A shower update for all...

There's not really all that much to update as far as the wedding. It was mostly done before I moved here...so there wasn't much left. lol. I do have some updates on the wedding shower...she sent out invitations today...it's going to be October 16th...honestly...I'm not sure what time...maybe 2ish lol...but my family should all be getting invitations...if you don't, please let me know as there was a lot of confusion in getting all the addresses together...I promise I didn't intentionally leave you out. If you don't get one...or just want to ask about it...message me, text me, comment me, call me...whatever you want. =] Also, the ladies at Karns are giving me a shower because Michael means so much to them, and that makes me feel really special because they don't really know me all that well, yet. That will be October 24th. So, because we didn't register for very much at Wal-Mart...we went ahead and registered for more stuff at Bed Bath and Beyond...kind of with the idea in our heads that we may not get most of it lol.

All that aside, I'll preface this by saying, I will not mention names for the sake of not advertising it to the whole world. But just know, that someone very close to me lost their home to a fire. I'll not give details except that they lost everything. They have been able to get a lot of help from a lot of people, but another prayer or two never hurt. So, if you don't know who it is, God does. Please pray that they will remain safe, and in high spirits. They are so loved. They are an amazing couple that work so hard to spread the word of Christ and do His will. Being the amazing examples they are, it hurts when something this discouraging happens. They both have great attitudes, considering, so please keep them in your prayers that they are able to feel at ease soon.

Well...it's bed time for me...busy week ahead.

<3 Lorie

Roller Coaster....

What a week it has been.

Sad, Angry, Abandoned, Happy, Lonely, Excited, Dread, Peace, Hostile, Bitter, Relaxed, Tired, Exhausted, Lucky, Cheated.

All things I have felt in the past few days and many things I have not named.

It's good to be home. The funeral was nice, as nice as one can be I guess. There was some family that it was nice to see, and I got to spend time with my parents and sister. Now I'm tired. But going to the UT vs. UAB game tomorrow. Go vols!!!!

AND....MY DRESS IS FINISHED!!!!!!! It is ready for pick up altered and all! I'm so relieved!

Well...it's bed time...

<3 Lorie

1 week down...a million to go...

So, it gets a little better, and a little easier every day! This weekend was super busy! He had to work Saturday, and Sunday we actually got the chance to participate in a young adults activity. It was nice, and I'm feeling better and better about being at a big church. The people there are great, and so giving. The singing is beautiful. Not to mention he got me flowers and took me to the Chop House for our 1 year. Pink Roses. =]. I love him. As well as things are going, I must admit, I'm a little discouraged these days. I mean...it's hard being away from home...but that's not it. It's hard knowing that someone is working to destroy you. Most days I ignore it, but I'm so frustrated with not being able to do anything with out these people trying to one-up us. I don't care if they do everything better than us forever...I just wish they would stop paying so much attention to our lives, that people who barely even know us recognize that they are trying to do everything that we do...but better. I'm just so tired...I'm tired of being excited, and being brought down because you insist on not letting me have my moment. I am only getting married one time. I only want a simple wedding. I only want to marry the man of my dreams. Please back off. I'm tired, and just can't take it anymore. Like I said, most days I ignore it. But today it just seemed to really hit me...

So now...a wedding update...we got our pictures made. It was a lot of fun, and they turned out well! I love that she captured his laugh. His laugh makes me so happy, I can never express it in words. I might have to change the groomsmen's vest color. I don't think it matches as well as I thought it did, but that's okay. Silver would be pretty anyway since my girls are wearing silver shoes.

Speaking of silver shoes...I'M GOING TO VISIT MY SISTER AND MY NEPHEWS THIS WEEKEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am SOOO excited!!!! I've missed them so much! I think we're going to look for her shoes lol...but I'm super excited!

On top of that...I'm hoping that my bestie will come visit me soon...she has a friend who wants to come...so they may come up here together and that'll be so fun!!!

