Day 23

So today's post doesn't have a picture. I took a couple but they are pictures that I don't want to share just yet. Today Matt and I went and picked up his wedding ring which was one of the pictures I took. We also went and picked out his suit for the wedding, my second picture. I didn't feel like I should post them though because those are pictures of our special day coming up in exactly 5 months. I wouldn't post a picture of my ring or dress so everyone who reads this will just have to wait until the wedding to see Matt in his suit and his wedding band. We had a really great time today doing stuff for his part of the wedding. When he came out in his suit he made me think of the past and also look to the future. The last time I saw him in a suit/tux was when we went to prom together in 2006. Then we were only friends. I could have never imagined as we took pictures at prom that the next time I was taking pictures with him in a suit would be when we were husband and wife. It is so crazy the way God works. I am so thankful for our past because it has put us where we are today and I am so looking forward to our future! So so blessed for this journey from Miss to Mrs.

Day 22

 

Today's picture is of the book Something Blue. I just finished this book before writing this entry. I love to read. I know this may make me a nerd but I don't care. I especially love to read books about falling in love. I remember growing up watching countless number of romantic movies and reading tons of books. I used to always think, "I want a love story like the ones from the movies." It may sound dorky but I think most girls dream of their fairytale. As I have grown up and fallen in love, I've realized something. Fairytales aren't about castles and princes. Every girl can have that fairytale. It's about allowing God to lead you to the person He has planned for you. I know without a doubt in my mind, Matt is that person for me. That doesn't mean our relationship is perfect, because what relationship is? It does mean though that we going through life together, ready to commit forever to one another and bring glory to God through our relationship. How could that not be a fairytale?  So maybe my fairytale isn't about a prince and a princess but it is MINE and I wouldn't change a thing about it because the author of this fairytale is God. He is the author of the universe so He can definitely handle my fairytale. I'm so excited to continue this love story from Miss to Mrs.

Day 21

 

Today's entry is a day late because our internet was down yesterday. The picture is of Matt playing word with friends while we watched golf on a Friday night. This may not sound glamorous or exciting but it is one of the things that I love about our relationship. We are comfortable enough with each other that we can hang out without having to be doing anything elaborate and still have a good time. Sure I love the fun dates we have to dinner and movies but I would so much prefer the hanging out playing cards, or watching favorite shows or movies together. I feel like that is something that is important for our future marriage. We can be happy with our simple days just being together. The good times are based on our relationship and not what we are doing. I'm so excited for our simple times together as I continue from Miss to Mrs.

Day 19/Day 20

 

So the picture for day 19 and 20 is the same. This is the new devotion that I have been doing. When Cait was here this past weekend she brought it to me. If you don't have a devotion that you are doing I would highly recommend this one.  Today's devotion was like God was sitting right next to me and encouraging me with his words. As Matt and I get closer to the wedding things are becoming difficult. More decisions are needing to be made and changes are happening as we move away from being in our parents home to building our lives together. One line of my devotion said, "Though the path is difficult and the scenery dull at the moment, there are sparkling surprises just around the bend. Stay on the path I have selected for you. It is truly the path of life." This was so encouraging to me that when I read it I immediately called Matt knowing he would also be encouraged. Sometimes as we are working crazy hours with little sleep, studying or doing clinicals or student teaching, painting furniture, or addressing envelopes it all seems that its too much. However, after reading today God didn't promise that the path he chose was going to be easy and pretty all the time. The working crazy hours isn't easy but knowing as we stand up and say our vows that we paid for our wedding with hard work will be worth it. Studying, clinicals, and student teaching can be exhausting but will be so worth knowing that we are in careers that God created us for. So from now on when it gets to be overwhelming on this journey from Miss to Mrs. I am going to remember that as long as Matt and I are on the path God has laid before us that we are going to make it through!

