8.31

The second we met I honestly knew, THIS IS IT.  We exchanged glances all night, as you sat on the corner of that table.  I wanted you to talk to me, but you were too busy entertaining other ladies.  You claimed to be shy.  If it weren't for JBaby and my thinking that you were quite the ladies man, we might not be here today.

The day after we met, I called the one person who would not think I was completely crazy for feeling like I had just fallen head over heels for a boy I had just met.  Edotlouise is the knower of all things, so she said "It only takes one meeting, one person, one time".  She was right.

For a year and a half, it has been a whirlwind of laughter, tears, wonderful memories, long drives, and long distance phone calls.  I never knew I could miss someone as much as you.  I've loved every second of this adventure.

As you all know, I've had the "bug" for quite some time.  I've been SO ready to get married and be engaged.  It has been a long ride.  I'm sure you've caught the subtle  hints on the blog that I was ready for TK to pop the question.  Well, he finally did.

Friday (8.31) I was expecting his arrival.  I've felt horrible all week, found out that afternoon that yes, it was another sinus infection.  I cooked and then took advantage of my poor health by resting for the majority of the day.  I get a text from TK right before 2 saying he was on his way.  I called a million times.  I was so ready to see him.  I was expecting him to arrive around 7:30 so I decided I would shower around 5.  Right before 5 he calls and says, I'm taking your exit.  I'll be there in 10 minutes.  Great.  This wasn't the first time he's seen me look terrible, but seriously- I looked terrible.  No make-up, no shower, baseball cap, over-sized t-shirt, and shorts that are at least a size too big that I'd been wearing for two days.  I'm very glamorous here in the Big City.

He arrives.  We are very excited.  He's sweeter than usual, just thought awww he missed me this time!  We visit.  I shower.  Throw the food in the oven.  We bark back and forth- Should I really put on make-up? Are we really going out?  He says yes, yes, put on something cute.  Whatever.  It's raining.  We eat- he snarfs down ground turkey and whole wheat pasta, he's totally loving it and has no clue, I'm just smiling away.  He's dead silent.  Watching TV, won't look at me.  All of a sudden he pops up and puts his shoes on.  It's close to 8, I guess...way too early to go out.

He says, Let's go to Art Hill I want to see if my parents might like to go there next weekend (they're coming to visit).  I'm all like- Nooo, it's raining.  We can do it tomorrow.  He persists.  I fixed a glass of wine.  His voice kind of changed and he said, just take it with you!  But it's raininggggg.

He's panicked.  I could tell.  He walks to the kitchen and says- Beth, I love you but I don't want to do this here!  I SCREAMED-  Let me get my shoeeessss!!!  We go running out the door for one of the most awkward car rides of our lives.  He's sweating and shaking.  We finally get there and hop out of the car.  We walk to the "spot".  He gets all sweet.  Grabbed my hands.  Looked at me and said- I know the next 40-50 years will be just like this, where you are arguing with me not wanting to do something, but some times you should just listen and go with it, there might be a surprise for you (Haha- SO me).  He said a bunch of sweet stuff.  I cried.  He went to his knee.  Fumbled in his boot to dig the ring out.  Then presented me the MOST gorgeous ring I've ever seen in my life.  We hugged the longest hug ever.  I didn't care that it was raining anymore. 

We then went and called everyone on the planet.  It was so exciting.  We celebrated with Berns, her parents, and Nelson...champagne, of course.  We then headed to the Wildflower where the staff surprised us with cake and champagne.  All these people came to our table to chat and see the ring.  We ran home in the rain.  Perfect night.

Tuck, you are one of my richest blessings.  I tell you all the time, but you are everything I never knew I always wanted.  You are so even tempered, kindhearted, and humble.  I just adore you.  You've been my biggest cheerleader during this marathon of school.  I couldn't have run the race without you.  I am so thankful we are about to cross the finish-line. 

I'm ready to be your wife! 

My BF's Wedding

I have literally 8,000 things to do right now, so why not blog?

So my BF got married on August 11th.  I mean BF in the literal sense of my acutal boyfriend and BFF in the sense of my middle school- sign my yearbook- Best Friend Forever- SWAK- LUVU4EVR...BF.

She married her man.  And I was tired.  Ha.  I wish I was kidding.  I think I will actually be less stressed about my own wedding.  I had been there every step of the way.  Every detail, every plan.  I knew she was stressed, so I wanted it to go off without a hitch.  I mean, I knew it would.  And it did.  I didn't sleep a wink the night before.  I was determined to capture every moment, person, and detail she was going to miss.  Her eyes were locked on him all day.  She shook a tail-feather.  She did it right.  I died after the reception.

We woke up bright and early (those of us who slept) Saturday morning to get ready with the bride.  I've never had an actual up-do so this was a treat for me.  I will have to say I was nervous because I was looking all "Margaret Thatcher" before it settled, but I'd have to say it turned out nice.  We had a great morning visiting with all the bridesmaids and our captain.  We gorged on every dip and salad containing mayonnaise known to man.  I think every human in Winona brought something over.  And don't worry, we put it away.  Thank God for bridesmaids dresses with pockets.  I easily drank a 2-liter of Diet Coke.

We headed to the church for pictures and last minute preparations.  I knew I would have a meltdown when I saw her in her dress.  Surprisingly, I didn't.  She looked absolutely gorgeous and the look on her face all day was pure JOY.

 Wish this picture was more clear!  See what I mean?  PURE JOY!

 Going to see her daddy.  Loved the veil from her mama!

All the little chickadees! 

