A Merry Worley Christmas & a Proposal.....

Our 2008 Christmas Card

It's Saturday after Christmas and I am here in cold, icy, Iowa for the weekend. Orion and I spent Christmas Eve at home in Minnesota, due to the fact that he works the day after and has no time to take off. We decided to start our own holiday traditions at our house. Christmas Eve I worked, and Orion was home sick, still! Then later, I had a not so great run in with our espresso machine. I burned my hand really bad....so bad I spent Christmas eve in pain with my hand in pain. But, my Hubby was great as always. He took great care of me.

Christmas day, Orion and I spent a quiet evening at home. I was doped up on pain killers, and my hand was still hurting. He made the meal, and everything. I'm so proud of him, and really blessed to have such a great hubby. This year Christmas wasn't about gifts for us, it was about being together and making memories. It was fun just the two of us.

Friday, Orion and I worked. He worked the International finance world, while I battled off crazy shoppers at Crate & Barrel for the day after Christmas sale! One word: nuts!

Friday night we headed into a fog storm to Iowa. The closer we got to Iowa the thicker the fog got! But, we made it home safe.

This morning Orion and I spent Christmas with my family at my parents house playing games, listening to Christmas music and eating way to much! I love the holidays with my family, and even though this year wasn't quite how it usually goes despite it all it turned out pretty great!

Now...on to the proposal.....

My step brother Justin, got engaged to his gf on Christmas eve....so cute! Here's how he did it... His girlfriend Jenn is reading the Twlight series, and he bought her the 3rd installment of the book and gave it to her on Christmas eve....on the cover of the book was a note that said: "turn to the ending of the book." On the last page, was her ring dangling from the book...just like a book mark and he then asked her to marry him. Soooo cute! We're excited for them! A Christmas proposal...maybe it'll be a Christmas wedding! Congrats to them!!!!

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

***

pics to come soon!

Hello, again!

I have been MIA for the last couple days, so I thought it best to re-connect and let you in on what's been going on the last couple days. Well, the weekend was crazy! It's been snowing here in MN like crazy, in case you missed it. They even canceled the last Hollidazzle parade due to the cold, it was to cold for the parade of lights! But that wasn't the hi light of my weekend. Everyday last week it took me an hour or more to drive home from Crate.

Thursday, Hubby started to get sick. We missed out on Jessie's grad party due to this. But it was better to stay home and take care of him.

Friday, he stayed home from work hoping to get better. This resulted in him getting worse. By Saturday night, he was running a fever of 101.6!!! Yikes!

Sunday, he stayed home from church. I braved the cold, and snow and icy roads to trip it to church to represent us Worleys! Sunday afternoon I headed to the drug store and got meds, chicken soup, and Kleenex! All in efforts to make hubby better. Sunday night his temp hit 102!!! I was starting to get worried, so I called my nurse friend and got the scoop on what we should do.

Today, Orion's temp was back to normal and he headed to work. By 11 am he was calling me saying he was coming home because he felt sick. That's when it hit 102.7! We had to wait for him to get into the doc till later night, but he went and found out he has a bacterial infection of sorts. He got some meds, and a note from the Doc excusing him from work for the next 24 hours!! Lucky!!

Anyway, his temps are down for now I am happy to report! This sickness, is serious stuff. I am just hoping to have him better for Christmas.

So that's pretty much it, I spent the whole weekend playing nurse to my sick hubby! Husbands are pretty helpless when they are sick. I was happy to take care of him though.

In the meantime, I did laundry, make Christmas cookies, and finished my Christmas cards!

It's 3 days till Christmas eve, and I am getting excited. Even though I wish that we could be with our families this year I am looking forward to spending the days with Orion making our own traditions.

PS- I am loving all the Christmas cards I am getting in the mail...and all the letters from families telling us what they have been up to.

Look for my "Year in Review" to come soon!!!

Andrea

The Graduate.

My wonderful friend Julie graduated from nursing school this past Saturday! She's super woman, and I'll tell you why! Not only has she been going to school for the last couple years full time, she's a Mommy of two beautiful boys, and a wife! I don't know how she did school full time, worked, and had time to be a Mommy & Wife! That's why she's Super Woman to me, I admire her so much for seeing her dream and going after it even though there might have been all these other things in life at the time that could have made her change her mind. She went for it, and now after all that hard work she's done! I'm so proud of her! She's going to make an amazing nurse. She starts her new job in January!Isn't she the hottest Nurse you've ever seen?!!?

