Starting Our Future Together

     Trying to plan a wedding can be a tricky, tricky proposition.  Between the stress of sticking to budgets and trying not to step on toes and hurt feelings, the whole wedding idea just doesn't sound too appealing.  Especially when so many weddings end up being less of a reflection on the two being married and more of a garish attempt at impressing and one-upping.  I mean, how many girls do you know read a magazine then try to repeat exactly what they see?  How many brides do you know have at least a half a dozen break downs in the months and days leading up to their wedding?  Sounds like such a magical time to me...(insert sarcasticness here).  So.  That being said...
     Sean and I were in the middle of planning our traditional wedding for September when we both looked at each other and had our light bulb moment...what the heck were we doin?  Neither one of use really wanted a "traditional" wedding.  We didn't want the stress, or the expense, or the added drama that almost always seems to go along with the experience.  In fact, we had originally planned to have a destination wedding.  But, with pressure from members of extended family (immediate members didn't mind...go figure) we decided to do it here.  Thank the good Lord we wised up before we got in too deep!
     So here is where we are now.  Our original plan was to get married then go on our honeymoon to Savannah GA.  Neither one of us had been there (long story, but important to me) and it just seems like it's perfectly romantic.  While I was looking around at different things, I found some places that do weddings in and around the areas...and there again the light bulb went off again.  So here is where we are...


Breathtaking.


     Our plans include the scene above.  Huge, old trees covered with Spanish moss.  Sunset.  Just the two of us.  Peaceful and perfect.  I'll be wearing a white sundress with my boots (gotta be different!) and Sean will be Sean...we are still working on what he's gonna wear.  Whatever he picks, he will look fantastic.
     The whole point of us going to Savannah to be married is that it will be us.  There won't be anyone to please and every detail will be what we want.  I will be able to focus on marrying my best friend and soul mate, and not worry if the candles are dripping too much or if my flowers were delivered on time.  I want to relax and enjoy our time together.  We plan to wake up and enjoy our day leading up to the wedding...nice and relaxing!  And that is what it is all about.  Relaxing and enjoying each other, and celebrating the incredible time in our lives as we start our future together.     

Up 'Till Now...

     Ok.  So I realize I've been a bit behind on this blogging deal of late, so time to play catch up with our wild and crazy busy lives.  I swore I wouldn't be one of "those" bloggers, but guess I was wrong.  Not the first time, and sure won't ever be the last!!
     School is...well...school.  I dread it most nights but at the same time, I actually find myself enjoying learning new things.  I have caught myself saying weird things like "Shouldn't this stuff get easier as I go along, since I'm learning more??".  Makes no sense, I know.  But my brain is fried.  What can I say.  I'm learning the things I enjoy are not the subjects I originally thought I would.  I still have a love for sociology.  And truth be told, if ever there were to be money made in that field, I'd jump on it in a heartbeat.  But, alas, there's not.  So why waste my time and money on something that won't pay the bills?  Ergo my dilemma.  Still going with the business degree with a minor in medical management, but kinda leaning towards a masters in sociology.  That way all parts of my educational heart can be happy.  We shall see how it all turns out in the end.
     One week from tomorrow is one of the hugest days of all for us.  We close on our house!!!  I don't know who's more excited about what...us about more room or the kids about getting the puppies that are coming when we move.  There are so many awesome things happening for us that nobody can't say that God isn't involved in it!  He's sure smiling on us!  Other than not having everything packed up yet (ahem...) we are all rarin' to head over to the new house!!  We noticed that we have a fairly older man as a neighbor.  Let's hope he's a nice older man like the one that both Sean and I had as neighbors growing up.  There are so many kids and places to run and play.  Nothing like living in a col-d-sac!
     I've continued my healthy living changes...no more Cokes except for special occasions.  No candy except for when I usually have a Coke.  Nothing like having a Reece's cup with a Coke.  Nothing but high protein, complex carbs, fruits and veggies to eat.  Coffee, unsweet tea (or with Stevia...yummy stuff!) or water.  Big changes for me!!  I've also become quite addicted to Zumba.  I absolutely love shakin' it at 6 in the morning to get my day started off right.  And in the mornings there's not a class offered, there's always one later in the day.  I find I'm always checking the Colvin/Wellness Center schedules to see when the next class is.  I would say I MIGHT be addicted.  Just maybe.  Really in the scheme of things is that so bad?  There are so many other things a girl could be addicted to and I'm thinking working out can't be all that bad. :)
     Why am I doing all the working out, you ask?  Well the wedding is coming up quick!!  I wanna be one smokin' hot mama in that dress!!  Plus we have all the other pre-wedding stuff, too.  Pictures need to look good, too.  It is so exciting to be planning for our future.  All of our decisions are fun to make...it breaks my heart to hear about couples that fight and argue about their wedding and all the details.  This should be a happy day!  We are thrilled to celebrate it!!  Now the counting down begins!  Only 5 months and about 2 1/2 weeks left to go!  Plus we've FINALLY decided on our honeymoon details.  At first we debated on just doing a family vacation, but with some of our summer plans including a big one already, we decided that we needed to do a get away just for ourselves.  So....we chose....Savannah, Georgia.  We wanted a place in the south that neither of us had ever been to before.  We both love history and museums, so that will be perfect for a week away from reality to spend together, just the two of us.
     Hmmm....I think that just about covers it, for now.  That's the high points of our lives and what we have going on right now.  So many new and exciting things are are getting to experience together and as a family.  It is incredible to be able to move along on the journey together with my best friend, who makes each good day the best day of my life and the down times so much more tolerable...dare I say even fun.  Just yesterday at work one of my co-workers commented on just how how happy I look and could tell by how I carried myself that my life is where it should be and that I am full of love and loved fully.  That made my day in more ways than I could ever begin to describe.  Because it is the truth.  Never before Mr. Man walked into my life have I EVER heard that.  Not one time.  I am finally at a place where I not only can love someone freely and without any kind of walls around my heart, but I can also love myself for all that I am and all that I have to offer.  I would say that is a huge change that has been ever evolving!         

