Four Things I Have Learned From My Husband

 I have had this post brewing for quite some time but with Father's Day being yesterday I thought I should finish it.

While Rusty has taught me oodles of things, I narrowed it down to four things that I truly admire about him (with one being sarcastic. Surprised? Me neither.)

Celebrating R yesterday was fun. It was his first Father's Day and we really didn't do anything too different from our normal Sunday. Breakfast together, church, naps, playing with Skip. I love spending my days with this man. He is so kind and compassionate and smart and witty. Goodness, I struck gold.

Now for those four things...

 1. A collection of opened envelopes is a life necessity. While I wish I was kidding about this my husband totally does this. He opens an envelope, ripped edges and all, then leaves it on the table or even better a spot where Skip can reach them. I will find open and empty envelopes all over the house. It truly is a gift. We joke about it but I may start hiding them under his pillow.

2. How to control my temper. While you may not know this many have seen my temper. It is ugly and rears its head too quickly. When I met Rusty I remember someone being so rude to him. I was like aren't you going to do anything? He was all nope.

I was floored. Why wouldn't he spout off back at them? They were in the wrong, not R. But he didn't. And I was floored. Truly.

In the six years we have been together, R has taught me patience in anger. He has taught me patience overall but mostly in anger. I still make mistakes when it comes to anger but I am learning to not react so quickly. The biggest thing? I am learning to let things go that don't matter one iota. All in thanks to him.

3. Perspective. Rusty is so open to others and situations. He likes to ponder all perspectives in a situation, arguments, sides of the story. He has taught me to open my eyes to everyone. Life isn't cookie cutter. It is messy and fun and bright. He has lovingly taught me to be a better person through understanding perspective.

4. Being weird is okay. Last night Rusty was having back issues. I suggested he use the heating pad for just a bit. While we were waiting for it to get warm, I acted out some charades. We were laughing and goofing off and R said, "You are so weird." Normally I would be offended but I am learning to love my weird sense of humor. He loves me for being different. Laughing together is something that makes us feel connected and that man is also a boss at charades. He got Seabiscuit right in like 10 seconds.

This man above is gold. He is the best thing and I am thankful, every day for my husband.

Happy Father's Day babe.

A Birthday Letter to My Husband

Oh Rusty,

You are hands down the best and most loving person that I know. I count my blessings every. single. day that you are the man I married. That you asked me to be with you forever is the icing on the cake. Being your wife makes me feel appreciated, valued, loved, beautiful and happy.

Today you turn 30 and while I only am in my mid-twenties (hey, you knew I would make a remark about that somewhere) I am so excited for this year. I know that 30 is your year.

I am so proud of the man that you are. You are kind, generous, hysterical and my best friend. Life is so much better with you. Goodness, I really think my heart could burst with the admiration and love I have for you. You are the best babe.

R, I think you are the bees knees. May today be the best birthday ever!

Happy birthday pb (ha!)

Love,

Your wife

From One Past Bride to A Planning Bride

Lately I have been thinking about what it means to be getting married. For some, you are finally getting a chance to try on wedding gowns. For some, it means finally not being a bridesmaid and getting your own special day. For some, it means stress.

I feel like so many emotions come with weddings. Happy tears on your wedding day. Exhausted tears a few days out from your wedding day. Emotions galore y'all.

I thought I would write a letter. Nothing revolutionary but a simple letter for a bride to cling to during her wedding planning, late nights of DIY decor, cake testing, venue picking, honeymoon selection.

Dear Beautiful Planning Bride,

This is it. You are actually making plans for your unique wedding day. You are making arrangements to vow your life and love to one person for the rest of your life. You are creating your own fairytale.

You are special. I am sure you have heard that but you truly are. No matter when or where in the world, your wedding day will be one of a kind. Whether you opt for a small ceremony on the beach or a large church wedding, your wedding day is beyond special and meaningful.

No matter whether you use peonies or roses, you are doing a good job. You are enough. Your wedding will be beautiful and although it seems overwhelming now, it will all be worth it. Soon it won't matter about the custom calligraphy you chose and all that will matter is that you are walking down the isle to your one true love. It is going to happen come rain or shine. Make the most of it. Take this time to celebrate your love for one another, your happiness, your health, the roof over your head. These moments leading up to your wedding will never come around again so make it count. Make every moment count.

It is coming. You will change your name or maybe not. You are a bride. A unique, lovely, sweet, caring bride. It is all about your love. And when your wedding day comes, if things are done, no one will notice. Relax, smile and know that you all things work for God's good!

