So many thoughts lately

My mind hasn't been busy with wedding to-do lists and emails to send and plans to confirm. Truthfully, it has been nice to feel more calm and so nice to call Matt Norris my husband. I have shared so many conversations about that day and how wonderful it was and how some things didn't go exactly how I saw them going. But truly, the most important thing is that Matt and I have committed to love one another, for all time.

I have been thinking so much about the woman I want to be and the wife I want to be. Lately I have been feeling like in some ways that I might need a perspective adjustment. I am so blessed, so blessed beyond measure. But I get stuck in my plans for the future and sometimes forget to enjoy this time to the fullest. I find myself wishing that I could be more laid back in certain moments, more easy going.. more patient. I do feel, in all honesty, that the Lord wants more from me. That seems only fair, I want so much more of Him.

I am so thankful for our small group. Sometimes I am blown away by the blessing that it brings to me. I look back and I see times in our lives when God was preparing us to love one another, support and challenge one another, but also to experience Christ as adults. In some ways, it felt easier to make God first when we were immersed in a youth group full of adults spurring us on. But now, it is a daily choice. Who is my Lord? Who saved me? I believe it is Christ who did this, Christ who has given me life.

Steven was bold and he said we must be so cruel to know the love of Christ and not share it. If I truly believe that He has given me life, why do I serve so many other masters.

I want to let go more. I want to keep diving into the heart that God gave me so that I can discover more of my purpose, more of His plan. And truly, I want to be a blessing to my husband. I know that I need God's grace to do that. I feel encouraged and I feel the Lord working in my soul, this is good.

Small group tonight, meet us there Lord.

elle

content & striving

I do not write this blog post because I am not content. I have everything I have ever wanted and more.. I write it because I never want to spoil my todays because I am wishing for what awaits me in all of my tomorrows.

I am still feeling so overwhelmed with blessing and thanks to everyone who did any part, small or large, to make this weekend all that is was. Today, I am a wife and it feels so amazing to be married to Matthew. He cares about me so much and I feel his love for me. Our wedding was incredible and certainly the best day of my life so far, but I feel deep in my heart that the best days are yet to come.

Our Wedding video trailer is posted and I LOVE watching it.. I feel like Leon captured our love for each other. I will post it here!

I love this man, with all of my heart.


Love,
Lindsi Norris

MARRIED!!!

I plan on sharing more about our wedding day, but right now I just want to say that our wedding day was PERFECT. Everything was perfect.. My heart fills with joy every time I see Matt's wedding band on his finger.. Life is so sweet, so so sweet. I will leave you with a couple of preview photos.

My beautiful and wonderful parents walking me down the isle. A time I will not soon forget..


My husband rapping his vows!!! It was incredible. I wouldn't have had that moment any other way. I love you my sweet husband.


THE KISS! Our first kiss as husband and wife. We both agree that married kisses feel different in the best way. FACE-GRAB! HOLLA! that moment was so sweet.

Dancing with my wonderful brother! I had so much fun celebrating with Brian. What a night!!

OKAY! More to come.. time to climb into bed with my sweet husband.

Love,
Lindsi Norris

4 days!!!!!

Matt & I have some INCREDIBLE friends. We are 4 DAYS away and counting by the hour almost... I can't believe how many people we are going to see! Family, friends, friends of our families.. It will be a day that we will never forget. The percentage for possible rain seems to be decreasing, so that is exciting! I could marry him anywhere.. any time with any kind of weather. I would love to walk down that isle though. I have been imagining myself walking down that isle for months and months. But nothing can take away from the power of those moments.

New development! Matt and I had planned to go back to our house on our wedding night. But when my brother heard about our plan.. he couldn't bear to think of it! So instead we will be staying at the ALOFTS!

I am looking forward to that so much. What an incredible time it is going to be!!! I am also glad that I will be leaving my class with a teacher that I love so much. When I come back on May 4th, I will be Mrs.Norris. Life has already been so sweet with Matt, but I really believe that the best is yet to come. My love for him has grown and grown and I am so excited to see where life takes us as husband and wife..

I think I won't be able to resist updating every day! So... talk to you tomorrow!

L

6 days!!!

There were times when time seemed to be going by so slowly, not it seems to be flying by! I am enjoying my relationship with Matt more than ever and what a wonderful way to celebrate the 6 day mark! In less than a week Matt & I will be husband and wife. He makes me better. He sees my heart and sometimes I feel so blessed that I can hardly stand it.

Saturday afternoon was my bridal shower. I am completely blown away by the friends and family I have been blessed with. This was a chance for my Mom & I to thank the women in my life that have meant the most. Each of the girls had the opportunity to write me a card during the luncheon. I read them today and I just couldn't believe how encouraging and thoughtful each note was. So many blessings for Matt and I. These girls can see that Matt is the one for me and I can't explain how good and right that feels.

