Time until the wedding used to be this big wide open space. We had plenty of time. No worries.
I realized this morning that I now see the time between now and the wedding as a series of weekends. 8 weekends to be exact. 8 Saturdays to get things accomplished. 8 Sunday afternoons wishing we were married. 8 more weeks living at home. 8 more weeks with my last name. Only 8 (this is written with every emotion possible).
And I can easily spout off what the theme of each weekend is:
August 5-6: Beach with my best girl friends in celebration of my marriage!
August 13: 23 Birthday!
August 21: Wedding Shower with Derrick's Family
August 28: Wedding Shower with my Family (sidenote: people giving me showers makes me feel both excited and extremely selfish).
September 3-4: Free, probably house-related duties
September 10: ROTC Visitation and CAS Tailgating Cookout
September 17: Visitation Day
September 24-25: Celebrating my Dad's birthday, wedding/house details
Looking at that calendar of events August makes me excited. September makes me nervous. Will everything fall into place? What am I forgetting? Will we have time to do everything we need to do? Am I planning enough, doing enough? There's not enough time anymore for everything I wanted to do...
God is faithful. He has blessed me so much. And I know that it will all work out. I just need to enjoy every moment. This only happens once :)
Showing posts with label Weddings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Weddings. Show all posts
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
Wedding 411 :)
I am getting married in less than 6 months! I get to become Mrs. Green in 180 days. What a blessing! Life right now is a mixture of preparation and celebration. Enjoying the moment and looking forward.
I have been working on a wedding website - but we don't have our engagement pictures yet and there are some details that are still forthcoming. We may, one day, have a website completely dedicated to our wedding...but I don't mind blogging about it and sharing details this way.
Wedding Details
We will be getting married on October 1, 2011 at 5 p.m. The setting is Campbell University's Butler Chapel; this is the perfect backdrop for our union. Campbell was the only college either of us applied to, it's where we met, where we became best friends, where we fell in love, where we earned our degrees and became passionate about Communication, and it's where I'm blessed to work now. God has blessed us so much through Campbell!The reception will be at the Dunn Shrine Club - 15 minutes away from Campbell. The outside doesn't look like much, but the inside has everything we are looking for.
Bridal Party
I am so honored to have the four beautiful women who make up my part of the bridal party standing up next to me on my wedding day. I am looking forward to so many moments and memories with them along the way!
Matron of Honor - Whitney Bauer
Whitney and I became best friends in 4th grade on the swing set, and we have been best friends every since. 8th grade was a favorite time for us, full of crazy memories, and 9th grade held a lot of challenges. I could write a book about our friendship...so I'll leave it with this: There are those people who not only know all of your memories but were there for all of your memories - that is Whitney. We even went to college together and, some fourteenish years later she is still my very best pal. I loved seeing Whitney fall in love with Aaron - and am inspired by the love they have for each other. I was blessed to be her maid of honor, and even more blessed to have her as my matron of honor.Whitney and Derrick knew each other before Derrick and I were romantically interested in each other. They met when Derrick wore a Chris Tomlin shirt, and Whitney commented on it. Then the three of us had Biology lab together...where Whitney and I did all the work and entertained Derrick with our adventurous tales:) Whitney and I also agreed, long before Derrick and I were together, that Derrick was cute enough to tip extra for :) Now, it's such a blessing to have Whitney and Aaron as some of our best friends!
Bridesmaid - Jessi Chiu
Jessi and I were always friends-ish...but I didn't want to get to close to someone who serenaded me with "Renee's Got a Banjo!" and kept me up until 5 in the morning because she thought her dad was a burglar. Senior year we took current events together and played with each other's hair. And, one spring break day senior year, I get a call from Jessi, asking me if I wanted to go prom dress shopping with her..we fell in love that day. She has been through many college experiences with me and has been a constant friend through many growing pains. We both act mature, but share a "wow, is this really happening?" mentality and a love for cute underwear. She and Evan met and fell in love quickly - but I am amazed at how real and supportive and fun their love is.I enjoy watching Derrick and Jessi interact; he definitely loves giving her a hard time. No worries - he cares enough about her to make sure we have pasta at the wedding so she can eat :)
Bethany and I are third cousins, playing Mother May I and Simon Says at family reunions when we were little. It wasn't until middle school, right after she had came to Wake Christian, that we became friends. We may have began hanging out because we were related...but she is now one of my dearest friends. We have been through a lot together and made so many memories in middle and high school and recently...I have loved seeing her become the woman that she is today. She knows where I come from. She gets it. And I can always count on Bethany to be there for me. She was the first to get married, and I am proud of the wife she is.
Bethany was the first of my friends to friend Derrick on facebook (other than Whitney) - as she was curious about this new boy that I was interested in. She and Jeremy are great friends to us, and it's nice that they're right down the road.
