Merry Christmas!

Matthew 1:18-25 NIV

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. ¹⁹ Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
²⁰ But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. ²¹ She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,because he will save his people from their sins.”
²² All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ²³ “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”(which means “God with us”).
²⁴ When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. ²⁵ But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year! May you enjoy this time with family, eat delicious food, and pause and remember why this season is so special. The babe in the manger taught us what love is and would later give the ultimate sacrifice for you and me. May His love, peace, and grace be felt this holiday season by you and your loved ones.

Merry Christmas!

Katie

Color Me Rad!!!

I have lost my mind! If you find it, please sent it my way! In fact, Whitney has lost hers too! Our minds will be together if you find them. We are going to sign up for the Color Me Rad 5K. Now I have never ran a 5K nor am I a runner but I have a desire to be a runner. I have always heard that running is one of the best things you can do physically.You can do it almost any time, any place, and best of all it is free.

I began talking to Nick about my desire to run about two weeks ago. I want to train more but session fees add up quickly and this girl lives in the po' house. So I decided that running would be the best option for me. I can supplement my weekly training sessions with running and get healthy, be in better shape, have clothes fit better, and more importantly feel better! Nick is an avid runner and has ran in numerous marathons and he and I talked about a running program I found on Women's Health. It is similar to Couch to 5K and is a combination of walking and running.

So I went to the gym on Wednesday by myself... no trainer. That is huge for me! Just me, my thoughts, and the sound of my feet hitting the treadmill. Since all the students are gone on break, the Johnson Center was not crowded and I could pick which treadmill I wanted. I didn't go fast and just ran at a comfortable pace. With a combination of running and walking, I completed 2.5 miles in 34 minutes, which included a warm up and cool down. I was pleased! I didn't kill myself and because I didn't, I was motivated to run again and left the gym feeling proud that I did it on my own.

However, the competitor in me wants to achieve something and it makes sense that I want to run a 5K after running only one time, right? I have heard about Color Me Rad and seen pictures of this crazy race and thought why not set this as my goal? This is where Whitney comes in! We both want to be fit and want to be each other's accountability partner. So I shot her the link, the date of the race, and said are we crazy? Apparently we are because we are going to sign up as soon as we get paid. The race is on campus, March 2nd!!

I told Jace about desire to run, the Teak, and now you. If I tell you about my running and progress to the 5K, then I have to hold myself accountable. So here it is friends, I, Katie Keith, am going to run a 5K and best of all, I get to do it with my best friend! Lord be with us!

There's another wedding in the works!!!!!!!!

Hi Y'all! As you might know today is 12-12-12. Ross Keith made sure it would be a date that none of us would forget, especially Elizabeth Shaw! Tonight Ross proposed!!!!

The Future Mr. and Mrs. Ross Keith!

Ross and Beth have dated for over two years and I don't know if two people can compliment each other more. They both enjoy the outdoors, hunting, farm life, know the value of hard work, love easily, and are family oriented. I have gotten to know and love Beth over these past two years and I couldn't be happier in gaining her as sister-in-law. She loves Ross and Ross adores her!

He got the ring before Thanksgiving and picked out the one she wanted. She mentioned 8 months ago that she really liked this particular ring and he remembered. There was some scheming about that ring; one day I was having car trouble and I asked him if he could come over and look at my car. That evening I was washing dishes and Ross called and said he looked at my car. I asked him how he did that since my car sat in a parking deck all day long. He told me that was the story we were going to tell Beth in case she asked what he was doing that night because instead of working on my car he had been busy picking out her ring.

Thanksgiving rolled around and Beth and I talked throughout the day. It was difficult to not say anything because I am not the best at keeping secrets. I am the person that immediately tells you that I got you a gift and how much of a deal I got on it! I somehow kept my cool and didn't breathe one word about wedding rings, weddings, or wedding planning. Then I saw Beth again before the Michael Bolton concert and right before she came home, Ross showed Mom and I the ring on their Ipad and explained how he asked her entire family for her hand in marriage. Lord, Mom and I were tearing up and then Beth walked in! Mom and I must have played it off like veteran actors because she never caught on to us wiping away our tears!

Ross has talked to Mom countless times since Saturday! Of course, as soon as she got off the phone with him, I would get the latest update--a sista got to know now! Ross picked up the ring on Tuesday night and then today, before Beth got home from work, he taped a hand written love letter to the door. She was to read the letter and then walk in and Ross would be on bended knee. The night would be complete with a dinner by candlelight. However, Beth decided to go to the tanning bed after work and was really craving Mexican and suggested they go out to dinner. Ross somehow convinced her that they should eat at home tonight.

After hearing how it really happened from Beth she said she read the letter, opened the door and instead of stepping inside their apartment she stepped back and started crying. Ross had to ask her to come inside! Of course she said yes and both of them cried! The best thing is that Beth had absolutely no idea the ring was coming. None! She thought it might have happened sometime next year but definitely wasn't expecting it today.

I am just so happy for Beth and Ross. Their love is so evident and you can tell they are each other's best friend. How about this Beth: you can take my last name and I'll take Jace's!

HHI 2011

Playing Wii Dance, obviously I am one move behind Beth!

Thanksgiving 2012

My Legacy...

This upcoming Friday is a big day for our family. My Papaw, Dr. Mack Whiteker, will be inducted into the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Hall of Fame! Twenty people will be inducted, fifteen posthumous and five living recipients. This is the first year for the Hall of Fame and my family and I are humbled and excited!

I found out about PaPaw's induction at a College of Ag & HES Alumni Board meeting. My heart burst with pride when they called out Papaw's name. After leaving the meeting, I called my Mom with the exciting news and ran home to tell Teak. Teak was excited for Papaw as well and when I told her the ceremony would include a dinner downtown at the Hyatt, her wheels were turning on what she should wear!

Looking back on my Papaw's career makes me unbelievably proud. After serving in the Korean War, Papaw used his GI Bill money to complete his Master's and after completion, he worked for the University for 2 years in the Cooperative Extension swine unit. After working two years, he continued his education and completed his Ph.D. Both his Master's thesis and dissertation sit on my desk and were a huge source of inspiration to me as I wrote my creative project!

Soon after, Teak and Papaw along with my aunt and mom headed to Iowa. Papaw got a job with the  Iowa State Cooperative Extension Swine Department. They spent 6 years in Iowa, made wonderful friends, and ended up leaving with three little girls. My Aunt T was born in Iowa and Papaw was more than outnumbered! According to Teak, this is where Papaw made a name for himself. While in Iowa, Papaw became involved with the Pork Producers Association and worked to help pig producers. While meeting with producers, food was often involved. It was through these meetings that PaPaw taught others about ground pork burgers which is just like a hamburger, but with pork. If you have never tried one, I highly recommend it. I actually prefer a pork burger over a hamburger any day. I can't eat one without thinking of him.

While they enjoyed their time in Iowa and made good friends, an opportunity arose at the University of Kentucky. He and Teak packed up the girls and headed back home to the bluegrass state. To the best of Teak's memory, the job was for the Extension service as a Swine Specialist. In a nutshell, a specialist serves county extension agents and provides research-based information, program opportunities, and answers questions from citizens and agents. From the stories I have heard, my Papaw was one hell of an employee for Extension. He was all about the farmers and producers, didn't act high and mighty, laughed easily, and could relate to any audience he was in front of.

Somewhere along the road, PaPaw got involved with UK Athletics. He started cooking meals for Joe B. Hall's basketball team, Papaw would gather a group of guys and they would cook pork chops for the team. As an appetizer, they would grill pork sausages and make sandwhich out of a sausage patty, tomato, and onion on a roll. To this day, we have this meal and it is in remembrance of Papaw.

It was through his cooking for the basketball teams that he became good friends with Bill Keightley. I can remember coming to Teak and Papaw's house and he would have basketball shirts for us. Keightley would give Papaw t-shirts for us grandkids and they would swallow us whole but it was a treat to get them. Papaw raised us young to become UK fans!

