Nope, I'm still around. Just running as hard and fast as ever. My week has been slammed FULL of chaos and I can happily say that the cure for that was almost 12 hours of sleep last night. And man, did that feel good. As I stated on Monday, having administrators out of the office is no fun (for me, anyway) and seeing as how I had at least one of them out every day, there was a big ol' lack of fun in my office. I was telling my mom the other day that I honestly cannot tell you what happens between 7:30am & 4pm every work day. After 8.5 hours at work with 300+ people relying on me, I can't really remember a single thing that happened. That's sad to not remember over a 1/3 of my day but that's how fast my mind runs. Oh well...
We had moving day at our church today (which sounds really strange to say). They've been in a temporary situation for 2.5 years now and we just got our certificate of occupancy from the city this week so we were finally able to start moving things in. There was much disbelief about how much stuff (aka junk) had been in 5 storage rooms and by the time we left, I was just ready to toss everything into the trash pile (I felt like Niecy from Clean Sweep). But at least the biggest chunk of all that moving/organizing is done. Now if we can just find Z a nice, small desk...
This is so sad but I am pooped so I'm afraid I'm gonna have to say goodbye already. Yes, I'll be back-I'm doing my best to keep y'all posted. So take care until next time! Blessings on you!
~Bethany
P.S. Only 1 more week til Mom & Dad are in town for Grandma's 90th and I CAN'T WAIT!!! Good times to come :)
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
February, How I Love Thee
It's the evening of the 1st day of one of my favorite months and right now, I'm just thankful I survived it. With all 3 admins gone to an out of town meeting, I am lucky to be alive. 3 MIA admins+240 sad-the-wkend-is-over kids=1 very crazed/drained school secretary. Overall, it was a good day (I've def had worse) and I still love my job. Here is my day in numbers:
22 - the # of kids who needed the nurse (me)
3 - the # of kids who got sent to the principal's office
137,592 - the # of phone calls I answered (at least it felt like it)
5 - the # of people I told about our new school and what we offer
25 - the # of teachers who asked me for something
17 - the # of things I had on my desk at 3pm and had to clear off by 4
0 - the # of breaks I took today
1 - the # of corndogs I ate for lunch (Can I get an amen for corndog day?)
11 - the # of people who tried to 'help' me do my job
8 - the # of times I walked the entire school looking for someone/something
0 - the # of times I'd trade my job to go back to insurance (or most any other profession)
So like I said, all in all I had a decent day.
The weekend turned out quite interesting since Z and I stole away to Lakeview for a few hours. We made it a nice overnight date and minus the bruise on my hip that's bigger than my hand (which I'll spare your eyes from viewing), it was a good getaway.
Side story: I had a little slip up in the shower at the camp grounds Saturday morning that left the aforementioned bruise. Z had gone to his morning meeting and I was getting ready in the cabin (which turned out to be a nice 2 bed/2 bath house). Let's just say that soft water and a tub with no tread on the bottom do not like me, standing on 1 leg getting ready to shave. As soon as I hit the floor of the shower and realized what had happened, I repeated to myself over and over (out loud) "You're ok, you're ok, you're ok". Sometimes you just need to give yourself a little pep talk. So I assessed the situation and came to these conclusions:
1. I had hit my head but was not going to pass out. I willed myself not to pass out because I most certainly was not going to have a camp staffer see the cabin leaking water out of every crevice and find me laying naked in a tub full of water.
2. I had 2 choices, I could either lay there (like I remember from all those Lifetime movies I've watched) and let said staffer find my dead, naked body or I could get myself up and get the shower curtain that I pulled down re-hung and get it together.
I chose the latter. And while my body was definitely not happy about having moved in such a way that it was so unfamiliar with, I am glad I chose to salvage my pride. I didn't have a bruise until about 5 hours later (so I couldn't even prove to Z that I really had fallen until much later) but boy, did it appear when it finally found the surface of my skin. Yes, I am still sore and yes, this bruise will inevitably last until October but by golly, I still have my pride. That is, untilthe hundreds of you my mother reads this and tells all my friends to check my blog.
Nonetheless, February is one of my favorite months for many reasons.
