Well, since the Thanksgiving holiday has come and gone and we're already getting into the Christmas season, I thought I should catch up and write about what I'm most thankful for this year.
This is the first, last, and only holiday season that I'll be a "fiancee" and in just one year from now I'm going to be a wife! Josh and I will have been married for about 3 months and hopefully in the process of getting ready to buy a house. The wedding will be over, and we won't be having to worry about all of the planning and saving money. We'll just be able to enjoy each other as husband and wife.
But for now, I'm still a "fiancee" and really enjoying it a lot! With this holiday came lots of time spent with our families, which reminded me how blessed we both are to have such big, wonderful, and supportive families. At Thanksgiving dinner, my Uncle Jeff said a few words before grace, as he always does, and this year he mentioned that he was thankful that he'll soon have a new nephew in Josh. It meant so much to me that our marriage also means a lot to my family, and it made me realize how blessed Josh is to now be a part of my family, but also how blessed they are to have him in their family, because he really just is amazing!
I'm also thankful for the fact that we both have such amazing and giving parents to help us out so much with our wedding. It would not be the event it will be without their help! I'm also thankful that Josh and I both have the opportunity to work as much as we do, or at all with this economy, and be able to save as much as we are for our wedding. Having roommates is a blessing as well right now because without them, we also wouldn't be able to save as much as we are. It's a struggle sometimes, and honestly, being newly engaged in a house of 4 people isn't easy, but we make it work because we know what it's all going towards, and that makes it all worth it.
One other thing that I realized I am so thankful for this year, especially just within these past couple of weeks, is my fiance. Not only is he my fiance and the love of my life, but he is my best friend, and I couldn't be happier that I get to spend the rest of my life with him. I'm so glad and thankful for our strong and stable relationship as well. Don't get me wrong, we have our issues every so often, but our love and stability has never wavered. We've taught each other how to work our problems out in a thoughtful and respectful manner, and nothing ever gets left unresolved or unsaid. I'm also thankful for the respect we have for each other and for our relationship. Again, don't get me wrong, we're not perfect, and sometimes words are thrown out that aren't meant, but at the end of the day, I respect him more as a person, fiance, and friend than I do anyone else, and I know he feels the same.
Our relationship has grown so much over the past 3 years, but one thing that has never changed is our love for each other, and the way we find ourselves sometimes just smiling and staring at the other person. I'm in utter disbelief sometimes at the amount of love I have for just one person, and I am just so thankful to have been so lucky to have found him and to be able to share my life with him.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Blessed
So, on Sunday night Josh and I were invited to his mom, Carla's house for dinner with the family because his sister, Elizabeth's fiance, Mark's mum and step-dad were in town from London. We already don't get that many opportunities to drive to Salem to see his mom all that often, let alone have the opportunity so spend time and get to know Mark's family, so we were both going to try really hard to go and see them.
Josh unfortunately couldn't get the night off from work, so I decided to go up by myself. Now, I'm not one for driving... alone, especially at night, and even more when I'm tired. It was tough, and I had to slap myself to keep myself awake on the way there, but I have never been more happy to have made that drive than I was that night.
I had such a wonderful time with his whole family! Honestly, I was a little nervous, because even though I've known his family for about 3 years now, I've never spent time with them without Josh, but as soon as I got there I realized, there was absolutely no reason for nerves.
I know I already knew this about them, but they are all the most amazingly sweet, and caring family I've ever met. I just love them all, and it was so wonderful to be able to spend time with them because I left that night feeling so extremely blessed to be marrying into such an incredible family.
I really do just love his mom, and she's always been so sweet to me, and his sister is amazing and so sweet too. The rest of his family that was there, his Aunt Rosie, Unlce John, Grandma Barbara, cousin Faye and her kids Taylor and Jack, his step-dad Gary, and then of course, Mark and his lovely family, Jean and John, are really, truly all amazing people, and it's so wonderful that we're all going to be one family now.
I don't know what it was about this night that made me realize all of this, because I've always known his family was amazing. Not only his mom's side, but also his dad, Brad and his step-mom, Donna, and that whole side of the family. Since the beginning they have all been so wonderful to me and welcomed me in with open arms. I guess it was just the fact that I didn't have Josh there, and it was just me getting to talk to each person individually rather than Josh and I as a team, and maybe it was the fact that I got to really see how open and inviting they were to just me... I don't know. It just really hit me though, that these people are amazing, and they're letting me be a part of this amazing family they have.
