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

Marlowe

A couple hours ago, we found out that Marlowe was put to sleep due to a congenital heart defect. The breeder noticed that she was breathing heavier than normal after playing. She was only 4 1/2 weeks old. We are both pretty sad about it and have to decide whether we want a new puppy from this breeder, whether we want to look elsewhere, or whether we will get one at all. We were really looking forward to the new puppy, but at least this didn't happen while she was in our care. We were going to visit her this Saturday, but we don't know what we're going to do now. We're still in shock and sad at the same time. To some people it sounds silly to be sad about a puppy we never met, but we've been preparing for her arrival. If it's this hard to lose a puppy before meeting her, we can only imagine what it would be like to lose a child. We're sure there's another puppy out there for us, but for now, we're just grieving. We appreciate your prayers and support. 

Free Time

I now have free time...a lot of it. The only thing I have left regarding school is a presentation and a final exam. We still have wedding stuff that probably needs to be completed this week, and hopefully it will get done. It usually doesn't. We'll see. I can't believe we have less than 3 weeks before we're married. Last weekend, I had a shower. We received some great gifts! Hopefully we'll be able to store them all. 

We're in the process of finding a place to live. This Saturday we're finally going to Huntsville. Guess who's coming with us?? Kona is coming (well, she is moving too)! She's actually coming because she can't stay in the laundry room for 10 hours without peeing all over the place. Plus, she would be so hungry. The funny thing is that the apartments we're looking at are excited that we're bringing her. We're looking at at least 3 apartments, and since we're going that way, I convinced Chris that we need to meet our new puppy. If you know me at all, you'll know that I'm almost more excited about the puppy than I am about finding a place to live. It will be a long, fun day!

-Christie

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.