Football

When I was in high school I never missed a home football game. Seriously. I loved to go the games. I would put on all my red and black and cheer...I must confess I didn't know what I was cheering for. The friends, food, entertainment and the something to do in Yelm on a Friday night was the draw, not the game!

I have watched many a football game. Especially this last fall with Ryan. He LOVES football. He has been patient in explaining the game to me, and helping me understand what is going on.

This last Saturday we were given tickets to go see the Seahawks go play the Chicago Bears. I was sooooo excited! I had been wanting to go to a game for so long, and we were finally there! It was so much fun! I was actually enjoying a football game for the game not just the fun stuff around me!!!

So, while I don't LOVE football, it's beginning to grow on me, I am looking forward to this season!

A heart of gratitude

This past weekend Ryan and I went to Yakima. We went not only to see Ryan's family but because I had my first Bridal Shower. It was a ton of fun. It was so enjoyable to talk with these women who have known Ryan for years, and because of their love for him and his family, they chose to pour that love out on me and bless me (and Ryan) with some very sweet gifts. As we got the gifts loaded in the car and pulled into my future in laws driveway I was overwhelmed with excitement to share the new treasures we got with Ryan. We got the gifts inside and I brought Ryan in. He was excited. But as he sat there and looked at the beautiful new things we received he was overwhelmed. He was overwhelmed that people would lavish such nice things on us. That they would give so generously. He was consumed with gratitude. As I watched him, I too became overwhelmed with the sweetness of these women. We were so thankful and appreciative of those who chose to bless us, and our soon to be marriage.

So, to everyone who blessed us this weekend, thank you. We are so grateful for your love, encouragement, support and prayers. You blessed us greatly.

Words are powerful

I am contemplating words today. They have the power to build up, communicate, encourage, and yet destroy. They are also the window into someone's heart. (I know, it's supposed to be the eyes, but I believe words can be too!)

It was a year ago that an email appeared in my inbox. I had wondered when I would get it and it seemed to have taken so long for it to finally arrive. My heart was racing as I opened it up "Danielle," it started. I knew who it was from. I had been so anxious to hear from this mystery man. And here it finally was, his first email. The correspondence began and I would anxiously check my email multiple times a day wondering what new things I would find out about this man who had captured my heart with his well crafted words and thought out questions.

I remembering telling my mom "I can't wait to meet him-if there is a connection, I will marry this man".

Words are powerful. Ryan's words to me allowed me to see his heart. I learned so much about him. When we did meet, there was no lule in conversations. And as our long-distance relationship progressed words were often all we had. We learned just how powerful our words were towards each other.

So now I am looking back at our first letters. The beginning of discovering each other's hearts. I am amazed by the things we talked about. I am surprised by how quickly I knew this man without ever seeing his face.

With all that said, words are powerful.

3 Months and Counting

I realized that I usually just talk about the wedding on here. So, if you are tired of wedding talk, feel free to walk away now. :)

We are officially 3 months away. People tend to ask me how many days and I have a quick answer "92". We are definitely counting. In fact, we have been since 305 days. I guess I shouldn't say "we", I should say "I have been counting". Ryan jumps in on occasion but usually it's me keeping track!

3 months though, is not much time. I am trying not to get overwhelmed or stressed by all the small things that I have to do. I feel so un-organized. Half my wedding stuff is here in Oregon, the rest at my parents house. I have several lists but never seem to actually use them. But I do have to tell myself that things are coming together just fine. The invites are done, and over half are addressed. We have the things to put our favors together. I have almost everything I need to assemble the center pieces. We have many little things. For some reason I just feel so scattered. I need to spend a day and get myself organized. Yes that is it. I wonder if every Bride goes through this crazy period. We felt like we were so ahead of the game, and then the 3.5 month mark hits and I begin to realize that I actually need to get to work once again.

But in the end, the planning, the stress, the work will pay off. Not only will there be a beautiful wedding (I hope!) but I will be married to the man of dreams. There is no greater excitement than that.

Wedding Thoughts

Well, here we are 99 days to go. I never thought I would see double digits in the countdown. But hooray. We are finally there. We are just over three months away. The thought of that...uh a bit stressful.

But I do have to say that Ryan has been amazing. I went to his place last night where he was diligently working away on addressing envelopes! What a great guy! He has been such a big help with wedding stuff. Last weekend my mom and Ryan spent the first half of the fourth tying bows. I am so appreciative of him, my mom, and my bridesmaids helping out with the invites. I could not have done them alone. Although, I think they could have been done without me!

Last night I attended a friends bachlorette party/bridal shower. What a good time. Another one of my friends was there who is getting married in two weeks, so there were lots of fun conversations about weddings. Many of the girls asked how my wedding plans were coming. What's funny, is that two months ago I would have said that I am ahead of the game. Now I am thinking that is not so much true. I feel like there is a ton to do yet. It's also hard since Ryan and I are so busy right now. But we are getting things done.

Anyways, I am rambling on about my wedding. I guess I am just super excited about the big day. But more importantly about getting to spend the rest of my life with my best friend. What more could I ask for?

Updates on us!

I have never really blogged on a blogging website before. Sure, I have my myspace account as well as facebook. But this, this is exciting.

Ryan had tried starting a blog before, but I decided it was time for us to do one together. This will give us a chance to share with all of you how life is going and how wedding plans are coming.

Life is good. We are enjoying it very much. I recently moved back to Portland. It was a difficult decision for me, but I undoubtedly saw the Lord working. So here I am close to Ryan at last. So close in fact, I work next door to him! Our buildings literally see one another! What a blessing.

We are moving ahead with the wedding. We are a couple of days away from double digits! Woohoo! I cannot believe how quickly time has flown by. It is really crazy actually.

We also just found the apartment we will be living in once we are married, so that is pretty cool for us too.

Well, that's about all I have for now. Stay tuned. More goodness to come!