Image via Kane and Social

Two Years

{Daniel Holman Photography}

Today Rusty and I celebrate two years of marriage. I thought another honest heart felt post was in order. I have come to learn this past year that being married to Rusty is not easy but I also know I am not easy to be married to. We have argued. We have had different ideas of where our lives should head. We have also met the death of someone special to us. But most importantly, we have loved each other completely.

This year has taught me a lot. The number one lesson I have learned is I am ridicuously blessed with the man that picked me. I can find myself getting laugh lines because of him. I wear my laugh lines proudly. I find myself being challenged. I find myself picturing what our one day babies will be like. I picture all the fun adventures waiting for us. I know that no matter what my life brings, I will forever be grateful for this man. He gave me hope for "the one" when I really didn't think it was possible. He lifts my spirits. He tells me I am pretty. I really did luck out with this one but if that is where all my luck went, I am okay with that.

To the man who loves me, thank you for that. To the man who asked me to be his bride, I am blessed. To the man who has taught me a lot about myself, my ambitions and my need/wants, I am forever thankful for you. Marriage is something I cannot explain but I know I want it. I want it every day with Rusty. He is my heart and I do not think I can tell him that enough. Rusty, you are hands down my great accomplishment in life. I am so proud to call you mine. Happy anniversary love!

P.s. We may have done a little photo session with my favorite Daniel Holman Photography but you have to wait and see the rest!

For My One Day Baby...

Today's post is completely off topic of the normal wedding chatter. More and more lately I have thought about my one day baby(s). Oh no Rusty, you better run. All kidding aside and no babies in the near future, I thought I would write them a note.

One day I can look back on this and smile. Life is too good y'all. Warning: this post is very, very vulnerable. Please be kind. Also enjoy baby Katie.

Dear sweet little one,

I think about you already. I pray for you. I pray for a life that you love and fills you up with goodness. I pray that you are surrounded by pure happiness. I am so blessed that I will get to know you one day. I know that you will be a true blessing and miracle. You are the best gift I will ever receive. You are so loved already. I know that I will not always be the perfect parent but I will always try my best. It is a promise.

I will never lead you astray but will try to light your path. I will never shame you but always encourage you. I will never suppress your imagination but will always let you dream as big as you want. I will never turn my back on you but will always support you. You my sweet child are a part of me forever.

I know that you will teach me things that I never knew about myself. I know that you will make me smile when no one else can. I know that you will push my limits. I know that you will bring more happiness than I ever imagined. Thank you for letting me learn from you.

Your Dad and I think about you. Even though you are a future gift, we talk about you. We are so excited for a future with you. A day when we can nurture your beautiful soul and you will leave a forever imprint on our life. You, little one, will be our joy, proudest moments, happiness and part of our love story.

You will love music, dancing, laughter and your family. That is something you get from your me. You will have a big heart, love making others laugh, cuddling and bringing others together. Your dad gave you that. I hope you are just like your dad because baby he is such a special man. He is sweet, caring, charismatic and a true treat.

Thank you for blessing us baby. You make me smile when I think about our family's future. We love you so much and can't wait to hold you one day.

Sweetly waiting and praying,
Katie

Monday Love

Good afternoon and Happy Monday! I just saw this picture while browsing on Pinterest and thought I would share it. No matter where you are today or what you are doing make sure to tell those around you how much you love them. Love is a gift and to be able to experience it is such a blessing. Love is in our hearts but love is not love until you give it away. Make the best of today!

Photo Source: Here via The Berry

A Love List

Today wraps up the last of how I met and fell in love with Rusty. I plan on sharing all about our wedding but closer to our one year anniversary (a few months away). You can read about me in the beginning here, the night I met Rusty here and our engagement here.

Once all this lovey dovey stuff is over I will be back to wedding talk but I wanted to end today with a love letter to my husband. Yes, I have posted one before on here but he is that good. I actually was going to make a list of things I love about him. List are my thing.

1. He makes me feel beautiful.

2. He makes every day better.

3. He believes in my dreams.

4. He makes me smile.

5. He is handsome.

6. He is going to make an amazing father.

7. He challenges me.

8. He works hard for our future.

9. He is a great man.

10. He loves me unconditionally.

These are just a few of the things I love about my husband. He is my better half. Truly my better half.

Thank you for letting me be mushy for an entire week! Love Song Friday up next!

Our Engagement!

This week I have been sharing my love story. I have loved getting to relive memories and laughs. You can read about life before meeting Rusty here and the night we met here. I wanted to talk about dating and our engagement.