I think so!

To do...

Even though I'm not working I still find a ton of stuff to do during my days...the list seems never endless. Here's what I'm working on today.....

emails, and gathering the last of the addresses for my Christmas cards.

grocery shopping for the holidays.

looking for flights to Vegas for Miss America...I've been checking them all week.

Job Hunting.

What are you up to today? What's on your to-do list?

Sweetness.

She's too cute for words...I just had to share.

***

photo credit: *Pretty in Pink

A few things...

This is my favorite time of year! I love December 1st, and the whole Holiday season. Here's just a few reasons why I love this time of year:

Christmas cookies

Pretty white lights

Decorating my tree, house, and just about anything else for Christmas

The smells of cinnamon & vanilla

Wrapping presents

My family Christmas day

Spending the holidays with my hubby

Making, addressing, and sending out the perfect Christmas card to friends & family

Making home made holiday gifts

The 1st Snowfall

Christmas music playing through out my house

Watching Miracle on 34th Street

Downtown Minneapolis at Christmas time

Candy Canes

Taking pictures in the snow

Blogging about all things Christmas! :)

This Song....

This song is fast becoming my new favorite this season. "A Baby Changes Everything" by Faith Hill. I heard this song for the first time a week ago while I was watching her Christmas special on GAC. I feel in love with the powerful words to this song, and how true they are for my life. I want to sing this song at the top my lungs every time I hear it. It give me chills, it's that good!

Watch the video, but more importantly listen to the words of this wonderful song.

And, just in case you'd like the words:

Faith Hill – A Baby Changes Everythng

Teenage girl, much too young

Unprepared for what’s to come

A baby changes everything

Not a ringOn her hand

All her dreams and all her plans

A baby changes everything

The man she loves she’s never touched

How will she Keep his trust

A baby changes everything

And she cries, oh she cries

She has to leave, go far away

Heaven knows she can’t stay

A baby changes everything

She can feel it’s coming soon

There’s no place, there’s no room

A baby changes everything

And she cries and she cries

O she cries

Shepherds own they got their …

Star shines down…

Choir of Angels sayGlory to the newborn king

A baby changes everything

everything, everything, every day

Hallelujah

My whole life is turned around

I was lost and now I’m found

A baby changes everything

Hollidazzle

One of my favorite things to do in Minneapolis, (it's on my Top 10 list) every year around the holidays is to go see the Hollidazzle parade downtown. This past weekend Orion and I bundled up and met Jimmy and Jessie downtown for the parade. Afterwards, we ate dinner at the Newsroom. Yummy, and so much fun! Here's a few pics from the evening.

Good Friends. We love spending time with them.It's Love!

With out.

It's almost 8:30 am here in Minneapolis, and I am sitting in Caribou. I've already been up since 6 am! Most of you are thinking... what's the big deal I do this daily. And, it's not a big deal it's just not my normal routine, but today I am up and at it. I decided to get a jump start on my day, since yesterday I was lazy enough for both Hubby and I. However, I did do 3 loads of laundry!

Since I decided to be productive, in all my hurrying this morning to get Hubby to the train on time I forgot the 1 thing, I need to survive the day: my planner! Oh my goodness, my life revolves around that little pink book. Now, I am sitting here trying to remember all the things I put on my "to-do" list for the day. All the things I wanted to accomplish today, and phone calls to make. I can't recall it all, that' s why I have a planner in the first place...right?!?

I remember loosing my planner when I was in High School, and feeling pretty lost. How was my homework going to get done with out it? It'll teach me a lesson in putting it back in my purse when I'm done with it.

So today, I am without.

Things to Know!

25 Christmas Things About Me

I too borrowed this from Dana (Just Talk) because I thought it would be fun to do during this festive Holiday Season... Feel free to grab this and post it on your blog!! It was a lot fun and really got my brain
thinking about Christmas!!!

