Organic 2.0

Okay, I'm sure you're curious to know how the new Midkiff Health Initiative has been going. Or ... maybe you're not, but if you're reading this, that's what's coming!!!!

We are on week 4 of eating/cooking organic produce (fruits and veggies.) Every other week we go to the co-op and pick up our food. Last week included - 2 heads romaine lettuce, 1 head cabbage, 1 head kale, fresh green beans, sunburst squash, cucumbers, peaches, nectarines, cantaloupe, oranges, grapes, cherries, carrots, mangoes, tomatoes, purple onions ...hmm what else? That just about does it. It costs $50 every other week, and it's totally worth the investment. Besides just being totally pesticide free and local, farm grown, we are cooking a lot more and making healthier lunches and dinners. I made eggrolls and asian noodle salad last weekend and Doug said it was his favorite meal I've cooked yet. Win all around.

Besides that, I have given up adding splenda to anything, including coffee. I have gotten used to the taste now without it, and I like the less-sweet coffee taste.

I'm also limiting myself to one cup of coffee a day, and I've completely taken out diet coke.

The no-sugar thing proved to be almost impossible, since there's sugar in EVERYTHING, I have come to discover. BUT - I choose snacks more consciously now. Except at work we have these animal crackers that are so addicting, and every time I eat them I can just feel my glucose spiking...yikes. Sometimes knowledge isn't power, it just creates guilt. Anyway..

Since I don't like fish, I am adding flax seed to my breakfast each morning, it's nutty like granola and tastes great in yogurt. It's chock full of omega 3's - and it's what they feed fish to make them full of omega 3's, so in actuality you're going straight to the real source.

So...that's our update. I encourage you to take a look at what you're putting into your bodies as well, and arm yourself with knowledge! It is power!!!


Also, for a life update, Doug is starting grad school applications now. The three he's submitting are, Cal Berkeley, Duke, and UT Austin. I started reading a book about the San Francisco/Bay Area yesterday. I couldn't be more excited about adventures to come!

roBEN

Well! This weekend is Robin's wedding weekend! Yea!

And - this is my debut as a wedding coordinator - I could not be more excited or anticipating what is going to happen this weekend. Tonight is the rehearsal, and I think I know this wedding backwards and forwards. Pray with me for the Lord's blessings on the ceremony, the reception, and of course for Robin and Ben as they start their new life together!!

Congrats Robin and Ben!

And, I was not sure when to do this .... but I guess I'll officially "unveil" my wedding blog ... www.kellyandlime.blogspot.com

That's what I'm calling the business, Kelly and Lime. Why, you might ask? Check out the blog!

Peace.

Hungry For Change?

Official Food, Inc. Movie Site - Hungry For Change? - Trailer and Photos

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{Click on the link for a movie trailer}

Okay...where to begin? First, every American - or at least those who even remotely care about health - should watch this film. It unveils the processes in which animals (chicken, cows, pigs) are raised by the meat companies (btw: although it appears there are many sources of where our meat comes from - there are 4 companies in America - about 80% of our meat comes from one of these companies) but anyway it tracks the raising of these animals to working conditions and how their workers are treated (as inhumanely as the animals - no longer seen as animals but merely a product) to how they inject hormones into the animals and how sick they become to how that becomes our food - all nicely rinsed with a bath of ammonia before coming to our grocery stores and often contaminated. It's disguting. It's also gross how the company Monsanto who owns about 85-90% of the soy market puts local farmers out of business ... it is just insane how the concern is ONLY money - not local farmers, not consumers health, and Washington (FDA, USDA) is turning a blind eye. Most of the people who work for these gov't organizations have ties back to the meat companies - so of course they are protecting their friends and constituents. We are paying the price - e. coli contamination and food chock full with high fructose corn syrup and other things that contribute to diabetes, obesity and heart disease.

That gets me going.

What can we do?

Are we powerless as consumers? Actually, no! Every time you purchase something at the store it's like you're sending a vote to the producer. Buy organic! The more common it becomes, the more affordable it will be!

Join a local produce co-op! Doug and I have joined one that delivers a giant amount of local, organic fruits and veggies every other Saturday. It's good on so many levels - helping out local economy, eating healthy pesticide-free food, and trying new recipes!

