Busy....

I have been so busy lately, I haven't even had time to update my blog! You know I must be busy if I don't have time for this! Among other things, I have been hard at work trying to get all my thank you notes done for my last bridal shower.

In the past few weeks, I can feel the wedding getting closer. So many things that were so far off in the future only a little while ago, have come to pass already. I am going to blink and our wedding day will be here.

One of the things that seemed so far away, was Jim's brother's wedding. Well, it has already taken place! Justin and Hedda got married on June 16th in Union Springs, NY. I remember when they first told us about the date of their wedding. I was unsure if I was going to be able to be there because of all the visa proceedings. As luck would have it, we were able to purposely delay our interview in Montreal, so I could be sure I was able to attend their wedding.

What a great wedding weekend they had! I had never been to New York state before and the area we were in was absolutely beautiful. They got married in a little church right on one of the Finger Lakes and they had their outdoor reception on the lawn of their uncles property right on the lake. It was a beautiful day and Hedda looked fabulous! (Justin looked good too, but it really is all about how the bride looks on a wedding day, right?) What I loved about their wedding was that it totally was a reflection of who they are. They are both very artistic and creative and it showed in their wedding.

People have asked me if it is weird to have our weddings so close together, but it is really not. For one, our weddings will be nothing alike, except for the fact that they will both happen in a Catholic Church. But that is where the similarity ends. Like Justin and Hedda, I think our wedding will be a good reflection of who Jim and I are as people and as a couple. You will have to wait to hear about all the details though. :)

These past weeks, I have also been busy addressing wedding invitations. With all the trouble with the medical, I am not allowing myself to mail them out until I hear the words "You are approved" in Montreal, but they are all set and ready to go! I remember thinking months ago what it would feel like to be addressing the invitations. I thought for sure it would be a wonderful experience.Well, frankly, it took a long time and my back hurt from sitting so long on a hard chair! I am excited though, to find out who will be able to come and join us on our special day.

Also, I currently live with my mom and with my impending move, she was looking to get a one bedroom apartment for herself. Well, the perfect apartment came up and she is moving in sooner than expected. (I will bunk on her sofabed for a couple months). But because it is sooner than expected, I have 2 weeks to pack all my stuff! In the midst of those two weeks, I have to go to Montreal for 3 days to get my visa! So, all of my spare time in the next little while will be filled with boxes, garbage bags, and goodwill donations. I will be happy when this is over for sure! I am planning on taking only what I absolutely need with me to Minnesota so lots of downsizing will be taking place. I tend to be one who holds onto things for their sentimental value, but I won't be able to do that now.

These next few weeks will surely fly by as I try to get everything done! I hope I don't stress too much!

My Heart is Overwhelmed...

On Wednesday night, my parish ladies association (Catholic Women's League) held a bridal shower for me. When I was first told of this idea, I was amazed that they would want to do this for me (and Jim). The committee consisted of the two secretaries at the church who are members of the league, and another member of the CWL. Because I work with two of them on a daily basis, as the event drew near, my office door got closed by them more and more and there were more and more secrets floating around.

Now, I am the curious type. If there is something to be known, I want to know it. So all of this secrecy was driving me crazy! Part of me was a little nervous about the surprises that were in store.

So, as Wednesday night rolled around I was getting really excited to see what would come about at this shower. Over 60 ladies had RSVP'd that they were coming. I couldn't believe it! The evening began with mass, and then proceeded onto a potluck dinner. I love potluck dinners! There is always the BEST food at them. This one was no exception. There was so much food! And the desserts were amazing as well!

After that the gift opening began. I opened a few of the bigger gifts first. The whole CWL chipped in and got me my pots and pans! The office staff got us luggage! I was so overwhelmed. Then, I looked at the gift table and there were two whole tables packed with gifts. All of the ladies got us little kitchen gadgets, things everyone needs. I got everything from dish towels, to a kitchen clock, to a knives, to funnels and measuring cups. The ladies were also asked to bring their favorite recipes. So, now I have no excuse for not cooking! There are SO many good recipes! I can't wait to try them all.

The highlight of the night was two men from the parish who came dressed in Adam and Eve aprons (well they other things on too!). I never laughed so hard in my life and I think all of the ladies enjoyed the entertainment too!

I was overcome with emotion at the end of the night. I couldn't believe that all these ladies came out to honor me and they were all so generous! They welcomed me with open arms almost 5 years ago, and they continue to shower me with love and good wishes. I am going to miss all of them so much! What a wonderful cluster of parishes I work in!

Hallelujah....

          Good news! I am cleared for my medical! After not one, not two, but three trips to Toronto for x-rays I have in my hands a clear medical that I have to take with me to the interview in Montreal in July. I am so grateful that I decided to do my medical early. Usually, people will schedule them within a week or two of their interview. I somehow had the foresight to do this one early. I have now found out that apparently I was getting over a chest cold or pneumonia and that is what they were seeing in my chest x-ray. I had a sore throat when I went the first time, but nothing felt like it was in the chest to me. But, thanks be to God, I am ok and there is nothing seriously wrong with me and I have the approved medical.

        Last weekend, Jim came down and we went to our Engaged Encounter weekend. What a great weekend it was. Luckily, almost all of it was review for Jim and I. When you never see each other in person and all you can do is talk on skype, a lot of issues already get discussed! But we had a great weekend. It was great to affirm why we are getting married, what values and morals we believe in and hold dear, and what things we hope to pass on to our children one day.

       It also affirmed for me why I am marrying Jim. He and I are on the same page on almost everything and I have truly never met a more charitable, generous, honorable man. I left the weekend with a profound realization that I am the luckiest girl in the world! :) I was also happy that Jim was able to come with me to Toronto for this last chest x-ray that finally got me cleared for the medical.

     My other good news, is that we found a new photographer. After our last photographer bailed on the engagement photos, I started a hunt for a new one. After repeated attempts to get ahold of our old photographer, we sent her a registered letter letting her know we would no longer need her services (she still has not responded to any emails or called us back). It almost seems providential in a way, because the new photographers pictures are even BETTER than hers were. We connected right away and when I had inquired about our date and if he still had it available he just had a cancellation the week before for that date!

      I am so grateful to God for all He has done for us. Hallelujah!