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!

Miss Capital City

I'm so excited to announce the "birth" of the Miss Capital City Pageant! It falls under the umbrella of Miss Twin Cities. This year the Miss Twin Cities Organization will be crowning 2 girls; Miss Twin Cities & Miss Capital City. Due to the great contestant turn out this year we've decided to grow and expand the program. Kathy, Judy and I couldn't be more excited about the chance to work with 2 amazing ladies in this next year! We've been hard at work this past week with rehearsals, and getting the pageant ready for Saturday! It's going to be an amazing evening! I'm so excited, there's so much talent this year in the ladies! If you haven't gotten a ticket make sure you do! There's only 20 seats remaining in the theatre! To find out more on this exciting addition visit the Miss Capital City website:

www.misscapitalcityminnesota.com

See you on Saturday night!

Angie in L.A.

Angie has been in L.A. filming TLC's Relaity Check. Here's a few pics from her recent visit to a children's hospital. She comes home tomorrow, just in time to give away her title of Miss Twin Cities 2008!

Wordless Wednesday

Just another preview from Sunday's rehearsals.

I'm Alive.....

I'm definitely back in Minnesota..... I've been sick for the past couple days. I'm feeling a little bit better but very overwhelmed at the sight of my desk and inbox. Not to mention the blinking voice mail light on my phone that I've been avoiding thus far.
This week is not a week for the sick, this week of all weeks if my busiest week! Miss Twin Cities is this week! I've got rehearsals every night this week, and a pile of work to do for our silent auction. But... it's going to be good people! BIG news... we're crowning 2 girls this year! Miss Twin Cities, and the 1st ever Miss Capital City! I'm so excited. Here's a little preview from Sunday's rehearsal:

Seriously... get your tickets now cause there's only 20 seats left! And there are some sweet items up for silent auction, bring your money and get your bidding faces on!

I leave you now to try and get somethings done before my week gets away from me for real! Toodles!

Working girl travels to Kansas City

It's almost 8:30 PM, we rolled into Kansas City around 5 PM. Got settled and then headed out for dinner. Now, we're back at the hotel, I am blogging and relaxing. I am missing my home, my hubby and my puppy. We're headed back to Minneapolis tomorrow morning. I can't wait to be home.
All my days running together...it hardly feels like the weekend. And by the time I get home there won't be much of one left either really. But I am thankful for the trip, I learned a lot...so it was worth the trip. I've been also learning a lot about my c0-workers, and bonding! Now it's off to settle into this hotel bed, and get some sleep!
xoxo
AW

Working girl goes to Springfield- Part deux

It's day 1 of this conference, and I rolled into my hotel room at about 8 PM, just in time to change and turn on the VP debate. It was a long day, waking up at my normal time of 6 AM, getting ready, headed to the hotel dining room for breakfast, grabbed Starbucks as I headed to the shuttle to ride on over to the conference. The seminar began at 9 AM, and lasted till 7:45 PM. It was a seriously long day..... by the time I made it here I was ready to relax.
It was a great day, lots of information to take in. I was especially interested in the legal part of the seminar, concerning the legal aspects of the church and what are and aren't our liabilities in the church. Later on this afternoon, Sue my co-worker took me over the Headquarters, and gave me her own personal tour of the Mecca! It was awesome!
Tomorrow we start all over again in the morning, same time, same routine. Only we get done at 3 PM, and not 8. Then we'll head to Kansas City to stay over night, and then head home to Minnesota. I'm already counting down the hours till I get to see my Hubby!
It's only 9:19, but I am tired.... I don't have much energy tonight! Plus, I'm trying to listen to Sarah and concentrate on this debate...... till next time... toodles!
xoxo
AW

Hey it's October!

Yes, it's true....and that makes me excited.... here's a couple reasons why:

1. October is my birth month! That's right peeps it's only 16 more days till my birthday! I love birthdays, not just my own but in general! I love the idea of your own day, just for you to celebrate how you want to. A whole day devoted to you! It comes once a year and that's just enough for me!

2. October is Breast Cancer Research & Awareness month! It's a disease and research I am passionate about. So go out and buy yourself something Pink, to support the cure. And check out The Susan G. Komen Foundation for more ways that you can get involved!

3. October is the 1st Anniversary of my photography business. 1 year ago this month I opened officially for business, it's been awesome. To find out more, and to get the scoop on all my anniversary specials check out my photography blog for the skinny!

xoxo

AW

Working girl goes to Springfield

I've been in a car for the last few hours, headed to Springfield for a work trip. I got into my office around 7:30 am, and did a little work, answered a few emails, checked my phone messages before getting in a car to make the trip to Springfield, MO. I'm writing now in my hotel room, thinking I should probably get some sleep for the conference tomorrow.
I've been able to travel all over the state of Minnesota for my job since I started in November, it has it's advantages, and disadvantages but for the most part I love my job. I don't however love being away from my Hubby for days at a time. To bad I couldn't pack him in my suitcase.
After a long trip here all day long we got into Springfield about 7 PM, headed straight to dinner, and then checked into our hotel. After turning on the lap top and answering the days emails I find myself here at 10:19 PM unwinding, and thinking about turning in.
I'll be here till Friday late afternoon, and then we will make our way back to Minneapolis, with a stay in Kansas City for the night. Saturday sometime, I'll be home again in my own bed. Even though these hotel beds are pretty great, I'd still love to be at home with hubby & Bentley!
I'm not sure what to expect from this conference, I'm the newbie.... but I am going to learn, take it all in, and absorb what I can and be thankful that I have a job, and get to travel and go to some fun places. It's an adventure, I've never been to Springfield or Missouri for that matter other than driving through once.
Till tomorrow, when I have more to say about this trip, and might possibly know what this conference entails......
xoxo
AW

Wordless Wednesday

Photo credit: Flickr member Wine Country Photography