Hmmm.

So Im not sure whats going on besides a whole LOT! Crazy emotions, crazy wedding planning, crazy packing to move into a new apt (our future home). Lots of stuff going on!! 

Just an update on the countdown!

59 days and counting!!!!!!

MPM!

Birmingham Shower!

The sweet girls how threw the shower with their parents. 

I love you girls, miss you tons!

The bride with her groom! =)

Friends at the shower!

Did the heart good to see these girls!

It was so great to see our friends this past weekend. We enjoyed hanging out Saturday night at Lo and JD's house. It so warm and cozy. I loved it. We had great food, great company, couldnt ask for anything better!  We got some great gifts and we are so thankful. 

Andrew and I flew Friday night. Andrew got to see an old friend. I stayed with Natalie friday night. We relaxed when we got to Natalie's house. Saturday we had a great lunch at Diplomat Deli and then I met up with mom in Mnt Brook to shop. We looked for mother-of-the-bride dress for mom, she found some great stuff. Cant wait to see what she picks! 

Then we had a fun shower! It was wonderful!!!

Sunday we got to go to Mnt Brook Community Church-felt great to be back there. I miss it so much. After church we went to Panera with the Drehers. Mom left soon after lunch and all day Sunday I felt sick so I just slept on Natalie's couch. Andrew was a bit stir crazy but we were soon on the plane again and back in Dallas. 

The wonderful hostess.

All our friends at the shower! We love you guys!

Im Done!

So yesterday I finished my last paper for my Master's Degree and turned that bad boy in. Today I received the news that Im completely finished with my Master's Degree! No more school, no more school! Ive been working on this degree slowly since I finished my intern and took a break this summer when I moved to get somewhat adjusted while starting a new job and picked up my last class this fall. Its official--I have an additional 2 letters by my name, MS! 

One Year Ago...

Fort Worth.

Me on a Longhorn.

Its crazy to think back to 1 year ago. What were you doing a year ago? 

Last year to this very date, I was in Dallas visiting my now-fiance! This was the weekend that we went to Fort Worth, stock yards, and he told me he loved me. Crazy how you remember these things.

It was also the weekend that one of my bestest friends got engaged, that night she asked me to be her maid of honor and I was oh so honored. I love the Powells!

The bestest who got engaged while I was in Dallas.

Happy 1 year Engagement Mrs Powell!

i love...

asian food. i have to eat it at least once a week. im obssessed! =)

i think i will pop out an asian one day bc i eat so much asian food.

reba, what if you ate so much asian that you could have asian kids? 

would you eat asian food everyday?

i love this place and eat it almost every week! 

www.peiwei.com

YUM! 

enjoy. 

More pics!!

Just more pics for fun! I cant get enough of them!

Thank you girls for coming! 

It did my heart good!

New Christmas Card

Its getting bigger!!

My sweet sister!!

Oh mom!! Wedding wouldnt be planned without you!

=)

More friends! 

Congrats Ben and Tara. Can't wait to celebrate with you guys!

Im obviously going through friend withdraw. 

=)

Not that anyone is counting...

102 days! Almost double digits!!

MPM! =)

Engagement Party!

My long lost roomie!! How I miss YOU!!

The twins came, I loved seeing you girls! I want to take my friends back to dallas with me! 

Natalie and I at the party!

I got to see this girl 2 weeks in a row! 

Amazing!

Andrew and I at my mom's before the party began!

Sweet little Elle Belle and me at my dads pre-party!

She sadly couldn't be with us at the party. Just not old enough yet. 

This weekend Andrew and I got to go home to Nashville for our engagement party. We were so excited. I couldn't wait to see all our friends and family. I can't thank each of you enough for coming. It meant the world to me! And that doesn't even express how thankful I am!! We had such a great time at the party, hanging out with family, and enjoying beautiful Nashville. Oh how I miss it. We ate great food, relaxed, and got to soak in time with friends. Much needed time I might add =) 

The engagement party had great food-particularly shrimp and grits. My parents know how much I LOVE shrimp and grits so it was a great surprise. They were amazing! I couldn't eat enough of them. YUM! Thank you all for coming. It meant the world to me, more then you will ever know! 

My sister and I had a great girl's day on Saturday. We went shopping and got makeovers. It was the best girls day ever. I couldn't have asked for a better weekend. It was much needed time well spent. I got this great dress I wore to the party and some other fun stuff. I got a makeover done and it was actually good. I didn't come out looking like a clown. I am now having the same person do my wedding day makeup! 

