Bridal Showered.

This is overdue but I have been meaning to share a little bit about my bridal shower last month..
I am really honored to have people who really about me, this journey for Charles and I, and celebrating the moments along the way.
Super prego and all, Maggie (Matron of Honor) and a few of my girls hosted a great celebration. It was really weird to be on the other side of an event like that. I loved seeing so many people I love gather from different parts of my world. People drove from far (San Luis Obipso, Escondido..) and spent their afternoon making me feel very special. The decor was great, delicious food, great friends and family. I am really grateful for all the love and even the great gifts! It's a bit hard to sit and open gifts when it's not even your birthday but I am so excited about the special things that get to be a part of our lives and home.





Even the prizes were so "me"




Half of my Bridal ladies: Jordynn, Maggie & Andrea


55 days to go!

Little by little...

it is all coming together. Just today I mailed all of our invitations out. That helped me cross off a big item on my to do list.

Another big item has been figuring out our rehearsal dinner plans. Over the past couple of months a fabulous couple Charles and I know from Eastside have been consistently nudging us about checking out their backyard because they would love to host our dinner. Now you might be thinking that is really nice of them. But we never even mentioned anything to them about needing a place for that, etc. They just know that it's tough pulling all the pieces of a wedding together and they wanted to help. So Tuesday night they had us over for dinner. They made a fabulous meal and just spent time connecting with us.

Let me just tell you I have been nervous about this dinner because I know they are generous and want to help but I didn't want them to feel pressured or inconvenienced or overwhelmed. I know I have a hard time with feeling like people are burdened even when they offer to do things but still.. Anyway, they were so caring and humble and wanted to plan all the food, drinks, dessert and details of the evening. They wanted no help from us and for us to simply show up, enjoy and stay as long as we want. And cue the tears. Charles was telling them how much this really meant to us while I just started to cry. It's not just that they want to host our dinner and how much of a help that is.. It is their genuine desire to give to others and pass on their blessings. It's their desire to care about and support us. It is their desire to pass on marriage advice and build into us. It's really hard for me to accept something like this but I know their heart and how genuine this offer is. Charles reminded me we have to let people serve us. We love to do that for others and we cannot rob the ability for others to do that for us. Easier said than done, but true. Beyond this situation I am so humbled and encouraged by their desire to give back to the church, to community, and in any way they can. They consistently state how blessed they have been and they know they just get to pass it on. I appreciate the way they want nothing in return other than for us to pass on the favor for others. I've got a lot to learn from people like them. I am grateful for their love, their example and for their hearts.

I've said it before but I really am grateful for the many people invested in us, in this process and in our big day. Words just don't cut it.

There are moments lately in which I am feeling the pre wedding stress. But more so, I keep being reminded of how blessed I am by the people around me. I am feeling really grateful that no matter where I go people are excited for us, affirming of us and sharing in the joy. And it's starting to feel real! We're down to double digits, people! I can't believe it's already so soon that Charles will be my husband and this life together thing begins! But I really want to say THANK YOU to all of you. For all the questions and excitement about how it is coming along, for supporting us, for offering to help, for investing in us and so much more. For the examples so many of you set of healthy marriages and wisdom. It's all a part of our journey. Our friends and family (you) are really important to us and every bit of love and support is valuable. So thank you, sincerely. I feel really cared for and wanted to take a minute to acknowledge that. I don't take it lightly. And when I get stressed, I will remind myself about this and rest in gratitude.

How do WE?

Of course, lately, many questions and conversations are based around our wedding. I am grateful for someone who cares about and wants to tackle this together. However, I don't want us to just talk about the wedding all the time and ignore each other and daily life. Also, there's life - future - the road ahead to think about. We've got to talk about that a lot too. With Charles on the job hunt there is a lot to process, talk about and pray. And I am figuring out that prayers of "Where are you leading him?" now mean "Where are you leading us?" I don't fully know what that looks like but I am trying to figure that process out, little by little. Today sparked a conversation on that because of our interest in Apartment Life (Cares) (Check it out). I have been very interested in this since I learned about it a few years ago. It has popped up multiple times through multiple avenues. I applied and decided it wasn't the best time because of the two year commitment and what that challenge that would bring with the timing of Charles and I possibly hypothetically getting engaged (since I would be committed to living with someone else those 2 years). Well, Apartment Life is looking for teams in the Fullerton area and I love the partnership with a local church they focus on, how the intentional community living aligns with Eastside's vision and much more! Charles and I are both very intrigued by doing this and through connecting with them today it is clear that with their desire to see couples married for 1 year before beginning that this isn't a near future thing for us. I completely respect that.. But I am anxious to dive into ministry together. As we search, pray and think through options I am trying my best to be open to what God is leading us to. I am trying to be patient. I get moments of just wanting to know how everything pans out. What is next? I have many other questions too. But, I am grateful for someone to tackle these life things with. I am grateful God has been preparing us individually and together. I am grateful it's not all about me or my plans. I am grateful for where we are now, for the community we have and the church we love. That's what I know right now.