Welcome to the Holiday edition of 25 Things About Me.Okay, here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be a SCROOGE!!! Just copy this entire post and paste into a new post. Then change all the answers so that they apply to you.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? wrapping paper for sure! I always buy the metallic paper, it's the best, I love wrapping in shiny paper.
2. Real tree or Artificial? I always grew up with a fake tree, I don't mind them. One year in my house we got a real one. But, now for myself Orion and I have a fake tree. Do the math people add up what you'd pay each year for a life time on a real tree. You save money by having a fake one.
3. When do you put up the tree? Um, hello..the day after Thanksgiving.
4. When do you take the tree down? At the end of January usually.
5. Do you like eggnog? Not really.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Every year my Mom got my sister and I the Happy Holidays Barbie for our doll collections. I looked forward to getting her every year, and seeing what amazing dress this year's doll would wear.
7. Hardest person to buy for? My husband.
8. Easiest person to buy for? My Mom, hands down!
9. Do you have a nativity scene? No, but I really want the Willow Tree one.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? I mail mine, with a cute photo of coarse!
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? when I was a junior in High School a boyfriend of mine gave me a really ugly Christmas sweater. I felt so bad, he really had never shopped for a girlfriend before, I kept it and never told him, and later gave it to my Mom.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Miracle on 34th Street.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Black Friday
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes, that ugly sweater. :)
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? I love pigging' out on the appetizers at Christmas parties...little smokies...shrimp cocktail.
16. Lights on the tree? Yes, Only white lights! I hate colored lights!
17. Favorite Christmas Song? O Holy Night
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? We usually travel to Iowa to spend it with my family. This year, we'll be at our home. And then the day after go to my parents house.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Not at the moment.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? I have a silver snowflake on top.
21. Open presents on Christmas Eve or morning? A tradition in my house is 1 present on Christmas eve, and then open the rest Christmas morning.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Snow storms, traffic, and crazy holiday shoppers!
23. Favorite Ornament theme or color? I love going home and seeing all the ornaments my siblings and I made as kids on my Mom's tree.
24. Favorite thing for Christmas dinner? Mashed potatoes, and little smokies!
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? I would like to find a new job!

5 Things!

I've kept a journal every year since I was in 5th grade! Today, I have over 15 journals sitting in a box. Each year at Christmas, my Mother has gotten me a journal to continue this tradition. Journaling is where my love of writing sparked, and the idea of thoughts to paper became therapy for me. Over the years those journals have held my most private thoughts, dreams, goals, and prayers. They have given me an outlet to say whatever I wanted to. Sometimes I look back, and different years and read what was going on in life at the time. The trials and tribulations of a 5th grader are much different to what my life looks like now. But in every year, I look back and see growth, and change good and bad, and where I've come in that year.
Having Joy, is about a choice we make. Just like Love is a choice we make. It's not about circumstances, or where you are at in life, but it's about choosing to have Joy in your life beyond what's going on in your life, or around you. I am learning this one day at a time.
Now, in my journals daily beyond anything else that's going on in my day, or what happened that made me mad, sad, happy, or whatever I try to find 5 things in my daily life that bring me joy and make me happy. Before I write about anything else, I write 5 things that bring me joy or make me happy that day.
I feel like if I can't find at least 5 things each day worth living for and being happy about then I need to change my attitude and me and Jesus need to have a chat! It's been a refreshing change for me to sit, and reflect about the good that happened in the day, and the things in life that I have to be happy about and look forward to. It's then that you really start to live the life you were meant to live.

***

My challenge for you, find 5 things each day that bring you joy, and make you happy!

{Christmas Playlist}

There's a few things I LOVE about Christmas, and Holiday music is one of them. I wait for the first of December so I can turn on the radio and hear Christmas music blasting all month long. I love everything about this time of year, the white lights, the trees, the smell of cookies, and cinnamon! Here's a few of my favorite Christmas songs:

{Christmas Playlist}

1. O Holy Night- by far my favorite Christmas Carol

2. Santa Baby- just a fun song, so cute!

3. Baby It's Cold Outside- Orion and I sing this together, it's cute!

4. All I want for Christmas Is You!- Mariah Carey.... also one of my all time favs!

5. My Grown Up Christmas List- I love this song, it's inspiring to me

And, if you want some recommendations on what albums to buy for your Christmas Party this year, here's a few of my favs!