Bridesmaid - Jessie Green
Special thanks to my wonderful parents and supportive family for all they are doing to help out! My mom has been so great about the details and my parents have always been a wonderful example of marriage!
Derrick's family has also been an active, supportive part of this process - and I'm glad to be marrying into their family! His parents are always there to offer their advice, assistance, and support.
Registration
We just went to register yesterday! It can be very overwhelming - trying to think of everything we may need. But I already feel so overwhelmed with blessings...and I have a hard time understanding why people would want to give up their time and money to shower us with love and gifts. I have a hard time sitting back and letting other people do things for me. I want to be the one planning, preparing, working hard... But I am thankful for the love of all of my wonderful family and friends. It truly warms my heart.
Currently, we are registered at Walmart and Target - and you can find links to our registries below:
http://www.walmart.com/giftregistry/gr_detail.do?registryId=44580931001
http://www.target.com/registry/wedding/E83983FW70XY
We also invite people who want to give us a gift to give us gift cards. Of course, we need basic kitchen supplies, and we tried to register for things we know we'll need - so check that out. But there are so many details and things that we'll need to choose for ourselves or that we'll forget to register for. We would love gift cards to Target, Walmart or Kohls...and, if you want to give us something a little different, there's always Kroger, Food Lion, Ruby Tuesday, Zaxbys, and McDonalds :)
Thank you all for sharing in this time with us!
The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." ...But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman,' for she was taken out of man."
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.
Genesis 2:18-24
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wedding dreams
I haven't written in a while - so I thought I would pen a few thoughts.
I used to have back-to-school dreams, beginning around August 1st every year. Dreams that I was late for the first day of classes. That I was unprepared. That I missed my first class. And this never actually happened. I liked school. When I was awake I very much looked forward to the first day of school. And maybe I was always so prepared because I didn't want my dreams to come true.
Two nights ago I started having wedding dreams. Two in a row now. In the first one, I woke up and it was October 1 already. I didn't remember anything that happened over the past 6 months...but it was my wedding day. I hadn't packed for my honeymoon. I had no idea if any of the wedding plans were taken care of - because I couldn't remember doing any of it. Panic and confusion set in.
In last night's dream, we had gotten married and we were sitting around the living room with our families. My uncle was there. And they were giving us presents...and I realized that it was about to be my wedding night. And that scared me. In reality, I'm nervous and very excited...not scared. And, in my dream, I was very very sad that I wasn't going to live with my parents anymore. In reality, I am a little sad, but more excited that I get to build a home and a life with my husband, my best friend.
Wedding dreams and wedding nightmares - it seems to be the things that girls are made of. I feel like we have a great deal of planning done. But new things pop up all the time. I need to have a bridal portrait - which means I need flowers, a hairstyle, things for my hair, a photographer...We need to send out save-the-date cards, which means we need to get our engagement pictures taken, edited, organized, we need a finalized guest list and addresses, we need to find a save-the-date company, etc. Rehearsal dinner? What are the guys going to wear? What are the girls going to wear? When are we going to have time to plan all this? Where are we going to live? How about bills? Changing my name? Insurance? And these details keep popping up left and right. Planning a wedding takes a lot of work. I'm far more excited about the marriage.
Admist the planning and the details there are many things that make me excited and make it worth it. In six months, I get to be Derrick's wife. I finally have that man I always prayed about. And, along the way, we get to find a home together. We get to celebrate with family and friends. We get free stuff. We get to decorate that home. I get to spend a weekend at the beach with my very favorite girls. We get to be caught up in the anticipation with those closest to us. Then we get to have a party in celebration. I get to wear a beautiful dress and have a first dance with my husband. We get to go on a road trip. We get to go on an amazing vacation together for a week. We get to finally sleep together - and not have to say good-bye. We get to have a home together. I get to cook supper in my own kitchen. And we get to begin our life as Mr. and Mrs. Green.
...that is how I can have the patience and positivity to pick out flowers and plan wedding details...and, at the end of the day, that is why the flowers and details don't seem so important.
I used to have back-to-school dreams, beginning around August 1st every year. Dreams that I was late for the first day of classes. That I was unprepared. That I missed my first class. And this never actually happened. I liked school. When I was awake I very much looked forward to the first day of school. And maybe I was always so prepared because I didn't want my dreams to come true.
Two nights ago I started having wedding dreams. Two in a row now. In the first one, I woke up and it was October 1 already. I didn't remember anything that happened over the past 6 months...but it was my wedding day. I hadn't packed for my honeymoon. I had no idea if any of the wedding plans were taken care of - because I couldn't remember doing any of it. Panic and confusion set in.