1. Most years, it has 28 days which means there are 4 perfect weeks and that means the days & dates for February match the days & dates for March.
2. The years it has 29 days just make it that much cooler because what other month gets to add an extra day to itself?
3. My favorite holiday is in February. Valentine's day has always been of utmost importance to me ever since my infatuation with hot pink and royal purple began at the age of 4. I love love and I love sharing gifts of love. Hearts are definitely my thing and I like to think that I can celebrate Valentine's day all month long.
4. Have you seen the cute stuff you can buy at Target & Walmart for V-day? Especially if you wait until February 15th.
5. There is an endless chasm full of heart-shaped things to make at home and I LOVE browsing those options.
As you can tell, February is a favorite month of mine. And this February is one of the best since my family is coming to visit. My Grandmother is turning 90 on February 16th and my mom is throwing a little shindig for her and so the fam is all getting together. Side note: this is my grandmother who picked up her new eyeglasses and then directly went and renewed her driver's license. Watch out. But it will be a fun celebration and I look forward to seeing everyone.
That's all for today, folks. I'm heading to finish some wifely duties and get my tired self in bed. Blessings to you all for a terrific Tuesday!
~BAPP
22 - the # of kids who needed the nurse (me)
3 - the # of kids who got sent to the principal's office
137,592 - the # of phone calls I answered (at least it felt like it)
5 - the # of people I told about our new school and what we offer
25 - the # of teachers who asked me for something
17 - the # of things I had on my desk at 3pm and had to clear off by 4
0 - the # of breaks I took today
1 - the # of corndogs I ate for lunch (Can I get an amen for corndog day?)
11 - the # of people who tried to 'help' me do my job
8 - the # of times I walked the entire school looking for someone/something
0 - the # of times I'd trade my job to go back to insurance (or most any other profession)
So like I said, all in all I had a decent day.
The weekend turned out quite interesting since Z and I stole away to Lakeview for a few hours. We made it a nice overnight date and minus the bruise on my hip that's bigger than my hand (which I'll spare your eyes from viewing), it was a good getaway.
Side story: I had a little slip up in the shower at the camp grounds Saturday morning that left the aforementioned bruise. Z had gone to his morning meeting and I was getting ready in the cabin (which turned out to be a nice 2 bed/2 bath house). Let's just say that soft water and a tub with no tread on the bottom do not like me, standing on 1 leg getting ready to shave. As soon as I hit the floor of the shower and realized what had happened, I repeated to myself over and over (out loud) "You're ok, you're ok, you're ok". Sometimes you just need to give yourself a little pep talk. So I assessed the situation and came to these conclusions:
1. I had hit my head but was not going to pass out. I willed myself not to pass out because I most certainly was not going to have a camp staffer see the cabin leaking water out of every crevice and find me laying naked in a tub full of water.
2. I had 2 choices, I could either lay there (like I remember from all those Lifetime movies I've watched) and let said staffer find my dead, naked body or I could get myself up and get the shower curtain that I pulled down re-hung and get it together.
I chose the latter. And while my body was definitely not happy about having moved in such a way that it was so unfamiliar with, I am glad I chose to salvage my pride. I didn't have a bruise until about 5 hours later (so I couldn't even prove to Z that I really had fallen until much later) but boy, did it appear when it finally found the surface of my skin. Yes, I am still sore and yes, this bruise will inevitably last until October but by golly, I still have my pride. That is, until
Nonetheless, February is one of my favorite months for many reasons.
1. Most years, it has 28 days which means there are 4 perfect weeks and that means the days & dates for February match the days & dates for March.
2. The years it has 29 days just make it that much cooler because what other month gets to add an extra day to itself?
3. My favorite holiday is in February. Valentine's day has always been of utmost importance to me ever since my infatuation with hot pink and royal purple began at the age of 4. I love love and I love sharing gifts of love. Hearts are definitely my thing and I like to think that I can celebrate Valentine's day all month long.