1. These are the Special Times- Celine Dion

2. Merry Christmas- Mariah Carey

3. White Christmas- Martina McBride

4. Nsync* Christmas- you think I'm joking...but it's awesome.

5. Jessica Simpson's Christmas album...has some really cute songs on it.

Happy baking, hanging lights, wrapping presents and decorating your tree!

Holiday Traditions

Some of my favorite Holiday memories as a kid, was making Grandmas Christmas cookies with my Mom and siblings. Cookie making at my house was an all day affair, that took some prepping. Every year for as long as I can remember, we would all make cookies together, some great memories came from doing that.
Opening one present on Christmas Eve, is also another favorite of mine. Staying up all night long on Christmas Eve talking with my Sister, instead of sleeping also brings back fond memories and joy!
I remember one year we opened a few of our presents prior to Christmas while my Mom was out for the day. We taped them all back together and pretended that it never happened. Then felt so bad by the time my Mom got home, and told her how awful we'd been while she was away for the day.
There was one year when my Sister and I were little, probably 5 and 6 and we were being so mean to each other, and rotten kids that Christmas season. That my Mom told us if we didn't shape up she'd throw all of our presents in the trash. We didn't shape up, and she DID throw all of them in big garbage bags and they sat in those bags by the door ready to be thrown away if we didn't shape up by Christmas. Needless to say...this isn't a tradition in our house...but it is a memory of mine. And that was the first lesson my Sister and I received in what Christmas was truly about, that we understood at least.
Now, that I am married and Orion and I are starting our own Christmas traditions it brings back all these great memories. This year Orion and I are spending Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at our house here in Minnesota, before heading to Iowa to spend the Holiday weekend with family. It's a different year for us being at home, and not with one family or the other. But, I am excited to start our own traditions for the Christmas holiday.
I've been thinking for a couple days now about what we could do, what traditions we could start for our own family. I want to make them special and personal. Christmas has always been such a wonderful time in my family, Orion hasn't had the same experience growing up. Since we've been dating I've been determined to make Christmas time a blessing, and a wonderful memory for Orion. It's my favorite time of year!

***

What are some of your favorite holiday/Christmas traditions?

Just some thoughts.....

What is the deal with going to a coffee shop, and then having the wonderful twenty somethings who work there make out with their boyfriends or girlfriends? Where's the work ethic here? I'm pretty sure it all goes against the customer service code!

***

Why do people say, "I lost my job?" Such an oxy moron! I didn't loose it, I know right where it is. It's just not mine anymore, it's someone else's. So does that mean they found it? Maybe people should say, they took it away from me.

***

What does it mean when your puppy is pooping like crazy around your house? What does it mean when you take them out and they do their business...all of their business. And still you come back in and minutes later they have an accident in the house. It's like, seriously could anymore possibly come out? And wait....it does. I'm up to my ears in doggy accidents in the house. Any advice? I've tried everything the Vets suggested to rid this problem.

***

Does anyone have any good leads on jobs? Cause if you do, I'd love to speak with you.

***

Coming to a Christmas Card for You!

A little Christmas card preview! Orion and I finished pictures for our Christmas cards over the Thanksgiving Holiday! One, of my favorite things about being married and the Holiday season is sending out the "annual" Christmas card! Now, granted this is my 2nd year doing this, so it's all the more exciting and I wanted to do something different this year than last. Last year we (and when I say "we" I mean, "I" and Hubby shows up for the picture and I do the rest) sent out our wedding photo. So this year it's fun to do something else.

Us, with Mr. Bentley! The newest addition to the Worley house! We had to get a picture, and include him in the fun! Just wait for yours in the mail!

Holiday Music Festival

Saturday and Sunday the girls performed at the MOA Holiday Music Festival. They did an amazing job, they sang a few duets, and each choose songs on their own to sing. Followed by friendly banter, and wonderful stories. We're so proud of them, and truly blessed to be working with two amazing young ladies!

Brooke & Sara

The Miss Twin Cities Committee with our girls.

Happy Thanksgiving 2008

This past weekend was a ton of fun for me and my family. My sister came up Wednesday morning, and spent the weekend. My Mom and Step-dad also came for the weekend. I was spoiled to have my best friend from Wisconsin here in Minnesota too for the weekend. It was a great holiday with family.

