Updates
-
@nmedina11 perfect start to memorial day weekend!!
-
It must be Memorial Day weekend, I saw my first accident...let the road trips begin! Everyone be safe!
-
Afternoon pick me up (@ Starbucks) http://t.co/YCGL12Dnml
-
Crazy cloud coverage today in west Texas on the way to work http://t.co/mg6EX0cClW
-
RT @Pontifex: I am close to the families of all who died in the Oklahoma tornado, especially those who lost young children. Join me in pray…4 days ago from web | Reply, Retweet, Favorite
-
Hail Mary full of grace....Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary mother of God, PRAY FOR US...
-
Back at work. This and only this will get me through the week http://t.co/zVVJn01SDB
-
Brother in Law at TTU Convocation....#nofilter http://t.co/tLKLuvJ353
-
Brother in law's Graduation (@ TTU - United Spirit Arena - @texastech w/ 6 others) http://t.co/YYEro3JL0t
-
RT @Women_Of_Christ: Every morning I spend fifteen minutes filling my mind full of God; & so there's no room left for worry thoughts. -How…
-
RT @CatholicNewsSvc: #PopeFrancis: You need two virtues to proclaim Gospel -- courage and patience.
-
RT @CatholicNewsSvc: #PopeFrancis: If the stock markets fall, it's a tragedy, but people dying of hunger isn't. That's the real crisis toda…
-
RT @CatholicNewsSvc: #PopeFrancis: A lack of ethics in public life is harming all of humanity
-
Finally get in and it takes lead than 15 mins...now I remember why I didn't get into health care
-
30 minutes later...still waiting
-
Ugh haven't been to the doctor in over a year, forgot about the "hurry up and wait" appt was at 9:45 still waiting....
-
Joy doesn't come from having, but from appreciating what we have. - @MatthewFKelly #7Levels
-
The farm land and my town are missing all this rain!!! We're North of Littlefield West of Plainview... http://t.co/tLvDogNij9
-
What is the purpose of life? @MatthewFKelly says it is: Become the Best Version of Yourself! Are you doing that right now? #dontwastelife
Posts
March 13, 04:57 PM
We have a pope! Habemus Papam
Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, Argentina is now Pope Francis I of Rome and the Universal Pope.
As an announcement was made over the intercom at my office Catholics rushed to the library for a live stream of the event. More than an hour later cups of wine were raised in the air as a toast to our new Shepherd.
I have never experienced this day before. Our previous Pope, Benedict XVI, Pope Emeritus, was the 265th Pope. He was elected on April 19, 2005. Umm, I was alive then. I was a sophomore in college! I should have felt what I'm feeling today on April 19, 2005. But I didn't.
I guess you can never be good at faith. When you say "you have such great faith!" to someone, you know they are rolling their eyes at you and thinking to themselves "No, I don't." It's called humility. But it's also true. Faith is a practice. You work at it, you get better at it, but you never accomplish it! Hopefully on your death bed you will accomplish it. But holy people, priests, nuns, lay people, deacons....they are all practicing their faith. (You Yogi's know what I'm talking about).
So today when a Deacon's wife screamed over the intercom "What have white smoke! We have white smoke!" I felt like my sister just told me she was going into labor. (none of my sisters are pregnant.) But this anticipation of a new life, a birth, an unknown full of love and dignity. My heart was racing, my stomach was filled with butterflies. My Lord, My God. You have come to us. You have come to your faithful.
And can I just say how totally awesome the Church is? Say what you want about 'old fashioned' and 'tradition'. But three points:
- NO ONE KNEW who the next Pope was going to be. There was no leak, only respect. There was no amount of money for the first news station to translate or get the first photo. The Church doesn't need money. It needs faithful Catholics. The media had to have video, facts and figures on all 115 cardinals who where in the Papal conclave. For once the media didn't get to make up the news. They had to work, research and be prepared. I think that's called journalism. I'm not sure, I was only the producer of my high school TV station...
- It took 2 days. It wasn't on our time. It was on God's time. US Presidents start lying to us, I mean running for election, two years before they are elected. What a waste of time! Do your job right and you'll be elected! The Church picks the leaders from all over the world, all demographics, all walks of life to cast a vote on the new leader of the Church. Why? Well, because contrary to politics, the Pope is the boss of the Cardinals who are in charge of the Bishops, who lead the Priests and the Deacons...etc. It's a hierarchy, they obey and it works. But really the only job of the Pope is to pray for the Church. Cardinals, Bishops and Priests are going to do what they need to do for their faithful, and the Pope just keeps praying they do God's will. Our president prays on what? National Prayer Day? Actually, I know the Texas Legislature prays before every meeting, so maybe our government does pray. They just don't put that in the news.
- and Latin is back. Pope Francis I is from Latin America. So believe it or not this means he is an American Pope! Maybe not YOUR version of America. But he's an American pope. And there are a lot of people in the United States of America who can relate to him. South Americans and Central Americans are already saying "He's like me!". Embrace it. Another kind of Latin is back too: the Latin language! When the world needs a universal language, I can very well see Latin becoming just that. The Cathedral in my town have many portions of its mass in Latin. It makes the ceremony seem very universal, which is that the Church is. Universal.
Visit the National Catholic Register to see what happens behind the scenes of the papel election.
Also, boycott main stream media when it comes to your faith. The Da Vinci Code is fiction. The Secret is FICTION. Don't base your faith (or lack there of) on stories. The Church has a huge network of apologetics who study the Church and can answer all questions and concerns. Get your information from: http://www.catholic.org/ an up-to-date, seriously hip and informational website. And pray often!
O God, the Shepherd and Ruler of all Your faithful people, mercifully look upon Your servant Pope Francis I, whom You have chosen as the chief Shepherd to preside over Your Church. We beg You to help him edify, both by word and example, those over whom he has charge, that he may reach everlasting life together with the flock entrusted to him. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Living Life to the Fullest and praying for Pope Francis I.
February 19, 05:39 PM
If I had a penny for every time Budget Savvy Diva posts a great deal on her blog - well I wouldn't count the pennies, she helps save much more than that!
I few deals that are running out soon!
RedBox 10 days of deals - ENDS 2/26
Each day between now and 2/26 you can text the word DAYS to 727272 to get a Redbox Rental Code. You could get one of the following:
FREE 8x10 photo print on canvas - ENDS 2/28
- Perfect for wedding photos, bridal portraits or family photos!
- Who doesn't need copy paper or printer paper? Done.
FREE Subway - 3/11-3/16
- Free Subway sandwiches to the select few. My west Texas region doesn't qualify, but maybe your area does!
Tresemme OoLaLa! Exp. Tomorrow? 2/20
- $3 off a bottle of Tresemee product. I just happen to use this on my hair, so I watched the commericial, downloaded the coupon app and got my coupon! Now I just need to find a CVS.
Living Life to the Fullest, and saving a little as I go!
-Rachel
December 13, 04:09 PM
| source |
Holy Spirit Moment (def): When the Holy Spirit is placing people, things and experiences in your life that you cannot avoid and feel called to act on. (not to be confused with a coincidence it is more of a God-instance.)
This just happened.
I recently returned to West Texas after 9 days away visiting friends, family, or and a work CE course filled with phenomenal individuals. I took in the River Walk, my friends new perfect baby, 3 nights on retreat, 3 nights in Dallas surrounded by family and friends at my Bridal shower and many family dinners. On my last day I lost it. As I'm saying good-bye to my family tears are swelling up. Do I want to leave? No. Am I ready to leave? Yes. I love this 'city' life, I am forever grateful for this life and these people who love me so very much. And I love them more than they know. But my West Texas, my small town is so quiet, so clarifying, so spiritual, I am anxious to return.
Holy Spirit moment #1: Returning to San Antonio, indulging in parts of my past life there, and not -feeling - complete.
Holy Spirit moment #2: Talking to my dad about his retirement. His fear for the future and having a small income and then his realization that life isn't about money. It's about family time and personal growth. As I explained my small town offers both of the above, he encourages me to continue on my journey.
Holy Spirit moment #3: Coming back to my small town, and falling right back into church, church community, and my prayerful time with my fiance and God.
