4 more days....It's wedding week.

I haven't written in a while, mostly because I've become too busy to write anything down and we didn't have internet for a month.

Time has flown by and we are now 4 days out. I cannot believe it! Where has the time gone? I cannot believe that in 4 short days, I will marry the guy I fell in love with over 3 and half years ago. God is good.

I've realized over the past few days how much I truly love this man I'm about to marry. Yes, we give each other a hard time, but we aren't like most couples. I'm so glad for that. We aren't mushy/gushy, we're sarcastically in love. I wouldn't trade him for anything.

I keep trying to imagine what it will be like when I walk down the isle...will I cry like an idiot (probably, because I'm the most emotional drama queen around town, I hide it well right??) Will I laugh and wave at people who've come to share this day with us, will I pass out from how tired I am, will I be shaking because I'm so nervous to see my handsome future husband...I think I can answer yes to all of these. But then again, I still can't imagine it.

There have been great moments and bad moments...times when I laughed til I cried, and just moments where I cried. But, I am so ready to be there on that day....Please pray for me, my stress level will be at its highest point in the next few days.

Dave assures me the weather will be nice....

The only part missing is having my grandparents there. From the day I started planning this wedding I have incorporated them into this day. I wanted to have it in the fall because I loved going to Clintwood and walking in the woods with my granny and granddad during this time. I loved making piles of leaves and jumping in them. I loved bone fires with my dads family when I was younger (my cousins scaring my sister and I as they hid in the woods making indian sounds). My mamaw's birthday is in September, she would have loved Corey so much! She would have given him dozens of hugs and sat with him for hours just talking (And he would have listened because he's so patient). She would have payed him a dollar to dance with her to her favorite country/gospel song. And these are the things I miss the most. I miss them so much. I just hope God lets them look down from heaven for a few minutes. (that would be great)

On Saturday, I will walk down the isle with 4 small picture frames attached to my bouquet. (Pictures of my grandparents) I will wear my mamaw's gold tennis bracelet, my granny's hair clip, my moms pearl earrings and necklace,the border of my veil is lace from my mom's veil and on my right hand I will wear Corey's granny's ring, that he gave me when he knew I was the right one. For something blue, I'm wearing my Cowboy boots and praying that I don't fall down.

I can't thank everyone on here (mostly because I'm horrible with names) but thank you to each and every one of you, who have helped me in this process. (I'm still trying to buy stamps for all the thank you notes)

4 days people, 4 days! Get excited, I know I am!! And one more day of work, hopefully i won't fall asleep running cameras tomorrow.

"Find rest, oh my soul, in God alone. My hope comes from him." - Psalms 62:5

(Please disregard the misspellings and the grammatical errors. It's late and I'm tired)

Love always,
Callie Marie

The exciting life of Callie Marie.

So I haven't made this official on any other social media site, but I had to write about it on here. And since I've noticed only a certain handful of you read my blog, I could get away with it.

Life has been oober busy, let me tell you:

Corey and I signed our lease on our new condo. I move in next wednesday and he moves in, in September. We are both super excited! It's also pretty stressful moving and cleaning two apartments. I definitely wish I had a robot to do all this work.

It's also hard because I hardly get to see Corey. Sure, we work together, but in two different departments. Our schedules are all mixed up, people are leaving, people are getting new jobs...

Oh and speaking of new jobs....this girl right here received the job she has been working her butt off to get. Thanks for all the prayers and Facebook support and encouragement!! I'm pretty pumped about it, and also a little scared. But the guy who taught me most of it, reassures me I'll be okay. He's definitely just being nice. :)

So, starting this weekend, I will be the director for the weekend mornings.....it seriously doesn't feel real. I have been training for about 6 months. (And dreaming about directing even longer) Training my body to get up at 4am, and let me tell ya, I'm not a morning person, but it hasn't been that bad. Training how to multi-task (punching, giving cues, looking at 5 different monitors, looking ahead to what's next).