Me & My Hubby on Thanksgiving!

My sister and I.

The girls and I out for dinner. We don't get to do this often enough.

It's been such a fun past couple days being with family and friends! I wish they were here with me everyday!

Crazy Conversations

I had a weird run in today at the coffee shop, so weird, and kinda disturbing, so I had to blog about it...naturally.

So, I'm sitting here today in a coffee shop checking my emails, blogging, looking for flights to Vegas and minding my own business. I am sitting here away from the other crowds of people, in a little nook, on a couch. Most of you know, I am not a talker. I like to mind my own business when I am in public places, I try to be cordial and nice to other if they talk to me of coarse. Today was a doozy!

I'm sitting here alone when this guy comes in, sets his stuff down at the chair across from me. Proceeds to order his scone and coffee. Comes back, and says to me:

Guy: Oh, how's it going today?

Me: Good, thank you.

Guy: So what's new on the Internet today?

Me: Oh, nothing, just checking some emails.

Guy: Yeah, I know you're just over there looking at porn...I know everyone thinks it's just Guys that do it, but It's really the ladies that do it too!

Me: Um, no I am sorry I am definitely not looking at porn!

Guy: Laughs at me and winks

What!!! Are you serious? Sick! Can this be real? So awkward, that he said that to me. And he's still sitting here across from me. From that conversation I'm so creep ed out by this guy. What! Why are there people like this in the world that say weird and inappropriate things such as that?

I'm so disturbed!

These days...

These days, I have a lot of free time on my hands. A little to much free time, I think. These days my daily routines are a little different than they usually have been, I have more time to do stuff around the house, run errands, etc. And after the first initial shock of it all, I've been finding each day more, and more things to fill up my free time. What do my days look like now? They are different, here's a glimpse on most days:

6:45 am Wake-up to take Hubby to the train.
7:30 am Come home- fall back asleep for a few more hours.
9:00 am Wake- up try to decide what to do with the day, make coffee, eat breakfast, play with Bentley, take him for a walk.
10:00 am a sit down with my girls from The View

11:00 am and through out the rest of my day consists of checking emails, blogging, running errands, going to the church to work for a bit, job hunting, and sending resumes, etc.

The other blessing in all of this is that I get to work and spend more time on my photography. Which has been a joy! This week, I am taking Senior pictures, family portraits, and children pictures.

So when you think of me, pray for me first and then count your lucky stars that you are not at home "trying" to think of things to fill your free time up.

I am excited for this week though because my family is coming to town. Wednesday my Sister will be here with her family. Thursday my parents come to town for the holiday. And my BFF and her family will be in town too! Such a blessing, and a wonderful week ahead!

Everyone's Turning up Preggo!

Just about every other week I am finding out someone new is preggo, or what they are having! It's crazy, and I am beginning to think there might be something in the water. First two friends are having babies, due in the same month, then I find out 2 other couples are preggo, then this week I find out 1 of them is having twins! Just about every week I am finding out more and more ladies are preggo. Holy Cow!!! It's nuts, but so exciting all at the same time. I'm wishing the couples who are with child all the blessings in the world, and happy pregnancies for the next 9 months!

***

The adorable picture above is of my sister, She was 8 mo. at the time. And now has a healthy 7 mo. old boy!

The BFF & Me!

I'm sitting here in Janesville, WI visiting with my BFF, Sara. I took a little trip this weekend for a small visit. The best part is that I get to spend next week with her too when her and the family come to the Twin Cities! I love it!
There's nothing like that comfort, and the laugh of your best friend to make you feel like things will all be ok. It's been good to be here even in the last day and a half. I miss her, and having her around. I hope one day God will bring us together again to live in the same place and raise our children together. She's having baby #2 this Spring, it's so exciting. I've been having tons of fun taking pictures of her little girl Ellie Me' and next up watching the Traveling P's together!

***

It's just what the Doctor ordered!

2,000 and counting!