Last night we had our joint bachelor/b-ette party. We all me up at our place and then the girls went to Fat Daddy's for dinner and drinks and the boys went to Hooter's to do the same. My girls treated me, so generous and so thoughtful. We all met back at the house and continued the celebration. I was overwhelmed with the turn out. So many people gathered to celebrate and we had such an awesome time! It was a perfect day and I'm a little sad that it went so fast. It was also so special that My brother joined us. Having him there meant so much.

Matt and I had a lazy morning and a protein enriched breakfast and then we headed to the Ranger game with some of our dear friends! I won't question how we are this blessed, I know who is responsible. Thank you Lord for loving us so much and blessing us so abundantly.

This week will be busy and we do have some things to get done. However, I want to continue enjoying every day. Everything will get done and then we can celebrate with the people who have had a part in making us who we are and agreeing with us as we join our lives together. Soon, I will have so many photos to share!

6 days!!

L

9 days....!!!!!!!!!

So, I just have to make time to blog.

I feel so blessed today. I have been emailing coordinators and vendors all morning and everything seems smooth so far! We should be getting our video soon from Leon and I can't WAIT to see it!

I was still going back and forth on the summer job idea.. the possibility that I had fell through and I just can't get excited about training for a job that I stay at for 2 months. So my friend calls back today and tells me that her school does need a summer teacher, half day! It is perfect! I fell so blessed. I feel like the Lord sees my needs and is blessing me in a way that I feel I don't deserve.

Matt and I met with our minister again on Tuesday. We talked about the ceremony and planned it all out. I have a more vivid picture of the big day in my mind now. I am trying to think of every detail and remain as organized as possible. However, the most important thing right now is that I remember that in 9 days I will be Matt's wife. I want to be the wife he desires and is proud of. I need the love of Christ to bring this to Matt's life.

I know that our relationship will go to a new level on our special day and I can't wait to be by his side that night celebrating the joy that it will bring us. We really are so blessed, I do not say that lightly at all.

Last night we walked/jogged to Barbara & Tony's with Vegas. It was a little longer than we expected, but I so enjoyed being by his side talking about the exciting times to come.

Feeling great, feeling blessed, feeling so at peace.

L

13 days (that's less than 2 weeks!)

It's been a very eventful couple of days..

Well, I have been doing pretty good at staying calm and not stressing out.. but then I was sitting in church this morning and all of the sudden I started to think about all of the things that are not done. I really want to enjoy this 2 weeks as much as I can. I want to cherish this time, because in 13 days, we won't be engaged anymore. I really can't believe that this last year flew by the way it did.

Yesterday, Mini and I got together and enjoyed some long over due catch-up-chatting. I am blessed with some very sweet friends. I had a to-do list all ready for Saturday while Matt played softball.. but something in me thought spending the day with Matt at the fields would be so much better than that to-do list. I was certainly right. I enjoyed being next to him and cheering on his team, which consists of some very dear friends of mine.

Each day we are a little more settled into our new house. We are adjusting and so is Vegas. I know that this is a temporary landing place for us, but I still want to feel as settled as possible here. We will be welcoming our friends here next weekend to celebrate our wedding coming up! While there is a lot to get done and a lot of things coming up in the next 2 weeks, I am so happy to be in this season with Matt. I wanted to rush through this time.. I admit. But now, I just want to hang on to this time as much as I can. Then, I will be his wife and I will cherish those times in a way that I can't yet imagine or understand.

Leon, gooddayproductions.blogspot.com, posted our love story video preview! It is amazing!! We are so anxious to see the finished product. I feel so thankful that we found such incredible vendors. I highly recommend Leon and Colton Bradshaw as well (who is our amazing photographer!). Enjoy the preview!


Friday night, we went bowling with Matt's dad, Christi and the kids! It was so great to meet them and we look forward to many more times together in the future.

Okay, back to my productive afternoon!

L

Open House..

Last night we had open house for my Pre-Kinder kiddos. I knew that I would enjoy seeing the parents and giving the families their set of Eduplates http://www.eduplate.net/.

But I didn't think that I would hope it wouldn't end. I have enjoyed this year so much as a first year teacher. I am looking forward to next year! I know that I will feel more prepared and ready to serve my students and their families. There were a lot of moments this year where I was just trying to survive and get everything done that needed to be done. This summer I will be able to plan and prepare and do so much more than just survive next year.

I have learned SO MUCH, but mostly I have learned that I was meant to be a teacher. It is the right fit for me and that is a nice feeling..

