Race for the cure 2012

This was our 4th Race for the cure event (for me and my mom). We do the Susan G. Koman 5K Breast Cancer Awareness Walk in Detroit with friends and family every year. 

This year, we recruited my brother, Cody, to come along with us. I think he enjoyed it for the most part, except the 5:30 A.M. wake-up call. He's not a morning person. I had to pull the twin air mattress up from under him to get him up. LOL. 

My sis-in-law, Amanda, walked again with us along with my friend, Carrie, her daughter, Tatum and her mom, Peggy. 

We had a great time, despite the rain. 35,000 people. That's a huge wet T-shirt contest. Haha!

 

Amanda & Carrie are like sisters to me.

 Carrie, me and our mamas. 

 Tatum...isn't she precious?

A Broken Heart Heals

 

          Source: cookingwiths.blogspot.com via Sharron on Pinterest

                                                                                       Source: google.com via Jessi on Pinterest

I feel so extremely blessed. Reading these two Bible passages reminds me of how far I have come and how much my life has changed over the last two years. 

When I hear of friends who are going through similar pain and heartache, I pray for them. 

I pray they find peace in their lives. 

God will heal their hearts. 

They just have to have faith.

I am forever grateful for Matthew and his love. 

I have never been so happy. 

Since I accepted Jesus into my life, I have been completely transformed. 

A broken heart heals.

I have forgiven and found love.

God is good.

7 Habits of Highly Organized People & Wedding Planning

 Okay, is it totally ironic that I came across this blog post about highly organized people when I was researching wedding venues, photographers, etc. (we aren't planning to get married until fall 2013)?!

Yes. I admit...I am an organization nut AND a total planner. I think I've realized that I live for this stuff. Matt is the same way - this is why we are so perfect together. :)

 Operation Organization

I LOVE that he is so involved in the wedding planning. How many brides can say their fiancé wants to help and actually has an opinion about things, other than what food and booze are served at the reception?

Since we are total organization freaks, we have a lot planned already or in the works for our wedding. I think, because the cost is coming out of our own pockets, we are trying to plan in advance and budget.

Here's what we have accomplished so far:

1. engagement ring
2. wedding band picked out (bride)
3. cupcakes (instead of cake)
4. centerpieces planned
5. wedding dress....that's right, I found and ordered a dress this last Saturday with my mom & sis-in-law. Yay!
6. favors decided
7. bouquets - in the works
8. colors decided (I think...for the most part)
9. wedding guest list has been started
10. contacted a handful of reception venues to visit this Saturday
11. ordered samples of wedding invitations

Pfew!
Planning a wedding is a lot of work, but we are enjoying every minute of it.

1. Aim at keeping a devoted heart for God in the least and most common transactions of every hour—as well as in those events which may seem to call the loudest for manifestations of Christian prudence and principle.


2. Pray regularly and frequently, not seldom and occasionally—for grace to live by.


3. Remember the Christian principles and examples of your father's house, and everywhere endeavor to preserve its character, by consistency in conduct, conversation, and temper. Keep in constant recollection—the wise, prudent, and conscientious example of your dear mother.


4. Form no hasty friendship; and none whatever, but such as may promote seriousness of heart, tongue and life.


5. Beware of cheerfulness degenerating into levity. Let no natural vivacity of temper, no occasionally indulged sallies of humor and jocularity—throw a shadow over the exercise of solid principle. Little foolish things give a color to character, and are more easily imitated, than serious and good sentiments.


6. Guard against hasty judgments of character, and above all against uttering hasty opinions, and making remarks to the disparagement of others. Particularly avoid making the errors, failings, faults, or follies of others—the subject of rash and unguarded remarks. Be known for charity, forbearance, and kindness. Be slow to judge—rather than swift to speak.


7. Wherever you are, in the first place, remember that God's eye is upon you; and then imagine also that your husband and father are present. It may be a fanciful—but it is a profitable supposition.


8. Keep Christ's golden rule, "Do unto to others—as you would have them do unto you" in perpetual remembrance. It is the panacea for most of the social evils of life.


9. Be conscientious towards all; friendly with few; confidential with fewer still; strictly intimate with fewest of all.


10. When you think of your father, bear with his infirmities and pardon his faults—but remember his principles and instructions, so far as they have been agreeable to the Word of God.


11. Do not be content with anything short of deep, sincere, diligent, and decided piety. 


12. If you and your husband happen to differ in opinion or feeling on any point—remember whom you have promised to love, honor, and obey—and this will settle all things.


13. Of your husband's warm affections towards you, I entertain no doubt—strive to preserve them by daily elevation of character; and not so much by fondness—as by prudence and dignity. May you both learn to raise a home of marital happiness—by mutual wisdom and love.


14. Observe great simplicity and plainness in dress. You should be a pattern to others in this respect. There is a just complaint made of many females who profess to be pious—that they are far too showy and mirthful in their outward apparel. Remember the apostle Peter's injunction, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."


