While I waited on the plane to Texas a couple weeks ago I spent some time looking at the magazines and books for the long flight. I got a little excited when I saw the one book I’ve been dying to read lately, Things I Wish I’d Known Before We Got Married by Gary Chapman. Without even thinking I grabbed the book and had to buy it. No, Peter and I were not engaged but we were having many conversations about our future together and I knew he would be my husband so I couldn’t wait to start reading the book.

One of the many things I loved about this book is the quote below.

“This is not a book on how to plan a wedding. 
This is a book on how to have a successful marriage.”

Duh, all of the wedding plans are fun but the most important planning for me is my preparation to become wife. I pray to become a godly wife that mirrors what the bible says a wife should be. I want to be a wife that will support her husband and love him even when I don’t always agree with him, because we all know that will happen. I want to be the happiness on that crappy bad day. I want to become a wife…. not just a bride. So, I dived into this book and thought about our relationship. Making mental notes and reminders about things I felt were important to talk about. I read for almost the entire flight and then I packed the book away excited to spend a wonderful weekend with my boyfriend having no idea that he was going to be my fiancé in just thirty something hours.

I’m not going to lie… it feels a little bit more exciting to read this book now and see my new ring on my finger. When I am reading it I’m underlining and highlighting and circling important things. When I am finished I’m going to give it to Peter so he can do the same then we can go through our concerns together. I’m so excited about the many changes ahead but most of all I’m thrilled about who I get to experience them with.

This book really is so wonderful for all seasons of life.
single, dating, engaged or married... it has some great information to help you prepare for marriage or settle into marriage so go pick it up and enjoy! 

It's the little things.

Sometimes life can become so hectic and busy that you have those weeks that just fly by. Before you know it 14 days have gone by and you know some special things have happened but it’s all a blur. When you look back at the memories some big things pop in your head but the little things are there too.

the goose bumps you get on your arms when you listen to a song that you’ve never heard before but somehow it feels like you could have written it // the tears that fill your eyes when you see the happiness on someone’s face when they come up from under the water after being baptized, that moment will always get me // while sitting at a bar with your favorite person on a Fall day, he leans over and whispers “leaves are falling outside” because he knows that’s your favorite thing about Fall

Personally, the little things are my favorite....

a gentleman and three ladies.

Live music is one of my most favorite things and a close second is a yummy bowl of Shrimp & Grits so thanks to  the new restaurant, Southern Culture, I enjoyed a lovely night with my gentleman and 2 of my favorite ladies on Saturday night! 

The food was yummy. The music by Hardin Draw was soooo good. The atmosphere was perfect and the setting was so beautiful. Soft lighting and 2 lovely fire places helped set the mood for wine, dinner and fun conversations. I love the people I get to do life with and I’m so thankful for nights that make me realize how blessed I really am. Even my wine glass was feeling the love!! ;) 

This week is going to be a hectic one but I know it will be a lot of fun too… trying to take some deep breaths while I prepare for it. Remembering that I will be surrounded by God’s grace and some wonderful people to keep me laughing and smiling always helps.  

I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him.

{Psalm 62:1)

I plan on reciting this in my head (and maybe out loud if needed) during this week ahead because I know He will settle my heart and calm my spirit. Alright Tuesday, here we go.

ACL Madness!

Austin is such an awesome city… the people that live there enjoy keeping it weird but I liked that too. There were a lot of hipsters and hippies. Amazing food. Spending time with a dear friend that lives far away ((so happy you came Jon)). The best bloody mary I’ve ever had and a yummy margarita too. Cute yoga studios. No such thing as mild salsa. Super scary birds that I am 100% sure wanted to eat me. A street of old houses that have been turned into awesome bars. Dirty, aching feet and a twisted ankle. One certain man dropping to his knee and making me the happiest woman in Austin. Spicy tacos from one of the many food trucks. Learning that food trucks really are the best invention ever. Life altering performance by Florence & the Machine. Only having to buy 1 souvenir T-Shirt because my future husband and I can wear the same size which made me have that ah-ha moment where I realized we are going to share drawers one day which also made me do a happy dance. Honestly, the list could go on and on… the many memories from Austin will always stay with me. It was a perfect weekend, sprained ankle and all.

I joked with Peter and said that since we got engaged during the ACL Music Festival weekend we should come back every year. When I say joke I mean I giggled after the comment but in my heart I was very serious. It only makes sense to celebrate with awesome music and amazing food every year, right?

It's Tuesday.

and after a very exciting weekend I haven't compiled all that excitement in a new blog post but I do know a few things.... 

I have a wonderful fiancé that I love very much! 

I have a mother, family and friends that are so excited for me!!

and that mother and a close group of girlfriends helped me celebrate last night! 

cheers to love because love is a great thing...

and I am so blessed to experience all kinds of love. 

Most importantly, the love of my Savior that will always support me and never let me down

the love of my family that He has graciously given me 

the love of my future husband and my future family

and the love of the amazing women that the Lord has placed in my life. 

All of this love is so important to me and I know I wouldn't be smiling in that picture without it!

after I can take a second to breathe I will share some fun from ACL because it was seriously amazing... I'm still tired from all the music, walking and amazing food! 

Until later, have a happy Tuesday and a high five to you.