RIP Mini

Today Blake found out that his Mini was deemed officially totaled. Such a bummer for him. It's so hard to see that happen to him when I know it's something that he loves so much! The most important thing is that he was fine. The accident shook him up a bit, but he came out without a scratch. So blessed! Blake's trying so hard to make the best decision possible as it comes to a new car. Should he buy new, used, something super cheap or maybe something more stable but more expensive. So difficult! I really admire his desire to not put his worth into this materialistic "thing" and simply just get something to get him from A to Z and to view it as just that. I can't say that I would have handled it all the same way. I found myself getting emotional just watching him process and go through the motions in his head.

I guess that's another learning for me lately -- loving someone so much that their hurts are really your hurts and their joys are your joys. I've experienced that in the past with family - but knowing that Blake and I will be partners for life and share all of it's blessings and valleys together takes it to a new level for me.

It's so hard to understand why God allows certain events to happen. Just when Blake had felt like he was getting his feet back on the ground with a new job and a new fiance (me!) boom....a kiddo comes out of no where and accidentally smashes up the mini. I'm really not sure what God wants with this situation....only time will tell. Or maybe not. I think sometimes God allows things to happen and allows us to really not understand. It's the mystery of faith. Sometimes it feels like insanity, sometimes it feels like you've got all your ducks in a row. Trusting even in confusion can be so difficult - but so stretching and so good. I pray God would strengthen Blake - even in uncertainty, confusion or in his boldness to strive toward Jesus in the situation.

Flood in your peace, Lord.

Double date at LGO tonight! Ciao!

Ouch.

Boo Migrane.

The best part of waking up....

I usually have my morning routine of making some coffee while I get ready in the morning. I take a mug to work or just sip on it a little as I get ready. My treat comes on Friday where I treat myself to coffee at a local joint called Jolta Java. My favorite thing about this place is that they know my name and say, “Hi Katelin!” the minute I walk in. They know my order by heart and have it out to me fast. It’s such a treat. Talk about customer service, it’s what keeps me coming back again and again. I honestly feel special - it makes the experience seem personal and just so much more enjoyable then standing in a mile long line at Starbucks where the traffic is so nuts that you would have to go daily to be remembered. Plus, they cold brew their iced coffee! So much better than making it hot and then letting it cool down – it really removes that bitter taste that coffee can get when it changes temps. I’m a big “local” coffee shop kind of girl. There is something just quirky, unique and fun about non-chain establishments. I highly recommend this place for all you Phoenicians.

I usually just do it on Friday, but I’ve been treating myself to my Friday indulgence quite a bit more lately. I’ve just been so tired and it’s the best thing to jumpstart my day (well, probably not the best thing…). I’m not sure why I’ve been so pooped, but I’ve really needed a quick jolt from my java in the AM! I’m getting plenty of sleep and going to bed at a good time….maybe it’s the heat….tends to make me lethargic.

I’ve also really been trying to spend time in the Word in the morning while my computer warms up and really reflect. It’s my whole challenge for introspection coming to life. I’m going through the One Year Bible again. I did it once before in college, but it’s really a great way to stay on track to stay in the Word and have something to digest each day in truth. I’m going to really push to stick with it. Blake is in on it too- so that really helps out. Even yesterday was so timely – It talked about the challenges of marriage, after our session on Tuesday it felt really well-timed and pertinent. God is so good like that.

Tomorrow is Friday….you know what that means! Coffee treat!

The Nitty Gritty!

Blake and I have started marriage counseling in the last couple weeks. We are being taught and led by the Pastor of our Church, Heath, and his wife Lisa. We had a great session last night. They were so generous to open their home up to us…spent hours on the couch talking through things, pouring our wisdom and asking the hard questions. Their sweet little girls we so good and stayed in the play room and watched a movie almost the whole time. They are adorable. Looking at them makes me so excited to have a family someday (but not toooo soon!) I love having both Heath and Lisa involved in this as Lisa can impart such awesome insight as a woman and Heath truly speaks with authority in Christ and conviction as a husband that is loving his wife well and doing it through the guidance of the Lord. They are an amazing example for us. I’m really happy to look to other wise and Godly couples, especially through OTBC, to help guide us into the unknown of marriage!