15. Christ has been made known to you fully and freely; let Christ be your all in all, both now and forever.

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. Proverbs 31:10-12

[source]

What marriage tips do you have? I'd love to hear them.

It may be the second, but it's the one.....and takes three

I was talking to my friend, Shannon, last night about my recent engagement. My best friend (a mutual friend of both of ours) and her boyfriend of 12 years got engaged this last Saturday - the day before me and Matt. I'm super excited and happy for them.

I felt as if I couldn't be as excited about my own though, because it's my second, but Shannon made me realize otherwise. Thank you, love.

I was thinking about it this morning again too. While yes, it is my second wedding, it is THE marriage. If that makes sense. It is the marriage I have dreamed of my whole life to the man God has given me.

When I think about marrying Matthew, it makes my heart extremely happy. It makes all the little things of wedding planning seem so minor compared to the love I feel for this incredible man in my life. God has blessed me so much and I should not be ungrateful. I am happy and I am not going to hide that.

Instead of thinking about this as my "second marriage," I am going to think of it as "the marriage." Matt is the one. It is very different this time...because God is part of our relationship.

They say it takes three in a marriage: husband, wife and God.

I want nothing more than to be Matt's wife, spending our lives making each other happy, and teaching our children about God's love.

"Marriage Takes Three"

I once thought marriage took
Just two to make a go,
But now I am convinced
It takes the Lord also.

And not one marriage fails
Where Christ is asked to enter,
As lovers come together
With Jesus at the center.

But marriage seldom thrives,
And homes are incomplete,
Till He is welcomed there
To help avoid defeat.

In homes where Christ is first,
It's obvious to see,
Those unions really work,
For marriage still takes three.

By Perry Tanksley

[Source]

May 20, 2012...grad school graduation and an engagement!

Sunday, May 20, 2012 was the BEST day of my life.

1. I graduated with my Masters degree.
2. I got ENGAGED!!!!!

Yes, y'all read that right. Here's a picture recap of the AMAZing day.....

Sassy in my BROWN cap & gown. 

My best friend/sis-in-law, Amanda.

My adorable nephew, Camden.

My brothers, Mark & Cody.

My mama & step-dad.

My man.

My proud mama.

After my family headed home, Matt and I took our dog, Ellie, for a walk on the beach. 

It was just the three of us.

There was a thunderstorm brewing. 

Lightning and rain in the distance.

The sun was peeking through the clouds in the center of the sky over Lake Michigan. 

We started heading back down the beach.

Matt called my name and I turned around. 

He was down on his knee on the beach with a stunning ring in his hand.

I dropped to my knees after he said, 

"Nikki, I love you...will you marry me?"

(well, that's all I remember hearing...I was so surprised)

Ellie sat right next to us in the sand as we hugged and kissed each other, tears rolling down our cheeks.

Afterward, we watched the sun set as lightning hit in the distance. 

As soon as we got in the car, it started pouring rain.  

It was beautiful.

The best day of my life. 

God has blessed me so much these last two years. 

After thinking my life was in ruins two and a half years ago...

I now realize that God simply had plans to make my life better. 

I just had to be patient. 

Pray.

Be faithful.

And remember, God loves me. 

10 Things They Don't Tell You After Giving Birth

I found this post over at Amy's blog, Pregnant Chicken. HILARIOUS chick!

You will either fall off your rocker laughing at her post or maybe you will be terrified to have children. I read it...I laughed....out loud in my office....AND I still want to have children. Enjoy and happy Friday!

Jump rope yourself fit

HELLO!! This video is awesome. I want to try this. I don't know if I am coordinated to do all of these moves continuously without falling over or whacking myself in the face with the rope, but hey, trying is better than sitting on the couch, right?

I think if I made a video of myself doing this, y'all would fall off your chair laughing. Now that the weather is warmer, maybe I can do this outside in the driveway. Hmmm...maybe that's a bad idea? Nah! I have no shame. I don't care if I embarrass myself in front of all my neighbors and the cars driving by.

Source: youtube.com via Jenni on Pinterest

My week of fun

Now that grad school homework and projects are done, I am enjoying my week of fun post grad school completion leading up to graduation.

Here's this week's agenda:

Sunday: Golf with my man and dog park with our pup

 

 

Monday: White Sox vs. Tigers game in Chicago

 

Tuesday: drinks & appetizers with my amazing mentor/friend/fellow professor to celebrate

The delicious Riesling we had.

Wednesday: hair appointment (I am in desperate need of a trim and highlights...eek!)

Thursday: lunch date with my friend, Jamie and her 2 kiddos. Then, helping my man with some baking for school and coffee with a fellow sorority (Phi Sigma Sigma) alum from our international HQ after work.

Friday: dinner & a movie ("What to Expect When You're Expecting") with friends

Saturday: manicure and my family is arriving....yay!

