one is a little more difficult in SMART words:  I can’t put a time frame on this because I don’t know God’s exact plan for me.  I do know He has a job for me though…I’m just out here looking for it.)
3.  I’m going to go through my closet (to sort, organize, and donate) three times this year, in April, August, and December.

     I make plans and lists in my head all the time, but these are the ones I’m really focusing on right now.  2013 is going to be a big year for me, and I am so excited about sharing it here!  Happy New Year, and here’s to a fabulous 2013!

P.S. In case you didn’t hear…let’s hang out.