Holy Spirit moment #4: Listening to a recently retired University president who reiterated all of the above:
He shared:
--"I spent my life reacting to the reaction and not searching or even acknowledging the quiet whispers" Why does it have to be a bang? Why do we only feed the squeaky wheel? There are people in our own lives who need just as much help and support, they just aren't asking for it
--"My life is full of blessings. I need to recognize the blessings in the good and in the bad. I need to be grateful." AMEN!
--"There is so much personal growth that is dismissed because it doesn't fit with the status quo. Don't follow the crowd. Follow your heart! If you follow your heart it will lead you to a life of love. Love of your family, Love of your neighbor, Love of your job, Love of your Life" Not all loves bring material goods. (Not all jobs pay well). But all loves bring personal and spiritual growth. We are not put here on this earth to live forever on this earth. EVERYONE DIES. And the sooner we come to terms with that the less we will take for granted and the more we share. Sharing our time with family and friends, sharing our gifts of leadership or compassion, sharing our goods through gifts and donations.
| source |
In conclusion, I have always wanted to be a benefactor. I've always wanted to give my money away. But in order to do that, I needed to make money. But the more money I made, the less I would give away. Funny how the Devil works. Today I make less than I did waiting tables at age 16, but I have worked to give over $1 million dollars in grants to our Lubbock Diocese. That is what wakes me up everyday, not MY paycheck, but the gifts I can give to God's people through my talents.
Are you having Holy Spirit Moments? Say a pray right now that you have the courage to listen to God speak to you.
November 05, 02:00 PM
What are YOU reading??
I just finished a book I had always been interested in. The title is "Heaven is for Real" by Todd Burpo and his son Colton.
If you are interested in what's going on in Heaven or if Heaven even exists, I suggest reading this book. If you don't believe in Heaven and think this is a scam, I suggest you read this book.
It is incredibly easy to read. I read it to my fiance while we were driving to Dallas. It was a 6 hour drive, I was reading aloud and we were able to finish the book! We did get to Dallas and sit in the car for a couple of chapters because we just couldn't put it down.
So this little boy has to have emergency surgery and he has what on earth was a brief experience, but in Heaven it was a lengthy experience. An experience full of meeting passed on relatives, including a sister his mother had miscarried, that he never knew about and his grandfather. He had never met his grandfather and when his dad showed him a picture of his dad at an older age Colton didn't recognize his grandpa. But when shown a picture of his grandpa in his 30's Colton immediately recognized him.
My favorite story is this book isn't even about the main character. It is about the face of Jesus and the little atheist girl who drew His face at the age of 4. Her painting of Jesus Christ is now the backdrop of my phone, so I can see His face everyday!
I'm sure you can find this book at your local library but I highly encourage you to buy it and pass it on. I've already passed my copy on. This book is written by a Christian pastor, not a Catholic family, but Catholics are Christian! And he does mention the Virgin Mary at the end of the book in the comments, for the assurance of Catholics.
Enjoy and God Bless!
October 30, 12:18 PM
| photo credit: edikenkoy via photopin cc |
That title is misleading....you may think my blog posts haven't been delayed because I 'unplugged' myself from the internet. Actually, it was the exact opposite. I only have the internet on my phone (instead of at the house) so I've been plugged into my phone for months. Looking at pinterest on my phone...do you have the pinterest app? It's amazing!! I'm playing Words with Friends with my fiance and checking Instagram every 30 minutes. I've also been watching YouTube on my phone for the first time...election parodies and Catholic videos.
However, my 4G's of data are running out quick! I have 2 weeks left and I've already used 3.2Gs. Oops....So this weekend and more so yesterday I turned off the data on my phone. I could only receive text messages and phone calls. I couldn't check pinterest, instagram, facebook or even play words with friends. And guess what? I got so much accomplished!! I rearranged my desk, I cleared off the kitchen table, and cleaned the living room. I did the dishes and even had time to listen to a Dani Johnson call. As Dani says, focusing on what's in front of you can lead to success. Avoid the focus on what's behind you, what's distracting you and what's causing your problems (laziness, excuses, bad attitude). Instead commit and focus on your one or 3 goals and make them happen. I've definitely been allowing a LOT of outside influence in my life lately. But I'm confident with my spiritual life better than it's ever been (and improving daily) I can focus on some back burner goals I've had and really bring them to fruition!
I hope you can too! You can hear what I heard from Dani here: http://www.danijohnson.com/2012/part-1-refresh-refocus-redirect/ FREE TODAY (Tuesday 10/30) ONLY.
August 23, 12:13 PM
The other day my JM and I went down memory lane. We took out his family photo albums and revisited his childhood.
It was tons of fun and hilarious that him and his brother (a.k.a. best man) look so similar I couldn't tell them apart as kids!
| Hello Sumo baby!! That is a BIG BOY |
| This innocent face fools no one... Look at that hair! It is totally the 70's. Groovy man! I do love his eyebrows...I hope our kids get his and not mine |
| I LOVE this photo...in a tux with crazy beautiful hair. I think this photo may have been taken the year I was born. Crazy! Now he has no excuse not to wear a tux at the wedding! |
| This probably looks like him more than the other pictures |
Then there were those awkward teenage years. I won't share those with you out of respect for my future-husband....
I hope to share some of my baby pictures with you soon!
-Rachel
August 14, 02:16 PM
Such an awesome weekend! Leadership day at work followed by a quick flight to Dallas for our engagement party!!
I'm so busy we'll start with a photo post and then follow up with actual stories later...
| Got my new ring!!! |
| Pinterest worthy decorations!!! |
| VERY 'spirited' toasts!! |
| The host of the party - an AMAZING woman we are SO BLESSED to know |
| On her chalkboard pantry door... nod to our wedding website |
| Our "Tip Jar" - we had a blast reading these tips the next day. |
August 02, 02:52 PM
I can finally share with you our engagement story. I wrote it the day after the enagement, but we lost the camera with the engagement photos. And we all know no blog is complete without photos....so we found the camera, got the photos on the computer and I am sharing them with you now!
The Story:
For Lent the Man and I have been praying the rosary once a day. It's AMAZING. It's better than yoga! I sleep so well and I have NO worries...so with each decade of the rosary you offer a special intention (a decade is 10 Hail Marys - the 10 beads you see together on a rosary). The Man and I often pray for those close to us, family, friends, marriages, single people, babies, pregnancies, work, weather, health, etc. Everything you worry about during the day you can offer as a special intention. We can kinda tell how our day went based off our special intentions. So one day the Man prays for marriages and people getting married and engaged. I'm sure he was praying from the heart and didn't realize his over thinking girlfriend was reading into his prayer. Gosh, I'm awful! But we keep praying, finish our rosary and talk about what our plans are for the weekend since he's coming to town.
He wants to have a date night so we can get dressed up and eat sushi. I tell him we have an engagement party to go to and my sister's birthday is that Friday so we might be celebrating that with her. Not too sure if date night will work - more like Sunday date afternoon? I'm usually the one making plans and he's always along for the ride and I love that. But he's insisting we go out on a real date. We're always doing a family thing or a friend thing and if we every spend time alone it's eating pizza in our sweats with a movie. I agreed-we were due for a date night.
He comes in LATE Thursday night. So we wake up Friday, go out to breakfast (I have the morning off) and then I go into work at noon. I'm gabbing to my receptionist that I think he's going to propose because he was dropping all these hints. Turns out I left my phone at home so I need to have him bring it to me. I call and catch him off guard. I ask him what he's doing and he says he's at the store. So I'm thinking...Oh really? The diamond store? The florist? Are you buying rose petals to lay all over the floor? Are you buying champagne and doves and a harp player and, and, and!!! Yes, I'm that girl.
So 'that girl' comes home from work to an apartment that looks just like it did when I left. I am so disappointed. I'm thinking ok, maybe I read into this date night thing too much. I always hear girls saying that before their husband proposed they were acting really weird and really nervous and the Man was just being his normal self. So I start getting ready for our date night.
I am starting to hate getting dressed up just because our relationship is so relaxed it's almost awkward to be all fancy in front of him, it's just not us. But I get dressed up and when he sees me his eyes light up and the look on his face is priceless, so I guess dressing up is totally worth it.
For Valentines Day we stood in front of my fireplace, put the timer on the camera and took pictures together. It was a cute idea and I'm so happy we did it for our first Valentines Day. We weren't dressed up on Valentines Day, so he wanted to take pictures this time since we were dressed up.
