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Showing posts with label 03-09-13. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 03-09-13. Show all posts

March 25, 2014

The Things I Learned Our First Year Married

If you would've told me 5 years ago that I would meet the man of my dreams, share 3+ years of dating adventures with him, have the best wedding celebration, and a year later be celebrating a fantastic first year...

I would never have believed you. 
It seemed impossible.
I didn't know that God could have such lavish plans for me.


Like many of you, my young 20's housed a handful of heartbreaks that left me damaged, confused, and distrusting. I finally had enough of the nonsense, pushed through the tears, and I strived to focus on myself. My career. My life. My dreams. Becoming who I was meant to be.

I told God I was completely sick of dating and refused to waste my time until the right one came along. The line was drawn and my feet were planted firmly in the sand.

I grew so much in those 4-5 months after swearing off boys... and then I met Adam. It was the most unexpected, inconvenient time. That wasn't supposed to happen when I was focusing on repairing myself, and I wanted so badly not to like him.

To not feel my knees buckle when he smiled his cute half grin. 
To not melt when he held the door for me... every. single. time. 
To not fist pump in public when I realized true gentlemen actually exist. 

But I couldn't ignore him... and boy did I fall hard.
And five years of blessings later, here I am, married to this ridiculously gorgeous man who makes me waffles, gives great forehead kisses, and constantly tells me I'm beautiful inside and out.

Our marriage is one insane whirlwind of joy that I wouldn't trade for anything, on good days and on tough days. Our forever story began with "I Do" on March 9th, 2013, and what a day full of humility, grace, and excitement.


I know it's only been a year since that magical day, but boy have we come a long way. Who knew there was so much you could learn in just 365 days of being roommates. 
This past year, I've learned...

+ being selfish doesn't work in a marriage, and dying to myself and my needs is a work in progress.

+ that when a Pinterest crockpot meal completely flops, hubs will extend grace in the form of drying tears and a Chipotle run as we discuss how bad our house smells.

+ that king size beds are the shiz.

+ that sometimes the best thing for us is to say no to obligations, and enjoy a quiet evening at home binge watching Homeland and Breaking Bad while curled up in our jammers.

+ that nothing is more fun than finding love notes by my toothbrush, and what's even more fun is hiding one in your car to be found months later.

+ that some days you may have to ask for forgiveness 3 times before noon.

+ that I am really great at starting laundry, and even better at letting it sit wrinkled in a laundry basket until I feel like folding it 2 weeks later.

+ communication, communication, communication.

+ that there is nobody in the world I would rather adventure with hand in hand.



So thankful that God knows the desires of my heart, and even among struggle and heartbreak had an even more incredible plan for me than I could have imagined for myself.

It's insane to think of how much we've grown individually and together this past year, and you know what's even crazier? Trying to imagine the many blessings and wild happenings to come in the next 50 years.

Bring on the rocking chairs and old man suspenders!
All in due time, my friends, we have so much fun to be had before then.


Bud, 
There is nobody I'd rather adventure with than you.
You have my heart now and always. xo


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January 4, 2013

Let's Play Catch Up, Shall We?

Friday is finally here!
Man, I love these super short weeks, don't you? I'm slowly playing catch up after my little blog hiatus over the holidays. There is so stinking much to catch you up on, so this post will be an info overload of sorts.

I have my finger crossed that you're wearing your spontaneous pants today, because this post may or may not be chalked full of random blurbs! :)

I hope you've already had your coffee this morning...



 

{ Quick Update }

 

.:: Newest Obsessions ::.


After Adam gifted me an iPhone for Christmas, I am now able to take quality photos and be engrossed in y'alls daily photos. This is too fun! Why on earth didn't I get on Instagram sooner? I'm so behind the curve.

+ Coffee Protein Shakes.
This little blonde definitely needs her fair share of caffeine in the morning to get going. Well, I've recently discovered the beauty of mixing my Tera's Whey Chocolate Protein with a splash of milk, handful of ice cubes, and a tablespoon of mocha coffee creamer. Heaven, I tell you. Pure coffee heaven.