In last night's dream, we had gotten married and we were sitting around the living room with our families. My uncle was there. And they were giving us presents...and I realized that it was about to be my wedding night. And that scared me. In reality, I'm nervous and very excited...not scared. And, in my dream, I was very very sad that I wasn't going to live with my parents anymore. In reality, I am a little sad, but more excited that I get to build a home and a life with my husband, my best friend.
Wedding dreams and wedding nightmares - it seems to be the things that girls are made of. I feel like we have a great deal of planning done. But new things pop up all the time. I need to have a bridal portrait - which means I need flowers, a hairstyle, things for my hair, a photographer...We need to send out save-the-date cards, which means we need to get our engagement pictures taken, edited, organized, we need a finalized guest list and addresses, we need to find a save-the-date company, etc. Rehearsal dinner? What are the guys going to wear? What are the girls going to wear? When are we going to have time to plan all this? Where are we going to live? How about bills? Changing my name? Insurance? And these details keep popping up left and right. Planning a wedding takes a lot of work. I'm far more excited about the marriage.
Admist the planning and the details there are many things that make me excited and make it worth it. In six months, I get to be Derrick's wife. I finally have that man I always prayed about. And, along the way, we get to find a home together. We get to celebrate with family and friends. We get free stuff. We get to decorate that home. I get to spend a weekend at the beach with my very favorite girls. We get to be caught up in the anticipation with those closest to us. Then we get to have a party in celebration. I get to wear a beautiful dress and have a first dance with my husband. We get to go on a road trip. We get to go on an amazing vacation together for a week. We get to finally sleep together - and not have to say good-bye. We get to have a home together. I get to cook supper in my own kitchen. And we get to begin our life as Mr. and Mrs. Green.
...that is how I can have the patience and positivity to pick out flowers and plan wedding details...and, at the end of the day, that is why the flowers and details don't seem so important.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
I already loved him...
I wrote this a while back and saved it...for such a times as this:
There is a man who I have loved as long as I can remember. It wasn’t in a Prince Charming sort of way, and it was hardly in the way that all girls will say they loved, I loved him. It was a painful love, primarily due to my lack of patience. I missed him; I missed the memories I hadn’t yet experienced. I missed him when I looked over at the empty pillow next to me. I missed him when I cooked supper or washed the dishes. I missed him at Christmas’ and when I felt all alone in the middle of a crowded room. I already loved him.
I don’t think I’m like the majority girls, though I was blessed with friends who at least understood. Most people didn’t. In middle school, I began writing to my future husband, and I now have a worn grey journal filled with short, but meaningful words just for him.
I prayed for him – really prayed for him. And I would lie in bed at night and think about him; I wondered if he slept in pajama pants or boxers? Was he asleep or on the computer? Where did he go to school? Did I ever drive past him or glance at him at the grocery store? What was he thinking about? Did he have a girlfriend? …and mostly, did he ever think of me? Could he ever possibly love me as much as I already loved him? Sometimes I would pray that God would hug him for me or let him feel that I loved him. I already loved him.
I remember one time when this love was obvious, although most people would say ridiculous. It was senior year, and all of my friends were having a Valentine’s Day party (chaperoned by parents; PG). Everyone else was dancing, but I wouldn’t…because I only wanted to dance with someone who only wanted to dance with me. It was the last dance and a few of my friends and I hid away, and we prayed for our future husbands. Crazy, right? I already loved him.
In thinking about him and loving him, I never imagined a fairy tale. I never imagined it would be perfect or that he would be. I realized that love is a verb and marriage is commitment. And I began trying to be the best I could be for him. 1 Corinthians 7, Ephesians 5, 1 Corinthians 13, and Proverbs 31 are probably some of my most read bible passages, most studied words. A wife is to submit, respect. A husband is to love. A wife is to cheer her husband on. Never humiliate him; but wait until the two of you are alone if you disagree with something he did. Stand back and let him be strong, but whisper words of advice and encouragement in his ear. Be a conservative lady in public, realizing that you represent him – but love with unbridled passion behind closed doors. I want to be her, because I already him.
Married women who are reading this may be thinking that I don’t know because I’ve never been married. This is true. I’m not going to be a perfect wife. Sometimes I’ll be selfish, weak, stubborn, unloving. Sometimes I’ll get frustrated and say things I shouldn’t. Sometimes I may even forget to love him. And I hardly know what I’m getting myself into. But I can’t help it, I already love him.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
You're allowed to now...we're engaged♥
Despite my past jobs in the wedding industry and my romantic, organized personality, I am not a wedding planner by nature. And I have not spent years and hours planning the details of my wedding (yet). I get bored looking at bridal magazines - and hardly find them helpful. I quickly give up on The Knot. And I do not believe in spending a fortune for one day.