But props to the guy who put up with me for 6 months. He was very patient, and helpful, and I'm pretty sure I got on his nerves a lot. But I definitely couldn't have gotten to where I am now, without him. I'm kinda sad that we can't tag team the morning show anymore. I'm pretty sure he's stoked to get away from me though!

So there's that, please continue the encouragement and prayers as I make this switch! But Thank God for his many blessings.

Switching the subject, wedding plans are slowly coming together. We're definitely on the last leg. I'm not that excited anymore, I've heard that happens. Wait let me rephrase that, I'm not excited about the wedding planning....but becoming Mrs. Presley, yes I am definitely excited about that part. At this point, I think Cor and I are more excited about the honeymoon and before your mind wonders somewhere else, we're excited about going to Jamaica, and I'm excited about swimming with the dolphins! :)

"This blog was thrown together and critiquing my sentence structure isn't necessary!"

"Find rest oh my soul, in God alone. My hope comes from him" - Psalms 62:5

Love always,
Callie Marie

I still love you and I'm praying

“Things change. And friends leave. Life doesn't stop for anybody.” 

                                                 ― Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Life has become super busy right now and I feel like a lot is changing. Yes, I should have gotten married a lot sooner, but unfortunately this is our time. My fiancé and I are extremely busy. I'm moving out of my apartment into our new condo, I'm blessed to have parents help us with the financial aspect, but it's still tough. We are still working on small wedding details (it's stressing me out to my limit). My work schedule is crazy, it always has been. I unfortunately don't have anymore days to take off and I work weekends. My wedding shower is less than 4 weeks away. And even though this should be the happiest time of my life, I feel like I'm letting people down. I guess I shouldn't feel this way...but I do. And I'm sorry, if you feel like I'm letting you down. But honestly I just can't be there for you, the way I'd like to. I just can't lay down everything and come and see you, I just can't. You should know this breaks my heart. 

I still love you. 

“please believe that things are good with me, and even when they're not, they will be soon enough. And i will always believe the same about you.” 
― Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Awkward conversations and wedding planning!

Today was a good day. The best part about all of it, I didn't get rained on once, while I was outside.

This morning we went to get passports (for the second time....take two) This time with success...I felt like I was in Argo when I had to swear that the information was correct. I was so nervous (I mean of course everything was true), but my imagination goes crazy sometimes and I think of the worse possible events that could happen. The government would tap into my phone line just to get the scoop of my life for the next 3 months until we head to Jamaica (no wait, they already do that) Okay, or the FBI knocks down my door because my drivers license address doesn't match my current address. (I know, over exaggerated) So we got that taken care, big relief, now I know Jamaica will be a reality.

I also got to spend part of the day with my mom. We did a lot more wedding things today. We basically looked down every isle in Hobby Lobby. I would also like to share with you a comment that my mom made...
Mom: How far away is the airport from blountville?
Me: about 20-30 minutes..
Mom: And what times does your flight leave?
Me: 7:40am
Mom: Well you definitely won't be able to stay up late the night of the wedding....(gives me this awkward look), ya know ya can't stay up late watching NCIS or anything....
Me: UGH!! (I yell this) Awkward conversations in Hobby Lobby!!

I also found giant puzzle pieces which I'm excited about (shhh..it's a secret as to what I'm using them for)

My mom has been a great help in this wedding planning process, I couldn't do it without her! Thanks mom!!

Later tonight, Cor and I went to look at a house. I really thought it was a great looking house with the pictures they provided online. Unfortunately, there weren't enough rights, and a lot of wrongs! So, we're still looking, I know that God will provide. It was also the first place we looked at. Corey also pointed out that he felt like a hobbit with the low ceilings. Thanks for all the prayers on this situation.

