My, How Time Flies!

The countdown is on, y'all! In just a few short weeks, this girl right here will be a married woman!

Bachelorette party with special guest Luke Bryan!

With the wedding quickly approaching, I've been doing a lot of reminiscing and reflecting on the journey I've taken to get where I am today. Just over 3 years ago, my whole world seemed to come to a crashing halt when my ex-boyfriend of nearly 6 years broke up with me. I was devastated and became miserably depressed. I clung on to any hope that he would come crawling back...and he actually did for a millisecond, until I tried putting my foot down and demanding to be treated better. Then he disappeared again. And eventually, I began to realize he wasn't worth it. I deserved so much more...and if I ended up with him, I would just be settling and I'd be unhappy the rest of my life.

I didn't want that; it just took me a while to see it with my own 2 eyes and wrap my little head around what it all meant. So I started down my own little journey of self-discovery. I had gotten so wrapped up in my ex and his life that I barely knew who I was as an individual anymore. I needed to find myself back. I needed to figure out what I wanted in life.

Engagement picture, courtesy of our awesome wedding photographer

I turned to uplifting self-help books and blogs that I could relate to...women who've faced and overcome their own struggles in life. Their writing all seemed to be centered on faith and developing a stronger relationship with the Lord. So I started reading my Bible every night (and still do...I finally made it to the New Testament a few months ago, ha!) and praying all the time. Eventually, instead of hoping that my ex would want me back, I decided to move on and started praying to find my future husband...someone who would really love and respect me for the rest of my life. I remember making a list of qualities in my mind of what I wanted in a significant other, and finding a godly man that would go to church with me every week was a top priority.

So when I met Remmie in the most random place 2 days after Christmas that year and he mentioned his friends at church and serving at his church's picnic, I almost felt like it was a sign from up above. I would later come to find out that he had every other quality on the little mental list I had made...

Engagement picture, courtesy of our wedding photographer

* He is a family man. When I first met him, I didn't know that he already had a son...but I've come to really appreciate that and give him major credit for the great job he's done raising R3. He is a wonderful father and totally dedicated to his family!

* He makes me laugh. I never realized how important it is to just be goofy, but he has a great sense of humor. Of course, he can also carry on deep, meaningful conversations too. So whether I'm crying on his shoulder or dancing around the kitchen...he just gets me.

* He's outdoorsy. While I like to tease him for being a "city slicker," he does like hunting and fishing (and lovin' every day...right, Luke Bryan??).  I think his brother-in-law broke him in for me ;-) ha!  After growing up on a dairy farm out in the country, I knew I would need someone that could fit in with my family.  He may not have a big truck for me to ride shotgun in (yet), but he can still roll with the best of them.

Engagement picture, courtesy of our wedding photographer

* He loves to travel.  This was a huge deal for me, and he may actually get the travel itch more often than I do.  Our honeymoon is going to be a complete surprise for me, because he's planning it all himself! :-)

* He likes to cook and try out new recipes.  I love being in the kitchen, and being with someone who enjoys it as well makes it that much better.  I hate to admit it, but I think he may actually be a better cook than me!  I'm not sure if he picked it up from him mom or if he was forced to learn things as a single parent, but it paid off!

There were a few other things on my list, but surprisingly, being a Cardinals fan wasn't one of them.  I've come to appreciate the fact that he's a Cubs fan and actually enjoy the rivalry and friendly banter now.  It's pretty cute when he gets excited when the Cubs are actually playing well...

Engagement picture, courtesy of our wedding photographer

Now here we are over 2.5 years later, getting ready to say "I do." I would have never thought I'd truly find a guy like Remmie, who loves and respects me in a way I've never experienced before. But the good Lord went above and beyond when he answered my prayers. I'm so thankful I get to spend the rest of my life with him!

I love you, Remmie!