May

So it's been a little busy for us. May has been absolutely crazy but very memorable. So, we graduated on May 9th. Christopher graduated with his bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering, while I graduated with my master of arts in elementary education. We went home the following week to prepare for our wedding. 

Our wedding was May 16, 2009. Our photographers were amazing, and we can't wait to see the proofs! There was a little rain during the ceremony. I decided that it probably wouldn't rain during the ceremony, so we began outside. The key word is began. Before we took our vows, we moved inside due to the monsoon affecting 1/3 of the guests. We didn't notice because we were covered by a humongous oak tree. We went to Boston that night for our honeymoon.

When we arrived at Hotel Marlowe, complimentary truffles and champagne was awaiting us. It's an awesome hotel that's very service oriented! They have free kayak rentals as well. We named our puppy after this hotel, so our Boston Terrier has a Boston related name.

We went whale watching and were so close to Humpback whales. I love pictures of whale tails.

We ate at Larsen's Seafood Market in Menemsha, and the owner of the market offered to take a picture of us. We had wonderful lobster rolls, lobster bisque, and clam chowder!

He wore his groom hat the whole time in hopes of getting a free upgrade, but only got some congrats and a, "Why'd you do it?!" Notice how happy he is. It's not because he's on his honeymoon, but because he's driving a Mini Cooper convertible.

At Fenway Park. Of course his eyes are shut!

We had so much fun in Boston and Martha's Vineyard! We would love to go back sometime soon. The highlights of the trip were the food, whale watching, historical sights and sightseeing, kayaking, shopping, my massage, and Fenway Park. We stayed in Boston for two days before going to Martha's Vineyard. We didn't see much while we were there, but we did eat in the North End and go kayaking. Hotel Marlowe in Cambridge is so nice! We loved Martha's Vineyard! We stayed in Edgartown, but had time to see the whole island while we were there for two days. We went back to Boston for our final two days and were able to travel on the Freedom Trail and go to a game at Fenway Park. We wish we had more time, but we had to come back for Blake & Kristine's wedding.

Their wedding was so sweet and fun! I know they had a wonderful honeymoon, as long as they didn't get the swine flu...haha. They did go to Mexico though...

The Tuesday after their wedding (the day after Memorial Day), we packed and moved out of the house. It was a two day process. And we got Marlowe, our Boston Terrier, on wednesday as well. 

Marlowe didn't want us to sleep for two days straight, so she whined and attempted to bark throughout the night. She is now sleeping through the night, but unfortunately, Kona does not like Marlowe at all. She is now much sweeter to her. She hasn't bit her in three days, so everything is getting better.

We also put an offer on a house this week and has the house inspected yesterday. There were a couple problems, so we're not sure what we're doing at this point. Please pray for us as we make so many huge life decisions in such a short time. We definitely need prayer and guidance. I'm also looking for a job. I'm still interviewing, but I know that God will put me where I need to be. 

Well, Christopher is about to come home (to the hotel) from work. He started work last week as well. We're pretty busy, but we're enjoying our new lives. 

-Christie Elm

3 1/2 Weeks!

There are only 3 1/2 weeks until our wedding! How crazy is that?! Time really does go by quickly. I really can't believe we are both about to be done with school, get married, get another puppy, move, start working, and eventually buy a house. So much is about to change, but it will be great. Something that I have been sort of sad about is not being able to buy a house. I know it sounds silly, since most newlyweds and recent graduates don't buy a house immediately, but I really want to take advantage of the low house prices. If we wait a year or more, we may not be able to afford a house. Hopefully, I will find a job, and we will be able to buy a house in 6 months or so. I know everything will work out, and I just need to be patient (which is pretty hard for me). 

On another note, Marlowe opened her eyes this past week, so (of course), here are some pictures...

I can't wait to pick her up and hug her, and I know Kona can't wait to play with her!

-Christie

Easter

I love Easter! It's a great reminder that Jesus not only died for everyone in the world so that we could live forever, but He rose, conquering death. How can anyone not worship him after all that He did for us?! We shouldn't be reminded of this once a year, though. We should think and thank Him for what He did constantly. I know I don't do this enough.

During Easter weekend, Chris was able to go to the Master's with my dad on Saturday. They had a great time! I did homework that day, but I'm glad I did now. I also ate at his parent's house. His Aunt Cheri is a great cook. She made short ribs (and you know how I feel about beef), and they were so good! I need to experiment with meat like she does more often. We also had an Easter egg hunt at my house, thanks to Chris's parents. I have a battle wound from the hunt. I wanted the golden egg and went to the dangerous part of the yard to get it, but I didn't even get it. Christopher did. But that's okay with me, since his money will soon be our money...in 1 month and 2 days. Crazy! Time does fly by. After tonight, I only have two classes left to complete. 

So our breeder sends us pictures of our new puppy, Marlowe, weekly. Here she is at 2 weeks.

We can't wait to bring her home! I know Kona can't either (even though she doesn't know what's going on). 

