A Few of My Favorite Things...

I love this time of year! While it is currently blustering and blowing outside and VERY cold...I get excited when the snow starts to fall, Christma lights go up and the baking begins! There's something magical about this time of year. Christmas truly makes a time of the year that is usually dreaded, cold and "brown" beautiful and exciting. God sure knew what he was doing when he decided to have Jesus born in December. :)

We got our very first Christmas tree Sunday. It's very cute! It's a real potted tree, so we will have it until spring when we can plant it. It's too small to hang ornaments on it, but I put gold bows on it, drapped red bead garland around it and the angel is sitting next to it on the floor. :)

What's great about this tree is that Luke and I picked it out and that we will always have our first Christmas tree - as it will be planted in his parents' yard.

Luke and I started dating this time of year, two years ago. (Although, it's technically our 3rd Christmas together.) I have so many things to be thankful for this time of year. The birth of Christ, my savior and for the reminder of my husband. I also love the fact that I get to spend more time with my whole family and friends.

So many things around this time of year that makes me excited. White Christmas lights, freshly baked cookies, Christmas music, snowflakes, sledding, ice-skating, hot chocolate with marshmellows, puppies and so much more!

A Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!

So the weekend has come and gone...and it has truly been a Thanksgiving to be thankful for!

Thursday, we celebrated my first Thanksgiving with the Butters' side of the family. Wow! Talk about a big family! I always dreamed of having a big family one day, and here I am - married into one. It's a great family though and I'm so thankful for all of them! (Even the ones I'm still learning names on) lol.

We then headed from Battle Creek to Jackson for Thanksgiving with the Bregg's. This was an improptu as we did not originally plan on spending it with my family. They were all pleasantly surprised and it was great to spendsome time with them as well. I did not realize how hard it would be to not see them for Thanksgiving. So, as we told ourselves we did not want to spend our holidays traveling all over the lower half of Michigan, my husband willingly gave into my need to see my family on Thursday. I was very grateful to him for that...but agree that we need to come to a comprimise on holidays. We are still in the process of figuring this one out... :D

Friday, Luke and I both had to work. Unfortunately, I forgot to set the alarm and woke up 10 minutes before I was supposed to leave. Then much to my surprise (yet, what I deemed very fitting for the start of the Christmas season) woke up to SNOW!! So, only five minutes late to work, and starving without any breakfast or coffee - my husband brings me breakfast. Again - another reason to be thankful!!

Saturday, I spent cleaning and working on my final essay for UNC. With Luke's encouragement and encouragement from other family and friends - I finished it!!!! While it is not the "final" piece, it is written. What is left is editing and adding of references. This is the easy part. Luke worked all day Saturday at the hospital in the ER...yet by 7:30pm we we're packed and on the road headed back up to my parents' house.

Sunday started early at 5am. Luke was originally planning on going hunting with my father, but wasn't able to because of his cold (I don't like it when he doesn't feel good...) We had, yet, another Thanksgiving dinner with my family, but this time the Gafkjen side of the family.

And here I am, back in our cozy little apartment and so thankful to be alive and married to a wonderful man! We are both incredibly blessed to have each other and our families. It is weekends like these that remind me of the important things in life.

This last week I have truly felt God working on my heart. I know this is more than just a "feeling" as I have actually seen the changes in myself (and so has my husband). It's encouraging to know that Luke and I have family and friends who love us, support us and who are praying for us.

So thank you. Know that your prayers, encouragement, and support does not go unnoticed. Luke and I are just beginning this journey together and we could not make it without the grace of our Father or without family and friends by our sides.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

~The Butters'

Post-poning the enevietable...

Not only have I not posted a blog in a long time, I have failed to mention that application due dates are coming upon Luke and I. I don't know how friends of mine keep up their blogs with everything else they do? I always have good intentions of blogging at least once a week and then I find I'm exhausted and going to bed early or occupying my time with other things.

So, I'm sitting here listening to Leona Lewis' new cd "Echo" and it's an amazing follow up to her first album (which I also own and love!). However, I am post-poning my final essay for the University of North Carolina. I have wrote two awesome essays that I feel will show UNC what I have to offer. But UNC requires not 1 or 2 essays, but 3. This third one I really seem to be struggling with. I have paper strewn across the floor with reference books from past classes and I'm stuck! I do not even know where to begin. Writing has always been my strong point, opposed to speaking and defending myself, but not with this essay. This one has me pinned and crying out, "Uncle!"

This essay is the only thing I have left to do to submit this application. UNC has received my GRE scores, one of my references and another one is on the way with my transcripts. Aghh - I get so frustrated by this sometimes. I have been struggling with this essay for the last week.

