One of "those days"

Today was one of "those days". You know, one of the days where nothing goes "right". I knew it was going to be that way when I spilled my coffee on the way to my car. Coffee= 100% essential in the mornings. The day ended with a pop quiz... the 2nd week of class. I did absolutely terrible. Obviously I freaked out because I am a perfectionist and don't like failing at anything, especially school. I got in my car and blared my Chris Tomlin c.d. and felt so much better when I got home. I realized that I need to LET GO of trying to be perfect. Let go of the desire to make perfect grades, let go of trying to please everyone, let go of constantly worrying about the future. I am at a point in my life where there are so many changes on the horizon which is constantly making me worry and stress. I always hear Jesus telling me to "let go". After all, what 's the point in worrying when my future is already secure in Heaven?

My niece

Ella James Page-- the love of my life.

I never knew how much I could love someone. I love my family and my fiancé a lot, don't get me wrong. But the love I have for my niece is a different kind of love. I feel like my heart is outside of my chest crawling around on the floor and smiling her 2-toothed adorable grin.

My sister let me watch her birth which was the most amazing moment of my entire life. Watching this small miracle come into the world made my heart grow 10 sizes. Ever since that day, October 29, 2012, I realize there is much more to life than material things.

I rushed home from Chapel Hill when my sister went into labor. I made it in plenty of time being that Keehln labored for 36 hours. I emailed my teachers and told them I was a new aunt and that I would be missing class for a few days. When Ella James was 3 days old I had to leave her for the first time, and I sobbed as I drove back to Chapel Hill (only to return 24 hours later). And this morning when we dropped her off at the church nursery, we walked away and I told my sister I needed to go back and check on her one more time. Yes, I am overprotective, attached, and in love with my perfect niece. Man, I am going to be in trouble when I have kids of my own.

Wedding shower!

This past Saturday my amazing best friends threw me a wedding shower. It was so much fun to get together with all my girls and our moms, my family, cousins, Garrett's family, etc. I felt completely blessed and loved. Not to mention spoiled... I got the most amazing gifts ever! I never knew how excited I would be to get plates and sheets. I am officially an old [almost] married woman. Below are some pics of the day!

How amazing does my aunt look?! She kicked breast cancer's a**! Thank you, Lord!

My best friends in the whole world!

Future hub and future sis!

My mom.. my best friend!

It was the best day ever! Now, I'm in full-on school mode. Class starts tomorrow and I am so excited to get into the swing of things! Hope you have a great week! Happy studying ;)

Moment of clarity

The last two nights my devotions have been all about trusting God. These were very appropriate at a time in my life where I feel overwhelmed by change (I don't like change one bit). Well, after two full days of orientation, I am confident that God was looking out for me. My classmates are AMAZING, my professors are so inviting and helpful, and I am so much more excited and less anxious about this new journey.

I was sitting there today surrounded by 34 new friends [classmates] and I had one of those "ah-ha" moments. I realized that I am right where I am supposed to be. They say every person has about 7 moments in their life that define them, and I am sure this season of my life is one for me. This journey of starting PA school is going to be stressful but I am ready for the challenge and proud of myself for facing this head-on.

Next time I get overwhelmed, I am just going to repeat Philippians 4:6 to myself: "Do not be anxious about anything; instead, pray about everything."

Monday Musings

Today was less than ideal for more than 1 reason:

1. I have a test the first week of class. However, we don't know what it will be on. They gave us a textbook and said to study. I am basically already a stressed out wreck and class hasn't even started. Welcome to the next 2.5 years of my life.

2. The PA school has been contacting me through my UNC email address. Therefore, I figured there was no need to check my ECU email. I was wrong. I just figured out how to check it [I am technologically challenged] and had a million emails including my tuition which was due LAST WEEK. Praying I'm not kicked out of school. I am going to give the people a sob story and hope they feel sorry for me.

3. I have orientation tomorrow and I don't know a single person. Even though I am SO EXCITED to start this new chapter of my life, it is going to be overwhelming. It's like going to high school the first day of freshman year and not knowing a soul in any of your classes. I am the new girl once again.

4. On a brighter note, I got an adorable Scout lunch box today. Yes, I am a total nerd.


Hope your week is starting off great! Xoxo

Saturday wish list

Happy Saturday! With Fall right around the corner (my absolute favorite time of year), there are a few things I have my eye on.

Every girl has their favorite clothing item, whether necklaces, heels, or jeans. My obsession is with boots. Maybe because I love cool weather. My go-to outfit is a pair of Frye boots with a cute sweater. This year I am lusting over these Frye boots. I love that they are black AND brown.

I absolutely love candles. My future sister-in-law got some amazing candles from Anthropologie that smell delicious. Every time I go in that store I spend forever smelling and looking at all the candles. Right when I move into my new house these candles will be one of my first purchases.

With PA school right around the corner, I am trying to start buying only clothes that are work appropriate. I tried this shirt on in Charlotte and fell in love. How adorable would it be under a black blazer? Might have to pull the trigger soon.