In 1982, Papaw was promoted to Assistant Director of Cooperative Extension. In this administration position, there was quite a bit of travel. But it was here that I think Papaw thrived. He enjoyed speaking to groups, being with others, and hamming it up with everyone. He retired when it was no longer fun for him and the traveling was too much, which was 1987.

He passed away in 2006, well before I realized I have a passion for Extension. I so wish he was here so I could ask him what he thinks of Extension's future. I wish I could have his wisdom to help me do my job better and know what to let roll off my back. I don't want to ride off of his coattails, but I do hope people get to know me first then hear that Papaw is my Papaw and see similarities between the two of us. Nothing thrills me more than when an agent comes up to me with a story about Papaw. Some stories make me blush because my Papaw was known to cuss a little, tell crude jokes, and enjoy a drink or two of Bourbon but all within moderation! However, most of the agents tell me what an influence he was to them and their county. They describe how friendly he was and how much they liked him coming to their office. Again, my heart bursts with pride knowing these things about my Papaw.

Friday night's induction ceremony is beyond meaningful to my family and I. All of us will be there (Mom will be in spirit) celebrating his lifelong work. He loved pigs but more importantly he loved people. He knew the value of hard work, the power of laughter, and the importance of being real with others. I pray that I am half of the worker that he was. Thank you Papaw for your rich legacy in the College of Agriculture and Cooperative Extension Service. Oh what a night Friday night will be!

The magic of Rupp Arena

I was sitting at my desk Tuesday afternoon when Jennifer sent me a Lync message. The message said that her parents weren't going to use their UK tickets and she wanted to know if Teak and I wanted to go. I quickly called Teak and she perked up about the offer. She thought we should go to the game because who knows when the next time we will go. I messaged Jennifer back and told her we would take 'em!

I ran home, changed into UK gear, and Teak and I headed to Rupp. We found parking and got to the arena in plenty of time. Before we got to our seats, Teak wanted to stop and get some nachos, I picked up some popcorn, and we split a large Coke 0. We had great seats and sat and ate our dinner and soaked up the magic that is Rupp Arena. Rupp is one of the most iconic places for NCAA basketball and so many wonderful players have made a name for themselves on this court. The National Championship banners hang from the rafters and is one of the first thing that people notice upon entering.

I think my most favorite part of going to a UK game is the 5 minutes before the game starts. People are filing into the arena and finding their seats, the band is playing, cheerleaders are leading the CATS cheer, the student section is rocking, and then the lights go out. Spotlights come on and the video screens light up. The players come down the Catwalk and a short video is played. This video along with the music give me goosebumps. Everyone is beyond hyped and ready to watch a good game. After each starting five player is introduced, fireworks go off and I am almost ready to loose my voice at this point from screaming so loud. It truly is a production, the players are treated as celebrities, and the pressure Wildcat fans put on the team is outrageous. In the words of Coach Cal, "you people are crazy!" and we are!

The game got off to a great start and it is so much more fun to watch the game live as opposed to watching the game on tv with tv timeouts and commercials. Plus, at home you can't get ice cream cones like this! Teak and I believe Rupp has the best ice cream in town and no game is complete without a cone!

Getting to go to Rupp and watch the Cats play is always a treat. Lord knows the tickets are like gold to Kentucky fans! Thanks Jennifer for letting Teak and I enjoy a night out and to watch the current reigning National Champs! #BBN

The sweet Teak and I

Waiting

Do you know the feeling of sitting in the church pew and you feel as though the minister is talking directly at YOU?! Well today was that kind of day for me at Crestwood. You feel you like you are being called onto the carpet, you might hang her head in shame or nod repeatedly because everything the minister is describing is you. Yet, you find peace after a sermon like that and gain a sense of hope and renewal.

Today Kory spoke about waiting. We are all waiting for something.You may be waiting for a baby, a proposal, a job offer, the return of a loved one from war, whatever it is we are all waiting for something. For Jace and I, our wait belongs to University of Florida. Jace sent in his application the first day it could be accepted, we recieved quick responses from UF saying they had all his documents and we should hear something back from them within 4 weeks. We are now starting week 6. The first four weeks, Jace and I didn't discuss it. We knew the time frame and were patient. The beginning of the fifth week, I started to get ancy. Had the letter arrived? Has Jace checked his mailbox yet? These are my thoughts each night. Our future lies within the contents of that letter and to say that I am ready to know where we will land is an understatement. Katie Keith is a planner and I am ready to start planning 2013-2014.

Yet in Kory's sermon he said that waiting is the hardest work of hope. In our culture we don't like to wait. Kory described how we get frustrated waiting for the microwave to finish heating up a meal as well as the second or two we wait for the car in front of us to go when there is a green light. I know I am one of those people he was describing. But in our rush of everthing we miss the blessing that is found within the wait period. Instead of wishing time away and trying to do things faster and on OUR time, we should put our entire trust in God and be on guard. We have to be on guard so that we do not miss an unexpected blessing.

I don't know what our unexpected blessing is just yet. We may not know until after we hear from UF and can reflect back on this waiting stage. What I do know is that my God is a provider and has a wonderful, beautiful, grand plan for Jace and I. May I learn to rejoice in the waiting and discover the blessings of this time. May I also rediscover the joy and anticipatin of waiting during this Advent season for Christ the King is coming. Amen and Amen.

Engagement Pictures

Last Wednesday night I checked my email and there it was...an email from Robby Followell that contained the link to our engagement pictures. I called Jace during the UK game and said, "they are here!". Needless to say, I don't remember much about the second half. Jace and I are so pleased and now have to decide which ones to order, which will be the hard part.

If you want to take a look at our engagement pictures, please:

• visit www.followellfotographystore.com
• click on your gallery - keith ENGAGED - (you may have to scroll down)
• enter any valid e-mail address
• enter the password: katie

When Jace is in his suit standing next to the white columns, he is without a doubt the Southern attorney that I admire and am so proud of. We love the casual outfit pictures too but wish this one was with us!

Thank you Robby Followell for capturing our love for Mississippi and for one another! 

Michael Bolton: The Concert

Hello!!!!!! How was y'alls Thanksgiving? I am still thinking about my momma's sweet potato casserole and wish I could still be eating it!

Listen, my momma raised Ross and I on 3 things: Cher, Wheel of Fortune, and Michael Bolton. Honey, I can sing almost any Cher songs and can whip your butt in Wheel! If I am lyin', I am dyin', my momma has Michael Bolton VHS tapes and told me last night she has a DVD of his music videos (when did she purchase that?!)

When Ross and I heard that Michael Bolton would be coming to the Eastern Kentucky Performing Arts Center, we knew we had to get Mom tickets to his concert. As part of her Christmas gift, we got her tickets and the concert was last night. I was excited because I knew Mom was excited but I had no idea how much fun we would have. Michael put on a great concert and I was swaying in my seat, let out several "Woot Woot", and sang along to several songs. I think the entire audience enjoyed the concert but a group of ladies really enjoyed it. Y'all I thought they were going to go home braless. They were all about M.B!

He had a wonderful duet partner and she was fabulous. He also had a saxophone player that stole the show multiple times. Michael sang his classic songs like "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay", "Georgia on my Mind", "Time, Love, and Tenderness", "How am I supposed to live without You", "I Found Someone", and the throw back "When a Man Loves a Woman".

There was one moment when Michael came out into the crowd and I thought Mom was going to die! Here is the closet shot I could get of him:

I had the best time and the concert was a ton of fun. I am so happy Ross and I could take Mom. I know Mom is always happy to have her kiddos around and for the three of us to spend time together.

Crockpots and Spaghetti

This past weekend I visited the girls and while we were at Whitney's house, pure wisdom was spoken. Wisdom that rings so true that Mary Engelbreit or an ecard should say it!