And then to end the night, I got to talk to my cousin Maura! I had tried to get in touch with her all day to ask her if she would help out with my wedding. She said yes and sounded very excited! She also informed that she could make cranberry sauce or stuffing and bring it or she had a lot of great cake recipes. She also ask if I had a wedding dress and told me she designed outfits and that she'd bring her notebook for me to look at, at the wedding. (I remember when a couple friends and I would draw dresses with flames, and other odd designs on them (I understand now that with my "flaming dress", I could have been the top designer for the "Hunger Games", always pursue your dreams, kids)

Needless to say, I'm exhausted!! Now, I'm trying to relax with my pup, while we wait for Corey to get home!

Welp that's about all I've gotta say!

"Find rest, oh my soul, in God alone. My hope comes from him" Psalms 62:5

Love always,
Callie Marie

Prayers appreciated!!

As most of you know I've been sitting in and learning how to direct for over half a year. The hours have been rough, doing splits on Saturday and Sunday (I didn't have to go in, but it was the only way, if I wanted to direct) I had to get up at 4am just to make it to the station at 5:30 and get ready for the show at 7. I've had a lot of help from the director in the morning, who has always been super patient with me!

I just learned two days ago that one of our production guys is leaving and if the morning director takes his job, I'll get his directors job! I'm super excited and nervous about the whole ordeal, but I'm asking for lots of prayers that I'm able to get this job. It would absolutely be a dream. I've worked so hard to reach this goal and I believe God knows the desires of my heart. So please say a little prayer for me this week and the next as these changes take place. (I'm not even sure if I'll get it, but I just needed to throw the idea out there)

Tomorrow will be a busy day. Cor and I are going to get passports and then more wedding ring shopping! Every things slowly coming together. Cor is also going to look at a house for us (also pray that if this is what God wants, he'll provide)

Can I just say that I cannot wait to get married, at this point the planning is just getting frustrating! (Girls if you're getting married, just get married, don't wait a long time to do so) I also cannot wait to move into a house. (more space and more decorating) AND I cannot wait to go to Jamaica!

I'm still having issues with the music for the wedding, if anyone has any suggestions, I would appreciate it. I want live music and I've ask a couple people to play but maybe a band or a group of people that wouldn't charge a lot might be easier. I would really like a violinist or a fiddler. Ideas, Ideas, Ideas.....

So that's basically all for now....

"Find rest, oh my soul, in God alone. My hope comes from him" - Psalms 62:5

Love always,
Callie Marie

Marriage Counseling for the comedic soul....

So today I received our marriage counseling book in the mail, to start reading with Corey, so that when we meet with our pastor (norman), we'll be up to speed with this whole process.

Corey and I began tonight by reading chapter 1, which explained what marriage is, through God's point of view: what love is, what a covenant commitment is, what visions we have for our marriage, etc.

Now if you know Corey at all, you know he's always cracking some sort of joke, or saying anything to get someone to laugh. He's like that all the time, it's not just out in public. (that's one of the many reasons why I love him)

Now, lets start with how our conversations went through Chapter 1.

The book ask us to give our definition of a covenant commitment. I told Corey that I was terrible at giving my own definition and his response, "Just write something." So.....here are our answers.

Definitions of a Covenant Commitment:

Me: Staying true and honest with you (Corey), loving, forgiving, listening and something...

Corey: A holy promise. One you can't break...or you'll fall in a pit of three headed poisonous snakes.

The book also wrote, "Just for Fun"..."What is one question you would ask God?"

Me: If he still loved me (because of all the mistakes I've made)

Corey: God do you eat food? (Which he followed with...) I mean cause if he doesn't, than how did he know what chicken tasted like and is that why everything taste like chicken because he got tired of making everything taste different.....(yeah)

Also under the "Just for Fun" section was "What's one story in the bible you would have wanted to see?"

Me: David and Goliath, or Jesus walking on water, or Jesus turning water into wine...

Corey: Ya know that story where there was a big storm...(and I'm thinking, oh when Jesus calmed the storm, that'd be cool..) and like that guy was on the boat, I don't remember his name...and then like God was like throw him over board because he had done all that bad stuff, and so they did. Yeah, I would have liked to have been there for that conversation.