4. Have you seen the cute stuff you can buy at Target & Walmart for V-day? Especially if you wait until February 15th.
5. There is an endless chasm full of heart-shaped things to make at home and I LOVE browsing those options.
As you can tell, February is a favorite month of mine. And this February is one of the best since my family is coming to visit. My Grandmother is turning 90 on February 16th and my mom is throwing a little shindig for her and so the fam is all getting together. Side note: this is my grandmother who picked up her new eyeglasses and then directly went and renewed her driver's license. Watch out. But it will be a fun celebration and I look forward to seeing everyone.
That's all for today, folks. I'm heading to finish some wifely duties and get my tired self in bed. Blessings to you all for a terrific Tuesday!
~BAPP
Friday, January 29, 2010
How do you summarize 6 months???
The answer: You don't.
Instead of trying to recap the past 6 months of my life, I figure I'll settle for the next best thing (at least in my opinion) which is inform you of my daily life. I have really missed writing and being able to express myself but I'm finding little pockets in my day when I can get a few lines written here and there. So here we go again...and I really am gonna try.
The weekend is finally upon us and I couldn't be more ready. Z & I are slipping out of town for a night and heading up to the Assemblies of God campgrounds just outside of Waxahachie. I'm very excited to just be able to get some rest but also to spend some quality time with him in our free little cabin just off the lake. Thank goodness the AG gives every minister 5 free nights a year. I can see this becoming a habit-one that is much needed. We need a little "no cell phones/no church stuff" time and I can't wait! (We're also gonna see his family and I am glad to spend some time with them since we haven't seen them much lately. Plus, Big D is cooking-yum!)
Just as an fyi for any readers other than my mom, I am working full-time for a charter school as the secretary and absolutely love it. I see the kids enough to meet my hug quota every day but also am not trapped with them all day. It was a little overwhelming at first but I've been with them since mid-September and have gotten most all of it under control. Last week was the end of my time with the temp agency that got me in here and I'm so excited to be them full-time now and starting my contract in August. It is such a blessing to go to work every day and not dread it and have the opportunity to be Jesus to little kids. They are so loving and I have SO many funny stories (which I'm sure will end up on the blog)-I am blessed. The hours are great and I have a month off in the summer, 2 weeks at Christmas, 1 week for spring break, and the occasional holiday/flexible hours so it couldn't work better for me and Z as we work with the youth.
Almost 6 months of wedded bliss and things are going splendidly. The occasional clash has occurred but no major battles. (I know, I know-you marriage veterans are screaming "They will come!".) But we have been fortunate enough to have the Lord working for us and through us and have worked through our "opportunities for compromise" quite swimmingly. (And now I am British apparently.) I am so thankful for my husband who loves God and loves me and treats me like a queen. I honestly couldn't ask for better.
As a side note, I have now laced 2 shoes, delivered 1 lunch, dealt with 1 stomachache, 1 toothache, 1 busted lip, conferred with 3 teachers and handled the front office workings and it's not even lunch time. But these days, that's an easy morning.
Until the next adventure,
Bethany
And yes, there will be more of this to come-I forgot how simple and therapeutic it was.
Instead of trying to recap the past 6 months of my life, I figure I'll settle for the next best thing (at least in my opinion) which is inform you of my daily life. I have really missed writing and being able to express myself but I'm finding little pockets in my day when I can get a few lines written here and there. So here we go again...and I really am gonna try.
The weekend is finally upon us and I couldn't be more ready. Z & I are slipping out of town for a night and heading up to the Assemblies of God campgrounds just outside of Waxahachie. I'm very excited to just be able to get some rest but also to spend some quality time with him in our free little cabin just off the lake. Thank goodness the AG gives every minister 5 free nights a year. I can see this becoming a habit-one that is much needed. We need a little "no cell phones/no church stuff" time and I can't wait! (We're also gonna see his family and I am glad to spend some time with them since we haven't seen them much lately. Plus, Big D is cooking-yum!)
Just as an fyi for any readers other than my mom, I am working full-time for a charter school as the secretary and absolutely love it. I see the kids enough to meet my hug quota every day but also am not trapped with them all day. It was a little overwhelming at first but I've been with them since mid-September and have gotten most all of it under control. Last week was the end of my time with the temp agency that got me in here and I'm so excited to be them full-time now and starting my contract in August. It is such a blessing to go to work every day and not dread it and have the opportunity to be Jesus to little kids. They are so loving and I have SO many funny stories (which I'm sure will end up on the blog)-I am blessed. The hours are great and I have a month off in the summer, 2 weeks at Christmas, 1 week for spring break, and the occasional holiday/flexible hours so it couldn't work better for me and Z as we work with the youth.
