One Year Ago...

... two blue lines changed our lives forever.

It was the forth of July weekend. I was "late," and we both had a gut feeling that the baby we were hoping for was coming sooner than we imagined. But we were nervous. Nervous the test would read negative, and we would be sorely disappointed. 

So we kept putting it off.

Friday, July 1st we left to spend a weekend with my family in Michigan. We arrived, the fun began, and yet we couldn't shake the idea. On the plane ride up we agreed we would enjoy the weekend and try not to worry one way or another about the results of an eventual test. We planned to take a test Tuesday morning, together, alone, in our home. 

But within hours of our arrival my sister was on to us, and by Saturday evening she had her husband persuading mine that we should take a pregnancy test soon. Like today... Or tomorrow. 

So Daniel "surprised" me (he's always looking for an excuse to surprise me) by bringing home a test, and we snuck/sneaked/whatever into the basement, alone.

I couldn't look. There were knots in my stomach. Daniel took my hands and we prayed for the Lord's will, whatever the outcome. We prayed we would know his joy, whether positive or negative. But both our hearts were racing with excitement! 30 long seconds passed. I squinted my eyes tightly shut, and squeezed Daniel's hand. 

"What's it doing? Does it say anything yet?" I asked.

"Well, yeah... what does a plus sign mean?" Daniel asked, genuinely confused.

I beamed from ear-to-ear. A smile I could not shake from my face for the next week. "That means I'm pregnant! We're gonna have a baby!"

I was wrapped in a big bear hug. He squeezed me so tight. He was so happy.

We were so happy.

We told his mom first, and then my family after dinner that evening. Then grandparents, and best friends as the days passed.

I remember pure joy, being able to share news that made everyone so happy.

When we got home, we went to Wednesday night prayer meeting at the church we had come to as newlyweds a year before. I thought the room was going to explode with excitement and delight when Daniel made our announcement.

Babies are such a gift. The happiness that surrounds them is infectious.

And now, a year later, we're bouncing our sweet boy, and remembering...

Two Years

This day two years ago I married my best friend.

He is still my best friend today.

It's been a joy-filled year, this second year of marriage. We created life, and brought it into the world. We began a new adventure in ministry, and moved to a new home.

We've learned how to better love one another this year. We've learned how to serve one another more sincerely.

We honestly have a ton of fun together. We laugh A LOT.

We have learned how to communicate more clearly, and it has blessed us and our unity.

Sometimes, often-times, it's like the honeymoon never ended.

Today we are apart. I am aching for my husband. But his text messages and phone calls make him feel not-quite-so-far-away, and tonight we'll Facetime. Technology is great.

We celebrated a new marriage with two of our best friends on Saturday. It has made me incredibly reminiscent of that time two years ago - when we were the ones on the honeymoon, when we were the ones who couldn't let the other out of eyesight, who couldn't let ten minutes go by without kissing, again. Those newlywed days are the best...

But then, these days are the best, too.

Our love has grown and matured. It has deepened. And I'm still happiest with his hand in mine, and a kiss every hour.

I don't love him any less than I did two year ago. In fact,  I love him more. More than I ever thought I could.

And if I love him this much after just two years, what will it be like in fifty?? I'm eager to see!

Daniel, thank-you for marrying me. For sacrificing your life daily for my happiness, and for giving of your own joy, for mine. Thank-you for your hard work, for your patience, for your tenderness and love. Thank-you for how you teach and lead me. For your prayers for and with me. I was the happiest girl in the world on June 5, 2010, and I still am. You are God's greatest gift to me. I adore you.

photos by Mary Kathryn | www.marykathrynphoto.com

Springtime Traditions

Two of the highlights of our spring last year involved Ashley, Josh and a conference.

(Reducing the Gospel Coalition to simply "a conference"  hardly seems right. . . )

(EDIT: Sorry, I had the wrong link above.. should be better now.)

This year we are combining them!!!

This weekend we and our BFFs (who are now no longer flirty friends, but love-stricken-soon-to-be-newly-weds!) are heading down to Anderson, SC for Mark and Grace Driscoll's Real Marriage tour.

We're doing a heck of a lot more than just going to a conference though... plans for visiting the men's alma mater, taking family photos, visiting family and friends, staying in a nice hotel, and I heard something about, "a nice evening for our girls," are all on the agenda.

I'm just a bit exciterated!!!

Must-Haves on a Wedding Registry

I meant to put this together closer to our 1 year anniversary, but O, well. Maybe a couple extra months means I'm a more seasoned housewife? ;)

Registering was super fun for me. Seriously, why would I not want to go around with a little gun machine and scan anything I think would be fun, or useful? :) Daniel and I were registered at Bed, Bath and Beyond and Macy's. We got mostly everything we needed in gifts, or got to enjoy using gift cards together after our honeymoon!

