And let me tell you just a few reasons why:
Number 1. Graham Richard Burkum is going to be my husband. He is a patient, artistic, and creative man with an eye for detail. I consider myself lucky to be picked by someone so picky. He is extremely patient with me and comes from a family that radiates the love of Christ. What more could a girl ask for? (He also designed and created the invitations which should be coming your way soon).
Number 2. I have a very supportive family, more specifically a very supportive mother. I consider her a best friend and I cannot wait for her to be a grandmother to my children because she was so good at being a parent for me. Actually, I take that back, I can wait at least 5 years, but I do look forward to those days ahead. I also appreciate all the help and support and encouragement she has given me. Going through pre-marital counseling I am learning that you leave your father and mother and cleave to your husband. I sometimes think this will be somewhat of a challenge for me, because my mother and I are so close and because she has a lot to do with who I am today. And while I realize marriage does not mean "goodbye family", it definitely shakes things up a bit in those relationships.
Also, she and my step-dad have gifted to me and Graham a honeymoon. I am eager to travel with Graham. The only long distance traveling he and I have done together was when I was out of state for school. One word: Depressing. He and I both love traveling and dream of living a life that is composed of a lot of it, so I am excited to see what kind of traveler he is.
(My mother and I: halloween, 1993ish)
Number 3. A matron of honor that is going above and beyond what I would have imagined. While panicking the other day about wedding things like addressing envelops, flowers, and decor, my matron of honor Kacie Burkum addressed all my invitations and ran around Omaha with me finding things for my wedding. Not to mention the fact that while she is out doing her own thing she finds awesome treasures for my wedding day. I honestly would be a mess without her.
Number 4. Penni Burkum, and other creative family members. I entered hobby lobby the other day to pick out some flowers (I am doing silk for 80% of the flowers, it is easier, and lets face it, no one remembers what your flowers were like on your wedding day). I realized I had no idea what I was looking for or at. I knew what colors I wanted, but everything just started to look the same. Then Penni Burkum came to the rescue. A florist, a baker, and everything in between I felt relieved to have her "assist" me in picking flowers. And by assist I really mean she did all the work and I nodded and said "okay". She will also be baking both cakes, and let me tell you, that woman has talent. Not only do her cakes look beautiful, they taste incredible. Not many girls have a family to help them plan every last detail, but I do, and for that I am extremely grateful.
Number 5. 50 days until my wedding. or 51, but I like to round down. While this process of wedding planning has had its ups, I have quite the anxious personality. I do not like waiting, and do not like planning big events, especially when that big event is for me. It just might be too much attention for this introvert. I am ready to be married to my best friend. I am ready to be his wife and carry out all the roles that a wife is called to carry out. I am currently reading "The Politically Incorrect Wife" (thank you mom). If I could recommend one book to every woman out there this would be it. Especially to those who are from broken homes. I have found it to be quite helpful and it goes against the grain of what society tells me my role is (which I always love).
Now onto the last minute stuff, and making it through the next 50 days alive. Have I mentioned that I have 3 jobs to juggle and a full-time school schedule.
I hope I survive.
Until next time,
A busy bride-to-be.