Kona is all better! Yay! The only problem with her now is allergies. She's licking like crazy, and I have to tell her, "no," all day long. Maybe some Benadryl will help (the vet said 1 tsp. a day is okay). 

Have a great day!

-Christie

Interview

Please pray for me as I'm preparing for an interview with Huntsville City Schools on Wednesday. I'm almost positive that I can answer whatever is thrown my way, but who knows until I am actually asked the questions. I know I'll do fine. I just have to be confident and believe in myself.

Also, Kona has been sick lately. She has been having some tummy issues, and blood is involved. It has been going on since Thursday, and she hasn't gone #2 since Saturday. She also has a fever. Taking care of Kona is like taking care of a baby. I had to prepare special food that consisted of a bland diet. I made her chicken and rice, so she's been eating that lately. She loves it, but she has a beard, and when she eats rice, especially sticky rice, her beard is covered with rice. It looks hilarious, but I keep finding rice in the weirdest places. At least she's getting better.

Here is a picture of our new puppy at 1 week old. Isn't she just the cutest? I can't wait to finally meet her! 

-Christie

New Puppy

We have now paid a deposit on our new puppy, Marlowe. We our proud parents, again. And I know Kona will be a great big sister. We're really excited (at least I am)! We'll pick her up the week after getting back from our honeymoon. She looks like a panda bear, but I promise she's not. She's a Boston Terrier. We came up with the name by thinking of Boston-y things. One of the hotels we're staying at on our honeymoon is Hotel Marlowe, so Marlowe it is. The other hotels are the Hob Knob Inn, the Mandarin Oriental, and the Nine Zero. Can you imagine a dog named Hob Knob or Nine Zero? That is why her name is Marlowe, plus we think it's really cute. It won't be long until we graduate, get married, and have a new puppy!

The little girl a day after being born.

25 Things About Christie!

1.) I like to cook, but I'm usually stressed out when I cook. 

2.) I love to bake because I've never messed up a baked item...one of my greatest accomplishments.

3.) I am sarcastic, but I wish I weren't. I guess that means I'm negative.

4.) I hate to admit it and rarely do, but I love girly tv shows like The Bachelor, The Hills, etc.

5.) I'm very sensitive to smells. I can't stand stinky things, but I love smells like clean laundry and some floral perfume. I like to smell people that smell good.

6.) I hate wedding planning, but I'm so excited about the wedding and the marriage!

7.) I love to eat...a lot!

8.) I have a passion for muffins. I am on a lifelong quest to perfect the triple berry muffin. The best muffin I have ever had is from the Bougeois Pig Cafe in Chicago. It's amazing...really! I've made some good muffins, but none that can compare to theirs.

9.) I really really want Guitar Hero World Edition, Band Edition for my Wii! It's so much fun, but it's so expensive.

10.) I love my dog so much! I am allergic to her, but I get allergy shots once a week and take medicine daily so I can have her. 

11.) I don't just love my dog, but I love all dogs so much that I get a dog magazine monthly. Yes, I receive Dog Fancy. Go ahead and make fun of me. My schnauzer can take you.

12.) I want to have a big family. This is probably because I had such a small family and had always longed for a sibling. 

13.) I love coffee, mostly lattes. I have an espresso machine and make myself a latte with 2% milk daily. Lately my favorite espresso is Jittery Joe's, though I have many favorites.

14.) I was born and raised in Houston, TX.

15.) I love the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo! I haven't been to the rodeo since 6th grade, which makes me really sad...I can't wait until I can go again.

16.) When I was in elementary and middle school, I was obsessed with basketball. I went to many Houston Rockets games and knew every player.

17.) I've always had an obsession with Charles Barkley. I think he is hilarious and says the most random things. He calls everyone a knucklehead and does some great commercials. Look them up if you don't believe me. I also thought his temper was funny...not a normal comment, I know.

18.) I love big cities and always want to live in one, though I would learn to be happy anywhere I end up.

19.) I want to live in Chicago at some point in my life, probably earlier rather than later. It's a great city with so much to do and see!

20.) I never thought I would say this, but I love my Wii.

21.) My favorite flowers are gardenias, tuberose, hydrangeas, and roses. Smell has a lot to do with it, of course.

22.) I would rather buy something for my dog than I would for myself.

23.) I have never been camping. The closest I've been was sleeping in a tent in Shannon's living room because we were too scared to sleep in her backyard. 

24.) I am a travel wannabe. I really long to travel, but it's expensive and I don't do it much. When Christopher and I retire, there's no stopping us!

25.) I love Oreo Blizzards from Dairy Queen. I also love surprises!