I'm hoping that my mom gets the napkins and cake topper I ordered soon...that'll be nice. I've purchased my bridesmaids gifts. Wedding bands...and food. And checking on my vests. And to print a couple little things to go in my invitations. That's it! Yay!!! =] Hope everyone has a good week!

<3 Lorie

Day 2 was better….

Day 2 at school was better…not great…but it’s getting there…we went to church tonight…the one I thought I wouldn’t like…but it’s getting better too…I guess it’s just a process.  I’m pretty excited about this weekend…we’re going to have a busy time…but fun…we’re going to visit Michael’s dad…and I’m going to a purse party…=] (insert HUGE smile here) lol…while I’m doing that with Val, Michael is going to work on his truck…we have quite a few little things to get done…but we’ll also get to sleep in…which I need after finally having to get up early every day again lol….anyway…that was just a small update on life in K-ville…I love my house.  Or my part of it anyway lol…And the people are greater than I could have imagined! All in all…things are looking up and I get a little better every day…

Just call me settled….

So…here I am…in Knoxville, TN.  Not yet home…but close I suppose.  I’m excited…the place I am staying is amazing….I am so grateful!  My mom and dad sent a lot of stuff with us…and we’re going smart shopping at Sam’s tomorrow…so we should eat just fine lol…the ride here wasn’t so bad…I of course cried leaving my house…but we had walkie talkies… the hard core kind that my dad let us borrow…so we had fun with that!  I’m pretty excited that Michael can actually call me now since I have signal almost everywhere lol!  Our weekend was amazing!  We had so much fun with family and friends!  I’ll tell more later about the weekend and about how things are going…but I’m sleepy…so good night!

 

<3 Lorie

I'm finishing tonight...

I'm doing today and tomorrow tonight...mostly b/c I want to be done with this...and b/c tomorrow is going to be SUPER busy!!! I'm getting up early to go to Kroger and get a rug doctor...I'm shampooing the carpets and seats in my car...I can't wait! I love feeling like my Ellie is brand new again! I'm having lunch with a friend. I haven't seen her in a very long time..and I am SO excited!!! Tomorrow night I am spending the night with my bestie! We're going to the Brighton game...then we're going to play catch up on my shows I missed this week and do wedding invitations...we're getting them ready so that when it's time to send them out, they can go. Then Saturday we're going to open house at her school and to do some random errands...then Saturday night I'm going to the movies or something with a friend who just happens to be Michael's cousin....so...needless to say...it's going to be busy...but FUN!

Day 29 → Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
I'm always trying to improve, but one day I hope to not be so jaded. I know it's hard to do something like that...to "un-jade" yourself lol...but my life has led me to believe that, generally, people can not be trusted. And that's sad, I would like to move past it.

Day 30 → A letter to yourself, tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself.
I'm not going to do it in letter form...but I will put some things I love about myself...I love my sense of humor...I love my laugh, as loud and obnoxious as it is...I love my feet, they're just the right size and shape...I love my hair, even more so when it's short, but I'm having a wedding and want long hair...I love my eyes...I love my passion...I love my ability to love others....I love myself...and let me just say...with someone in your life that chooses to love you with all his heart...it's very easy to find things you love about yourself.

<3 Lorie

I've been out of town...

So first I'll catch up with my 30 days of blogging...
Day 26 → Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
In theory, but I've never gone as far as to actually attempt anything like suicide or hurting myself...never really thought about it either...I just in general wanted to give up and crawl under a rock and live forever.


Day 27 → What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Really? I'm getting married.


Day 28 → What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
If I were pregnant, I'd be certain Jesus was coming back! lol. I don't really have that problem...I don't have to worry about it b/c I'm not married yet.

Now that all that is done...just a quick update...I've ordered my garter and my cake topper and so...I'm really mostly done. Whew.

