Looking Back

Today was a landmark day in a young lady's life- I threw out my "boyfriend box". I had gone through my computer months ago and deleted old pictures with ex-boyfriends, but the boyfriend box had remained untouched. I not long ago while I was sitting cuddled up with Casey on the couch and talking about our past and how it has effected the future we have together, that no memory of a past "love" could compare to what Casey and I share.

It was such a relieving process to throw out the pictures, notes, dried flowers, and stuffed animals that all screamed past memories. Good memories, bad memories, forgotten memories... I want to know that I'm always, 100% Casey's and part of that, for me, was getting rid of my past. I loved it.

The funny thing was, ticked away with my boyfriend box were journals I kept growing up. I don't journal much anymore, but in high school and junior high... it was my lifeline. I flipped through page after page detailing high school drama, family drama, pain, joy, prayers, drawings.... My life is little 6x4 notebooks. I was struck by how so many singular events effected me enough to pour out my emotions on paper. It amazed me how so many of those events, however big or small, has affected my way of thinking and feeling. It was strange to read myself growing up.

I don't think one can ever completely point to things in their past that made them who they are today. But, by rediscovering my journals, I also rediscovered who I've been. And how that has played it's part in who I am now. I think I'll hang onto those journals....

Moving On Up

... Literally, we had to conquer two flights of stairs with all our stuff, well, mostly just my stuff because Casey won't live with me at the apartment until the wedding day! However, moving was a fun little ordeal, it landed the weekend before finals, when my brother and sister were in town, Casey's parents were in town, my bridal shower was scheduled, and Casey was working full days. It ended up being many little trips spread out between events and some late night help from a couple of our guy friends. But now IT IS DONE! :)

Casey and I have fully enjoyed having our own place to relax and kick back after work. We're slowly getting unpacked (everything ended up in the bedroom- so the living room looks spotless! haha) It's so much fun creating our space and getting to decide just how we want things.

I have the advantage because I live there already- I know where everything is! I've joked with Casey that I'll put sticky notes on the cabinets and drawers so he can find stuff next week when I'm out of town. ;)

Just looking back on the last week or so has made me realize just how blessed I am with my life and what it contains. Casey and I are so thankful for God's never ending promise to provide and protect- it's absolutely amazing.

Wedding Talk

Oh man, Casey and I are trying to get our wedding invitations sent out. I never thought it would be so time consuming! After FINALLY finding a place to print them for a nonoutrageous price, I realized that we weren't even close to having all our addresses. *sigh* Oh well, two solid days of invitation work and we're almost ready to send them out! Yay!

Also, we have found an apartment!! *happy dance* We're just waiting to finish up paperwork then hopefully I get to move in! It's so surreal to look at apartments with Casey, I'm going to live with a BOY! Haha. I'm going to love having Casey as my husband. I seriously can't imagine not having him in my life.

Back to wedding stuff. Flowers. I'm really not big into floral decor, but it seems almost unavoidable for a wedding! And flowers are not cheap! That makes me sad. Any suggestions on places or mone saving tips, I will gladly take them!

Well, I really do need to write my school papers... I guess i'll wrap this up for now.

Hasta Luego!

I am now 21

My birthday was this past week- I turned the big 2-1! Whoop!

It was a pretty momentous day for in the fact that it is the first birthday I got to celebrate with my soon-to-be husband!! He actually put together a surprise bash for me, but could only keep it a secret until the morning of my birthday. (so close!) I love him for that.

I also think it was just super cool that a bunch of 20-somethings (and yes, I was one of the youngest ones in the bunch) can get together for a 21st birthday party and it not include alcohol. I love love love my friends for that. It truly was a birthday worth celebrating.

:)

About to head out to Chili's for dinner!

Me and my muy delicioso cake!!

Baby Brylie was fascinated by the balloons!

Costume Fun

Well, Halloween has come and gone and with that, Casey and I had participated in a Chi Alpha Costume Contest/Pumpkin carving contest/cook-out. Overall it was a fun night! We went as Clark Kent in transformation and a bag of jelly beans. :)

My wonderful fiance' aka Superman!

My best friend, Coraline!

Our Life Group Pumpkin! It won!!