We were sitting around the table doing what us girls do best, eating and dissecting our lives, relationships, work, and anything in between. In our conversation, Whitney told us about a presenter she heard recently who said men are like waffles and women are like spaghetti. Men are like waffles because everything is in a box. Everything is separate and is its own entity. Whereas, women are more like spaghetti because everything is intertwined together. Women relate everything together and know the sum is greater than the parts. After she said this, there was a round of umm hmms and head nodding from all of us.

After we agreed we were in deed like spaghetti, we were discussing how we handle arguments with our boys. Lauren spoke the truth and Whitney and I listened intently. She said that men are like skillets. They get hot and mad real quick but then are quick to cool down. Whereas, some women are like crockpots. You make us hot and mad and we will simmer and stay warm for a good 8+ hours. Lauren and I fall into the crockpot category. We know we stew and stay upset for at least a day and then we are over it.

Conversations like this make me thankful to have the best girlfriends because we can laugh with one another and have a good time together. We relate to one another even though we are all at the same but different stages in our lives. We can be crockpots and spaghetti together!

The girls plus Jackson

This one won't be a waffle!

Duck Dynasty

Happy Thursday y'all! Listen, Thursday mornings are awful for me. Wanna know why? It is because the beards of Duck Dynasty keep me up until 11! Willie, Jase, Mrs. Kay, Phil, Uncle Si, and the rest of the gang keep me in stitches late at night and it has become my new favorite show!

Ross, my brother, first introduced me to the Duck Commander (Phil) several, several years ago. He owns numerous Duck Commander DVDs and proudly displays three different types of mounted ducks in his room. He owns several duck calls, duck call necklaces, camo, waiters, and whatever else a duck hunter needs. Ross obviously knew what was cool before the rest of the world because there is an intense following of Duck Dynasty now!

While I love a clean cut man in a suit, I can't help but love those crazy hunters and their beards. Their wives must love them too and let me just say Willie and Jase married nice looking women! The women must know the way to a man's heart and according to Mrs. Kay, it is through their stomach! She is always cooking for her family. Don't worry about running out of sweet tea either because Uncle Si carries around a pitcher, at all times! Then there is Mountain Man, who must do everything in West Monroe but is slower than molasses. I think what I love most about the show is the family focus and the prayer at the end of the show.

If you haven't watched it before, I encourage you to! It comes on Wednesdays nights on A&E 10/9C.

How Great Thou Art

Today is one of those days that I can't adequately put into words what Sunday school and our discussion, music in worship, or the sermon did for me. Instead I will turn to the lyrics of one of our worship songs because this is what my heart is singing today...

How Great Thou Art

Oh Lord my God
When I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds
Thy hands have made
I see the stars
I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout
The universe displayed

Then sings my soul
My Savior, God, to Thee
How great thou art
How great thou art
Then sings my soul
My Savior, God, to Thee
How great Thou art
How great Thou art

When through the woods
And forest glades I wander
I hear the birds
Sing sweetly in the trees;
When I look down
From lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook
And feel the gentle breeze;

Then sings my soul
My Savior, God, to Thee
How great thou art
How great thou art
Then sings my soul
My Savior, God, to Thee
How great Thou art
How great Thou art

I think of God,
His son not sparing,
Sent Him to die,
I scarce can take it in;
That on the cross, my burden
gladly bearing He bled and died
to take away my sin

Then sings my soul
My Savior, God, to Thee
How great thou art
How great thou art
Then sings my soul
My Savior, God, to Thee
How great Thou art
How great Thou art

When Christ shall come
With shout of acclamation
And take me home
What joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow
With humble adoration
And then proclaim My God
How great Thou art

Then sings my soul
My Savior, God, to Thee
How great Thou art
How great Thou art
Then sings my soul
My Savior, God, to Thee
How great Thou art
How great Thou art

How great Thou art
How great Thou art...

NEP Assistant Training

Today Jennifer and I had to lead train-the-trainer sessions on one of our financial curriculas. We trained Nutrition Education Program assistants. This is a group I haven't worked with before but was eager to get to know them. NEP assistants work primarily with Family and Consumer Sciences agents and educate the county on healthy eating, food safety, etc. Many of their clientele can benefit from financial education, which can easily be incorporated with food budgeting, meal preparation, etc.

Jennifer and I were prepared: handouts copied, activities planned, posters made, PPT saved. We presented two sessions,1 hour and 45 minutes each. We had 50 assistants in each session. Jennifer and I feed off of one another pretty good and were really comfortable with the material by the time the second session rolled around. We both insert our own personal stories and jokes to keep the audience engaged and have a good time with it. Teaching money management concepts can be tedious at times but I like to think we make it fun and interesting.

I absolutely love training and educating others! I love seeing someone shaking their head with understanding. I love seeing someone listening to me intently and I just know they are learning and soaking it all in. I love hearing the personal stories after the presentation,how much they appreciate the information, and how needed it is for their life and others they know. That is rewarding to me and makes all the preparation worth it.

Something that was interesting today while Jennifer and I were teaching/training was the number of people who asked me, "Katie, where are you from?" I would then ask them where they thought I was from. Many answered GA, AL, LA, or MS simply because of my accent! Now that just warms my heart! Kentucky will always be my ol' Kentucky Home but to be mistaken for a deep Southern girl...oooh that gets me excited! I love my accent and it something that makes me unique. I just thought it was funny how many people noticed it today.

I hope y'all had a good day. Now let's wrap up tomorrow and get to the weekend!

My book

I had a lunch meeting today and one of the ladies I met with is married to an attorney, turned law professor. Her son is at UK Law and her daughter dates a first year law student. Needless to say, her family is surrounded by law.

I can talk to Sue about law school. She taught me to embrace this time when Jace is super busy with work and school and to take this time for me...and I have. In turn, I hope I have helped her understand her daughter's situation with dating a law student and understanding the emotions that come with being a law student's girlfriend.

I was telling Sue of my dream to write a book for law school spouses/girlfriends. I joke with Jace all the time that my book will be a hit! I will be the breadwinner and we will live off the royalties of the book. Basically, I will be his sugar momma!!!!

But in all seriousness, I think I would write about the joy the student experiences of accomplishing the goal of getting into professional school. More than likely the girlfriend/spouse was a part of that journey and what a blessing it is to watch them achieve their dreams.

Another chapter would be about the understanding that has to take place. This understanding will have to be relearned each semester and with each round of finals. You have to understand they are busy. You will be on the back burner. Honey, some days you won't even be on the stove. The books, studying, outlines come first. You come second, at best.

Next chapter: acceptance. Accept that you will have a range of emotions. Lord, help but did y'all read my post from Tuesday? Girlfriend, had emotion that day!!! Some days you will love it because they are happy, other days you will be pissed, other days you are indifferent and it is just a day. Some days you can't wait for graduation and the next day you can't believe the time has passed so quickly and want to hold on for a little bit longer. You will feel thankful; thankful for the wonderful people you get to meet and become your law school family. These people truly get it. Love them because you too know what they are going through and everyone needs support.

Fourth chapter: Faith. Put full faith in the Lord on this journey. God is a funny, funny man. What your plans are may not be His! He may reveal to you to do something that you hadn't even thought of. Throw away your plans and pray that at the end of the day that you are doing His will. Know that you will pray through finals and He is the ultimate test taker. He will get you through the rough patches and praise him in all situations. This is much easier to do when those times are joyous but remember you prayed and dreamed about law school. Even during the rough periods, you are still living your dream.

Fifth chapter: Understand you aren't in law school for a reason. Attorneys know the Latin translations, use big words that we don't know the definition of, most like to argue, and are sometimes political. You may not want to know the Latin translation of every word that that is OK. When Jace tells me about cases, I barely understand the watered-down version and that is fine by me. I didn't choose to go to law school and don't need to know that stuff. He does but I don't. Thesis of this chapter: it is ok to not understand what they do.