With all of that being said, I still have an idea of what I want. After being in numerous weddings, interning at a wedding venue, and working at a gown boutique - you get an idea. Plus, I'm a sentimental person - and I know what little details will fit Derrick and I. So, over the past two years, I probably have mentioned wedding details more than several times.
Before Sunday, I tried my hardest NOT to talk about weddings. I needed to be patient, and Derrick was not interested. I, sometimes, found a way to slip it in casually. "What do you think of those flowers?" or "If we were to end up together, who would be your groomsmen?" Sometimes he would answer graciously and move on. Sometimes I would get that drop-the-chin, raise-the-eyebrows, stern look, accompanied with "Woman." I would sheepishly give up my endeaver to slowly plan our wedding.
I always said that I would wait a week after being engaged to start planning. We would celebrate for a week...that was the plan. And to this moment I still haven't opened up my wedding notebook (that was semi-organized waiting for this moment in my closet). BUT on Monday night, on our way somewhere, Derrick and I casually, and without meaning to, began the wedding planning process. It's beautiful when you can have fun planning an event with your best friend.
I still haven't shared details with my parents (so don't ask to hear the details yourself), and Derrick and I haven't firmly decided things... I think that we should have this big wedding planning moment. In comfy clothes, with sparkling grape juice - and our attention fully on the reality of the situation - we should sit down and plan. Then discuss the details with my beautiful parents - including them in the planning and the celebration.
Today I told Derrick that I hadn't opened up my wedding notebook yet but I had it with me today...and, in an upbeat tone, he said "Good, you should open it."... Then he asked if tomorrow night would be our grape juice and comfy clothes night, the night to talk and discuss... Every moment I mention the wedding, I still feel a little sheepish. Like he's going to give me that look and change the subject. I shared this with him and he smiled and said, "You're allowed to talk about it now...we're engaged".
I love, more than he understands, how Derrick is embracing this. And I love that I can now share my dreams of the future (not just the wedding, but our home, our marriage...) - knowing that that future is becoming a reality.
With all of that being said, I still have an idea of what I want. After being in numerous weddings, interning at a wedding venue, and working at a gown boutique - you get an idea. Plus, I'm a sentimental person - and I know what little details will fit Derrick and I. So, over the past two years, I probably have mentioned wedding details more than several times.
Before Sunday, I tried my hardest NOT to talk about weddings. I needed to be patient, and Derrick was not interested. I, sometimes, found a way to slip it in casually. "What do you think of those flowers?" or "If we were to end up together, who would be your groomsmen?" Sometimes he would answer graciously and move on. Sometimes I would get that drop-the-chin, raise-the-eyebrows, stern look, accompanied with "Woman." I would sheepishly give up my endeaver to slowly plan our wedding.
I always said that I would wait a week after being engaged to start planning. We would celebrate for a week...that was the plan. And to this moment I still haven't opened up my wedding notebook (that was semi-organized waiting for this moment in my closet). BUT on Monday night, on our way somewhere, Derrick and I casually, and without meaning to, began the wedding planning process. It's beautiful when you can have fun planning an event with your best friend.
I still haven't shared details with my parents (so don't ask to hear the details yourself), and Derrick and I haven't firmly decided things... I think that we should have this big wedding planning moment. In comfy clothes, with sparkling grape juice - and our attention fully on the reality of the situation - we should sit down and plan. Then discuss the details with my beautiful parents - including them in the planning and the celebration.
Today I told Derrick that I hadn't opened up my wedding notebook yet but I had it with me today...and, in an upbeat tone, he said "Good, you should open it."... Then he asked if tomorrow night would be our grape juice and comfy clothes night, the night to talk and discuss... Every moment I mention the wedding, I still feel a little sheepish. Like he's going to give me that look and change the subject. I shared this with him and he smiled and said, "You're allowed to talk about it now...we're engaged".
I love, more than he understands, how Derrick is embracing this. And I love that I can now share my dreams of the future (not just the wedding, but our home, our marriage...) - knowing that that future is becoming a reality.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Will you marry me?
THE PERFECT WEEKEND
I had look forward to this past weekend for a while (and, really, I've been looking forward to it my whole life). I love all of the moments and memories I get to share with Derrick, with my family. God has blessed me so much with those closest to me.
After work on Friday, Daddy, Mom, Derrick, and I loaded in the car and headed down to our beach house - stopping for Bojangles on the way. Which is a rare, delicious treat. I think Derrick and I slept part of the way - but we were awake long enough to see the skyline of Wilmington lit up across the river...beautiful.
When we arrived at the beach house a random collection of funny events happened. My dad flipped out because the television wasn't working correctly; even though we were playing cards together, he still needed the television to work. I decided I liked no television - it made me feel Amish...and then I proceeded to teach Derrick some Amish words and phrases...which ended in very tearful laughter and a slew of random dutch-ish phrases...It was a wonderful night.
