Grandma

Today is the anniversary of my Grandma's death.  She was killed unexpectedly in a train/car accident when I was 7.  I remember so vividly when my dad woke us up very early.  I knew something was wrong and I knew it was Grandma.  I've been told I am a lot like her- in the good ways of course.  We both love bright, fun colors, designs, etc.  She was a bit crafty, a bit crazy, and I remember her as being fun.  On this anniversary of her being gone, I find myself sad that she isn't here to share in our wedding and everything leading up to it.  I also found myself extremely thankful that I still have my mom.  I know she's missing her mom today.  I'm glad I've got her around cause I know I wouldn't have made it without her.

Here's an old picture of Mom and me with both of my grandparents who are no longer with us:
 And this is a picture at my kindergarten graduation.  It's the last time I remember seeing Grandma.

Love you Grandma and we still miss you...

It's November?!?!?!?

It's November... already... Not only is it November, but its also mid-November.  Where in the world is time going???
Here's a brief catch up to what is going on:
1) We had engagement pictures taken by the fabulous Katie Dye (Katie Beth Photography).  We went to the new house, Earlyworks (for the awesome big red door), and to the back part of Big Spring Park.  The pictures can be found on Facebook.
2) We haven't been to the house since we took engagement pictures, but they had already put in the electrical and the ductwork.  They even switched out the master shower like we requested.  Can I tell you how excited we were about that?  We had some good leads on the sale of the condo this past weekend.  We are really praying that something will come of it soon.  I'm planning on putting my house up for sale with a realtor in the next couple of weeks.  It'll remove a little less stress and get the info on my house out there.  Not that I have had a lack of calls.  We've decided to make renting it out the absolute last resort as we don't want to have anything extra to deal with.  Trust me we don't need anything extra.
3) Wedding stuff is really coming together.  We have over 300 (out of 500) boxes completed thanks to the help of Mom, Katie, and some of our wonderful SWAT sponsors.  I've been making my thank you notes too.  I'm done with about 170 or so of those.  I met with the wedding coordinator at Whitesburg so we know have all that reserved.  It was a bit overwhelming, but I'm slowly adapting to the craziness.
4) Matt is starting his doctorate.  It's going to make things sooooo much crazier, but hey, adaptibility is one of my "core" strengths (or so the work test told me).  I'm pretty sure I'll see even less of him, but I'd rather him get it out of the way now then when we have kids.
5) I have now dropped every extra ministry I am involved in that has nothing to do with SWAT.  I realized that I do NOT under any circumstance be super stressed out with all this wedding stuff.  I was starting to feel a lot of pressure with my various ministries, so something had to give.  I still attend/help out with high school Bible study as I feel it is important that I am there for the kids for more than just Sunday's in SWAT.  I felt a big sense of relief when I dropped the last one.  It'll give me more time and opportunity to help Matt, be with the kids and plan the wedding. 
6) I did however add a new business (maybe two) to my list as well.  My friend Malea and I have gone together to open up an etsy shop.  Once we get the debit card for our account, we will be officially set up.  Desilea Boutique will officially open- hopefully- next week.  I'm also hoping to sign up to sell Stampin' Up products to earn some extra money.

Lots and lots going on right now.  I'm not sure it will EVER calm down, but you know what? I'm ok with that.  Is it stressful? YES.  But I don't think I'd know what to do with the calmness.  I love our crazy life!