On that note, last night Doug worked till 9 and I cooked ranch-style chicken, grilled freseh veggies and made snickerdoodles all while doing 3 loads of laundr - it was fun but it wore me out - I don't know how people do that every day and have kids running around at the same time - God bless our mothers.

An agent of social change?

Wasn't it Ghandi who said, "Be the change you want to see in the world?"

Who really believes that??

....maybe I'm starting to.....

Starting today, and I'm arming myself with the best power - Knowledge!

There's a documentary called Food, Inc that shows the government's involvement in the meat packing and food industry ... and I'm assuming basically the evils present in the powers that be in gov't boiling down to profit-driven consumer products with little-to-no care for the consumer's health. Just a speculation, haven't seen it yet. Today only, Chipotle Restaurants are sponsoring a free showing of this film (Point, Chipotle.) (But Chipotle used to be owned by McDonald's Corp. So - Point, Stephanie)

Anyway, Doug and I rounded up a few friends to go with us. I figure a little education never hurt anyone.

___

I found this book I want to start reading called Globesity. It's written by a couple who invented BodyPump and all the other fitness classes offered by Gold's Gym and others across America. Back in the 80s the man started jazzercise ... anyway ... this book is about how being fit and healthy actually contributes to a healthier earth and ecology ... kind of a social urbanism/health book .... I will probably check it out, or just make Doug read it and tell me about it! Haha!!

______


I also learned today that the same company that invented RoundUp, DDT and Agent Orange (think Vietnam - they're shady, people) invented aspartame. Anywho, think about what that means .... think about those little pink packets of NutraSweet .... think again people!!!

(I happen to be a Splenda user but I am not off the hook! It's no better - I am giving it up!)

The company I'm referring to starts with an M ... shoot I forget ... I'll post it later.
___

And last, a little update on Day 2 of no sugar (this is going to be a long 40 days!) Surprise, surprise that sugar is an ingredient in practically everything ...

Midkiff 2.0

Okay, here's the deal, my friends. In the last 3 days, I've had conversations with about 4 different people about organic foods, whole foods, and basically going au natural, health-wise. It is expensive and hard to do, but so worth it, I think.

This really resonanted with me that in the next few years I really want to take into account what I put into my body as we start to think about little Midkiffs running around. What I eat will affect them when I'm preggers....this is not for like 3-4 years people!!!!

Also, this is not to lose weight or diet. This is just realizing the crap we put into our bodies is yucky. (Chemically, processed food, high fructose corn syrup, trans fats and partially hydrogenated stuff, preservatives, hormonally injected meat and the like.)

Not to mention high cholesterol runs in my family and I already test high on that scale. It's never too early to start thinking.

All that to say...I am giving up sugar for 40 days and quitting diet coke altogether. Also, to combat the cholesterol thing, I'm starting to do oatmeal and/or granola mixed with flaxseed, which I've heard contains Omega-3's to help reduce cholesterol.

I am running the White Rock half in December and truly believe giving up soda increases stamina and speed. Or so I've heard. AND - I'm encouraging my co-worker to give up Dr. Pepper (about 2 a day) and I decided I better ante up and do the same thing. Diet or regular doesn't matter, they're both bad for you.

I'm going to start doing more reading and research...stay tuned. No, I'm not going to start growing my own herbs and veggies (well, actually maybe I will.) This will not turn into a healt nut craze but I do think it's saying goodbye to chemicals and fake sweeteners produced in a lab and saying hello to whole, healthy, yummy foods.

The end.

Too fun not to share!

Today I found a type of wine called Middle Sister. Their logo prominently features a red-headed middle sister, which makes me love it already. Instantly intrigued, and being a middle sister myself, and I looked up more about their products. They feature wines with names like wicked white, a forever cool merlot to a mischief maker cabernet.

My favorite though, is the rebel red wine.


Then I took their online quiz, and these were my results:

Apparently Doug took the quiz too, pretending to be me. He got the same results.

Life....

...is blissful!

That's all, okay byee!!

p.s. for fun, here's one of the oldest picture of Doug and I!

TA-DA!

Well, I must ask your forgiveness, if there's any of you left who read my blog. But here's my new header, which will change from time to time. I found a wonderful online scrapbook site that lets you create all kinds of things. (I've always wondered how people do it!) The only problem is, I don't know how to center the heading, and it sort of gives me a panicky feeling that it's crowded over to the right of the page. If anyone knows how to sort out this problem please let me know!