Saturday morning I was greeted with Derrick sticking his head in my room and saying good morning. Because it was freezing, he came and joined me under the covers...my mom coming to join us and discuss the day ahead. We all had a nice lunch at Chilis and then went to Walmart (something that my dad was very much looking forward to) - where i looked at home decor and Derrick found a cheap way to make a very expensive piece of camera equipment (he is beautifully innovative).
Next, we were on our way to Sunset Beach. I took my shoes off, excited to walk barefoot in the sand. Took some pictures of my wonderful parents - who have been an example of love and marriage to me my whole life. Then Derrick and I took pictures and walked on the beach...the whole time, I was thinking that this would be the perfect time for him to propose. A perfect day. A perfect moment. ...didn't happen.
After that, we went shopping. Derrick found the perfect shoes - shoes we had been looking for for months - at a wonderful price. Despite the annoying salesman pushing us to leave, we got the shoes. Then we ate delicious appetizers at my family's favorite restaurant in Myrtle Beach - and I truly enjoyed time with my family. It's one of my favorite things we do, and I love family traditions. God has blessed Derrick and I both with wonderful families! After supper, we walked around Barefoot Landing and stopped for Krispie Kreme on the way out; and headed home that night.
At one point, Derrick asked me how my day was. I said "It was perfect, it was the perfect day." - Of course, I said it in a frustrated, pouty voice. It was the perfect day, and I was imperfectly impatient.
Saturday night and Sunday were full of card games, Twister, relaxing, television, good food, family time... but I was quickly accepting the fact that this was another lesson in patience. He wouldn't ask during this perfect weekend. He wouldn't ask during February. It would be another new month, praying and wondering, and waiting. (Side note, several times during the day I poked Derrick, not telling him why. They were all pokes to get out my frustration at him not asking during this perfect weekend.)
THE PROPOSAL
Sunday night Derrick decided we should go get a milkshake. We used to get milkshakes ALL the time right after we started dating...but we haven't done that in 2 years, so it was a little different. We headed to Cookout and got our chocolate nut (with extra nuts) milkshake.
1 mile from my house, he turns the radio to a song that was one of our songs when we first started liking each other. It reminded him of me :) So then it reminded me of him :) He parked at the house and said he wanted to finish the song...I thought that was really sweet, so I laid my head on his shoulder. It was quiet, with the song playing in the background. I wanted to breathe in the moment.
Next thing I know, Derrick is telling me that his luggage is falling on his head. oookay. So I hear him rustling around in the back. Next thing I know, he pulls out a big plastic diamond ring.
"Will you take this?" He asked...
"Yes." I said, somewhat inquisitively. At that moment, he pulled out the engagement ring.
"Now, will you take this one?"
"YES!" I answered, and then I gave him a kiss. As I pulled away, I whispered "Isn't there something you should ask now?"
"Lillian, will you marry me?" ...oh, how I've longed to hear those words!!!
In the moment he asked it was like the world was spinning. It was a moment I had looked forward to my whole life and had somewhat expected for a few months - but I didn't really expect it at that moment. Did this man really want to marry me? Was this really happening? I needed to remind myself to remember every detail.
After that we stayed in the car and talked about everything. He admitted that he had wanted to ask at the beach - but he hadn't talked to my parents yet. And then he planned to go on a walk Saturday night on the beach and ask then, but my Dad decided to come home early. God had it planned - Sunday afternoon I was restless, so I went to visit my grandma...giving Derrick (not on propose) the perfect opportunity for him to talk to my parents.
Now, I get to marry my best friend!!! After years of praying for and dreaming about, waiting for and preparing for, wondering about and thinking of my future husband - I finally get to marry him! And I finally know that it was Derrick that I was covering in thoughts and prayers all of those years and all of those moments!
Hmm...Mrs. Green :)
I had look forward to this past weekend for a while (and, really, I've been looking forward to it my whole life). I love all of the moments and memories I get to share with Derrick, with my family. God has blessed me so much with those closest to me.
After work on Friday, Daddy, Mom, Derrick, and I loaded in the car and headed down to our beach house - stopping for Bojangles on the way. Which is a rare, delicious treat. I think Derrick and I slept part of the way - but we were awake long enough to see the skyline of Wilmington lit up across the river...beautiful.
When we arrived at the beach house a random collection of funny events happened. My dad flipped out because the television wasn't working correctly; even though we were playing cards together, he still needed the television to work. I decided I liked no television - it made me feel Amish...and then I proceeded to teach Derrick some Amish words and phrases...which ended in very tearful laughter and a slew of random dutch-ish phrases...It was a wonderful night.
