Thankful Thursday #9

Tomorrow we rehearse and Saturday we wed!  Couldn't be more thankful that we've made it this far and that we get to spend this weekend with so many people we love.

Thankful Thursday #8

Keeping it short and sweet this week, I am thankful for his plan, his hope, and his grace.

I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

Thankful Thursday #7

I think I have officially had the longest week ever.  Training for your new job while training your replacement is exhausting!  Actually it might be better phrased as training your replacement while working the hardest week of the month in your new job after little to no training.  Either way you say it, while my bank account thanks my employer for the overtime, I'm physically and mentally drained.  If tomorrow wasn't Friday I'm not sure I'd be able to convince myself to get out of bed.

Therefore this Thankful Thursday is inspired both by my stressful week and that which got me through it.  I'm going to leave it at a bible verse and a list of things that helped me through this week.

No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (The Message)

Things I'm thankful for this week:
Funfetti cupcakes - give me all the homemade cakes in the world and I'd probably turn them down for this cake from a box
Bomb Pops - brings me back to my childhood and a nice (only 40 calorie) treat when I'm craving something sweet while still trying to stick to my calorie limit
Mail - see my Tuesday post
Bridal Solidarity -Brit's a girl after my own heart
Having a job at all - had a couple friends lose their jobs recently and I'm extremely thankful for mine even if it is difficult right now
Working out - Chalene makes my day better every time
A cuddly kitten
Sisters - both in the traditional sense and my bff in MI who is as good as, and yes I know I used them on my first TT but they've all helped me in some way this week and this is my post so get over it :)
Two (more) pounds lost!
Not having to study - there is no doubt that God knew the right time for me to rotate was during the month break I have from CPA studying, having to come home from working OT and then study would not have been possible

So this week, while I am thankful for the new challenges and learning opportunities that my new job have brought me, I am even more thankful for a God who knows what I need to enable me to get through what he knows I can handle (even when I'm not so sure).

Thankful Thursday #6

I wasn't sure what exactly I would write about this Thursday.  This is, of course, not because I am out of items to be thankful for, but rather because there are too many!  And then as if she knew, sister and MOH K texted me.  "Where's thankful Thursday?" she asked.  I reminded her that Thursday wasn't over yet and then started thinking about her message.  It made me so happy to know that there was someone specifically wondering about where a post was.  Therefore, this Thursday I am thankful for my readers.  I am so thankful that there are people out there that care about me enough to come here and read my random ramblings.  Extra points to those of you who leave me comments! :)

Because I obviously can't link to everyone I love, be assured that if you are reading this you are included in this Thankful Thursday.  Just to name a few though, let's go with Alyssa, Jessica, Marlin, Tracey, Mallory, Sarah, Lydia, Angie, Sheri, Jennelle, Liz, Brit, Jenn, Stephanie, Nicole, Maria, Lynsey, Jessica and LauraAnn.

Since I hate posting without a picture, I've decided to break out some oldies (if you could call within the last 5 years old) of some of my favorite readers.  Now if I could just succeed in teaching a few more how to comment!  (Hint, hint Mom & Dad)

The inspiration for today's post: Sister and MOH K

Sister and Bridesmaid A

Mom & Dad

photo by Seelen Photography

So, K thanks for the reminder and everyone thanks for reading! :)

Thankful Thursday #5

This week I am thankful that I can see an (at least temporary) end to my CPA studying!  I am taking my next section Saturday at 8 am.  Then I will be CPA review free for one glorious month!  So that we can keep this a happy thing let's not talk about how my break is only on account of my ever looming and increasing wedding to do list, ok?  Thanks.


see more dog and puppy pictures

Thankful Thursday #4

This week's Thankful Thursday is sort of two parts.  I am thankful for both independently but was spurred to write this post based on the combination.

Part 1) I'm thankful that I work in an iPod friendly workplace.  First because I love music.  My dad is most definitely the reason for this, both for my love of music in general and for my love of such a wide variety of music styles.  One of our greatest bonding activities is seeing concerts.  We've seen Styx, REO Speedwagon, 38 Special, Journey, Foreigner, Kansas, Brian Culbertson, Michael Buble, Chris Botti, Kenny Chesney, some others I'm probably missing (and some boy bands too since, yes, I was a teenager in the late 90's.)  The songs on my iPod probably span all of the music genres because my dad has cultivated within me both an interest in and respect for almost all music styles.

The second reason that I'm thankful for an iPod friendly workplace is because of the escape it has given me during all these wedding related frustrations.  It's easy to say that work should be enough of a distraction, but that doesn't work for me.  I'm a thinker and those of you who know me IRL know that I will keep thinking forever, especially when it comes to problems.  The work and tunes combo, though, has been just the ticket for me to be able to escape the problems for a bit.  I get to just sit in my cube and work and listen to some great music and I've found that very relaxing.  I'm able to focus on those two things and not on the problem of the day and it is a great feeling.  Sometimes I have to resist the urge to do a little singing and dancing in my chair there in my cube, but I think it's worth the risk. :)

