Where Did The Time Go?

I graduated last night!

Two years ago I would have never imagined I would be packing up and moving 8 hours away from the only place I've ever lived.

I also would have never imagined I would be graduating with an associates degree.

Nor would I have guessed that in 72 days I will be marrying my prince charming and heading off to the most magical place on Earth.

God does some pretty amazing things when you let go of your plans, and let Him show you His plans.

I've had some crazy adventures these past two years, and I've met some crazy people who I now call friends. Although these two years have challenged me like no other, I'm glad I never quit. Working every other weekend on massive events, doing homework, and finding time for friend friends, and work all add up and it can become frustrating and stressful. In the end I would have hated myself for giving up, God gives strength to those who ask for it and I could not have made it without His help.

I'm going to miss this season of my life in some ways and some things I will not miss one bit, but that's life and I'm okay with that.

I will miss my three beautiful roommates! Lexi, Jess, and Frankie, you all are completely insane and I loved every minute of our year together. We may never live together again but we've made enough memories in one year to last us a life time of smiles.

My old roommate Cara, you're my boo and that's all I need to say.

My family deserve a shout out they are the ones who have encouraged me the most and cheered me on to the finish line, and I love each of them dearly.

Thank you to everyone else who encouraged me during this season and for those who never gave up on me, you people are amazing and I couldn't have asked for better friends!

 And last but not least, a huge thank you to my fiance Chris! I could not have done this without your constant encouragement and love! 

It's bee been a crazy two years but I wouldn't trade them for anything! Well.... Just kidding! 

I cannot wait to see what God holds for this summer and the up coming chapters in my life.

Stay tuned...

-Stephanie

My Life According to Disney's Frozen

 Since Disney came out with the movie Frozen Pinterest has been covered with funny memes based off the movie.

Chris and I love this movie, I confess we sing the duets and when I'm alone I attempt to sing all the parts.

Scrolling through these funny pictures I realized my life can be easily compared to these pictures.

And now...

When the movie first came out I was like....

During the movie I was like "THIS IS ME!!"

The time I texted this...

Every time I open the fridge...

The last month of school...

As you can see I basically can quote Frozen on a daily basis and I do.

Hope this can help brighten your day!

-Stephanie

50/50 Hindsight

College is crazy.

That's something I knew but didn't know. Does that make any sense?

The past two years have been a total learning curve and more than what meets the eyes.

Sleep Is Important
Shocker I know but sleep directly effects my grades personally. I realize not everyone needs 8 hours of sleep every night, but it took me a whole year to realize I need those precious 8 hours.

Groceries, Who Knew
Did you know when you don't buy groceries you don't have food? It's true, and when you don't have food you eat junk, which makes you fat and then depressed. Freshman 15, try freshmen 30.

Just Go
You don't have to raise your hand to use the bathroom in college, that was an awkward lesson learned.

What's The Answer?
People cheat the system, and they get away with it. That's still not ok and will cause you problems one day, don't do it.

You Only Get One Shot
Go have fun, you're only in college for a portion of your life make the most out of it, create memories and good ones at that!

Tea or Coffee
Find a drink that wakes you up. It's important for those morning classes.

LOL
These college memes are true, I promise.

Write, write, write
That 10 page paper isn't going to write itself, stay on top of your homework and you won't be so stressed when all your professors schedule exams on the same day.

What's Your GPA?
Your GPA gets your free money, that's important. Pay attention to scholarships and apply for them all!

I've learned many more things in college but most of them would make a dull blog post.

What have you learned in this season of life?


-Stephanie

You're Such a Catch

Contrary to belief I struggle giving Chris presents. I rack my brain weeks on end before his birthday, or any holiday.

 In the end I always end up making him something homemade to remind him of how amazing he is!

Here's a fun little idea I thought you might enjoy.

Tell someone they're a catch!

We cannot forget the wrapping, it adds a fun touch.

Don't forget homemade gifts will last much longer than a new t-shirt. 

-Stephanie

Work It Out, Work It Out

"I work out..." 

