Two Years

Two years ago, I married the man of my dreams. A man that I met by chance in March 2008 and who forever changed my life. On this day, our son was scheduled to make his big debut, but lucky for us he arrived a week early. Today, we're spending the day together with Gavin and treasuring these moments with our newborn. Keith Joseph, I didn't think it was possible, but I love you more and more each day. 

A Little Bit of This and That...

* Between my tip to Colorado, catching a nasty sinus cold, and my anniversary, things have been pretty much all over the place. I got back to Charleston on Thursday and planned on writing a trip recap and post my mountain pictures. Instead, I spent the night with my husband and tried to fight off my cold. (I failed at the latter) 

Friday I went to work and had a pretty busy day, while Saturday and Sunday were spent in my pajamas on the couch with a box of Kleenex. Yesterday was my anniversary, and I spent the day home sick with the hubs. We did decide to drive out to the plantation where we were married. :) 

We tried to renact a few shots from our wedding day, and I think we did a pretty good job. (Although I don't think I should have went out, because I am now feeling worse) 

* While in Colorado, I finished the book Something Blue and started Baby Proof. Ladies, these books were written by Emily Giffin and are absolutely fabulous! I seriously did not put either down unless I had to! I read Something Blue on the plane ride to and from Colorado and was moved to tears and laughs several times. If you're looking for a good read, I highly suggest any Emily Giffin book. 

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* Remember last semester when Math 201 broke my heart? Long story short -- I failed Statistics by 2 points. I retook this class this Spring, and the class wrapped up two weeks ago. So what's the verdict? I PASSED!!!!! I vowed to make an A the second time around, and up until the last week was succeeding. However, the final exam was extremely tough for me and unfortunately I didn't do too well. So, my final grade was a B-. I'll GLADLY take this...knowing that I will never, ever have to take another math class. Praise God! 

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That's all I've got for today! I'll be back tomorrow with my Colorado recap and some gorgeous pictures! Until then, here's a teaser! 

One Year of Marriage

 Today, Keith and I celebrated our one year anniversary!

I cannot believe that it has already been one year since I married my sweet man. This year has been filled with many ups, a few downs, and a ton of changes. I am so incredibly thankful to have Keith in my life, and have learned so much in this past year about myself, my husband, and my God. This past year has been one of my most difficult, and yet most rewarding, and I can't wait to see what the future holds. Keith, I love you. Thank you for choosing me. :)

The Ceremony

Happy Friday sweet bloggers!

Another week has come and gone (rather quickly) and it's time for us to sit back and relax for a few days! :) YAY! This week has been a bit hectic for me with school, work, and editing, which has made for a slacker blogging week. :( I did manage to finish editing my wedding ceremony, and thought it would be a nice way to finish out the week.

My Bridal Prep

Almost a year later, I am finally able to edit my wedding. :)

My Grandmother has a videography business in Louisiana, so it was no question that we would film/edit my wedding. Due to major computer issues I was unable to edit the HD footage...until now. At the end of last week my computer was returned to me and I spent a lot of the weekend editing. I had a blast and I am thrilled to finally be able to create something for Keith and I.

I'm not sure if I'm going to post the whole wedding, but here's the cinematic version of my Bridal Prep. I hope you guys like it. : )

Happy Monday lovelies!

Oh Happy (Mon)Day!

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* Keith and I had a truly fantastic weekend! We left Charleston at 6am Saturday morning and headed to Atlanta for the Law School Forum. We arrived at the forum around 11:30am and stayed there for about 2.5 hours. I really didn't know what to expect, but there were a ton of potential law students there and it was pretty crowded. Keith and I got a lot of information from my top law schools and were able to speak with a few reps at their tables. We had good, bad, and funny experiences, and tomorrow’s post will be all about the forum and our new perspectives on my top schools. :o)

On Sunday we were able to get an extra hour of sleep thanks to daylight savings (woop woop!) and got ready for church. We headed over to Andy Stanley’s church, North Point for their last Sunday morning service. All I have to say is “wow”. This church is completely amazing. Without getting into too much detail, I have been struggling lately and being at North Point was a gigantic breath of fresh air. I was moved to tears during worship, and really felt God comfort me. I felt like I was sitting in His hands, and that everything is going to be more than okay. The message was called “Game Plan”, and was focused on careers. (I’d say it was a coincidence that Keith and I were there for this message, but God definitely planned this one, and we couldn't help but smile.) Andy spoke about being content in our current situations, and told us that often times, new opportunities arise through our current opportunities. He also asked a question that convicted Keith and I. He said “Are you preparing for the next opportunity or just waiting for it? So. powerful.

