Seven Things. Part 2.

This day, 7 years ago, Andrew and I had a most beautiful ceremony in which we said, "I do." And we had a most fun reception to follow. I can almost relive this entire day in my memory. And I'm glad that I can remember a lot of it. I remember being purposeful with putting things away in my memory that day. I tried to savor so much of it. While I remember a lot, I've chose 7 to share with you today.

7 Most Memorable Moments from our wedding day.

Family.
I was surprised at how much of my family made it down for the wedding. All sides and all distances made it. It was amazing. And so special. That morning we went to breakfast with some of them. And I'm so thankful we did. At the wedding and reception you don't get a lot of time to sit down and catch up. It was so nice to have those moments with them that morning. And I won't forget the looks on my mom, dad, brother, and grandparents face when they first saw me dressed. My family - every one of them - has been one of the biggest blessings I've had. So grateful they were there for and a part of my wedding day.

Walking down the isle.
The church we married in didn't have a center isle. So as we walked I only saw the people there, not Andrew. I held on tight to my dad as we walked down. As we were walking I remembered that I forgot to put the veil over my face. I remember telling him we forgot as we walked. I remember a lady who I used to babysit for and had moved away reaching out her hand and grasping me as we neared the end of the isle. I remember smiling at each one of my bridesmaids before I locked eyes with Andrew. Who knew so much could be remembered from a short walk? It was one of the greatest walks I've ever taken.

Andrew crying.
It was my goal that Andrew would see me and cry. Well, he didn't cry when he saw me, but he did have to stop a couple of seconds during the vows to catch his breath. When he took a deep breath and breathed out, I remember my hair and veil blowing a bit. Many don't know it, but he has his sentimental moments. That was one of them.

My girls.
I have no regrets about who stood with me that day. Each one of them I would choose again. I had my two closest friends from high school: Stephanie and Erin. I had my girls from college: Allison, Amanda, and Erin. And I had Andrew's sister, Ashleigh. They were the perfect girls. Supportive, laid back, and helpful. All of them still are to this day.

Throwing up in the bathroom during our reception.
I had an incredible peace all day long. But as soon as we got to the reception the nerves hit. The thought of what was going to happen after the reception freaked me out. I was so nervous that I couldn't eat. When I went to the bathroom the nerves came out in the form of throwing up. I don't think I'll ever be able to forget my dress taking up all of the stall while I lost my lunch. Afterward, I walked back onto the dance floor for the father/daughter dance. Classy, I tell ya.

Brooke Bailey running her hands all over my dress.
She was a sweet little girl who was so mesmerized. I guess to her I looked like a princess. Her mom still talks about how embarrassing it was. However, I loved it. It was one of the sweetest things. It made me feel like a princess.

Dancing.
As you've figured out by now, it's my love language. It's no surprise that it make the list. I got to dance with Andrew, my dad, my brother, and a slew of other people. I also got to watch other people have fun on the dance floor. My aunt even danced a hole in her panty hose! It was amazing. And fun. Fun and amazing.

Andrew, I'm so glad you are the one to whom I promised "I do". You are the one I prayed for years before we even met. The day we got married was the start of a crazy journey. Thanks for taking my hand 7 years ago today. I love you.

Here are some of my favorite pictures from our day.

I love this picture because of my mom. And it helps me remember her broken wrist!

I love this woman.

My love and his guys. They are all babies here.

Love these girls.

There is so much about this picture that I love.

We wanted a candlelight, Christmas ceremony. I think we achieved the vision.

Andrew's family.

My family.

Hi girls!

I know this picture is so random, but I love how happy everyone is. And, I love Aaron's face.

Happy first dance.

Our cake was delicious. People still talk about how good it tasted.

Aunt Susie dancing a hole into her hose.

This picture made me tear up. It's so, so precious now.

A perfect goodbye to a perfect day.

Seven Things. Part 1.

Tomorrow marks mine and Andrew's 7 year anniversary. To celebrate lucky 7 I thought it would be fun to do 7 posts, 1 each day this week for Andrew. Each post will include a list of 7 things pertaining to our marriage.

Just a note before we get started...
I don't want these next seven posts to discourage you. Don't allow yourself to think that our marriage is great, always joyful, and without troubles. Case in point: I'm posting this after just having changed sheets on our son's bed in the middle of the night due to an accident. My sweet husband has the uncanny ability to sleep through the entire process. And I'm frustrated. So frustrated I may have thrown the dirty sheets at our bedroom door.

See? We're not perfect. But we choose to love each other anyway. I'm thankful Andrew still chooses to love me even when I throw dirty sheets at our bedroom door while he slumbers.

So, here we go, frustration and all.