Me: Do you know what the guys name was? (I'm laughing, hysterically by the way)

Corey: Jonas?

Me: Close... Jonah

Corey: Oh yeah Jonah cause he got swallowed by that whale, I know that from guitar hero. (proceeds to pick up his phone and find the song)

Needless to say it was definitely a fun night discussing a Godly marriage...

I can't wait to read the other chapters.

"Find rest oh my soul, in God alone. My hope comes from him." Psalms 62:5

Love,
Callie Marie

The Fog

I hoped tonight that the fog would swallow me whole...
that it would spit me out into a world unknown, but to my dismay, I only found myself trapped.
and that is my feeling, at the time being.
I've felt heart break, I've felt let downs, I've felt hell.
My body so weak that I could almost tell, that apart of me was ready to leave.
Leave a moment in my life that wasn't going the way I wanted it to,
because running away is much better than trying to be the knight in shinning armor, but behind that armor a scared little girl.
And who's to blame, but me.
I've tried yelling and screaming, I've tried patience, I've tried silence..
that doesn't resolve to anything except the feeling of immaturity.
But aren't we all in a sense of the word immature, we do things we regret,
and I've got too many of those to count...
I hoped tonight that the fog would swallow me whole...
all I found was a lost soul, behind to huge brown eyes..
and a lot of bad luck to go around.
So settle down into the life, that isn't perfect, isn't fine, isn't fair..
take up that god awful armor to hide whats really there.
A scared little girl, who hates the fact that life is much better under metal plates,
where she doesn't have to face reality..
I hoped tonight that the fog would swallow me whole...

It's garter making time.....

Today was a pretty successful day.....

I met my caterer in Abingdon and we began our adventure to Mendota (a route, we'd both never taken before). My first thought was "Oh, I love driving on these roads reminds me of Dickenson Co/Blackwater...." (very curvy, lots of land, pretty country houses, farms, rivers...ahhh) And then we ran into a small white truck who decided to take a slow drive (25 mph slow), the only thing I liked about him was his coal sticker, other than that I was so glad when we got around him! At first I was a little worried about the directions my parents had given me, because for one whenever I had to turn left or right, there were no road signs (imagine that....we're out in the middle of nowhere). However, you couldn't go straight you had to turn, so I would just go the way the next set of directions suggested!! It was super easy to get there and it didn't take as long either! I was super pleased about that! (I know this sounds so pointless, when reading, but oh well... :))

I was also a little nervous about my caterer seeing the farm for the first time. Another women we had talked about catering, flat out told us she just wouldn't do it because of the layout! (whatever dude) But Eileen was great, she kept talking about how perfect and beautiful it was. I was thanking God every second. I'm am so excited for Gadabouts catering!! (I'm more excited about their sweet potato rolls, umm Yum!!)

I also met with my florist who also owns the farm we're using! She's always been super sweet! And her floral arrangement are gorgeous!! (ConnieTimmons.com)

I want to lay out the scenery though, because its so important for me. We met with Connie in the "Sugar Shack". A small white cottage on the hill, where I will be getting ready along with my bridesmaids! Inside it reminds me of a Gatlinburgh cabin (without all the tacky decorations), but the smell is what I loved the most today! They had a wood stove burning and it smelt exactly like my grandparents house in the winter. (which makes me very emotional, but also happy because I know this  is a place my granny and granddad would have loved to visit)

(The view of the "Sugar Shack" from the field we will be getting married in!) 

 (The quilt square, Connie painted last year...pretty!!)

 (mom went along for the adventure...horrible picture of me, but it's the memories that count)

 (The Barn)

 (Inside...eek I love it!!)

(The wind was super windy...counting down the months)

(My Caterer, Eileen and My florist, Connie) 

After the visit to the farm, my mom and I decided to run a couple more wedding errands. We went to Ben Franklin for crafty items! I bought tons of ribbon and fabric for bows and table decorations, I also bought cardboard letters (Mr. & Mrs.) to put on our table (I'm going to paint them). My favorite part though was the idea my mom came up with....making my garters! YES!!! (And yes I want two, one to throw and one to keep!) And lets just say my mom and I had a great time picking out the fabric for the one to throw...no give aways but it's super tacky!! I am so thankful my mom is so crafty and has a sense of humor (well sometimes haha :)) Love ya mom!!