That being said, the past couple of days have been rough. I saw my grandmother, and probably won't see her again for a while. I always knew in the back of my mind that she wouldn't be able to come to my wedding. But to hear people say it, to have it become real is hard. I'm the youngest grandchild. I was the last to graduate, and the las to get married. She has never been able to make it to any of my major life events, because by the time I actually had major life events, she was just too old, and unable to ride for 3 or 4 hours to come. So I knew, I knew she'd never be able to make it. But it still hurts. I feel so blessed to have my wonderful parents and the all the amazing people I have in my life. But I feel a little cheated. I won't have any grandparents at my wedding. 3 of them will never get to see my wonderful future husband. I feel as though they'll never get to experience all the wonderful things that I'll make of my life. And that leaves me sad and a little empty. Like I said, I'm so grateful for all the blessings, it's just hard to know that it's real. That she really won't be there.

Anyway...as sad as that makes me, I am also grateful for all the wonderful times I have with her. I am glad that I at least got to know all my grandparents, some people don't even have that.

Anyway...it's bed time...I haven't slept much so I'm overly emotional anyway....lol.

<3 Lorie

I'm skipping day 24...day 25 =]

Day 25 → The reason you believe you’re still alive today.

I don't really understand this question. I guess it would make more sense for someone who wasn't religious...but to me I'm still alive b/c God wants me to be. I think He has a plan, and a few people that I'm supposed to meet and people that are supposed to meet me. So...for now...I'm here.

Now that's done...so I can move on.
I am almost done.
I have two major things left to buy. Cake topper and garter. That's it. There are a few little loose ends, but other than the food, almost everything is done. That makes me so happy. I have shoes, a dress, and a veil. My bridesmaids all have dresses. My groomsmen can order their tuxes. I have stuff to go on the pews, bouquets, a cake, a groom's cake...I mean....it's really almost done. And I'm leaving, so that makes me happy. To know that I'm leaving without a billion things to do.
Michael is coming home to help me get stuff labor day weekend. Yay!!! But we have a lot to do...lots of family to see and spend time with...pictures to take...counselling... so much to do...so little time...but I'm way excited. We have our first counselling session that Saturday of Labor Day weekend...so that should be fun! And we need to look for wedding bands...but we'll have plenty of time for that since we'll finally be in the same city! I'm excited for that...but I'm really going to miss home! Then two weeks after I leave we're going to visit my sister and my nephews! I couldn't be happier!

<3 Lorie

Day 23...

Day 23 → Something you wish you had done in your life.

Umm...I kind of wish I had stuck with being a music ed. major. But again no regrets. If I had, I probably wouldn't have been at Munford Church of Christ exactly when I was, which led me to meeting my future husband. So...needless to say...I am glad I was where I was at that moment. I'm glad that our life paths came together, because now I will have my wonderful family, him, and his wonderful family forever. That makes me so happy.

<3 Lorie

22.

Day 22 → Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.

I must say, I do not have any of these. I believe we have all made bad choices in our lifetime. However, every choice and decision I have ever made has led me to now. And right now, I am 100 days from marrying the love of my life. I am 17 days away from moving to a new city that even though I will miss home I know I will love. I am about a month away from seeing my wonderful nephews and sister who moved away. Things are going fine, and I love it.

<3 Lorie

Day 21...I got my wedding shoes today!!!!!

Day 21 → (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?

Umm...of course I visit her in the hospital. But the thing is...although I don't think Ray and I fight much...if she were in an accident...she knows how much I love her...no doubt...so I'd probably be a little upset about the fight...but I wouldn't let it get in the way of me hoping she's okay.

What day is it again?! (Oh yeah day 20)

Oh my...today has been virtually worthless. Except that I know my shoes for the wedding are in. One more thing to relax about...and I realized that my mom got a lot done here while I was getting a lot done there. She finished all the bouquets and the little flowers that will go on the end of the first couple pews...I love my mom and I'm so grateful for all the help she's giving me. I mean really...I had a good fun day, but I did not productive. I didn't unpack or wash clothes. Nothing.

That being said...
Day 20 → Your views on drugs and alcohol.