Almost 6 months of wedded bliss and things are going splendidly. The occasional clash has occurred but no major battles. (I know, I know-you marriage veterans are screaming "They will come!".) But we have been fortunate enough to have the Lord working for us and through us and have worked through our "opportunities for compromise" quite swimmingly. (And now I am British apparently.) I am so thankful for my husband who loves God and loves me and treats me like a queen. I honestly couldn't ask for better.
As a side note, I have now laced 2 shoes, delivered 1 lunch, dealt with 1 stomachache, 1 toothache, 1 busted lip, conferred with 3 teachers and handled the front office workings and it's not even lunch time. But these days, that's an easy morning.
Until the next adventure,
Bethany
And yes, there will be more of this to come-I forgot how simple and therapeutic it was.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
A happy little list
Although the public my mother has been clamoring for my long-awaited return to the blog for quite a while, I've been lacking a bit in the motivation department. However, the mood finally struck me this afternoon as I've been doing matronly, house-wifey things. Without wanting to have to post a novel to catch everyone up to speed (I am planning a recap of the days prior to and immediately following the wedding), I decided to post in my blog form of choice: the list. So journey with me as I revisit some random thoughts on the past 3 weeks of married life...
1. Our 2 bed/2 bath apartment is finally starting to look like home since Z and I spend Labor Day laboring on it.
2. There are probably only 5 cardboard boxes of junk visible within our house which is a huge accomplishment considering 5 days ago there were probably 20.
3. I have *almost* found a place for everything which is definitely something I'm proud of.
4. Z and I scored $200 worth of Bed, Bath, & Beyond items yesterday for FREE (when we combined our gift cards and coupons).
5. As I type, Z is at the DMV
6. Z and I are officially on one insurance policy-thank goodness.
7. Since we have no tv service at the moment (and haven't for the past 5 weeks since we've been in the new place) we have successfully watched 2 1/2 seasons of The Office. And he's learning why I'm so addicted :)
8. I'm happy to announce that ALL wedding gifts & paraphenalia have been put away or put to use and I couldn't be happier! Now if the rest of those pesky little thank you notes would write themselves... (I don't mind writing them-enjoy it actually-but when you have 125 to do, completion of the task can seem a little out of reach.)
9. In the first 3 weeks of married life, Z and I have conquered some major obstacles that come with living together and getting adjusted to each other. Although I sure haven't maintained the same title, he has really been the 'angel-pie' that his grandma thinks he is. I certainly couldn't ask for a better husband...
10. There are some good job leads that I will be hitting tomorrow and I am excited about my re-entrance into the 'rat race'. I always thought I would enjoy being a housewife (and I do) but I need a little part-time something or I will go crazy!
And that,
Hope you enjoyed and tune in again soon for another update on the 1st year!
Blessings,
B
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
3 Days til Mrs. Parker
What a wedding rollercoaster I am on! It has twists and turns, ups and downs, slows and fasts, but this rollercoaster never stops!
I seriously doubt that anyone will check this before the big day Saturday but just in case I thought I'd write another quick post. It's funny how I thought I'd be all organized and prepared and have plenty of time to write a post each week. I laugh at myself for even thinking I'd come close to that. Between moving, church things, traveling, planning, troubleshooting and trying to rest somewhere among all that-not to mention spend quality time with Z-I have barely had a moment to breathe.
We got semi-settled into our new luxury (i.e. brushed silver fixtures, spacious, granite-like countertops, 11 x 14 bedroom, limited cabinet space) apartment and I like it-surprisingly. I was so afraid of getting in and finding out we don't have enough space or could hear our neighbors or had to worry for safety. But I'm finding that if we sell the stuff we don't need, keep our corner unit (which is a blessing even in spite of the traffic), and are friendly to our neighbors-we should have it made. We have everything set up except for decorations and even though the 2nd bedroom FULL of boxes to go through, I really think we'll be happy there. Another youth pastor Z knows lives upstairs with his wife and we are in a GREAT location. Add to that a very nice swimming pool and a great clubhouse for youth parties, and I think we'll be very happy. I just can't wait to get home and 'womanize' it-make it pretty. Then it will be even more like home.