So after the pictures the man is like "Oh, I have a present for you" so of course I'm thinking Yay! Engagement!! Then he hands me a Victoria Secret bag and my excitement goes from a 10 to a -3. Seriously Victoria Secret? boo. This is a present for him, not me! So I open the bag and it's a pair of jeans I had left in New Mexico with his brother over THANKSGIVING, that I finally got back! I freakin love these jeans so I'm super happy and now ready for dinner. If it's not going to happen it's not going to happen, but yay for him remembering I really wanted these jeans back asap.
Then he says "No, I got you a real present" and he hands me this crystal swan with a red rose and a red ribbon. It's incredibly romantic (just like him) and it's very nice.
So I say "aww, this is sweet thank you babe" and then I look closer and I see IT. There IT IS. Everything goes quiet and I loose all peripheral vision. I'm focused on one thing and one thing only. My beautiful and perfect oval diamond ring!!! When I look up he's on his knee asking for my hand in marriage. I'm so happy!!!! I tell him to take that ring off the ribbon and put it on my finger! I didn't cry, probably because I was so caught off guard (and hungry) but it was the perfect engagement. He totally knows my personality and knew that I was expecting something so tricking me was very clever of him.
We're both beaming from ear to ear and I'm looking for my phone so I can text and call everyone. I want to tell my parents in person so I tell them the next day, but my friends were super happy, much happier than I thought they would be. I was expecting "about time!" or "duh! we totally knew" but I got calls, texts, tears, screaming, and one even got drunk off excitement? (or loneliness) and called me 10 times since I couldn't answer at dinner.
Thanks for reading this story!! I hope you enjoyed it! I sure did!!
Now back to wedding planning!!
The Story:
For Lent the Man and I have been praying the rosary once a day. It's AMAZING. It's better than yoga! I sleep so well and I have NO worries...so with each decade of the rosary you offer a special intention (a decade is 10 Hail Marys - the 10 beads you see together on a rosary). The Man and I often pray for those close to us, family, friends, marriages, single people, babies, pregnancies, work, weather, health, etc. Everything you worry about during the day you can offer as a special intention. We can kinda tell how our day went based off our special intentions. So one day the Man prays for marriages and people getting married and engaged. I'm sure he was praying from the heart and didn't realize his over thinking girlfriend was reading into his prayer. Gosh, I'm awful! But we keep praying, finish our rosary and talk about what our plans are for the weekend since he's coming to town.
He wants to have a date night so we can get dressed up and eat sushi. I tell him we have an engagement party to go to and my sister's birthday is that Friday so we might be celebrating that with her. Not too sure if date night will work - more like Sunday date afternoon? I'm usually the one making plans and he's always along for the ride and I love that. But he's insisting we go out on a real date. We're always doing a family thing or a friend thing and if we every spend time alone it's eating pizza in our sweats with a movie. I agreed-we were due for a date night.
He comes in LATE Thursday night. So we wake up Friday, go out to breakfast (I have the morning off) and then I go into work at noon. I'm gabbing to my receptionist that I think he's going to propose because he was dropping all these hints. Turns out I left my phone at home so I need to have him bring it to me. I call and catch him off guard. I ask him what he's doing and he says he's at the store. So I'm thinking...Oh really? The diamond store? The florist? Are you buying rose petals to lay all over the floor? Are you buying champagne and doves and a harp player and, and, and!!! Yes, I'm that girl.
So 'that girl' comes home from work to an apartment that looks just like it did when I left. I am so disappointed. I'm thinking ok, maybe I read into this date night thing too much. I always hear girls saying that before their husband proposed they were acting really weird and really nervous and the Man was just being his normal self. So I start getting ready for our date night.
| He was taking pictures of me getting ready. He's never done that before. This was kinda weird so maybe I should have caught on |
I am starting to hate getting dressed up just because our relationship is so relaxed it's almost awkward to be all fancy in front of him, it's just not us. But I get dressed up and when he sees me his eyes light up and the look on his face is priceless, so I guess dressing up is totally worth it.
For Valentines Day we stood in front of my fireplace, put the timer on the camera and took pictures together. It was a cute idea and I'm so happy we did it for our first Valentines Day. We weren't dressed up on Valentines Day, so he wanted to take pictures this time since we were dressed up.
So after the pictures the man is like "Oh, I have a present for you" so of course I'm thinking Yay! Engagement!! Then he hands me a Victoria Secret bag and my excitement goes from a 10 to a -3. Seriously Victoria Secret? boo. This is a present for him, not me! So I open the bag and it's a pair of jeans I had left in New Mexico with his brother over THANKSGIVING, that I finally got back! I freakin love these jeans so I'm super happy and now ready for dinner. If it's not going to happen it's not going to happen, but yay for him remembering I really wanted these jeans back asap.
So I say "aww, this is sweet thank you babe" and then I look closer and I see IT. There IT IS. Everything goes quiet and I loose all peripheral vision. I'm focused on one thing and one thing only. My beautiful and perfect oval diamond ring!!! When I look up he's on his knee asking for my hand in marriage. I'm so happy!!!! I tell him to take that ring off the ribbon and put it on my finger! I didn't cry, probably because I was so caught off guard (and hungry) but it was the perfect engagement. He totally knows my personality and knew that I was expecting something so tricking me was very clever of him.
| See how hidden it is?? |
| It's really hard to take a picture of a diamond. flash vs. no flash |
We're both beaming from ear to ear and I'm looking for my phone so I can text and call everyone. I want to tell my parents in person so I tell them the next day, but my friends were super happy, much happier than I thought they would be. I was expecting "about time!" or "duh! we totally knew" but I got calls, texts, tears, screaming, and one even got drunk off excitement? (or loneliness) and called me 10 times since I couldn't answer at dinner.
| He's trying to get an 'after' shot, but I'm on the phone!! |
Thanks for reading this story!! I hope you enjoyed it! I sure did!!
Now back to wedding planning!!
July 31, 04:28 PM
This guy is hilarious. Last night we had a huge giggle fest. Let's just say I was taking myself WAY to seriously and he was being a gentleman by keeping his mouth shut. Then, he bursts out laughing explaining to me that how silly I looked being so serious. Instead of getting upset I burst out laughing too! Thinking, why be serious when you can be fun!
This story may be a "had to be there moment" but I'll share with you:
I HATE bugs. This weekend we were at a party that used old potato bags as the table cloths. Well there were flies ALL OVER the tables because they still smelled like dirt or potatoes, I have no clue. It was so gross for someone who hates bugs like me. Well last night there was a fly in the house. I was trying to ignore it, but I couldn't take it anymore. So while JM is sitting at the dining room table I yell "FLY! DON'T MOVE!" I grab a hand towel and slowly creep over to the fly. I start slowly moving my arms, winding up for the big hit. JM says I was licking my lips looking like a crazy lady. I ended up killing the fly and being so proud of myself. Then I look at him and he's cracking up! He starting mimicking what I was doing and he looked hilarious! I had to laugh. I wish I could find a youtube video as an example. Just visualize one of those old black and white movies with the batter winding up and taking himself way too seriously and when the ball comes he misses and everyone laughs. That's what happened. I looked ridiculous and he couldn't help but laugh....and I couldn't help but join in!
He saw the funny in the moment and I'm laughing just remembering that moment!
I'm so blessed to have this goof ball by my side for the rest of our lives.
What have you laughed about recently?
Living life to the fullest and laughing along the way!
-Rachel
July 31, 04:28 PM
We got the photos! Some of these I stole from our proof on Sara's website because I am too impatient to wait for the DVD of the high res photos.
If you want to read details about the photo shoot see my previous post. If you want to see the photos, scroll down and enjoy!!
If you want to read details about the photo shoot see my previous post. If you want to see the photos, scroll down and enjoy!!
| Love this one. We'll have to revisit with our kiddos and take this a a yearly family photo! |
All copyright Sara Miller with Photographs by Sara. Isn't she amazing?! Love love love!
Can't wait for the wedding!
July 31, 04:28 PM
When JM and I met I wasn’t living near my parents. But he and I began a life together in the town I did live in. We ate at certain restaurants, feel in love with certain parks, went to certain churches, etc. So when Chuy proposed we decided to get married in the church we loved attending together. Little did we know this would come across as a faux paux. We’ve been questioned every step of the way on why we chose that church for our marriage. We never questioned ourselves as to why we love this church, we know we love it and that we should be married here. After this weekend we feel in love with something else about this church.