I know why I want to be an occupatonal therapist, I know what it takes, I know how my courses have helped me pave the way to where I am right now - but I how do I put that into words to meet the criteria of this essay?

"Reflect on the content of the prerequisite courses you took in the categories of Human/Individual Behavior, Modes of Reasoning, and Social Institutions & Systems. Consider how the specific courses you took in these domains intersect with the philosophy and score of occupational therapy and occupational science. How do you view the future of occupational therapy and how will your knowledge in each of these areas contribute to your effectiveness in the profession?" (Include at least 5 publicatins as references from professional books or journals that have helped you learn about occupational therapy.

Most of my problem is probably fueled by the fact that I'm struggling with the thoughts of not getting accepted into school for next year. I Luke so much credit for continuing to take classes here and there and still pursuing his dream to become a Physcian's Assistant. He's been out two years now and still is not in a program. I guess that's a little discouraging to me. I've put almost $300 into this application, not to mention all the time and effort, by the time I'll have it submitted. To not know if I'll even get asked or an interview is a little disheartening.

So what next? How do I stay focused on a dream when it is so hard to see the next step? How do I keep striving to achieve something that seems so far away? How do I write a simple essay explaining to a panel of judges that I know what it takes, and I'm going to work hard to be the best I can be if I can't see those things right now?

...I will go back to the drawing board. I will try to approach it from a different angle. I may even have to go back to the beginning and remind myself why I want this in the first place. In the mean time, prayers, encouragement and support will be greatly appreciated; for both Luke and I. We both have a long way to go and we're too far in to quite now.

This is the last picture of Luke and I taken at a K-Wings hockey game a couple weekends ago.

I'll keep ya'll updated on our application status' and life

- but it's back to the drawing board for me now.

Listening to:

Leona Lewis - "Happy"

"Someone once told me you have to choose

what you win or lose.

You can't have everything.

Do you take chances,

you might the feel pain.

Don't you love in vain,

'cause love won't set you free.

I can't stay by the side

and watch this life pass me by.

So unhappy, but safe as could be.

So what if it hurts me?

So what if I break down?

So what if this world just throws me off the edge,

my feet run outta ground

I gotta find my place.

I wanna hear my sound.

Don't care about all the pain in front of me.

I'm just tring to be happy."

A Second In Time

Life sure does get crazy huh? One minute you're welcoming in fall with the close of September and before you know it, it's November and the plannings of Thanksgiving and Christmas are in the air. I cannot believe we're into November already?

These last few weeks have felt like a hurricane. So many changes and new things going on in our lives - it's hard to keep up with everything. Just when I thought I was getting extra time with work, (as our hours all got cut and I now receive Mondays off in addition to Saturday and Sunday) it is easy to find yourself filling that extra time with more "stuff." How does that happen?? And why do we do that to ourseles??

Life goes by too fast...whether we waste our days away or fill them with meaningful conversations and meetings. Life is just that way. Take our weekend for example:

Friday Luke and I both took Friday off to take the GRE up at MSU. We packed and left at 6:00am to spend the whole day in Lansing (because of course we couldn't both take the test at the same time due to registration issues). After having a long day in Lansing, we drove back to my parents house in Jackson to visit family and stay the night as we had a funeral to attend of a dear family friend. Then back to Coldwater by 4:00pm to have dinner ready for my aunt and uncle who came to visit. Sunday was started with church, a visit to Luke's brother's new house, then homework all day.

How does that happen? How does a full 3 days whiz by like a second in time?

Through everything this weekend I've come to realize a lot. A lot about life and living. If life truly does zoom by that fast, what am I doing to make it count? Am I being productive and living everyday like it's my life? The funeral this weekend reminded me how quickly life goes by. Lee lived his life and passed his legacy on to his children and grand-children. While I pray that it's years before I leave this life - I want to be able to say that I lived every second of it.

...I have an itching in my sole that has been unsettled for some time. I know I am meant for something big and God is not done with me yet. I am so ready to "Start" my life and harder I search for that "STARTING" point, the more I come to realize that I'm already running the race and I'm passing things by. I wanna make it count and I need to start picking up the pace.

Changing Ever So Quickly

It's Sunday already, my how the weekend has flown by! Jesse and Emily got married this weekend and the wedding was absolutely beautiful! Emily was GORGEOUS! It's hard to believe that we're now in October and that we are both married. The days are flying by like a fast train.

Luke and I are preparing to take the GRE next month and applying to graduate schools. It's hard to believe that this is becoming a very real thing for us. What's even harder to believe is that we are currently looking into a graduate school that is no where near my original idea of a grad school. Whether or not we get into that particular school the thought occured to me how little of control I have, really. God ultimately can take us anywhere. The idea of not knowing quite where that might be does not seem so scary anymore. A week ago I would have pushed the idea away, but I'm learning to surrender "the wheel" over to the Lord more everyday. Believe it or not, life's easier that way.