From the moment I met Rusty we inseparable. We met on a Tuesday (April Fool's Day - which is fitting for our senses of humor.) The following Saturday we spent time together with friends and Sunday we had a movie night with friends at his house. Once the movie ended we sat up talking. We talked about everything. Past relationships. Our favorite things. What we want out of life. After not even knowing Rusty a week he was becoming my best friend. He was special. I didn't know what was to come of our relationship but regardless he was a forever friend. He made everything easy and fun.

After dating for a few weeks, Rusty called me one Thursday afternoon and asked my plans for the weekend? He told me that he had purchased to tickets to the Cardinals v. Cubs game in St. Louis. He loves the Cards. I love the Cubs. Classic Rivalry. I was charmed by his spontaneity. Friday came and we loaded the car and took off for St. Louis. This was a make or break trip. We knew we liked each other and we enjoyed each others company but this trip would test us. We had to drive 3 hours together plus it was our first overnight trip together. The car ride went GREAT and we changed into our gear and headed to the field. St. Louis was beautiful! We sat through the game. I was surrounded by Card fans. In the last inning of the game, the cards pulled out a victory. Following the game we decided to go out and have a few drinks. We headed to Maggie O' Briens. Once we got there we started talking and Rusty asked me to be his girlfriend. I thought it was so sweet and perfect. We danced the night away, he entered a ping pong tournament and had a blast.

We continued dating and before I realized it, I was head over heels in love. He was perfect. He was a great balance to my personality. He kept me calm. He made me laugh. He loved me even when I didn't deserve it. He was my soulmate. I was so surprised at how easily things happened. With other relationships I was always looking for the next step. I always thought what can I do now? With Rusty each day happened and each day we grew stronger. My family loved him, my friends adored him and I was smitten.

Our one year anniversary was approaching and we didn't want to make a big fuss but decided to travel back to St. Louis. We were going to go up for a day, staying the night and being touristy! We didn't want to make plans - just go with it. When we got to St. Louis we checked into a gorgeous historic hotel downtown and then set out for the day. We walked all over the place, had a great patio lunch and took so many pictures. By mid afternoon I was wanting a nap so we headed back to the hotel. Once I got up we decided to get dolled up and go have dinner and drinks. {Sidenote: A few weeks prior to leaving I found a jewelry bag in Rusty's coat pocket. He took it from me and never brought it up. I thought I was going to get engaged soon. I told a girlfriend and she told me not to get my hopes up! lol}

While getting ready, Rusty gave me my anniversary gifts. He bought me new slippers per my request and then whipped out a tiny black box. I got really excited and he told me that it wasn't a ring but new diamond earrings. I was ecstatic because I love diamond studs! I knew then though that the jewelry bag was for the earrings. No engagement but I was still VERY excited about the earrings. We left the hotel and stopped in a bar for drinks and appetizers. Rusty was up and down, rushing me to finish my drinks and figidity. He mentioned since we had so much fun at Maggie O's last time we were in town that we should go back. I gladly agreed. We started walking. And kept walking. And then walked some more. We didn't think about how far away the pub was.

When we walked up to the pub, Rusty stopped me and faced me. He looked me in the eyes and I was waiting for a funny joke to come out of his mouth. Wrong. He said, "Katie, a year ago at this spot I asked you to be my girlfriend. Who would have thought this is where I would ask you to be my wife." He knelt down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I immediately started crying. I was thrown for a loop. Was this moment really happening? You think about it your whole life and now I was experiencing it. Through tears, I replied "Y-E-S!!!" He put the ring on my finer and we hugged and kissed. It was perfect. It was so us. He nailed it.

As we walked up to the doors of the pub, I noticed someone taking pictures of us and they had my nice camera. Odd. They kept congratulating us and before I could ask how they had my camera Rusty pulled me inside. I opened the doors and to my surprise my best friends and family were waiting for us. Double surprise of the night! When I saw my mom I cried some more. My best friend from Indiana drove down. Yes, she rocks. All our friends from Jonesboro plus Rusty's mom were there!

We had champagne and toasted our engagement. The pub gave us free beads, t-shirts and drinks! It was a perfect night full of love and laughter. We danced to a live band and crashed a random strangers birthday party in another part of the pub. One the taxi ride home the driver asked if we wanted to rock? Uh please! The night was perfect.

The next morning we had lunch and walked around St. Louis with friends. It was such a great trip! Also the diamond earrings were fake. Yeah, I announced that I also got diamond earrings to our friends and family. Everyone started laughing and Rusty informed me that he bought those because I found the jewelry bag. He wanted to throw me for a loop. They only cost him $8 at JCPenney and he talked the jeweler into giving him a free box.