The wedding plans are coming together a little slowly now but well. I flew into NC Saturday morning and what a trip that was. We left Tyler at 3:30am which should have been plenty of time to make it to the DFW airport. However, I didn't anticipate feeling extremely nauseous on the way so we stopped and got breakfast. When we were almost at the airport, I began looking for my flight confirmation so I could know which terminal we needed (DFW has 5) but couldn't find it ANYWHERE. I knew I was flying either United or US Air so we stopped at United at 6:05am (keep in mind you must check in more than 45 minutes in advance) and it was the WRONG ONE. So as I swiped my debit card to check in with US Air at 6:17!!! I was informed that I would need to be booked for the next flight. And so I was booked on the 8:30 direct flight to Charlotte and my bag was processed.
As Z and I took a seat (and I'm bawling because HELLO!?!?!? I have to be in Eden at a bridal shower for myself by 2pm and my flight would not land in Charlotte until 12pm and it's a 2 hour drive to Eden from there) I noticed that my boarding pass had an incorrect name-it showed P. Nacido as the passenger. Now I'm not up to date on all FAA regulations but I was pretty sure I'd never make it through security without having a boarding pass to match my driver's license. So Z went back to the counter to inquire about it. As he returned, he motioned for me to come. I was very confused but he explained that the desk rep told him the 8:30 flight was having maintenance issues and so he was letting me go on the 7am flight. I didn't understand it but Z just explained that 'God showed me favor'. At 6:31am I got in a security line that weaved itself 4 lines deep and had serious doubts that I would make the flight. But somehow, I was waiting to board at 6:50 and they had just started the boarding process. I had made my flight.
But my luggage did not. I landed in Charlotte 15 minutes late and upon inquiring about my luggage at the US Air desk, discovered that the 8:30 flight had been cancelled-God had surely answered a prayer. For the 2.5 hours of the flight, I contemplated what I would do if my luggage didn't make it. I was wearing gauchos and a t shirt and NO makeup-there was no way I was going to a shower in my honor looking like that. When I arrived, my nightmare was true but I was informed that it was very likely I would receive my bag within the next several hours. Positive about that possibility, we left on our VERY FAST trek to Eden where I stopped in Wal-Mart & Cato to grab the essentials-toothbrush/paste, mascara, blush, a dress, shoes, earrings and a bracelet (an entire outfit which cost me $36.00) and off we went to the shower.
And what a shower it was! I saw faces I hadn't seen in YEARS-former church members, old friends from church & school, and even a former teacher whom I have really grown to respect and admire! It was absolutely a fabulous party-and I didn't even care that I didn't look my 'best'. I got SO many compliments on the dress pictured here (me and some of my FAVORITE friends):
The shower really was a blast! I so enjoyed catching up with old friends and loving on people I miss so much in my life. It really felt like a reunion and honestly, I wish people got married more often so those kinds of reunions could happen more often. The food was YUMMY (all homemade except for the Biscuitville biscuits-which I had been craving) and the fellowship was incomparable. I am sooo blessed to have such loving and caring people in my life-I couldn't be more humbled by their generosity and acts of kindness. Thank you Ginny for being the brain behind such a fun celebration! YOU are the woman! (And sure enough, in the middle of the shower the airline called with news that they would deliver my bag to our house near Hickory...and I sang the Hallelujah Chorus!)
After the shower, we attended the wedding of a childhood church friend that Dad performed. He did a great job and despite the heat, there were lots of laughs and lots of good memories made. And after making a couple stops at my parents' friends houses and a slight delay by one of NC's finest state troopers, we arrived at home around 12:40am. Since I was pretty awake at that point (even though I'd slept maybe 20 minutes in almost 24 hours), I opened several wedding gifts that Mom and Dad had kept for me. That was exciting and so afterwards, I finally crashed. Having to be up at 9am the day after such a trek (and in singing condition by 10) proved a challenge but I survived and was in decent singing voice for my 2 songs. After homemade lunch and a quick nap, Mom and I set off to run wedding errands which we've also done yesterday and today. I finally got some good rest last night and am feeling the best I have all week.