Drugs are stupid. Unless they're, of course, the kind you need in moderation. I.E. Tylenol, Excedrin, prescriptions, etc...
Alcohol...I said a million different things about it. That it doesn't have to be bad, and in moderation in a social setting it can be fine...blah blah blah...but it's unnecessary and leads to stupid things. I mean, it's easier to just say no.

<3 Lorie

A little bit of catch up...

Sorry I haven't been blogging...I've been in Knoxville and trying to get some things done...

so...here goes...

Day 15 → Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Meat. I did the vegetarian thing for a while. I don't mind cutting back. But I was hungry all the time...

Day 16 → Someone or something you definitely could live without.
I will not name a name here...but it's someone that my fiance is friends with. And I could have lived my whole life without him.

Day 17 → A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Into the Wild.

Day 18 → Your views on gay marriage.
I think it is wrong. I mean, it is a direct command in the old and new testament. I will not judge people because of it, after all who am I to judge someone else? But I am not an advocate.

Day 19 → What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
I think highly of both topics. Religion is a lifestyle, and I love it. Politics is a mindset, and I am so amazed I can't stand it sometimes.

That being said...we set up our tux rentals this weekend. Not too much left to do now!!!! =]

<3 Lorie

Day 14...

Day 14 → A hero that has let you down.

Well..this could be a lot of people I suppose. But...I once knew someone. He was supposed to be a guide to the young and a friend to all. I didn't realize it for a long time, but I had him on a pedestal. Then I realized one day that he was the scum of the earth. He was my hero, in a very human way. And let me down. Extremely. To the point that now I don't even bother to miss him. I know that sounds harsh, and I have forgiven him. But he could never be the same in my eyes.

13...almost done...

What a project...maybe this was ridiculous to start...but oh well...I'm too far to quit now...

Day 13 → A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough days.
Back in the day...dashboard confessional was the main one. I loved to hear that guy sing! He always sounded like you could truly feel the pain in his voice from what he was singing. And truthfully, he sounded so hurt that I didn't feel so bad. And Corey Smith. He has songs of every kind. They allow me to cry when I need to and laugh when I need to. There were lots...but those were the two main ones.

<3 Lorie

Day 12...and lots about the wedding.....

Day 12 → Something you never get compliments on.

I never get compliments on fingernails...because I never have time to do them anymore...so they never look very good...

Now on to wedding stuff...it is REALLY coming together! My mom just got done making the bouquets for me, and the bridesmaids. I love them. We have a cake cutter, and and guest book and pen. We have ordered invitations. So if you think, I, or Ms. Mary do not have your address, make sure you send it to me! I have ordered a veil, so my entire ensemble for the wedding is complete, except I'm in need of a bracelet and a garter. I know where I'm going to get them, just haven't yet. Michael and I have a lot to do this weekend. We have to set up the account for the tuxes, and furniture shop. We have lots of little here and there places to go. And we're going to the comedy barn as a treat for us, and our 11 months together as of this coming Thursday. I'm so excited that all these plans are actually looking like a wedding, and not a jumble of supplies!

Please continue to think and pray about my friend Blake. He's moving to a rehab center in Atlanta, hopefully today.

<3 Lorie

Day 8-11...

I'm not keeping up very well...maybe I shouldn't have started this...but I was bored lol...

First of all, my mother is doing well, and Blake is doing as well as can be expected...so I can breathe again.

Day 08 → Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like crap.
Ummm...I don't guess I ever really had that ONE person...I mean...if people treated me like crap I usually dumped them pretty quick...but I have had a few. Only one that I wish I hadn't put up with...but I had to. I won't say her name, but I'm truly thankful she is no longer a part of my life.

Day 09 → Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Umm...I had a best friend for a long time. His name was Brett. I loved him so much, I can never truly make anyone understand. He was my best friend, my brother. Nothing more, and nothing less. But over the years...I've gotten busy and he's living elsewhere most of the time. We've just grown apart. That makes me sad sometimes. I know we are both at good places in our lives. But there are days when I really miss him.

