Happy Leap Day!
I dare you to go through the day "leaping"...
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Treasuring the Present: My Parents' Marriage
Today my parents are celebrating their thirty-first wedding anniversary.
I am so grateful for the example of marriage they have shown me my entire life.
It is so unique to be the only child of two people... to look back at my opinion of their marriage over my 28 years as their only daughter...
When I was young, they were the King and Queen and they were perfect because they were Mom and Daddy.
I remember thinking that I knew that Dad was one year older than Mom. I don't know where I got that idea, but I was certain that if my mom was 38 years old, my dad was 39. My parents had to sit me down at one point and explain to me that just because they were married, didn't mean they were one-year apart. I remember being so disappointed that I wasn't going to be able to celebrate my dad's 40th birthday -- because he was actually 58 (at the time). It makes me laugh now to think about it.
When I was an adolescent -- they did everything wrong. No longer a perfect King and Queen in my mind, I was sure that I was never going to grow up to be like either one of them. I shake my head to think back on all the things I thought was wrong with my parents.
When I became a young adult, I began to admire the way my parents served one another, grew together over the years, experienced different stages of life and challenges in life by each other's side. I began to recognize the positive qualities of their marriage and respect the fact that they have stuck together through the years. I began to understand that longevity in marriage is rare, and my parents are both committed to each other forever, no matter what.
Now, I am a new bride and wife and my admiration for both of my parents and their beautiful marriage has expanded exponentially. To see the partnership they carved out of two separate lives and to understand the sacrifices they have each made over the years strengthens me to think about my own marriage and the years and sacrifices ahead.
Congratulations and Thank You to my Wonderful Parents on 31 years of Beautiful Marriage!
I am so grateful for the example of marriage they have shown me my entire life.
It is so unique to be the only child of two people... to look back at my opinion of their marriage over my 28 years as their only daughter...
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| June, 2011 |
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| June, 2011 My parents dancing the night away |
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| Mom and Daddy, January 2012 |
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| Fun-loving! |
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| Still dancing the night away! |
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| Mom and Daddy, January 2012 |
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| My parents, my new hubby and me, June 2011 |
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| 31 years and counting! |
Monday, February 27, 2012
One Year Ago, During the Oscars... (aka Dream Wedding: The Bow-ties)
One year ago, during the Oscars... Chris and I were taking a poll of how many men were wearing bow-ties and how many men were wearing long ties.
The biggest argument (really the only actually ARGUMENT) Chris and I had about our wedding was whether the men would wear long-ties or bow-ties.
I was INSISTENT that the men wear bow-ties. I said that you wear neck-ties to work. You need to wear something nicer to your wedding.
Chris insisted that he doesn't wear a tuxedo to work, and so the tuxedo makes the outfit fancy and the long-tie is more comfortable.
The compromise that we finally found was that Chris agreed to wear a bow-tie as long as I understood that it was the ONLY bow-tie he would wear for me for the rest of our lives. I accepted his terms and didn't say another word about his wearing a bow-tie. I was prepared to treasure our wedding day -- the one time I would ever see him in a bow-tie.
Therefore, by the time Oscar night 2011 arrived, we were taking note of fashion and carefully considering how the men in bow-tie vs. long-ties looked.
By the end of Oscar night, Chris admitted that the men in long-ties looked pretty casual and the men in bow-ties definitely looked better. I held no hope that Chris would wear more bow-ties in the future, but I was breathing easier that at least he was agreeing that the bow-ties would look really nice at our wedding.
By the time our wedding arrived, Chris was liking bow-ties so much that he bought three bow-ties to bring with us on our honeymoon.
Prayer changes things, my friends. :-D
The biggest argument (really the only actually ARGUMENT) Chris and I had about our wedding was whether the men would wear long-ties or bow-ties.
I was INSISTENT that the men wear bow-ties. I said that you wear neck-ties to work. You need to wear something nicer to your wedding.
Chris insisted that he doesn't wear a tuxedo to work, and so the tuxedo makes the outfit fancy and the long-tie is more comfortable.
The compromise that we finally found was that Chris agreed to wear a bow-tie as long as I understood that it was the ONLY bow-tie he would wear for me for the rest of our lives. I accepted his terms and didn't say another word about his wearing a bow-tie. I was prepared to treasure our wedding day -- the one time I would ever see him in a bow-tie.