+ Bachelorette Party Anticipation
My sister is the world's BEST MOH.
She may be 19, but that girl sure knows how to plan amazing shindigs! We're headed to Adam's family's cabin 2 weeks from today with 13 or my favorite people. I could not be more thrilled to have the surprises they've been planning revealed. Cannot. Wait.

+ New Heart Rate Monitor
I was given the HRM I had been lusting after over Christmas from my almost in-laws, and I am loving it!! You wear the HRM under your sports bra, and you wear the watch that calculates your exact calorie burn and heart rate.

It's amazing how wrong the machines at the gym are about calories (they said my burn was much higher, so now weight loss is much easier)! So glad I know my personalized exact number, and now push myself even harder!


.::: Wedding Update ::.


+ Invites Going Out Today!!
Over Christmas, my sister and two of my bridesmaids help me address every invitation (I owe them BIG time). I am in love with the way they turned out, and am so thankful my cousin is a funky graphic designer with modern off-the-wall taste like me! So SO excited to check that off the list! :)

+ My Dress Arrived
I tried on my dress after my wedding hair trial right before Christmas. Shockingly, the updo I went with (which was very pretty) didn't quite fit with my dress. Once I took my hair down, all was right in the world. My shoulders didn't feel so bare and I felt pretty.

I never in a million years thought my wedding do would be down, but it's just lovely with the dropped back of my dress. Can't wait to try out a new style!

+ We're Officially Registered
We checked off registering on our to do list over Christmas! We have a few things to add, but it feels so good to have that done. We both actually had a blast doing that together.

Adam may or may not have registered us for a little kids Big Wheel (see Instagram). Lordy, that boy is so sneaky!

+ Working on Little Projects
Now recruiting wedding helpers! I keed... I keed...
There are lots of fun crafty projects to do over this next month. Kids packs. Candy bag labeling. Framing signs. Finalizing other design items with my awesome cousin. I love projects!


.:: Misc. Items ::.


+ Roomies
I officially moved into my parents' new KC condo (yes, they're moving to Kansas City at the end of the month!) over Christmas. It's a great way to save money before the wedding and spend quality time with two of my absolute favorite people... Marlo and Juju (dad + mom).

+ Nesting
Adam's roomies, our amazing buddies, are all moving out of Adam's house by the end of February, which means we can begin painting/decorating! We could not be more excited to make his bachelor pad feel cozy and welcoming.

I've been scheming of home design inspiration via Pinterest, and we're both so excited. We're definitely on the same page and have the same taste in decor, so this will be fun and easy.

Not to mention, we've helped a million trillion dear friends paint in the last 3 years, so we have tons of project volunteers! I pay in donuts and beer in case you'd like to join our crew... ;)

+ Workout Junkie
Yup, it's finally hit me. This wedding is really going to happen in 65 days and I get to marry my very best friend in a gorgeous fitted gown. You'd better believe I am motivated to be the best me I can be! I can't wait to feel even more confident when I walk down the isle or am frolicking on the beaches of Antigua.

Join me on MyFitnessPal to be motivated together!

.:::.:::.:::.:::.


Welp, that about wraps up the life updates for the time being! I'm looking forward to a super mellow and relaxing weekend snuggled up with my dog and future hubs after a fun/busy 2 weeks!

Hang tight...
I have a killer Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe coming your way tomorrow! So good it'll make you wanna slap yo' mama...


Have a stellar weekend, you fabulous people!



January 2, 2013

This is My Year!

Happy New Year, dear friends!
I know it may seem like I feel off the face of the planet over the last 2 weeks, but I've been busy enjoying my vacation! I wanted to focus on spending quality time with my friends and family, and truly being present.

However, those following me on Instagram {new!!} or Twitter may have seen the many shenanigans and adventures while I was on my blog sabbatical. :)

But, yes I missed you all terribly and have had quite the inkling to blog while I was off holiday gallivanting!

