Where arrrrre you?

I've been busy house-wife-ing and also job hunting. It's been nice being able to be home with the husband and sleep in the same bed and kiss him good morning.

I miss my family and my heart aches for my nieces and my nephew SO much, but Chris has been really good to me. We're having fun with being newlyweds-- cooking dinner together, running errands together, laundry, and making this place ours.

Yay!to my older sister-- I'm adding another little bundle to love! :)

Someday I'll get into a regular blogging mode. I do keep up with you guys though so keep 'em coming :) & you saw my pictures right?

Gone camping!

Yessir.

S'mores, lovely campfire smell, & fishing on the lake, here I come!

So it finally happened...

Kayla: "Auntie, are you going to live with Chris?"
Me: "Yes. In California."
Kayla: "Oh. Are you going to come home?"
Me: "... but I'll have a home with Chris."
Kayla: "Aww... but I'm going to miss you, Auntie."

Broke. My. Heart.

And I did it.

The other night, I let myself cry and grieve my journey to getting here. It's weird with this trip coming up to SoCal tonight (my flight leaves at 9:45 pm and lands at 11:30 pm). I almost feel guilty because I'm not completely excited like I "should" be. I mean, shouldn't I be? I'm seeing the soon-to-be-hubs and we're going to apartment/home shop and spend time with this family... but in the midst of this, I won't be here to spend a weekend of "nothing" with my family. I tear up every time I think about it now. Is it okay that I feel this way?

I'm terrified.

When does the missing stop hurting so much?

I'll miss my little Kayla, Anela, Meya, & Kezzy.
I'll miss Hli and Paaj and the BFF bond only we've been able to share.
I'll miss Mom and her nagging/teaching me how to be a better woman after God's own heart.
I'll miss Dad's quirks of learning useless information just to school waiters/waitresses at their own restaurant.
I'll miss Cheng's blaring electric guitar playing on Saturday mornings.
I'll miss Josh's stupid alarm clock that I've woken up many times just to storm into his room to completely unplug it instead of just turning it off.
I'll miss the birthday dinners that are so carefully planned so no one is missing.
I'll miss the Thanksgiving dinners that Cheng and Josh actually volunteer to cook.
I'll miss the time I spend with my sisters knowing that we can vent to each other about ANYthing.
I'll miss the best hugs and kisses in the world from the little kiddies.



And it hurts every time I think of those things.

I can't wait for this journey into marriage with the most amazing man ever, but I can't help but wish that somehow, if it was possible, I'd move everyone to our own private island where no one would ever have to leave. I guess that's what Heaven is for. I know, I act like somehow I won't be able to visit. That's just it, isn't it, though? Next time, it won't be "coming" home to MN... it'll be visiting.

Terrified.

Lookey.

I want this dress.

*it's on www.asos.com

Busy, busy! 88 days until the wedding! Chris & his parents are coming out this weekend! Can't wait to see my Baby!

My parents' bash is also this weekend. Fingers crossed for GREAT weather. We made the cutest napkin "rings" with raffe & a stamp on yellow construction paper. I'm thinking we'll duplicate the idea for the wedding reception as well.

I had a family reunion to go to this past weekend in Missouri. It was good to see everyone in one spot for a weekend. There were cows. And chickens. And ponies. We ate. A lot. We laughed. We cried. We shot off fireworks. We chased after fireflies. And watched the stars come out at night under the countryside sky. I got some color on my face. And didn't wear make up all weekend long! hah.

Sometimes it's nice to take a breather just to do those things.

Mlah-mlee-mlah..

Hiiii. Miss me much?

Sorry for the MIA-ness to anyone who's been wondering where I've been. I've been busy getting screwed over by the insurance company (AllState), Enterprise, and maybe even the auto body shop. Anywho. It's just been crazy. At the end of the day, everyone is pointing fingers at each other blaming everyone and their mom except for themselves. I'll be honest, I don't really care who it comes down to, the fact of the matter is that not 1 party handled the situation the way that they should have and I wasn't taken care of. My car's been MIA for about a month & 1/2 now and it took 2 weeks alone to get a quote from the insurance company sooooo. Yeah. *sigh* Anyway. Apparently my car should be good by Monday. *crosses fingers*

How's it all hanging in your neck of the woods?

Oh! So my dad was down in San Diego this last week and Chris actually drove the 1 1/2 hours to pick up my dad from the airport and took my dad out to dinner. Awww, they're bonding! We're almost to the 7 month mark for our countdown to September 19! Crazy! Wedding inspiration boards/ideas/in process will be posted soon. I do have to say, I tried on my dress again the other night in my room and it is SO perfect. And looser than when I bought it! *eep! Yay! I'll look into alterations in a couple months.