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| We agreed on the silver/grey bow-ties for the groomsmen and the black bow-tie for my groom |
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| This guys look so debonair |
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| How many bow-ties do you see? |
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| Here is one of the three bow-ties he owns -- totally his decision! |
Prayer changes things, my friends. :-D
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| Even my nephews, our flag-bearers wore bow-ties |
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| Our Dads look great in bow-ties too! |
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| I had to include a picture of my beautiful bridesmaids -- no bow-ties, but definitely red-carpet worthy! |
Its funny when memories come back out of nowhere.
Last year, I was watching the Oscars with my fiance' and studying Hollywood fashion...
This year, my hubby is napping next to me while I'm half-watching the show -- but I have to admit, I'm still mentally keeping track of the bow-ties. :-D
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Weekend Success!
Yesterday, I posted about my Weekend Goal, which involved filling our new filing cabinet with the many micellaneous papers in our house...
SUCCESS!
These are just two of the four drawers -- full of organized, labeled folders.
The organized, labeled folders are filled with papers that had been various places ALL AROUND our little home.
This feels so good, and my hubby was so proud of me when he got home.
That means today I get to relax with my hubby and enjoy the Oscars.
Did you meet your weekend goal?
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| This is our reorganized family room wall with our new black filing cabinet on the right |
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| Here's a close up of our new family addition |
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| Unprecedented organization in my life! |
The organized, labeled folders are filled with papers that had been various places ALL AROUND our little home.
This feels so good, and my hubby was so proud of me when he got home.
That means today I get to relax with my hubby and enjoy the Oscars.
Did you meet your weekend goal?
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Weekend Goal
We bought our first filing cabinet this week.
Chris and I unpacked it in our family room right before Chris left for Denver (Friday afternoon).
My goal is to have a very organized filing cabinet by the time my hubby comes home (Saturday evening).
Ideally, the papers in our home, which currently feel like this:
Will start to look like this:
In the meantime, my task feels like this:
What is your weekend goal?
P.S. I can be a little competitive, and I'm in a context that requires I put a picture of myself from 6:00am on my blog. 6:00 in the morning on a Saturday -- here I am.
Chris and I unpacked it in our family room right before Chris left for Denver (Friday afternoon).
My goal is to have a very organized filing cabinet by the time my hubby comes home (Saturday evening).
Ideally, the papers in our home, which currently feel like this:
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| via |
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| via |
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| via |
P.S. I can be a little competitive, and I'm in a context that requires I put a picture of myself from 6:00am on my blog. 6:00 in the morning on a Saturday -- here I am.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Caffeinated Randomness: Friday Quizzes
Happy Friday!
Actually, I'm not entire happy its Friday because my hubby will be in Denver taking classes all afternoon and evening Friday and all day Saturday. At least I'm not sick this weekend, which I was the last time he was in Denver for school.
In an effort to become more happy its Friday I'm having fun with some random blog quizzes...
I did the below quiz because I'm thinking about giving my blog a makeover soon... so I thought this quiz would be a good point of reference.
This quiz appealed to me because if someone asked me "What kind of love are you in?" I would answer -- Totally and Completely and 120%!
Is is possible to have a 55%/45% brain split? I thought the answer would be either right-brain dominant or left-brain dominant. I guess I'm a pretty even split.
I LOVE pizza... interestingly enough, Chicago Pizza is one of my least favorite kinds of pizza, which made me laugh really hard at my pizza quiz results. :-D
I hope you're having a great Friday!
Pour your own cup of randomness here.
Actually, I'm not entire happy its Friday because my hubby will be in Denver taking classes all afternoon and evening Friday and all day Saturday. At least I'm not sick this weekend, which I was the last time he was in Denver for school.
In an effort to become more happy its Friday I'm having fun with some random blog quizzes...
I did the below quiz because I'm thinking about giving my blog a makeover soon... so I thought this quiz would be a good point of reference.
Your Blog Should Be Purple |
 You're an expressive, offbeat blogger who tends to write about anything and everything. You tend to set blogging trends, and you're the most likely to write your own meme or survey. You are a bit distant though. Your blog is all about you - not what anyone else has to say. |
This quiz appealed to me because if someone asked me "What kind of love are you in?" I would answer -- Totally and Completely and 120%!
