Wedding Day Part 2

The ceremony was beautiful. I had Yvonne Pastore (from St. Tim's) singing for me. She has an amazing voice. The liturgy was beautiful. I am so thankful to Jean at St. Anne's for helping me complete this journey to a sacramental marriage. I felt totally comfortable and at peace with the day. John looked so handsome, I loved standing at the top of the aisle looking at him. he was standing so tall and proud. I love him so much.

As many people told me the day would go so fast. It did, really did. After the ceremony we drove down to Seville to begin on taking pictures. The drive was nice to have that time alone with John. We took so many pictures and did not get to participate int he cocktail hour at all. The grand entrance was a blast. I loved be announced and Mr. & Mrs. Jones....so fun. We ate, drank and had an amazing time. I'm amazed sometimes at how things work out. So lucky...so in love!

My wedding day.....

In reflection......
on my wedding day I woke up with an amazing sense of peace. I had stayed in a hotel the night before with my sister, Janice (maid of honor) and niece, Carley (flower girl). Reaching for my phone I had a good morning text from John saying "We're getting married today, baby! I love you!" so sweet...from there I opened my gift from John. Along with that we had written letters to each other in a pre-marriage class we attended in January to be read on the day of our wedding. With my sister and Carley asleep, I opened my gift and treasured letter from my groom. I loved that time of peace and silence to embrace my day. From that point on things got busy. Paige arrived at 9am to start working on my hair (which came out awesome) I was so happy with it. Jessamyn arrived to take pictures of us getting ready (so excited to see them) Lindsay arrived to do make-up. While getting my hair done came the biggest surprise of the day...My friend Melissa, from NY, surprised me and showed up! I was so surprised, it was amazing! My Mom, sister and all the Cook Street peeps were in on the surprise...it was wonderful. The car came for us at 1pm and we headed to the Church. I was so calm...very excited, but very calm. It was a wonderful feeling. I was so excited to get there and see my groom. At the church I was tucked away in the back but was able to sneak a peek at John before he walked down the aisle to wait for me. While waiting at the top of the aisle Jeanne, the wedding coordinator at St. Anne's, encouraged me to stop for a moment and take it all in before I started down the aisle. I am so glad I did that because from that point on the day flew by. I made eye contact with John, looked around to see who was there and really just embraced it all. It was a perfect moment! My perfect moment!

One month away!

The day is getting closer. I will marry my prince one month from today. I am so excited! I was just reflected on how things have a way of working themselves out. A year ago I would have never thought my life would be so amazing different in a years time. I am so thankful that I am getting to spend my life with this man that makes me so happy.

I am engaged!

To the love of my life!

I have been away from the blogging world for quite some time but wanted to post my exciting news in case anyone out there still checks this.

John and I have been on again off again for a long time trying to find resolution on some sticking points for each of us.

Compromise is an amazing thing and we are both super excited with our

decision to spend our lives together.

We got engaged on June 21, 2010.

I have a beautiful ring....

and an amazing man, I couln't be happier~

We will be married on February 27, 2010.

Having a fantastic time in Nashville....

(The Bluebird Cafe)

Day one:

I arrived in Nashville on Saturday afternoon, after getting my rental car and finding my hotel I decided to check out the famous The Bluebird Cafe. It was an awesome experience. I saw a bunch of great performers. My favorite, Natalie Tidwell has a fantastic voice. I bought her CD and have been listening to it as I drive around Nashville. She was very nice and we are now "friends" on facebook. If I can figure out how to upload a song on here I will do that with one of my favorites from her CD.

(Natalie Tidwell)

Day Two:

Was an incredible day..I did so much and took a bunch of great pictures. I Started my day off going to "Cowboy Church" this was an awesome experience and a perfect way to spend a Sunday morning. The wife of the pastor is Joanne Cash Yates...yes Cash...the youngest sister of Johnny Cash and one of the performers was Stella Parton...Dolly Parton's sister. It was a very uplifting service with great music.

Right across the street was the Grand Ole Opry grounds. The Opry was closed for renovations but I was able to take pictures from outside and wander around the gift shop.

After that I headed into the city to go to the Country Music Hall of Fame. It was absolutley fantastic. I loved walking through and learning all about the stars that were inducted into the Hall of Fame, from Dolly Parton to Garth Brooks. It was awesome!

When I left there, I walked up to the main street of town to see what was there and take some pictures. I saw the hardrock cafe and

Tootsies Lounge which I had read about on line and in my Nashville travel book. It was a really neat old place. One of those little hole in the wall places that you just know millions of people have been there before you. There were old pictures and records on the wall and a great band playing. I stayed for a bit and listened over a beer.

Day Three:

I spent the day in the cutest little town called Franklin. It was the most fantastic historic town with tons of great antique stores and restaurants. This was by far my favorite day. It was the type of town I would love to live in someday. Old buildings, friendly shop keepers, and a true sense of community.

I found this wonderful little cafe where I had a delicious latte and the most incredible cupcake I have ever eaten. It was called "The Curious Gourmet, Cupcake Cafe"

The cupcake I chose was german chocolate...it was so good. I sat in there enjoying my warm beverage and yummy cupcake for about an hour while I finished up a book. This was my least "touristy" day but by far, my favorite!

This brick wall was in the bathroom of the irish pub I had lunch in....loved it, so I took a picture.

New business venture....

Things are moving right along...

I leave for training in Nashville on the 17th of January and am very excited. My business name is "Simplicity Budget Counseling" with the website being www.simplicitybudgetcounseling.com

Just wanted to give you all the great news. Thanks for your support and encouragement over these past 2 years. Now I have the strength and motivation to help others.

My new ride!

Woo hoo! Check her out..she is sweet and sassy, fast and fun.....and...ALL MINE!

Good bye Honda...hello Nissan. That little car was so good to me. So many great trips up to the cabin and never once a problem. But she had a lot of miles on her...174k. I figured it was time to move on. So, I said good bye. I think that was actually the longest I have ever held onto a car. January would have been 6 years.

My new ride is a 2005 Nissan Murano. It has low miles and is in great overall condition. I am very happy with my purchase, I got a great vehicle at a great price. Its definitely a buyers market out there.

I haven't had time to do my first road trip yet but we will...soon.