I feel completely rejuvenated, and Keith and I have set our “Game Plan” into action. This weekend was such a blessing and I am super excited to see what happens. Praise Him!

* Only 16 more days until Keith and I are back in the bayou (AKA Louisiana) for Thanksgiving! YAY! I can’t wait to see my family and friends!

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* My trash the dress session was planned for October 30^th, but unfortunately did not happen. I was so upset about this, but my awesome photographer, Kristen Pace, allowed us to reschedule! We will now be trashing my dress in April in celebration of our first year of marriage! (Our anniversary is on March 7^th) I am hoping to do a successful cartwheel...in my wedding dress and a jumping shot. Lol should be interesting...

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* Keith and I have been talking a lot lately about our current lifestyle, and how we would both like to be healthier. We have decided to start working out together in the mornings before work. (6am-7am) While this is going to be very challenging, we’re both excited to start our day early with each other, and to get in better shape!

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* Beginning in December, I will begin my LSAT study schedule of 15 hours per week. In addition to my regular homework, this is going to be really tough. But there is nothing I can't do with God on my side, so I'm reading to tackle this challenge! Depending on how well I do on my practice tests, I will most likely be enrolling in a prep course in February. I’ll be taking the LSAT in June 2011, but since my GPA isn’t amazing, I will definitely need a strong score to be admitted to my top schools and to qualify for scholarships. This is going to be quite a journey, and I’m so glad I get to share it with all of you! Prayers are always appreciated!

Have a great Monday, lovelies!

Bits and Pieces

There are a few things that I've been meaning to share on my little blog, but instead of turning each topic into a separate post, I wanted to just unload everything today. :o)

* I have booked a photographer to shoot my Trash the Dress session! Back in July I asked you guys whether or not I should keep my wedding dress, or trash it. I got a great mixed response and ultimately decided to trash it. While I think it's beautiful and would like to keep it, I am more of a picture person and feel like this is the best way to "keep" my dress. The session is at the end of October and will be held at the beach. Yay! Does anyone have recommendations for waterproof make-up?? The pictures below are what I have in mind.

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* Speaking of trashing my dress...this means I'll have to fit in my dress again. Boy do I wish that I wouldn't have lost 10+ pounds right before my fitting. I'm pretty sure I gained that amount back on the honeymoon. (Okay, maybe not, but you get what I'm saying) I have a little over a month to get my lazy butt back in gear and I'm pretty excited about it. This is just what I need to stay committed and to jump start my plan to eat healthy and exercise regularly. **Pray for me.**

* Back in June I told you guys about my oldest sponsor child, Wilkemberg abruptly leaving the sponsorship program. My heart was broken and I felt like I could have done more. I could have written more often, donated more to his family, gone visit him....just more. Well, on Monday I received the most amazing phone call from Compassion! They told me that Wilkemberg has rejoined the program!!!! :o) I am beyond exited about this!! Wilkemberg will be going back to the project and begin to learn about Jesus again! When I found out this exciting news, I was overcome with emotion. I felt pure joy, love, and embarrassment. I felt God say "Did you think I couldn't handle this?" This was a very humbling experience, and I cried for a long time. Praise Him for this amazing little boy coming back!

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* Marathon training began a few weeks ago, and I have already hit a very large bump in the road. In 2008 I injured my IT band in my left leg after my first 10 mile run. While this is a pretty common runner's injury, it is very painful and makes it very hard to run. I have been taking it easy with running in general, but I'm worried if it doesn't get better soon that I won't be able to catch up on my training. I am hoping that this gets better soon so that I can rejoin my team! Check out this article that was written about Team SP's efforts to raise money for clean water projects. Yours truly interview for this! :o)

That's pretty much all of the tidbits that I wanted to share. I want you guys to know that I really do appreciate all of you. Your kindness, support, and honesty really makes my days so much better. You are all lovely and I hope that today is wonderful. <3>

For Keeps?

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To keep or to trash?

That is my current question regarding my wedding dress. Since the moment I put on my dress and knew it was "the one" I have been thinking about trashing it. Just the thought of jumping into an ocean or running through a field in my lovely gown makes me so excited. Keith has agreed to join me, and we'll have the session photographed. I didn't have a bridal session before the wedding, so I'm hoping by trashing the dress I'll get some beautiful photographs!

BUT, lately I've been rethinking things a little. Do I really want to ruin my wedding dress? Won't I want to show my children what I wore and maybe even have my daughter wear it for her big day? (Do people even do this anymore?)