You Are in Agapic Love |
 When you fall in love, you are completely unselfish about it. You give your all to your partner. If you are with someone, his or or her happiness is your only concern. You put your partner first. You are patient and forgiving. You will wait forever for your true love, even if he or she has left you. You are completely accepting. When you love, you love unconditionally. It's the only way for you. |
Is is possible to have a 55%/45% brain split? I thought the answer would be either right-brain dominant or left-brain dominant. I guess I'm a pretty even split.
You Are 55% Left Brained, 45% Right Brained |
 The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning. Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others. If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic. Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet. The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility. Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way. If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art. Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports. |
I LOVE pizza... interestingly enough, Chicago Pizza is one of my least favorite kinds of pizza, which made me laugh really hard at my pizza quiz results. :-D
You Are a Chicago Pizza |
 You are are a deep and grounded person. There is nothing flippant or superficial about you. You are quiet and reserved. You are more comfortable talking than listening. You are selfless and extremely giving. You are magnanimous and big-hearted. You are a comfort to those around you. You make others feel at ease simply by being you. |
I hope you're having a great Friday!
Pour your own cup of randomness here.
Dream Wedding: Down The Aisle
We had a wonderful harpist (my first harp teacher) play the music at our wedding. She played prelude music while guests were being seated and then all our processional and recessional music.
I don't know for sure, but I think it was probably a challenge to play the wedding of a fellow harpist... I was very specific about the music I wanted.
The grandparents came down the aisle to "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring"
Here is Chris' maternal grandmother
One of my least favorite things about the pictures where the women are walked down the aisle is you cannot see the men behind them... oh well.
Grandpa Miller is ready and waiting for instructions
Dad Miller looks so handsome in his tuxedo
My nephew, Jake, (one of our flag-bearers) is waiting in the wings
It meant a lot to me that my paternal grandfather was walked down the aisle.
Because my grandmother died many years ago and he has not remarried, he didn't have to follow a women up the aisle -- he was the main attraction as he was seated :-D
Three of my four grandparents have died, but I was so fortunate growing up to have an "honorary" Grandma who is a very dear friend of our family. She has attended my school plays, music recitals, birthday parties and more. I was so honored to have her seated as my grandmother at my wedding.
My beautiful mother is waiting in the wings.
It was actually really funny when the wedding coordinator came into the parlor (where the bridal party was before the ceremony) to get my mom, Mom told us she was leaving and went to go with the coordinator. The coordinator then asked, "What about your husband?" My mom had to remind her that her husband was going to walk down the aisle with the bride. Good thing my mom was on the ball. :-D
Our mothers were seated to "Water Music" by Handel, which I was very excited about. I think the song is so unique and very beautiful on the harp.
One of the compromises of our wedding was that Chris really wanted to walk his mom down the aisle before taking his place at the front of the church. My dad, however, (and I) felt strongly that the men enter the sanctuary from the side of the church -- not walk down the isle. Luckily, my childhood church has a tunnel under the sanctuary.
Chris walked both his mom and my mom down the aisle, walked back up the isle, ran down the stairs behind the sanctuary, ran through the tunnel under the sanctuary, ran up the stairs along side the sanctuary, and calmly entered with his groomsmen from the side when their appropriate music played. :-D
Here Chris is walking his mother down the aisle while his dad follows.
When Chris and his mother reached the front pew, Chris' mom forget to kiss him. She simply turned to the pew and sat down.
As Chris was on his way back up the aisle, Mom Miller turned to Dad Miller and said, "Oh, I forgot to hug him." Dad Miller responded, "Do you want to do it again?" LOL!
It's almost Mom's turn...
Here comes Mother of the Bride
Nephew Jake wonders if its almost his turn...
I love this picture!
Isn't he cute!
My Mom remembered to hug Chris before she was seated
After our mothers were seated, our ushers brought forward the sand carafes into which our guests had poured sand before they entered the church, and our communion elements.
They unrolled the aisle-runner on their way back up the aisle
These little flag-bearers are ready to go
The men entered from the side to "Trumpet Voluntary"
(Chris is still coming in from the side in this picture)
Look that handsome groom at the front of the church!
All the handsome men
My bridesmaids entered to Pachelbel's "Cannon in D"
Here is my friend, Meghan
My cousin, Liz
Chris' sister, Becky
My maid-of-honor, Kelley
After the bridesmaids came forward...
Notice how the guys are straining to see something?
Its not the bride...
Its our little flag-bearers!
