Welcome, September.

Brief update:  Last weekend was wonderful.  Friday night we went to dinner for Jill's birthday with a group of friends.  Saturday night we cooked out at Staci's house.  Sunday we were useless. 
K, moving on.
I really, really don't like to complain about a bad day or circumstance I find myself in.  My mind always goes to, "it could be worse" because it most definitely could.  When everything seems to go wrong before I even walk inside the office doors, I have to refocus: at least I have money to buy gas to put in my dependable car and drive to my job that plenty of other people would be glad to have right now. 
During the month of August I felt like my sanity was being tested every day!  Between finding a place to move, little wedding ends that needed to be tied, my car being wrecked - I was stretched pretty thin.  However, life worked itself out as it always does.  We decided to stay right where we are and move next year when there's not much else going on.  CJ asked me to make him a 'to do' list filled with all things wedding planning related - I did - and he had most of it done in one day.  I finally got my car back and it actually looks better than it has in a while.  My sweetie buffed and waxed it for me last night:)

BUT.  August, quite frankly...you can kiss it. 

Here's what we have going on in September that makes my heart smile... 

Brittany and Corey are getting married this Saturday at American Village. 

My cousin Joel and his wife will hold their first child (a little girl) in their arms.

My brother is coming in town for a whole weekend.

Our wedding shower at Staci's house.

Lastly, it looks as though a little beach trip may come to life later this month.

Now, that's a lot to look forward to! 

Edited to add - Meredith's FIL woke up from his coma!  They hope to have him talking within the next few weeks.  He is still recovering from pneumonia, but did really well through his back and leg surgeries.  For anyone who may have sent a prayer up for him, it is very much appreciated...muchas gracias!

This week...

This week my wedding dress came in.  My mom and I are going to pick it up tomorrow.
This week we bought our cookware set with the gift cards we got from our shower last month (!!!!).
This week Meredith's FIL is still in the hospital.  If you pray, please pray for him - his name is John Kidd.
This week I still don't have my car. 
This week I ran nine miles...I didn't run yesterday or today - but will pick back up tomorrow.
This week I wore my new TOMS and they are the most comfortable pair of shoes ever.
This week I'm tired.
This week...was a little difficult.
BUT.
I am thankful for having a roof over my head.
I am thankful I have a job.
I am thankful I have the best mom in the whole world.
I am thankful I have a wonderful man that wants to marry me.
I am thankful I have the sweetest dog and most unique (?) cat.
I am thankful for our family and friends that have been so helpful with all things wedding related.
I am thankful my love for the Lord doesn't waiver just because my circumstances may.
I am thankful for mine and CJ's health...well, I think we're healthy anyway.  I visit webmd.com more than I check my email just to be sure my headaches aren't brain cancer or some type of incurable disease.  Little bit of a hypochondriac.  Lotta bit of obsessive compulsive disorder.  I'm ok with it.  I always have medicine around and have a clean house.  Yep. 

So, it's Friday now.  I'm going to get ready for a well deserved date night.
Cheers to...life.  Be it tough or easy, sad or happy - it beats the alternative.  It always beats the alternative.

T.G.I.S.

Ohmyword.
That frozen margarita was so good last night.  It was nice being at our restaurant, in a booth and laughing with my future hubster. 
In news that's not so shocking, I still have no car.  I'm driving CJ's jeep right now.  I've heard him complain about gas mileage before but had no idea just how terrible it was.  I have dumped $40 in that jeep since Monday (MONDAY!) and it's only at a quarter of a tank.  I don't even think my little Honda can hold $40.  I've definetly never tried; I put $10 a week in my car.  I am grateful that I have something to drive...even if I do think it may use more gas than a military tank:)
CJ's old friend, Scott came in town Wednesday night for business.  He treated us to dinner and drinks at Cocina Superior and it was delish.  It was nice to see him if only for a few hours.  Staci, Brian, and the kids came for a little while too.  It also happened to be Jonah's first day of kindergarten so Staci brought GiGi's cupcakes and was thoughtful enough to get me one too!  I got a margarita flavored one and it was so yummy to my little tummy.

On the wedding front, time seems to be getting shorter and my list seems to be getting bigger.  I've got an amazing mom, family, sister in law, friends, and a very willing fiance eager to help which makes everything a little more managable.  CJ and I both are very excited.  It seems to get more real each day that passes.  Here's a beautiful picture I found of the gallery that I wanted to post on here:

My angel brought me home flowers and a very, very sweet card yesterday.  I don't think he's ever written that much in a card...or anywhere else for that matter.  It was everything I wanted and needed to hear at this point.  I'm thankful God gave me him to love and be loved by!

It's Saturday now.  We're getting ready to head to the pool for some sun and relaxation.  I'm excited to get a little glow and flirt with my honey.  I think we'll rent a movie later:) 

What a WEEK!

We had a week filled with so many surprises that by the end of it we both just wanted to hide - scared something else might happen! 
Monday morning my best friend sent me a text telling me that her FIL was in the hospital from a car accident he had been in on his way to work.  It could take up to a year for him to be able to walk again, but at least he'll be able to.  It's something to look forward to.  He has one other surgery in a few days, then hopefully he'll be able to go home after that.  A slow recovery is better than no recovery.

Tuesday morning future hubby had a horrible toothache and was forced to pay a visit to the dentist that left him in a little less pain, but a lot more swollen.  It's so hard seeing him hurt - he rarely complains about anything!
Then Thursday happened.  I was following CJ in my car going through a three way intersection and some jerk ran his light and hit my car.  He hit me so hard it spun my car in a complete circle.  Then - and this is the real bummer - he just took off!  Come ON!  Honestly.  I'm fine, my car isn't.  I can't promise he'll be fine if I ever see him again.
Friday I came in from work, took Dale out and realized I didn't have my engagement ring on.  Perfect.  So I ran inside and made it upstairs in record time to see it sitting in the ring box where I obviously put it while washing my hands earlier.  I had no memory of it.  I can't begin to write all of the thoughts that were running through my head!
Friday night was a sweet ending.  CJ's sister Kayt and her boyfriend Albert, along with Meredith and Adam came to eat dinner with us.  It was a lot of fun...CJ and I both really needed that!
Albert took our engagement pictures today and did an awesome job.  He's so talented with his camera and really has an eye for making pretty pictures.  He's also just so nice to be around which made what could have been a couple of hours of me and CJ staring at each other for awkward pictures - a lot more relaxing and enjoyable.  I think I laughed most of the day doing them.  He even took a few of Dale!  We're really lucky to know him and can't wait to see all of the pictures.  
Kayt was on Dale duty, but gave some helpful suggestions and ideas as well.  We had a lot of fun hanging out with them.  They are a treat to be around.
So - now it's Saturday night and the worst thing that's happened has been the gross Chinese takeout for dinner.  Maybe it wasn't such a bad thing after all.  I didn't need the calories anyway and it forced me to eat Cheerios for dinner.   
Hopefully next week will be much more boring!