Thanks Giving

This year was the first year in 3 years together that Greg and I actually got to spend the day together! Two years ago we did separate on the actually holiday, and last year it was my Holiday to work! (No Holidays for me this year...I'm still in orientation!) I'm super thankful to spend the Holidays with Greg, my family, and my new family! And it is the last Thanksgiving before we are married...it's weird every time there is a holiday or birthday, thinking this is the last one I will spend "single". But it's also very exciting!
On Thursday we were in Cleveland with my family. My mom cooked and we took everything to my grandma's. We were the only one's there for dinner, but later on my Uncle Kenny, Aunt Diane, and Uncle Dan came over and it was a very relaxing day!
Friday we drove to VA to spend the weekend with Kevin, Selby, and the rest of the Fam!! Nancy and Selby are busy preparing as I type...smells yummy!! =)

I love Holiday Traditions and getting to spend them with Greg for the rest of my life. I love to have Greg as part of my family traditions, and I'm very excited about all the new family I'm gaining too!

What are you Thankful for??
Happy Thanksgiving!!

Love, C&G

270 Days and Counting

Today is 270 days until Greg and I are married. We started with 474 days in the beginning...its gone so fast and so slow all at once. It's slow because we haven't been spending many of those days together. But this weekend we spent 3 days together and (even though I'm breaking from the wedding planning for a while) we had some meetings for the wedding this weekend.
Saturday we met with Deacon Rich and it couldn't have gone better! We were able to talk about how hard it is to be apart. Interestingly enough, he told us (among other things) we need to skype more! He said phone conversations and texting are just not enough, there is something about face to face time that is very important. We are definitely looking forward to our next meeting with him because with every meeting we are a little more "married" then the last one.
After that meeting Greg's parents come up from Dayton to be with us at our entree tasting! We had a fabulous meal! Selby says all that really matters is photography and food...and I know after Saturday's tasting everyone will be very happy with the food. (And cake if I might add!)
This weekend also included dinner with great friends on Friday night, plenty of movie watching, and a photo shoot with the boys I babysit today! And because we had such a good weekend goodbye was that much harder. We are looking forward to the holidays though! =)

Marriage

Last week Greg called me out a few things...
First, I travel way too much. Since I work in Columbus I'm always going to Cleveland or Dayton to see my parents or Greg. And since I only work 3 days a week...I have plenty of time to do this. However, it was taking it's toll. I was super stressed and over-tired. And that wasn't helping my relationship with Greg.
Secondly, in addition to the travel, I spent any free moment planing for the wedding. Making appointments with caterers or florists, picking shoes, collecting addresses, scanning the web for more ideas, etc.
Greg is now putting a big halt to all of this. I was instructed to stay home (in Columbus) today and tomorrow and rest...take some "me" time. I was also instructed to put a hold on wedding planning. We have 9 months and I'm way ahead of the game! But that's what I do, I like to be as organized and as prepared as possible! And I enjoy doing wedding things, but I will admit it started to become a job. So, thanks to the best fiance in the world, I am slowing down. I'm super thankful he called me out on it too because I would never admit to it.

Now that I've had a day to step back and rest- I have a new perspective. I had plans for damask fabric, floating candles, umbrellas in case of rain, and dreams of limos, videographers, and chair covers. But that isn't important. And I really don't care about a lot of that anymore.

What is important is that on Friday August 12, 2011 I will be marrying my best friend.

I don't know where I would be in life without him. And even though it is extremely difficult to live apart, it will be amazing to finally be together. And that is what is truly important. Being married to my other half is the ultimate goal...not what the matches look like or what color the flowers are. I could go on and on, but my point is that I'm so happy Greg asked me to slow down. I can now see what is important. In the long run it is our relationship that is important, and the stress of being apart and planning a wedding was compromising that.
Now I am thinking more about our marriage rather then the wedding because the wedding will last a day and our marriage will last a lifetime.
I'm looking forward to seeing where life takes us!!