Anyway, the long and the short of it is that Doug and I are doing AWESOME! We absolutely LOVED Jamaica and are so grateful that the swine flu ruined our plans for Mexico! I posted pics on facebook, which you can go there to check out. I feel funny double posting those, but on that note, I am going to take a chill from facebook for awhile and concentrate on some other things.

like...

COORDINATING WEDDINGS!

I have been hired by my first bride to coordinate her wedding in November. And just today, I have had conversations with 2 others about more weddings. Definitely more info to come, but I will dedicate most of that to the wedding blog! Which, of course, I'm not unveiling just yet. *Stay tuned*

Married life is wonderful, Doug and I have done some fun stuff lately, we went to a murder myster dinner last Friday to celebrate his birthday.





We had fun figuring out "whodunit" and although we didn't win, we did solve the crime correctly.
We're looking forward to the summer ahead - God had definitely been good to us. Doug is going to start the grad school application process, we should know where we're going by early next year. Whoa!!

Warning: Under Construction

The lack of posting is due to my long internal debate about what to do with this blog. As more time flew by, and I still hadn't written about all-things wedding, I dreaded even starting, because I have a lot to catch up on.

So, I am starting "fresh." Sure, you can look at my older posts and read up on the pre-Midkiff Stephanie. That girl had some emo moments that are now laughable!

As soon as I have wedding pictures, I will post them. The heading is under construction, and more Midkiff Mayhem will ensure shortly.

Fun With Google

This is a funny e-mail I got from Doug - he started googling my new name, "Stephanie Midkiff." And I thought only girls did stuff like that! This is what he found:


Good morning!!! It's actually Friday afternoon, but it is after 5 so I'm guessing you've left work. Here is some fun I had on google:

- You're a law librarian in Oregon:

http://libweb.uoregon.edu/dc/directory/profile.php?profile=smidkiff

- An apartment complex in Arizona sued you and some guy named Stan:

http://www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/docket/JusticeCourtCases/caseInfo.asp?casenumber=CC2008-218077


And you're on the playground committee at Sarah Smith Elementary school in Atlanta:

http://www.sarahsmithelementary.com/2008-9_PTA_Board_and_Committees.pdf

Good times.
Love you!!!!
Doug

Take Time To..

Okay, I've had my bachelorette party and 2 showers since I last posted. I am avoiding posting pics bc it will take forever and right now I just don't feel like putting in the effort.

My boss is performing a wedding for his grandson and asked me to type this up for him. I loved it, so I'm sharing it with you now.

Take Time to:

WORK
It is the price of success.

PLAY
It is the secret of perpetual youth.

THINK
It is the source of power.

READ
It is the foundation of wisdom.

PRAY
It is conversation with God.

LAUGH
It is music for the soul.

LISTEN
It is the pathway to understanding.

DREAM
It is hitching your wagon to a star.

WORSHIP
It is the highway of reverence.

LOVE AND BE LOVED
It is the gift of God.

And here's some pics to keep everyone happy till they're all posted..

Current Happenings

Lately I've been packing (sort of) and getting ready to move into our CONDO. We get our key this Sunday and officially start moving in next week. YAY!

Tonight is my bachelorette party and tomorrow is a shower and some girlfriends are staying with me, then Sunday Doug and I have our final marriage class with both sets of parents, brunch, the "key-receiving" ceremony, and then I am baptizing Doug that night at the Village. Busy? Yeah, a little. But I'm so excited about everything!!!!! Bring it on!

I will post pics of everything soon.

Until then, have a great Friday. I'm zooming out of here today at noon. :)

Shout OUTTTTT!

Last night I visited to a AACWP Chapter Meeting (basically that's an organization for wedding coordinators) (Shout out to Staci Freeman.) It was at the Orion Room in the dirty south, A.K.A. Oak Cliff.

Interestingly, the topic was "Blogging for Your Business" which made me want to pat myself on the back for being more ahead of the game than I realized.

More later about why I was at this meeting in the first place, but that's another post for another time.

It also made me realize the importance of giving shout outs to the people I've been using as vendors in my wedding, so here are my SHOUT OUTS! I found out about all of these just from friends who knew friends who knew ..... so I'll spread the love!