I've always had a big family, who are all so loving and supportive, but it's just really and truly a blessing to get to add to that big family, and know that these people that were strangers to me just 3 years ago, are now a part of me and who I will become, and be a part of me and Josh, and our children's lives forever. It's really just so special, and I really do just feel so blessed.
Josh unfortunately couldn't get the night off from work, so I decided to go up by myself. Now, I'm not one for driving... alone, especially at night, and even more when I'm tired. It was tough, and I had to slap myself to keep myself awake on the way there, but I have never been more happy to have made that drive than I was that night.
I had such a wonderful time with his whole family! Honestly, I was a little nervous, because even though I've known his family for about 3 years now, I've never spent time with them without Josh, but as soon as I got there I realized, there was absolutely no reason for nerves.
I know I already knew this about them, but they are all the most amazingly sweet, and caring family I've ever met. I just love them all, and it was so wonderful to be able to spend time with them because I left that night feeling so extremely blessed to be marrying into such an incredible family.
I really do just love his mom, and she's always been so sweet to me, and his sister is amazing and so sweet too. The rest of his family that was there, his Aunt Rosie, Unlce John, Grandma Barbara, cousin Faye and her kids Taylor and Jack, his step-dad Gary, and then of course, Mark and his lovely family, Jean and John, are really, truly all amazing people, and it's so wonderful that we're all going to be one family now.
I don't know what it was about this night that made me realize all of this, because I've always known his family was amazing. Not only his mom's side, but also his dad, Brad and his step-mom, Donna, and that whole side of the family. Since the beginning they have all been so wonderful to me and welcomed me in with open arms. I guess it was just the fact that I didn't have Josh there, and it was just me getting to talk to each person individually rather than Josh and I as a team, and maybe it was the fact that I got to really see how open and inviting they were to just me... I don't know. It just really hit me though, that these people are amazing, and they're letting me be a part of this amazing family they have.
I've always had a big family, who are all so loving and supportive, but it's just really and truly a blessing to get to add to that big family, and know that these people that were strangers to me just 3 years ago, are now a part of me and who I will become, and be a part of me and Josh, and our children's lives forever. It's really just so special, and I really do just feel so blessed.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Engagement Pictures!
We finally went and picked up our engagement pictures that our good friend, Coquette Lawrence took for us! We love them and are very happy with them! It's so great that we were able to get pictures in the park where Josh proposed! Hope you enjoy them!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
One month down...
So today is the 11th... it has been one month since Josh and I got engaged. My how the time flies! It really does not seem like it's been that long! I still feel like it was yesterday that he took me on that walk, got down on one knee, and asked me to marry him!
It's still so strange that this time in our lives is even actually finally here! I mean, I had been waiting for him to ask for about a year... or maybe a little longer ; ) ... and now he has and it's already been a month? It just doesn't seem real still.
I hope that the next 9 months don't fly by quite as fast as this last one, because as much as I want our wedding to get here, I don't want it to be over either, because all I keep hearing is that the day goes by so fast. I just want to keep enjoying this time right now, all of the planning and being a "fiance" because I'll never be one again, and I hope that the wedding takes it's time getting here, because it'll be over before I know it! And then after that, it won't be, "Wow, it's been a month," it'll be, "Wow, it's been 50 years... how did that happen?"
Well, here's to the next 9 months! Let's hope they pass slowly : )
It's still so strange that this time in our lives is even actually finally here! I mean, I had been waiting for him to ask for about a year... or maybe a little longer ; ) ... and now he has and it's already been a month? It just doesn't seem real still.
I hope that the next 9 months don't fly by quite as fast as this last one, because as much as I want our wedding to get here, I don't want it to be over either, because all I keep hearing is that the day goes by so fast. I just want to keep enjoying this time right now, all of the planning and being a "fiance" because I'll never be one again, and I hope that the wedding takes it's time getting here, because it'll be over before I know it! And then after that, it won't be, "Wow, it's been a month," it'll be, "Wow, it's been 50 years... how did that happen?"