Sixth chapter: Explanation. While in law school, more than likely your friends and their spouses will be in the workforce, having babies, and making money. You will have to constantly explain what you are doing, how much longer they will be in school, when the Bar exam is, how long it takes to get the results back, etc. Learn to embrace this. People are asking you because they love you and want to know.

Seventh chapter: Support. Support each other. Law school is emotionally draining to spouses and is every form of draining to the student. Support one another, always be in each other's corner, stand next to each other on this journey. Support the student in other ways too. Give them the space and time to study because after all they aren't just doing this for themselves, they are doing it for you and your future family.

Now I just have to expand these short chapter descriptions into full fledged chapters, come up with a title, write my dedication page, find a publicist, editor, someone to promote my book, etc. Maybe I could interview other law spouses and get their input. Basically, what I am saying is that I am on my way to becoming an author of a New York Times Bestseller! Easily my book could be adapted for medical, dental, pharmacy students and their spouses as well. Do you think my book would be a hit? Maybe I should just stick to this little ol' blog...

Emotional

I read several blogs and one thing that I admire most is when the authors are completely raw, give the honest truth, and tell you their life isn't perfect. Every day is not rainbow and butterflies. Honey, my rainbows and butterflies have been sparse lately. I feel like the days have been long, draining, and emotional.

I don't know what has happened but 25 has been on emotional roller coaster. 25 brought a Master's graduation, a proposal, wedding planning, and so much more. Big decisions have been made which have worn me out emotionally. I have realized that I am not emotionally strong but I also know that I wear my heart on my sleeve. I am quick to cry at times but sometimes those tears are happy tears. The tears are brought on by transitions, change, and newness which are coming and coming soon! 25 has been both exciting and scary.

When I think about our wedding, I usually need a Kleenex. I tear up thinking about us standing at the alter devoting our life to one another. It is not just us marrying one another. It is the thought that we will be in the same state, time zone, community, and roof that makes me cry. We know no different than to be apart. Right now, we dream about what a regular Monday night might be like as a married couple. We very well could be a complete mess at the alter.

Then, I tear up thinking about our rehearsal dinner and being surrounded by our closet friends and family. How do you begin to thank the people that have shaped your life? Then there is the Teak. I will have to leave her after 8 years in Lexington. I just can't go there mentally yet.

If I don't have wedding on the brain, its law school. I can't think about law school graduation. The moment that I see Jace put on his robe with 3 bars on the sleeves and the hat, will be wonderfully emotional. It has been an uphill battle we have fought together for 7 years. The end is in sight and it has been one hell of a ride.

Emotions don't stop there! This Fall, I started devoting more time for self reflection and examine who I am, who I want to be, and what makes me truly happy. My Momma would call this a Come to Jesus moment. Y'all I not only invited Jesus but Mary, Joesph, and the Wise Men! This has been so rewarding and I am thankful to have this time to reflect. However, during this time I have experienced growing pains as I learn what it is like to be a full-time-working-adult, soon-to-be-wife. I don't remember any college courses forewarning me about how hard life can be some days and the decisions you have to make.

Right now, what is making me the most emotional is being apart from Jace. I am tired of Jace being exhausted. He needs a break. He needs rest. He needs alone time. We as a couple need time together too. I know I just went to the 'Sip but it wasn't enough. 4 days of a mini-vacation doesn't cut it anymore. I need every day with that man. Our souls needs it. We need each other and right now we have to make it to Thanksgiving. Lord, please let the next 3 weeks pass quickly.

Thanks for letting me get all that out. This blog is the best form of therapy for me besides the gym and phone dates with Whitney and Lauren.

Perky Pinks...

Y'all know I don't miss an episode of Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta. How can you not love Monte, Flo, and Lori? Even Jace loves Monte! Last night was a special, Say Yes to a Cure: Lori's fight. Did any of you watch? I sure did and cried and laughed throughout the entire hour.

Breast cancer affects so many people each year; I am sure you know someone who has been affected by cancer. Last night after watching Lori's story I was inspired and since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I thought I would share my story about my scare with potential breast cancer in 2010. Here is my story...

In Spring 2010, Teak and I were watching the CATS play during basketball season. I was on the couch and while covered under a blanket I did a self examination of my breasts. I felt a lump about the size of pea. I was on my cycle and thought, "oh that is there because of my cycle". I told Jace about it that night but tried not to think about it again. Next month, I checked again and it was still there. I lived with this little secret until late summer. I didn't want to scare anyone with my news but I just can't keep secrets. I finally told my Mom...the day before Jace and I were heading out of town on vacation. You best believe Sandy Keith was worried and I was given strick instructions to get it checked out as soon as we returned from Hilton Head. Shortly later, I had my annual checkup with my gynecologist and they always do an examination of your breasts. I mentioned it to her and that is where the ball starting rollin...

In July 2010, I started my job and moved back up to Lexington after two months of summer vacation in Mayfield. God knew what he was doing by giving me a job in Lexington because UK has one of the best breast cancer treatment centers, the Markey Cancer Center. My gynecologist had sent my paperwork to the Markey Center and I had an ultrasound. While waiting for the ultrasound, I was scared and nervous. I promised myself then and there that I would never ignore or wait as long as I did about an issue with my health.

My ultrasound tech was AMAZING. Stephanie kept me calm and talked me through what she was doing. Of course, I wanted her to look at me and tell me that I would be fine and it was nothing. That wasn't the case. After the results of the ultrasound, I was told they wanted to do a biopsy. This had me frightened that it was something serious and it doesn't help that I hate needles. I went in for my biopsy and my girl Stephanie was back with me. Stephanie and another nurse, Lori, were my girls. They did my prep work and kept me so calm. My doctor, Dr. Gibbs, was outstanding. Now I talk all the time but when I am in any doctor's office, I talk extensively! I mainly talk about reality TV and sing rap songs...sounds crazy I know, but I don't have to think about these topics and it keeps everything light hearted.

Thankfully Lori and I watch the Real Housewives and if I am lying I am dying, we talked about the Housewives while Dr. Gibbs did the biopsy. Lori held my hand the entire time and Stephanie assisted Dr. Gibbs. I was numb and Dr. Gibbs only had to make a small incision.

It took some time for the results of the biopsy to come back. Dr. Heather Wright and the rest of the team at the Markey Center sat around and talked about my biopsy and determined it would be best if I had the small lump removed. The biopsy revealed that I had atypical hyperplasia of the breast. Basically what that is, it is a precancerous condition that affects the cells of the breast. It is an accumulation of abnormal cells in a breast duct or lobule. It isn't cancer but it can develop into breast cancer. There aren't any signs or symptoms and it is not clear what causes this.

Here I was 22, in Graduate School, new on the job, with perky pink breasts and I was worried about cells turning into breast cancer. To say I was scared was an understatement. I distinctly remember one day, I just lost it. I was at work, trying to prepare for a Master's Committee meeting, and I just couldn't hold the tears back. Jennifer came in and just let me cry. Jennifer's solution to any problem is a Coke. Turns out that Coke was exactly what I needed and I calmed down and entered that meeting like nothing was wrong.

Mom was there with me when Dr. Wright told me that the lump needed to be removed and she and Teak were with me when it was removed. My surgery was early in the morning and honey once that IV went in, it was smooth sailing. I had to repeat my name, birthday, and which breast was being operated on about 15,000 times. Probably the hardest part was when it was go time. They had to wheel me away from Mom and Teak and I knew I had to keep it together for Mom. If I lost it, she would too. We were all scared but didn't want to say a thing. The mood was lightened when we saw how good looking my anaesthesiologist was! Honey, by this time I felt like everyone in Lexington, KY had seen my boobs and quite frankly I was fine with that. I knew these people were helping me.