Just rollin' with it...

     Something I've really tried to instill in the kids is flexibility.  Being flexible in life...learning how to go with the flow when life throws the changes that inevitable come.  Because they will.  I've never met anyone who has gone through life and it go the way the have it all planned out.  And chances are, there hasn't ever been anyone that hasn't had a curve ball thrown their way now and again.  So far, they've done a great job at adjusting to the changes that they've had to face and the changes they've gone through.  What's funny though, is that those changes never stop.  Even as adults our lives are constantly changing...the curve balls are still thrown our way.
     I am so blessed to have the kids and the family that is capable of handling change the way that they do.  The take everything in stride.  Not to say things don't hurt, or that there aren't setbacks, because they do, and there are.  There's a ton of pain in life, and nobody is exempt.  We've gone through a lot of changes recently; most not a surprise and definitely not bad.  But change is change, and learning to adapt and work with the newness is where the flexibility comes into play.  I am so proud of how we can rally around each other and support each other, because that's what families do.  We work together to make the best of any situation, and really go with the flow.  Going through the adjustment period will take time, but through everything we grow closer and stronger. 
     If everything always stayed the same, we wouldn't learn to rely on God, or each other.  We wouldn't pull together, turn in towards each other, or face adversity or change with the strength that we have been given.  We, as a family, are a team.  We back each other up.  Help each other out.  Not one of us could do it all alone or pull the weight of the other.  All of us have to be flexible or none of this would work out.  In the end, we are learning all about flexibility, grace, and the ultimate meaning of family.  We might not be the "traditional" definition of a family, but then again...when have I ever been "traditional" in anything I do?  

New Beginnings...

     Something about January puts me in the "change" frame of mind.  All the new beginnings and looking ahead brings about a new burst of energy to get stuff done.  With that in mind, I've been on a roll!  Cleaned out the kid's rooms, the kitchen and everything in between.  Much to the family's dismay I must admit...along with the cleaning out of the old stuff, I've done a lot of thinking and planning about the near future and what I want to see happen.  Needless to say, we have a lot of stuff on our plate so change is to be expected!
     First and foremost, I refuse to make a list of mindless resolutions that I know are going to end up on the failure list.  This seems to be a common occurrence year after year, so this year, I'm avoiding the trouble all together.  I am, however, going to make my health and well being, both physical and spiritual, a priority.  Over the past several years, I have definitely put these things on the back burner, and with everything going on in our lives, I really need to be in my best shape to be able to manage effectively.  Short of the usual "eat better...lose weight", I am resolving to drink more (or some!) water everyday, which means giving up the Coke that seems to be my usual companion through the day.  Sadly, water just doesn't taste as good, but with a few heath issues of late, I know I need to.  Not giving up my caffeine entirely, though, because I would be a beast.  And nobody would want that, trust me.  As for the spiritual side, I am resolving to set aside time each day to pray/read the bible.  If I have the time to play on Facebook and Pinterest, than by all means I have the time to spend enriching my life for the better!  I've found some great resources that really seem to be tailored to where I am in my life right now, so that will help me on through this year of busyness!
     Something else I'm doing this year is completing one project per month.  This month, for January, Sean and I decided that by the end of the month we are going to have the housing situation all figured out and the ball rolling on purchasing our house.  We have several different ideas and options we are working on and it's decision time...so setting that deadline to make the time to get this done is our first project.  That will be one less ball in the air we are juggling by month's end, and needless to say, it's a nice relief to see a light at the end of that tunnel!  It may not seem like a huge accomplishment to some, but to us...it is!
     2012 is shaping up to be a huge year for our family full of some exciting changes.  I know God has some awesome adventures for all of us, and by keeping our goals in sight the small challenges will seem much easier to overcome.  And I've learned the secret...by not bogging myself down with unattainable goals I know I can't meet, I won't get discouraged by February 12th, and think I'm a complete failure.  Tah dah!        