Our engagement was perfect and everything I dreamed of! Here are some pictures to end with:

And this last one is just an added bonus!

The Night We Met...

I left you yesterday with the burning question of what was I going to wear to girls night? I know. You probably didn't care that much but I figure we can pick up where we left off. For those just reading today, I am sharing my love story. You can read yesterday's beginning to the story here.

Girls night was upon us and I was suppose to get ready and head to one of the RTV's (Radio/Television) girls apartments. I settled upon a messy bun, a borrowed shirt from one roommate and a borrowed scarf from the other. I did wear my own jeans though! Once we met up with the girls we took off to Brickhouse.

Did I mention going out is not my thing? It isn't. I like to stay in with a good book and get plenty of rest. Needless to say I was trying to enjoy myself. After two strange, strange men tried talking to me I was about ready to call it a night. The girls and I were having a good time but I was ready to retire to my comfy bed.

A guy who needed to be cut off five drinks ago walked up to our table and slid an empty table up next to us and said, "Hey Ladies!" That was it. I had enough and was over trying new things. I officially wanted to go home. A guy came over to me and started apologizing. He pulled his friend away and continued to apologize for how his friend was acting. I smiled and assured him we were fine. He smiled back. I can remember how handsome he was. I can remember thinking how nice he was. He sat down next to me and introduced himself. He was so genuine.

We started talking. We started at the beginning. We talked about college, tried to see if we had any mutual friends and shared interest. He told me he didn't like the whole fraternity/sorority scene. I told him I just got done with my presidency in Alpha Gam. We laughed so hard. He was a working man and I was finishing college. He asked to buy me a drink and we moved to our own table. Rusty had such charm. I remember laughing so hard and smiling so much that my smile hurt. He was a complete gentlemen but had some mystery. He was sexy - tall, dark and handsome. I officially didn't want to go home anymore. We talked for hours and it seemed like we were old friends catching up. Once the bar was closing (yeah I stayed up talking that late with Rusty), he politely asked for my number and I gladly gave it to him.

The weird thing was that it was so comfortable and we were complete strangers. I had been on a few first dates that it was hard to keep up conversation. Ours never struggled. Throughout college, I wasn't the girl that guys went after. I know that may sound ridiculous but I was always the third wheel. I was fine with that but for once someone was interested. Truly interested and it was a chance meeting. Rusty was taking a chance on me.

We parted ways smiling (have I mentioned how much I smiled?) and on the way home I got a text. I didn't have Rusty's number but the moment I read the text I started laughing. He cracked a joke about something we had talked about and just like that I was hooked.

I mentioned before that I dated a younger guy before Rusty. He never called, never texted and didn't make me feel special. In one night Rusty had surpassed my expectations. He was 3 1/2 years older so I didn't want to get my hopes up that he would treat me differently but he did. He was eager to talk and just minutes after leaving he sent a text. I was gushing! I went home that night and couldn't wait to tell my best friend. He was great and I was willing to try again. Now I needed to find out what Rusty's expectations were....

Until tomorrow!

In the beginning...

For a while now I have been considering sharing my love story. How did I get to where I am today? Readers always seem to have more positive feedback when I share personal things on the blog. With this I want to say that I am pouring myself out for you to read. Please be kind!

My love story obviously begins before meeting Rusty. It was my senior year of college. Up until my junior year I had dated the same guy throughout college. He attended college in Oklahoma while I was in the Northeast parts of Arkansas. It made for not many visits and ultimately lead to going our separate ways. My senior year I started dating someone younger than me. By younger I mean just starting college. It made things interesting in that he was always spontaneous and fun because as a freshman in college you can still be that way. As a senior your life consist of sorority duties, homework, internships, jobs and resumes. Throughout dating this guy I began to realize just how much we didn't have in common. He was very kind but I felt more like I was raising him than dating him. I did his laundry. I fed him dinner. I helped with his homework. I can remember thinking how much I liked him but knew he wasn't my future. Then the dreaded break up came in November and I can remember being so hurt. Even though I didn't see my future being with him, it still hurt. It took quite a long time to pick up the pieces, resist his charming smile and move on. But with moving on came strength, confidence and the promise of a brighter future.