Well, here's to the next 9 months! Let's hope they pass slowly : )
Monday, November 9, 2009
Catching up!
So sorry it's been a little while since my last blog post... been keeping busy, not only with planning the wedding but with work, school, and helping out Divisi. Let's see if I can get you all filled in on everything...
Since my last posting I went to Salem to get my measurements done for my dress, and they had the sample there so I got to try it on again. My youngest sister, and other maid of honor, Hannah, was also able to come with us this time, along with my mom, my sister Beth, and bridesmaid, Jaime.
The great part about it being in Salem was the fact that Josh's mom, Carla, and older sister, Elizabeth, were able to meet us there and see me in the dress and also be apart of it all. I also got to ask Elizabeth to be my bridesmaid while we were there that night. It was actually kind of funny how it happened though. My mom didn't know that I hadn't asked Elizabeth yet, and we were taking pictures and she told all of the bridesmaids to get in the picture, so Hannah, Beth, and Jaime stood up and got in, and she said, "Elizabeth, you too!". Elizabeth of course was a little confused, and had no idea what she was talking about. So I told her to come over, and asked her to be my bridesmaid, and she was so happy, as was I!
I got to try on a few more veils to get a better idea of what I wanted, but I wont decide until I've picked out jewelry and everything else. My dress is supposed to come in in March, which is when I'll go in for my first fitting! I can't wait to see and wear my dress!
Let's see, what else... we got some engagement pictures done by our family friend, Coquette Lawrence which we will probably use for our save the dates, our engagement announcement in the newspaper, and probably around the house : )
We found a caterer! Another family friend, Jeff Lewis, will be doing the catering at the wedding. He did it at my cousin's wedding last summer, and did an amazing job! We still have to figure out a menu with him, but we'll do that soon.
Just yesterday, Josh and I drove to Portland to meet with Dan Adams, who has been a friend of his dad's since they met in seminary school. Dan was a priest for many years, but recently became a flight attendant, so he caught a flight into Portland that morning to meet us and the rest of Josh's family for brunch. We asked him to officiate our wedding, and we are just so happy and blessed to have such a wonderful person who knows us so well to do that for us.
Also that day we met with a potential photographer who offers a one hour free photo session to take some photos to see if the connection is good, because he believes that since we'll spend most of the day with him on our wedding, we should like him and get along. We're going to see the photos he took and talk a little more with him next week, so I'll let you know how that goes!
I think that's about everything... we have a lot of the stuff figured out, but let's see...
Josh and I have also been talking about our honeymoon and it's down to two places. Maui, Hawaii or a cruise of Greece, Turkey, and Croatia. My aunt and uncle offered their condo on Maui for us to stay at, which would be wonderful, and the only thing we'd have to pay for is the flight, and food and fun when we get there. The cruise is actually one that our good friends Peter and Evynne Hollens will be working on next summer, and unfortunately preventing them from coming to our wedding : ( But if we go on their cruise, not only will it be amazing, and somewhere Josh and I have never been, but we'll get to see them, and share this time with them. Decisions, decisions...
I think that's everything for now! Until next time... and hopefully it will be sooner than 2 weeks from now ; )
Since my last posting I went to Salem to get my measurements done for my dress, and they had the sample there so I got to try it on again. My youngest sister, and other maid of honor, Hannah, was also able to come with us this time, along with my mom, my sister Beth, and bridesmaid, Jaime.
The great part about it being in Salem was the fact that Josh's mom, Carla, and older sister, Elizabeth, were able to meet us there and see me in the dress and also be apart of it all. I also got to ask Elizabeth to be my bridesmaid while we were there that night. It was actually kind of funny how it happened though. My mom didn't know that I hadn't asked Elizabeth yet, and we were taking pictures and she told all of the bridesmaids to get in the picture, so Hannah, Beth, and Jaime stood up and got in, and she said, "Elizabeth, you too!". Elizabeth of course was a little confused, and had no idea what she was talking about. So I told her to come over, and asked her to be my bridesmaid, and she was so happy, as was I!
I got to try on a few more veils to get a better idea of what I wanted, but I wont decide until I've picked out jewelry and everything else. My dress is supposed to come in in March, which is when I'll go in for my first fitting! I can't wait to see and wear my dress!