Welcome back, loves. Can't wait to catch up!

2013 is here, can you believe it?
Where did this past year go? I can't be the only one who feels like we didn't even have Halloween... right?

Well, I've never been more excited for a new year in all my life, and I have a feeling that 2013 has so much magic in store for me!





This past year was absolutely incredible for so many reasons:

+ my dad was declared cancer free {praise the good Lord!}
+ sissy graduated from high school and began her KU adventure
+ Adam proposed at the end of June and we celebrated 3 years together
+ the many blessings of blogging
+ my parents announced they are moving to KC
+ my best friend and my SIL got married
+ we've laughed and celebrated life with our friends
+ cuddling my friends' chubby precious newborns
+ found a new church home
+ made plenty of amazing memories!


Looking back, I can see the joy and the blessings! And looking forward, I am so ready for the amazing adventures ahead...

+ I marry my best friend in 66 days. 66 days. (Come on March 9th!!)
+ nesting and making Adam's house feel so cozy/homey
+ no more goodnight farewells
+ entertaining friends and family at OUR home (woah...)
+ my parents moving to Kansas City
+ work adventures
+ fitness goals
+ getting involved in our church's children's ministry
+ volunteering
+ getting to meet my dear friend's baby in May
+ traveling to new places
+ new things for Life of Meg (hello face lift!)

...and so SO much more!


{ I have a feeling this is my year, and I plan to make it the best year yet! }

.:::.:::.:::.:::.:::.


I have lots headed your way the next few weeks - tons of photos coming, wedding updates, recipes, inspiration... and more!!


How did the holidays treat you all?
Kindly I hope! :)


December 19, 2012

Wedding Shoes... Found!!

I know I've been super MIA lately...
but with moving, Christmas shopping, and so many festivities, my posts may show up here and there over the next week or so.

Today is my first day of vacation, and I have a nice little 2 week work vacay! YES!

So, I've been running lots of errands! My future mother-in-law gifted me the most beautiful blue sweater for my birthday, but unfortunately with recent weight loss I am in between sizes.

So I needed to run over to JCrew to exchange it for another beautiful item. Much to my surprise, when I arrived at the store everything was 30% off. So I decided to browse and see what I might love at such a great price.

...and there they were.





The gorgeous Lulu Glitter Flats that I had wanted as my wedding shoes (twice as cute and sparkly in person!). Unfortunately, with the hefty $138 price tag I couldn't bring myself to buy them... until today.

I exchanged my sweater, cashed in that 30% off sale, and paid a whopping $18 difference for the most stunning wedding flats.

Also, I would just like to say that the only size left in the entire store was a lovely 7.5... my size. It was destiny!

I can't wait to be both comfy and stylish in my pretty flats! They're comfy to dance the night away and will easily save my tootsies from a day of heel torture!

Ironically enough, I got a call yesterday that my wedding dress had come in. So, I can't wait to bring my new wedding shoes with me when I try on my dress on Saturday!


Thanks for letting me squeal with girly happiness over this lovely wedding victory! 
It's a good day!



December 11, 2012

Our Forever Song

Today marks 88 days until my forever starts.
How can it be that I get to walk down the aisle with my daddy and see the love of my life standing at the end of it. Just thinking of it gives me chills.

One of the many moments I'm most looking forward to is our first dance as husband and wife. Quiet. Just the two of us. Letting the moment and words sink in as he holds me in his arms. That's when our forever starts.

Chills.

Listening to "our song" tonight and it just fills me up.

We fell in love with Ben Rector's music together and have seen him in concert twice now. The very last time he sang "Forever Like That" - an unreleased song that is simply beautiful.

Every word or feeling that we have for each other is summed up in that sweet song... and we have our fingers crossed that he releases the album before March 9th! I think tweeting Ben everyday probably helps our chances, right?

I kid... I kid... 

(kind of.)

If not, we can borrow this live YouTube version that I may or may not listen to several times a week. It just makes your soul happy, you know?