I remember thinking back over our relationship and realizing the mistakes I made. I knew that I couldn't beat myself up but could only move forward. It was time to be confident in me. I decided that no man would ever make me alter who I am to fit him. I decided that I deserved the greatest kind of love. I love music so about this time Leona Lewis came out with "Better in Time." I listened to this song on repeat. I am surprised my roommates didn't kick me out! One line in the song says, "I am going to smile because I deserve to." My goodness....I realized I deserve this too. I deserve love and happiness. Every women does. Once I made these promises to myself I also made one more. The most important one. The next time I said "I Love You" was going to be to the man I was going to marry. I wouldn't give my heart away to just anyone. It was going to be the one. I was going to wait for him and pray for him. 

After our break up I focused my attention on my major. I was a Broadcast Journalism major and was nearing graduation from ASU. In my class was a group of girls. Their were 5 of us and we were F-U-N! I can remember sitting with these girls and laughing hysterically while getting in trouble by our teacher. We had the best time giggling, sharing stories and on occasion studying for tests. After finishing a newscast, one of the girls suggested we do a girls night. A local bar in town had cheap wings and beer on Tuesday nights. If you know me, I like to take a bubble bath at night and climb in bed to watch reruns of Frasier, not frequent the local watering hole. Call me a grandma. I promise I don't mind! I decided that I would try it out with the girls. We called an all girls night for the Radio/TV girls!

I can remember getting ready and not having anything to wear.....Until tomorrow!

Amazing Proposal Video: Lucky in Love

Disclaimer: This video is going to make you cry! I saw this video this morning and keep tearing up just thinking about it.

The time and creativity that went into this proposal is amazing! I love how sweet this couple is with each other. Grab some tissues...I warned you.


LUCK - NYC Wedding Propsal from Aria Melody DJ on Vimeo.

Are you sobbing? I told you. Incredible! I just love how they can keep and watch this video whenever they want!

For more on the interview from the groom, click here.

For my Mom

Dear Mom,

You are the best woman I know.  You are my friend, mentor and shopping buddy.  I am grateful for the life lessons you have taught and the example that you lead every day.  I watch you work so hard between completing your PhD (yeah, she is that awesome), to taking care of the entire family, to working extreme hours to help pay for my dream wedding.  You are the woman I pray to become and the mother I hope to be.  You always have wonderful advice and words of wisdom.

Thank you for your encouragement and the faith you have in me. Thank you for believing in my dreams and making me feel special. You are the best mom.

You are the glue in this family.  I pray that one day I am half the woman you are.  I pray I can love unconditionally and provide as well as you have for me.  You are the ideal mother and I love that I look just like you.  I am so grateful for you and am blessed to call you Mom!  I love you mommy and Happy Mother's Day!

Love Letter to my Husband

Tomorrow marks my two year anniversary of meeting my sweet husband.  For those of you who don't know, we were complete strangers.  He sat down next to me; we started talking; we got our own table to talk some more; he got a text from a friend asking if he was in love; we laughed; he drank beer with a cigarette butt in it (another post on that later); he told me he wasn't into sorority girls; I told him I was the former president of my sorority; he asked for my number and I gave it to him.  The following week we had our first date and have been together every day since.

I thought it was only fitting to write him a love letter to celebrate two amazing years!

Rusty,

Since the moment I met you, I immediately realized you were special.  You are one of the most positive people that I know.  I can remember the butterflies you gave me the first time you hugged me.  I am very lucky to still get those butterflies.  You won me over so fast. 

I know that I tell you this all the time but you are my prince charming.  You are my soulmate.  I can not believe that I ever lived my life without you.  In two short years, you have made me a better person, challenged me daily and shown me a love I have never known.  You are one of the best gifts that God has given me.  I count my blessings every day.

I love waking up next to you.  I love when you kiss me.  I love that you are a good dad to Jane dog.  I love that you make me laugh.  I love that you know my thoughts.  I love the way you comfort me when I get sad.  I love that I get to be your wife for the rest of my life.  I love that you have blessed me with your family.  I love that you make me grilled cheese at 11 at night because I mention I am hungry.  I love that you jump on the trampoline with me.  I love that you taught me how to properly fold a shirt from your stint with working at Old Navy.  I love that you encourage me.  I love that you believe in my business and dreams.  I love that your love for me in never waviering.

Rusty, you are such a blessing.  I mean that.  I promise to love you every day of my life.  I promise to stand by your side.  I promise to love you with every part of me.  You have my heart forever.

Thank you for taking a chance with me that Tuesday.  Who would have thought a great night of conversation and laughs would lead to two people falling in love.  Thank you for asking me to be your wife.

I can't wait for the years to come and all the memories along the way.

Happy two year anniversary my love!

I love you,
Katie