Nostalgic

I think I may have mentioned that as the leaves begin to turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow and fall takes the place of summer, I tend to get a little nostalgic. I venture into my treasure trove of wonderful memories and pull out some of my favorites, mentally reliving them, smiling and even laughing at others- out loud, which tends to merit you a few curious looks from a few passers by. Nevertheless, I find one of my favorite hobbies this time of year is to sit outside, slowly sipping a cup of tea, feeling the cool breeze on my cheek, and listening to the rustle of leaves as I start to reminisce...

Mom and Dad- they have created so many amazing memories for me. I can't even nail one down as I am thinking about any particular one... Thank you.

I'm in Dublin, Ireland. It is between my junior and senior year of college and I have finally made it to another country to study abroad! I have spent many days and nights exploring this new place and it is a sunny, Sunday afternoon. I am a little homesick and I decline my roommate's invitation to go the farmer's market, choosing instead to nestle up in my bed, reading. A little later, though, Janna peeks her head into my room, announcing shes got a surprise! Blueberries from France, for me, and a cup of tea. The two of us sit in my tiny bed and talk of home and Harry Potter. Perfect.

I'm driving back up to Seward, NE from Austin, TX with Julia. We have both discovered a love of the new Twilight books and we take turns reading and driving- one drives, the other reads. It is nearing sunset and we pull off the highway and drive to a Starbucks where we refuel on delicious coffee confections and begin again!

I'm on a back country road in rural Nebraska with four of my closest friends. The stars are out and they are brilliantly bright. The five of us are laughing and crying over loves found and lost, college coming to a close, and all life's possibilities. We each sip a bit of wine and take turns telling stories and giving hugs.

Kim and I grab a bite at Cafe on the Square. We are there for each other. Sharing our own pain and holding the other up over coffee. We are sisters.

I'm visiting my grandparents in North Platte. They spoil me and we talk and laugh and play games. They build me up and encourage me. I drive back to Seward, renewed, though not quite ready to go back. I stop in Kearney and take in a movie, James Bond something or other. I call my Dad on the last leg and we have an amazing talk.

Rachel and I are dressed to kill at Magnolia's. We prance around the our small, shared room in heels and pajamas to "Single Ladies." We have complete days of talking in a British accent. We snuggle together and watch "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2" on my laptop. We watch a full weekend's worth of "Alias." We go on adventures, photo shoots, scavenger hunts, road trips to Kansas City. Happiness.

I'm swearing off males in general my senior year of college. I am ready to party with the girls and enjoy my freedom! I meet a shaggy-haired, blue-eyed soccer playing transfer. We start out as friends. We sing together in the back of a car. We flirt back and forth. He convinces me to try the whole dating thing again. I do.

I'm in California for student teaching, but do so many more things while I am there. I go hiking, surfing, and biking with the Stahleckers. I sample wines and get treated to Disney Land with Faith and Ryan. I bond with my host family and fall in love with my future husband via letters, emails, and Skype.

Francee and I are at La Paz, after another productive day of shopping! We are sharing our joys and woes of teaching- each praying God uses us in the lives of our students. We go back to my house and watch some chick flick while eating some delicious concoction one of us has whipped up!It May 29, 2010. Finally. Everything is ready. Everyone is waiting. Joel and Aaron open the doors, my Dad takes my hand in his and together, we begin the trek down the aisle. Landon is waiting for me. His eyes are shining with excitement; mine are tearing up. Dad gently gives my hand to Landon and we begin the rest of our lives together on the most perfect of days.


Such wonderful memories. Such incredible people.