Our First Christmas

Our first Christmas together will be one I remember for the rest of my life. Thank you God for giving us your precious Son and for giving me a husband who loves me with all his heart! I could never ask for a better gift.

Toast Making Abilities

Luke:

"Hmm, wow Kimi, you make really good toast."

Kimi:

"What? I make good toast? How do you not make good toast?"

Luke:

"You have just the right amount of crispiness without the bread being burnt. I always get impatient while waiting and pop up the bread while it's still mushy then when I have to put it down again I forget about it and it gets burnt."

Well I'm happy my husband is pleased with my toast making abilities! I feel completely accomplished with myself!

Brides First Dinner cont.

The hours crept by so, so slowly at work. I tried desperately to keep my mind on my tasks and not to daydream to much about my husband. I wanted nothing more than to race home, give him a big hug and immediately start making him dinner. I was a bit shocked at my enthusiasm. I have never really liked to cook. Baking is fun, but cooking dinner? That's just not for me. However, at this moment there was nothing that I wanted to do more than make my husband dinner. As soon as the clock hit 4:00 I raced home. Originally I was going to have to some grocery shopping, but Luke called at 3:00 and said he would do it for me (my hero).

I was greeted at my condo with a video camera in my face.

"Kimi, why don't you tell us why you're so excited."

"Um, because I'm cooking you dinner for the fist time, Luke, stop! You're making me nervous."

Luke put the video camera away and I headed for the kitchen. I pulled out my cookbook and flipped to the correct page. As I read through the recipes carefully one more time I realized that I need 12 potatoes, I had 6. Luke immediately jumped into his car and sped off to the grocery store again (again my hero).

While Luke was at the store I started making the meatloaf which was rather simple. The only problem was, was that Luke had unloaded all the groceries from our numerous shopping trips and I had no idea where anything was. Eventually I got all the ingredients together and dove into the recipes. When Luke walked through door with the missing potatoes I immediately switched over to the potato dish recipe. However, as I read over the recipes for about the 5th time I saw something new again. The potatoes were supposed to boil for 30 minutes and then they needed to be refrigerated overnight! What!? How did I miss that? And why did they need to be refrigerated overnight? (The reason was because the next day you are to grade them on a cheese grader and you can't do that if they are still boiling hot.) I improvised. As soon as the potatoes were finished boiling I stuck them all in the freezer while I finished the meatloaf and set the table and started the green beans.

Unfortunately the meatloaf wasn't as easy as I anticipated. I'm sure for most people it is, but I had problems like spilling the Worcestershire sauce all in the silverware drawer and dropping the meat on the floor ect. Eventually Luke just started following me around with a kitchen rag to clean up after me!

Two and a half hours later everything was ready. Luke blessed the food and I held my breath as he took the first bite.

"Hmmm, delicious Kimi! Wow!"

I breathed a huge sigh of relief and started eating as well. It was pretty good I thought to myself...even if I did forget to put in the oats that the recipe called for!

After dinner Luke cleared the table and did all the dishes (I love him). I am happy with the way everything turned out. It wasn't close to perfect by any means, but it was good and I have plenty of room for improvement! Now, I'm ready to plan my next meal! I'm thinking a curry dinner is in store!

Below are some out of order pictures...

For dessert we had leftover cupcakes and orange juice!

I think that is a happy face...

I love using my new dishes!

Bride's First Dinner

Today I am making dinner for my new husband for the very first time! Of course I've cooked him many things over the past year and a half, but I have not cooked for him since being married nor since having my very own kitchen. I must admit that my stomach is in knots right now and I'm praying dinner will turn out well. I've spent the past few nights staying up late and pouring over my new cookbooks trying to find the perfect recipes for dinner. Late last night I finally decided on an appetizer, main course, vegetable dish and of course, dessert. The anxiousness I'm feeling right now to leave work, run to the grocery store, and starting my cooking is taking over me. Only four more hours!

Please, please like my dinner Luke!

That's Why...

...I love him.

Wednesday night Luke and I were in line for the Ferris wheel ride at the county fair. There were three girls in front of us, two were standing, one was in a wheelchair. The girl in the wheelchair could hardly contain her excitement. This was going to be her first ride in three years since her car accident that had made her paralyzed from the waist down. I was wondering how they were going to get her on when one of the girls turned to Luke and said:

"Would you be able to help our friend get on the Ferris wheel if she needs it?"