Day 18

 

Today's picture is of Carrington in her pajamas and her winter boots. The story behind the outfit is even better than the outfit. So I get home right at 11 after working a 13 hour day. I had just climbed into my bed when Carrington (before the boots) barges into my room and says, "I almost just got ate. Come down to my bathroom now." I very unwillingly follow her down the hall to find the biggest spider I have ever seen. She then decides to put on tall boots. (still haven't figured out why these are needed) She then climbs on the toilet and reaches down and kills the spider with the toilet brush. (see boots are completely unnecessary) She then proceeds to kill an itty bitty spider above her and falls off the toilet.(she didn't get hurt) Thankfully this happened because it gave me great material for today's blog. It also made me very thankful that in a few months I will have Matt to kill any bugs in the house. It also makes me sad that Care won't be right down the hall to entertain me with her crazy ideas. I'm finding that this journey from Miss to Mrs. is all about change. Though some of it will be different and hard I'm looking forward to it!  

Day 17

 

Today's picture is of Gracie printing up invitations for a bridal shower. Not just any bridal shower, but mine. I remember thinking a few weeks after Matt and I got engaged, this engagement is going to last forever. Now we are closing in on the 5 month mark. Things are actually happening to constantly remind me I'm really getting married. For so many months the planning has almost seemed like a dream, planning someone's big day just not mine. Now as invitations are being printed, bridesmaid dresses are being order, and Matt is soon to be picking out a suit, the realization is beginning to hit. This is mine and Matt's wedding. This day I've looked forward to for basically my whole life is quickly approaching. You may be thinking its still 5 months. This is true but when you have been engaged for 14 months, 5 months is no time at all. Before I know it I will be putting on The dress and making my way down the aisle to the man I can't wait to spend forever with. I'm so excited to continue to experience the realization and excitement of the journey from Miss to Mrs.

Day 16

 

Day 16 already! Today's picture is of my view from my beach chair. I spent my afternoon sitting in my beach chair enjoying great conversation with an awesome friend. Today was Caitlin's last full day here sadly. She got here Thursday evening and we have been patiently waiting for a sunny day so she could enjoy a beach day. So thankful that God let that day be today. It was a beautiful day that we got to enjoy in his awesome creation. I think by us having to wait on a good beach day we enjoyed today so much more. I think God does that sometimes. We ask him for something and he has us wait for that something so that it will be in his time because He has our best interest in mind. I feel that way about our wedding. We prayed about when we should get married and God led us to the date of December 17th. When we are married we will have been engaged for almost 20 months. This time has been very long as we have watched multiple couples become engaged and married during our engagement. I know though that we are doing things in God's timing and though it may seem long it will all be worth it! So thankful to be taking the journey from Miss to Mrs. in His timing!

Day 15

 

Today's picture is of the menu at Mimi's Cafe at the Town Center. (If you go you must try the 5-way grilled cheese) Caitlin and I ate there for lunch before we browsed around the mall. Today was the kind of day that you always wish you could have but just feel like you are too busy to enjoy it. Caitlin and I woke up when we wanted to, with no annoying alarm clock. Then we went and saw Matt at his softball tournament in Jacksonville. We went to eat and then browsed around the mall in no hurry at all and with nothing we had to buy. We then got to go watch Matt play in the semi-final and final game for the tournament. Today I was blessed to have a girls day with Cait and get to watch Matt do something he loves. I really couldn't ask for more than that. I am working on taking one day at a time and really enjoying each day that God has given. Before too long I will be student teaching, going to class, and finalizing the wedding plans. With all of that before me I am cherishing each relaxing and carefree day that I am given. Whether the days are relaxing or filled with chaos, each one will move me forward in the journey from Miss to Mrs. 