On the other side: OUR engagement photos.

It's really our turn. I am on the other side of the camera. There is a ring on my finger. Plans are coming along. I am still surprised by it all at times. I am getting married. Venue: Check, Photographer: Check, Honeymoon: Check. Lots of other stuff... coming soon. Real soon actually. 129 days to be exact. I am blessed, honored and so excited to move forward in this new part of life. Many years, prayers, conversation and tears later I indeed know the man I will call husband. Here's to May 19th, 2013! And a HUGE thank you to Joel Austell for documenting us!

The soon to be Schusters!

Congratulations Bryan & Sadie! A few weeks ago, while having lunch with Sadie at work, I got a text from Bryan requesting to talk to me. I quickly hid the phone thinking, "I bet I know what this is about & Sadie can't know!" Bryan had a plan that was ready for action and needed some help documenting the day. I was honored to help in this way and share in such a significant moment in their lives. On Friday, December 7th Bryan asked and Sadie said YES! Anticipation: The Decoys: Shock and Surprise: Now to pic nic, take it in and celebrate!

Give Thanks.

Here it comes.. a post on what I am thankful for. Typical of this time of year? Yes. But I am glad to be reminded or the many reasons I have to be thankful. Let's just list a few. 1. Growth - We look fun, right? Well, I think we are but this road trip to Oregon last winter was a tough one. It was filled with last of hard conversations in the midst of some hard things Charles and I were trying to work through. It really was a draining and challenging trip but it brought the beginning of much growth. Growth in our situation, growth in our relationship, growth personally. In this situation and many others I am thankful for challenging times that draw me close to God and teach me something new as I go. 2. Community - This goes with number 1. If it weren't for my community of family and friends, growth wouldn't be possible. There are so many people I lean into for support, wisdom, acceptance and counsel. I am thankful for each of you. Thanks for listening, offering grace and loving me well. I am blessed by many. 3. Coffee - We cannot overlook coffee! I am thankful for it's taste, for conversations over it, exploring new coffee shops and more. I love that Green Bliss opened down the street from me. The whole staff is great, the coffee is excellent and the place itself is so charming. Finally good coffee in Fullerton. 4. Ministry - I am thankful for the ways God has called me and used me. For a church home in which I get to serve alongside so many great people. I am thankful to witness life change and healing, to learn with and from so many on our team, and to be a part of a vision for the lost that impresses me. I am thankful for the journey I am on with My Father and Creator and the life He has invited me into. 5. New beginnings - I am thankful to share in new pieces of life with so many valuable people.. for the many births within family and friends, witnessing in marriage commitments, or launching into a new journey. This year I became an official aunt, stood alongside Jordynn as a bridesmaid, and shared in so many other moments. I am blessed to share in and grow through what life brings for those around me. I am thankful I get to share in a piece of these significant lives and moments. 6. Dreams & passions - I am grateful for the ways God has created me and the things he has called me to do. For the way life evolves as He shapes my heart and leads me into new things that make my heart beat. I am thankful for the things that stir anger in me, the things that He softens my heart to, the simple things that can make my day and the dreams He gives me for the road ahead. 7. Weather & pretty places - I love a pretty sky, a rainy day, a storm and the beauty of creation. I am thankful to see and enjoy so many places that make me stop in awe. I don't always love sunny and 75 S.California weather but I am thankful for the pretty places within reach. 8. People who are far but remain close - I am thankful for the people in my life who are spread out but don't feel like it. Yes, I'd love to see them more but I am thankful for the ability to communicate, travel and pick up like time has barely passed. 9. Traditions - I am thankful for traditions, festivities, holidays. I love partaking in the festive elements that come along with Holidays and seasons. Ya know, scented candles, decorating, holiday themed food, parties, quality time with those you love and more. 10. Charles - I am thankful for the man that is my Fiance and will soon be my husband (I am still taking that in). I am so grateful for his love, his commitment to me and many, his desire to be a Godly man and the adventure we are on. I am thankful that he has invited me into a journey alongside him. I am not sure what this journey holds for us but I am so eager to begin life adventure and ministry together. This was a quick list and there are so many more things I have to be thankful for. And so many people. Thank YOU to the many who I get to share life with. Big or small, there are so many things that I am continually blessed by. And for that I am thankful.