All in all--GREAT weekend, couldn't ask for anything better! I love my friends and family! Thank you!

He made it to the party and ended up trying to sleep on the floor. 

Too cute! I want to eat him up and take him everywhere with me! 

Tyler with his friend Rocky.

Tyler was great all weekend. It was amazing getting to see him. We played tons on Saturday. He got to hang out with Andrew. However, when he told my sister Andrew was his best friend, it was time to intervene and spoil him more. =)

I did not get a enough of him while I was in Nashville. He kept saying he was going to a PARTY! You asked for who and he would say "Missy and Andrew!" Precious! He has grown so much. Ellie is so big now. She is waving to everyone. You take your eyes off her and she is half way across the house. Its great seeing them. I miss it so much.

Andrew and I after the party!

Friend Visit!

Natalie came to visit--pretty much the trip is summed up by spending time outside, eating too much food, and shopping! It was wonderful. She is so great to fly out here and spend a weekend with me. Its my first friend visitor and hope not the last! =)

We went on a bike ride Sunday after church. It was beautiful outside.  Pictures are in reverse for the weekend! 

Sprinkles is a given. Of course we ate too many cupcakes. We loved them. Red Velvet is always a favorite! I could eat one everyday! 
I had to take her for Mexican at least one night. Mi Cocina is a great Mexican restaurant. Great food! Great company!
I wore my cowgirl boots for the first time. Trying to get used to them. They are fun! 

I was sad to see her go but get to see her and so many other friends Saturday in Nashville. Cant wait to see the family and friends for the party. 

We Fireproofed It Last Night!

So Andrew and I went to see Fireproof last night. Once I got past the terrible acting, I started shedding tears. It took about 10 minutes for me to get past the bad acting and really getting into it. Its amazing. What a great message. I recommend everyone see it. Its such a testimony to Christ and His love for us. It hit home way too hard as I saw myself in the husband (Kirk Cameron) before he accepted Christ. 

There are many things in life that make you realize how selfish you are, well this movie was one of them. If you looked up selfish in the dictionary you would find this: Missy!

The past few weeks, the Lord has been working in my heart to reveal sin. Its ugly sin. Sin you don't want to do anything about, sin that you want to stay in the closet and not deal with. Well the Lord has decided to deal with it and I can't just shove it in the closet. He has humbled me in many ways through this engagement process--having someone so close to you and reveal many things hidden in that closet. Things you never really thought were a big deal, oh but how I was wrong. The Lord has revealed minor and major things through being engaged to Andrew. I would definitely say the Lord is at work in pruning me--there is no doubt about that. He has revealed them in a good way but its a process to work on for sure. Im sure more things will be revealed once we completely unify two lives and join schedules completely.  

The Lord loves me unconditionally as I continue to disobey, spit in His face DAILY. He loves me despite my ugly selfishness, my ugly sins. This is how Kirk Cameron in the movie comes to know the Lord, he realizes that his wife is spitting in his face daily, selfish, ungrateful. A light bulb goes off and he comes to understand how we, as children of Christ, do that everyday to the Lord. We are prideful, selfish, disobedient, and He loves us beyond measures we can fathom. 

During the movie, Kirk (husband), starts a journey to love his wife and in the midst comes to know the Lord. He is given a Love Dare (given to him from his father). He just goes through the motions of these dares (not saying anything negative, do a act of kindness, ect) but after he comes to know the Lord, he really puts his heart into the dares for each day. He carries each day's dare to the next dares and its his new normal, as he explains to his wife. He has been changed. The Lord allows him to love, really love his wife. The wife sees the difference as he continues to serve her. She feels empty, knowing that her husband has something she doesn't have in her heart, the Lord. 

Im thankful movies like this are out there. It should be on everyone's list to see. Maybe the statistics of divorce would decrease.

http://www.fireproofmymarriage.com/couples.php

You can find love dares on this website. 

They are sweet acts of love you can do for your spouse. It emphasizes the Lords love and putting your spouse before yourself. 

 

Go see it and fireproof your marriage! (but expect to shed some tears)

=)

A few weeks ago I got to go home and see these precious kiddos! I went home to do some wedding stuff--trying on dresses, b'maids dresses, ect. It was great. I had not seen my sister since we got engaged. Mom and Michele picked me up from the airport. We got home and the house was decorated in wedding bliss! It was so much fun. Wedding bells and decor were everywhere. 