Overall, it was a very productive day..I wish my fiancé' could have been with us, but spending time with his family was much more important! 

I'm so glad God is blessing this process...5 months and 27 days. It's going by quickly!!

"Find rest, oh my soul, in God alone. My hope comes from him!" - Psalms 62:5

Love always,

Callie Marie

If it's not dishwasher safe, I don't want it....

I'm not feeling so well tonight, curse you mother nature!! Blah....

Any-who...

Man, these months are flying by fast, and I'm super excited and oh so nervous. There's still so much to be done.

In a couple weeks I'm meeting with my florist and caterer, to figure out those two things. We ordered 'Save the Dates' two days ago and should be sending those out in a week or so. There's still so much to do.

I've heard a lot of people say that registering is one of the best parts of wedding planning, but honestly that stresses me out too. Well, except for the target experience. However, we went to Bed Bath & Beyond the other day (the place Corey insisted he didn't really need any lotions), and let me tell ya, we aren't even done there and we spent 3 hours inside that store. Goodness!!! They also don't let you go off by yourself, and so we had a lady walk with us. Pros: She was super nice and she was super helpful. Cons: By the time we got half way through, I'm pretty sure SHE wanted to marry Corey (granted she was like in her 50's), and every time I had a question she talked for like 30 minutes explaining herself.

Here is a list of thoughts that run through my mind when registering:

• One place setting (two plates, a bowl, and a tea cup) are extremely over priced.
• Who the heck is going to buy us 10 of those...(NO ONE) The lady suggested 12 and I'm like dude, here's the deal, unless we have a football party, I don't know of 12 people that would be coming over to eat on the 'casual' china.  
• Did you add gold flakes to this comforter? Because if the answers no, than I don't know who would pay this price. I'm familiar with college bedding, cheap and comfy!
• Speaking of cheap and comfy, we passed the jersey sheets and I was like, "yeah these are my favorite!" The lady laughed at me and kept walking...
• How many different pillows do they make. "Oh you need shame pillows and decorate pillows, and of course the regular kind, oh and we also have these covers for your pillows to keep the dirt out." uhhhh.....
• Oh then there's the wall of Utensils. I'm going to need a whole closest to fit all of them in. How many wooden spoons does one need to have? Why would I need a tool that plucks the top part of a strawberry off? 
• "Well, it's best if you don't put these in the dishwasher!" Well, darn, take that off the list!

I'm not saying that I don't want nice items, I really do!! I'm just not use to this process. I'm not use to looking at cake pans, a knife set, a nice set of pots and pans, 'casual' china, a whole wall of utensils, a salad spinner, a really beautiful comforter and the other numerous items we registered for and thinking, "ya know one day I'm going to really need/enjoy this!" And we did have fun, but it's just so over whelming. It's scary to think that in 6 months, I'm getting married, I'm going to be a wife, I'm going to have to step up my game and cook wonderful meals and actually make the bed. :)

I told the lady in Bed Bath & Beyond. "I'm not very patient, Corey's the one who is calm!" And I'm so glad that God blessed me with a man like him. He calms my nerves, he helps me have fun with these nerve racking activities, and he helps me understand that life is what you make it. (Corny? yeah, sure)
I don't know what I'd do without him. I'm also pretty stoked, because in 6 months, I'll marry the man of my dreams. That beautiful blue eyed boy! And that helps calm my nerves (well sometimes)

It'll all be worth it, when September rolls around!!

"Find rest, oh my soul, in God alone. My hope comes from him!" Psalms 62:5

Much Love,
Callie Marie.

Pretty dresses, fun days, and life lessons!

Today was a really great day!