So I start this new week with feelings of excitement and not as defeated as I felt last week. The Lord has a plan for Luke and I. I do not know where we will get into school, nor do I know when we will actually get into our programs. However, I know that the Lord does have plans for us - and good ones. :) And that, I would think, would make anyone feel excited and encouraged. :)

Waiting for my coffee...

So, as I sit here and wait for my coffee to brew (that I desperately need) I realize that my graduate application has been stuck in a pink file folder. On this pink file folder is written "Time Management/Commitment." This is an old file that I used for my research and design class last spring and I recycled (obviously) and just so happen to put that item in it. Ironic? I guess I better get on that....

I also got "fitted" for the dress for my best friends wedding today. It's about 2"inches too small. Let me just state that when I ordered that dress, it fit perfectly. I also ordered it the same day I picked up my own wedding dress. It does not fit now. Neither do any of my other dresses. It fits in the waist just fine, it's a tad small on top now. Most men would not understand the frustration in this, but rather see it as a positive for them (like my husband for example). However, when you can no longer fit into your favorite dresses (or button up shirts) it turns out to be quite depressing. Even more so, I just realized this wedding is 2 1/2 weeks away. Great. Why does it seem that things like this happen when you least want them to? So...I will be the only bridesmaid with a dress that had to have fabric added in. Sweet life.

I don't mean to sound bitter about the whole ordeal - it's just a dress and they're just boobs. BUT - I was told, I can try to blame it on "marriage" as (apparently) marriage changes a woman's hormones?? Great! Take the girl who already has a hormone disorder and give her more to deal with. God's sense of humor is sometimes not that funny at all.

So...in the meantime, I'm going to blame it on marriage. However, I love being married and Luke is great - it is still easier to blame it on something or someone. My coffee is now ready - so I will leave you all with that.

Time: Here it is, there it goes.

What is it about time that can make it seem so slow and so fast all at the same time? I was reading a town banner about an upcoming event: Applefest. The banner read: "Applefest : Third Saturday of September." So, naturally, I start calculating in my head the weekends and realized; "HOLY COW! This Saturday is the third Saturday of September already!"

How does that happen? How does time slip away from us so soon? Take my wedding thank you's for instance...I got married in July...It's the third frickin' weekend of September already and I don't have them all out yet!! (So...incase you were wondering, your invite is on its way.) I went and bought a roll of stamps - they're all written, but not stamped...they will be out this week.

When did summer become fall so quickly? Another instance; thinking I had all the time in the world for studying for the GRE and applying to grad school - my brain woke me up this morning and said, "Good morning sunshine. Did you know you have to register this week for the GRE and take it next month? And how about that graduate school application... you have three essays to write for it and it's due by December. We are now in the 9th month of the year, just incase you forgot." - Gee thanks Brain...I did forget, now can you figure out how to stop time? I think I'm getting wrinkles and grey hair already.

All that to say - it's September. It's fall time. I am very excited about these things, but surprised at how quickly it has come already. It is encouraging at the same time. I think about how long it will take me to get through grad school and then realize, it's only 2 1/2 years - 9 months have already gone by in a flash...it won't be too much longer. :)

A Crazy Roller Coaster Ride...

I know, it has AGAIN been awhile. Life has just been crazy! One thing for sure, it has not been boring! Between family, work and signing up for classes it has been one wild and crazy roller coaster ride - I guess that's life though, right?




Just a little update, if things go well with classes and the GRE, I should be able to apply to graduate school this fall! YAY!! I'm ready to be in training for Occupational Therapy. I realize when I'm at work that my true passion is working with individuals who need help with everyday activities such as; signing their name, driving, feeding, etc. The other day we had a client come in who had a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and I found myself wishing I could talk to him about his therapy, is progress, etc. I just gotta keep on working hard and I know we will both get to where we want to be in our careers.





Right now I'm working on being a wife, student and full-time employee - so...I will leave it with that as I go and start dinner. :)

Okay, okay, I know it's been awhile since I last posted, but this last week has been full of crazy surprises and hectic days. Which I'm sure all of you can relate to in some form or fashion. Have you ever been STUCK in the middle of a decision that, regardless of your decision, someone is gonna get hurt? I'm not talking about the decisions you had to make as a child of which friends you were gonna sit next to on the bus or at lunch, but the decisions that are literally life changing. I haven't until last week.

My biological father contacted me last week. Yup - BIG surprise! I have always wanted to get to know him and was never given that chance by him before. I consider myself a forgiving person and believe that people can change. So, naturally, I want to take him up on his offer when he says he wants to try to start over with me. I have twin half brothers as well who are 10. Luke and I have prayed about this, discussed it with other family members and prayed some more. I am not concerned about the past of who said what and why. I just want to know him.