Part 2) One of our favorites to see, Edwin McCain, is my part two to this Thankful Thursday.  Lately, almost all of the time my iPod is set to my Edwin playlist.  It is 100% the best for my distraction/relaxation plan.  So not only did he give me the perfect father daughter dance song, but he is apparently very key in my anti-wedding stress plan as well.  If you've read my last post about him you won't be surprised and neither am I.  I'm not sure I could even begin to explain why his music is so powerful to me but I am so thankful for it, even more now that it has provided me so much relaxation lately.  Maybe this can help explain:

From his bio:
“But the highlight of what I do is playing for and connecting with the people that come out to see me live. The fans - and I hate to call them fans - the friends of music that survive the advertising campaign long enough to understand what music is truly about, and have incorporated my music into their lives to the point where it is a part of their memories and emotions - those are the ones I do it all for....  It’s not about chart positions or record sales or anything like that,” insists the man with 11 albums, a wall of platinum and gold albums that have sold in the millions, and reams of Top 10, 20 and 40 hits, “it just has to do with people coming together and sharing a moment, that's it. And that’s all I ever wanted to do. I just love that moment in the small club and bar where every single person in there has a moment where it’s silent and they get it and it’s beautiful, that moment where the music that’s coming off the stage is much more than the players and much more than the audience and something happens and you’re sitting there and your hair stands up. That’s it, man. I love it.”

I think he represents all that is good about music and what it can do for people.  We actually just saw him at The Pageant one week ago and that night was exactly what I needed.  A relaxing night of good food, great music, and awesome company in my dad.  It was a great show as always and we will never miss any show he has in St. Louis.  And my offer in my last post about him still stands of course, buy some of his stuff if you haven't heard more than "I'll Be" or "I Could Not Ask For More" and if you don't like it I'll reimburse you.  I don't expect to put any money out here because I know you'll love it.  Feel free to ask for a recommendation on which album to start with. :)

So this week let's say I'm thankful for my anti-wedding stress plan with two independent but equally important parts.  I only see it becoming increasingly more important as we get closer to wedding day.  We've been in the double digits for quite a while but now the first number is only a 3 and to say I'm terrified is an understatement!

Thankful Thursday #3

This week I am thankful for big families and good examples.

This picture is from my shower and with the exception of one Grandma represents just one side of my family.  In the front row we've got paternal gma and maternal gma.  Then we've got sister and MOH K, Aunt K, Aunt P, me, Aunt R, my mom, Aunt F, Aunt S, Aunt C, and another Aunt S.  And we are even missing one - Aunt J.  Yep, my mom is one of nine and I think that is awesome.  Big families rock.

The list of adjectives that can describe these awesome women includes but is not limited to: wise, kind, strong, fun, crafty, sincere, witty, loyal, caring, faithful, protective, understanding, and generous.  I am so lucky to have these women in my life and I thank God this Thursday for the great examples he has given me to learn from.  Their support has also been invaluable to me during all of this wedding stress.

Thankful Thursday #2

Oh my, we can officially say we are getting married NEXT month!  That is so exciting while simultaneously being terrifying that I can't even begin to explain it.  But that's not what this post is about, it's Thankful Thursday #2!

This Thursday I am thankful for a boy.  A boy that can make me laugh in about 3.5 seconds even when I'm really upset.  A boy who supports me through everything.  A boy who indulges my requests even when he thinks they are silly.  A boy who my parents love and who loves my parents.  A boy whose spontaneity drives me crazy (but makes me smile at the same time).  A boy who will be my husband 50 days from today.

The last few weeks of wedding planning have been increasingly difficult for reasons best left unsaid here, but it has left me all the more thankful for the strong relationship we have that has and will enable us to weather the storms.  It is a comfort to know that even through the challenges we have been facing we are still as committed (and excited!) as we have always been about getting married.

Photo by Clary

And to piggyback on my picture here, this is something we will be including in our ceremony that is very special to us.  I originally was introduced to the idea by Megan, but have since somewhat crafted my own version from various internet sources.

Blessing of the Hands

Jamie and Doug, as an expression that your hearts are joined together in love will you please face each other and hold hands, so you may feel the gift that you are to one another. These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever. These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and tears of joy. These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children. These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one. These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it. And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours.

Dear Father, bless the hands that you see before you this day. May they always be held by one another.  Give them the strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. Keep them tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their love. Help these hands to continue building a relationship founded in your grace, rich in caring, and devoted to reaching for your perfection. May Jamie and Doug see their four hands as healer, protector, shelter, and guide.  We ask this in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you now and forever. Amen.

Thankful Thursday

I'm borrowing this idea from Blair who I believe borrowed it from Neisha.  For now, I'm not sure whether this will be a short lived thing but I've been feeling so very thankful lately that when I saw this on Blair's blog last week I knew I had to join in for at least a bit.  I think everyone can use more gratitude in their life,don't you?

From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.  - John 1:16 (NIV)

And so, on this first Thursday I am thankful for the three beautiful women who will stand next to me on our wedding day just under 60 days from today.

First, I'm thankful for my sisters Kristi and Audra.  We may not always get along but in the end we will always love and support each other.

And then, I'm thankful for my best friend Alyssa.  More to come about her soon in another post.

I've got a really long mental list of items I'm thankful for so look for this to continue at least for a few weeks! :)

(And I've currently got at least 6 half written posts waiting to be finished, so look for my first vendor review and other wedding related details soon!)