Right now I am really debating on what I will do with my summer. It will feel so strange not to work, so I am thinking about picking up a summer job. However, would it be fabulous to take the summer off and get SO MUCH done for next year, hang out with my dog and be a newlywed? I mean.. I like the idea of Matt coming home to a clean house and a good meal. I go back and forth on a daily basis.. But I am sure that I will come to a decision at just the right time!

Tonight we are going bowling with Matt's dad and his family. It has been so great to see Matt have the chance to reconnect and for me to be a part of this family. We are blessed beyond measure and I am so thankful.

Lately, I have been hearing how un-stressed I look! That is so great to hear! I am committing to enjoy the next 2 weeks of being engaged. This is the last period of time that I will be Matt's fiance and I want to take in every minute. Everything will get done, maybe some things won't.. but in 15 days, I get to marry Matt. Everything else seems secondary to that very powerful and life changing reality.

I guess I am really moved by a blog I spent some time reading yesterday.. because this is the second time that I have shared an idea that I read there! I don't want to be enough for Matt.. or good for Matt.. I want to be great! I want to make his life so sweet as his help-mate, best friend and partner. I think that we will make each other very happy in this life and I trust that even when difficult times come, he will stay by my side and I will stay by his. I believe that we need strength that only the Lord can give to do this.

The weekend is here again and while it will be busy, it will be great! I plan on getting a lot done for my girls.. our luncheon is next Saturday! My mom has gone above and beyond to make that day perfect. I am so blessed! Okay, I have crammed as much as I can in this post..

L

16 days!

So today I decided that I really want to blog more. I get so much enjoyment out of reading old posts and seeing all that has changed and how I have grown.

In 16 days, I will be marrying the the man that I adore.. I can't believe the day is finally almost here! We met with Dennis, our officiant, on Tuesday to discuss the ceremony and some other things that are good to talk about before you enter into a marriage. I went with few expectations and left knowing that Dennis is exactly the man who is supposed to marry us. I also feel closer to Matt and while I didn't think I could be more certain, I am. Our journey has been so sweet and it started over 10 years ago. Never did I think that we would be here and I am thankful every day that we are.

I read a blog today and she said something that really got my attention... she said that she didn't take for granted, not for one moment, the love that people poured out on her and her new husband. I want to be able to say that.. I know myself and I am afraid that I will worry about small things that are so not significant.

In 16 days I become the wife to the man that I have adored for 10 years. How can it be sweeter than that? I am so looking forward to celebrating with all of our friends and family.. It will be a day that we will always remember and look back on. I have done all I can to make sure that the day is documented!!

But really, I can't wait to be his, to become one, to be a family and love and support each other for all time.

So much to think on... Can't wait!

L

Almost a new year... :)

I have decided to be less hard on myself for not updating this blog more regularly. It is more like a place for me to get my thoughts, that are usually floating around in my mind, into text form so that they float less.

Tonight I was doing some thinking about my summer in Namibia, Africa. While I was there, I was very distracted by things and people that I missed at home. I felt so isolated while I was there and sometimes I regret that I was not more in the moment. However, tonight I decided that I shouldn't apologize for who I was then and how I spent my time or what my thoughts were on most of the time. That experience was nothing like I thought it would be and I think that's what I needed most.

I think we all have the power to let our lives play out in many different ways. There was a time when I saw myself traveling a lot, being single and figuring out life this way. However, Matt came into my life in the most perfect of moments and now I am thrilled to do all my figuring with him by my side. I think about having a family one day and buying our first home. He is my best friend and I know that we will only grow closer with time.

A lot of good things are happening right now. I feel the Spirit of Christ working in my life and it feels so real and peaceful. I have been asking for God to show me how to have an authentic relationship with him. I feel that he is answering my prayer. He is also showing me how faithful He is, even when I am not so faithful.

Matt's grandpa is recovering from some medical issues. We visited him today and I was glad to hug him and tell him that we love him. He has the sweetest and most gentle heart.

Thanks for reading.

L

yikes!

I am not so good about updating this blog.. however, there is much to tell and share!

I am a teacher!!! I teach community-based pre-k in a-town and I love it! Matt and I recently purchased new living room furniture and did a lot of work on our little white house to make it better and we are very happy with it. We have been throwing around the idea of getting Ve a puppy sibling..

Last Sunday, we took our engagement pictures! Our photography, Colton, did an AMAZING job. I will post a couple of my favs, but so far we just have a sneak peak! You can see them here http://www.sixfourteenphotography.com/200
9/09/matt-lindsi.html ! We can't wait to see the rest. I love this man so very much and I cannot wait to be his wife, for all time.