...However (there's always a "but" huh?) as you could probably guess, my family who has raised me, been there for me and shaped who I am is not to excited about the idea. Mostly my dad. Which I understand why, but it's almost impossible to try to explain to him how much I love him and will ALWAYS love him and consider him my DAD. He's refused to talk to me about the situation and left it with an email that states he supports Luke and I but does not want to hear about the relationship or anything that has to do with my biological father and I - nor ever be in the same room as him. I can understand why and respect this, but it does present problems. All my life growing up, if people even knew about my biological father. I didn't really have much contact with him before age 10 and none afterwards (until now.)

So, the big question being - what do I do now?! Do I cancel this upcoming meeting on Sunday for the sake of my family or do I go along with it? Opinions and advice would be helpful.

Again, I apologize for slacking on the blogging - but I've been pre-occupied with life. (as you can probably tell)

The Reality Is...

So there's this guy... and he makes me melt like a popsicle on the fourth of July! :D

Luke surprised me by having flowers brought to work today and it was such a sweet surprise! Being married to him has been so much fun! He's my best friend and it's great knowing that I get to come home to him everyday.

So I know most of you are probably thinking "blah, blah" and making fake gagging noises over my blogs lately. I apologize. No, life with Luke and I is not always a perfect fairytale. We argue and disagree quite frequently - but in the big scheme of things, at the end of the day he is still the one I love with all of my heart. The reality is, being married is hard and requires a lot of work. Luke and I have learned this thus far. However, this is what makes us really appreciate the surprise gestures of flowers, a special dinner, or quality time together doing something we enjoy.

Doing it Chicago Style

This past weekend the Butters' clan headed to Chicago for yet another Butter's wedding. This time it was Adam and Megan's turn to be hitched!

The wedding was absolutley gorgoeus! Megan chose sage green and violet for her colors and looked stunning in her dress with cathedral veil! (I feel like I'm reporting from a runway, but it looked that good!) The wedding was beautiful and the reception was a wonderful time! Megan's family are very nice people and a lot of fun.

The kids had fun swimming in the pool and they looked so cute in thier wedding gear. Our little flower girl couldn't help herself but to spin and spin and spin.

The guys looked good all dressed up!

The lovely ladies.

The kids were so cute all dressed up! Our little flower girl pranced around like a little princess and our little ring bearer walked around like the little handsome guy he is!

...Backing it up a Little

I'm going back a couple weeks to the Bachelorette Party!!

(How could I not blog about that!?)

Emily (my maid of honor) did such a wonderful job putting it together - and Lindsie contributed with the wondeful "Fun Fetti Surprise" cake! Not sure a picture on the blog is appropriate here. lol She also came up with the idea of all the girls color coordinating. We went to Old Chicago in Okemos for dinner than drove over to the Connxtions Comedy Club in Lansing - it was great! The main heading was hilarious and we all had a good time. The girls made it their main priority to make sure I was having an even better time. :D What was the best was when Emily and Lindsie had to get up on stage and do their best imatation of an orgasm (like in the movie: When Harry Met Sally) - Emily won. :D

Never even had to use the

"INEXPERIENCED DRINKER'S PUKE BUCKET"!

What do you get when you add

13 girls, pizza, comedy, and a 1 bride to be?

A heck of good time!

The Beginning

So here it is...my blog! I've never kept a blog before, but decided to start one to keep friends and family updated on our new life together (Luke and I that is). I hope you all enjoy!!

Two weeks this upcoming Saturday - that's how long we'll have been married. Summer is flying by! I remember counting down days til' July 18, 2009 and now we're entering August and I'm married! I don't want to blink because I'm afraid I'll miss something.

The wedding was beautiful - the honeymoon wonderful and now we're starting the "real world." So far, I've spent today and last night alone as my husband has been gone working double shifts. Work this week has been (for lack of better words) "hell" as we have been incredibly busy! The apartment is still in shambles and I have been scrambling to get name/address changed and organized. Friday we leave again for the weekend as we have Adam and Megan's wedding in Chicago. Real life has hit Luke and I and has not been very gentle.

I'm learning it's the little things that make it great, however. Like yesterday, I came home from working an 11 hour day to find brownies, made by Luke, for myself and the girls at work. They were great! In between working, unpacking, and taking care of business he found time to bake brownies - just to tell me he was thinking of me and loved me.

...it's the little things that make a "great" day - no matter how long, how stressful, or how demanding. I am so blessed to have wonderful family, friends and husband who contribute to those little things. God is good!

Be on the lookout for upcoming honeymoon pictures!

(as soon as I find the adapter to upload them - hehe)