Dress: Lulu's Boutique in Uptown
Venues: Heritage Chapel First Baptist Dallas / The Women's Museum at Fair Park
Caterer: Jim Lee Events
Invitations: Kayla Barker (She's AMAZING folks!)
Cake: Delicious Cakes
Photography: Captured by Shan Renee Ingram
Coordinator: Staci Freeman @ Stardust Celebrations

Sharp Dressed Man

I was contemplating a change on my blog for awhile, and decided today was the day.

BTW: The new pic was taken by Shan Renee Ingram on a chilly February afternoon at sunset. We had a great time with her and Daniel her husband while they tried out some cool photog tricks. One thing (and I had never heard of this!) we stayed very still while her husband held the camera, and Shan held a remote flash and walked around us in a circle taking the same photo from various points around us. She's then going to put them all together - she called it "painting with light." We also spent a good bit of time at the Dallas World Aquarium, I'm excited to see what they look like with sharks and fish, etc., all around us.

Lately, Doug's been taking the Dart rail up to Richardson where his current client is, then he rides his Razor Scooter the half mile from the train station to his office building. Of course, yesterday it rained, and Doug ended up getting soaked.

He had already worn a hole in his work shoes from riding the scooter each day, and then of course they were ruined in the rain. Not to mention yesterday at work he accidentally ripped a hole in his khakis, which also later got soaked. Lastly, tomorrow night we're having dinner with Doug's granddad in Houston at a restaurant that requires a coat. ....all that shaped up into the makings of a shopping trip.

I met Doug at the Gap in West Village and he was just SOAKED. It was the salesman's first day on the job and we may have done him in. But we walked away with 2 pairs of trousers, a yellow v-neck sweater and a buttondown with yellow and blue stripes. Then, we walked to Banana Republic in the rain (by now I think we just gave up on even trying to care) and Doug got an awesome new blazer. Then I bought him a gray and white buttondown, and an orange and gray v-neck sweater to go with the pants he got from Gap. I left at that point and went to Home Group, while Doug went by himself to Nordstrom and bought out some Ecco loafers that I found online earlier that day. So proud. All that to say, if you see someone walking down the street in Dallas looking supa fly - it's Doug.

And on that note: watch this ZZ Top music video. They just don't make music videos like this anymore. And the 80's hair.... it's hilarious.

ZZtop- Sharp Dressed Man sélectionné dans Musique et Rock / Pop

Savage and Serene

Our life is March weather, savage and serene in one hour. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

This pretty accurately describes my life right now. Sometimes easy going and laid-back, and some days anything but. Amy B. and I have summed it up into one word: anticipation.

I am anticipating the move to our condo, all the travel we have coming up in the next 3 weekends, and of course the WEDDING!

Amy is leaving for Qatar for the summer soon after the wedding - so we are packing up our little home. Which may or may not be a huge mess if you are to come visit.

Doug created this awhile back and it's fun to watch the seconds tick away:

https://webspace.utexas.edu/dpm8/countdown.htm

What's going on

*Currently listening to elevator music while on hold with Southwest Airlines*

This has been a fun week! Sunday Doug and I spent about 5 hours with our photographer and let her play with her new camera and try out some cool effects. We had a blast...you can visit www.shanrenee.com to check out her work.

Today we picked out our wedding bands at the Dallas World Trade Center.

*Finally got everything straightened out with Southwest, whew*

I just love our rings, and can't wait to be officially Mr. and Mrs.

Doug has said a few times before that since I have an engagement ring he wishes he had something to wear to show he's mine!! It was cool to get to see him with a ring on his finger, even if it was briefly.

While we were trying on rings Doug's mom called, who happened to be in Dallas. She was shopping and showing her friend the House of Blues where our rehearsal dinner is at -- her friend is a florist so they were talking logistics, etc. Then, I dropped off our deposit and signed the papers for our condo!!! 3815 Holland!!

Everything is starting to seem so much more real and I LOVE IT.

Here's a pic from our photo shoot (hundreds more to come) and a few of our condo. If you notice, there's a patio off our living room, and another patio off the guest room on the third floor. An outdoor spiral staircase connects the two. And we have 2 fireplaces and hardwood floors downstairs. It's a pretty sweet place to call home. :)

Tomorrow I'm going to Canton to check out some furniture.

