Monthly Challenge for July: Enjoy the Blessings in the midst of Change

I was doing SO WELL with assigning myself a "monthly challenge" each month up until this month. But honestly, I've had enough challenges thrown at me over the last few weeks that I don't feel so bad about skipping a month of adding an additional challenge to my already full plate!

But when I thought about it, my challenge has been pretty clear: focus on the blessings we have been given during this crazy time.

My postings have been a little scarce lately because of everything that has been happening since May, since the day we found out that Alex got the coaching job and that we would need to sell our home, pack up and move, buy a new home, and find a new job for me in Columbia. Oh and we already had a 9 day trip to Italy planned in the middle of it all (on that note, I promise to have pics up soon!). 

But I want to take a minute to say that, through this intense season of change and all the stress that it's brought, God has provided everything along the way and things have fallen into place. First, Alex got the job fairly quickly, and we didn't have to spend months on end anticipating where we might move. Then, we sold our house immediately and didn't even have to go through the annoyances of showing a house and having it on the market. Then, I interviewed for exactly one job and landed it, and it's a job that will offer the same salary and benefits that I currently have.

And finally, we made an offer on a house last week and they accepted!! Here is a  pic of our future home:

We're just waiting for the results of the inspection to come back (fingers crossed there aren't any major repairs needed). And the best part? Even though we aren't closing until the end of August, the home is vacant so we are able to rent it for a month and move in this weekend (so we don't have to be "homeless" any longer). What a blessing!

More pics and details to come. In the meantime, I will be dreaming about our next home!

Sell house - check!

Today I closed on our beloved house in Greenville and handed over the keys. I say that "I" closed rather than "we" because I was technically the one who bought it a little more than 2 years ago, when we were engaged. Since A has been a busy bee lately with his new gig - recruiting future SEC standouts and what not - I had to go to closing alone, which was a little sad but I'm a big girl and I made it through :)

Saturday was actually a much harder day. That was the day I said good bye to the house and locked the door for the last time. I know I sound sad about moving, but really, I'm just nostalgic. That house was our first together. We built it while we planned our wedding. Where we came home for the first time as a married couple after our honeymoon. Where we decorated our first Christmas tree. Where we hosted our first Easter dinner. The place we brought a tiny puppy named Ellie home to. It's tough, but I know we can make every house we live in a home. 

So right now, we are no longer homeowners - weird! 

But...we also made an offer on a house in Columbia today! So maybe we won't be non-homeowners for too long?? 

Exciting times in which we live, friends! 

Celebrating 2 years of marriage!

Two years ago today, at about this precise moment, I got a new piece of jewelry while wearing a gorgeous white dress, standing in the front of our beautiful church, and exchanged promises to last a lifetime with my beloved. Then we celebrated with a huge party, with lots of dancing and food and champagne and good times alongside our closest family and friends. At the end of it all, I was a married woman and it was the best day of my life.

I love you, Alex - you make me happier and more fulfilled every day. I couldn't ask for a better partner in life than you.
xoxo
your Bride

Our wedding day: July 9, 2011

Today we're heading home from Italy where we have been celebrating an amazing TWO YEARS (what?!) of marriage! Tomorrow is our anniversary: time flies!

Here are some of our favorite wedding shots from our big day. And what a day it was! I wish I could go back a relive it!

Ceremony: First Presbyterian of Greenville
Reception: the Westin Poinsett in downtown Greenville
Outdoor photos: taken in downtown Greenville, near Falls Park

The day before "I do"

My hubby and I in Italy right now having the time of our lives on our second anniversary trip! But since I haven't ever shared my Wedding weekend photos with you, I thought this would be a good time to go down Memory Lane!

________

The day before the wedding, I had my Bridesmaids' Luncheon at the Westin Poinsett (where our reception was also held). On that day, we also had the Rehearsal out our church, First Presbyterian, and the rehearsal dinner at Larkin's, all in Greenville, SC.

My girls at the Bridesmaid Luncheon

The pretty tables my Aunts decorated at the Luncheon

My mother-in-law and Mom and I

Alex with the girls at the Rehearsal!

My pretty girls!

Alex giving golf lessons to one of our ring bearers (we gave them golf clubs for their gift!)

Some of my oldest and best friends: Lesley, Lindsey and Chad

Our engagement pictures (from 2+ years ago)

We're off in Italy celebrating our second wedding anniversary, but since I have never shared our engagement pics in one post, now is as good a time as ever!

We did 2 sessions: one in Florida on my family's ranch, and one in Greenville with our wedding photographer. We absolutely LOVED both shoots. These pictures adorn the walls of our home and probably will for a loooooooong time!