My sister, tyler, and ellie got there early Friday. It was a beautiful day and much of it was spent outside. Tyler loves his little sister so much. He is very sweet to her and loves to hug and kiss her. Its adorable. I would have to say Michele and Tyler are blessed with great kids. I hope to get that lucky one day! (but not for a LONG time!)

I loved seeing both of them. I havent seen Ellie since she was born--8 months ago! Crazy! Today my mom was in KY with everyone and asked Tyler who was getting married. Tyler's reponse was "Missssyyyy!!" Then she asked who Missy is marrying, and Tyler said, "Diego!" haha--thats my sister and tyler's yard worker. So great!

We had a champagne toast Friday night when I got home! Tyler wanted to participate! This was after the first time I tried on Michele's dress. Sweet little Tyler will be the ring bearer. He is excited. It will be his second wedding!
Saturday we did dress stuff! Im getting to wear my sister's dress which I couldnt be more excited about. It fits, oddly enough-a little snug but it zipped. We have to take it out a little bit but thats it. I love it! First and last dress I tried on! Its perfect for me and the veil is amazing. This dress was Taffy's wedding dress (Michele's mother-in-law). Michele redesigned it for her wedding and now I get to use it. I know I look naked but I cut off the dress so Andrew couldn't see. I have tried showing him the pics of the dress but he wont look. So I figured I would stick with it till 2/28/09!!! =)
Ellie had her first girl's day that Saturday. We went to the alterations place first for the wedding dress. After that we went to lunch. We wined and dined at Fire Fly in G'hills. It was so yummy. I recommend it to anyone who has not eaten there before. My sister and I sipped on much wine and headed to Cotton Mill--damage could have been done but luckily we didn't see too much we liked.  Ellie was great hanging with the big girls.  We had a blast!! 

I loved seeing a little blonde toe head run in my room both mornings at 645am (waking up early to cuddle with him was worth it!).  Its been fun seeing him grow and learn new things. He is a motor mouth and doesn't stop during the day. Its great. I wish I had one ounce of his energy. Ellie is beautiful. She doesn't bother anyone, loves everyone! She is at the brink of standing on her own. 

Needless to say, it was a great visit home and I cant wait to go home in Nov to see the family again! 

131 days till the Big Day!! Woop! 

The Long Awaited Pair Of...

Cowgirls Boots!! 

Last night I went over to Katie's apartment and Andrew called to tell me he was stopping by to give me a "happy" he had bought during the day. He shows up with a huge box and inside are my new cowgirl boots. Ever since Ive moved (5 months ago--crazy!) he has said I needed new cowgirl boots.  Ive been too cheap to buy them but have always wanted them. So yesterday, I finally got my first pair of cowgirl boots!! Yeah!!

Registering day!

The overwhelmed feeling of a long day ahead of us!

Didnt know registering was so exhausting! We had fun though--lots of decisions and as you can imagine--there were a lot of "i dont knows!" We went to Bed Bath and Beyond first, which we thought we did pretty good. I was thinking oh wow, we shot that gun like 300 times--but then the guy told us we only registered for 68 items. Crazy. But we did that store for a few hrs and then moved on to Williams Sonoma. We went and picked up Sadie bc she works at the WS in summer and winter during college breaks. She wanted to join us in the last half of our day! She was greatt to have tag along--good sport and helped pick out great things! Can I just put everything on my list from that store? Its amazing! I have always loved it. Then we headed to Mi Cocina for a much needed cocktail! =)

All in all, Andrew and I had a blast yesterday--exhausting but a really fun day! 

Andrew with the gun--scary!

Taking a much needed break!

Finally--got a chance to shoot the gun! No more shooting items like tooth pick dispensers!

Cocktail time! Ah!

Great Home Visit!

Lauren and I at the Rception at Red Pony in Franklin

Ang and Jenni! Love them!

Future "Morgans"

=)

Andrew and I got to go home for Keith and Raney's wedding this weekend--it was wonderful to see friends and family. I miss everyone so much. It was the first time I have seen my family since I got engaged so that was fun! We got in Friday-in time for the rehearsal and dinner. Saturday I went China registery shopping-so fun but so many! I have my favorites down to 2 so hopefully next trip home, Ill be able to decide. The wedding was sweet and beautiful. We had fun getting to hang out with friends at the reception. Later Sat night we had all our friends over to my dad's house for drinks--a much needed friend time for Missy =)

We had a blast seeing everyone! 