The wheeled me back I remember there was good music on in the operating room, they started the anaesthesia, and had me count back from 10. I don't remember which number I got to and then it was over. Fluff, another fun nurse, wheeled me to a recovery room. I had a moment just to myself and they brought me a Sprite. It was over. The tears came but it was mainly due to the anaesthesia. Mom and Teak were quick to come to my recovery room and then I got to go home. I don't remember any pain and honestly felt fine. I took it easy that weekend and was back to work the next week on Tuesday.

I have a very small incision on my left breast but it is covered when I have my bra or bathing suit on. I can feel where the lump was removed but I don't miss it. I share my story because it is so important for women to have regular mammograms and do your self checks. There are several ways to do a self-check:

1. In the shower

• Place on hand behind your head.
• Use the finger pads of your 3 middle fingers to move your hand over entire breast area.
• Use right hand for left breast, left hand for right.
• You can use a circle, up and down, or wedge pattern when feeling for lumps, knots, or thickenings.

2. Before a Mirror

• With your hands firmly pressing down on your hips, check for changes in the shape, size, or skin texture of your breasts. Then raise you arms overhead and check again. Check nipples for any unusual discharge.

3. Lying Down

• To examine your right breast, place a pillow under your right shoulder and your right hand behind your head.
• With the finger pads of your left hand, examine your right breast using either the up and down line, the circle, or the wedge pattern. Check for lumps, knots, or thickenings.
• After examining your entire breast, lower your right arm slowly and use your left hand to feel your right underarm. Then switch the pillow to your left shoulder, put your left arm behind your head and repeat steps with right hand on left breast and underarm.

I try to do these whenever I think about it. Ideally you should do this monthly. I am fine now and haven't had any lumps since. I am thankful for the wonderful doctors and nurses at the Markey Center. The girls that took care of me have a special place in my heart. It wasn't long after my surgery that many of us became friends on Facebook. We even had lunch together one day on campus.

I tell you all of this to stress the importance of doing self examinations. If you are young, keep those perky pinks in check! If you are a mature woman, don't ignore your mammogram appointments.

Now go do your self examination!

Blessed

Saturday night in Jackson was the best time I have had in a while. But it was the little moments with Jace that really made my trip.

I landed in Jackson last Wednesday around dinner time and was starving from a day of traveling, so we started making dinner right away. We had a gourmet dinner of spaghetti and meatballs and garlic cheese bread. It tasted so good to the both of us. The food was great but the company was even better. I can't tell you what it meant to Jace and I to sit next to one another, share a meal together, and talk. The feeling of "finally", finally we are together. We dream of sharing meals together when we are apart and last Wednesday's dinner was such a refreshing feeling.

Then on Friday we went on a date, the first one in six weeks. I think I will always get excited about going on a date with Jace! Our dinner conversation revolved around Jace's work. I clearly am not an attorney and have no desire to be but I do care about Jace's day and want to know a little about what he does. He has to water down what he does so I can understand and even then I get confused. After about 30 minutes of listening to the demands of his day, it just broke my heart. I hear him after work and school but I never see him after the end of a long day. He was completely worn out mentally and physically. It took everything I had to keep the tears back but I let them fall when we got home. Y'all it was the nasty, NASTY cry. You know the mascara-on-his-shirt-kind-of-cry. I cried because he is so exhausted and there is nothing that I can do to make it better and also because I am a girl and sometimes we just have to have a good long cry. The cry is for a variety of reasons and I had been holding that cry is for quite some time, it just so happened to come out last Friday. Sweet Jace, just held me and let me get every bit of my makeup on his white shirt.

You see, this is a big deal. When I have a breakdown or just a crappy day, we deal with it over Skype or the phone but rarely in person. I dry my own tears and pick myself back up after I end the phone call or shut the computer down. Not this time. As upset as I was, I was also thankful because I could cry on his shoulder and be held. I stayed on that shoulder for quite a while and he let me get it all out. It was a sweet moment even if I did dirty up that shirt.

Other sweet moments Jace and I shared where times when we would tell each other something and it would be followed by " I have been meaning to tell you that a for two weeks now!" We talk every second we can each day but we rarely get long enough moments where we can really talk and catch up. But there were other moments when we were silent and just held hands. Sometimes the silent moments are the sweetest moments.

These are just a few reasons why I love Jace. He loves me at my best and worst, in big moments and little moments, in silent moments and everything in between. I am one blessed girl.

Weekend Recap

Hi Y'all! I have had posts swarming around in my head since Sunday but just haven't had a chance to sit down and write. I will probably have two posts about MS as a result.

Last Saturday, Jace and I went off the grid and got out of the city and drove 100 miles to Natchez, MS. Dana and Rickey had visited there and they loved it. The drive out there was so nice. Our drive was on the Natchez Trace which runs from Nashville to Natchez. When we go on trips it isn't all about the destination, it is more about the uninterrupted time we can spend catching up. Same was true for this drive.

Saturday was a big day in Natchez because it was the annual hot air balloon race. When we arrived, you could smell the fair food and a few balloons were filling up. 

We were right next to the MS river and started to make our way to some old historic homes. We toured the nearby city blocks and went into a few shops. In one of the shops we stopped in, they had smocked dresses. Now we all know little Southern girls need smocked dresses. I just about DIED when I saw the price tags on those dresses. They were darlin' but outrageous. I need to start saving now!

After some window shopping and wishful thinking, we made our way to the historic homes. We toured a lot of homes, here are a few:

This is our new residence. I will send y'all the address soon!

After taking in the sites, we decided to head back to Jackson and forego the balloon race. We wanted to get back and spend some time with our friends. Bo and Lane texted us earlier on Saturday and invited us over to watch the MS State football game with Will, Haley, Emily, and Chris along with a few others.

The girls are so sweet because they make an effort every time I am in town for us to get together. We got there around 6 PM and it was the most perfect night. It was the type of party where the wives go to one end and the husbands go to the other end of the room and everyone is happy. The boys were busy watching State, UK, and whoever else was playing on ESPN. Whereas, us ladies huddled up together next to the guacamole and quickly got caught up with each other.

I know I have bragged about these girls before but I just love them--I can't help it! They validate all the emotions I feel about law school, our future, career choices, and life in general. We are all in the same boat and it was wonderful to cut lose with the girls for one night.



Me, Lane, Haley, and Emily

Honey, we had some laughs like we always do. But I think it was Will Morgan who laughed the most! He would stomp his feet when he got tickled and that would only make me laugh harder. The entire group is just a ball of fun and I only wish we could be together more.

Here are a few pictures from Saturday night:

Love him!

 






The real entertainment Saturday night wasn't belly laughs with friends or watching good football games. It was two beautiful Basset Hounds, Charlotte and Murray. Two babies that got a ton of lovin' from all of us!





It did my soul good to get away for a whole day with Jace and to top the night off with friends was icing on the cake. MS has been a huge part of our lives for 3 years now and it is always a joy to go down to the 'sip!

Engagement shoot

Yesterday was our engagement shoot! I was excited, somewhat nervous, and anxious to see how it would go.

When we got to Robby's studio, he made us feel very comfortable and asked what we wanted out of our pictures. We knew we wanted to capture Mississippi. Even though law school is demanding, hard, and intense, Jace and I both love Mississippi and want to remember this time in our lives. We wanted our pictures to bring out the best of the South. Robby picked up on this right away and we went downtown Jackson to City Hall. Honey, think the South--magnolia trees and big white columns. This was the location for our more formal pictures. It was four in the afternoon and sun was perfect.

Our next location was shot on a wooded hill on Mississippi College's campus. We had on more casual clothes and the sun was setting. I felt most comfortable in these shots mainly because I was out of my heels! Jace wore his UK needlepoint belt and I educated Robby about this Kentucky tradition. I told him if a girl gives a boy a needlepoint belt it is equivalent to a promise ring. Now, Jace has two belts and I have one diamond! HA!