If I do decide to trash it, I'd like to do it at Folly Beach near Morris Island Lighthouse

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Or at Chimney Rock Park in North Carolina

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What do you guys think? Has anyone ever trashed their dress, and if so, do you regret it? Are you totally pleased with your decision? Helllllp... :o)

my wedding trailer

Last week my Aunt finished creating the movie trailer from my wedding, and I wanted to share it with y'all! Watching it brings me back to the day that I married my best friend, and I am so thankful and that she made this for us. :o)

(It may take a minute to load completely, so if it keeps stopping just pause it for a few so that it can load.)

they're here!

Yesterday, my awesome photographer Nicole uploaded some of our wedding pictures to Facebook! I am so excited and wanted to share a few with y'all! (I'll share some from the reception in a few days!)

*Sigh* This one makes my heart melt.

Sneaking a peak of my groom before the ceremony.

My girls.

Getting ready....

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Being the big kids that we are, we decided to take off running...

Mr. and Mrs. Christmas

I love my mais sha. :o)

Check out our matching shoes/socks!

I love this one.

So happy that I decided to go with this dress!

On this day, I was a princess.

I'm a Mrs.!

On March 7th at 3:00pm, I married my best friend! It's so hard to believe that I am no longer Lindsey Perrin, but Lindsey Christmas! We've only been back from our honeymoon for a few days now, but I am absolutely loving being married. Waking up to Keith every morning is a dream come true and I am so thankful that God sent me this beautiful gift. Our wedding day flew by (just like everyone said that it would) and was so surreal. I am so happy that I could share this day with my family who could make it from Louisiana, my new family in SC, friends and co-workers. I don't know what I ever did to deserve all of the love I felt but I am so very thankful for it. These are not my professional photographs, but my Nanny took some great pictures throughout our wedding. Here are a few of my faves.

**This was when we realized we were actually hitched. Our faces are priceless.**

**After we left the ceremony I couldn't resist throwing my arms around my new husband's neck!**
**My husband and I dancing.**

forever could never be long enough

I recently discovered this song by Train. It's called "Marry Me" and it's one of the last songs our wedding guests will hear before the ceremony starts. I couldn't resist sharing it before Keith and I actually say "I do". :o)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ess2qlVHl6E

60%

That is, 60% chance of rain on my wedding day. Grrrr. I just saw this and to be honest I felt like someone punched me in the stomach. On the bright side, we are still over a week away and the weather can change in an instant. I'll just keep praying for a nice, sunny day! On second thought, after seeing these pictures, maybe rain won't be so bad afterall! :o) I also found out that it’s good luck! In italian “Sposa bagnata, sposa fortunata” or A wet bride is a lucky bride. Regardless, I get to marry KC in NINE days! Meep Meep!

hooneymooning with the YANKEES!

I would just like to say that I have the best fiancé in the whole wide world! Not only will we be spending a week together at the happiest place on earth, but we will also be attending an Atlanta Braves/New York Yankees baseball game!!! Did I mention that we'll be sitting on the third row behind the Yankee dugout?? Best. Fiancé. Ever. :oD

le dress mess

On Wednesday I had my final fitting for my wedding dress. I was really excited about this appointment because if all goes well, I would get to take my dress home with me. My biggest concern was that we would not be able to zip the dress. When I went to my first appointment the alterations lady pinned the dress super tight, and between that and my ever fluctuating weight I was certain this would be a toss up.

The good news is that the dress fits. The bad news is that I feel like a stuffed sausage. :o( Maybe that's not the right term. Hmmm....I feel like a hot dog? Lol I don't really know what to compare it to, but it's not good and I can hardly breathe. The dress looks fine, it's just the backstage stuff that's not okay. I'm glad that the dress fits tightly around my top because I definitely do not want to be pulling it up all day, but at the same time being able to breathe would be nice. I love my dress and I think it's beautiful, but I'm just hoping on the day I marry my best friend I feel comfortable and confident and have not a worry in the world. I really think that I am just having a bridal freak out and that it's not as bad as it seems. Regardless of if I get to breathe or not, in a few weeks I will be marrying my best friend. :o)

Since I can't exactly show you guys my dress, I went on picnik.com and blurred out the picture so that I could post some sort of teaser. I couldn't resist!!!

better late than never

On May 11, 2009 Keith proposed to me in the living room of my apartment. On January 23, 2010 we took our engagement pictures. A part of me wishes we had taken them during the summer and closer to our actual engagement, but I am so happy that we waited. We spent the day downtown with Alexa (she is seriously AMAZING!) and had the best time. We will definitely treasure these photos for the rest of our lives. Here are just a few of the pictures that I'm in love with! It's so hard to pick just one to call my favorite! :o)