Saturday morning I was greeted with Derrick sticking his head in my room and saying good morning. Because it was freezing, he came and joined me under the covers...my mom coming to join us and discuss the day ahead. We all had a nice lunch at Chilis and then went to Walmart (something that my dad was very much looking forward to) - where i looked at home decor and Derrick found a cheap way to make a very expensive piece of camera equipment (he is beautifully innovative).
Next, we were on our way to Sunset Beach. I took my shoes off, excited to walk barefoot in the sand. Took some pictures of my wonderful parents - who have been an example of love and marriage to me my whole life. Then Derrick and I took pictures and walked on the beach...the whole time, I was thinking that this would be the perfect time for him to propose. A perfect day. A perfect moment. ...didn't happen.
After that, we went shopping. Derrick found the perfect shoes - shoes we had been looking for for months - at a wonderful price. Despite the annoying salesman pushing us to leave, we got the shoes. Then we ate delicious appetizers at my family's favorite restaurant in Myrtle Beach - and I truly enjoyed time with my family. It's one of my favorite things we do, and I love family traditions. God has blessed Derrick and I both with wonderful families! After supper, we walked around Barefoot Landing and stopped for Krispie Kreme on the way out; and headed home that night.
At one point, Derrick asked me how my day was. I said "It was perfect, it was the perfect day." - Of course, I said it in a frustrated, pouty voice. It was the perfect day, and I was imperfectly impatient.
Saturday night and Sunday were full of card games, Twister, relaxing, television, good food, family time... but I was quickly accepting the fact that this was another lesson in patience. He wouldn't ask during this perfect weekend. He wouldn't ask during February. It would be another new month, praying and wondering, and waiting. (Side note, several times during the day I poked Derrick, not telling him why. They were all pokes to get out my frustration at him not asking during this perfect weekend.)
THE PROPOSAL
Sunday night Derrick decided we should go get a milkshake. We used to get milkshakes ALL the time right after we started dating...but we haven't done that in 2 years, so it was a little different. We headed to Cookout and got our chocolate nut (with extra nuts) milkshake.
1 mile from my house, he turns the radio to a song that was one of our songs when we first started liking each other. It reminded him of me :) So then it reminded me of him :) He parked at the house and said he wanted to finish the song...I thought that was really sweet, so I laid my head on his shoulder. It was quiet, with the song playing in the background. I wanted to breathe in the moment.
Next thing I know, Derrick is telling me that his luggage is falling on his head. oookay. So I hear him rustling around in the back. Next thing I know, he pulls out a big plastic diamond ring.
"Will you take this?" He asked...
"Yes." I said, somewhat inquisitively. At that moment, he pulled out the engagement ring.
"Now, will you take this one?"
"YES!" I answered, and then I gave him a kiss. As I pulled away, I whispered "Isn't there something you should ask now?"
In the moment he asked it was like the world was spinning. It was a moment I had looked forward to my whole life and had somewhat expected for a few months - but I didn't really expect it at that moment. Did this man really want to marry me? Was this really happening? I needed to remind myself to remember every detail.
After that we stayed in the car and talked about everything. He admitted that he had wanted to ask at the beach - but he hadn't talked to my parents yet. And then he planned to go on a walk Saturday night on the beach and ask then, but my Dad decided to come home early. God had it planned - Sunday afternoon I was restless, so I went to visit my grandma...giving Derrick (not on propose) the perfect opportunity for him to talk to my parents.
Now, I get to marry my best friend!!! After years of praying for and dreaming about, waiting for and preparing for, wondering about and thinking of my future husband - I finally get to marry him! And I finally know that it was Derrick that I was covering in thoughts and prayers all of those years and all of those moments!
Hmm...Mrs. Green :)
Thursday, January 6, 2011
The moments before the air erupted in celebration...
Ohio: Day 2
It's always exciting to wake up in a new city - the air of possibilities and curiousity of the unknown embracing you. I woke up around 8:15, happy for a little extra sleep. Pink tights. Blue jean skirt. Pink tee. Brown Sweater. Ready for seizing the day :) Then I headed to Derrick's room to make sure he was up and ready. Good morning, Honey!
The church was our first stop - and we found that with ease...thanks to Thelma (GPS). I wanted to go help decorate, spend more time with the wedding party, and introduce Derrick to everyone so he would feel more at ease during the various events. I also finally got to see Mrs. Juli - who was like a second mom to me during the summers around freshmen year. The decorating didn't take long - rearranging flowers and deciding whether or not to use reeds. Opening bubbles and arranging them. The decision process took the longest.
Then it was time for Derrick and I to be on our own in the big city. Time for new adventures. Endless Opportunities.
