Almost there

I will be marrying my high school sweetheart in less than a month!!!!

All the final things are starting to be a big deal. Yesterday I went and got a small tanning package....as I laid baking in the cancer bed I thought, "I'm tanning for my wedding!"
Last night I was over at JP's and his mother had invited some friends over who make jewelery. I was very dissastisfied with the custom jewelery done for me by the bridal place. So last night I sat down and watched these women intensely create my jewelery. I had brought with me, some Swvarski crystals that used to be my Nana's. It was just the other day I was telling my mom that I didn't have a "something old" for my wedding day. These women used almost all of Nana's crystals in both the earrings and bracelet. How special will it be on my wedding day? I used to play with the necklace and earrings these crystals came on. Nana would let me try them on, making me feel like a princess. Now, I get to wear them on my wedding day.

Moving Mountains

Last night as I was reluctantly reading my devotions I came across this excerpt:
Jesus told us to have faith in him, and mountains will be removed (Matthew 17:20). Maybe you are facing a personal mountain that blocks you from enjoying the blessings God would give you. There is not a mountain God cannot make into a road. He who made the mountains can demolish them. It may take time- God knows that. But he says: "Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin," (Zech. 4:10). Keep walking step by step and let God take care of the mountains.

If this isn't what I needed to hear, then I must be deaf. I am so skeptical of God's plan just because it isn't huge, allowing JP and I to start our new life in a new apartment like I had planned. Presently, I cannot see over the mountain. I cannot see a job in sight, a means of supporting JP and I, a means to financially afford anything we've dreampt of. But if I'm willing to start where God has planned for us, then I'll let Him take care of moving the obstacles and clearing a path. It's still a new beginning, no matter where we end up. God has moved so many mountains already and although small, this beginning can still be great!

Searching High and Low

JP and I are going to look at our first apartment today. We can't afford much of anything with the jobs we have right now, but we are hoping that something will work. People keep saying, "God is going to do something. You'll find a job. He has something for you."

My question is, "What if this is what he has for us?
Am I ok with that?


To start a new life together, on our own, as a new family, I feel we need to take this step and find an apartment, but we can't seem to find one in our price range. Why was I birthed in the expensive Chicagoland area? My friend told me last night she found a brand new apartment by her, in Nebraska. 3 bedrooms- $350. That would be nice! I have to believe that God will provide the right apartment at what our budget can afford. But that's just it....I keep telling myself, I HAVE TO believe. I need to make it an "I do believe." As I was reading my devotions last night I came across this sentence:

Home is where God's will is.

It's getting hard because some of our closest loved ones doubt our decision to even get married at this time. Am I looking for an apartment just to prove them wrong? How do thousands of people make it everyday on limited incomes?

Here comes the Bride......

JP and I are offically getting married...officially according to state laws. We got our marriage license today. I think it is so wierd that they ask you if you are blood related in any way, however, I realize there are some people that I wouldn't put it past them to be able to say "yes." Along these lines is the odd fact that after a certain senior age, you can marry a first cousin. Why is it ok then? Do we assume they can't find anyone else? :) Well all joking aside, I can't wait! The clerk talked me through the changing my last name process. In the car on the way home I told JP that in a little over a month, I wouldn't be an Elton anymore. As much as I am ready to get married, I admit that giving this last name up is hard. I jokingly asked JP if he could change his name instead....you can guess that he wasn't amused by this pun. I love being an Elton. I love my family and am proud to be part of it. I realize it's just a last name but when it's been my identity my whole life, it's hard to let go.

Did anyone else have trouble giving up their last name?

It also seems fitting that the day I got my marriage license its also my sister and her husband's anniversary. Happy anniversary Sharon and Jason! They have overcome a lot and have truly fulfilled a marriage covenant of working through it and keeping marriage a sacred and forever vow!

Give & Take

I had lunch with a friend today. We go way back....to middle school. We have managed to stay in touch, meeting for lunch, coffee or a gossip fest, once in a while. She's that person who is always smiling, always willing, full of life, genuine, empathetic, and full of wisdom. I always seem to talk and talk and talk about me and my life to her, because I know she'll listen and she is an excellent giver of advice. Today she came into the restaurant with tears in her eyes. I could tell her heart was so heavy. Without wearing her emotions on her face, I realized that it was my turn to give back. Kind of like my own episode of "janna gives back." It was about time.
She was going through a lot with a past relationship and work and friends. I knew my advice and wisdom couldn't be expressed as she usually could do it, but I felt that listening showed her my care for her situation.

I feel like sometimes the ones who give the most are surprisingly those who are forgotten about when they are in need. We assume they will pick themselves up because they normally have it all together. Well note to self: we are all human, all need the strength from Christ, and an extended hand from a friend.

I know you are reading this, my little Carrie Bradshaw, and know that although you are a strong tower, there are loved ones around you to hold you up.

Long time no see...

It's been a while since we've talked. So much has happened. The wedding plans are getting crazy! I don't work until 12:30 (no by choice) yet am running around from stores to malls starting at 8 am everyday trying to accomplish all Rosie gives me on me I DO "to-do" list. The tasks are getting smaller but more frequent. I suppose this is normal. Everything seems to be coming together and I can't wait!

I went through a period of uncertainty. The devil made me believe it was uncertainty of the timing of us getting married when in reality it is just a fear of the unsure and unplanned involving where we will live and what jobs we will have. There seem to be absolutely no open door for teaching opportunities and I have come to a dead end when it involves finding an affordable apartment. I know that God will take care of us that He is in complete control and that He knows our needs and deadlines. Now I just wait and believe............... It's a fine line though- trying to separate saying that I trust God because I"m supposed to, and truly trusting Him.

I hate my job. I'm working with the toddlers and 3 year olds, something outside of my area of expertise. I'm attempting to daily be joyful, no matter the task. I know Paul was innocent in prison yet joyful.


Here are some pictures from the eventful month I've had so far:

Labor Day party with the Mangialardi clan

Father's Day

Summer Storms

Father's Day at the Sampsons

Wedding Tea Shower Rosie & my aunts threw for me

Sleepovers with my newphews and Gigi

Maddie came to visit me!