No seriously, I work out, and I happen to get my blog inspiration while I work out. A few months ago I really hit the gym hard with a mind set of determination. I want to look the best I can on my wedding day but that's not the main reason I want to workout. 

The way I see it, is that God only gave me one body so I might as well start taking care of it the best I can! 

With all that said I've noticed some changes within my own body after working out 6 days a week for a few months straight and I wanted to share some helpful tips and workout plans that I've been putting to action.

1) Workout when you can, and for as long as you can.

Your workout schedule is your own. You cannot compare how long your at the gym to anyone else, and you cannot make your life fit into anyone else's schedule. Make your own schedule, and make it fun! 

2) Sleep.

Manage your sleep patters, and stick to it! If that means going to bed early in order to wake up at 5am do it! Trust me you won't regret it! 

3) It's Not Just About Working Out.

You can't just work out and then eat fast food every day. It's important to create a balance, eat right and exercise. You will notice your energy levels will be higher and you will feel better about yourself!

I'm so excited to share some more tips and workout plans that I've found helpful with you!

How often do you workout? Got any tips?

-Stephanie

The Ultimate List

I don't know about you but ever since my life started to have its own crazy schedule my Mom always told me to make a list.

Going to the grocery store? Make a list.

Keep forgetting your homework? Make a list.

Your house is messy? Make a list.

Can't find your first list? Make another list.

You get the point?

Because of this training I see lists everywhere. (it's like a sixth sense) I was studying my Bible the other night and I was reading through Proverbs 31.

The ultimate list.

So many times, we as women, get overwhelmed and intimidated with this chapter. Thoughts overcome us such as..,

"I cat do that"

"No woman can be all of that"

"I don't want to wake up early"

As I thought through this passage in a new light I saw this as a different kind of list, not the kind we check off and mark as completed. This list will never be completed but it's a daily reminder of what we can mirror in our own lives.

I am a Proverbs 31 Woman and so are YOU because by the grace of God every day we have a fresh start to look at this list and try again. Everyday we have a chance to strive to be better. We do not need to worry or think of what a Godly woman should be because we have already been given the blue print and I don't know about you but that's a huge relief! 

I pray today you rise up and take hold of this list, rather than being intimidated by it, and realize you can reflect this list within your crazy chaotic life! 

-Stephanie

The Big Day Update

Spring break is over! Did you have fun, what did you do?

I can tell you my spring break was the farthest thing from beach and swimsuit weather, it was more like a high of 14. 

Although I was home and it was bitter cold that didn't stop us from braving the cold. 

As soon as my plane landed on Saturday I hit the ground running. With wedding appointments almost every day there was not time for a "break."

Saturday:

Flew into Chicago and ate White Castles. (Region food, gotta love it) 

Rushed to our 3:30pm appointment to seek out decorations for the wedding and ceremony.

Ate pizza with family then tried on my Mom's wedding dress for fun.

Had a sleepover with my nine year old cousin ad watched the classic movie Clue. 

Sunday:

Went to church and heard my favorite speaker (my Dad)

David's Bridal appointment for junior bridesmaid and flower-girl dresses.

Monday:

Florist day

First appointment was amazing! 

Second appointment not so amazing.

Third appointment a nightmare.

After taking a lunch break went back and booked the first florist for the wedding! 

Tuesday:

Fat Tuesday! 

Visited grandmother and enjoyed packzi in honor of Fat Tuesday.

Finished up registering with my Mom.

Coffee with friends.

Wednesday:

Cake day

First appointment yummy.

Second appointment average.

Lunch break delicious.

Third appointment FABULOUS! Booked cake for reception.

Trip to the hospital with Mom and Dad for plating for radiation starting on Thursday.

Thursday:

Radiation appointment at the hospital for Mom.

Flower girl dress shopping with a successful ending! 

Friday:

Radiation appointment at the hospital for Mom.

Meeting with wedding coordinator to wrap up the week. 

Back to registering because it didn't update on line.

Saturday:

Finish packing and fly back to school.

As you can see my spring break was crazy, and I wouldn't have changed one thing about it. Now it's back to the grind of things!

Days Till The Wedding: 115

-Stephanie