Let's see, what else... we got some engagement pictures done by our family friend, Coquette Lawrence which we will probably use for our save the dates, our engagement announcement in the newspaper, and probably around the house : )
We found a caterer! Another family friend, Jeff Lewis, will be doing the catering at the wedding. He did it at my cousin's wedding last summer, and did an amazing job! We still have to figure out a menu with him, but we'll do that soon.
Just yesterday, Josh and I drove to Portland to meet with Dan Adams, who has been a friend of his dad's since they met in seminary school. Dan was a priest for many years, but recently became a flight attendant, so he caught a flight into Portland that morning to meet us and the rest of Josh's family for brunch. We asked him to officiate our wedding, and we are just so happy and blessed to have such a wonderful person who knows us so well to do that for us.
Also that day we met with a potential photographer who offers a one hour free photo session to take some photos to see if the connection is good, because he believes that since we'll spend most of the day with him on our wedding, we should like him and get along. We're going to see the photos he took and talk a little more with him next week, so I'll let you know how that goes!
I think that's about everything... we have a lot of the stuff figured out, but let's see...
- ceremony and reception site- Riverbend Resort
- caterer- Jeff Lewis
- photographer- either Sarah McAallister or Ten18 Photography
- cake- Josh's step sister, Alisha
- officiant- Dan
- DJ- DJ Coco... did I mention for free? : D
- music throughout- all of our wonderful, talented friends from On the Rocks and Divisi
- dress- The Bridal Gallery
Josh and I have also been talking about our honeymoon and it's down to two places. Maui, Hawaii or a cruise of Greece, Turkey, and Croatia. My aunt and uncle offered their condo on Maui for us to stay at, which would be wonderful, and the only thing we'd have to pay for is the flight, and food and fun when we get there. The cruise is actually one that our good friends Peter and Evynne Hollens will be working on next summer, and unfortunately preventing them from coming to our wedding : ( But if we go on their cruise, not only will it be amazing, and somewhere Josh and I have never been, but we'll get to see them, and share this time with them. Decisions, decisions...
I think that's everything for now! Until next time... and hopefully it will be sooner than 2 weeks from now ; )
Sunday, October 25, 2009
August 21, 2010
Well, we have a date! We're booking the date at the Riverbend Resort this week! I'm so relieved to have that done and out of the way. It was hard. We found so many beautiful places, but most of them were either out of our price range, or too small, or didn't have what we were looking for, and while the Riverbend Resort isn't perfect, it's pretty darn close, and for the price we're getting it for, we'll take it!
It's just outside of Harrisburg, and it's right on the river. It's really pretty, and the outside isn't quite what we pictured for the ceremony bu the inside for the reception is perfect! Plus it's a resort so it has 10 rooms that come at a discount to us plus 9 others for people to rent, AND a complimentary suite for Josh and I the night of the wedding! I'm very excited! We still have a few more questions and details to iron out, but as of right now, that's the plan.
Other happy news, I found my dress already! I went to the Oregon Wedding Showcase with my mom, my sister and maid of honor, Beth, and one of my bridesmaids, Jaime, and we had so much fun. I really wasn't planning on try ing on a dress at all because I had only been engaged for like, a week, and didn't feel it was necessary yet, but then I saw one on a manequin and decided why not? It was perfect! I loved it from the second I put it on. I decided to try on a few otheres but ended up coming back to that one. I was crying, my mom, and Beth and Jaime were crying... it was very special. We bought and ordered it that day. The awesome thing is, is the bridal shop is in Salem so Carla and Elizabeth, Josh's mom and sister, can come to all the fittings and everything! It's very exciting!
I have pictures for anyone who wants to see, just send me your email address! But please do NOT post them anywhere online... the last thing I want is for Josh to them before the wedding ; )
Josh and I also had our engagement party last night which was so so much fun! Our wonderful friends, Haley, Johanna, and Rachelle hosted a wonderful evening for us, and our friend Courtney flew out from Utah and surprised me! It was so great!
So far I'm really enjoying the whole experience, and I'll try to keep you all uupdated as best as I can! Oh! If anyone has any recommendations or
Friday, October 16, 2009
Sleep? Nah...
