One Year: Looking Back

On this day last year, I married my best friend! I can hardly believe it has already been a year, but at the same time, it feels like a lifetime ago. 

Like every girl, I awoke that morning the surreal realization that I was getting married that day. I remember visions of blue and rays of sunshine, flutters of nerves and emotions filled to the brim! A morning run with my dad and a bathroom full of girls and curling irons, eyeliner and lipstick. I wasn't the slightest bit nervous until the clock tower in the quaint little town of Camden, Maine struck two o'clock- not even when my beautiful mother helped me into my gown and placed on me the precious necklace she gave to me days before.

The clock ticked on and text messages rolled in. "90 minutes!!" "You're getting married today!!" What a day it was!! A few miles down the road my husband-to-be was with his family, donning his handsome dress blues. I had never seen him in them before and that was one thing I couldn't wait for. (I think I was more excited to see him than he was me!!). 

Before I knew it, I was in the car with my handsome dad, gorgeous mother, and precious (and beautiful!) baby sister. As my girls awaited our arrival at the ceremony location, I sat in the backseat of my father's car trying to remain sweat free. I don't ever remember feeling so out-of-body-like! Or as pretty! (Just sayin'!)

Finally, I could not take it a moment longer and I stepped out of the car and with my parents and sister, I joined my girls and awaited the start of the music. Together we laughed and giggled, smelled our lovely bouquets and prayed together. And then, at the sound of the clock tower, the music began. One by one, each girl elegantly slipped away and before I knew it, it was just me and my wonderful dad. Together we waited for our cue and began to descend the terrifyingly steep stairs. Talk of Band of Brothers and the New York Yankees was whispered between us until we reached our destination: the step where my best friend stood. My hand was given to Strom as my dad kissed me on the cheek. 

And there we stood. Smiling, giddy, taking mental pictures (you've all seen Pam & Jim's wedding from The Office, right?? That was us!) Saying our vows, taking communion together, promising each other our forever. Our parents joined us to pray a blessing over our new life together. And like the snap of two fingers, the pastor smiled his closing words that Strom could kiss his new bride. We were married!! What a surreal feeling that was. My sister handed me my flowers and we were suddenly at the far end of the aisle. Husband and wife. 

And because I have never gotten to show off our wedding photos in here, I thought (basically for my own enjoyment!) I would share a little bit of our day with you - my 20 readers! ;) 

(All photos by Sierra Kristen Photography)

What a precious day we had! It has been an entire year and I still miss it with a longing ache. We faced a new life and a new year together, not knowing what all the future held for us. If I could have predicted it, I don't think I would have gotten much right! My mom asked me the other night if I would change anything about our timing and if we felt we were ready to get married. I didn't even have to think about it (though I did give a long-winded answer...What can I say, I love words!). I knew there was nothing I would change. This past year as been filled to the brim with exciting adventures and moments of pure monotony. It has been filled with moments of sheer joy, and ones of great sadness. It had its life lessons and its slaps in the face. It was full and happy and it was sad and lonely. There were nights of tuna fish and ones of fine dining. We worked out little quirks and made a few of our own together. We found our routine and we made our life together. Did we have surprises and things to work through? You betcha! But it has been so worth it. All the laundry, cooking, grocery shopping, money concerns, and series of future "unknowns" can't outweigh the feeling I have when I know I have a husband who loves the crap out of me. Even when I'm crazy, he loves and adores me! Through all the good and bad, the ups and the downs, it's the two of us, facing the world together. 

Yeah... this last year has been epic. Not because it was non-stop fun and games, but because we have had each other... And because the Lord has us. 

Here is to 50 more years like this one. Happy Anniversary, Babe!

Bittersweet Goodbyes

I was lying in bed trying to sleep but memories flooded my mind. Last night marked my very last in my family home. I thought my last night as an unmarried woman in that house was hard enough, but the realization that my family was packing up and moving back to New York filled me with unexpected emotion. I understand that a house is just a building, but to our family, it is a home. When I moved away, I still knew that house was "home" and I could come back any time I wanted and feel "normal" again. Something about that brought peace and comfort when the loneliness kicked in. But now they're leaving. In my mindful of memories, I walked through my house, mentally pausing in each room to allow something to flow in...