Be Careful

I just got back from a walk at the river with Kona. I thought I was being followed. I know I'm paranoid anyway, but I think other people may have been too. There was a guy staring at me, so I walked the other way. I look behind me, and he is behind me. I proceeded to walk down the steps to the river. He followed me there too. After that, I walked up the steps and continued to walk in the area where there are lots of people and where cars are parked. I didn't want to actually walk down the pathway because then I would be stuck. I didn't know if anyone was on the other side or what, so I went home. I was bummed out because the weather was nice, in the low 50s, and I wanted to exercise. It was even daylight. It was kind of a letdown, but I guess it would have been worse if I were followed home or something worse. My dad decided to scare me saying a woman in Cumming, GA was running with her dog in a park, more like a forest, and she was raped and killed. So, I hope Christopher will begin to like walking Kona with me because right now, I'm too scared to do it on my own in certain places. Kona liked it though because she is a wimp. She likes to walk for maybe 10 to 15 minutes, and then she's done. 

On a lighter note, I'm almost done with everything, but I don't know if I like it. I like having something to do, and I know I will be bored over Christmas break. I'll have to plan a lot daily so I won't be bored. I guess we'll have to plan for the wedding, which is hard for us to do. We're bad at making decisions, and we have no opinions or ideas about a lot of things. But it will all come together, and hopefully, everything will be beautiful!

-Christie

Avoiding School

I'm writing now to avoid school work because it is the most pointless and boring assignment I've ever had to do. Thanks Dr. Shwery for teaching me how to procrastinate.

I have made a collage (if you want to call it that) of hairstyles that are similar to something I would want for the wedding. This is one thing I've done today. I don't think I can post it because I put it in a word document, so too bad.

Another thing I've done is researched miniature schnauzer and westie breeders. Yes, I want another dog, and it's not because I miss Kona. I do miss her, but she needs a playmate and a sibling. In my opinion, everyone needs a playmate and a sibling. I'm not writing a persuasive paper or anything, but there are two people in particular who do not want me to get another dog, and those people just don't like to take care of dogs, but I don't mind. They also have siblings. I don't, so I know how Kona feels. It sounds like an 8 year old is writing this, so I'm going to stop...

I probably need to start working again or else I'm going to do it during class tonight, which doesn't sound too bad...But I don't want to be stressed tomorrow and the next day because I hadn't done an assignment that is past due. 

-Christie

Life is Busy. I miss Kona.

Today I have been thinking how drastically Christopher's and my life are going to change. In the next seven months, we will be married, graduated, and (hopefully) working. We will most likely be living in a new city, maybe in a new state making new friends. It's exciting but scary at the same time. I'm really not very scared because I am excited for change. I like being comfortable but I think it's time for a change. It makes it easier knowing that I won't be alone; Christopher (and Kona and maybe even another baby...by baby, I mean dog) will be with me. I know God will provide us with everything we need, whether it be money, shelter, food, etc. I'm really now worried about money because I'm pretty certain that we will both have jobs and will make plenty to survive. Even with the bad economy, teachers and engineers are always needed. 

I have been trying to live my life according to Isaiah 26:8--"Our desire is for Your name and renown." God is most glorified when He is able to show his great power and glory. If we have pride and are too busy talking about how great we are, then how can He show his glory? It's simple--we have to get rid of our pride and look to God who is able to do" immeasurably more than all we can ask for or imagine (Ephesians 3:20)." Even during football games, I pray that the team and/or fans that glorify God the most will win (Alabama fans, don't try to kill me for that). It's not that I want to lost the game, but I want God to win more. I want to make God's name famous, but to do that, I need to act more like Him. I try but am often not successful. I will strive to do this for the rest of my life, with the help of God, Christopher, and my friends and family. I will continue to pray that the journey that Christopher and I will be taking soon will allow us to make God famous, and I know that God will take care of that because He is in control. 

P.S. I miss Baby Kona! It's way too quiet here, and I have no one to walk or cuddle with at night...except my turtle, but that would be nasty.

-Christie

Sushi Tonight??

I got out of class early, so Christopher and I are going to go to Chuck's to get sushi! 

So, since fall break not too much has happened. We accomplished all that I had planned during the break, which was amazing and busy! It was a great break! 

Now that I'm back, it's time for work. It's not too busy yet. Everything is going really well...God is good, and life is good. (We set a date for our engagement session--November 2nd. Hopefully the campus isn't too trashy the day after the homecoming game. Look at the Gresham's blog...they're amazing!) The only thing that's not too great is my car. It smelled like something was burning, but then it went away. And the air conditioning is out. At least it's cool outside. I wish it got dark earlier in the summer and was dark later in the winter, but I don't think I have any control over that. 

My thoughts are always really scattered. With that said, I want a puppy, not only for my sake, but for Kona's sake. She is so sad now that Chloe is in Alpharetta. She just sleeps and mopes around all day long...poor little girl! 

I'm so proud of Christopher and me for all that we have done for the wedding, so I'm going to list everything we've completed. We have the date and venue for the ceremony and reception, the food, the dress, shoes, photographer, bridal hair appointment, bridesmaid dress colors, and registries for Macy's and Target. That's all I can think of now, but it's a lot to me.

Happy (79th) Birthday Grandma and Happy Birthday to Mimi (tomorrow and it's the 80th)!

P.S. Here's the wedding website. It has pictures, wedding info, and other important stuff.

-Christie