In the midst of our wedding planning, my siblings and I (including Chris) are throwing my parents a surprise shin-dig in late June. It's a big year for our family as I'm getting married, my baby sister is out of the house, my brothers (older & baby) are leaving to go south for school this fall, and it seems that my mom is going to get the empty nest she never wanted all at once. Its kind of bittersweet. I'm excited for these new chapters in our lives, but it's scary to be "without" each other. Our family's pretty close and we've never been more than a couple miles from each other. Being in Colorado killed me so I ended up back in MN. And I've NEVER spent a holiday without my family. Anyway, we're planning a bash for my parents just to say "THANKS!" and "We love you!" and make people cry. And ourselves. haha. So we're off to the prospective venue at Northwestern College this afternoon. Updates to come!

Anyway, I hope you're all having a great week/end of January/Saturday. I miss blogging. I need to figure out how to post pictures on blogger instead of having to use photobucket so if you know, help a girl out! And I might be baking peanut butter blossom cookies this afternoon! Yay! Yes, they're probably not good for the wedding diet, but SO good for the tummy!

I'll be back, pinky-swear!

A Delayed NYE, anyone?

Soooo yes, NYE was quite low key, but I liked it. A much needed break from chaos although I have to admit, it kinda just snuck up on me like Christmas did. And if you know me, you know I don't do new year's resolutions-- you either change something about yourself or you don't-- no knock on anyone of you guys who do :) But NYE was nice. I spent it with my sister (my older sister couldn't make it since she was told at the last minute by her dear hubby that they were having guests over-- grr, guys...) and my brothers picked up pizza for the night as well-- aww. My sister and I spent the entire night watching Friends re-runs and I remember now why I loved it so. Chris and I talked at each other's midnights. Can I just say that it sucks not getting to kiss him at midnight-- for the last 5 years?! Yes, that's right. Never had a New Year's kiss at midnight. Chris and I haven't even spent a holiday together yet. Weird? Ahh well, my last year as a bachelorette, yeah!

Anyway, the night was spent with crabcakes, sushi, pizza, and laughter. How much better can it get?



Ohhh me. Hi.


I went to work like that. I look short... it's the cut off tights... and ankle boots...


the shoes of choice.


best chips. evAr.


My sister made sushi. Mmm.. I had about 3 rolls and then I couldn't eat anymore.


Look what I mixed up.


want some? Maybe not yet...


Mmmm the smell of peanut oil... which is so FREAKIN expensive, by the way!


The outcome-- crabcakes!!

Needless to say, I didn't eat any since I couldn't stand the smell of them cooking after about ohhhhh 1 of them frying. What did I have instead?




Yes. Orange juice.


Clean up.


The back of my baby brother's head... he's not so little anymore...


The back of my older brother's head. Yeah, they're not so good about taking pictures.


My BFF of a sister and I.

I didn't touch any crab cakes or pizza until the next day. Ugh. There's still some crab left that I need to use and my sister wants me to make more crab cakes, but the smell, oh the smell of that grease. Bleh!

I'm gearing up for my Friday which is tomorrow!! Yay!

And the best news yet-- today was my Baby's 27th birthday. He hates festivities, but I love him and make a big deal about things like this. He loves BBQ, so I called Johnny Rebs' in the OC and had them deliver lunch to him and his co-workers. Those guys at the studio love me cause I feed them even if I'm not there through birthday/anniversary lunches or care packages to Chris. I'm so great. hah. Luis-- Chris' roommate & co-worker, taped his reaction. He looked SO unhappy when the guys got the food and sang to him cause he HATES festivities. Until he saw my note with the food-- "Here's to your LAST birthday as a bachelor." Its funny cause in the video, you can hear him laugh and then groan and go "Gahh! She ALWAYS says that! Your LAST ____ as a bachelor!" haha. I love him. You guys are gonna get so sick of hearing about him. Heehee. But he's pretty awesome. Happy Birthday, Baby. I'm so glad to be a part of your amazing life and am excited about the many more birthdays to come! I'll see you in 2 days!! I love you.



And I'm still trying to ease the suggestion of him guest blogging. He reads this so say something nice to him and maybe that'll help. :P

P.S. Work-out update: I managed 8 minutes yesterday for the mile run. I sucked today as I cut my run down to 20 minutes. I'll be back to 30 tomorrow. Ohhh me. How's it goin for you??

Ohh the end is near!

Yes, the end of 2008 is very near! EEEEP!

I have to work a full day tomorrow *&* Friday! UGH. Oh cruel, cruel world of adulthood in the working world. Blah.