Oh, and p.s. there's also a pic of Doug and his new razor scooter!


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New Urbanism

Check out this link, it's great. Doug sent me a website called New Urban Mom (okay I know I'm not a mom yet!)Anyway, I was poking around and found this great list that explains exactly why Doug and I will probably always live in an urban area and never go to the suburbs. Doug gets really excited about urbanism and he's pulled me aboard that ship as well. Check it out!!

Principles of “New Urbanism”

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Midland Engagement Party Pics

I'm It

I just realized Ashley tagged me on her blog. Sorry I'm just now noticing! So, to continue the trend...

8 Shows I'm Watching this Spring (This is hard)

1. LOST
2. Dexter
3. The Office
4. How I Met Your Mother (hilarious!)
5. Biggest Loser (once)
6. John and Kate Plus 8 (When Amy's watching it)
7. Friends
8. The Bachelor (when friends are watching together)
(I have a short attention span so it's hard for me to commit to 8 shows!)

8 Things That Happened to me Today

1. Lunch @ Cafe Express with Amy Lowery
2. Drove my boss downtown
3. Had a phone convo with mom
4. Made plans to hang out with Lisa, and Jasa
5. Contemplated the meaning of "God loves a cheerful giver" and how that can apply in my life
6. Facebook stalked people :)
7. Going to Ft. Worth for a Midkiff Birthday Dinner
8. The wedding florist called

8 Things I Look Forward To:

1. May 2, 2009
2. Hanging out with Doug and his family tonight
3. Going to Playa Del Carmen on May 4, 2009
4. Decorating a new home
5. Coffee with Woodard
6. Starting to work in the 2-3 year old class at The Village on Saturdays
7. Going to Midland this weekend for a joint baby shower (lauren and weslee's!) and an engagment party (ours!)
8. My Bachelorette Party - why not?!?!?!?

8 Things I Wish For:

1. Doug gets into Cal Berkley and we get to move there as planned in Fall 2010
2. I got more sleep at night
3. ... a thousand more wishes ...

just kidding! but that's all I can think of right now!

I TAG:
Rachel and Kayla

Hope Matters

My friend Cheryl was recently on The Today Show talking about her new book, "I Do Again." She was married, divorced, and remarried to her husband again after she found the Lord. They have the sweetest two daughters who I'm privileged to know as well! Watch the clip from the Today show and you can read an excerpt of their book:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28546272/

Holiday Weekend

I am still celebrating MLK Day today by watching the inauguration! Yea!

Saturday of the holiday weekend started out by me waking up early to a buzzing alarm ... my car battery died Wednesday of last week and Doug and I were actually making it with one car between us. Anyway, it was time to get the battery replaced and I was determined we wouldn't take it to the mechanic but just do it ourselves. So ... a trip to Home Depot, Discount Auto, and 3 hours later ... we learned together, and we did it! Ha! Now we know.

Then ... I had a meeting at Starbucks up by the church because I'm going to start working in the preschool department at the church. You might be as shocked as I still sort of am, but I'm SUPER excited!

Then...

As I was leaving the meeting, my car felt kind of funny. I kept backing out and drove away, when a lady rolled down her window and said I had a flat tire. We're talking, GONE. Somehow between Dallas and Flower Mound and an hour at Starbucks my tire just went kaput. Anyway, I aired it up and took it to Discount Tire where I got it fixed. Two car emergencies in the span of a few hours. Awesome.

Other than that, Doug and I worked on a secret video project that I may or may not unveil on my blog at a later date. We are still interviewing, filming, and he's editing. Nerdy? A little. Awesome? Always!

And lastly, from today, January 20 until the 26th, you can go to Macy's or Dillard's and get free makeup or cosmetics. There was a big class action lawsuit against cosmetic companies that said they were price fixing. They're required to give away $175 million in free product. See for yourself!


http://weblogs.newsday.com/features/home/cheap_thrills_blog/2009/01/free_makeup_today_at_macys_and.html

Things I love...

(I stole this idea from a co-worker!)

The feeling after a workout
Hugs
Weekend Brunch
Working hard and doing well at something
Crossing items off a list
Calendars and Planners
Phone convos with friends
The body of Christ singing loudly in worship
Spain, the country
Concerts
Planning my wedding
Cake
Chocolate
Chocolate Cake
Pictures frames
Bright colors
Hardwood floors
Lunch with friends
Shopping sales
..hmm what else?