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

     I am in awe of how our holidays have been this year.  Never before have I been able to sit back, relax, and really reflect with a positive attitude the day after Christmas.  In years past, I have been stressed, irritated, and pulled in more directions than I ever cared to go and usually by suppertime of the 26th I was already dreading the next year's holiday season.  Looking back, I have to say that some of my most down, depressed times were during the Christmas season, so that only makes sense that it would bring around so much angst.  Seems that this most wonderful time of the year doesn't always bring about the most wonderful kinds of feelings for everyone.  But, as time goes on and things change...situation changes can bring around new outlooks and attitudes can change, too.  Thank God.  Because I am sitting here, the day after Christmas, with a ton of things to do, but not feeling one ounce of stress.  I enjoyed this Christmas season more than I ever have before in my adult life.  Sharing it with the ones I love, seeing their happiness, made the little bit of frustration I did feel well worth it.

The relaxed, happy family.  Nope.  No stress here!

 
     All through the kids' lives, they have known the truth about Santa.  I never agreed with the philosophy of telling them the truth from the get-go, but I never had a say so in the issue.  Well, the kids were really wanting to believe, so Sean and I really made it a point to make Santa as "real" as possible to them that we could.  We were doing okay; they each had moments of doubt and belief.  After the letter writing, stories, and movies we could cram down their throats, the culminating moment was when "Santa" himself called them on the phone Christmas Eve.  "Santa", or better known as Mikey the future brother in law, sounds just like the jolly 'ol man himself.  He seemed to know everything about the kids, and their faces just lit up every time he said something about them.  Jax, being himself, decided he would try and "trick" this Santa, and asked him the hardest question he could think of.  Who was the mayor of the town where he lived when he first started delivering presents?  I cringed thinking the gig was up.  But, without missing a step, Santa knew the answer.  Bergermeister Meisterberger.  All those years of cartoons really do pay off!!  After a very personalized note from him to each kid based on that phone call and they are believers.  Like Jax said..."You really do exist!"  One more year, at least, Santa is as real as he can be.

Jaxton...trying to trick Santa Clause.

Jordy's face lit up like a Christmas light when Santa called her.

      Before Sean came into our lives, the kids never experienced shopping for gifts for me.  Whether it was for birthdays, Christmas, or Mother's Day, they never had the chance to go and pick out whatever they thought I would want.  They absolutely love being able to do that.  And I appreciate Sean for taking them shopping (this year was on Christmas Eve...crazy guy).  Jaxton picked me out a beautiful necklace and earring set that is perfect.  He knows I like things that sparkle, and its a chain with a sparkly cross in my favorite color combo of purple and blue and black.  He really knows my taste...and put a lot of time into picking out the perfect one.  Jordy chose to start a charm bracelet for me.  The first one she got for me was the bracelet chain that had a clear heart that you can put small trinkets inside of.  She put a "J", a small girl that has her birthstone on her shirt, and a small tag that says "I love Jesus".  She chose each one, and I look forward to the many years of adding to it with the unique, special charms that signify the different events of our lives.  I loved taking the kids shopping to pick out Sean's gifts, as well.  Jax thought he needed a new basketball (what guy doesn't ?) and Jordy was pretty confused as to why he would need a "mouse" until we went to the electronics section and picked one out...since he asked for one.  The looks on their faces when we opened up our gifts that they chose were priceless.
     I am so blessed to have the family that I do.  Every single day, I thank God for them, and for bring our lives together.  We have all been excepted into each other's families, and that is never more evident than at the holidays.  Tyler is included in the gift giving, even though he has yet to meet my mom.  The kids are just as loved and included in the Eisensmith side, as well.  They talk all about their cousins...that list has grown immensely...seemingly overnight!  There is so much love and acceptance all around.  Family has a new meaning to us now.