For one I was able to get up with the birds and a couple of my favorite people to sit in on the morning show. The days of ratings are over, so that only means one thing......I get to direct again. And boy did I direct today, 6 blocks!! Woohoo It felt really good to be back in that rollie chair, I mean I always have some help, but this right here people, is my passion. This is what I love to do!! God is good and always faithful.

It was also a good Sunday morning because my fiancé and I headed to Highlands for church. We have been going for about 3 months (maybe). I for one love it and I think Cor does too. The praise and worship is awesome and the sermons are always great. But another reason I love to go is because I get to see family. Okay, they aren't blood family, but the Mumpower/Stacy's might as well be. I have known them since I was little. They lived right down the road and I am so thankful that God has given us this opportunity to be together and worship together on Sundays!! And of course, there's the new addition of Kristy, but she fits in perfect!!

Today's sermon was simple, yet it made me kinda cringe in my seat! Pastor Allen talked about being more involved. I cringed because I always feel like on Sundays, all I want to do after church is sleep because I've already been up since about 4:30ish. But the cool thing about God, is he knows just how to invite you in and show you where you fit. In the little handout we get every Sunday, there was a sheet of paper telling us what the church needed help with. And what do you know, it said 'Camera Operator/Producer'. Now if that's not God....We actually know one of the guys who helps out with the production side of things and right after the service we went and talked to him about getting involved! I mean come on, if you're a broadcaster, you're always up to learn more about broadcasting! (or that's my thought process) I really hope we'll be able to help out!!

We also went to eat at Cracker Barrel, which is always good! Now heres a weird comment and I'll back it up with a story, but today I got a glimpse of what it would be like if we had children, and let me just tell you Cor will make a great dad! He's so funny and always entertaining! He's sitting beside Jaycee and Iz, playing peek-a-boo, and they're just giggling and playing along. It was seriously one of the funniest/sweetest things I've seen all week.

I thank God everyday for my fiancé', he makes life so enjoyable. He's my rock! I'm thankful that we get to spend Sunday mornings together with people we both love.

On a side note: Kristy taught us today that restaurants paint the inside of a ketchup bottle so they don't look super messy from the inside!

On other news: I finally picked out my bridesmaid dresses! I can't wait to see them all together. They are all a different color of blue and all a different type of dress and I wouldn't have it any other way! I'm so glad that's over with!!

There's still a lot more wedding plans to get done, but I know that God's got this!


So life lessons?
Never give up on a dream. Strive for it daily. Always ask questions, even if you think they're dumb. (mine usually are) Do whatever you have to, to achieve that dream.

Always love people, even if you do it in your own little way. ( I do it by picking on people, if I pick on you, I love you, if I don't.....well.....) haha :)

Enjoy every single moment. Spend time with people you love. And always remember God is on your side, he will never leave you, and he will always love you!

Oh, and no one is perfect. I fail God every single day of my life, but he always forgives! And that's the truly amazing part of it all!

"Find rest, of my soul, in God alone. My Hope comes from him" - Psalms 62:5

Love,
Callie Marie

Awkward Conversations!!

Sadly only a select few of you will be able to read this post! 1) Because a lot of Facebook friends would not understand the content. 2) Because, personally I don't like writing about this 'topic', but I felt that it needed to be shared in some fashion!

My mom recently ask my sister and I, if we would like to attend a relationship class that a lady at our church teaches. I was hesitant, but I agreed because my sister was going.

(Now before I go any further here's some things you should know. I think very highly of Jewel Carter, I think she is, in my opinion, one of my favorite Godly ladies. I love to hear her speak in tongues, and I find a complete peace around her when she does this. However, something about me, that you need to know. I, for one, am not the type of person to enjoy or rather talk about "sexual behaviors/events" (if you get my drift) unless it's the occasional 'That's what she said..' Other than that I become very embarrassed/awkward when someone else talks about it.)