So when did a lose it? When I always do.  As she was coming down the aisle.  I could really see her and the look on her face.  I also channel my inner Katherine Heigel (27 Dresses, Hello, My Life) and look to the groom.  His little face LIT up when he finally got a good look at her.  Just grinning from ear to ear.  Not the toothy kind of grin, but with his mouth closed with his lips nearly exploding.  I cried during the vows.  Not in the weepy way I expected.  Jenty's hair was so tall I couldn't see JBaby's face during that time like I'd wished.  Shortly after, they were pronounced Husband and Wife.  Then the real party started. 

The reception.  Lawsy me.  It was a party to be remembered.  I can definitely say EVERYONE had a good time.  I'm serious.  Even my father, who as evidenced at the rehearsal dinner, sweats like a stuffed hog.  My father who doesn't dance and has a brace on his leg had a WONDERFUL time.  If he did, everyone did! 

 The Doctors + Me

 Even spent the night with Edotlouise!

 Doing the stanky leg with her daddy

 Cute groomsman and bridesmaid

 Sweet parents and their fave child

 College friends reunited!

 The Deeg well represented

 MISSED my Swampy

Love these boys

 Looky here...two for two.  I'm still waiting.....

 Sobbing after talking to her daddy righttt before leaving.  Probably one of the funniest pictures of the night.  That fool danced her hair out.

I'm so honored to have been a part of the BIG DAY!  I loved the past eight months.  I know the future holds exciting things.  

Love you MRS. Jenty Dyre

Clockwork

I'm exhausted.  Still.  Just came off of wedding weekend for Janety.  A most perfect wedding weekend, at that.  I'll give a rundown soon enough.

I was about to browse Pinterest but then decided to blog.  The summer is coming to a close and that feeling that I always feel is slowing creeping in.  I wrote about it last year.  Then reflected on it later in the semester and said I had been crazy for worrying about it.  So WHY am I here doing this again?

I guess there are a lot of reasons.  This year will be different from any other.  I'm not sure how to gauge it- and really, I shouldn't try.  This year, I will be applying for my externship and completing a Capstone, all while fulfilling all the other requirements for being a student, and maintaining a long distance relationship.  No lie, it's going to be tough.

God willing, this will be my last year in the Big City.  It's hard to believe.  I personally desire to be closer to family, so hopefully I will be returning closer to home for my 4th year.  A few weeks ago, we went to a family gathering at TK's aunt and uncle's house.  His aunt was asking me where I hoped to end up.  After sharing with her possible locations and some of my apprehension- she just said "God really has a good sense of humor sometimes".  I said yeah sister (expect not really) that's what I'm afraid of.  It's the kiss of death to have a "plan".  I know this.  Why am I afraid?  I don't know.  He's never led me wrong before.

Professional?  Me?  I mean, we are almost there.  Amazing feeling yet almost terrifying at the same time.  I've had superior training.  I know what I'm doing.  But like a friend said to me recently, soon MY name will be on my work.  My judgements and results will be interpreted by doctors, patients, families, and other professionals.  With my name on it.  Hello?  I'm 24.  Right, I am 24.  Many of my friends are married, many have been in the working world for years, some even have children.  I feel old, yet I don't.  When did this whole career thing spring up on me?

The upcoming "good-bye" has my stomach in knots.  This summer has been such a blessing to our relationship.  I've seen TK more than I ever imagined.  It was so refreshing to savor every moment with him- to enjoy every single second- knowing that a goodbye was not right around the corner.  I know it's one year.  I know it will fly by.  But there are often those moments where it feels time is standing still.

One year.  I have one year left with my friends in the Big City.  The people who have co-authored one of the most exciting chapters of my life.  How can you wish to be in two places at once so badly? I don't want to miss a second with my sweet friends.

I'm hopeful I'll end up laughing all of this off.  That a few months will go by and I'll see it wasn't that bad after all.  That I really had nothing to worry about.

It crept up on me again.

Just like clockwork.

Baby Jef's Wedding

I can't believe our baby Jef tied the knot.  On my mom's side there are nine first cousins.  The older four, the middle man, and the baby four.  Cher (you might remember her wedding here), me, Jef, and Poodle are all eighteen months apart.  We grew up doing most everything together- baths, Christmas Eve performances, etc.  Only two remain maidens: the eternal bridesmaid (Hi) and the cynical diva.

She says hello

The weekend was great.  So much of the family was able to attend.  Tilda and her kids were there from HomaHoma.  My mom's first cousin, Buffy, made it with her kids from California.  The regulars.  Oh and TK.  (We missed Mimi- please pray her vision improves)  Our crew overtook the lobby of Hampton Inn the night of the rehearsal.  My aunts (the Crazy Ladies) attacked TK and asked many "burning" questions.  He was so willing to share, much to my chagrin.  The ladies were loving it- they love any opportunity to make me blush.  He definitely played the game.

The wedding was so sweet.  Our crazy group enjoyed the reception...the dancing mainly.  Oh and I caught the bouquet.  You know what that means...I'm good at fielding.  Really though, it fell right into my hands.  We spent another evening wreaking havoc on the Hampton Inn lobby.  Some of the elderly didn't make it to bed that night!  I bet they paid for it today.

 I would definitely claim her, but contrary to popular belief...this is not my child.

 The happy couple during their serenade.

 Matronly Crazies singing the obligatory "Going to the Chapel"

Young and Old Crazy Ladies

 One of my babies all grown up!

 My preteen baby.  Stop growing.

 Husband and wife!

 Baby cousins

 Uh oh, TK.  Looks like I might need a ring.

These gatherings always make me so thankful for the blessing of a wonderful family.  As we said good-bye to Jef at the conclusion of the reception- he looked at me with such sincerity and said "Thank you so much for coming.  I love you".  I love you too, Jef.  I wouldn't have missed the weekend for the world.