Day 10 → Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Umm...There are people that I wish I had never known, if that's the same thing. There are people, one in particular, that I truly wish I could take back all our times together. Most things, I say live and learn. But him, I wish I could take back every minute ever spent. He was supposed to be a good friend and role model, but turned his back when he should have been there the most. And I can say, he is the one person I wish I truly had no memory of.


Day 11 → Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Umm...lately my hair...b/c it's getting long. But I've always gotten lots of compliments on my eyes. They're blue. Not brown.

<3 Lorie

Day 7 and a wedding update...

Day 07 → Someone who has made your life worth living for.

I think the answer for this is fairly evident in the reason for the blog...but Michael. Michael has changed my life for the better. I can not wait to spend every day of the rest of my life being married to him.

Now...we went to Low's yesterday. Ray got her dress and my sister ordered hers. Erin, Anna, and Allyson ordered a while back. So that's it. They're done. This weekend I'll set up the account for the boys to get fitted for their tuxes. So if I can just get all of them to get the job done...we'll be good. But they only have to do it about 6-8 weeks in advance I think...so they have plenty of time! A lot more than my bridesmaids ever had and I'm so thankful they all got on board when it really mattered.
But...while at Low's...I found my shoes.THE shoes. They are phenomenal. So...shoes ordered. One more thing off my list...yay!!! And...my mom's recovery is going so much better than planned...she thinks she wants to try and get out this weekend. Not much...just one store. Hobby Lobby...maybe 2..Michael's or Hancock's...b/c we're getting flowers and material b/c she is making my veil. So...really this is all coming together. I love it!!!

Day 6 and looking for a veil...

Day 06 → Something you hope you never have to do.

I hope I never have to give up a child. I know I don't even have one yet, but I have recently watched a few people, either by giving them for adoption or having a falling out at a later time, lose their children. I do not like it. I don't like the way it makes me feel to have to see how sad they are.

On the bright side...I'm going to look for veils today!!!!

<3 Lorie

Day 5

Day 05 → Something you hope to do in your life.

I have a lot of things I hope to do in my life. But the one thing is...I hope to raise a beautiful family. I'm starting off on the right foot I suppose...I am marrying someone whom I love very much and I know he will be a great father (someday in the distant future). I'm excited about our new life together...and I know that one day we will have our own wonderful family. I pray that we can provide the same love, care, and advice that we have received from our own parents.

<3 Lorie

Day 3 and 4...and some love for Blake.

Sorry I didn't post yesterday...but to keep everyone updated...I have a very good friend...his name is Blake Ables and he's in the med here in Memphis. He was in a car accident and he's alive, but still needs a lot of prayers.

Day 03 → Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 04 → Something you have to forgive someone for.

The thing about that is, I don't have anything left to forgive myself for. I know that sounds like perhaps I'm not giving all the information, but I don't dwell on things, at least not when it comes to myself. I learn from it, and better myself, and keep going. I tend to do that with other people as well. But, I did have a friend. He was, I thought, my truest friend. The kind of guy you could trust in any situation. But it turned out that wasn't true. But through all the lies and hurt...the only thing I can't seem to forgive him for was for not standing up for me. People said a lot of things, and whether or not they were true, he should've been the first one to stand by me, but instead he did nothing. That is what I haven't been able to get past. The nothing.


Anyway...please pray for Blake. He is a dear friend, and may never walk again. But I have hope. He's young, and has great doctors, and has a lot of prayer going his way. I know he can beat this.

<3 Lorie

Day 2..

Okay…I’m going to do this now while I have the chance. 

2. Something you love about yourself.

Without sounding too conceited, I love my sense of humor.  I think I’m funny…so even if no one else does…I make myself smile lol.  I like to think other people enjoy my sense of humor as well…but the truth is…it doesn’t bother me if they don’t.  I love so much to laugh, and so I love that I can laugh in the midst of almost any situation. 

<3Lorie

What insomnia can induce….