Day 14

 

I know there isn't a day 13. I had a lot going on. Today's picture is of me and my bridesmaids. We went today and picked out their dresses. I have to say I have the most beautiful bridesmaids both inside and out. My maid of honor is my sister, Carrington. She is such an amazing sister and friend and I am so glad to have her in my life. Matt's little sister is the next bridesmaid and she is so funny and generous. She always does something to brighten my day. Caitlin is my roommate from NGU. We roomed together for a semester and in that semester we became best friends. A friendship that was so real and exactly what I needed at that time in my life. If it wasn't for her I wouldn't have survived NGU. I believe, looking back on NGU, the friendship with Caitlin may be the reason for God leading me to NGU. We live in two different states and have remained so close which is a sign of a true friendship. Marjorie is the fourth bridesmaid and the reason I've made it through JU. (Thank God for Marjorie and Caitlin I wouldn't have made it through school at all.) Our friendship has flourished over the past 3 years at JU. Tonight I watched Say Yes to the Dress: Bridesmaids and it just reminded me how very blessed I am to have the bridesmaids that I have. I have four of the greatest girls who support me as I journey from Miss to Mrs. and I couldn't ask for more!

Day 12

 

Today's picture is of baby Linc with his uncle Matt while they were hanging out watching TV. I have loved seeing how Matt interacts with Lincoln. Matt has a much younger sister and I have seen how great he is with her. Seeing him with Linc was very different for me though. Seeing Matt with Linc just reinforced what I saw with him and Gracie. Matt is going to be an amazing dad. This is a quality that was of huge importance to me because having a family in the future is something I've always looked forward to. God had truly blessed me with  a man who I know will love our children and be a Godly example to. I know he will lead our family in a way that will bring glory to God and I couldn't ask for more than that. I am so excited to be taking this journey from Miss to Mrs. with Matt!

Day 11

 

Today's picture is of my precious nephew, Lincoln. This morning I spent time with him while he played in his jumper. I'm totally obsessed with this little guy. I am that crazy aunt who has pictures of him all on my phone and  always has a story about him. While on vacation I couldn't help but go into Carters and buy him some clothes for Christmas. Matt loves Linc so much too and is a great uncle. I know once Linc gets a little older he is going to beg to stay with Uncle Matt and Moonpie (Moonpie is what linc is going to call me).  Each day the little man is doing something new and changing so fast. My favorite is when he looks right at me and smiles. It makes everything so much better. I am so thankful he is on our lives and that Matt and I get to be apart of his life as he grows up. I'm so glad as I move from Miss to Mrs. I'll still be moonpie to Linc!

Day 10

Today's picture is of mine and Matt's dog, Chance. (Not sure why his eyes are glowing in this picture) Matt and I had to leave Orlando a day early because Matt had a test scheduled early for tomorrow. When I got home this is what I had waiting for me ,my sweet puppy and my wonderful family. Though being away on vacation is great coming home is also a great feeling too. I love the familiar of being home. I like to know where things are, the people around are the same, and you don't have to use the GPS to find everything. My mom has done an amazing job of making our home a place that you are happy to come home to. It isn't because of the things inside the house or that our house is anything special. It is the people inside the house and the love that we share. In my future marriage I pray that our house is a place we always want to come home to. Not for the possessions but because of the love and acceptance that is in our home because of the people who live there. I look forward to coming home and spending time with my family, which makes it so special, as I continue from Miss to Mrs.

Day 9

 

Today's picture is of my hilarious future sister in-law acting out a movie she saw on Disney channel. This started all of us into a frenzy of laughter. If you spend even five minutes with her I'm sure you will laugh at least once. As the six of us sat in the living room of our condo on day three of vacation I realized how much fun we have together. The three Thornton kids were all doing different kinds of dances, Mr. Tony was messing with his pastor through text messages and Mrs. Susan and I were just laughing at all of them. For at least 30 minutes we were all just laughing together. E.E. Cummings said, "The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." After our laughing fit tonight I would have to agree with him. Laughing just puts you into a good mood and brings everyone closer. In the chaos that is life I feel that we can get caught up in the day-to-day and forget to laugh and enjoy the days we are given. In the next 166 days, until the wedding, I have tons of big decisions to make and some stressful situations coming. I pray that along the journey from Miss to Mrs. I can remember to enjoy each day and laugh as much as possible. 