I just read my hit counter, and I can't believe it! 2,000 hits! Just wanted to say thanks to all my readers for reading daily, and checking out my blog! For putting up with my randomness, and loving it! :) 

I've loved blogging this past year so much! It's been so fun for me! I honestly never thought anyone would read my musings, but thank you to all who enjoy it. Happy Reading!

Dress Me

The many looks of Miss Underwood at the CMAs: Red Carpet Arrival

Show Opener Stunner- I love this icy blue.

Don't mind me, I'll just stand here in this blue number.

What's that Brad? Oh yes, my dress is Asian inspired!

I was going to tell you what my next dress looks like, but you'll have to guess!

Ps- You can call me Oscar Barbie if you like!

Yeah- I can't remember what dress number this is. Can you Brad?

Don't worry folks, I'm just going to sing you a little ditty I know.

Thank you for the Country Music Award!

Obviously, I need a different dress to meet the press- DUH!

***

PS- I really do love Carrie Underwood, just having a little fun and humor today!

Brothers & Sisters

Well, you know how much I love DWTS! This week was so exception for impressing....two Brother/Sister duos did some some spectacular dances this week! Lacey and her bro Benji did a cute little country dance to "Ticks", and Julianne and her bro Derek did a cute little number to "Great Balls of Fire", they were awesome! It's now one of my all time fav partner dances! It made me wish that my little bros and I could jive as well as them! In case you missed it, check them out:

Lacey & Benji:

Julianne & Derek:

It's down to the final 4 now! I'm excited for next weeks semi-final round!

We Voted!

Did you?

proud Hubby after the voting polls!

A historic election no matter how you slice it. But, I am excited that it's all over. Now, the real work begins and we get to see what will happen!

But, I will miss the SNL skits...hopefully they make a reprise! :)

Happy Birthday Hubby!

Yesterday was my Hubby's 31st Birthday! Now, he's not really into parties or a BIG display for his birthday- but, I love birthdays, I always have. And, they are my 1 excuse a year to make things special and really fun for friends and family. This year we had a quiet dinner at home with some friends, and then invited some other friends over for coffee and dessert. I made, from scratch...a red velvet cake! This is another post for sure! It was a great night! It was fun to have some people over to help celebrate. Thank you all our friends who came to celebrate with Orion. We love you all!
I love Orion so much! He's been such a great person in my life. I wouldn't want to go through life without him! I can't wait to live the rest of this life together.

***

Fantastic Friday

It's Friday, the end of a crazy week! It's Halloween too. I've always loved getting dressed up as a kid, this year I won't be doing any dressing up. Hubby isn't to big into the whole Halloween thing, (he didn't even want to carve pumpkins) that's ok, I'm thinking a movie might be in order tonight for us. Since we haven't bought any candy for trick or treaters either. I am at a coffee shop right now "working" on photography stuff. And enjoying this, what you see above. Here's what's on my plate for the weekend:
Saturday morning I will be enjoying brunch along with the other Miss Twin Cities ladies as we sign contracts for Sara (Miss Capital City) for the year. It's going to be fun, and I can't wait to see the ladies. I haven't seen them since pageant day. It's been a little chaotic in my life since.
Saturday afternoon I'll be heading to Jimmy and Jessie' MN wedding reception. Orion is working Saturday morning and into the afternoon. So I'll be solo for the day.
Later on I'm baking up a super cake for Orion's birthday on Sunday. He turns 31! We're going to have a small little gathering of friends, he's not really into parties but he indulges me anyway since I love birthdays and making the people in my life feel special when it's "their" day. I'm excited to relax with friends, it's been a crazy week for me. Happy Friday people, and Happy Halloween!

Daily Fix.

I usually do this at night when I get home, after dinner. But, as you may have guessed my morning routines have changed a bit in the last week. Now, I am enjoying morning runs, coffee, and my devotions. It has been wonderful for me, and in light of recent circumstances in my life even better to spend those mornings with Jesus and Bentley.
I pray that as I go through this, I learn a lot about myself, my husband, and where God has us now. Where he wants us to be, and what he has next. I pray that I am open to all that he would want to teach me during this time, or any other time in life for that matter. I pray against bitterness in my heart, I pray for purity in my actions when dealing with the thoughts, feelings, and people who have hurt me through this process.
I pray I find peace in all of it, and I pray for direction. I just wanted to say thank you to all of our family and friends who have been so supportive of us during the last week. Thank you for all your prayers, and your continued prayers.

