10 Days

10 days until I marry my best friend, my love, my man. We have done a lot of wedding related stuff lately and it has made us both so much more anxious for the day to be here. I know it will be here before we know it and we will want the day to last as long as possible, and that it will fly by, but then we have our whole lives to spend together in love and making our life one that constantly seeking and glorifying the Lord.

Last week we met up with our officiator (my youth minister, Garfield!) and yesterday my two 8th grade girls came to play the ceremony music for Russell. Thinking of the two of those things makes me realize that our ceremony is going to be so meaningful. Instead of doing unity sand or a unity candle, we decided to take communion together as a symbol of the Lord leading us and being the foundation of our marriage. I'm excited for that moment and taking part in that with Russell.

I sometimes still feel like our wedding is forever away because we have been engaged for over a year, and it is hard to believe that it is 10 days away. I really can't believe it!

25 days until I'm Mrs. Dotson!!

I've been all giddy lately because the big day is so close... So many fun things are happening the month. Russell is graduating on Saturday and I am SO proud of him and all of his hard work. He is seriously the most hard working student I have ever known and I know he will greatly benefit from that. I'm not being biased, because it is so true! He loves what he studies and does really well at it.

I am doing a bunch of last minute things right now, like linen rentals, music, and favors. Those are all a pretty big deal, but I'm not too nervous about it. I know it will all work out in the end!! I'm just so excited to be married to my best friend and in the country on our honeymoon in our private pool and hot tub. Seriously.

Anyways.. I will stop now. I'm just excited!!

Mi casa!!

So, I need your help!! I bought a house last year, and now, Russell and I are trying to get it to be more "us" for when we get married. We plan to stay here quite a while (as long as we can) and think that we could definitely make it ours with a few changes. So far, we've added laminate wood flooring, ceramic tile, and new landscaping for our front yard. This summer, Russell plans to paint the outside of our house so we can really change the look and raise the curb appeal a little. Right now, our house has a dark feeling to it because of an icky brown color. Here is a pic of the house on closing day:

It doesn't look bad, but it definitely doesn't fit with my vision for it. After doing some tweaking to the picture on the Sherwin Williams website, this is what we both agree on for exterior paint:

I know the image is a little off with the paint lines, but this gives you an idea. My question is.... what do you think? I've always wanted a red door and I'm scared that it might be too much. So please let me know your opinion!!! :) Thanks friends.

Lovely Sunday

Today was a great day. Even though I had to start my day off with a few hours of work at the nursery, I got to come home and see Russell, go on a picnic, take care of my new landscaping, and have dinner with my family. I would describe it all to you in great detail, but I will leave you with one simple word: blissful.