"Forever Like That"
By: Ben Rector

And I'll be your rainy day lover.
Whenever the sunny days end.
And whatever the weather, we have each other. 
And that's how the story will end

I'll be your shade tree in summer mmm. 
If you'll be my fire when it's cold.
And whatever the season, well, we'll keep on breathing.
Cause we'll have each other to hold.

I'll hold - I'll sing...

Well, I wanna love you, forever I do.
And I wanna spend all of my days with you.
I'll carry your burdens and be the wind at your back.
I wanna spend my forever - forever like that.

And I'll be the words on the pages.
If you'll be my sweet melody.
And the tune can keep changing, cause I'll keep arranging.
And this is the song that we'll sing.

We'll sing...

I'm gonna love you, forever I do.
I'm gonna spend all of my days with you.
I'll carry your burdens and be the wind at your back.
I wanna spend my forever - forever like that.

When the rain comes, I'll be your shelter.
When the storms blow, we'll be together.
When the winds may fall, I'll be right by your side.

I'll sing...

I'm gonna love you, forever I do.
I'm gonna spend all my days with you.
I'll carry your burdens and be the wind at your back.
I'm gonna spend my forever - mmm, forever like that.


.:::.:::.:::.:::.:::.



See, I told you it's amazing, didn't I? 
The words alone make me cry, but these are the good tears. The over-joyed, happy kind of tears.

And on very special occasions, Adam will dance with me in the kitchen and sing the words in my ear. Love those days.

...and he'll probably shake his head at me and give me that look for telling you. 

Probably going to be in trouble tomorrow...  :)


Is it March 9th yet?
*sigh*



November 29, 2012

Wedding Update: Romantic Bridal Hair

Well it's been quite a while since I've given you the insider scoop on our big day. Thanks so much for all of your e-mails and questions about my upcoming nuptials! Hopefully this post will offer inspiration and insight for all of your questions.

Now an important disclaimer...

If your name is Adam Evans, you have red hair, lovely brown eyes, and you're addicted to sour patch kids stop reading.

Yes, I'm talking to you, Mister!
(love your freckly face though.)


Now we're in girl zone!

My other half has no idea what my dress looks like (!!) or any beauty details, and I would love to keep it that way until our first look on March 9th. ;)

Moving on to more girly bride things that I am excited to dream up... my hair do.

More than anything I want it to be romantic, loose/whispy, soft, voluminous on top, and pretty. Here are some inspiration photos that I plan on bringing my lovely stylist, Whitney, for my hair trial in a few weeks...


{ Romantic Bridal Hair }











I have also hired the lovely Jamie Lee, owner of ChatterBlossom etsy shop, to custom design a few bridal hairpieces to complete the look! Delicate and small is what I'm thinking... can't take away from the dress, right?!

I'm still gathering a collage of looks I like, but here are a handful of pretties that I am loving for this custom order...







.:::.:::.:::.:::.:::.


What's your favorite bridal hairstyle, lovelies?





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PS - Don't miss out on our Holly Jolly Ornament Swap!
Click HERE to see what it's all about and get signed-up to spread some Christmas cheer!

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November 7, 2012

Family Wedding Weekend + Photos

Many of you who follow me around on Twitter know last week was crazy for me, but so fun! My amazing, (soon to be) sister-in-law, Meredith, got married to the love of her life and had the most beautiful wedding!

I was thrilled beyond belief to celebrate with her all week, and I am so thankful I got time off work to be a helpful bridesmaid! I tried my very best to behave myself.... ;)

I have to say, the majority of people at her wedding are obviously coming to ours in March, and I got really excited. Hands down, I am marrying into such an amazing family and love my in-laws to death. I feel very, very blessed to able to say that.

They were gracious enough to extend the invite to my family, and I love that everyone gets along well and we all enjoy each other so much. Is this real life?

Here are a few shots from an amazing, unforgettable weekend...


 Future hubs is way too handsome, not even going to lie about it...