Sunday: graduation & dinner out with my family

It has been a great week so far. Why can't every week be a "fun" week? It should be, right? Time to striving for that. :)

Never let anyone belittle your dreams...

I have had some wonderful conversations with some of my graduating seniors today. They inspired my post for this afternoon. I was also inspired by a meeting I had this morning about teaching my college course again in the fall. These combined conversations today just reminded me to stay true to who I am and aim high with my dreams.

Today, I am reminded of WHY I worked so hard the last two years to earn my Masters degree and that I am not going to settle in my career or life. I will never allow anyone to belittle my dreams. 

I am looking forward to the many great changes in my life....

"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great." - Mark Twain

Mary Murphy = Fitness Motivation

I stumbled across this amazing woman, Mary Murphy, on Pinterest. LOVE that site! She is definitely my motivation to stay fit and healthy.

Check her out....

Source: youtube.com via Mary on Pinterest

Hannah's Hope 2nd Zumbathon

HAPPY FRIDAY! I will be getting my fitness on later this evening in a 2-hour Zumba class for HANNAH's Hope.

Check out some pics from the first HANNAH's Hope Zumbathon (I'm wearing the white tank)....

Never give up: Arthur's story

I first watched this video of Arthur's story over at my girl, Raven's blog, A Momma's Desires and Pacifiers.
This story will have a significant impact on you, I promise. You will shed some tears.

Watching it today, of all days, my last day of grad school, really made think. It made me realize that not once have I given up. I have grown up knowing that many people, even in my family, doubted my ability to achieve anything in my life. I have proven them wrong.

29 years ago a little girl was born out of wedlock. Her mother just 16 years old and a father she didn't have a relationship with until sophomore year of college will graduate with her Masters degree May 20, 2012.

While my story isn't quite the same nor does it have nearly the impact that Arthur's does, it confirmed that even through all of the doubts and pessimism, I never gave up. Hard work and determination pays off. Faith goes a long way. God never gave on me. He never gave up Arthur. 

Go get your fitness on!

Now that grad school is winding down and summer is right around the corner, I have fitness on my brain. How about you? Swimsuit season is always my motivation to sweat it out every day.

Here's an item I REALLY want to help me through those hot summer runs.THE RUNNER by Clean Bottle  I discovered it through my girl over at Blonde Ponytail.

Here's another thing I just had to have (and already ordered) from tone it up: Tone It Up Store

I'm also excited to add the weighted sand ball to my workouts. You should check them out. I like the medicine ball, but I can hold the sand ball better. Just another option for you. Mine was actually cheaper than the medicine ball (at Walmart).

Nothing like gearing up for my summer workouts. I LOVE my at-home gym. Here's a peek at my set-up:

Happy Thursday everyone! Go get your fitness on!

50 Shades of Grey

Okay....everyone is talking about this book, 50 Shades of Grey (series, actually). How can I not write a post about it? I haven't read the books yet, but after hearing about it on the radio and watching an interview with the author, I am intrigued.

I have had my nose buried in grad school textbooks for the last two years....I am ready for something fun and different to read.

May 14 (when I am officially done with grad school), I am going to go out and get the book. I don't want to buy it now, because I'll be too tempted to read it and it's crunch time with grad school right now.

I only have 1 presentation and 1 paper left. Ahhh! I bet y'all are ready for me to be done talking about grad school. Well, it'll be over after May 21 (after I've posted graduation pics).

Hang in there! My life is about to get more exciting.....promise. Big changes are coming. Stay tuned....

Not familiar with these books? Check out Christin's post (from Classy Southern Wife) about 50 Shades here: Shades Trilogy Review

Not just another wedding

Last weekend, we went to a wedding of two of our friends, Sarah & Eric. Both are teachers and very involved in their church. Eric's dad is actually the pastor at the church they attend, and he married them. I've been to a lot of weddings, but I had never seen some of the things Sarah and Eric chose to do at their wedding. Nothing outrageous or odd....just different.

For starters, Eric walked toward Sarah at the end of the aisle and they walked down together to the alter. I loved this. It was sweet.

Her dad couldn't be there, and because he wasn't there, Sarah danced with her grandfather. This brought me to tears to watch. Here I was trying my best to hold it together, yet it hadn't even been a week since I lost my grandfather. During those two minutes all I could think about was how much time I had wasted and how I wish I had done things differently growing up.

I have one grandpa left. It would mean the world to me to be able to share a dance with him at my wedding some day. This isn't something I did the first time around, so I want to make sure to do things right and take in all these special moments that I witnessed Sarah and Eric do at their wedding.

Sarah and Eric also wanted to be sure to praise God and make sure He was part of every detail of their wedding day. The tables at the reception were marked with different Bible passages they had picked out rather than numbers.

Eric's vows (I couldn't hear Sarah's - she's so soft spoken) were perfect. Again, I was fighting back the tears. I have never heard such beautiful, sincere and full of faith in my life. Those two are made for each other. It was an amazing wedding. I am honored to have shared their special day with them.