Okay…so I’m going to steal this from my friend Kandice who got if from Zeedlebeez.  I want to give credit where credit is due…and I think it sounds like fun!

Day 01 → Something you hate about yourself.
Day 02 → Something you love about yourself.
Day 03 → Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 04 → Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 05 → Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 06 → Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 07 → Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 08 → Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like crap.
Day 09 → Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10 → Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11 → Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12 → Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13 → A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough days. (write a letter.)
Day 14 → A hero that has let you down. (letter)
Day 15 → Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Day 16 → Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17 → A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18 → Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19 → What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20 → Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21 → (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22 → Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Day 23 → Something you wish you had done in your life.
Day 24 → Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Day 25 → The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
Day 26 → Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Day 27 → What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Day 28 → What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
Day 29 → Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Day 30 → A letter to yourself, tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself.

 

 

So I’ll start with Number 1. 

Something I hate about myself…

Truthfully, I try not to hate things about myself…but there are actually two things. 

I am incredibly indecisive.  Whether it is important, or absolutely ridiculous, it will probably take me at least 20 minutes to even begin.

 

And…I can’t go places by myself.  I can run into stores and shop.  But I don’t go in places to eat alone.  I’d rather get it and eat in my car in the sweltering heat than in the restaurant by myself.  If I go to the movies alone…I’m so worried about it, I usually can’t really pay attention.  =/ Look out for day #2 tomorrow! 

<3 Lorie

Thank you for the concern…

My mother is doing quite well.  Thank you so much for all the prayers and thoughts!  I’ll update soon!

I feel ridiculous when I cry for no reason...

Like now...just thinking about everything going on...I think I get a little overwhelmed. That said, my cousin has a blog, and she does what she calls "Thank God on Friday," or, TGOF. I didn't read hers until this morning. But I have realized that I have a lot to be thankful for in the past week.
1. I am thankful that I can finally see the big picture coming together on this wedding planning stuff.
2. I am so thankful for my mother, who just wants to give me a nice wedding, and for me to make a good, spiritually driven life with my future husband.
3. I am thankful for Michael, who understands when I just don't want to talk about it sometimes.
4. I am thankful for a job offer.
5. I am thankful for facebook. I realize that seems a little crazy, but it helps me keep in touch with people, and seeing pictures of my sister and nephews and their new life in Charleston comforts me because I miss them.
6. This is the last thing. I am greatful for all of my family, and Michael's family. Life has been stressful lately. There has been so much to do and think and plan, and it seems as if everyone is doing all they can to make it a little easier on us, and for that I am grateful.

<3 Lorie

The worst and best day of my life thus far...

Tomorrow. Tomorrow will be the worst and best day of my life thus far. Tomorrow I am going to see Michael. We will meet after he gets off at the new apartment. And it will officially be his, until we are married, then it will be ours lol. I love knowing we will have somewhere to live. That being said, tomorrow I leave. And this weekend my nephews leave. For South Carolina. They will no longer be 30 minutes down the road,and to be perfectly honest, I'm not sure what I'm going to do. It's always been my hide out. My place of comfort when things get rough. My "place" is not actually a place, but people. Being around Ben and Jake and my sister have supplied some of happiest moments in my life. Being able to be around the three of them whenever I want has been a blessing that I'm not entirely sure I'm ready to be without, but I have no choice. Life is changing fast, and I admit, I'm a little sad. I'm excited about all the opportunities that are about to be presented, but I am sad that things can't just stay this care free forever.

All that said, I have a TON of things to do this weekend. On top of 2 meetings for jobs, I have to go to David's Bridal to get something there and the Men's Warehouse to arrange for the fittings for the tuxes. I'll do that all that and one meeting Friday. As for Saturday...we have to move him in, register, go look at 2 furniture outlets that are in town, and then we're having some "us" time. We're going to the titanic museum and then to see a movie. A little relaxation will be amazing. We have people to visit, and family and friends to see. So some time to do something fun is a must. And we have a lot of little "wedding things" to make decisions about. Oh...and pictures...we are going to have our pictures made. Not full on "engagement" pictures b/c I'm not so much into that seeing as how time is flying and I have more to do than have our picture made....just something to put in the paper and put up at the wedding that we're not wearing hoodies or camo lol. I would guess a majority of Sunday afternoon is going to be spend organizing and putting things away in the apartment. And then Monday I have another meeting. So...all in all...I have a busy few days ahead of me...which I know is for the best to keep my mind off of things.