I would say this is a successful holiday season.  Baby girl has the right idea!  If you can find her, that is.

 

2011...Good, Bad, and Best

     So 2011 has been a fantastic year.  Full of some of the highest points I have ever experienced in my personal life.  My relationships with my love, kids and family have been strengthened to depths never before seen or even imagined possible.  I have become more dependent on those around me (a first for me) as well as opened my heart and really worked to tear down walls that took many years to build.  At the beginning of 2011, I took a good, long look at myself and saw several areas that needed a massive overhaul.  I knew that however painful, it would be for the good of those around me, especially myself, in the long run.   Any growth out of a comfort zone can be a cause of discomfort, and this year was no different, albeit not the extremes of the previous years.  I'm sure the comforting love and safety I have found helped immensely with that!
     The previous few years were pretty difficult, so 2011 was a much appreciated break through of life in general.  I really got my head straight, and got down to business.  I made the plan to focus on myself, and to take the opportunity to better myself.  It has taken me years to build the confidence I needed to do this; long story short, I've not been encouraged to better myself in previous years.  Now with the encouragement and support I need, I have stepped out of my comfort zones.  So I took the leap and started school.  Whoa.  Culture shock to say the least!  It's been a while since I've been in the groove of studying and being dedicated like I need to be. Working a near full time school schedule into working full time, along with kids, a fairly new relationship (at that time), and just life in general, there were times I wondered it I took on too much to handle.  But, when I got the statement for my loans, I figured if I'm already in this deep, might as well keep sinkin' in the dough for the education.  And still I roll on...
         Even spiritually, I am in a better place.  Funny how when you're at the lowest point you've ever experienced, the only hope you have is to grasp on to the only thing you have left.  The only thing you know that won't fail.  This year I've learned the true, ultimate meaning of grace and how it has been in effect in my life...even when I didn't actually see it in action.  Or wasn't really paying attention.
         This has also been a year of a massive roller coaster.  While I was experiencing some of the highest points of my life, I was also feeling some of the biggest fears and worries I have had to endure.  While my personal life was coming together, my extended family was facing pretty tough trials with the illness of our mom.  But like families do, we pulled together, rallied around her, and are seeing her through this.  Together.  You hear about families not being able to weather a storm; about how tragedies can put a wedge between families.  But we seem to be closer for it.  I even feel closer to my dad, who has been a rock for me, through all of this.  Even though he is no longer married to my mom, he saw a need in his kids, and stepped in to be the supportive dad we needed.  What really surprised me during this time was how I was able to experience these highest of highs and lowest of lows...all at the same time.  Unlike the proverbial roller coaster everyone talks about.  It was simultaneous.  And somehow, miraculously, I still managed to pull it all together~the kids, school, work, family, mom.  It was tough.  I cried several times.  Didn't know how in the world I was going to manage.  If it wasn't for the incredible support and strength of Sean and his ability to jump in and be everything I couldn't, I don't think it would have been possible.  Doing homework at chemo...staying up well past midnight for homework...yet I knew there would be supper to eat and clean clothes to wear.  He has done far more than his share.  He taught me throughout this year what sacrifice really means.
     Looking back I have overcome so much...with the help, support and love of those around me.  Looking ahead, I have so many things to anticipate.  There are so many exciting changes on the horizon.  Life changing events that are going to better us all for the future...I am so blessed and as the years go by I am able to better and more fully appreciate all of those blessings...both large and small.
        

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

     I just wanted to take a second and wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  From our family to yours, we pray that this time of year is full of blessings and special memories, and that the new year brings all that you desire and more.  God bless!

With love,

Sean     Jennifer

Jaxton   Jordy

Oh, brother.

     I don't have a big brother.  If I did, I imagine he would be a lot like Jax is towards Jordy.  He pesters, annoys, and all in all pushes her around.  I tell her that when she grows up, nobody in the world will be able to bully her or take advantage of her because of her mean big brother and that all of this being picked on will make her stronger in the end.  Sometimes I get lucky and it dries her tears.  But sometimes, he gets lucky.  Today was his day.

     Today, the four of us enjoyed a decent winters day by playing at a local park.  Yes, even I joined in for some monkey bar time, too.
 