7 Things Andrew has Taught Me

How to commit.
I have never heard from Andrew "I want out" in regards to our relationship. He has been committed for all of these 7 years of marriage. I have never during an argument questioned him leaving me. I know that he is a man who has committed himself to me. Not just me, but Cooper, his work, his projects. He is a man who honors his commitments. It is inspiring to watch.

This picture was actually taken on our 1st anniversary.

How to use technology.
Thanks to Andrew, I know how to use a mac, I know {some} terminology, and can problem solve better than I used to. The other day I couldn't get the apple tv to play netflix. I worked my way to the troubleshooting section and fixed the problem all my myself. That's a big deal for me. We use technology for a lot of things that I would otherwise rather do the "old school" way. For instance, I still love budgeting on paper instead of the computer, I love writing checks instead of using online bill pay. I love hand written notes rather than emails. I love going to the bank and depositing money instead of taking a picture and using your phone. Andrew is quite the opposite. He is a lover of gadgets and technology that works for you. I'd like to believe that if I didn't know Andrew I'd be tech savvy. I'm not sure that would be true, though. I enjoy letting him take care of me in this field. I used to get so stressed out when something would happen to my computer. Now I just politely hand it over to him.

The end of year two.

The world of Ninja Turtles.
Good thing, because not only does he have a passion for all things TMNT, his mini-me has developed quite the passion for it as well. I know who each turtle is, their characteristics, as well as some of the other characters besides the turtles. Before we even had Cooper I watched some ninja turtle moves with Andrew, visited the toy section to look at them with Andrew, and even bought him a few ninja turtle items. Since having Cooper, my knowledge of them has extended. While some days I long for a little girl so I don't have to watch ninja turtles my whole life, I'm thankful for their shared love of ninja turtles. And if we had a girl, she's probably like them, too.

End of year 3. Our baby moon trip. I was pregnant here - note the huge nose.

How to cut hair.
Andrew's dad was a beautician so Andrew knows his way around some scissors and clippers. There are many times I have cut Andrew's hair. When we were still dating, I was just learning my way around the clippers. There was one time he had me use scissors. I cut straight across instead of angled. I think I may have seen actual steam come out of his ears. He ended up shaving his head. I'm way better since then. However, I'd still rather not use scissors.

End of year 4. Our fist anniversary with a child.

How to lead.
I have seen Andrew lead teens, adult leaders, and now a creative team staff. I have been able to serve under his leadership when he worked with youth. He leads so well. He knows how to build a great team. He knows how to build relationships with those on his team. He knows how to strategize, listen, and put people where they can best excel. He knows how to apologize to his team. He knows how to create a great environment for his team. He is an excellent leader. One with integrity, courage, and great communication skills. He is a leader that I admire.

Middle of year 5. Date night at a vineyard.

How to set goals.
I have seen Andrew set goals for himself and achieve them. He is always evaluating himself, figuring out what he can do better, and setting goals. I love that he is a man who is constantly wanting to grow, change, and mature. Through him I've learned how valuable a goal can be, and how new goals are a constant need. Thanks to him, I have learned to set goals for myself.

Beginning of year 6. At disney world, enjoying the sunshine.

How to dream big.
Andrew has his sights set on some big and amazing things. He's been given a great talent and he doesn't intend to waste it. He wants to be a game changer and do great things in the world of design. He doesn't want to settle for anything less than amazing. Currently his dream is being answered here in Ohio. We are in small town, but he has great influence and has been able to do some crazy and awesome things where we are. We may be here forever. But I have a gut feeling that Andrew's dreaming will lead us to other things. Maybe a local ice cream shop. Maybe his own business. Maybe Disney. His dream-filled mind is contagious and mades me dream big, too. I've thought about the talents God has given me and thought about what it is I would LOVE to do one day. I tend to be so insecure in this area and watching Andrew dream big has helped me so much.

One of our most recent pics together. Almost to anniversary #7.

There's something about looking through this post and reading these words that makes me not as frustrated.

Andrew, thanks for teaching me new perspectives, insights, and skills. I'm grateful that you've been patient with me. Thanks for your example of growth. It inspires me to learn, too. I love you.

Advent - Week 1

How in the world is it already Christmas? When I think back to Christmas when I was little, I can't tell you the gifts I got. I can tell you, however, the traditions we had and the activities we partook in. Because of that, it's my goal to do an advent calendar with Cooper every year. He may not remember the toys. But he will remember these traditions.

This year I helped create an advent calendar for NewPointe families. So, in November Cooper, Andrew, and I did most of the activities for the website. The only bummer about having done the advent is that we've already done the activities and aren't doing them with everyone else! However, I have created a make-shift advent this year. Each day we read a bible verse, a Christmas book, and do an activity.

Here are the first week's activities:

Day 1: Hang Christmas lights to remember who the true light is...Jesus!
We ended up decorating for Christmas at our house this day.