I am not going to lie, it took some time for me to warm up to the camera because it has been so long since I had professional pictures taken. Jace and I did plenty of laughing during the session and we talked quite a bit when Robby was in the distance shooting.

Now comes the hard part...waiting! Robby will have the pictures ready in about 4 weeks! Between now and then he will reduce the 1200 (yes 1200) shots he took down to about 75-150. He will pick his top 5 and we will receive those. Then we can order as many as we would like.  Can't wait!

Here is a link to Robby's blog if you want to check out his awesome work http://blog.followellfotography.com/

Tomorrow!

The last time I saw Mr. Stamper was Labor Day weekend. That changes tomorrow. I don't know of a time when Jace and I have been more eager to see one another. These past six weeks have been LONG, emotionally draining, and we are both worn out. We are so ready to spend some time together and remember what it is like to be a couple. The closer we get to our wedding date, the harder it is to be apart. But in the words of Lauren Hinton, sometimes you just have to "battle through".

During my visit, we have our engagement picture shoot! Honey, hair has been trimmed, makeup has been bought, spray tan has been applied, eyebrows waxed, nails did, and my ring has been cleaned. I am worn out from just getting ready for everything. Pictures are on Thursday, late afternoon and our photographer promises the light is beautiful during this time of day. The last time Jace and I had professional pictures done were our senior pictures..um a long, long time ago! I think we are both a little nervous but eager to see how they turn out. I have full faith in our photographer and know he will capture 'us' in the photos.

Then on Saturday, we are traveling to Natchez, MS. There is a hot air balloon festival and Jace says that Natchez is beautiful. We hope to explore a little more of this area and soak up a beautiful Fall day!

I hope y'all have a good rest of the week. I am going on my own mini-Fall break and stealing Jace away from work, a Bioethics paper, and appellate advocacy competitions. It's time to get back to being us and putting everything else on hold.

Gotta go. This girl has to pack!

Keeneland with the Cash's

Today I got to spend the day at one of Kentucky's iconic places: Keeneland. It just doesn't get any better than Keeneland's Fall meet and to top it off I got to spend the day with Jay and Lisa!

This was the first time I got to spend some time with Lisa and she is just the sweetest. Jay got himself a stunner! The girl is goregous and so down to Earth.

Sweet Lisa and I

We all had lunch and then it was time to get down to business. We bet on 8 out of 9 races and Lisa and I did pretty well. Jay on the other hand, not so much. We all looked at the odds, colors, names, but mostly bet on haunches. Obviously my haunches were pretty good. I won on almost every bet I placed. I would get back enough money to place the next bet. In my eyes, that is a pretty good day!

In between races we discussed weddings! Where we ate today is where Jay and Lisa's reception is. It will be one rockin' reception come May 2013! We both just can't wait for each other's weddings. We are all so excited for one another! Lisa and I commented on how much fun it is to watch our boys get excited about it all.

Wonderful day, wonderful friends!

Fall in KY

This past week I have been busy traveling but in my travels I have had a chance to soak up a little of Kentucky's beautiful landscape. I know everyone says Fall is their favorite season but this time of year really is magical in Kentucky. The trees are really starting to turn, pumpkins are everywhere, mums are blooming, the skies are a clear blue, and there is a slight chill in the air.

To experience these things on the ground is one thing but when I flew back into Lexington on Wednesday, I got to see all of God's beauty from an aerial view. We flew right over the iconic horse farms and while the sun was setting, I could see the perfectly manicured horse pastures with horses grazing inside the rows and rows of white painted fences. Kentucky really is God's country and He has blessed this Commonwealth.

Today, I had another chance to soak up God's beauty of this wonderful season. I travelled to Breathitt Co. and helped audit the county's programs. Breathitt Co. is in Eastern Kentucky and to see the red, yellow, orange, and green leaves in the mountainside was breathtaking. I may be a Western Kentucky girl but I do love the mountains, especially this time of year.

I am doing my best to soak up this season, everything from the chilly air, changing colors, and blue skies. This time next year we may be in Florida with 80 degree weather in October. That may sound nice some days but we realize that Florida only has one real season, summer. There will be no changing colors, beautiful mountains, or horse farms as pristine as the ones in Kentucky. Yet, no matter where we live, Jace and I will always consider Kentucky our ol' Kentucky Home!

AL

I am writing this post in a hotel room overlooking the bay of Mobile. The water is blue, the sun is out, and it sure doesn't feel like Fall. I am attending the Epsilon Sigma Phi conference which is a leadership/professional development conference for Extension agents. This my first time to attend and also my first time spent in Mobile.

We flew down yesterday and I love the feeling of the plane taking off. With engines roaring, gravity holding you back in your seat, and the momentum gaining, I know I am getting the chance to explore some place new and hopefully exciting. For me, it is something about taking off and being in the clouds that allows my brain to go into vacation mode and I stop thinking about the worries/stresses that are in KY. No matter if it is business or pleasure, it helps to get away from it all.

One thing about being in Mobile is that Jace and I are on the same time zone. It feels so weird not to be converting and we still haven't adjusted to it. By the time we do adjust, I will fly back. The scary part is Jace and I are only about 3 to 3 1/2 hours apart right now. I say scary because it wouldn't take much for me to rent a car and go see him right now. Or maybe he should come pick me up in Mobile and we head to Gulf Shores together? Wishful thinking, I know.

We come home on Wednesday and then I turn around a week from Wednesday and take a real vacation. My own official Fall break. Only this time I am flying to the 'sip. I don't know who needs to see the other more, Jace or I? Jace has needed a break since shortly after school started and we are going to spend some much needed couple time together.

Hope you're having a good week! Safe travels to you and yours!

Wedding Update

Hey Y'all! Wanting to know the latest wedding update? Are you losing sleep wondering what is the latest thing off the wedding to-do list? No worries, here is a full recap from this past week.

Last Friday, Mom, Dana, and I met with Sara, our florist. Sara is a dear family friend and girlfriend can make an arrangement! Our meeting with Sara was probably one the most intense wedding meetings because it was non stop decision making for 2 hours. I came prepared with a packet of pictures from Pinterest but there was still so much that I hadn't thought about. We discussed rehearsal dinner arrangements, my bouquet, boutonnieres, matron of honor bouquets, mothers and grandmothers' nosegays, ceremony arrangement, reception arrangement, bistro table arrangements, wedding cake flowers, etc. A majority of the flowers will be hydrangeas and a few peonies and I can't wait to see it all come together on Aug. 3. What I can wait for is the bill! Lord have Mercy on that day!

Immediately following the florist meeting, Mom and I met with the sweet ladies that are throwing Jace and I a shower. We picked a date and I got their input on a few things. So blessed to have people helping us celebrate our big day.

This weekend, Mom and I started making a list of things we need from Hobby Lobby/Michaels. Thank you Lord for coupons! I will be buying what seems to be 1000 yards of ivory satin ribbon and at least 100 gold chargers! After the wedding, guess what I will be giving as Christmas gifts? Gold chargers!

Then today, Dana, booked our honeymoon! We are going to San Fransisco for 3 nights and Monterrey for 3 nights. I asked Dana if we could go right now? This news was exactly what Jace and I needed to hear today and lifted our spirits! 10 months from tomorrow people!

I hope you are enjoying your Tuesday!

Oct. 1

Do you know what today is? It is Oct. 1st. It may have been just another Monday to you but today was the day that Jace and I have waited for since Summer 2011. Today was the first day that LLM applications could be submitted. I am happy to report that Jace hit "send" and his information is currently in the UF database!

The first time I heard about an LLM was on Highway 45 in Western KY, riding in Jace's car on our way to a date in Paducah. Needless to say, I had a TON of questions, was hesitant, excited, nervous, and curious. Since that summer day, we have prayed about this decision, toured schools, tried to figure out logistics, and have mostly waited until it was closer to time to act on this decision. Today was the day that waiting was replaced with doing. Today Jace did what he has waited to do for a year and half. Now tomorrow is a different story, we begin waiting again; waiting to hear if our plan is the same as God's plan.