I hate to brag.....

Last Saturday I did 3 photography shoots! Yes 3! It was a full day starting at 9 am in the morning. I'm pretty excited and proud of these pictures, the people that I worked with and the children I was able to spend the day with were awesome! I would advise that you check them out over on my photography blog at http://andreaworleyphotography.blogspot.com

He's always been faithful......

It's Tuesday afternoon, and as I sit here in this coffee shop writing this post, I'm still trying to make sense of what life is from now on. There are things that happen in our lives that are out of our control, things we don't understand, things that make us angry, make us cry, and make us wish that we could wake up from what seems to be the worst dream we've ever had.
That is my reality now. It's been a very rough week for me and my Husband, as you can see from the lack of posts this past week. I have been out of touch from the blogging world, and reality in general. Last Wednesday my world stopped, and life changed forever for Orion and I. I lost my job this week and as I sit here I'm still try to make sense of it all. Without getting into all the details, I have questions, I have hurts, and I am grieving the loss of what was more than just a job to me. It was where I found peace, where I found that I could do what I loved and do ministry at the same time. Where I truly felt like my gifts were in use. And now that it's all gone in 1 decision, it makes it all the more hard to deal, and try to move on.
It's been a few days now, and there are two things that are getting me through all this; trusting in the Lord, and my Husband. It's hard to imagine that God knew all this was going to happen. It's hard to make sense of a situation like this, but the only thing that does make sense is that God is faithful. And even though I am worried, scared, and not sure how to start all over again, I know that God still loves me. So, I will grieve, and cry and try to make all the sense I can, and after I've done all that God is still here for me. ( 1 Peter 1:5)
Two, my wonderful Husband who has been there for me since the moment I called him and told him what had happened. He's been more than I could have ever imagined in this situation. He's been so wonderful. I am so thankful that I have him in my life, during a time when I need someone the most he's been there. He really should get a "Husband of the Year" award! I don't know if they have that, but maybe I'll make him some kind of award.
In the last few days, as I have been praying, and thinking, the Sara Groves song; "He's always been faithful" keeps coming back to me. And I am pointed to many times in my life where things have not always worked out the way I would like them to, but God has always taken care of me, and helped me through these times of trial, worry, and just when I think I don't have enough strength to deal with anything anymore God gives me strength and some how by the grace of God it all works out.
You can not control anything in life, but God is faithful! And these are the words, and prayers that I am clinging to during this time in life. I know one day I will wake up and this situation will be less painful, and won't hurt as much, and some how I'll move on from that horrible day when the world stopped and felt like I didn't know what to do next. Today I woke up knowing that God is with me through all of this, and right now that's enough.

Our Trip to New England

While we were on the East Coast for the wedding Orion and I took a few extra days to be in Boston. I've never been to the East Coast, so it was really fun and nice to be there. It's beautiful there, now I know why they wanted to get married there. It was a beautiful weekend to spend with our friends. Friday, we flew into Boston and drove to Maine to meet up with the rest of the gang. Finally on Sunday when the wedding was over Orion and I drove back to Boston to spend the night. Orion got us a great hotel right on the harbor. Sunday evening we ate dinner at this cute little place Jimmy recommended to us, and then walked around, went to a cute little coffee shop and chilled. It was beautiful waking up the next morning and seeing this:We got up really early Monday and ate breakfast and then went on the Freedom Trail walking tour. It was so fun! I can't wait to go back and spend more time! Click here to see more of our trip to New England.

Jimmy & Jessie's Wedding

As you know Orion and I spent the weekend in New England celebrating two very good friends of ours, who got married this weekend! Jimmy and Jessie, we're so happy you've found each other. It's pretty awesome when you think about it, two of our good friends, found each other and got married. We couldn't be more happy for them. They are a great couple, one of my most touching weddings I've been to in a long time. It was also a ton of fun taking a few days off work, to relax with them, and be apart of their day!It's so exciting to watch them find each other and fall in love! We're so excited for you guys, and what life holds for you now! Enjoy your honeymoon, we can't wait to see you when you get back!

click here to see more pics from the wedding

We're Back...

