Thankful

Dana, from Jumping the Broom and Sweeping Through Life, tagged me to mention the 5 things I am thankful for. I had been thinking about this anyway, so here goes nothing!

1.) David.

(photo by Sarah Cotherman)
As cliche as it may be, I am always grateful that he picked ME. I can't imagine my life without him, and I can't wait to be his wife! 6.5 months left to wait!

2.) My parents and little brother.
they've seen me at my best, they've seen me at my worst, and they still love and support me. I couldn't ask for a better family.

3.) The ability to read.

(source: amazon)
this is my escape and my comfort. I love to read, and always have at least one book going. Although many people thought of reading as a chore (and in fact, most of my students still do) I always loved being told that I needed to read. It was the best assignment anyone could give me. I think that's why I enjoy blogs so much!

4.) Music
Yes, music is life, for me anyway. I am lucky enough that I get to share it and live it every day - how many people TRULY get to spend their day sharing their passion? I count myself lucky to have realized while I was in high school just how important music was to me.

5.) My students

(personal photo: choir singing at the community Thanksgiving service)
I guess this could be 4B, but I am so grateful that I get to work with such amazing kids. My first year, my choir struggled to have 10 kids. I was so excited last year when I doubled to 20. Imagine my surprise when this year, my choir has exploded to 45 kids! This isn't as big as a public school, but is pretty amazing since they can only rehearse before school or during recess. The best part is, they ENJOY coming and singing with me. I'm grateful that I get to work with such a wonderful student body!

5 or 6, depending on how you are counting: my staff and principal
I am lucky to work with people who truly care. Everytime I think about leaving, it hurts, because they mean so much to me!

Snags and drags

I had planned on sharing this weekend, but then we found some snags. Or rather, they found us.

I missed a meeting after school on Friday because I was at an honor band. One of my teacher friends called to fill me in - our head priest is leaving! He also happens to be the one who is supposed to be performing our wedding! Cue hysterical tears and sentiments here.

I've been reassured by friends and other teachers (and my school secretary!) that he is allowed to come back. I have not yet had the opportunity to talk to him, but I am hoping he will be able to return. I really like and respect him, and have been looking forward to hearing his words bless our marriage.

As if that wasn't enough.... then my mom fills me in on MORE news. My hairdresser, who is my regular stylist, is pregnant..... due at the end of April. The good news: if she has the baby on or before her due date, she'll be back. If she's late, it's possible she won't be. So I'll be doing at least two trials - one with her and another stylist at the salon - just to make sure.

It's been a stress-filled week and weekend, I'm hoping these are the biggest snags we see!

I won!

so, you all know I love a good giveaway. AmyJean, over at The Relentless Bride, had a giveaway for a year's premium subscription to WeddingJoJo websites. It was my lucky weekend, as it's MINE! (And she said some really great and wonderful things, which I'm not entirely sure I deserve!) I can't believe I was the first to comment and actually got that lucky!

I'll share the link with you all when I get started on it - the internet is out at my house, so I am working from school... which severely limits what I can and can't do!

Thanks AmyJean!

Thank you.

We all know someone(s) in the military. Today, our nation takes the time to say thank you. To veterans of past wars, to those who have been injured in the present war, to those preparing to go overseas, and to those who "gave the last full measure of devotion" (Lincoln, Gettsyburg Address). We have all had family members or friends who have served - today is for them. So to all of our veterans and current military - thank you. For all that you sacrifice, all that you risk, all the freedoms that you grant us and protect, thank you.

The picture is my baby brother. He is at Purdue in the Navy ROTC program. The picture, which he took under protest for me, is from his Military Ball last week. It was the first time he wore his dress blues.

Ok... so... the wedzilla blog has an amazing giveaway right now. In fact, I really don't want to share it, because I want it! So. I guess I have to so I get the extra entry. They are lucky enough to have PaperCake Design giving away a customized map. That's right: an electronic copy of a customized map designed by Larissa from PaperCake Designs personalized the way you want it for YOUR wedding day.

I WANT. So if you don't, but you would want to give it to ME.... go ahead and comment on their blog. If you won't give it to me.... I guess you COULD comment, but why would you want to? You KNOW I want it!

Engagement Pictures

David and I met up with our photographer, Sarah Cotherman of Photos by Sarah, on Sunday. She knows a great location that most people would not anticipate. It was a perfect fall day, and we got some amazing pictures out of it!
These are edited from screenshots of our slideshow, so the quality is not the best. However, our images are awesome! I am so excited about them!
All photos are credited to Sarah Cotherman.

We had to get some with the ears - it's part of our story!

The location had an awesome gazebo that gave us these pictures


Of course, with all the leaves on the ground, who can resist?

With a good tree around, any number of things are possible


And of course, some cutesy pictures


And what engagement session would be complete without a kiss?


I have to tell you, I've seen a lot of debate the past few weeks about engagement sessions. I saw one blogger who felt that contrived pictures would feel completely unnatural. True, David and I don't usually stop to throw leaves at each other, or stand against a brick wall. But I have to tell you, this session was so much fun! We got just over 60 pictures in about 25 minutes. I have a couple of thoughts on how to use them. It was part of our package, and I'm so glad we got to do it!

Help an awesome planner/blogger win!

So, I got the links and stuff for our engagement pictures. But you'll have to wait, because Heidi of heidzillas needs your help!
AmyJean over at The Relentless Bride did an awesome post about helping. Go to vote and register all of your email addresses (you will need to logout to register a new address). You will receive an email to confirm - so make sure you still access to that account! - but they won't spam you. Turns out that I have been registered with them for a while, and never gotten anything. Help a girl out. I'll return with screenshots of some of our engagement pictures in the next day or two!