I wish you could only have read the emails he sent me after he submitted it. I can tell he is ready for this next chapter of his life and was so excited. Excited to have it out of his hands and into God's hands. So this rainy, gloomy, cold Monday was actually a great day. Jace and I are ready for this next chapter in our lives. We trust in God's plan and pray that our plan matches with His.

Let Go and Let God and let's Chomp on!

Whiteker Women

This past weekend Mom was in town not just so we could go wedding dress shopping but because my cousin, Jake, got married. Yesterday at the wedding all of my family sat together at a table and I sat in awe at my family, especially my aunts, Teak, and Mom. I got to thinking about each one today and how different they are but how similar they are too.

My Aunt T is just like my grandfather. Sometimes she has too much Mack Whiteker in her! She is brutally honest, hilarious, and you know where she stands on issues at all times. She is quick to console and quick to make you laugh. She can find fun in any situation. To know T, is to love T. She is the one in the family who takes care of the big things. She can hold it together. She can handle high stress situations and remains calm.

My Aunt Mitz was the mother of groom this weekend and there were plenty of tears shed. My Aunt Mitz has a soft heart and is quick to cry. She is the emotional one who cries about the Thanksgiving Day prayer and Christmas Hallmark commercials. She has flourished as a new grandmother and the love she has for Bo, Brantley, and Jackson is so touching. Her heart is so big and her love is easily shown.

My momma is known as the Big Dog in the family. Big Dog comes in and takes care of things. You need to get ready for a yard sale, call Big Dog. You need someone to watch the twins, call Big Dog. You need someone to get food together for a party, call Big Dog. Simply put, Mom gets it done. She is loyal to her family and thoughtful. She willingly drives the 500 mile round trip to be with us in Lexington and I know I greatly appreciate the time she spends on the road, just to see us.

Then there is the matriarch, the Teak. Teak loves her family and when we can all get together. She loves seeing the 3rd generation of her family and we know we act silly when the twins are around. She loves having her grandson's do little chores for her and is amazed at how much they can eat. She loves her girls and they love her. She has a different relationship with each of her girls because each daughter is different. As for her and I, we have a special bond. It is more than granddaughter and grandmother. I don't know if I will ever be capable of describing in words what the Teak means to me. Simply, she is my Teak and I love her to death.

Each of these women love their family with their whole heart. Each of them are STRONG women. They have been through their fair share of ups and downs and have got through the hard times. They are quick to laugh. Each bring different characteristics to our family and are known for different things. All four of these women mean the world to me. It was so nice to share this wedding weekend with them and I feel blessed to be related to the Whiteker women!

I said YES to THE dress!!!

I have waited 25 years to go wedding dress shopping. As a little girl I dreamed about my wedding and the dress I would wear. A wedding gown is the one garment you will treasure forever. You will remember your gown with fond memories and you know you looked like a million bucks that day because of that gown.

Since becoming engaged, my wedding pinterest board has been overloaded and I have watched almost every episode of "Say Yes to the Dress" and in the words of Monte, I was ready to get "jacked up"! I had an appointment with Ruth's bridals, the same place where we got Whitney and Lauren's bridesmaid dresses. Mom and I were excited. We were prepared with plenty of Kleenex and our cameras. I walked in with my kitten heels, trusty Spanx, and a PACKET of pictures that I had printed out from Pinterest. We were ready!

I quickly showed Mom the dress that Lauren and I had spotted two weeks ago. I took a picture of the gown that day and I have looked at it every day since. It has been a long two weeks and I was so ready to get into the gown. I told Diane, the owner, what I liked, didn't like, about our wedding, the look and feel I was going for and then we got to work. She pulled out gowns and based on my reaction we either put them back on the rack or in the "try on" pile. She then asked me to pick gowns that I would never pick but would try on for silhouette.

For the first gown, we tried on the gown I had been thinking about for two weeks. Y'all I put it on and it was stunning but I didn't have the "This is the ONE" moment. I was shocked. Here I had waited for two full weeks to get in this gown and I didn't have the reaction I thought I would. The gown was stunning but was this the one? Had I built up the gown too much? So we moved on. We tried on another lace gown. It was ok. Then we put on a ballgown!!! I didn't want a ballgown but loved the satin material and basically tried it on to say that I tried on a ballgown. The gown was great! I got a feeling inside of me and I felt like a bride. Whitney's advice to me was whatever gown idea you have going into the appointment is not the one you are going to walk away with. She was so right!

We continued to try on dresses. More lace. More ballgown. More decisions. To be honest with you, I wanted lace. My heart was set on lace. I wanted the traditional gown BUT...when I tried on lace gowns, I felt like an old lady. I hated them. I learned I am not a 100% lace gown girl. Lace gowns are stunning on others but it just wasn't for me.

I tried on gowns that were strapless. Listen, I am a tugger. I will pull up on the dress all night long and didn't want to be doing that at our wedding. But the strapless dresses were TIGHT and I could dance in them and there was no way there would be a wardobe malfunction in those things! Bascially, I had fallen in love with gowns that I thought I would NEVER fall in love with.

I tried the first gown back on and it was still a contender. It was growing on me and the shock of "oh my gosh I am really trying on wedding gowns" was wearing off. I loved the silouette and it was classy, timeless, elegant, and the right amount of Southern charm to it. Then Diane put me in a ballgown she had pulled and it was beautiful. It has ruching, something that I thought I didn't want. It was big, again something that I didn't want. It had embellishment, again not on the wanted list. And it was gorgeous. Diane teared up, which made Mom tear up, and I couldn't take my eyes off of the gown. Was I falling in love with a gown that I swore I wouldn't have tried on? Would Jace like the gown? Did this fit the venues and the feel of our wedding day? I just didn't know. I was in love with not only this gown but the first gown I tried on, the one I had thought about for two weeks.

Diane stopped giving her opinion at this point. This was my decision to make. She asked me to think about Jace. She asked me to think about what I had always envisioned in my mind of what I wanted to look like on my wedding day. She asked me to think about our wedding party and their attire, the church, and mentally picture all of the details I have been working on with the dress. When she said that I knew. We put the first one back on and it was the dress! She "jacked me up" with a caterderal veil and the veil was truly the icing on the cake. Without a doubt, this was my wedding dress. Diane asked me, "are you saying yes to the dress?" Just as I said yes to Jace, I said yes to the dress!

Guess what? I didn't cry. I made it through the two hour appointment without a tear! I kept coming back to the dress throughout the appointment and it was never out of the running. I knew in my heart two weeks ago, without trying it on, that it was the dress and I was right. Trying it on only solidified my feeling. By this time, I had tried the gown on three times and by this point I didn't want to take it off! Mom loved it, Diane thought the gown went with my bridesmaid dresses, and fit with my wedding venues and what I am going for.

As we were checking out, Diane told me about her Haiti mininistry. She said that for every gown that is purchased in her shop a woman in Haiti will recieve a wedding gown. She has waiting lists for gowns and will most likely fly down sometime in October. Her husband goes with her and he has the tuxes for the grooms. Is that not special? My special moment allows another women her own speical moment. It is a God thing and I am thankful there are businesses out there who do something as special as this!

I am not going to give any detail about my gown. We could only take pictures of the gown that we purchased and couldn't take pictures of all the ones I tried on. I will tell you though that I feel like a bride in the gown, I feel stunning, and can envision myself walking down the aisle in it. In this gown, I will become Mrs. Katie Stamper!

Y'all I am getting married!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations are in order...

Today at Kenneland around mid-morning, our dear friend Jay Cash proposed to Lisa! I can't tell you how excited I am for these two!