First of all they flew in the front door with a bang! Kids running all over the place, clothes being thrown into the wash, phone ringing, etc. It was a sight! But everything was working like clockwork and the house was immaculately clean. When it came time to sit down and speak with us the kids were in their rooms watching a movie, we were offered beverages and all was still. Talk about inspiring!
Turns out they had a long distance relationship in the beginning like Chuy and me. They also had no money in the beginning (as most couples don’t) but she works from home and travels for business every now and then. I know Chuy would love if I could work from home, so he was happy to hear that from her.
They also come from big families and they both live away from their families. So traveling to see the grandparents is a big ordeal. They shared with us the drama of who gets which holiday, who comes to visit and who doesn't, etc.
We only met for two hours this weekend. We'll be meeting them again at the end of the month. Harvest season is coming up, so JM won't be able to get away from town as often as he can now. I thought we were going to be matched with an older couple who "has this marriage thing all figured out" but this couple is only 40 years old and they dont have it all figured out. But they did figure out how to stay married for 16 years. JM and I are just working on getting to the alter so we feel very blessed to have this couple in our lives!
Living life to the Fullest being blessed by God every step of the way.
-Rachel
After mass we drove to our next appointment in our crazy busy weekend. It was in the town of Mansfield, south of Arlington. As we pull up to this gorgeous home with a BMW in the drive way we are dumb spelled. Chuy gaffs and says “These people are nothing like us, why are we here?” I answer him “God put us in each other’s lives, maybe if we don’t need them, they need us”.
We’ve just arrived at our sponsor couple’s house. This couple was assigned to us by the church according to a personality test Chuy and I took when speaking with a priest about our intent to marry. Supposedly this couple is assigned to us because they have a similar background or lifestyle as us. If we were to compare houses right now, this would not seem to be the case. But as soon as we met this couple we realized we were a perfect match. First of all they flew in the front door with a bang! Kids running all over the place, clothes being thrown into the wash, phone ringing, etc. It was a sight! But everything was working like clockwork and the house was immaculately clean. When it came time to sit down and speak with us the kids were in their rooms watching a movie, we were offered beverages and all was still. Talk about inspiring!
Turns out they had a long distance relationship in the beginning like Chuy and me. They also had no money in the beginning (as most couples don’t) but she works from home and travels for business every now and then. I know Chuy would love if I could work from home, so he was happy to hear that from her.
They also come from big families and they both live away from their families. So traveling to see the grandparents is a big ordeal. They shared with us the drama of who gets which holiday, who comes to visit and who doesn't, etc.
We only met for two hours this weekend. We'll be meeting them again at the end of the month. Harvest season is coming up, so JM won't be able to get away from town as often as he can now. I thought we were going to be matched with an older couple who "has this marriage thing all figured out" but this couple is only 40 years old and they dont have it all figured out. But they did figure out how to stay married for 16 years. JM and I are just working on getting to the alter so we feel very blessed to have this couple in our lives!
Living life to the Fullest being blessed by God every step of the way.
-Rachel
July 31, 04:27 PM
I'm sorry about the wedding overload. Last weekend I was overloaded with wedding and I just wanted to share. I do live a normal life when I'm not wedding planning. But I'm honestly forgetting what that normal life is about.
Just the other day I was drooling over my mom's iPad hinting to my fiance that I wanted one. No, I NEEDED one. For what? For wedding planning of course! ;) But then I came to my senses and realized I can't afford an iPad with the additional internet line on my phone bill, until I pay for the wedding. Catch 22. I'll do without the iPad....
Then, today at work my boss sent out this reflection. So now I'm thinking maybe I don't need an iPad and I definitely shouldn't want one. Read on...
Living Life to the Fullest, according to God's will not mine.
-Rachel
Just the other day I was drooling over my mom's iPad hinting to my fiance that I wanted one. No, I NEEDED one. For what? For wedding planning of course! ;) But then I came to my senses and realized I can't afford an iPad with the additional internet line on my phone bill, until I pay for the wedding. Catch 22. I'll do without the iPad....
Then, today at work my boss sent out this reflection. So now I'm thinking maybe I don't need an iPad and I definitely shouldn't want one. Read on...
Burden and YokeI live in a part of the country where most people are “unchurched.”
That seems very obvious driving to Mass on Sunday morning: the streets are nearly empty.
Most folks, I’m sure, are still snug in bed.
So what’s this in today’s Gospel about “my yoke is easy and my burden light”?
Part, I think, has to do with values and goals.
As a Catholic, it should be easy for me to determine what’s valuable and what isn’t.
I don’t have to chase after the latest and greatest and don’t have to feel bad because I don’t own it.
My goal isn’t the nicest home or best car.
The “burden” placed on me is to do God’s will for me.
And that’s a “yoke” that’s been custom-made to fit me, for a lifetime.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me know and do Your will.- Michelle Dodd (OSV)
| Are you on the road toward Heaven? |
Living Life to the Fullest, according to God's will not mine.
-Rachel
October 30, 04:12 PM
Still talking about the weekend,
We finally arrived back home and enjoyed dinner with my parents. Chuy’s birthday is Tuesday and my family was so kind in celebrating his birthday with him while he was in town. They made his favorite, a lemon cake. Word to the wise: if you want something to be a surprise, do not tell my dad. They made the cake Saturday, but we were going to celebrate on Sunday. But as soon as Chuy walked in my dad said “Did you see your cake?” so much for surprise.
As soon as Chuy knew there was a cake in the room he couldn’t keep his eyes off it! He even asked my dad if we had another refrigerator which my dad replied “No” so Chuy suggested we eat the cake now because it probably won’t fit back in the fridge.
So we ate the cake Saturday….
As the family is singing happy birthday and Chuy is ready to blow out his candles, the cameras are ready. I step in and ask my sister to take a picture of Chuy and I with his first birthday cake at the our house. To which my mother grabs me and pulls me out of the picture saying “It’s not your birthday! Don’t steal the spot light Rachel!” and she makes Chuy blow out his candles while her nails dig into my skin keeping me from him as I scream “I’m going to be his wife!” and she replies “Not yet!!” oh my, only my family, only my family…. Chuy thought it was hilarious but he did really want a picture of the two of us celebrating his birthday. Next year I’ll be sure not to sit by my mother ;)
We finally arrived back home and enjoyed dinner with my parents. Chuy’s birthday is Tuesday and my family was so kind in celebrating his birthday with him while he was in town. They made his favorite, a lemon cake. Word to the wise: if you want something to be a surprise, do not tell my dad. They made the cake Saturday, but we were going to celebrate on Sunday. But as soon as Chuy walked in my dad said “Did you see your cake?” so much for surprise.
As soon as Chuy knew there was a cake in the room he couldn’t keep his eyes off it! He even asked my dad if we had another refrigerator which my dad replied “No” so Chuy suggested we eat the cake now because it probably won’t fit back in the fridge.
So we ate the cake Saturday….
As the family is singing happy birthday and Chuy is ready to blow out his candles, the cameras are ready. I step in and ask my sister to take a picture of Chuy and I with his first birthday cake at the our house. To which my mother grabs me and pulls me out of the picture saying “It’s not your birthday! Don’t steal the spot light Rachel!” and she makes Chuy blow out his candles while her nails dig into my skin keeping me from him as I scream “I’m going to be his wife!” and she replies “Not yet!!” oh my, only my family, only my family…. Chuy thought it was hilarious but he did really want a picture of the two of us celebrating his birthday. Next year I’ll be sure not to sit by my mother ;)
Following the HUGE dinner we shared, salmon, saffron rice, strawberry spinach and feta salad, lemon cake with lemon simple syrup and berry compote…we all fittingly passed out on the couches. It was a snore-fest with Chuy, my dad and me. I didn’t wake up and move to my bed until 11pm. That's when you know life is good.
Living Life to the Fullest with a loving and fun family.
-Rachel
Living Life to the Fullest with a loving and fun family.
-Rachel
July 31, 04:29 PM
I've changed this blog address! No longer is it rachelnkellar.blogspot.com
It is now rachelkellar.blogspot.com. See how that 'n' is gone? clever!
With my twitter as @rachelkellar
and my Pinterest www.pinterest.com/rachelkellar I had to keep the branding going.