Jenni passed down her wedding countdown clock to me--Melissa and I are getting married a week within each other! 2/21/09 and 2/28/09!

Britt! Love her more than life! 

Can never get enough of The Kings!! Love yall! 

Asking for Prayers!

I write to ask for prayers to be lifted up. I found out Monday on the way home from Chicago that another tumor has developed in Tyler's brain. He will be admitted for surgery on Wednesday at Duke and have surgery Friday morning. We ask that you pray for guidence during surgery, peace for the family, healing. Pray. Tyler is a supporting and loving father and husband. We love him dearly and pray him through this surgery. We love you!! 

Details...(or the longest blog ever...sorry!)

My sister and her friends Champagne tasting!!

Surprising my sister!!

So here it goes....

I arrived in Chicago at 11pm (was suppose to be 6pm) and went to where my sister was to surprise her. Tyler planned this whole weekend for her 30th birthday. She thought the whole time she was going with him but little did she know that she was going to meet 5 of her best friends. 

Spent all Saturday with her and her friends, shopping, champagne tasting, loving Chicago. Andrew had told me he was getting there at 5pm. When he showed up at the hotel to come get me where I was staying with my sister he was sweating so bad. He said it was from a hot taxi ride and walking with his bags. Really, he had arrived in Chicago at 2pm. He went to the John Hancock where he had planned to propose but after having a drink up there to relax and scope it out, he figured it was too "barish" and noisy with kids in the backgroud. He went to Navy Pier (too cheesy to propose there), to Buckingham Fountain (too many people around to propose there), and finally to Millennium Park. He had thought about doing it by the silver bean or another fountain but too many people, so he found this spot in a little garden where you could see the skyline/good view of the surrounding buildings. That was it! 

So Saturday night after he arrived he kept his bags in my sisters hotel room (I thought about calling her to tell her to go through his bags to see if there was a ring in there. haha) while we went to dinner at Table 52 (highly recommend it to visiting Chicago tourists!).  Then we headed to Rachel and Jonathans, where we were spending the night. We woke up Sunday to have a great b'fast. Best cinnamon roll I have ever put in my mouth. We did Navy Pier-the farris wheel at Navy Pier, Museum of Science and Industry to see a glass blowing exhibit, and walked up and down Michigan Ave--all the while he keeps his backpack with him. Thought it was strange but didnt say anything. He kept feeling his bag all day. Weird, yes I know, I thought so too! =)

I offered to carry the backpack but he refused to let me. I just wanted to see if he would let me and I thought well if there was a ring in there, we wont, but if not then he might let me.  He claims he didnt let me to be a gentlemen (so sweet). There was something too precious in there! 

At the end of Navy Pier

Taking a break from walking.

Taking a load off

I kept telling him to just go to Millennium Park after the museum since we were close but he didnt want to. So we went back to shower and freshin' up. He went and picked up some wine/champagne (as we would be celebrating later!) for dinner that we had planned with the Shaubs. While he was gone I was tempted to peak in the backpack but instead I just felt it to see if I could feel the ring box =) It was a big box so I was a little confused. 

He got back and I saw him put a bottle of champagne in the backpack (the infamous backpack!) and I told him I didnt see it when he asked.....heheh! I played along. Im still trying to tell myself nothing is going to happen so Im not disappointed if something didnt happen. 

So off to the park! 

We saw the silver bean (or really its a sliver cloud) and the fountains with the faces. He didnt seem to impressed with them (maybe bc he had already been there earlier the day before!) He then proceeds to guide me to the garden. (sure knew his way around good). By this point, Im thinking there is a 99% chance its going to happen. 

About 10 minutes before he popped the question!!!

We are standing on the little hill in the garden and he talks about the view and I start to walk off bc I had seen it and I was ready to see something else. But I coludnt get away--he pulls me back and tells me that he had lied to me about when he had arrived in Chicago. He arrived early so he could find a perfect spot. This is when he starts his sweet little speech on us and our future (ill spare you all the eewy gooey details!) Except the part of when he tells me he got me something, bends down to pick take it out of the backpack, gets on one knee, and asked me to marry him!

I said YES!!

Yeah!!

A fun dinner with the Shaubs!

It was perfect! We were so excited and thrilled!! We love it! The ring is beautiful and he designed it himself. The Lord has completely blessed me with a great new family! We couldnt be more excited about this new phase!