Without any hesitation Luke smiled and said of course and wheeled her right up onto the platform. As soon as the carnival workers realized what Luke was going to do, they made everyone in front of us get of the way. Luke bent down and gently lifted her from her wheelchair and carried her to the Ferris wheel. As I was watching this my heart broke and my eyes started feeling with tears. One of the girls turned to me and said:

"You are a lucky lady"

I could hardly speak without choking up so I whispered back:

"Yes, I am"

The carnival workers who were touched by the whole situation, gave us an extra long ride and told me to keep the tickets. As soon as the ride ended Luke jumped out and once again lifted the girl and carried her back to her wheelchair.

I feel in love with Luke all over again that night. I told Luke that God had made him strong for a moment just like that. And what did we do with our our extra eight tickets? Luke found two brothers who did not have enough money for the carnival and offered our tickets to them. We smiled as they dashed away so excited that they were actually going to get to try out some rides.

And that is why, I love him.

New Life

I have a new home.

I have new keys.

I have paint all over me.

I have a coffee maker.

I have a clock.

I have Luke.

I have so much happiness that I can't begin to express.

I'm ready for my new life!

Moving In

One week, just one more week until Luke and I get the keys to our new condo. This is something that I have been waiting for, for a long time. Of course planning a wedding is fun and nice, but how much more fun is planning something so permanent such as the place were Luke and I will live. We'll live there, together! (after the wedding of course) I must admit that my wedding has been sadly neglected this week as preparing for my new home has taken over all my thoughts and time. Today Luke and I are picking up our bed, two dressers, two nightstands and mirror that we purchased last week. Yesterday we bought our couch and loveseat. A few days ago I couldn't resist buying some decorations that were really a good deal at of course, "Deals Only". All week we have been looking at paint colors and deciding what would go best with our furniture. Luke is letting me choose the color for our bedroom and he is choosing the color for the living room.

God has been good to us in that He was provided for us every step of the way. Somehow Luke and I were able to stay right on budget or under budget with everything we needed for our condo and the condo itself. Last week when we were picking out our bedroom set Luke saw that the price was to high. He simply told the salesman that we had a strict budget and what it was. Without even a second of hesitation the man said "Done!" Also, Luke's job has changed from part time to full time. To see God's hand in all of this has truly been a blessing. I feel so undeserving, but I'm realizing that God really truly does love to bless his children!

List to Accomplish this Week

Well our wedding is less than 10 weeks away and I know I have so many things to do. The problem is, is that once I get off work I can never remember what those tasks are exactly. So in order to help myself stay organized I'm posting my "To do" list for this week.

1. Make sure all the groomsmen get fitted for their tuxes (Luke is helping me with this).
2. Finish the insert that goes with the invitation.
3. Go over my address list one more time and make sure I didn't leave anyone out.
4. Buy lots and lots of stamps!
5. Stuff the envelopes with the invitations and inserts and put on the stamp.
6. Bring the invitation to the Post Office.
7. Buy more flowers for my flower pots
8. Plant the flowers
9. Find candlelighting sticks that won't blow out in the wind.
10. Find a seamstress to alter the bridesmaid dresses.
11. Give a list of songs to my keyboarder for the prelude.
12. Get in touch with my celloist.
13. Find a soloist.

That's it. It may look like a long list, but most of those things can be completed in one or two days if I just stay focused! Just wait, next weeks list is even longer and more involved....

The tassel's worth the hassle!

Congratulations Luke!

Little Things That You Do

He's so busy right now. I hardly get see him, but for a few minutes each day. That doesn't stop him from being sweet in any way he can. For example:

- When studying late at Western he sings me to sleep over the phone.

- When working on his laptop he lets me grab a blanket and snuggle close to him.

- On his way to work, he'll stop by my work to bring me lunch.

- He brings me flowers, chocolate, and a get-well card when I have just a cold.

- He tells me he misses me and would rather be with me than anywhere else in the world.

I think I can handle his busy schedule a while longer! It amazes me how God picked out the perfect man for me. I just hope I can be the perfect girl for him!