With that being said, lets get back to the above conversation. So I drive to BSG, to attend this "relationship" class. I must also mention that everyone else in the class was married. We begin by Jewel pulling different bible verses out about marriage and relationships. After we have read the scriptures the awkwardness began. The mention of sex and what your husband needs and what not! I felt like a complete idiot, because I cried every time I had to talk about the different topics. (Which was just twice, but still). Hey, I'm a prude, it's reality.

But I wanted to talk about what I actually got from the class beside knowing that I hate talking about sex. I even hate writing it down now!

When pulling out scriptures and reading them, we came across the scripture that I use to hate the most about marriage that says,

"²² Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord."

I used to hate this scripture because I thought well that just doesn't seem fair. Why should I have to submit to him, that makes me sound like my husband has control over me. But the way Jewel explained it was completely different. Submit, would rather be agreeing on everything. So that when a problem arises, there won't be any fighting (which sounds a lot better to me) and you both will be in agreement as one. Now, agreeing on everything might sound super hard, but I'd rather us agree or find common ground, than my husband saying, "The bible says you have to submit to me, so whatever I say goes!" Because 'bad news bears' that just wouldn't work for me!!

Another aspect of the class that has really helped our relationship is when Jewel told us all of these nifty facts about men. (Men can't read your mind, sometimes they could be staring out into space and really NOT be thinking about anything and men hate nagging)

For some reason, I always knew at least two of these to be true, but I never lived by them until now. Before, I always expected Corey to know when I was upset or how to comfort me and I always nagged. "No, you're not doing that right, that fork doesn't go in that cabinet, you're not eating that gummy bear the right way, it's the head first and then the body!" (you get the point) But now, I'm more cautious of what I say. I've tried to stop nagging as much, and I truly believe our relationship had improved because of it. I still wish he could read my mind, but I've tried to help him understand my needs by talking more. But the one that gets me the most is the, "Hey honey, what are you thinking about?"...."Nothing" (This really irks me for some reason, mostly because when I'm staring out into space I have something on my mind, I'm never just staring out into space thinking about nothing.) So, I just don't ask anymore!

This last part though, has helped 100% better our relationship. Jewel encouraged us to pray everyday, "God help me love this man, because I can't do it on my own." I have prayed this every day since that class. I do it a lot when I'm frustrated, but I feel as though, we've had less fights. I breather, say this prayer, and try to understand what's more important, fighting or just taking a moment to talk or listen.

The other parts of the class I was very uncomfortable, but I'm glad that I had a chance to go.

In 7 months and 6 days (because I have a wedding countdown on my phone), I will marry the love of my life. The man God created for me. He loves me unconditionally, takes me to watch movies he's not very fond of, rubs my feet when they smell bad, and keeps me laughing even when I want to punch him in the face sometimes! :) I cannot wait until the day I walk down the isle, say I do, and then jump on a plane to Jamaica! YAY!!

So, I hope you all enjoyed this blog. I just had to write it down....

"Find rest, oh my soul, in God alone. My HOPE comes from him" Psalms 62:5

Love,

Callie Marie.

Suggestions please???

I thought I'd take time and write in my blog today, since the only other thing to do is laundry and clean my apartment (ugh, curse you ice).

Yesterday, was mine and Corey's one year engagement. It doesn't seem like a whole year to be honest, but a lot has happened. And now we're 8 months away. Yay!!

Let's do a check list:
My dress: check
The venue for both ceremony and reception: check
Photographers: check check check (super excited about this one)
Videographer: hopefully still check
Caterer: check
A flower lady: check
A cake lady: check
Bridesmaid dresses: still looking
Tuxes: (ha, this topic makes me giggle, because in reality I have only faith in a few of the groomsmen to get their act together)
Decorations: Looking and buying
Favors: Haven't decided
Save The Dates: Coming up soon...
Invitations: nope
The guest list: (probably the hardest part of the whole wedding because the venue is smaller than most)
Music: (Let's be honest, Corey and I have never had an "our song". I mean we have a couple of songs that we like, but nothing picked out. I do however have the song that I'm walking down the isle to. "Changed By You" - Between the Trees and Corey has his picked out, "Simple Man" - Shinedown. I really would like someone to play/sing these if possible, I have people in mind)

Okay let's talk about ideas and I have a few questions if anyone has any suggestions.