I'm trying to using blogging as another stream of income (as soon as Google Adsense let's me place ads on this blog). So I'm educating myself on blogging protocol.
Rule #1 brand brand brand!!
I'll share with you the steps along the way, but you might want to update your google readers so you don't lose the updates to this blog.
Don't forget to check out my other blog: www.highheelsandgrits.blogspot.com for all the country bumpkin's
It is now rachelkellar.blogspot.com. See how that 'n' is gone? clever!
With my twitter as @rachelkellar
and my Pinterest www.pinterest.com/rachelkellar I had to keep the branding going.
I'm trying to using blogging as another stream of income (as soon as Google Adsense let's me place ads on this blog). So I'm educating myself on blogging protocol.
Rule #1 brand brand brand!!
I'll share with you the steps along the way, but you might want to update your google readers so you don't lose the updates to this blog.
Don't forget to check out my other blog: www.highheelsandgrits.blogspot.com for all the country bumpkin's
July 17, 05:00 PM
After the diamond guy we met with our invitation designer, Liz. Liz is actually a family friend. She dated my dad in college and now is in the Women’s Guild with my mom at our church. They are great friends, having all gone to college together. So we are very blessed to have her in our life and to have her want to be an active part of our wedding.
She’s such an artist, as soon as you pull up to her house you are drawn to the creativity. I wish I had taken some pictures….she has a huge front yard with an seating arrangement featuring a hanging chandelier…IN HER FRONT YARD.
Amazing.
Inside her home seems small, which I don’t understand looking at the outside. But I think instead of small I would say it’s comfortable, inviting and intimate.
She painted her pantry door with chalkboard paint and had a cute surprise waiting for us there…
So sweet right? I’m excited to see where she takes my ideas for a barn, a barn brand and all our crazy requests in regards to the save the dates, invitations, rsvps, programs and thank yous.
We'll need:
- Save the Date
- Invitation with RSVP card
- Church Program
- Thank you cards
I love the chalkboard, wood grain look as seen on my pinterest wedding page.
Ahh! So much to think of and so little time!!
Living Life to the Fullest and blessed with talented friends along the way!
-Rachel
She’s such an artist, as soon as you pull up to her house you are drawn to the creativity. I wish I had taken some pictures….she has a huge front yard with an seating arrangement featuring a hanging chandelier…IN HER FRONT YARD.
Amazing.
Inside her home seems small, which I don’t understand looking at the outside. But I think instead of small I would say it’s comfortable, inviting and intimate.
She painted her pantry door with chalkboard paint and had a cute surprise waiting for us there…
So sweet right? I’m excited to see where she takes my ideas for a barn, a barn brand and all our crazy requests in regards to the save the dates, invitations, rsvps, programs and thank yous.
We'll need:
- Save the Date
- Invitation with RSVP card
- Church Program
- Thank you cards
I love the chalkboard, wood grain look as seen on my pinterest wedding page.
Ahh! So much to think of and so little time!!
Living Life to the Fullest and blessed with talented friends along the way!
-Rachel
July 16, 04:35 PM
Following the photoshoot we went to meet our ring designer.
The first time we visited The gold and diamond warehouse we met with Max. I loved Max because
a) my dogs name is max
b) he has a dark gottee and kinda looks like my dogs' face and
c) he was very comforting and nice to us.
This second time Max was out of town and we met with Barry. Barry was cool, but no Max. And we knew what we wanted and brought the cash Max suggested we bring. But Barry wanted a bigger deposit, so that was awkward…. Once the men started talking money, I shut up. I’ve worked in sales and I understand where a salesman is coming from. But my fiancé hasn’t and he gets deals on things I would have never thought possible. I think it’s because he’s never worked in that industry and asks for things most people would never ask for. Needless to say, we walked out getting what we wanted. Hopefully it will be ready by August.
I’m SUPER excited about that. My fiance is super excited too, because he knows it means I will stop talking about the ring I don't have and I'll talk about the ring I DO have. The ring I will LOVE forever and ever and ever. Oh ya, I'll love him for that long too ;)
Living Life to the Fullest and patiently waiting for my dream ring.
-Rachel
The first time we visited The gold and diamond warehouse we met with Max. I loved Max because
a) my dogs name is max
b) he has a dark gottee and kinda looks like my dogs' face and
c) he was very comforting and nice to us.
This second time Max was out of town and we met with Barry. Barry was cool, but no Max. And we knew what we wanted and brought the cash Max suggested we bring. But Barry wanted a bigger deposit, so that was awkward…. Once the men started talking money, I shut up. I’ve worked in sales and I understand where a salesman is coming from. But my fiancé hasn’t and he gets deals on things I would have never thought possible. I think it’s because he’s never worked in that industry and asks for things most people would never ask for. Needless to say, we walked out getting what we wanted. Hopefully it will be ready by August.
I’m SUPER excited about that. My fiance is super excited too, because he knows it means I will stop talking about the ring I don't have and I'll talk about the ring I DO have. The ring I will LOVE forever and ever and ever. Oh ya, I'll love him for that long too ;)
Living Life to the Fullest and patiently waiting for my dream ring.
-Rachel
July 16, 04:16 PM
This weekend started with an engagement photo shoot with our photographer, Sara at Photographs by Sara. I’ve never worked with a professional photographer taking picture of me before…other than school photos where you stand in line and turn on the charm for 10 seconds. But we spent 2 hours with Sara on Saturday morning. Time flew by, but it was an exhilarating first-time experience for me!
My initial ideas for the shoot:
-outdoor location (wheat field, tractor, etc)
- Props: fiesta party flags, chalkboard frames, boots, cowboy hats, bouquet of some sort
- photos: smiling, laughing, serious, prayerful, intimateboot shot, hat shot, walking shot
After a few back and forth e-mails with Sara we decided to shoot at the Dallas Arboretum, a flower garden in the heart of historic Dallas TX that I’ve never visited before.
I’ll post pictures as soon as I get them!!
Living Life to the Fullest and taking pictures along the way
-Rachel
My initial ideas for the shoot:
-outdoor location (wheat field, tractor, etc)
- Props: fiesta party flags, chalkboard frames, boots, cowboy hats, bouquet of some sort
- photos: smiling, laughing, serious, prayerful, intimateboot shot, hat shot, walking shot
After a few back and forth e-mails with Sara we decided to shoot at the Dallas Arboretum, a flower garden in the heart of historic Dallas TX that I’ve never visited before.
We decided to meet as soon as the garden opened at 9am. Unfortunately I forgot what month it was. 9am in July is like 3pm in July: HOT! It probably didn’t help that the Arboretum is next to White Rock Lake. The humidity from the lake was adding to the humidity among the plants.
I wasn’t able to find any fiesta flags in west Texas, I’m confident Party City in Dallas has them, but we were short on time in the morning. We drove in from west Texas and arrived in Dallas at 2am. I’m really hoping we don’t look too exhausted in our photos because we woke up at 7am…giving us a full 5 hours of sleep! Yikes!
I did DIY some chalkboard frames that I really liked. We both wore our boots throughout the entire shoot. Chuy wore his cowboy hat for a lot of the shoot which was nice for him because it blocked the sun from his eyes! I never put on my hat, I was worried it would mess up my hair (vain, I know). So I kinda regret not wearing it for at least a few shots.
The Arboretum is a beautiful location with TONS of unique photo locations.
We took the following:
We took the following:
- standing in green field with lake behind us
-sitting near a waterfall
- next to a giant picture frame
- on a staircase
- in a lush private garden
- sitting in an open field
- under a canopy of crepe myrtle trees
I can’t wait to see the photos! I’m so worried I’ll look fat in them…anyone have a good arm exercise? I’m so strong and thick in my arms, I need to thin them out.
-sitting near a waterfall
- next to a giant picture frame
- on a staircase
- in a lush private garden
- sitting in an open field
- under a canopy of crepe myrtle trees
I can’t wait to see the photos! I’m so worried I’ll look fat in them…anyone have a good arm exercise? I’m so strong and thick in my arms, I need to thin them out.
I’ll post pictures as soon as I get them!!
Living Life to the Fullest and taking pictures along the way
-Rachel
October 30, 04:12 PM
As Chuy and I drove home from Dallas last weekend I took the wheel. After two days of HUGE and delicious meals prepared by my dad we were both in a food coma. But Chuy drove to Dallas so I drove home. As Chuy slept I prayed. I prayed that I could quiet my mind and speak to God. More like hear God speak to me. It really helped me on the drive and then this happened....