So, it's literally 5 days into our engagement and I'm already a wee overwhelmed, lol. I had no idea how much planning I needed to get done like, RIGHT THIS VERY SECOND! I've been going to sleep at about 3 or 4am every night this week just because I can't seem to peel myself away from the computer, looking stuff up, or stop making lists, or just shut my brain off when I'm in bed trying to fall asleep!
I don't know how people plan weddings in less time than this! Places don't allow it anymore! You really have to book like at LEAST 9 months in advance if not a year... it's crazy!
We've found a few great places though. Actually, my dad did : ) Both of my parents have been such great help over the past couple of days already, but my dad especially, just because it's so unexpected I guess, is being so cute. I'll get phone calls daily, or texts, or emails, of places that he's found online at work that he thinks I'll like and he'll send me the website or tell me all about it. And just this morning he called to tell me there's a wedding showcase this weekend at the Lane County Event Center and he saw it on the paper, and he gave me all the info, and told me I should go with my mom! He's being so great! They both are!
So, it looks like we're looking at a place hopefully this weekend just outside of Harrisburg on the river and maybe a couple of other places, but it looks like we're shooting for Saturday, August 21st, 2010. It's very exciting!
It's nice that even with all the "stressful" planning we get to do fun planning too, like just tonight I asked three of our friends from On the Rocks, Jonah Seitz, Nick Firth, and Josh Heying if they'd sing the song that I'll walk down the aisle to. They gladly said yes, which made me very happy. It's going to mean so much to us to have all of our friends involved in our wedding in so many different ways.
Our other friend, Erik Maurer, has already been asked to accompany them on the guitar for that song, along with the processional for the wedding party, and another song before that. We also have our friends involved in other musical aspects that you'll all find out about later ; ) It's actually the one thing that Josh and I had all planned out before the engagement. I suppose it's because music is such a big part of our lives and something we share together, so naturally it will play a big part in our wedding.
Well, after typing all of this, I'm amazingly but thankfully tired! So, before I catch my second wind, I'm going to go to sleep. Wish me luck this weekend at the showcase and the place in Harrisburg! Until next time!
I don't know how people plan weddings in less time than this! Places don't allow it anymore! You really have to book like at LEAST 9 months in advance if not a year... it's crazy!
We've found a few great places though. Actually, my dad did : ) Both of my parents have been such great help over the past couple of days already, but my dad especially, just because it's so unexpected I guess, is being so cute. I'll get phone calls daily, or texts, or emails, of places that he's found online at work that he thinks I'll like and he'll send me the website or tell me all about it. And just this morning he called to tell me there's a wedding showcase this weekend at the Lane County Event Center and he saw it on the paper, and he gave me all the info, and told me I should go with my mom! He's being so great! They both are!
So, it looks like we're looking at a place hopefully this weekend just outside of Harrisburg on the river and maybe a couple of other places, but it looks like we're shooting for Saturday, August 21st, 2010. It's very exciting!
It's nice that even with all the "stressful" planning we get to do fun planning too, like just tonight I asked three of our friends from On the Rocks, Jonah Seitz, Nick Firth, and Josh Heying if they'd sing the song that I'll walk down the aisle to. They gladly said yes, which made me very happy. It's going to mean so much to us to have all of our friends involved in our wedding in so many different ways.
Our other friend, Erik Maurer, has already been asked to accompany them on the guitar for that song, along with the processional for the wedding party, and another song before that. We also have our friends involved in other musical aspects that you'll all find out about later ; ) It's actually the one thing that Josh and I had all planned out before the engagement. I suppose it's because music is such a big part of our lives and something we share together, so naturally it will play a big part in our wedding.
Well, after typing all of this, I'm amazingly but thankfully tired! So, before I catch my second wind, I'm going to go to sleep. Wish me luck this weekend at the showcase and the place in Harrisburg! Until next time!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
10/11/09- The Proposal
Hey everyone, I just wanted to start this so that I could keep everyone updated on all of the engagement details, wedding dates and plans, and anything else going on!
I guess we'll start with last Sunday...