    
     By all accounts, this was actually a nice, fight free afternoon.  Nobody got hurt, and for the most part, they left each other well enough alone.  But I should have known something was up.   


    
     Oh the innocence.  Don't let his sweet smile fool 'ya.  He's up to something.  I'm his mom and nobody knows him like I do.  Poor Jordy doesn't have a clue...

    
     Told ya.  Yep.  That is spit hanging out of his mouth.  Still, Jordy is clueless...and her smile is even bigger.  Probably because Sean and Jax are cracking up.

Warning: If you are the least bit squeamish and boys being boys is something that might not agree with you, look away as you scroll past this next picture.  Trust me.

    
     At least he had the gumption to turn his head away at the last second.  And for that, I am actually kind of surprised.  And still...poor, poor Jordy is unaware of what is transpiring right above her head.

     And here's the one that I think is so funny.  Look at the pride on that boy's face.  His grin is from ear to ear...he is just beaming.  And Jordy hasn't budged. 

Had she known what was going on above her, I think she would have looked something like this:

    

     I was unaware of all of this actually happening until later when I scrolled through the pictures.  Honestly, had I seen what was going on, there would have been an intervention.  I am the mom, after all.  And no funny pictures.

I found the dress!!

     So it's nearly midnight...well now it's midnight.  I just turned in my final and am now outta school for a much needed three week break (yay!).  But the reason I'm up turning in papers at the deadline is for a pretty special reason...
     Today was such a special day for me.  I was so blessed to be able to go shopping for my wedding dress!  Not only is that, in and of itself, a perfect day, but I got to be with two of the best lil' sisters a girl could ask for!  I have been so blessed to have friends here in Stillwater over the years that have shown me love far beyond what normal friendship is...they're now family.  So we got to do what sisters do...have fun shopping!
     We had the appointment at David's Bridal...every girl's first stop shop for the dress.  I honestly didn't have very high hopes, only because it's an off the rack place and I wanted to shop around to find what I was wanting.  I had a specific idea in mind, and since we aren't really going the traditional route, I figured it would be a little more difficult to find the dress I wanted.  So we had the appointment with Jamie (LOVE HER!!) and had such a great time laughing and having at the other girls in there (trust me...you would have too).  And then it happened.
     I slipped on the first dress.  And the heavens opened up and a choir of heavenly angels started singing...okay.  Maybe not.  But when I put that dress on and slipped my boots on (yep.  I'm doing boots.  It's freaking awesome.) I had the attention of the whole entire place with how good I looked.  I absolutely loved it.  Never to be one to buy the first dress, I tried on a few more, but none had that pizzow that the first one had.  Apparently my face lit up...and judging from the pictures, you could see my smile a mile away. 
     Like my mama said today...I found the boy I love...now I have the dress I love.  And when I said I hope the boy I love loves the dress I love...she summed it all up perfectly, in a way only she can.  That boy loves you so much he would marry you even if you were in a potato sack.  I'm thinking he would, too. 
     I'm counting down the days (285, to be exact) till I get to marry my best friend.  And I'm gonna do it wearing the best freaking dress anyone has ever seen.  With a cool flower in my hair.  Oh.  And I'm gonna be rockin' some pretty killer boots, too. 

Pigs in a blanket, silly string, and a 38 year old man

How would you celebrate the man in your life turning 38?  Getting a sitter for a night on the town, complete with a fancy dancy supper with menu items neither one of you can pronounce?

 

 

Would it include gifts that cost more than a months salary, from all of the finest stores?  Piles of the most artistically wrapped presents he has ever seen before? 

Maybe even give him something to celebrate his maturity (ahem..)?

 

 

Around our house, if you're expecting something like that, we would just grab you by your sweet lil' cheeks and yell WAKE UP!!  Here is more or less what happens when the man around our house turns 38..

We have pigs in a blanket and mac-n-cheese for supper (his choice).

His gift from us was a new bible that he desperately needed.

(We had his name put on it...so he wouldn't forget it in his older age.)

The gift to keep him young was the kids idea...ahem...watch the video below...

This was ALL the kids idea...poor Sean was given the surprise attack of a lifetime!  I only caught a few seconds of it on video...

It may not be how anyone else would rate a fantastic birthday, but to us, there is no better way than spending them with those you love...minus one kiddo.  I know he would have loved to have joined in on the chaos too!

Happy 38th baby...hope we are never too old to have pigs in a blanket and silly string for our birthdays.  Better watch out...even the nursing home won't be off limits!  We love you!!