Chuy wakes up and says "Woah! I just had a dream and someone was asking me 'So where's the ring? Where's her diamond ring'" and he added "I think it was Jesus".
Then he falls back asleep only to wake up again saying "I just had a dream your dad gave me this bracelet that said 'Strength' on one side and something else on the other"
Falls asleep
Wakes up and says "What did you say?"
I reply "nothing"
He says "Oh, I thought you said 'The smell of Joy'
Falls back sleep
Then says "No." as a dog runs out into the street. So I ask him "did you see that dog?!" and he replied "No, I said 'no' before you even asked me the question".
It was a wierd car ride. It definitly kept me entertained. It didn't cross my mind that this could be God speaking through Chuy until I asked him the next day if he remembered anything. He didn't remember saying any of that.
| via Pinterest |
July 12, 04:25 PM
The wedding dress shopping as continued! This time I was joined by my mother, youngest sister (MOH) and my grandmother. We had a blast! But I will say it was exhausting!
What I expected at these boutiques:
- champagne
- to look stunning in every dress
- the "ooo"s and "ahh"s
- to find THE dress
- to hate my body
- Super expensive dresses
What actually happened:
-No champagne
-All dresses are size 10 so if you don't fit that don't consider going in. I fit most of the size 10's unless it was a tight fitting dress (mermaid). My hips are not a size 10.
-A few "ooo"s and "ahhs" but more "hurry up" "What's taking so long" and then blank stares
-Did not find THE dress
-I definitely did hate my body at the end of it all
- Pricing was all over the place. LuLu's was around $800 (similar to David's Bridal!), Stellas was $2,000 and up and Couture Bridal in Addision was in the middle.
A few photos of the dresses that didn't make the cut:
I took some time following my 2 day dress fest and thought about each dress. Then I looked in the pictures at the dresses....because at the end of the day all you will do it look at the pictures right? If it didn't look good in pictures I didn't want to consider it. If the details that I loved about it didn't come out in the photos, I didn't want to pick it. I had a freak out moment that my MOH, Shaena, helped me through when I thought I needed to find another dress because none of the ones I tried on where 'The One'.
And finally I made up my mind. I am getting the dress I tried on in Amarillo with my fiance's sister. I loved that dress the minute I put it on and I love that my future Sister-in-Law was there to pick it out with me.
And then this website came in to my e-mail inbox from my uncle: www.dressilyme.com I quickly visited this site (as I hope you will) and I noticed almost every dress I tried on is on this website! (expect for the LuLu dresses) Even my Amarillo dress! And this website isn't charging me the $1200 Amarillo is charging. It's only $200!!!
I'm thinking this is too good to be true! But I'll let you know when I get my dress. I totally ordered it! I ordered standard size from dressilyme and I'll have the alternations done here. If I don't like it, I have 5 days to return it (returns are easier if you order standard size). Not a lot of time to return, but it will be in here in 20 days so I'll have plenty of time for pictures! All the salons I went to said it would take 3-6 months to get in. Hopefully Dressilyme works out and I don't have to order from a boutique because it will definitely be a RUSH order!
Wish me luck!
Living Life to the Fullest in a white dress!
-Rachel
What I expected at these boutiques:
- champagne
- to look stunning in every dress
- the "ooo"s and "ahh"s
- to find THE dress
- to hate my body
- Super expensive dresses
What actually happened:
-No champagne
-All dresses are size 10 so if you don't fit that don't consider going in. I fit most of the size 10's unless it was a tight fitting dress (mermaid). My hips are not a size 10.
-A few "ooo"s and "ahhs" but more "hurry up" "What's taking so long" and then blank stares
-Did not find THE dress
-I definitely did hate my body at the end of it all
- Pricing was all over the place. LuLu's was around $800 (similar to David's Bridal!), Stellas was $2,000 and up and Couture Bridal in Addision was in the middle.
A few photos of the dresses that didn't make the cut:
| I really really love this dress, but I can only wear one...so this didn't make the cut |
| My family really liked this dress, but the train was too short for me and it was too simple |
| I like the pleating on this dress and the train, but wasn't that big of a fan |
| This is my DREAM dress, from that last post. Obviously the mermaid look didn't work here but it's not custom fit to my body. The family did not like this dress, but this does look similar to the dress I will be wearing. |
I took some time following my 2 day dress fest and thought about each dress. Then I looked in the pictures at the dresses....because at the end of the day all you will do it look at the pictures right? If it didn't look good in pictures I didn't want to consider it. If the details that I loved about it didn't come out in the photos, I didn't want to pick it. I had a freak out moment that my MOH, Shaena, helped me through when I thought I needed to find another dress because none of the ones I tried on where 'The One'.
And finally I made up my mind. I am getting the dress I tried on in Amarillo with my fiance's sister. I loved that dress the minute I put it on and I love that my future Sister-in-Law was there to pick it out with me.
And then this website came in to my e-mail inbox from my uncle: www.dressilyme.com I quickly visited this site (as I hope you will) and I noticed almost every dress I tried on is on this website! (expect for the LuLu dresses) Even my Amarillo dress! And this website isn't charging me the $1200 Amarillo is charging. It's only $200!!!
I'm thinking this is too good to be true! But I'll let you know when I get my dress. I totally ordered it! I ordered standard size from dressilyme and I'll have the alternations done here. If I don't like it, I have 5 days to return it (returns are easier if you order standard size). Not a lot of time to return, but it will be in here in 20 days so I'll have plenty of time for pictures! All the salons I went to said it would take 3-6 months to get in. Hopefully Dressilyme works out and I don't have to order from a boutique because it will definitely be a RUSH order!
Wish me luck!
Living Life to the Fullest in a white dress!
-Rachel
June 14, 11:46 AM
I've given up! Ok, maybe I haven't given up but I am surrendering. I surrender all wedding planning to my wedding coordinator. It's hard enough trying to please everyone, but it's even harder trying to please them while I'm 300 miles away. My amazing fiance keeps reminding me that it doesn't matter what everyone else wants, all that matters is what I want. But I'm not that person.
Believe it or not, I'm a giver. I don't think I've always been a giver, but more recently I've put others before myself. I'm trying to live a 'saint-like' life so I guess that's why. But at the end of the day it's like "DID YOU NOT SEE WHAT I JUST DID FOR YOU! HELLO!! A LITTLE CREDIT HERE" But I'm not getting that credit and it's not important that I do. It's more important to be an example of service and faith. My boss suggested I read this book, Jesus of Nazareth, so hopefully that will provide some insight for me. How did Jesus handle always being the good guy? I know he threw that fit in the temple, but on an everyday basis, how did he suck it up and keep on keeping on?
My fiance is also a giver and sometimes we clash. For example: He had a 5 gallon jug of gasoline and offered to put it in my car (free gas!) and I said "no, no, put it in your truck". And he was hurt that I didn't take his offering. But I thought I was sacrificing and putting him first. It was funny when we talked about it at the end of the day, he told me "if someone offers you something you take it". He has told me that before so I guess I'm not getting the message.
Got off track there, sorry. So I'm hiring a wedding coordinator! That way everyone can get mad at her if they don't get their way.
As I interviewed her I asked a few questions:
a) What about your job do you love?
her answer: "the details, I love each and every detail coming together to create your wedding. I love your happiness at the end of the day"
GREAT answer. I'm a detail person and it's the details of this wedding that are driving me crazy.
b) What is the one thing you notice brides always forget or overlook? because I feel like I'm forgetting something
her answer: "When a bride hires me we are always on track and nothing falls between the cracks, but the one thing they don't do is take my advice. They hire me as a professional and don't listen to my professional advice so that's one flaw some brides have."
I thought that was a good honest answer. I could see myself telling her I know best and then my decision ruining the wedding. And what's the point of paying her 20% of our wedding budget if I can't let her do her job. Then I'll look like a fool TWICE!
I really do like this chick, so I'm pretty sure I'm going to hire her. Her fee is 20% of the wedding budget, but at this point I'm ok with that because this planning process is not fun for me right now. Knowing she's in charge will help keep things fun and relaxed!
Living Life to the Fullest with a support team of dedicated women!