No huge New Year's plans this year. It's been uneventful for the last 2 years actually for NYE. I think it'll just be my sisters and I, lots of sushi (shrimp & crab), jalepeno cheddar chips, and a Friends marathon! hah. Lame? Maybe, but awesome? Totally! Was that totally contradicting or what?? It's my last "gauranteed" NYE in MN with my family so I'm gonna try not to cry getting all sentimental and stuff. I'm such a baby.

Working out tonight was great, by the way! I went a full mile without stopping and made a time of 7 minutes & 30 seconds! This is HUGE! I've never done that! Lame huh? But I love it!! Hah. I'm sure I'll pay for it tomorrow as my legs and my back already feels pretty tight. It's the good pain though, yes?

Random fact: I found that the new flavor of light yoplait yogurt of blackberry & pomagranite is AMAZINGGGGGGG!

Lahhdeedah!

How was your Christmas? Can you believe we're on the LAST week of 2008?? Geez, where did 2008 go?!

Christmas was pretty low-key, but good. My brother was in MI with his fiance this year which is a little sad (me being selfish, sorry) being that this is my last Christmas with my family as a single woman, but he'll be home tomorrow and we'll have New Year's together. He missed out on the waterpark hotel though. We booked a night there for our family with the nieces and nephew. It was fun! I didn't get a whole lot of pictures since we were busy hot-tubbin it up and water-slidin' galor-ious, but good times, good times. My nieces received a chest full of dress up clothes and squealed with glee, it was so cute! I love these little girls and they're growing up way too fast for my liking.


Here's Anela and I before heading downstairs-- it was 8 am! They were excited and woke EVERYONE up to go down to breakfast and then swimming. She's hilarious cause she talks SOOO much-- AND is way smart. Funny story about Anela-- The girls aren't supposed to say words like "crap" "stupid" "dumb" etc, and they're really good about catching anyone who does. She was sleeping in my bed last night because her parents dropped them off for the night and it was about 2 am and she had been sleeping for a good 4 or 5 hours so she's pretty dead asleep. Well, Chris called and we were talking and I said something was stupid and Anela mumbled something so I leaned over her and was like "Anela? Wha?" and she's still asleep, but goes "Don't say that bad word, Auntie..." *snoooore* Awesome-- she's even correcting me in her sleep.


Here's Meya. She's so freakin cute. & talks in 3rd person. Me: "who's going swimming?" Meya: "Meya!"


This is her stink face. And me trying to copy her. Hilarious because she's totally serious about stink face!


freakin cute.


Kayla is getting so big and spells EVERYTHING she sees-- she just started kindergarten this fall, but has learned SO much. There was a poster of a gorilla smiling and there in big letters above it reads SMILE. Kayla sat there and spelled it out going "S-M-I-L-E." We asked her what it spelled and she shouts ever so confidently-- "MONKEY!" hahahaha!



Oh life goes by so quickly and sometimes I wish it would just stop long enough for me to be able to catch up and then decide when and how it can/should proceed. I suppose that's the beauty of trust though... that I don't have to be the one who worries about those aspects of my life.

*P.S. My dress came in and I picked it up yesterday! I am SOOO in love!

Please stand up.

To be quite honest, I'm a little bit nervous about starting a blog here. I've been on Live Journal for awhile ( check it if you'd like ), but there were so many ads and my account constantly was being hacked into so my entries weren't as updated as often as I had hoped when I hopped onto the blogging bandwagon.

I miss writing. It used to be the one thing that I really excelled at in school. I hated numbers and couldn't wrap my mind around scientific theories long enough to take interest in them. My teachers always praised me on my
writing abilities and skills, but I'm afraid that what "they" (who is "they"??) say is true-- if you don't use/fashion a skill or ability enough, you will lose it. I'm hoping that this will become a regular journal for me as I begin chronicling everything that's going on with our wedding planning and then even stuff that has nothing to do with our wedding. I don't know who will stumble upon this blog or if in the end, it's just for me. I do know that I want to learn from what seems to be a great many who are perhaps in a similar boat as me. And also, in stumbling upon a few blogs already, these are some pretty fabulous people that I can learn and aspire from. In the process of all that, I hope my writing skills are sharpened and I'm back to being a confident writer.

I used to want to be a magazine editor and a part of me longs for that, still. If anything, I suppose I half-heartedly gave up on that dream because I figured it was such a competitive market to get into. Don't get me wrong, if the opportunity presents itself, I won't say no... *sigh* I don't know. I've been in and out of school as far as college. I've transferred 3 times-- CCU to Crown to Century... changed my major 3 times--- youth ministry, communications/journalism, & now public relations. Indecisive much? Much. I did "manage" to get my Associate of Arts degree (does that really count anywhere?) and hopefully after Chris and I get married and I make the move out to SoCal, I'll be able to buckle down and finish my 4 year degree. For awhile there, I felt so unfulfilled and maybe even moreso, like I had failed because I changed my mind so often and in turn, never graduated college in the intended 4 years from 1 institute. Those days come and go still, and I know this might sound kinda stupid, but I think God really taught me patience and my significance and worth though this whole thing of waiting for what I really feel is "my area." Chris tells me to not worry about it whenever we talk about it-- apparently, it's better that I didn't get through the entire program just to figure out right before graduation that I hate what it is that I'm going into or graduating with. You think he only says that cause he "has" to? I kid, Baby.