Day 8

 

Today's picture is of Matt and I at the pool on day 2 of our vacation. Matt and I have been so busy with wedding planning and working. On top of that Matt is also working so hard in nursing school. This is the first time in a very long time that I can remember us getting a chance to relax together. It was so nice for us to have the opportunity to not have to make any decisions, no studying, phone calls, or e-mails. We actually had time to sit and talk and do nothing! After today I'm realizing we need to make more time for this. I feel like it is so important for our relationship that we continue to make an effort to make time for one another. It's something we need to continue to work on; finding a balance between our responsibilities and making time for each other. This will be something I will continue to work on as I move from Miss to Mrs. Anyone who has suggestions for Matt and I as we work on this, we welcome the advice!

Day 7

 

Today's picture is of my wonderful 2nd family! As I write this we are sitting in a beautiful condo in Orlando while they are playing Wii. So far this trip we have walked around downtown disney for a total of like 5 miles trying to find somewhere to eat. We ended up eating at Planet Hollywood and sitting in the "VIP Tower". We have only been in Orlando for about 5 hours and already I am having a great time. I seriously couldn't ask to be marrying into a better family. It has nothing to do with the material things they bless me with such as amazing trips and dinners at great restaurants. However, I am very very appreciative of those things. But more than that it is the acceptance and love they have shown to me since the very beginning of mine and Matt's relationship. From the very first day I felt like I just fit with them. I am so blessed to be becoming a part of such an amazing family. I love this family just as I love my own. I know God brought Matt and I together but he also brought me into this incredible family and I am so blessed that he thought me worthy enough to be apart of it! I'm beyond thankful to become apart of this family officially as I journey from Miss to Mrs. 

Day 6

 

Today's picture is of Marjorie's engagement ring! Marjorie is one of my best friends and one of my bridesmaids. She got engaged this past Tuesday and we met up today for lunch to celebrate her birthday/engagement. Marjorie was absolutely glowing today as she told me the story of how her fiance proposed. (He did an awesome job and you could tell he put alot of effort into it!) I can't even put into words how very excited I am for her. Marjorie has been with me every step of the way since I got engaged and I am so excited to get to return the favor. Marjorie transferred into JU at the same time as me and during the school year we see more of each other than we do our families I think. I have no idea how I would have survived JU without Marjorie.  This fall we will be student teaching and I am so thankful God has put her in my life so I have someone who understands all the chaos that comes with being an elementary education major. I am so excited that Marjorie and I can share this time in our lives as we move from Miss to Mrs.

Day 5

 

Today's picture is a little blurry but it is of Matt and his little sister Gracie playing Wii. One of the things that I love about Matt is his relationship he has with his little sister. Gracie is 10 and I really admire the relationship that the two of them have. They have a very close relationship and at times I think it can be difficult for Gracie to share her oldest brother with someone else. When we first got engaged Gracie cried and really wasn't too excited about the idea of her brother getting married. Later that night I was able to sit and talk with Gracie. I'm not sure if she even remembers that talk but it is one that I will never forget. As I explained to her that I wasn't trying to steal her brother away and that I really was becoming part of their family. I explained that she would be like a little sister to me and that Matt and I both wanted her to be apart of our lives. At the end of our conversation she told me, "Now its ok if you marry my brother. I wouldn't want him to marry anyone else." Knowing their relationship I knew that Gracie had just paid me the highest of compliments.  I love the relationship that continues to build with my future sister in-law as I move from Miss to Mrs.

Day 4

 

Today's picture is of the two girls I nanny for, Mary and Katie. At the beginning of the day we had decided that after lunch we would go swimming. As soon as we had changed into our bathing suits the clouds came rolling in and it started to thunder. Obviously, our plans for swimming were canceled. Instead we decided to color. The girls and I decided that they should draw a picture of what they would do if the sun was out. While drawing the pictures Mary said, "Miss Kaysley, maybe this is better because now we won't get sunburnt." This little 6 year old has a better outlook on life than most adults. These two little girls LOVE to swim. It's one of their favorite parts of their day. So when they didn't get to swim today they could have pouted (and they did a little at first) but then they were able to find the positive in the situation. I think about how many times in life I have a situation that doesn't go the way I think it should and it causes me to have a bad day. Maybe God is changing the plans so he can prevent the "sunburns of life". I know this is a lesson I needed to see. Life isn't always about getting what we want. Marriage I believe can be the same way. I know these is a lesson that I can use as a Miss and will continue to work on as a Mrs. 