-Rachel
Believe it or not, I'm a giver. I don't think I've always been a giver, but more recently I've put others before myself. I'm trying to live a 'saint-like' life so I guess that's why. But at the end of the day it's like "DID YOU NOT SEE WHAT I JUST DID FOR YOU! HELLO!! A LITTLE CREDIT HERE" But I'm not getting that credit and it's not important that I do. It's more important to be an example of service and faith. My boss suggested I read this book, Jesus of Nazareth, so hopefully that will provide some insight for me. How did Jesus handle always being the good guy? I know he threw that fit in the temple, but on an everyday basis, how did he suck it up and keep on keeping on?
| St. Isabella of Portugal Patron Saint of Brides Pray for me! |
Got off track there, sorry. So I'm hiring a wedding coordinator! That way everyone can get mad at her if they don't get their way.
As I interviewed her I asked a few questions:
a) What about your job do you love?
her answer: "the details, I love each and every detail coming together to create your wedding. I love your happiness at the end of the day"
GREAT answer. I'm a detail person and it's the details of this wedding that are driving me crazy.
b) What is the one thing you notice brides always forget or overlook? because I feel like I'm forgetting something
her answer: "When a bride hires me we are always on track and nothing falls between the cracks, but the one thing they don't do is take my advice. They hire me as a professional and don't listen to my professional advice so that's one flaw some brides have."
I thought that was a good honest answer. I could see myself telling her I know best and then my decision ruining the wedding. And what's the point of paying her 20% of our wedding budget if I can't let her do her job. Then I'll look like a fool TWICE!
I really do like this chick, so I'm pretty sure I'm going to hire her. Her fee is 20% of the wedding budget, but at this point I'm ok with that because this planning process is not fun for me right now. Knowing she's in charge will help keep things fun and relaxed!
| St. Elizabeth of Hungary Patron Saint of Young Brides Pray for me |
Living Life to the Fullest with a support team of dedicated women!
-Rachel
June 14, 11:46 AM
June 14, 11:47 AM
I finally went wedding dress shopping! It was awful! Not completely awful, but not at all what I expected. With all my family events going on this weekend the only time available to shop was Sunday afternoon. Looking back it was really sad having to squeeze in wedding dress shopping like a chore or something. Next time I come to town I'm coming to dress shop and that's it! You only get to shop for a wedding dress one time, it should be a special experience.
The only dress stores open on Sunday are the big chains: David's Bridal and Alfred Angelo. David's Bridal is the closest to our house so I made a 3:30 appointment. Our sales associate was super nice and did a great job finding what I asked for and then finding what would look good on me.
Let's refresh what I thought I wanted:
1. Be sure the dress is interesting from the waist up
2. no strapless
3. show shoulders
4. minimize booty
5. find comfort
Ya, #5 will be impossible. Wedding dresses are heavy, hot and incredibly uncomfortable!! I don't understand why, but everything I tried on caused me to sweat like a pig! I might have been having a Carrie Bradshaw moment, but I didn't break out in hives, so I think it was just the fabric and weight of each dress.
The first dress I tried on was an a-line dress,. The #4 request of minimize booty did not happen in this dress. It made my boobs look big and then made my tummy and booty look big, definitely not the style for me. It was comfortable, but strapless so it was out. Didn't even bother to take a picture in it...
This next dress was cool. It had a HUGE skirt, way too big, and the sales associate clipped the chest area awkward so it looks weird in the photo. But the skirt disconnects from the top and the top is actually a cocktail dress that is hidden under the skirt. I think it's a cute concept that would go well with the cowboy boots I want to wear at the reception.
I showed this dress to the Farmer and he didn't like it. His reaction was "It doesn't show off your curves". I love that he loves the part of me I dislike the most!
This was the dress I "liked the most". I didn't love any dress, but this one I liked the most:
Wow! The lightening in there is awful. When my mom took these pictures she took them sitting down, so I look SUPER FAT. Which is why I'm eating a salad for lunch today. Here I was thinking I didn't want something form fitting, but the Farmer is right, this look is great on me, I think. I love the straps and boob coverage but would need it taken in under the chest to show I do have a waist. This was full lace with a few beads and sequins on the train and bust. I'm concerned the beads will catch on carpet or any flooring and cause the train to skip while I'm walking down the aisle instead of flow smoothly ya know? I do love this veil.
So it wasn't the best shopping trip, but the dresses were only $850 so maybe if we find some higher quality dresses it will be the fit and style I'm looking for. I'm researching Dallas boutiques and the designers they carry. I came across this La Sposa dress that I love. It is a Spanish designer, as in Barcelona Spain.
I do love this dress from La Sposa. It highlights the curves, but keeps them soft and romantic. I've always wanted a veil with the lace trim and this is just over the top! This dress isn't that interesting in the bust area and there are no straps, so we'll have to try it on to see what I think. I know this designer is in a Dallas area bridal boutique so I might call ahead to be sure they have this dress in stock!
If I'm doing the calculations right, it can take up to 6 months to get your dress in and altered, so I need to have a dress by the end of August. Eek! Pray for me!
Living Life to the Fullest, just not in a wedding dress yet....
-Rachel
The only dress stores open on Sunday are the big chains: David's Bridal and Alfred Angelo. David's Bridal is the closest to our house so I made a 3:30 appointment. Our sales associate was super nice and did a great job finding what I asked for and then finding what would look good on me.
Let's refresh what I thought I wanted:
1. Be sure the dress is interesting from the waist up
2. no strapless
3. show shoulders
4. minimize booty
5. find comfort
Ya, #5 will be impossible. Wedding dresses are heavy, hot and incredibly uncomfortable!! I don't understand why, but everything I tried on caused me to sweat like a pig! I might have been having a Carrie Bradshaw moment, but I didn't break out in hives, so I think it was just the fabric and weight of each dress.
The first dress I tried on was an a-line dress,. The #4 request of minimize booty did not happen in this dress. It made my boobs look big and then made my tummy and booty look big, definitely not the style for me. It was comfortable, but strapless so it was out. Didn't even bother to take a picture in it...
This next dress was cool. It had a HUGE skirt, way too big, and the sales associate clipped the chest area awkward so it looks weird in the photo. But the skirt disconnects from the top and the top is actually a cocktail dress that is hidden under the skirt. I think it's a cute concept that would go well with the cowboy boots I want to wear at the reception.
I showed this dress to the Farmer and he didn't like it. His reaction was "It doesn't show off your curves". I love that he loves the part of me I dislike the most!
This was the dress I "liked the most". I didn't love any dress, but this one I liked the most:
Wow! The lightening in there is awful. When my mom took these pictures she took them sitting down, so I look SUPER FAT. Which is why I'm eating a salad for lunch today. Here I was thinking I didn't want something form fitting, but the Farmer is right, this look is great on me, I think. I love the straps and boob coverage but would need it taken in under the chest to show I do have a waist. This was full lace with a few beads and sequins on the train and bust. I'm concerned the beads will catch on carpet or any flooring and cause the train to skip while I'm walking down the aisle instead of flow smoothly ya know? I do love this veil.
So it wasn't the best shopping trip, but the dresses were only $850 so maybe if we find some higher quality dresses it will be the fit and style I'm looking for. I'm researching Dallas boutiques and the designers they carry. I came across this La Sposa dress that I love. It is a Spanish designer, as in Barcelona Spain.
| Click for link: This is dress number 7 of 17 |
If I'm doing the calculations right, it can take up to 6 months to get your dress in and altered, so I need to have a dress by the end of August. Eek! Pray for me!
Living Life to the Fullest, just not in a wedding dress yet....
-Rachel
June 14, 11:47 AM
It's time for a wedding post. Yes I'm engaged. I haven't shared that yet but I am. The farmer still has pictures of the engagement on his camera that he can't seem to locate. So until I have visual proof take my word that I'm engaged!!
With planting season here now and harvest coming in the fall there are few months in a year we can get married. It looks like we'll be having a winter wedding. Meaning I now have 8 months to get my rear in gear and start planning the wedding.
It really helps that my parent's friends and my family are so open to help us with the wedding. My mom's friend offered to throw an engagement party and help me with my invitations. She's an artist with 2 sons that have no intention of getting married soon so she's itching for a wedding.
