The Second Wedding

I have a new-found appreciation for caterers. Last night I had a (very small) glimpse into what it would look like to do that. We had a nice kitchen to work from, and only served about 100 people throughout the night on a small buffet of cold appetizers. Even so, we were running like crazy to keep up. 

Elizabeth, you were beautiful. Corey, you were beaming. I am so happy for you two and I wouldn't give away the chance we had to serve you on your wedding day. 

After doing this wedding though, I sit back and think--I really hope it isn't 85* on my wedding day. And WOW--What on earth am I about to put my aunt and uncle through in the tiny staging kitchen that will be available to them? I now have seen a glimpse of the craziness. 

Back to the wedding countdown:

1: Brittany and Dylan
2: Elizabeth and Corey

Showers:
1: Andrea (and Justin)
2: Me (:
3: Planning it this week.... 

And life goes on and days go by and soon we will be in a new chapter. 

The sneak peak we received yesterday doesn't exactly put us at rest, but it is characteristic of how God has always seen to provide for Joshua and myself in the past. It will likely be the way he continues to provide into our future. (PS, I am not a last minute person and He is making me very uncomfortable.....) But I know he will provide. More on that later. 

-Alainya

The Second Shower

This weekend I attended the second shower of the season -- this one being mine.

I don't know how often I have felt so blessed. I left church with my parents' credit card and my wonderful fiance. We had been given instructions to leave immediately, go out and buy a dress, and have lunch together. Then we were allowed to come back AT 2:00. Not before.

So we went out and found a lovely white dress, had a delicious lunch at Applebee's, and came back to the church at 2.

My family and my bridesmaids had been busy the two days before, and still even before that working on details and food and decorations. When I left, I can only imagine the Radzicki parade that stormed through the building on a mission as they do... and in a flurry they created a beautiful space and amazing food displayed gorgeously. The games were sweet, especially the bubblegum... and the guests were amazing. Paper hearts garlands hung from the ceiling and photos of my wonderful man and I, along with quotes from him, graced the tables. I read a few and began to cry...so I stopped.

"Her desire for God has always made me adore her."
"Her steadfast love reminds me of Christ."
"Her love of adventure is contagious."
"One of my favorite memories is trying (and succeeding) to eat soup in a tree."
"I love how her eyes twinkle when she smiles."
"Her excitement adds a hop to my step."
"I am proud of how much she puts herself into her work."
"She's never as tender as when she's holding a baby."
"She makes folding laundry a good time."
"She always wins tickle fights."
"Her back rubs are the best."
"Without fail, if I've had a bad day, being around her makes it better."
"Knowing she has a surprise makes me count the days until she shows me."
"Her compassion for those in need melts my heart."
"Holding her hand, I feel home."

I am BLESSED.

Thank you to everyone who made my day beautiful. 

Just 3 more Months

I haven't written anything in a while, and I have decided it's time to change that. As usual, it's probably a one-time thing, and I will forget to write again tomorrow for at least a month. It's what happens. Life is crazy. 

I really do mean crazy. . . . I got a new job, at Walmart. God bless my boss... He gave me about 35 days off just after hiring me for all the weddings and showers I am required to attend, plan, or take photos at between now and September. I've been designing invitations and programs like crazy. Trying (as hard as I have time to) to get this photo business thing running. Planning my own wedding. Planning bridal showers. Planning and posing for my own engagement photos. Attending premarital counseling. And working Walmart on my "days off". 

People keep asking what I do to relax, and I have to honestly say that I do not at the moment have any time for such things. 

92 days. 3 months. 

I honestly hope everything kind of levels out at some point... but I doubt that will happen before Christmas. 

I have attended only 1 wedding -- Brittany and Dylan, it was a blessing to share your day with you. Brittany, you were a beautiful bride, and Dylan, you face just lit up when you saw her come out from behind the barn... 

And 1 shower -- Andrea, it's been fun getting to know you a little better each time I see you. I am excited to follow you into married life just one month later! 

You know, it's hard being so busy. It's hard getting ready to be married. I don't know that I am ready for this... I don't know if anyone really ever is. I LOVE Joshua with all my heart. But I show it so poorly sometimes. I'm frightened to leave home and comfort...to move on. I find myself shying away from change like a mouse...to anything. 

But Joshua is good to me. He Loves me. He doesn't give up on me. He changes for me. He serves me. He is even learning to dance for me. He picks me daisies. He eats the food I burn and tells me it's just fine--even when it's tomato soup and he doesn't like it to begin with. He holds me when I cry and he is always there when I need him. 

There isn't a reason I should be scared. I just don't like change. Joshua Loves me like he should... like Jesus says.

Now I just need to figure out that Jesus Loves me more than Joshua does. Somehow, that's even harder than trusting Joshua and even harder than change.