I woke up thinking it was just your average Sunday and we had plans to go out to lunch with our good friends Josh and Jaime Reiswig. I got up, sent her a text to make sure we were still on for lunch, and hopped in the shower. We were planning on meeting them at 1pm and at about 12:45 I got a text from Jaime saying her son, Tyris was fussy and needed to take a nap, and asked if we could meet later. I told that was fine of course, and Josh asked what I wanted to do the rest of the day. He suggested we go look at the cars at the car dealership we went to yesterday, and made a quick phone call while I finished getting ready. Apparently, the guy was busy (he didn't even call anyone, although he made it very believable, I was standing there listening to him talk to no one) and couldn't meet until later, so he asked if I wanted to do something else and I said I had an idea!
Now, just to fill you in, I had been very sick with the flu all week leading up until Sunday, but woke up feeling great that morning and it was so beautiful that day that I thought it'd be a great idea to take the dog for a walk. I didn't say anything but when I walked in the room he had the dog leash in his hand! We ironically had the same idea. So we were about to leave and I realized I forgot to put on make up that day, and I asked him if I could real quick. Normally if we were actually taking the dog for a walk, he would've said no, but this day, he protested for show, but let me ; )
We got out the door and he forgot his sunglasses, which I later found out was him getting the ring, and came back out. We took our time and walked and talked our way to a park that's near our house. We got there and let Tucker off of his leash and let him run around. We were standing there talking about just random stuff enjoying the beautiful day, while Tucker just ran around in the grass. Josh pulled me in for a hug and looked down at me and said, "Thanks for being so patient." I asked him, "For what?", and he said, "With the whole proposal thing, I know you're probably getting tired of waiting." I kind of shrugged and said, "Well, yeah...", and that's when he said, "Me too." As soon as he said that, all in the span of a second, my head snapped up at him, my eyes got wide, I stuttered out a, "what?", and I think my heart stopped too. And then, he got down on one knee...
Now apparently, from Josh's point of view this is when things went black. He says as soon as his knee hit the ground, his vision went black, and his eyes rolled back in his head, lol. Luckily, I couldn't see any of this because of his sunglasses, and it only lasted a second and then he started talking. I don't remember everything he said, and there's a part in the middle that neither of us can remember because it's all kind of a blur but, here's the jist:
"Megan, we've been together for 3 years, and after all we've been through, all of the trials and tribulations, I always knew that I wanted to be with you for the rest of my life.... *big blur that is either words we can't remember, or now we're starting to think that it just felt longer than it actually was*... I know there aren't any a cappella groups, or fireworks, or sunsets on the coast, it's just you, me, and the boy, in the park, by our first house, where we started our lives together. *Then he pulled out the ring* Megan, will you continue to make me the happiest man I've ever been for the rest of my life?"
I then of course, through tears and a huge smile said yes! We hugged and kissed and it felt like for that instant we were the only people in the world. It was just so quiet in that park, and it was really nice just to enjoy being with each other afterwards. And then the fun began... I began jumping up and down, and squeeling like a little girl, and put on the ring.
We started walking back to our house, and I tried to start texting and calling family and friends but he didn't let me... and I knew why as soon as I opened the front door of our house to find our whole family there! He had called our parents and siblings, our friends Josh and Jaime were there, Jaime was in on the whole thing, and they all yelled congratulations as I opened the door. I was so overwhelmed that I threw my sunglasses out of my hands and tried to walk in but just turned around back out the door and started crying.
My mom was the first one to meet me out there, crying as well, and gave me a huge hug. Then the chain of hugs and "congratulations" and the "oohs and aahs" over the ring began! It was so wonderful! My mom also brought sparkling cider and all four parents made toasts, and they all made me cry even more. All very heartfelt and meaningful, and just showed me that my make up does not stand a CHANCE on our wedding day : )
After, all the crying and talking and laughing, we all went out to Red Robin and enjoyed a lunch together. It was great to have our families all together, and to see how well our families blend and how blessed we are to have each other's families.
The day was perfect. More than I could've asked for : ) We're both very excited for the wedding and all of the planning leading up to it. So far we're working on looking at venues so we can get a date set and then we'll keep going from there! We're hoping for something outside on the Mckensie River, but someplace that has the option for an indoor reception. If anyone has any ideas, let us know! We'll keep you all updated with the plans and stuff! Hope you enjoy reading all about it!
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