Treat or Trick?!?!?!

4 years, 5 months, 6 days, 7 hours, 8 minutes, 9 seconds, 10....

So, Thomas and I have officially been together for a little over 53 months (see above). While he is counting down the weeks until we're officially together by God's union (aka - marriage), I am counting up the months we've been officially dating, including this engagement period. My belief is that it is a treat to be with Thomas, and the trick is to stay focused on Christ whom provides the guidance for our daily lives and our relationship.

Speaking of our engagement period:

Notice the wall...

...notice the wall again (and what two things are missing)...

...notice that my hand is back and so are the dots. The PI I was flying with couldn't figure out what was on the wall and after a few seconds it hit me - my beautiful engagement ring was making a sweet reflection pattern. I must say that it was a nifty discovery. As time progresses, I am discovering more and more tricks and gadgets related to this wonderful ring given to me by my Mr. Incredible. Thanks Thomas!

For those of you who are avid Halloween-ers - Happy Halloween!
I'm not sure what that means since Halloween is not exactly a happy holiday. Secondly, why is the term "holiday" used to describe it if there isn't anything holy about the day (it used to be, but now it's rather corrupt). Lastly, why is it socially acceptable to say "Happy Halloween" but not "Merry Christmas" when one is a pagan day and the other is religious day? If we are worried about offending the non-Christians on a Christian holiday, shouldn't we also be worried about offending the Christians on a non-Christian holiday? After all, Halloween came to be as a pagan rebellion against All Saints Day celebrated in the Catholic Church. My understanding is that it originated as a combination of a harvest festival and All Hallow's Eve (omit the "all," say it fast, and you get the word "halloween"), which makes sense since it is on the eve of All Saints Day (All Hallow's Day) and then All Soul's Day (Day of the Dead) follows. But, it was corrupted by neopagans and others not affiliated with the church.
Hmm...

A Petite Penta-Pile of Portraits of our Prayerful Promise

Engagement Pictures
Surprise! These photos came in earlier than I anticipated so as promised, here is a small taste of the fabulous engagement pictures (taken by Terri Gillis). If you want to see more photos, check out the album on Facebook.* Regardless of whether you have an account, you should be able to view them on Facebook. Please let me (us) know which photo you think is the best/your favorite. Thomas and I really enjoyed having these photos taken, so we can only hope you receive as much enjoyment by looking at them.

*The Facebook link will become active by the evening of 10.19.10. If you don't have a Facebook account, you can't comment on Facebook; however, you can comment here by clicking on "Comments" at the bottom of this post, type your comment in the box, and then use OpenID (type in your name where it says "OpenID URL"). Otherwise, email always works.

The photos were taken...

 Date = Sunday, September 19, 2010
 Time = 6-7 pm EDT
 Location = Warren Townsend Park, MI

Since this particular file is large, it doesn't show up as clear as the other photos.

What do you think?


(Also, we owe thanks to my sister-in-law and younger brother for helping Thomas and I coordinate our outfits.)

Manifesto for Monday

Can I just point out that yesterday was 10/10/10. Anyone who was not aware of the date might think I was being redundant if they asked me what the date was. Thankfully, it was a Sunday, meaning that the usual happenings of the week did not occur. Hence, I never encountered the situation I just described. I wonder, however, if any of you sat and pondered the date as you wrote a check or completed your homework assignment. So, did you?

Since this blog is in preparation for a wedding, I would like to give a shout out for two wedding anniversaries. These are people from my hometown church, East Nelson UMC in Cedar Springs, MI. Rick and Jody and Mike and Betty are/were celebrating within the last week. So, to them:
"Happy Wedding Anniversary!!! God bless you in the years to come!"

Circular Objects = Wedding bands
Thomas and I stopped in at a Jared in Detroit back in July. That particular day, we were on our way to a Tigers game (imagine us in Detroit Tigers hats). The decision was made to ferment on the ideas we had for the other's ring. Then, last weekend (10/3/10), Thomas and I stopped back in at a different Jared in the Twin Cities. This time, we were on our way back from hunter's safety (imagine us in orange hoodies). Needless to say, we decided upon the ring we wanted to give the other as a token of our love and to symbolize our marriage vows. I bought Thomas' band that day. Friday, Thomas went to Jared (LOL!!!) and picked up my band. So, this is yet another object(s) to check off of the list.


...oh...and today is Columbus Day, so don't go to the Post Office expecting it to be open (speaking from experience).

Friday of Fellowship...

Location for Rumination = Reception Hall
After talking to people in the West Michigan area, getting advice from Holland/Grand Rapids newlyweds, perusing the internet, sending emails, making phone calls, and finally visiting the two locations I had it narrowed down to, Thomas and I agreed that we would hold our wedding reception at the Cannonsburg Ski Area. The paperwork is all complete, so we are on their calendar!

Following the wedding, pictures will be taken, and eventually we will make our way to this hall for food and fellowship. The menu has not been finalized, but I'm certain we will have delicious delectables.

Threads for Thursday...

Habiliment = Wedding dress
Last week Friday, I went in to David's Bridal to finalize the color of my wedding habiliment (clothes as worn in a particular profession, way of life, etc.) and all of the threads (Sunday best, apparel, attire, dress, etc.). After talking to a consultant and looking at various colors and styles, I made up my mind. You'll have to wait until the Big Day to see the product I decided upon. Of course if I see you before then, I can try to clue you in (except you, Thomas).
There was an another benefit of going into the Rochester David's Bridal besides to finalize colors, and this benefit was purely accidental. I discovered that in Minnesota, there isn't tax on clothing. HUGE, right?!?!? So, instead of ordering my dress through the Grand Rapids David's Bridal and having to find time to be in MI try it on, etc., I ordered it through the Rochester David's Bridal. The item immediately became tax FREE, I live one mile from the store, and they will ship it to MI for FREE after I try it on! SWEET!!!

Since I recently made this purchase, I will be sending out information on how to obtain the proper apparel for the rest of the wedding party. I believe you all should qualify for a discount of sorts.

October Five - Busy as a Beehive

So...my last post was nearly two weeks ago (12 days to be exact). Like I foreshadowed in the posts prior, much was accomplished while Thomas and I were with the entire family in Michigan.

Hmm...where to start....oh yes...ENGAGEMENT PICTURES!!!
We received our reprints (or whatever) back from Terri Gillis, and we are sifting through loads of fantastic pictures online (I might be a little biased, so I'll eventually post some on here. I imagine it will be close to November.). After deciding which ones are the best, we'll receive a CD of all of the photos plus the fancified pictures. That is when a few will land on this site for you to stare at (and react however you please).

In the upcoming posts, there will be information about habiliments, circular objects, and the location for rumination. Eventually, I'll put up some posts pertaining to hoi polloi involved.