First we pulled over in a mall parking lot, finding many restaurants and possibilities of things to do. But none of them satisfied us. I had promised Derrick Long John Silvers, something that he had fond memories of as a child - so we punch it in the GPS and on we go. We were the only customers in the Long John Silver, which always makes me a little nervous. Plus, fast food fish for lunch - the concept seems a little odd. But it was better than I had expected. And not as good as Derrick remembered. Cross that off the list.
Time for the zoo. We had planned to spend the afternoon exploring the Cincinnati Zoo, and I was excited. We had never been to a zoo together. After driving around the block several times, Thelma getting mad at me, we finally pull in. (I will preface this next part by saying that Derrick and I are very tight with our budget. Very. We don't go to movies. We eat fast food, hardly ever going out to eat. I don't buy things for myself...). The lady says it's going to be $7 for parking. $7! I ask how much admission is...$14 a person. Quick calculation lets me know that it's going to be a $35 trip. Nope. Sorry. No zoo.
Back to the hotel - where I fell asleep and Derrick watched Top Gear and played on the computer. Relaxation and sleep = boring success!
The rehearsal dinner that night went very well. Tortellini and prime rib! Cheesecake and good company! Swords and wands! Tears and sweet words...it was a good time of fellowship, as was the rehearsal. Everything went well, and I enjoyed spending more time with the girls.
New Years Eve! Derrick and I pulled into White Castle on our way back to the hotel and ordered a random assortment of new things. Then we had high hopes of sparkling grape juice, a movie, sliders, a midnight kiss.
Sparkling grape juice in plastic cups accompanied our White Castle burgers...and no movie was chosen. Around 10:30 I realized that the chances of us making it to midnight weren't looking too good - so I suggested we pray for 2011. Derrick opened it up, praying for the wedding, the future, the year ahead, and thanking God for His blessings. I talked to God, asking for blessings on our relationship, our jobs, our friends, and our families in 2011. Asking to be used in a big way in the coming year, to make a difference in the world. I love standing on the edge of a New Year - and knowing that God is already there!
Then...at 11:30 I gave Derrick a premature goodnight kiss and strolled down the hall to my room, falling asleep in the moments before the air erupted in celebration, fireworks, and kisses. 2011 had a silent beginning to me. Relaxation and sleep = boring success!
It's always exciting to wake up in a new city - the air of possibilities and curiousity of the unknown embracing you. I woke up around 8:15, happy for a little extra sleep. Pink tights. Blue jean skirt. Pink tee. Brown Sweater. Ready for seizing the day :) Then I headed to Derrick's room to make sure he was up and ready. Good morning, Honey!
The church was our first stop - and we found that with ease...thanks to Thelma (GPS). I wanted to go help decorate, spend more time with the wedding party, and introduce Derrick to everyone so he would feel more at ease during the various events. I also finally got to see Mrs. Juli - who was like a second mom to me during the summers around freshmen year. The decorating didn't take long - rearranging flowers and deciding whether or not to use reeds. Opening bubbles and arranging them. The decision process took the longest.
Then it was time for Derrick and I to be on our own in the big city. Time for new adventures. Endless Opportunities.
First we pulled over in a mall parking lot, finding many restaurants and possibilities of things to do. But none of them satisfied us. I had promised Derrick Long John Silvers, something that he had fond memories of as a child - so we punch it in the GPS and on we go. We were the only customers in the Long John Silver, which always makes me a little nervous. Plus, fast food fish for lunch - the concept seems a little odd. But it was better than I had expected. And not as good as Derrick remembered. Cross that off the list.
Time for the zoo. We had planned to spend the afternoon exploring the Cincinnati Zoo, and I was excited. We had never been to a zoo together. After driving around the block several times, Thelma getting mad at me, we finally pull in. (I will preface this next part by saying that Derrick and I are very tight with our budget. Very. We don't go to movies. We eat fast food, hardly ever going out to eat. I don't buy things for myself...). The lady says it's going to be $7 for parking. $7! I ask how much admission is...$14 a person. Quick calculation lets me know that it's going to be a $35 trip. Nope. Sorry. No zoo.
Back to the hotel - where I fell asleep and Derrick watched Top Gear and played on the computer. Relaxation and sleep = boring success!
The rehearsal dinner that night went very well. Tortellini and prime rib! Cheesecake and good company! Swords and wands! Tears and sweet words...it was a good time of fellowship, as was the rehearsal. Everything went well, and I enjoyed spending more time with the girls.
New Years Eve! Derrick and I pulled into White Castle on our way back to the hotel and ordered a random assortment of new things. Then we had high hopes of sparkling grape juice, a movie, sliders, a midnight kiss.