The cozy family room was filled with our favorite people, a movie playing in the background (one we fought over, no doubt) plates of pizza everywhere... Laughter filled the air as our weekly Friday night pizza took place...It may have been messy, but we were together...

I moved into the kitchen and saw my mom and I making dinner together (I swear we have made thousands and thousands of meals side by side!) The radio played some motown oldies and we sang along as we chatted away....

In the dining room the table was beautifully set. It was Thanksgiving and we all laughed and joked as we played the water glasses... Stuffed to the max, we kicked back and enjoyed another holiday together...

The living room was on fire. The sofa engulfed, the flames spreading to the carpet... The smoke detectors blared as my dad commanded the fire extinguisher. The dog wailed in the background as we kids stared in disbelief. Ah, our first Christmas in Maine....

I walked up the stairs and peaked in my mom's room. I saw myself cozied up in my parents' bed, my mom and I talking the morning away...The smell of sweet Maine air drifted in and out of the open windows as spring announced its arrival....

I tiptoed down the hallway and stepped into my bedroom. In my room I saw the last 8 years of my life in a flash. The studying, the cleaning, the old paper snowflakes that hung festively at Christmastime when I was 16... The endless phone calls I had with Strom... The way the room looked as my wedding drew near - insane amounts of boxes and wedding decor stacked up...

Across the hall I could see myself sprawled out on the floor of my little sister's room as we talked up a storm about who knows what. You know how sisters are! Until Maine, we hated each other. It was probably the fact that we had no one else but each other when we moved that made us find friends in each other. I wouldn't trade that for the world....

My younger brother's room was a music scene. I could see Strom and Joseph jammin' away on their guitars in their pajamas. I could see Joseph's excitement as we bought him Yankee memorabilia, adding to the already cluttered Yankee-themed room. I could see him as a little 6-year old boy... only now to see a 15-year-old studying his geometry... Where does time go?

I peaked into my backyard and saw the ladies of my family sunbathing and swimming in the pool...I saw games of bocci ball and Frisbee...There were bonfires and glorious star-lit skies... There were memories in the making... 

Before I knew it, I had tears in my eyes. I felt like I was the one moving. Hadn't I already done this 9 months ago?? I know memories come with you wherever you go... But to know I'll never set foot in my family home again made my heart hurt.

What an amazing 8 years it was in Maine! I loved every minute of it (okay, maybe not, but memories often look rosier than reality! haha) but I wouldn't change a thing. God blessed each day in that house and I can't wait to see what He has in store for my family in New York!

Graduation Day

It is hard to believe that time has so quickly passed that not only have my older brother and I both graduated from college, but our little sister has joined the ranks. One more to go in the family! (Can't wait to see what you study in school, Bud!) This past week has been absolutely wonderful with my family. The rain has been nonstop, and there have been struggles and trials in life day in and out, but we have all been together. Thanks to Catherine's graduation day, we all came in together to celebrate! From New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia, we all gathered to honor my sister's hard work in college.

Get ready for a bazillion family photos! 

 I am not going to lie and pretend it was an inspiring and exciting ceremony. Actually, it had to be the worst ceremony I have ever attended, or even heard of for that matter. 2.5 hours of sheer agony.... But I will say that I now know that if I hum to a snail, it will apparently come out of its shell. Worth the 2.5 hours? No. But we were together and we made it memorable!

Me with my beautiful friend, Sam! Such a blessing she and her wonderful hubby came with us!

All the waiting and agonizing speeches/awards for this moment!! And I will say, we screamed the loudest in the entire auditorium!! WOOHOOO!!!!

Time to switch sides for the tassel.

So proud of you, Catie G.!

After hours of holding it, Evan just couldn't take it anymore. In front of everyone, he decided to call it quits. Good grief he is too cute!!

The graduates! (My sister and her boyfriend, Jeremy! So proud of you too, Jer!)

I do believe the dialog went something like this, "What what! 3rd kid to graduate!! Look look! Yeah boy!"

My sister's senior project (AMAZING - wish I could have captured the photos!) The school even purchased one.

Bring it on, delicious Waterfront in Camden, Maine!!

He really is too cute for words.

I did say delicious, right??

Ah Camden, how I love you!

My beautiful family!!