Thank-you my best friend. Thank-you for taking time out of your busy schedule to have a picnic with me.

Dilemma

The bridesmaid dresses are brown. That cannot be changed. They have been paid for completely and there is no refund policy. So my question is "What should the other colors be?" I have always wanted fall colors: orange, red, brown, green, but with my wedding earlier that originally planned I'm starting to wonder if it is to early for a fall wedding theme. So many colors go so nicely with brown; I'm really starting to fall in love with teal....

Oh dear!

The Official Date

Finally! After being engaged for over two months Luke and I have officially, officially set our final wedding date! It feels like a huge weight has been lifted and that I can now go ahead and start planning all the details. As soon as we had set the new date I got a little carried away and immediately booked and paid for the Reception Hall and Wedding site. I was on cloud nine until my Mom asked me if I had first checked with Pastor Steve to make sure that date worked for him as well. I was so worried all last night that he would be on vacation and Luke had to keep reminding me that it would all work out. Thankfully it does work out and I feel so relived and blessed!

Now, let's start planning!

Dress Hunting

All seven bridesmaid dresses have been ordered and paid for! Ah, what a wonderful feeling that is! I'm sure you can imagine the ordeal it was to pick out a dress that everyone liked. There were at least four different times where I was positive that we had found the perfect dresses, but with each one we would find something wrong. My Mom, sisters, and I spent hours looking at websites and pouring through magazines. It was a very dejecting experience I must say. What kind of bride was I? I couldn't even pick out the bridesmaid dresses! I was about to give up and tell my bridesmaids that they would be wearing black skirts and white blouses to my wedding. (No kidding, I was seriously considering it.)

My Maid-of-Honor, Kati, realized what a hard time we were having so she came up to Bellingham for a day to deal with the situation. Kati walked into Belle Bridal full of determination and got right to business. Almost immediately she and my Mom had found 12 possible gown choices; she then proceeded to try all of them on for me. In less than a half hour, we had picked the dresses. It was that easy!

So, all of my bridesmaids can now thank Kati that they get to wear something beautiful and elegant instead of black and white!

Alone Time

I have always wondered what will happen to going on dates once I am engaged. Will I still go on them? Will they be as fun as they were when I was simply a girlfriend to my boyfriend? Would we still try new and crazy things together? Or would the busyness of planning a wedding, finding an apartment, working out a budget, and preparing for the rest of our lives together take over everything we use to do together and the fun we have always had? (Not that those thing aren't fun!)

How thankful and happy I am that, that is not how it is! Yes we are twice as busy now than before, but that is not stopping us from having the time of our lives! Last night for example is a perfect example. We tried out two brand new activities and had a blast. It was nothing extravagant or wild, but so, so much fun. It's wonderful to not allow yourself to get to caught up in the planning or excitement of a wedding that you forget to cherish every minute of each other right now. How easy it would be to just plan and plan and forget us.

I believe with all my heart that it is so important to take time each week to completely forget about the wedding and all that needs to be done and simply enjoy each other.

Buying My Dress

Ever since I went with my older sister Kati to pick out her wedding dress I have been dreaming of the day when it would be my turn. Everything about picking out a wedding dress is wonderful. The atmosphere, the lovely consultants, the sparkles, and of course the hundreds of beautiful, gorgeous gowns.

Originally I was planning on finding my dress with my sisters Kati and Kristi, but I became to excited and went a week early with my Mom, Kelsey, Kaylie, and Greta (my almost Mother-in-Law!).

All I can say is when you go to a large wedding boutique like David's Bridal, have a plan in mind! Know what style of dress you are looking for. Otherwise you will get lost and dizzy! I had brought along a few pictures of my favorite dresses and thankfully we were able to find them. My consultant was very friendly and not pushy in the least bit. She went out of her way to find dresses she thought I would like and she stayed right within the price range I gave her. She was even honest enough to tell me that I could find cheaper tiaras elsewhere.