(For women whose future-husbands are not shoppers this may be the only time your husband will actually enjoy browsing endless aisles of home goods. Daniel and I had a blast that first month... then, it suddenly wore off, and now he comes up with excuses of why not to go shopping faster than I can spend money. ;))

But, let's be honest. There are some things that get used way more often than others. There are also certain items that were way worth the investment, while others you could have done without. Some items I went cheap on, when I shouldn't have. And in todays nifty world of gadgets galore there are dozens of all-in-one systems that are so much easier to own, rather than storing ten different utilities in your spare bedroom closet. ;)

Ok, Ashlee, enough rambling. We get the picture.

Here are my top ten must-haves:

1. Glass Pyrex. Oven, freezer, dishwasher, and microwave-safe. Easy to stack and store. Register for EXTRA of this. You will be glad you had it.

2. Kitchen Aid Mixer - worth every penny. And why not, when it comes in so many fabulous colors? I just want to collect them all! (Kidding).

We didn't get this as a gift, even though we had registered for it, so I waited for it to go on sale at Macy's. On top of the store sale, I used the 20% discount that most stores give you for any remaining items on your registry. They even shipped my choice color {colbalt, please} to my house for free, since they didn't have it in the store. I think we ended up saving like $60 - and I still paid for every penny of the mixer in gift cards! Woot!

3. Good Sheets and Pillows - little lesson from the not-so-wise-but-always-thrifty-me (*blush*): Your sheets will get their wear-and-tear very quickly. Don't just buy the clearance sheets because they're $40 cheaper than the ones you registered for. Invest in good quality, high-count cotton sheets (or whatever your preference is) that will last. Register for two sets - Back up sheets are good for nights when you puke on one and don't feel like washing at 2am. Plus, it's fun to mix and match. As far as the pillows go - I completely forgot about them when registering! But this is another essential we take for granted. Find out if your future hubby is a back, side or stomach sleeper, and get a good quality pillow for him, and for you. Then, register for those pretty fluffy ones for your shams. DO NOT get the $9.99 100% cotton pillows - seriously. I'm embarrassed I when guests sleep over, because I have to hand them a flimsy lump of fluff. :-P

4. Cast Iron Skillet (small and large?) - We actually didn't register for these. Daniel already had a small and large skillet given to him with a bunch of his grandmother's stuff. I honestly did not know the greatness of them, and sent the larger one to Goodwill, to free up cupboard space [tear]. But I have since learned to love the small one! Everything taste good on a cast iron skillet, and is there anything else easier to clean??

5. Giant Wooden Cutting Board - oil with some evoo and you're good to go! Wish I had a bigger one... maybe when I'm cooking for more than two we'll upgrade! :)

6. Your Favorite Games - Not a "must have" but definitely a "must register for" :-P We only have a handful of games, but they are all well-used, especially when company is over. It's great to have something to do together besides watch movies. 

7, 8, 9. Good Pots, Pan and Knives - You'll be using them everyday, and if you invest well they could last 10+ years.

10. Food Processor/Blender All-in-One - Pictured below is what I have. It was handed down to me by a friend who no longer needed it, and it. is. amazing. This one item blends my smoothies, shreds my cheese, and chops my onions. It's easy to clean (by hand... or it's dishwasher safe) and does everything all in one, so you don't need to buy (and store) several different items.

Of course, I'm sure I'll think of something else after I've posted this, but 10 is a good place to stop. 

What are your favorite registry items? What does everyone tell you is a must-have? 

Anything you got that was a waste of time/space/money?

Let me not...

to the marriage of true minds admit impediments.

Love is not love

which alters when it alteration finds,

 Or bends with the remover to remove

O, no!

It is an ever-fixed mark,

That looks on tempest, and is never shaken.

It is the star to every wandering bark

 

Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken. 

Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks

Within his binding sickle's compass come;

Love altars not with his brief hours and weeks

But bears it out

even to the edge of doom.

If this be error, and upon me proved,

I never writ, nor man ever loved.

William Shakespeare ~  116th Sonnet

Today marks three years  that I have been blessed to call this man mine. Read  about what was happening in this period of our lives three years ago in Parts IX,  X, XII, and XIII of Our Story (I seem to have skipped a Part XI).

Honeymooning

Last year...

*sigh*

We were honeymooning in the Rockies.

I never posted anything about our honeymoon, so better a year late, than never.

We spent our first night together at this little gem of a place called the Emerald Necklace Inn. The woman who owns the place was very kind, and the room was beautiful. The whole house was decorated beautifully, and had we not had a plane to catch we would have enjoyed a delicious home-made breakfast - instead she gave us two blueberry scones as we headed out. (also delicious).