And some exciting news...2 brides maids have ordered dresses...2 down 3 to go!!!

I guess I'll get back to packing the truck for my trip tomorrow...

Love,
Lorie.

I appreciate opinions...

But it's time for me to be decisive. So I have...I picked a dress. And a color. The end. The color I want. I have done my best to make it easier for everyone to get the dress. But for sure, it's the color I want. I couldn't decide on another color, and I know it's because they are not the ones I truly love. I have talked about this color forever, and I am not settling for something else. But I did find places that carry the dress near all of my brides maids. Now to get the ordered before the end of the month and we'll be good!!!


Love,
Lorie

Whose idea was it to have a wedding?!

Okay...planning a wedding is hard work. Especially for someone as indecisive as I am. I did, however, accomplish a lot while shopping with my mom Saturday. We have a unity candle. And I bought the first batch of flowers (online-so we'll see how they look). Also, I picked five styles of brides maids dresses. Now I just have to decide on a color. I am quickly learning that the color I really wanted does not exist. So, I am now torn b/w a dark red but not burgundy, navy blue, or plum (Which I know Michael will not care for). Either way, I picked a skirt that I like and 5 different tops, one for each girl. They can try on and pick out whatever. (After I decide a color which hopefully will be done tomorrow.)Once I pick a color, I have to gather all that information and get the girls and boys to order their outfits. After that I think things will slow down a little. I hope. Well...I hope you all are having a wonderful 4th of July holiday. God bless our soldiers. Please feel free to leave feedback if you have an ideas! =]

Love,
Lorie

We have a date...I think...

Well...I'm pretty sure we have a date. Most people probably already know. But, as long as things keep going in the direction they have been, I will be marrying the love of my life on November 27, 2010. It's a lot sooner than we planned, but it seems as though life is sending us in this direction. So...unless something changes...that's it. Many had things to say regarding the date on facebook and in person...but it truthfully came down to the fact that the weekend after Thanksgiving is when we want to have it. All in all, I believe the extra two weeks will make a big difference in the stress of planning a wedding...and it's still not close enough to Christmas so he thinks he can get me a 2 in 1 gift. lol...j/k =] So...for all of you involved...unless something crazy happens b/w now and the 16th of July...that's the date.

Wow...I'm getting married...and soon...whose idea was this?!

Love,
Lorie

In need of some opinions....

Provided that everything goes according to plan, we have come down to two dates. Either November 13th of this year, or November 27th. Yes, that is the weekend after Thanksgiving, so I'm not sure if that will make things easier or harder. Please Please let me know what you think!!!

And so it goes...

Well...this really doesn't haven't much to do with the wedding...however...I am in the mood to share some good news.

#1. I have been offered a job. So in theory, I have a job. lol. It is, however in Knoxville, which would mean having the wedding sooner rather than later, which is fine it'll just be hectic. Also, I am waiting to hear back from some other opportunities, both here and there, before I commit.

#2. Michael officially has an apartment. That way, if I have to move up there before we get married, I can stay there and he'll just go back to staying with his dad. He opted for the one bedroom while he's there alone, and the complex said it was no trouble to get the 2 bedroom as soon as we get married, whenever that may be.

So...needless to say it has been an exciting week. The only downside being that his move in date isn't until the 15th of June, so he'll have to move twice lol. Also...his AMAZING cousin has offered to let him stay with her family during the week until he moves into his apartment because the place his dad is moving is about 45 minutes away and that way he won't have to get up so early. I'm not sure how that's going to work if I move up there. There'd be no point in me getting my own apartment b/c I'd be moving soon. So I really don't know how that will work...but we'll figure it out if it happens.