Today marks 9 months until I officially become Mrs. CJG. We start our pre-marital counseling on January 9th with Pastor Sid. We have our ceremony and reception site reserved at Faith Alliance Church. Tell me, is it tacky to hold our reception out back behind the church we're getting married at? It'll be a late afternoon wedding and an evening reception with hanging lights and candles everywhere behind the church-- the back dips down and has this little area where we could set up tables and a projector with mics and stuff. Is that tacky? My sister had her wedding at the same church and her reception back behind the church as well and it was pretty nice-- and it was during the day. I'll have to get pics posted as some point and maybe I can get a few pointers. My wedding coordinator, by the way, is my older sister and her/my assistant in wedding planning is my younger sister. Did I mention that they're both my matron and maid of honor? Is that too much? I do have a 2nd coordinator which is Malee, but I've avoided putting too much on her yet, since it's still pretty manageable and also, she's due with baby #5 at the end of January! She'll be my day-of coordinator for sure and once she's kinda more settled with the babies, I'll be meeting with her regarding my ideas and stuff too.


This is the inside of Faith Alliance. Doesn't it look so warm & homey?? *love*

We've started our Save the Date cards and have also started cutting & folding our wedding invitations-- I'm a DIY bride, for sure. Chris works at a photography studio so he's printing our Save the Date card photos at the studio... we have to order the paper ourselves, but it saves us lots of $$. Also! Because Chris works at a photography studio ( eye-magic ), we're getting Jethro (the studio's photographer) and his fiance Theresa as our photographers and they've only asked for travel & accomodations as our fee. Of course, we'll throw in something extra for them, but it's a steal and Jethro is pretty good and I've also seen Theresa's shots which are pretty nice as well. I have to tell you, photography was my #1 item that I wanted to splurge on, but when we set our budget and saw that the one photographer I wanted was wayyyy out of our price range for now, I was bummed. But Jethro offered his services with hopes that he'd be helping us out and I saw his portfolio and he's pretty awesome, too. So. Stoked. Chris and I have decided that on our 1 year anniversary, we'd take a trip down to CO and book a session with the photographer I really wanted ( *LOVE* ) complete with our wedding attire which in turns, forces me to *not* gain the newly wed 15! I told Chris we'll have to maintain our weight from the wedding. haha.

Oh! **Important news** I do have my wedding dress and it's supposed to come in January or February. It wasn't the first dress I tried on. I had started out at the Priscilla of Boston boutique and had fallen in love with one of the gowns there and was on my way talking myself into spending a ridiculous amount on the dress while my mom and sisters-- though they loved the gown on me-- shook their heads and were like "No freakin way." hehe. I was pretty bummed and headed to another boutique and tried on another dress and liked it, but wasn't WOW!ed by it. A couple weekends after that, after much debate with my inner demons, (haha) I decided to pass up the Priscilla of Boston dress and head back to the previous boutique and try on the dress I had tried on previously there. This time, with my head a little clearer and the disappointment of the Melissa Sweet dress falling through further at bay, I actually fell in love with the dress. I requested a few changes with help from my sisters in envisioning the final dress, but it was lovely! The designer, I also found out, would make those minor changes for me without the extra charge. I, then, later found out that the store I bought the dress from is the *only* store that carries that designer and the store hasn't sold that particular style before. Score! I am one of a kind. haaaaa. Chris is a lurker, I think, (omg, he was so like "Please tell me you're kidding." when I told him my new blog name. hahaha) so I won't be able to post dress photos or give any details. But there will be lots and lots of photos to come in 9 months! teehee!

We've a couple things lined up for when Chris is here. We're opting to have the guys wear suits rather than tuxes. I'm thinking that the guys will really only have to worry about buying the jacket. Chris and I will head over to Men's Wearhouse when he's here to scope out the place. Oh, did I mention, Chris lives in SoCal and we've been long-distance since "us" began? And yes, I am moving away from MN to SoCal when we get married which is scary and nerve-wracking and crazy all at the same time (my entire family lives here and I am obsessed with my nieces and my nephew!). I miss him and I can't wait to see him! 3 more weeks!!

So anyway, I'm here at work just typing this whole introductory entry up. LONG, I know. The ones to come won't be so long, I promise. I just needed to intro-post myself.

Toodles kiddies!