After 3 hours of homework on Sunday, Blake and I talked through a wide range of things in preparation for Tuesday night. I am so so so excited about this journey! Already it is spurring on some amazing conversation and dialog. I know it’s going to be hard, uncomfortable, maybe even painful at times but I am loving learning more about myself and about how that will shape our marriage as 2 lives begin to merge into 1. (I totally just had that Spice Girls song pop into my head – yikes!)

A few weeks back I had a big realization that I am not a very introspective person. I tend to just fly through life, from one event or task to the next. Many times, I don’t even process what is going on – from what I’m learning to what’s impacting me or shaping me. It's not that I don't like to think about myself or even get down to the hard details, it's just that I don't do it. It's a hard disciple for me. I’m not much of a journaler at all (this blog is the closest thing to it) but I really want to find ways to challenge myself to be more of a processor about myself. The funny part is, I tend to over analyze EVERYTHING about EVERYONE else! I want to make sure I’m truly stopping to see what the Lord has to teach me. I desire to look at each of life’s events as clear and intentional ways God is present in my life and molding and shaping me in the process. Most times that I am the most introspective is actually in conversation, discovering things about myself as it comes out of my mouth. Maybe I just need to be talking more? I think this whole counseling thing is really going to help me get there. Pray for my journey of some self discovery and figuring out who I am in Christ.

Off for some sushi and a bike ride with the fiancé tonight!

And I'm Back!!!!

It’s been a while since I’ve posted. It’s one of those things: once you stop and lose momentum it’s really hard to get back on the horse. Well I’m making a run for it…and I’m back. I can’t commit to everyday or really even once a week. We will just take it a day at a time and see how this goes. I’m not going to lie, I was a little bit inspired to start writing again after I saw Julie and Julia. I also got a sweet note from a high school friend who enjoyed my writing. Comments are motivating!

Well since I’ve been away, life has been a bit of a whirlwind. Since getting engaged I feel like I’ve been flying at about 500 miles an hour. From pre martial counseling, lots of travel ( work and fun), wedding planning and Gen Mills I think I have a couple full time jobs! Despite a crazy schedule, wedding planning is off to a great start! We have a date set – April 16th in Austin at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. I’m so excited and wish it was tomorrow! After setting the date, I really started to enjoy wedding planning. One of my favorite things to do is look at wedding blogs. They are so inspiring and it is so fun to see all of the creative and unique ideas that people come up with to make their day one-of-a-kind. My parents have been a huge help during the whole process. I think they are truly saints! They have given up so much time and energy to help make our day as special as possible. I hope they are having fun in the process too! I also have THE DRESS!! My mom came in for the weekend to Phoenix and we explored a couple of boutiques here. We had a great time and picked after 3 days of shopping. I’m going to keep the details to myself because I really want it to be a surprise for Blake, but if any of you ladies are interested, I will send you a link! She didn’t cry the whole time (I was so proud) – I shed a couple tears thinking about Blake seeing me for the first time. Ahhh I can’t wait to be his wife!

Blake has also been a huge help. I’m so glad he’s not totally adverse to the idea of planning the wedding! He’s working on helping us choose a band as we speak. He actually has quite a few opinions about things…that’s my stylish husband-to-be for ya. We also have a couple photographers in the works and are narrowing down our catering options. I’m starting to work on invitations with my lovely friend Jordan and also have some leads on Florists. Any and all suggestions welcomed for any Austin resources! I’d like to think we are ahead – but really I don’t want to get complacent about it. I have a list about a mile long of DIY ideas that I can’t wait to start working on! Oh so fun!

I’m absolutely loving being engaged. It’s just such a wonderful season of life. So much to look forward to, to plan (I’m such a planner) and just happy to be in love and be certain that I am going to spend the rest of my life with my best friend. So so so fun!

Off to pre-marriage counseling tonight….can’t wait to learn more about each other and myself. (I’m trying this new introspective thing…more to come!)