What do you love?? Leave me a comment!!

Check it out

www.dougandsteph.net

Our Story

Doug and I wrote the story of how we started dating from both our individual standpoints. This was for our wedding website (the address is still a secret, it's not fully up and running yet.) But Doug's words were sweet and I wanted to share them both with you!

Stephanie’s Story:

Doug and I met on a weekend road trip hosted by our church, The Village. I remember thinking he was cool, cute and funny. I ended up riding in the same van as Doug on Saturday afternoon. Our entire van had a blast together - but I had no thoughts of Doug beyond that. At the time I wasn’t “on the market” or looking to date anyone new.

Then the Lord intervened big time! My relationship status had changed. Doug and I ran into each other at a party some of our friends hosted where we ended up dancing and hanging out all night. Then, we decided to coordinate our home groups to get together and play Rock Band. For me, it was really just an excuse for us to hang out again! I thought Doug was a cool guy, and was interested in getting to know him better. Soon after, we ran into each other at church one Saturday evening. He convinced me to come to a concert later that night. I was soon leaving for a vacation in Europe, and at the concert he asked me to have dinner with him before I left town.

So we had our first date. I have never been so “WOWED” by someone! I remember thinking, “This Doug Midkiff guy makes me laugh harder than anyone else, seems to care about me in a way no one else has before, is smart, and pursues Christ wholeheartedly.” But I still wasn’t convinced I was ready for another relationship, so the two of us just kept hanging out.

About a month later, I told Doug I was ready for a relationship – and since then it’s been a whirlwind. All the traits I thought were true about Doug became so evident. We fell in love so quickly, and I love how our relationship is so fun and easy. It’s so encouraging to know when Christ initiates something in our lives, He brings it about wholly, fully, and leaves no room for doubt.

Since the day we made it “official,” we have prayed that Christ be the center of our relationship. We want others to see Christ in us and be encouraged in their own lives and relationships. I am excited to stand before friends and family as we commit our marriage to the Lord on May 2.

Doug’s story:
Steph and I first met (very briefly) at Café Brazil when our home groups ate there together on April 8, 2008. Steph didn’t really remember me, but I remembered her (how do you forget such a cute red-head?) When I ran into her on the “Road Rules” trip that following weekend, I re-introduced myself and we began to hit it off. After we met up we landed in the same van with 5 other awesome people and proceeded to have a great time zooming around Austin on a scavenger hunt.
After Road Rules we didn’t keep in touch, but a couple months later we ran into each other at a “prom” theme party some of our friends were having. Quick side note: Steph had recently become single and I knew that. As soon as Steph walked into the party she saw me and said, “Hey! Come grab a drink with me.” My thoughts as we walked toward the kitchen: “Oh, it’s on.”
And it was.
Steph and I spent most of the night together dancing, flirting, chatting and generally having good time. We even started planning a Rock Band/hang out night for our home groups which really was an elaborate scheme for us to hang out in another casual setting.
Crazy things about Prom night:
1) I had no clue Steph was coming to the party that night.
2) While I knew Steph was single, I wasn’t planning on pursuing her.
3) It took me 5 seconds to decide that I did want to pursue Steph once the opportunity presented itself.

The Saturday after our Rock Band party I ran into her at church and convinced her to come to a concert that a lot of people from our church were going to that night. I knew that she was leaving for a two week Europe vacation that following week, so I decided I needed to ask her out on a proper date that night. It was now or never. Thankfully, she said “yes” to a random Monday night date, and it was the start of something special.

Many dates followed and I began to see more and more just how incredible Stephanie is. I got to see her humor, intelligence, and love for the Lord. She even agreed to jump up on a roof with me and help shingle a house for a Habitat for Humanity project. A girl willing to serve by getting sweaty and swinging a hammer is nothing if not attractive. On July 28th we decided to make things “official.” Things really picked up from there and by November 30th I was putting an engagement ring on her finger.

Our prayer from the day we made things official was and always will be that Christ is at the center of our relationship. We have prayed that our relationship wouldn’t terminate on itself, but that others would see our love is only possible through God’s love for us. We couldn’t be happier to take the next step into the covenant of marriage and share this with our friends and family.