The first dress I tried on looked like something a Roman or Greek Queen would wear. I loved it, but in all honesty my conscience wouldn't let me buy it. However, the second dress that was slipped over my head felt wonderful. It made me feel like a princess. My consultant added a veil and tiara and I couldn't help twirling around just a bit. My consultant told me to picture myself walking down the aisle, to my almost husband. I believe I got a little lost in that dream for a few minutes before I realized that I was still in a store and my wedding was still over seven months away.

So the second dress I tried on was the one I ended up buying. Sadly I couldn't afford the veil as well, but while I was paying for the dress Greta came up and whispered.

"If you want the veil I'll buy it for you."

So now I have a fiance, a dress and a veil (thank to Greta!). What else do I need for a wedding?

Oh right, shoes. Payless here I come!

Proposal - Part 4

I wished so badly that, that ride in the taxi could last forever. At that moment it didn't matter where we were going or what was going to happen. I was safe, warm, and content. Luke was holding me and I was so happy. As I was settling in for a long ride, the driver suddenly pulled up to the curb and stopped.


We were there already.

I peered out the window of the passengers seat and screamed in delight! We were at Giuseppe's Italian Restaurant. The place where Luke. exactly one year ago, had asked me to be his girlfriend. The place that I had thought for sure had closed down during the summer. The place that Luke had allowed me to go ahead and think that so he could surprise me tonight. I jumped out of the cab and twirled in front of the restaurant. In my mind I had decided that Luke somehow had gotten them to re-open the place up just for me, just for tonight.

The rest of the evening felt like a dream. The hostess led us to our table which actually was our own private room, sectioned off with tapestries and filled with candles and roses. The speakers were playing mine and Luke's favorite songs and it was all so perfect. Immediately I reached for my camera and started running all over the place taking pictures of every little detail. After the fifth picture Luke took my camera away and said there was plenty of time for that later. He led me to my chair and at once I started thanking him for such a wonderful anniversary surprise. We sat there for awhile just talking and smiling when Luke pulled out a piece of paper and asked me to read it to him. The paper was an e-mail I had written to him while away for school. I had written this to encourage him during a hard time that he was going through. I had no idea it had meant so much. By the time I had finished reading we were both almost crying.

Luke then crouched down next to me and said it was his turn to read me something. It was somewhat like a journal. He read different excerpts from different days of how he was falling in love with me and finished with something he had written the night before. By that time I was borderline sobbing.

Through my tears I could see that Luke had shifted to one knee and was holding a tiny, black, velvet box.

"Kimberly, will you marry me."

I could barely say the word yes through all my tears. I said it again and again just to make sure he heard me. We were both laughing by then and still crying. Through all of my tears I wasn't able to see what the ring looked like. No matter how many times I wiped them away they just kept coming back. It was about 20 minutes before I actually got a good look at the ring Luke had placed on my finger. I was startled by how lovely and perfect it was. The diamonds were sparkling in the candlelight and my entire world was glowing.

We were engaged and getting married for real!

Proposal - Part 3

I remember trying so hard to hide what I was thinking from Luke. I was turned away from him facing the diner so he couldn't see my shocked expression.

"Of all places in Bellingham he chose this one? The one place I told him I never wanted to go too?"

"It looks...cute."

I offered with a brave smile, looking up at him.

"And I'm sure the food is really good. Maybe they have a nice booth in the corner somewhere."

Just then the sign in the window caught my eye "CLOSED ON MONDAYS". Luke looked shocked and embarrassed when he saw the sign. He insisted that the Internet said it was open every day of the week. He started apologizing and asking me where we should go instead.

"Uh, how about Boundary Bay?"

I had never been there, but that was the first sign that caught my eye. Luke glanced around frantically trying to figure out what to do and I started feeling sorry for him. He asked if he could use my cell to phone a few places.

"Luke, we can go anywhere, I really don't mind at all! How about Costco? I've been craving a frozen yogurt all day."

Just then a big smile spread across his face.

"No need lady. Turn around, our ride is here".

I turned and saw a yellow, Bellingham taxi cab pulling up next to us. I just stared at it not knowing what I should do or if it was even for us. Next thing I knew Luke was opening the door and pulling me towards it. I was feeling very bewildered and confused, but also completely comfortable because I knew Luke had everything worked out just like he always does.

Luke looked at the Cabi drive and said:

"Please don't mention the location, she doesn't know here we're going."