 Some of my absolute favorite boys.

My future mother-in-law and father-in-law - I sure love them!

 The beautiful bride (isn't her rehearsal dress stunning?) and her groom with his parents.

Some of the wedding party at the lovely rehearsal dinner. Coolest wine cellar ever! 

Little bride after receiving her wedding gift from her hubby.

A few cell phone shots that I stole from my FB friends! :) Isn't Meredith beautiful? 

The perfect fall wedding - can't wait to share the professional photos when they come out!

{sorry about the narrow blog margins! They're making the photos a little loopy looking... }

.:::.:::.:::.:::.:::.


Dear "Little Bride" (Meredith),

I couldn't possibly ask for a more loving, fun sister-in-law. Not only am I thrilled to call you my official sister in a few months, but I'm thankful you also are a wonderful best friend. I love that we have SO much in common, and that you inspire me to be a better person each and everyday.
What a joy it is to have you and Kyle in my life, and I can't wait to see what our adventures hold! We're sure looking forward to the day where you guys can be our bee keeper neighbors, and our little redheaded babies can all play together. Wishing you the most beautiful Belize honeymoon, and a lifetime of inspiring adventures together.

Love you very much!

 
.:::.:::.:::.:::.:::.


Yup, I am blessed beyond measure. I wish I could've snapped a few photos with my family at the reception, but we were all too busy breakin' it down Porter style!

I've got to admit that seeing such an amazing big day gave me butterflies for the first time in a while. 4 months to go, and it's going by so fast! :)














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PS - Don't miss this week's link-up!
Drop by the Mingle Monday Blog Hop and pick up some new blog followers!

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October 30, 2012

Our Engagement Photos

After showing you guys a sneak peek of our engagement photos, I have been really excited to show you the rest of our favorites! Your comments were so sweet, and we're just really excited to have beautiful photos that capture how much we love each other.

I cannot even begin to tell you how much we enjoy our photographer, Sharaymauck Photography. She is such a sweetheart with clever, unique ideas.

When we told her we would love photos that really show our relaxed personalities and how much we love being outside, she gave us just that!

We love how they turned out!!









Isn't that man super handsome? I sure think so! And no, we definitely didn't plan on getting photo bombed by a horse at the barn... but that surprise sure turned out cute. He followed us around the whole time - haha!


Dying to hear what your faves are!
We can't decide! :)



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PS - Don't miss this week's link-up!
Drop by the Mingle Monday Blog Hop and pick up some new blog followers!

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October 26, 2012

Engagement Photo Sneak Peek + Weekend Wishes

With our big breast cancer walk tomorrow morning, we've been pretty crazy here in the office. So many things to do before we greet thousands and thousands of Kansas City pink-wearing residents and honor survivors!

So needless to say, I didn't even realize I had a facebook alert this morning! I got tons of texts from Adam and friends saying our wonderful wedding photographer, Sharaya Mauck, had posted an engagement photo teaser!

And then I just had to check it out ASAP...

I absolutely love it.

She promised more to come on her blog this afternoon, so until I share those with you next Tuesday, here is a sneak peek (apologize for the quality, I stole it off FB)...



What do you think?
I am just DYING to see more!! Happy girl! :)

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Anyway... such a great way to lift my spirits on a crazy day, and I can't wait for some weekend activities...

making strides against breast cancer + enjoying my fun co-workers 
sporting my pink EVERYTHING + post-event snooze time
Twilight marathon + lots of Cozy Couture crocheting
date night w/ future hubs + sleeping in
de-stressing gym sessions + yoga
girls night with the cousins 
church + relaxing

.:::.:::.:::.:::.:::.


What are you crazy kids up to this weekend? I hope you make it a lovely one! In case you're catching up on this weeks' posts...

+ the blogger must-do
+ going here for our exotic island honeymoon



See you next week for the Mingle Monday link-up party!










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PS - Don't miss this week's link-up!
Drop by the Mingle Monday Blog Hop and pick up some new blog followers!

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