What are you lusting over as we transition to Fall? Xoxo

6 things about me

Jumping on the bandwagon with this one. Answer 6 of the 12 questions about yourself:

1. What is one of your silly quirks? Or something silly that you get excited about.
2. Favorite movie, song, or TV show?
3. Any funny stories to share that has happened recently?
4. Tell us something we don't know about you.
5. What's your favorite beauty secret or product?
6. What's your favorite or go-to outfit? (pics please)
7. What's a personal trial you had to overcome?
8. What's a current dream that you are hoping to achieve?
9. What's the coolest thing you've made? (food, craft, anything)
10. Who or what inspires you?
11. Share one of your favorite pics. Tell us why it's your favorite
12. What's your favorite part about marriage? Or what have you learned since becoming married?

1. Something silly I get excited about is getting in bed and watching Dateline or 20/20 on Friday nights. Wow, I'm such a loser. But seriously, I have spent every weekend this summer at the beach and that is what I look forward to. I have always loved a good murder mystery. So there is nothing better than snuggling up in bed and watching the new ones that come on tv on Friday nights.

4. Something not many people know about me is that I never met either of my grandfathers. My mom's dad died when she was 13 from cancer [i HATE cancer]. My dad's dad died when he was 2 in Vietnam. He had just gotten off duty and was headed home but volunteered to ride in a helicopter to help deliver supplies to some other troops. Their helicopter was shot down and he died. My dad was adopted by my Pop Pop when he was very young, so I consider him my grandpa but we share no blood.

8. My dream is about to come true when I start Physician Assistant school in less than 2 weeks. Working in medicine has always been my dream. I wanted to go to medical school until I realized that I also want a healthy marriage and kids in the future. That's when I decided being a PA is a much better fit for me. I busted my butt in college and spent my nights studying while my peers were out drinking. I am very proud of my academic accomplishments and can't wait to practice orthopedics or whatever other form of medicine I fall in love with!

10. My aunt inspires me. She is battling breast cancer. The day she had her mastectomy I was babysitting my cousins and she got home from the hospital and cooked us dinner. She is super woman. I am so proud of her!

11. This is my favorite picture of us! Garrett was playing baseball in Cape Cod for the summer and I spent the week there visiting him. We took the ferry to Nantucket for the day and rented a moped. We had the BEST time ever.  The cobblestone streets do not make for a smooth moped ride... we spent most of the day dying laughing at each other. I will never forget that day!

12. I am not married yet, but I will be in 4.5 months. So though I haven't learned anything yet, I am looking forward to a lot. Because we are waiting to live together until we are married, I can't WAIT to go to sleep beside him and wake up beside him everyday. I can't wait to spend lazy weekends at our house cooking out and playing with our dog. I can't wait to cook dinner together. I can't wait to make our house our first "home". I can't wait do life with him... the good and the bad. 

Wedding planning!

So far I have completely enjoyed wedding planning. I might change my mind in 4 months, but so far I haven't experienced the "so stressed out I'm just ready for it to be over" phase. And I hope I never feel like that, because I want this experience to be memorable and enjoyable. The only 2 things that haven't gone exactly as hoped are that we wanted to get married right before Christmas as opposed to right after. Because I am in school full-time, we had to have the wedding over my Christmas break, so it was either December 21 or 28. The church was already booked for the 21 but the 28 actually turns out better... we get to go on our Honeymoon over NYE... what could possibly be better?! Also, the hair/make-up girl I was dreaming of having was booked already :( tear. Anyways, One of my old friends is getting married and I saw this long check list on her page, and wanted to copy! 

Set a date

Book ceremony venue

Book reception venue

Book photographer

Find a reasonably priced Videographer (might not have one)

Book DJ

Book florist

Ask bridal party to be in wedding

Book caterer & bar

Create wedding website

Register

Buy wedding dress

Book ceremony musicians

Take engagement pictures

Select bridesmaid dresses
Select and order groom & groomsmen attire

Purchase veil

Purchase wedding jewelry

Purchase garter (might borrow my sister's)

Buy wedding shoesBook cake baker

Order save the dates (not doing them)

Finalize guest list (whew... this is a task in itself)

Order guest book (doing something unique for our guest book)

Hotel room blocks

Engagement announcement local newspapers

MOB dress shopping

Book makeup artist & hair stylist

Menu tasting

Take bridal portraits (not doing them... too busy with school)

Hair & make up trial

1st dress fitting 
2^nd dress fitting

Create ceremony program (AMG is doing all our paper products... so excited!)

Order invitations

Mail invitations

Book rehearsal diner venue

Book rehearsal dinner music

Buy rehearsal dinner dress

Order kooziesDIY reception favors

Book transportation from ceremony to reception for bridal party

Buy bridal party gifts

Bachelorette party

Bridal shower

Purchase wedding bands

Premarital counseling

Put together picture list for photographer

Put together play list for DJ

Get marriage license

Order wedding favors

Book transportation from reception to hotel

Book honeymoon 

Rehearsal dinner invitations

Rehearsal dinner groom’s cake

Book wedding night hotel room (FIRST NIGHT IN OUR NEW HOUSE!)

Order thank you notes

Wedding announcement in local newspapers

Walk down the aisle & say I do!

I feel like I have gotten a decent amount done. Most of the stuff that I have left to do can't be done this early. I am going to be so busy studying this semester that I have tried to get everything possible done this summer! Happy wedding planning! Xoxo