Proposal - Part 2

January 12, 2009

The day was cold, but not windy. I remember very well that it wasn't windy because I was getting my hair done for Luke and wind has a tendency to ruin something like that.

The week before Luke had asked me if we could do something nice for our one-year anniversary. The fact that he wanted it be nice was not surprising at all. We both love going out on nice dates and getting dressed up for each other. There is something so special about taking extra time just to look perfect for the other person. (I'll write more about that fact in a later posting) This particular date however, Luke not only asked me to get my hair done, but to also get a manicure and to take off of work early just to make sure I had plenty of time for myself. Again, this didn't really surprise. At first I was annoyed for having to miss the last few hours of work which meant losing money, but who can really object to getting pampered for an afternoon? All throughout that day Luke would call me with different ideas of restaurants we could try out. This ranged from The Big Fat Fish Company to Hearthfire to Skylarks. That was probably the most surprising to me: The fact that he didn't have a plan of where to go...

I should mention that my co-worker, Katie Lee, was insistent that Luke was proposing that night. I tried to tell her that it wasn't going to happen for at least two more months, but that would not sway her. So when I left work early that day, I left promising to text her immediately if anything happened.

6:00 finally rolled around and Luke picked me up from my house as promised dressed up and ready for the night. I always feel underdressed when Luke is wearing a suit. No matter how nice my dress is, it just never compares to a handsome man wearing a coat and tie. On the way into Bellingham, Luke was still trying to decide what restaurant sounded the best. Finally he parked the car on a side street and we walked up the hill toward State Street. Again, I was very grateful there was no wind!

Luke suddenly stopped in front of a little restaurant. It was the little restaurant I told him I never, ever wanted to go to. Something about it made me uncomfortable. However, Luke insisted that he read two good reviews on the place and thought that we should try it out. I just stared and him and then back at the restaurant. I was thinking:

"We're dressed up for this?!"

Proposal - Part 1

This is one story that I want to make sure I remember forever. The night Luke proposed to me. Part of me still can't comprehend that I'm engaged. Especially since Luke wasn't even thinking about proposing until March or April. Maybe after writing this story I'll be able to believe that I am engaged and actually getting married to my best friend!

December 29, 2008

Luke and I are sitting in his living room on the couch drinking eggnog and remembering how much fun our first Christmas was together. I was as happy as could be; my boyfriend was sitting next to me, I had my favorite drink in my hand, and New Years Eve was just around the corner. I was positive Luke was going to propose on New Years Eve. It just made sense in my mind. Why wouldn't he? If he waited any longer, all of the holidays would be over and there would be no sparkly, diamond ring on my finger. However, it just wasn't going to happen. Luke told me as we were sitting there that he had to work at Semiahmoo that New Years. I quickly turned my head away so he couldn't see my expression, but it was to late.

"Ooooh, was some little girl expected a proposal on New Years Eve?"
How did he guess it that fast?!

I smiled bravely and said I wasn't, but anyone standing there would have been able to see right through that. Luke then took my hand, turned towards me and said very seriously.

"Kimberly, do you trust me? I need to know you trust me with this. I want to see you having a good time now with me and being patient, knowing that I will ask you when I'm ready."

And so, I was resolved to be patient and to prove to Luke that I was extremely happy just being with him, whether there was a ring on my finger or not.

Here I Go Again

After my dear sister Kristi unintentionally took over my last blog, I decided to give it another shot. It really wasn't her fault at all. We were both trying to start a joint blog (which never happened) and somehow in the process my blog became hers and we haven't been able to fix it since.

One of the main reasons I wanted to start another blog was to record all of my wedding planning experiences. I'm am awful at keeping a journal, but I want to somehow record all the details and memories of this moment. And since typing is so much more convenient and faster than journaling I decided this was the best way. All my posts on wedding happenings may become quite boring to some so I'll try to throw in some non-wedding stories. Maybe I'll tell a few stories of Kristi's crazy, busy life or of Kelsey and I constantly clashing over who takes the first shower or who gets the hair dryer first. Of course there is also my littlest sister who has more drama in her life than all of her older sisters combined. Regardless of what I post, I know someday I will be thankful for keeping a record of the little things that make life wonderful.