Sparkling grape juice in plastic cups accompanied our White Castle burgers...and no movie was chosen. Around 10:30 I realized that the chances of us making it to midnight weren't looking too good - so I suggested we pray for 2011. Derrick opened it up, praying for the wedding, the future, the year ahead, and thanking God for His blessings. I talked to God, asking for blessings on our relationship, our jobs, our friends, and our families in 2011. Asking to be used in a big way in the coming year, to make a difference in the world. I love standing on the edge of a New Year - and knowing that God is already there!
Then...at 11:30 I gave Derrick a premature goodnight kiss and strolled down the hall to my room, falling asleep in the moments before the air erupted in celebration, fireworks, and kisses. 2011 had a silent beginning to me. Relaxation and sleep = boring success!
Happy New Year! Isn't it beautiful? The air of possibilities and curiousity of the unknown...
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
...And if I had the choice, I'd do it again!
Ohio: Day 1
Going to a new place is always an adventure. You get to see places you've never seen and meet people that you wouldn't have otherwise met - and my time in Ohio was no different.
The 10 hour ride up went by more quickly than we had expected - passing through snowy hills and mountains, over bridges and through small towns, finally to arrive at our destination. The drive up was filled with a random selection of tunes and random topics, tired eyes and bursts of noise to keep Derrick awake.
As soon as we got there, I had about an hour to eat and get ready before it was time for the "bachelorette party". I didn't know what to expect and my stomach was in knots as I tried to navigate around Cincinnati, but I was at ease about the party and excited to see Jessi!
Jessi met me at the door with one of our squealy hugs, and I was happy to have this opportunity to celebrate this time in her life. Jessi's friends were unbelievably amazing and sweet! It is such a blessing that God's daughters can be connected by the heart and by a shared joy and come together in celebration, and this definitely was a celebration. I met everyone, trying not to become Jessi's shadow...and a conversation about how undeniably amazing sweet tea is ensued. They didn't understand.
After we had all eaten a little, we joined together in a time to talk to God about Jessi and Evan. We prayed for a wonderful, memorable, stress-free next few days. A romantic honeymoon. And a blessed life together. A life that would help Evan and Jessi continue to grow in love with each other and grow in the Lord - serving Him side-by-side. What a blessing!
Next came our murder-mystery game. Immediately I was out of my comfort zone. Amanda explained that we would all be a character, receiving a packet of notes to tell us our biography, how to act, and what part we play in this story. I'm not at actress. I direct. I encourage from the background. I don't act. And a part of me wanted to run away...but I was the murderer (unbeknowns to anyone), so I had to push forward.
The story unfolded and everyone played their character brilliantly. When the time came for guessing the murderer - no one guessed me. Then I revealed the truth and read my confession: "...I killed her! And if I had the choice, I'd do it again!"
Although the game forced me out of my little bubble, it was a great way to get to know everyone - and left me with so many blessing and great memories!
Going to a new place is always an adventure. You get to see places you've never seen and meet people that you wouldn't have otherwise met - and my time in Ohio was no different.
The 10 hour ride up went by more quickly than we had expected - passing through snowy hills and mountains, over bridges and through small towns, finally to arrive at our destination. The drive up was filled with a random selection of tunes and random topics, tired eyes and bursts of noise to keep Derrick awake.
As soon as we got there, I had about an hour to eat and get ready before it was time for the "bachelorette party". I didn't know what to expect and my stomach was in knots as I tried to navigate around Cincinnati, but I was at ease about the party and excited to see Jessi!
Jessi met me at the door with one of our squealy hugs, and I was happy to have this opportunity to celebrate this time in her life. Jessi's friends were unbelievably amazing and sweet! It is such a blessing that God's daughters can be connected by the heart and by a shared joy and come together in celebration, and this definitely was a celebration. I met everyone, trying not to become Jessi's shadow...and a conversation about how undeniably amazing sweet tea is ensued. They didn't understand.
After we had all eaten a little, we joined together in a time to talk to God about Jessi and Evan. We prayed for a wonderful, memorable, stress-free next few days. A romantic honeymoon. And a blessed life together. A life that would help Evan and Jessi continue to grow in love with each other and grow in the Lord - serving Him side-by-side. What a blessing!
Next came our murder-mystery game. Immediately I was out of my comfort zone. Amanda explained that we would all be a character, receiving a packet of notes to tell us our biography, how to act, and what part we play in this story. I'm not at actress. I direct. I encourage from the background. I don't act. And a part of me wanted to run away...but I was the murderer (unbeknowns to anyone), so I had to push forward.
The story unfolded and everyone played their character brilliantly. When the time came for guessing the murderer - no one guessed me. Then I revealed the truth and read my confession: "...I killed her! And if I had the choice, I'd do it again!"
Although the game forced me out of my little bubble, it was a great way to get to know everyone - and left me with so many blessing and great memories!
Stay tuned for Ohio: Day 2
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