We've hit it pretty hard but have gotten a lot done. So far we've purchased ribbon, picture frames, bridal portraits, sign supplies, gifts, and groceries (to feed the masses).There's still a lot left to do (pick up my dress, finalize programs, wrap gifts, assemble guest book, etc., etc., etc.) but I know that it will all come together. (At least that's what everyone keeps telling me.) Our wedding company starts arriving tomorrow and I'm getting more and more excited. Freak out mode hasn't set in yet although I'm sure it will pretty soon. But in all honesty, I can't wait! A lot of thought, a lot of tears, a lot of laughs and a lot of prayers have gone into the preparation for this special day and I am trusting God to bless our day and our marriage that we may be a portrait of His love for us, directing others to Him with our love.
For all our guests, when you arrive Saturday, just ask the gate guard for a map and watch for the hot pink signs for the Pearce-Parker Wedding. Parking will be available in the east lot next to Mountain Laurel (the hotel) and a shuttle service will be provided to the ceremony location-Rutland Chapel. Afterwards, please join us for the reception in the Holly Ballroom in the newly constructed Johnson Springs conference center. Our special day will be so enhanced by the presence of our friends and family and I cannot wait to share it all with you!
May each of you have a blessed rest of the week and I look forward to seeing you Friday and Saturday!
Blessings,
Bethany
I seriously doubt that anyone will check this before the big day Saturday but just in case I thought I'd write another quick post. It's funny how I thought I'd be all organized and prepared and have plenty of time to write a post each week. I laugh at myself for even thinking I'd come close to that. Between moving, church things, traveling, planning, troubleshooting and trying to rest somewhere among all that-not to mention spend quality time with Z-I have barely had a moment to breathe.
We got semi-settled into our new luxury (i.e. brushed silver fixtures, spacious, granite-like countertops, 11 x 14 bedroom, limited cabinet space) apartment and I like it-surprisingly. I was so afraid of getting in and finding out we don't have enough space or could hear our neighbors or had to worry for safety. But I'm finding that if we sell the stuff we don't need, keep our corner unit (which is a blessing even in spite of the traffic), and are friendly to our neighbors-we should have it made. We have everything set up except for decorations and even though the 2nd bedroom FULL of boxes to go through, I really think we'll be happy there. Another youth pastor Z knows lives upstairs with his wife and we are in a GREAT location. Add to that a very nice swimming pool and a great clubhouse for youth parties, and I think we'll be very happy. I just can't wait to get home and 'womanize' it-make it pretty. Then it will be even more like home.
The wedding plans are coming together a little slowly now but well. I flew into NC Saturday morning and what a trip that was. We left Tyler at 3:30am which should have been plenty of time to make it to the DFW airport. However, I didn't anticipate feeling extremely nauseous on the way so we stopped and got breakfast. When we were almost at the airport, I began looking for my flight confirmation so I could know which terminal we needed (DFW has 5) but couldn't find it ANYWHERE. I knew I was flying either United or US Air so we stopped at United at 6:05am (keep in mind you must check in more than 45 minutes in advance) and it was the WRONG ONE. So as I swiped my debit card to check in with US Air at 6:17!!! I was informed that I would need to be booked for the next flight. And so I was booked on the 8:30 direct flight to Charlotte and my bag was processed.
As Z and I took a seat (and I'm bawling because HELLO!?!?!? I have to be in Eden at a bridal shower for myself by 2pm and my flight would not land in Charlotte until 12pm and it's a 2 hour drive to Eden from there) I noticed that my boarding pass had an incorrect name-it showed P. Nacido as the passenger. Now I'm not up to date on all FAA regulations but I was pretty sure I'd never make it through security without having a boarding pass to match my driver's license. So Z went back to the counter to inquire about it. As he returned, he motioned for me to come. I was very confused but he explained that the desk rep told him the 8:30 flight was having maintenance issues and so he was letting me go on the 7am flight. I didn't understand it but Z just explained that 'God showed me favor'. At 6:31am I got in a security line that weaved itself 4 lines deep and had serious doubts that I would make the flight. But somehow, I was waiting to board at 6:50 and they had just started the boarding process. I had made my flight.