Day 2: Make a felt Christmas tree.
I saved last year's so it was an easy and fun activity.

Day 3: Serve someone to shine Jesus' light.

When I asked Cooper how he wanted to help serve, he said "I want to help you drive your car." We went with grocery cart instead.

He also helped me pump gas.

And when we got home, I let him drive the car in the driveway.

Day 4: Make a Jesus ornament.

He wrote "Jesus" on his own.

Day 5: Make a Gingerbread Stable.

I got a bunch of outdated candy from the discount grocery store. Sunflower seeds on the roof, black licorice on the walls and the manger. Blue candy for Mary, purple for Joseph. Green candy straws for the grass. Lemon heads for baby Jesus, and the head of the angel (the white and yellow thing to the right of the stable). We used marshmallows and toothpicks for the star and the angel. 

Day 6: New Phila Christmas parade.
Turns out, it snowed during the time this parade was going on, so we skipped it. We still read the verse and book with Aaron.

Day 7: Dover Christmas Lighting and Parade.
This was actually a very fun event. It was small town cheesy, but also small town wonderful. Aaron was here to partake in the fun with us. Yahoo!

Waiting for the lights to go on and for the parade to start.

Cooper and Uncle Aaron.

Cooper and Mommy.

Cooper and Daddy - excited? Trying to stay warm?

Right after they turned on all the lights in the town square.

Then the parade started.

The art studio was in the parade. 

I don't think they wanted their picture taken.

This is where we will take Cooper to see Santa this year. Speaking of which, he knows what he wants. Check out the video below of him telling me what he wants for Christmas.

making more room.

Cooper took this picture yesterday while we were driving. He said he wanted to take a picture of the sky.

We are part of a church that is constantly growing, expanding, and adding more staff. We are so blessed to be a part of a God-sized, Only God, vision. With the addition of more people comes an important task for us. We need to make more room for them. Not in space at church. But in our lives. We must open our doors and arms of friendship to these people.

We live in an area where people have deep roots. And I mean DEEP roots. Most people that live here were born here, and so were their parents, grandparents, and great grandparents. Deep roots. When we go to Cooper's games, everyone knows everyone. They all went to school together. They know each other's families. Then there's us. Our roots are scattered. My family uprooted and moved to Florida. While my immediate family is there, the rest are in Kentucky. Andrew's family is in Florida, too. Andrew and I spent the first 5 years of our marriage in Florida. Our roots are in those places. And we are like sprouts here. Just beginning to show up out of the ground. The longer we're here, the deeper our roots become, but can easily be transplanted somewhere else.

In Florida, most everyone is a transplant. They have moved there from somewhere else. Friends became our family. We spent time with our families on holidays and big occasions, but our friends were also part of our family and played just as important a role in our lives. When you didn't have the family around - your friends became your family.

You can imagine the culture shock it was to us when we moved here. Everyone does stuff with their family. After church, they go out with their families. On weekends - they spend time with their families. When your kids have a sports game or some other organized activity, families show up. On holidays, their families. It was one of the hardest parts of moving to this area. We are just now feeling as if we have friends that consider us part of their family and vice versa.

Andrew has been hosting interviewees a lot the past month. All of them out of state. All of them wondering if this place could be their home. And I have prayed for them. I have prayed for clear direction for them because it's hard on transplants in this area. One guy particular was very much a people person. He is renewed by being around other people. He is single. I told Andrew his biggest hurdle will be loneliness. Andrew and I were lonely when we first moved here, but at least we had each other to come home to. This guy is single. It's going to be tough for him.

That's why it's up to us. It's up to us to continue to create more room for others. People on staff, friends we meet at the library and park, our neighbors. We have to have open arms of friendship. Sometimes we become too comfortable with our regular friends and shut others out. Or we are afraid to open our arms in friendship because we know it is going to create a different relationship with your regulars. Everyone misses out in those instances.

To be a part of a group of friends that opens their arms to others is amazing. I am so thankful to the people that have opened their arms to us. I'm so thankful that I've taken initiative to get involved in a women's group, a couple's small group, story time at the library, and staff wives functions. The people I am meeting and getting to know are wonderful. It's been awesome to do life with these people the past two years. I can't imagine what life would be like for us had no one opened their arms to us and made room for us to be part of their lives.

Because others have done this for us, I will keep opening our home to others. I will keep opening my arms in friendship to others. I will constantly be finding space to make more room for others.

Of course we could tie this into Christmas. There was no room for Mary and Joseph to stay in Bethlehem. They ended up in a stable. While no people could make room for them, the animals did. How blessed those animals were to be part of an awesome story! All the people that turned them down missed out on a truly amazing adventure. They missed out on being part of a miracle. They missed out on welcoming our savior to the world. What are you missing out on by closing your door?

Make more room, people. Make more room for others.