The four hour flight into Denver went quickly. We were so happy to talk about anything and everything. I was so happy to let the whole world know I was married.

We were surprised to not see the mountains as soon as we landed. The mile-high city is certainly on top of a mountain, but we had to drive for a bit before we saw the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies.

Uncle Tom and Aunt Julie (on Daniel's side) let us use their cabin in Keystone, CO for our honeymoon. It was spacious - two nice-sized bedrooms, two full baths, a full-furnished kitchen and dining area, and open family room -  yet cozy and warm.

Keystone is 12,000 feet above sea level, with surrounding mountains several thousand above that. The view was breathtaking - not because of the altitude, either! 

We drove our car up to the Continental Divide, and then hiked up two sides of the mountain around it - on two separate days. I could have done that all day long! I loved it. (We were not dressed appropriately, though, and that made it more uncomfortable.)

One day we rented bikes and rode out of the resort down to Lake Dillon. 

I am the adventurous one, just so everyone knows. Daniel would never put his bare feet in near freezing water. ;-) 

Of course it stormed. Rain follows us everywhere. But it was magnificent.

 yeah... :)

Love him

We made a lot of fun memories, and got to see some exciting stuff. I remember thinking sometime shortly before the wedding, "not only am I getting married - I'm going on vacation!" Honeymooning is such a great idea. :)

We hope to go back to Colorado someday... for a visit, perhaps. Or maybe for a more permanent stay. We'll see. :)

One Year

For one complete year I have been blessed to be the wife of Daniel Franklin Wells.

What a year!

What a race of emotions I was experiencing this time last year. I remember excitement and anticipation. Not a hint of worry or concern. No stress - not really. I was just so incredibly giddy to be married to Daniel. I was happy with all the little details, excited for everything to come together, and excited to experience what I knew would be the happiest day of my life.

I relished every moment of being the bride - of being his bride. I never for a moment felt self conscious. I felt beautiful. I felt loved and cherished - because I knew I was.

I loved getting ready - even for a morning wedding. (sorry girls). I loved zipping up that dress and having everyone ooh- and aah- and see tears well up in my mother's eyes.

Getting married is a dream.


My dress was exactly what I wanted, too. I loved how I felt it in. I loved wearing it, an really didn't want to take it off. I might just put it back on today. :)

During the Bridesmaids' processional, my dad and I were standing out of the way. For some reason he thought I was nervous, and was telling me "just breathe," and "relax." - I was just ready to race down the aisle!

I relished each step towards my groom. His face is still cemented in my memory - an attempted smile, a lump in his throat, a tear in his eye, a face full of radiance. If I close my eyes and remember us at that moment, it gives me butterflies.

Then we had to stand there and listen to the pastors, and sing songs... And I was just wondering why the kiss had to be LAST. O, it was a first kiss all over again - even if our bridal party wasn't allowed to hoot and hollar for us via our pastor's request.

My bridesmaids were gorgeous. I still think I had the prettiest bridal party ever.

When we were announced as "Mr and Mrs Daniel Wells" I wanted to jump up and shout!

The food was delicious. I fought long and hard to get that menu at the right cost, and I was so glad. I wish I could have eaten more than five bites. I did down two glasses of champagne though.

My cake was perfect. I seriously think The Knot should include it in their wedding cake section. I do wish we had the top tier to eat today.

I loved all the children at our wedding. Some where little ones I had baby-sat when they were only a couple of weeks or months old. Others I had helped potty-trained, or watched learn to walk. Some were good family friends. Some were cousins. Two were sisters.

They were all enraptured with me. I loved that, too.

I loved all the dancing - and dancing to Party In the U.S.A like a kid and looking like an idiot.

Our first dance is one aspect that wasn't exactly as I would have wished it, but the song was special to Daniel, and in the midst of our dance, whatever music was playing concerned us very little. We were together. We were married. That was what our focus was on.

I am thankful I did a father-daughter dance, and that we did it to Cinderella. I felt like a princess. I was glad to spend those three minutes with just my dad, and thank him for being the father he was to me as a little girl growing up. 

I wish I had done a mother-daughter dance, though. I think a mother-of-the-bride should have a special, intimate moment with her daughter, too.

I love, love, loved our carriage ride. I loved being with my husband in that carriage.

Taking pictures in the rain was fun, too. Cheers to a fabulous wedding party!

And I loved how by four o'clock my husband was impatient to leave... and suddenly I was sick! But leave we did. The rest... well. Yadda yadda yadda. ;)

I loved every moment of my wedding day, from start to close.

And now we're living...

...Happily Ever After