But my luggage did not. I landed in Charlotte 15 minutes late and upon inquiring about my luggage at the US Air desk, discovered that the 8:30 flight had been cancelled-God had surely answered a prayer. For the 2.5 hours of the flight, I contemplated what I would do if my luggage didn't make it. I was wearing gauchos and a t shirt and NO makeup-there was no way I was going to a shower in my honor looking like that. When I arrived, my nightmare was true but I was informed that it was very likely I would receive my bag within the next several hours. Positive about that possibility, we left on our VERY FAST trek to Eden where I stopped in Wal-Mart & Cato to grab the essentials-toothbrush/paste, mascara, blush, a dress, shoes, earrings and a bracelet (an entire outfit which cost me $36.00) and off we went to the shower.
And what a shower it was! I saw faces I hadn't seen in YEARS-former church members, old friends from church & school, and even a former teacher whom I have really grown to respect and admire! It was absolutely a fabulous party-and I didn't even care that I didn't look my 'best'. I got SO many compliments on the dress pictured here (me and some of my FAVORITE friends):
The shower really was a blast! I so enjoyed catching up with old friends and loving on people I miss so much in my life. It really felt like a reunion and honestly, I wish people got married more often so those kinds of reunions could happen more often. The food was YUMMY (all homemade except for the Biscuitville biscuits-which I had been craving) and the fellowship was incomparable. I am sooo blessed to have such loving and caring people in my life-I couldn't be more humbled by their generosity and acts of kindness. Thank you Ginny for being the brain behind such a fun celebration! YOU are the woman! (And sure enough, in the middle of the shower the airline called with news that they would deliver my bag to our house near Hickory...and I sang the Hallelujah Chorus!)
After the shower, we attended the wedding of a childhood church friend that Dad performed. He did a great job and despite the heat, there were lots of laughs and lots of good memories made. And after making a couple stops at my parents' friends houses and a slight delay by one of NC's finest state troopers, we arrived at home around 12:40am. Since I was pretty awake at that point (even though I'd slept maybe 20 minutes in almost 24 hours), I opened several wedding gifts that Mom and Dad had kept for me. That was exciting and so afterwards, I finally crashed. Having to be up at 9am the day after such a trek (and in singing condition by 10) proved a challenge but I survived and was in decent singing voice for my 2 songs. After homemade lunch and a quick nap, Mom and I set off to run wedding errands which we've also done yesterday and today. I finally got some good rest last night and am feeling the best I have all week.
We've hit it pretty hard but have gotten a lot done. So far we've purchased ribbon, picture frames, bridal portraits, sign supplies, gifts, and groceries (to feed the masses).There's still a lot left to do (pick up my dress, finalize programs, wrap gifts, assemble guest book, etc., etc., etc.) but I know that it will all come together. (At least that's what everyone keeps telling me.) Our wedding company starts arriving tomorrow and I'm getting more and more excited. Freak out mode hasn't set in yet although I'm sure it will pretty soon. But in all honesty, I can't wait! A lot of thought, a lot of tears, a lot of laughs and a lot of prayers have gone into the preparation for this special day and I am trusting God to bless our day and our marriage that we may be a portrait of His love for us, directing others to Him with our love.
For all our guests, when you arrive Saturday, just ask the gate guard for a map and watch for the hot pink signs for the Pearce-Parker Wedding. Parking will be available in the east lot next to Mountain Laurel (the hotel) and a shuttle service will be provided to the ceremony location-Rutland Chapel. Afterwards, please join us for the reception in the Holly Ballroom in the newly constructed Johnson Springs conference center. Our special day will be so enhanced by the presence of our friends and family and I cannot wait to share it all with you!
May each of you have a blessed rest of the week and I look forward to seeing you Friday and Saturday!
Blessings,
Bethany
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