Day 3

 

Ok, so if you know me at all you will understand today's picture. Monday nights are my Bachelor/Bachelorette night. I love the drama and the romance. I know there are the haters out there saying its fake and statistically the relationships don't work out. I know, I know. I'm still slightly addicted though. This picture represents so much more than my 8:00-10:00 block of time on Monday nights. It represents a tradition that was started with my future mother in-law in the fall of 2009. The first season of bachelor/bachelorette that started after Matt and I started dating I began watching the show at Matt's house with his mom. It has been a tradition that we have carried on to this very day. We haven't missed an episode thanks to DVR. I have come to look forward to my Monday nights with Mrs. Susan. We talk about the clothes worn the girls wear and who needs to be wearing more, the guys and how can the people not see how fake these people are, to how sweet the dates are and we need to add some of these locations to future vacation spots. Our conversations sometimes even sound like we know these people. Our conversations were based primarily on the show to begin with but as our relationship has grown our conversations have also. We talk about much deeper things now and I have come to enjoy the company and conversation much more than the show. I am so thankful for my future mother in-law and our relationship. I know this is a tradition that will continue from Miss to Mrs. 

Day 2

 

Today's picture is of me and my sister after a very successful day of shopping for dresses. Carrington was in desperate need of dresses for different upcoming wedding activities as the maid of honor. Today was the first time since before baby Linc that we had really spent a long amount of time together. Our lives have changed so much over the past few years but it has brought us so much closer. Over the next 174 days I really am trying to cherish all the time I have with my family because it will all change as Matt and I begin a new chapter together. The majority of my life I shared a room with my little sister. We have been through broken bones, surgeries, broken hearts, championships, graduations, starting college in a different state, an engagement, a pregnancy, and now wedding planning. As we have gone through these different changes I am so glad to have had her by my side. I couldn't imagine anyone else being my maid of honor. She is absolutely worthy of any title that will possess the attribute of honor. I'm looking forward to special moments we will continue to share as I continue this journey from Miss to Mrs. 

Day 1

Today's picture is a picture of baby Lincoln (Carrington's son) at his Uncle Matt's softball tournament. Lincoln came with Carrington and my mom to support Matt. I am so thankful that both mine and Matt's family are so supportive of us as we move forward in life. It could be something as simple as matt's softball, my starting this blog, or to something bigger such as careers or our future marriage. You hear horror stories of in-laws or future families not getting along. Matt and I are so blessed that our families get along and we fit in so well with each others family. We can look forward to many family get togethers with both sides of the family, something that growing up I didn't get the blessing of sharing in.

Baby Linc didn't get to watch his Uncle Matt play because the atmosphere isn't all that suitable for children. This led me to another chance to thank God. Seeing these grown men who were drinking and using language that was worse than a sailors made me so thankful that I am marrying a man who is classy but more than that living a life that points to Christ. Matt in these situations is a great example of being in the world but not of it. Though he is in the tournament (Thankfully with a team who is about playing softball not drinking or having bad attitudes) he doesn't take part in the "extra" stuff that these tournaments sometimes have. He is given an opportunity to be different and through that difference shine the light of Christ. I am so thankful that God has brought this man into my life and that I get to spend the rest of my life with him.

About this Blog

I saw online where a bride blogged everyday for the last 100 days of her engagement. Her blog was mainly about wedding planning and the special events about the wedding. I saw another idea where someone posted a picture a day for 30 days. I decided to combine these two ideas and blog with a picture a day for the next 175 days. It will be a way to celebrate the days leading up to the wedding. It will also be a way to look back at how God worked and moved not only in my life but Matt's and our families. To sum it up it will be a way to show the last 175 days of my journey from Miss to Mrs!