Jay and Lisa's relationship is very similar to mine and Jace's. We both started dating around the same time, dated for 7 years, both boys proposed within a few months of each other, and our weddings are just months apart. Both Jay and Jace talked to each other throughout the engagement process. Those two know more about diamonds than I do! If you think about it, the guys have to go through the nerve-wrecking decision making process about the engagement ring. So much pressure and money for a ring that will be worn each and every day. Thankfully both Jay and Jace did a great job (I am biased!)! Jace and Jay talked all throughout this process and to be honest I think both of them enjoyed it! Just like the boys, Lisa and I are going through a process...wedding planning! We are using some of the same vendors and have many decisions to make about our big day!

Jay (I know you are reading this), Jace and I are beyond excited for you and Lisa! We wish you years of happiness and may you remain each other's best friend. See you at the rehearsal dinner!

Wedding and LLM progress

Today was just another Monday, until tonight happened...

After work, I had an appointment at Simply Love with Melissa from Affordable Invitations. Y'all it is amazing what I got done in 2 hours. I not only found our invitations, but I decided on font, wording, save the dates, RSVPs, direction cards, and thank you cards. I am pretty quick on deciding what I like and don't like. Whatever I like, if it is within budget, I go with it, stop looking, and it has made the decision making process so easy.

While working with Melissa, this girl walked in and I had to do a triple take. It was Lisa, Jay's girlfriend, who drove all the way from Nashville and both of us had meetings tonight. Neither one of us knew the other had an appointment. So good to see her and I am thrilled for her and Jay!

Basically, in 3 days I have found my bridesmaid dresses, almost all our paper products, and I haven't stopped thinking about the wedding gown I saw on Saturday. I can honestly say that wedding planning has been so much fun. I haven't cried, had a meltdown, or been a bridezilla. Some days I wonder if this smile will ever leave my face. I am so happy to be in this stage in my life and knowing that I get to be here with Jace, makes it that much sweeter. I told Jace tonight that all we need are flowers, his wedding band, and the marriage certificate and we can get married!

While I was making progress on our wedding, Mr. Stamper was making progess on our future. He asked his tax professor to write him a letter of recommendation for his LLM application. Jace is also working on getting all his transcripts together and I think the only thing left is the application. Applications can be submitted on Oct. 1. We are living by this date for right now.

Not too shabby of a Monday, if I say so myself. I hope you had a good Monday too!

My Matrons

What a weekend it has been! I have the absolute best girlfriends a girl could ask for. Whitney and Lauren are the two sisters I never had. We are each other's listening ear, career counselor, free therapist, relationship guru, problem solver, comedian, and overall best friend. Now that we all have big girl jobs, it is rare that the three of us can get together. The stars aligned this weekend and we all got together and what a time we had!!!

I decided to cook dinner for Whitney and Lauren. As much as I would like to say that I cook and can work my way around the kitchen...I can't. I have made a few meals for Jace and I but had all afternoon to get it together and he helped me cook. This Friday night I was on my own. I dug through my cookbooks and searched on Pinterest for just the perfect dinner. I decided on a new recipe from my church's cookbook called Ritz Chicken Casserole. For our side dishes: steamed broccoli, rice, salad. and for dessert, chess bars. I also decide to fix homemade carmel cinnamon rolls for Saturday morning!

After going up and down every aisle in Kroger, I made my way home and quickly cleaned the house. After the tub had been scrubbed, carpet had been vacuumed, and the trash was out I wiped the sweat from my upper lip and made my way to the kitchen. As soon as I got into the kitchen, Lauren texted me and said she was on her way from Etown. I knew I had a little over an hour to get a whole dinner together. Suddenly I was on Iron Chef and my component was the clock. I quickly made the chess bars and put them in the oven. I defrosted the chicken and had the pot of water ready to cook them in. I got started on the carmel rolls and after they were finished it was time to cut up the broccoli and salad fixings. I set the table and tried to clean up my mess as I went. When everything was all said and done I had dirtied up every dish, mixing bowl, cutting board, and fork in our house, but I got it all done by the time Lauren arrived!

Lauren and I chitchatted and got caught up while we waited on Whitney to join us. Once she got to our house, we all sat down to dinner including the Teak. All of my hard work was well worth it when I sat down and fed 3 of the most important women in my life! I had made that meal with love and it was a wonderful feeling to share dinner with these women. After dinner I gave the girls a note asking them to be my Matrons of Honor and both accepted! I can't imagine our wedding day without them by my side.

On Saturday, the Teak, Lauren, and I put a dent in the carmel rolls and then Lauren and I made our way to Twirl. Lauren got her wedding dress and our bridesmaid dresses at Twirl and it is the cutest boutique. Lauren was so willing to try on any dress I picked out and I must say I struggled finding the right dress. I really didn't know what color I wanted to go with but knew what my budget was and I knew I wanted cocktail, satin dresses.

The first dress Lauren tried on I didn't care for on the hanger but it was darling on her!

We liked it!

Then she tried on a few more dresses and they just weren't doing anything for me. I couldn't find a color I liked. Lauren tried on ivory but I was worried it would look like there were 3 brides at the alter and not 1.

Way too much ivory!

Then she tried on a black/champagne and it was just not what I was looking for.



Too dark

I thought about putting Lauren in a blush/light pink but I am just not a pink girl. When we left Twirl, I decided I like the first dress Lauren tried on but only in black.  

Next we headed to Ruth's Bridal and we got there early. Our appointment was at Noon and we had almost 30 minutes to kill. When we pulled into the parking lot I could see the rows of wedding gowns. I tried to keep my focus on bridesmaid dresses and not on hundred wedding gowns on hangers. I did find three satin, cocktail dresses that I wanted the girls to try on. Since Lauren and I were early, we decide to peruse the wedding gowns while we waited on Whit to join us. Lauren pulled out this ivory lace/satin wedding gown and said, "Katie this looks like you!" Y'all I fell in LOVE!!! It was almost the exact same dress I saw at a boutique in Jackson, MS. Jace had taken me to a boutique this summer and I thought the dress was stunning, classic, and timeless. Now, the dress had found me in KY. Lauren tried her hardest to get me into that dress but I just couldn't do that to my momma. We are going dress shopping in two weeks and I wanted us to share this experience together.

When Whitney arrived, the girls tried on the three dresses I had pulled. Lauren put on a sage green, satin, sweetheart cocktail dress and it was EXACTLY what I wanted. Whitney had on another dress and I told her to don't even bother zipping it up because I didn't like it. Then I had Whitney try on the third dress and it looked like a hideous bridesmaid dress from 27 Dresses. Then, Whitney put on the sage green dress Lauren had on. Y'all it had looked great on Lauren and when Whitney put it on ol' momma had a smokin' hot hourglass figure! It was gorgeous on both of them! The more I looked at it, the more I loved it. The ruching is beautiful and as women we all know ruching is a girl's best friend!

I asked the girls if they were comfortable and they both said there were. They felt like they could sit down in it and dance the night away. Then they both looked at me and they said they loved the color. That was it. We found their dress! For something that I had been so worried about and really didn't know what color I wanted, the sage green dress was the one! I would have never thought about going with sage green but it was the perfect neutral, satin dress! Both me and the girls were so excited!

THE ONE. All this dress needs is some pearls and ivory hydrangeas!

After we had decided on the girls dresses, for kicks and giggles we put the ivory lace/satin wedding gown up next to it. Y'all I had to fight back the tears. The two dress colors were so complimentary and I had to fight the urge to jump into the wedding gown! I can NOT wait until Mom and I can go together. Today I may have just found both dresses and we did it in about 40 minutes!

Shopping for dresses today made me feel like a real bride. If you could have only heard me try to retell all of this to Jace! I was talking 90 to nothing! It was the best weekend and I have the sweetest, funniest, and most genuine girlfriends. Thank you Lauren and Whitney for being you and for being my matrons!