We're back from New England! We got in yesterday afternoon around 3 PM! I am so tired, I didn't even make my poor husband dinner last night. I ordered a pizza, laid on the couch and watched DWTS! I'm so tired, I'll post more later on our great weekend and Jimmy & Jessie's wedding!
xoxo

Mini Vacay, a Birthday, and a Wedding!

I promise the amount of friends that are left to be wed are getting slimmer by the year! It seems like the past 3 years all I've done is help my friends get married, be in weddings, attend weddings, plan them and the list goes on. But, I love weddings and I love my friends! This weekend Hubby and I are headed to New England to be with our friends Jimmy & Jessie, and stand up for them in their wedding. This will be my 6th time as a bridesmaid. We're making a long weekend out of it and spending a few days in Boston. I'm so glad they chose to get married in such a wonderful place. Orion and I get to walk down the aisle together, it's going to be so fun. So... I will be taking a little break from blogging, emailing, etc. to spend a few days with our wonderful friends. I'm so excited.
Tonight, we've got to pick up the tuxes, pack and get some sleep for our 6 AM flight! That's right we're crazy, but I'd rather fly early and get in early rather than later.
Tomorrow we'll fly into Boston around 11 AM, get picked up by the wonderful Papia family! Ready to spend the weekend with the Bride & Groom.
It's also my 26th Birthday on Saturday, I'm not sure what the day holds for me in between wedding details, but after it's all over on Sunday Orion and I are headed to spend a day and a half in Boston. I'm looking forward to it all! Till Monday, I'll be back with pictures!

Wordless Wednesday

photo credit: Jessie Sloane

Fall in Love.....

After the craziness of Miss Twin Cities settled down for me, the next day I slept in, and got up late. Showered on my own time, and then headed to Stillwater, MN to hang out with friends. I asked my friend Jessie to take some pictures of Orion and I for our Christmas cards this year. So we headed to beautiful Stillwater and we couldn't have asked for a more perfect day. Here's a few of my favs:

Now, I'm for sure having a hard time choosing! You can see more of them by clicking here. I'm pretty excited about all of them, you'll have to wait till Christmas to see which one or ones I choose!

4444

Just a fun little ditty from my friend Becky:

A) Four places that I go to over and over.
1. DO
2. High Point Church offices
3. Kathy's house
4. Showplace 16 Theatre

B) Four people who e-mail me (regularly):
1. Sara
2. Becky
3. Eunice
4. Kathy

C) Four favorite smells:
1. cinnamon
2. coffee
3. freshwater cucumber from bath & body
4. fresh pumpkin pie

D) Other places I would rather be right now:
1. at home relaxing
2. in Iowa with my parents
3. Arizona
4. on a vacation

E) Four people I think will respond:
1. Everyone!

F) Four TV shows I watch.
1. The Hills
2. 90210
3. Law and Order SVU
4. Lipstick Jungle

Twin Cities Live & more Pageant Stuff!

So I'm working backwards, there's just way to much going on for 1 post! Friday, we took the girls to a LIVE taping of Twin Cities Live! It was so fun, they got goodie bags, won free stuff, and got to be on t.v. We had a fun group of ladies join us. Then it was off to dress rehearsals! Here's a few pictures from the day:

Angie, Kelsey and Me before taping.

All the girls before taping begins.
Some of the ladies after the LIVE taping.Me and Angie.

Saturday morning, I was up and at it again at 7:30 am! Am I crazy? I think so. I was off to get coffee, and head of to meet our judges for orientation.

Judy, Me and Kathy in coordinating colors. I promise we didn't plan it, we're just that in tune with each other! :)

Our 2009 Judges Panel

What a Weekend!

As you know, Miss Twin Cities & Miss Capital City were this weekend! It was a blast! I'm so excited for our new queens Sara & Brooke! It's truly going to be an amazing year! Here's a few slide shows of the pageant to give you a glimpse on what I was up to all day:

Me and Elizabeth after Friday nights, dress rehearsal!

Jessie & Becky both came to help me out for the evening! Thank you ladies, it was so fun sharing this with you!
My friend Deana, my former pageant Director who was also a judge. It was so good to see her!

Me & Elizabeth after the pageant, I'm so proud of her!