My aunt offered to buy my wedding dress which would be a huge load off of my personal expenses, as I was expecting to buy it for myself. Moving to West Texas was the first step in preparing for the wedding. It helped me cut back on living expenses leaving me room to save. Saving is the only way to have the wedding of my dreams. It was a sacrifice I was willing to take but it turned out not everybody is as open minded as I am.
When my mom heard about my aunt offering to buy my dress she would not have it. She feels it is the mothers role to buy the dress. I have never been married before so I have no clue! I've read multiple wedding books and it's tradition for the brides family to pay for the wedding so I guess dress falls into that category. I do remember reading you should accept all gifts unless it causes tension. I wouldn't have accepted this gift from my aunt if I thought it would cause tension. And honestly I was blind sided when my mother shared her feeling of rejection. In no way did I purposly intend to reject my mother and in no way did my mom offer to help with the wedding initially. Hence me changing my lifestyle to make this event happen.
The day before I moved to west Texas, while the Uhaul is full and sitting in the driveway my mom extends her financial help and requests it goes toward buying the dress. She also wants to be included in all things wedding which is understandable as the mother of the bride.
It's been a month since the move, so hopefully things have smoothed over... I'll be traveling to Dallas this weekend for my littlest sisters dance recital and I plan on doing some dress shopping if possible.
My thoughts on wedding dresses are:
A) most personal photos are taken from the waist up do be sure your dress is interesting from the waist up.
B) I'm big busted so I need straps. Cannot do strapless
C) Farmer likes my shoulders so try to show those.
D) minimize the booty
E) find something comfortable. Meaning I can sit down in it, dance in it, kneel and stand in it but also it's not so stuffy that it's not a representation of me, it won't look good in cowboy boots and I look out off place in my elegant farm wedding. No backless silk plunging neckline going on here....
I'm leaning toward something like this:
With planting season here now and harvest coming in the fall there are few months in a year we can get married. It looks like we'll be having a winter wedding. Meaning I now have 8 months to get my rear in gear and start planning the wedding.
It really helps that my parent's friends and my family are so open to help us with the wedding. My mom's friend offered to throw an engagement party and help me with my invitations. She's an artist with 2 sons that have no intention of getting married soon so she's itching for a wedding.
My aunt offered to buy my wedding dress which would be a huge load off of my personal expenses, as I was expecting to buy it for myself. Moving to West Texas was the first step in preparing for the wedding. It helped me cut back on living expenses leaving me room to save. Saving is the only way to have the wedding of my dreams. It was a sacrifice I was willing to take but it turned out not everybody is as open minded as I am.
When my mom heard about my aunt offering to buy my dress she would not have it. She feels it is the mothers role to buy the dress. I have never been married before so I have no clue! I've read multiple wedding books and it's tradition for the brides family to pay for the wedding so I guess dress falls into that category. I do remember reading you should accept all gifts unless it causes tension. I wouldn't have accepted this gift from my aunt if I thought it would cause tension. And honestly I was blind sided when my mother shared her feeling of rejection. In no way did I purposly intend to reject my mother and in no way did my mom offer to help with the wedding initially. Hence me changing my lifestyle to make this event happen.
The day before I moved to west Texas, while the Uhaul is full and sitting in the driveway my mom extends her financial help and requests it goes toward buying the dress. She also wants to be included in all things wedding which is understandable as the mother of the bride.
It's been a month since the move, so hopefully things have smoothed over... I'll be traveling to Dallas this weekend for my littlest sisters dance recital and I plan on doing some dress shopping if possible.
My thoughts on wedding dresses are:
A) most personal photos are taken from the waist up do be sure your dress is interesting from the waist up.
B) I'm big busted so I need straps. Cannot do strapless
C) Farmer likes my shoulders so try to show those.
D) minimize the booty
E) find something comfortable. Meaning I can sit down in it, dance in it, kneel and stand in it but also it's not so stuffy that it's not a representation of me, it won't look good in cowboy boots and I look out off place in my elegant farm wedding. No backless silk plunging neckline going on here....
I'm leaning toward something like this:
I'll let you know how it goes. Hopefully no more drama!
June 14, 11:48 AM
What a freakin week! This week has gone to the dogs.
First the dog days of summer are definitely here with temperatures in the high 90's. Then the neighbors pitbull escapes! The rumor has it he was going for my 2 year old nephew but the boy's chihuahua got in the way and it was attacked by the pitbull, instead of the boy.
The farmer got a stomach virus with a headache and he was throwing up for 3 days straight. He was sick as a dog.
And finally my puppies got their summer haircut. I love that they love me unconditionally because that haircut is embarrassing! I can't even post pictures, it's sad.
But we are going to Dallas this weekend for Memorial day/dance recital/graduation parties and no hair cut or sickness us going to stop us!
First the dog days of summer are definitely here with temperatures in the high 90's. Then the neighbors pitbull escapes! The rumor has it he was going for my 2 year old nephew but the boy's chihuahua got in the way and it was attacked by the pitbull, instead of the boy.
The farmer got a stomach virus with a headache and he was throwing up for 3 days straight. He was sick as a dog.
And finally my puppies got their summer haircut. I love that they love me unconditionally because that haircut is embarrassing! I can't even post pictures, it's sad.
But we are going to Dallas this weekend for Memorial day/dance recital/graduation parties and no hair cut or sickness us going to stop us!
Posts
October 23, 05:25 PM
July 27, 02:49 PM
July 03, 11:04 PM
June 25, 08:27 PM
June 19, 04:05 PM
June 11, 08:32 PM
June 09, 08:13 PM
June 06, 05:45 PM
June 05, 07:33 PM
June 04, 11:59 PM
June 04, 10:55 PM
June 04, 07:55 PM
June 04, 05:58 PM
June 04, 05:38 PM
May 30, 09:37 AM
May 30, 01:06 AM
May 25, 09:51 PM
May 24, 11:04 PM
May 24, 09:26 PM
May 24, 09:06 PM
Profile
Latest checkin
-
@Starbucks (427 Slide Rd)3 days ago in Lubbock, Tx
Badges
Checkin history
-
@Starbucks (427 Slide Rd)3 days ago
-
@TTU - United Spirit Arena (1701 Indiana Ave.)5 days ago
-
@Pei Wei Asian Diner (4210 82nd St)3 weeks ago
-
@Staples (6205 Slide Road)3 weeks ago
-
@Lucky Chen (1803 7th St, #801)3 weeks ago
-
@Academy Sports & Outdoors (5802 19th St)3 weeks ago
-
@Texas Roadhouse (4810 S Loop 289)4 weeks ago
-
@Bob Mill's Furniture (6000 Spur 327)4 weeks ago
-
@Sofa Mart (5021 W Loop 289)4 weeks ago
-
@Joe's Crab Shack (5802 Avenue W)4 weeks ago
-
@Holy Spirit Catholic Church (9821 Frankford Ave)4 weeks ago
-
@Saint Mary Cathedral Catholic Church (203 E. 10th St.)6 weeks ago
-
@IHOP (701 N Interstate 27)2 months ago
-
@Academy Sports & Outdoors (5802 19th St)3 months ago
-
@jcpenney (7701 W I-40 Ste 600)3 months ago
-
@Franks Bakery (1923 S Western St)3 months ago
-
@thai thai (5018 50th)3 months ago
-
@Staples (6205 Slide Road)3 months ago
-
3 months ago
-
@Fogo de Chão Churrascaria (849 E Commerce St, #393)3 months ago
Map
Upcoming Trips
Past Trips
Upcoming
Past
-
Padre2011-06-10 - 2011-06-13
-
Lubbock, TX, June 20112011-06-03 - 2011-06-05
-
80,000 acres - my Easter with Jesus2011-04-21 - 2011-04-23
-
NYC2011-02-25 - 2011-02-27
-
Sarah's Wedding2010-11-19 - 2010-11-21
Posts
Standing above the crowd….open and ready to take on the world (Taken with Instagram)
Bridal bouquet? As seen on my blog: www.rachelnkellar.Blogspot.com (Taken with instagram)
“the biblical teaching is this: Be angry, yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger” (Taken with instagram)
Fiancé is going to be so mad that I didn’t listen to him when he tools me to get a new tire. #Ihatecars (Taken with instagram)
Worry not about who kills the life of a man, worry only who kills his soul (Taken with instagram)
If this isn’t Sunday I don’t know what it’s….if only they’d stay this still when I cut their hair! (Taken with instagram)