Music: Does anyone know where I would find a cordless, battery operated piano keyboard? I really want my sister to play and sing at the ceremony, but it's out in a field and finding a plug in would be rather difficult!

Make-up/Hair: This one kinda bothers me. Since I've moved to the tri-cities area, I just can't seem to find a hair stylist that I like. (Not that I get my hair cut a lot) Most of the ones I've been to are super pricey or rude. (The last girl I went to was super nice, I really liked her a lot,but I got a wash and a hair cut and it was 50 dollars. I just find that hard to believe) So, does anyone know of a place close to Gate City/Mendota (okay there's nothing in Mendota), let's just say the Kingsport/Gate City area that is reasonably priced and does great hair?

The Make-up part doesn't bother me as much, but if someone could help me out with the hair issue (bahah that made me laugh for some reason).

Those are the only huge issues I have right now. Any suggestions would be helpful!! I'm starting to get stressed which is probably a horrible sign! haha :) I just want everything to be perfect!

I hope everyone has a safe and amazing day! The roads are icy, so please be careful!!

Peace, love, and wedding planning!

"Find rest, oh my soul, in God alone. My hope comes from him!"

Love always,
Callie Marie.

The Latest News!

I haven't written in a while, but a lot has happened in my life, especially around Christmas and into the new year.

For one, we got a puppy!! I'm sure everyone has been annoyed with all of his pictures I post on almost every social media site I have. Corey and I had been talking about getting a dog for a while. We had visited some of the shelters in the area, but never came across a dog that we knew we couldn't live without. Until.....we visited the Carter County Animal Shelter. They had tons of puppies. (Back story) When Cor and I were discussing getting a pup, I really wanted a boxer. So, we had picked out two names, Athena for the girl or Titan for the boy! Corey also told me he liked the name Wall-e (after the Boston Red Sox Mascot, but spelled like the movie) and so we agreed, if the dog wasn't a boxer, we would name him Wall-e. Sure enough, we walked into the animal shelter, and there sat our Wall-e. We knew from the minute we saw him, that he was ours. He is absolutely perfect, well, except for the fact that he isn't potty trained, and he likes to chew on socks, and he hates his crate!! But other than that...the little markings on his face and body are super cute! The shelter said he was a blue heeler, and that might be half way true, but he also resembles a jack russell in the face. He's such a cute little addition to our family. So, if you haven't seen pictures or you love seeing Wall-e just as much as we do, here's some more!!

 (Wall-e and me, the first time we met. He was six weeks old)

 Wall-e (in his christmas sweater), and Cor

 Our first outing to the park!

 The cutest picture in the whole world!! 

 Playing around with mom!!

 Wall-e's first trip to BSG!

 9 weeks old, just as cute as when we first got him!

 Wall-e's first visit with Lucy, he was scared to death! (I have no idea why)

Taking a walk with mom!

Another blessing in my life has been going to church with some of our closest family friends. The Mumpower's and the Stacy's and of course the newest addition, Kristy. It has been great to see each one of them every Sunday. God is good and faithful and I'm so glad he placed this opportunity in my life. 

Well, the wedding planning had slowed down for a little while, but it's time to start planning again. Hopefully, we're about to sign a contract with the caterer, and I'm slowly but surely looking for casual bridesmaid dresses. The next step, save the dates, invitations, registering, showers, the honeymoon and all the little tiny details I have to figure out. I'm hoping this year goes by quick!! 

Please keep me in your prayers, if you pray! I have been super stressed and very emotional. Pray for peace and guidance in this up coming year! 

God is great, his mercy's are new every morning and he is always faithful! 

"Find rest oh my soul, in God alone. My hope comes from him!" - Psalm 62:5

Hope everyone has a great year!!

Love always,

Callie Marie!