Final moments with my Daddy before we walk down the aisle
(Moments before this picture was taken, when I first took my dad's arm in the parlor, one of the garter's I had on my leg (yes, I was wearing more than one -- four), promptly slid right down my leg to the floor. Thankfully, my friend, Leah, was staying back with my bridemaid's baby daughter and she was able to take the garter off my from around my ankle. I didn't put that garter on until after the ceremony. I think my face in this picture is mostly from the commotion of the garter around my ankle...)
Now, Chris is looking for his bride
Can they see me yet?
Here Comes The Bride...
Time to get married...
Thanks for bearing with me as I continue to post wedding posts. I want to have these different memories recorded for the future...
I don't know for sure, but I think it was probably a challenge to play the wedding of a fellow harpist... I was very specific about the music I wanted.
The grandparents came down the aisle to "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring"
Here is Chris' maternal grandmother
One of my least favorite things about the pictures where the women are walked down the aisle is you cannot see the men behind them... oh well.
Grandpa Miller is ready and waiting for instructions
Dad Miller looks so handsome in his tuxedo
My nephew, Jake, (one of our flag-bearers) is waiting in the wings
It meant a lot to me that my paternal grandfather was walked down the aisle.
Because my grandmother died many years ago and he has not remarried, he didn't have to follow a women up the aisle -- he was the main attraction as he was seated :-D
Three of my four grandparents have died, but I was so fortunate growing up to have an "honorary" Grandma who is a very dear friend of our family. She has attended my school plays, music recitals, birthday parties and more. I was so honored to have her seated as my grandmother at my wedding.
My beautiful mother is waiting in the wings.
It was actually really funny when the wedding coordinator came into the parlor (where the bridal party was before the ceremony) to get my mom, Mom told us she was leaving and went to go with the coordinator. The coordinator then asked, "What about your husband?" My mom had to remind her that her husband was going to walk down the aisle with the bride. Good thing my mom was on the ball. :-D
Our mothers were seated to "Water Music" by Handel, which I was very excited about. I think the song is so unique and very beautiful on the harp.
One of the compromises of our wedding was that Chris really wanted to walk his mom down the aisle before taking his place at the front of the church. My dad, however, (and I) felt strongly that the men enter the sanctuary from the side of the church -- not walk down the isle. Luckily, my childhood church has a tunnel under the sanctuary.
Chris walked both his mom and my mom down the aisle, walked back up the isle, ran down the stairs behind the sanctuary, ran through the tunnel under the sanctuary, ran up the stairs along side the sanctuary, and calmly entered with his groomsmen from the side when their appropriate music played. :-D
Here Chris is walking his mother down the aisle while his dad follows.
When Chris and his mother reached the front pew, Chris' mom forget to kiss him. She simply turned to the pew and sat down.
As Chris was on his way back up the aisle, Mom Miller turned to Dad Miller and said, "Oh, I forgot to hug him." Dad Miller responded, "Do you want to do it again?" LOL!
It's almost Mom's turn...
Here comes Mother of the Bride
Nephew Jake wonders if its almost his turn...
I love this picture!
Isn't he cute!
My Mom remembered to hug Chris before she was seated
After our mothers were seated, our ushers brought forward the sand carafes into which our guests had poured sand before they entered the church, and our communion elements.
They unrolled the aisle-runner on their way back up the aisle
These little flag-bearers are ready to go
The men entered from the side to "Trumpet Voluntary"
(Chris is still coming in from the side in this picture)
Look that handsome groom at the front of the church!
All the handsome men
My bridesmaids entered to Pachelbel's "Cannon in D"
Here is my friend, Meghan
My cousin, Liz
Chris' sister, Becky
My maid-of-honor, Kelley
After the bridesmaids came forward...
Notice how the guys are straining to see something?
Its not the bride...
Its our little flag-bearers!
Final moments with my Daddy before we walk down the aisle
(Moments before this picture was taken, when I first took my dad's arm in the parlor, one of the garter's I had on my leg (yes, I was wearing more than one -- four), promptly slid right down my leg to the floor. Thankfully, my friend, Leah, was staying back with my bridemaid's baby daughter and she was able to take the garter off my from around my ankle. I didn't put that garter on until after the ceremony. I think my face in this picture is mostly from the commotion of the garter around my ankle...)
Now, Chris is looking for his bride
Can they see me yet?
Here Comes The Bride...
Time to get married...
Thanks for bearing with me as I continue to post wedding posts. I want to have these different memories recorded for the future...