Anyway...just thought I'd give an update on how things have been going...he's coming home this weekend...so it's destined to be a good one!

Love, Lorie

Knoxville on the brain...

Okay...so...I'm home...I got home last night but had no intentions of spending any time on the computer...I was tired...

So...a productive weekend. I had three job interviews. #1...eh...#2..good...#3...potentially great! They did all but sign me on right then. The only problem being, it's not in a great area. So now I just wait to hear back from them, and from my job opportunity here, and then and decision will be made.

As for a place to live. We found somewhere. We have one place we liked, but it's not looking good for that place, it was a small complex and young couples always get picked last. As for the other place, I liked it. There's one more place to look at, but it's not open on Saturdays. So Michael's dad is going to check it out since he went with us Saturday and kind of has a feel for what we like. I guess we'll see after that. But either way, we have one to turn to. And it was nice. Up to date without the pricing being through the roof.

I'm just ready to finally know everything so that we can actually have a plan. I know I keep saying that, but this is wearing on my mind and my body. I'm tired.

All the work aside, I had a wonderful time with my wonderful fiancé in Knoxville. I was not ready to leave him...but he'll be here this weekend! Only one week this time...I can do that.

I hope the week is finding you all well. Just please continue to pray for us, and know that we are extremely grateful to see things finally coming together.

Love, Lorie.

The Bridal Experience...every girl should have one.

So...wedding dress shopping. Really this time. Low's Bridal in Brinkley, AR and it was amazing. I had a room...a WHOLE ROOM to myself full of dresses that were my size and I could pick them out and try them on...however many I wanted...I was supposed to have a time slot...but apparently mom got along well with my consultant and that went out the window.

There were a lot of dresses that quickly made their way into a maybe pile, all wiped out when I found this one dress. And I loved it. Then mom asked me to try on one "frilly" dress...just because. So I did because for me, this experience was about the people with me as much as it was myself. I walked out, and tears were shed. It was "the dress". I knew, and so did everyone else. I tried on one more, but none compared to this dress.

I even got to pick out a tiara.

I truly believe that every girl who is about to be married should experience what I did. The people were wonderful. It's the princess experience that you dream about when you're a little girl. I absolutely could not be happier. It fit my body style perfectly.

So now, no closer to a date, I have a dress. Ordered and paid for(not by me), my very own wedding dress.

So, I have been taking part in random blogs for some time now. But this one is going to be my attempt to keep family and friends updated on the wedding. I realize this is difficult for most to comprehend, seeing as I was always anti-marriage. But I promise if you see the two of us together, you won't doubt it anymore.

We have no date yet, but it seems as though I will know as of Monday. I have a "meeting." I'll know then about my job and whether or not we'll get married toward the end of this year or summer of next year, and hopefully then we can come up with a plan.

The lack of date aside, I have managed to accomplish a few things. I have asked all those in my wedding party to participate, and they have all accepted. Not so sure about Michael's side of things...I know he has talked to some of them. I even have someone to attend the guest book. Michael's "dirty cousin" Sarah said she'd be glad to take the job. lol. My side of things will be Rachel, Erin, Anna, Allyson, and Kristie. Michael's will be Jacob (his cousin), Travis, Bryan, Cameron, and Jacob (my nephew). Breanna and Ben will be our flower girl and ring bearer.

Those of you who are involved, and actually read this, I'm letting you know, we will probably do our dresses and tuxes through David's bridal. Although I have had a miserable experience there, they are the only major chain where all of the wedding party can go to be fitted and such.

I have a cake and someone to make it...haha...I have a few other small things. This weekend is huge. I'm going to Low's Bridal, and I will most likely make a final decision on a dress. Either one there, or the one I've already looked at here. So wish me luck!!!

I'll update Monday when everything will hopefully be determined, and I will have a date and maybe even a dress.

Any ideas or suggestions, please feel free to share!

Love, Lorie.