Being with him is really teaching me a lot about myself. I am thinking so much about the wife I want to be. He is my partner and friend and I could not ask for more.

AND we are joining a gym and changing our fitness lives! I did bootcamp this morning and plan to go back tomorrow for another torturous class. We want to start our life together out right!

Have a blessed day and tell the ones you love that you love them.

l

hmm things have changed a bit..

Well, the lead I had is no longer a lead. However, more possibilities have come my way. At this point, I am trying to do what everyone keeps telling me to do.. and trust that the Lord has a perfect plan. How can I not believe this when he has blessed me in ways that I never thought possible: bringing Matthew into my life in the PERFECT moment and giving us a love that will last for all time, providing for all of my physical needs, filling my life with amazing friends and family.

It is interesting to me to see where my peers are in their lives: getting married, having babies, buying houses, getting their careers started. From the start of our relationship, I have thought about a future with Matt. It was obvious to be from very early on that we were meant for each other. Truthfully, there are times when I get a bit anxious that I don't feel as far along as I "should" be. But then I remember, that we all have our story and thank goodness that our stories are different.

I am excited to see where our lives take us, but I am so thankful that Matthew will be there through it all. When I look at him, I see so much love and committment, I see the father in him and the husband. I hear how much he cares for me and our relationship in the way that he speaks to me. I won't lie: being parents is going to be so much fun!
Life will not always be easy, this I am sure of. But I am committed to being a wife who loves and a wife who forgives. And there will be times when I need his forgiveness, too. It is going to be a great journey!

Thanks for reading!

lj

Life is so sweet...

You know that feeling? When life is so sweet that you want to freeze time and just relish in the joy and peace that you feel...



While the wedding is still 281 days away.. we already have a lot taken care of! We have selected our venue and I am SOO pleased.. We will be married in the sculpture garden outside a local art center. We will then enjoy a reception inside with dancing, drink and fun! But most of all, and I am being sincere, I could marry him anywhere... any day. And I would gladly do it now. We both just imagine a room full of the people we love there to celebrate with us.



I got my first "bite" yesterday when a teacher friend of mine told me about a possible job opportunity.. It is not a sure thing, however, it would feel so good to know that I have a teaching job for the Fall. M and I have decided that instead of looking for a house as soon as we thought we would (this Fall), we are strongly considering staying in our little house for a while longer and saving some money. We have a few things that we could get paid off if we were not trying to get into a house and furnish it.. and so on.

It would certainly give us a bit of a head start. We are so happy there, we have a backyard for V and a lot of love. AHH!!! I am so happy!!

lj :)

i love being loved by you...

I am overwhelmed.. but today I am saying this because of how overwhelmed I am by the Lord's goodness. I am not sure that I acknowledge His hand in my life the way I ought to. I know that He is blessing me beyond my greatest expectations.

A year ago, I was going through a difficult time in my life. I had hope, but I was deeply hurting and sad and feeling a number of different losses. I grew so much in that time and there came a day when I was overwhelmed with hope that something so sweet was coming. I felt as though my heart was being prepared and healed for my husband. I am very serious when I say this. Matt came into my life in the perfect moment, as he says and I agree, we needed each other and there we were. Two old friends who have always been in each other's hearts coming together. We knew very early that what was happening between us was something so different than either of us had ever experienced before.

My favorite place is to be by his side, whatever we are doing. We love to spend time with our friends and family and I cherish every chance we get. He helps me to grow and has the kindest heart. He sees the good in everyone... he challenges me. When I am worried or anxious, I can go to him and share. He speaks from his heart and helps me find my way.

He makes me better, I've said it before and I'm sure I will say it again.. Thanks for reading my gushes.. :)

lf

family love.

Last night, we were informed that my Grams has a spot on her lung that could be cancerous. This kind of news brings a rare kind of sadness and fear. But, today the lung specialist said that he did not think it it cancer! My family is overwhelmed with thanks. Before we found out this news, my family was all together at the hospital. We laughed and spoke positively about the situation. It was our first time to hang out with my family since we got engaged...

Matt really is my family. He fits right in and it is the best feeling to have him there with me, in hard moments and in the blissful moments.. My family loves him and hugs him like he belongs, he does belong. I am so excited about marrying him and taking his name!!!

There are so many things to be thankful for! I guess this is going to be a gush-blog for a while.. can't help it!

lj

making dinner..

tonight I was making dinner for Matt and me. Usually the TV is going in our house even if noone is watching it. I had it turned on mute because I was on the phone earlier. I can't see the TV from the kitchen, so it was quiet and still in the house as I prepared dinner. I love when I know that Matt is headed home and will be walking through the door to greet Vegas and me soon. I also loved how quiet my mind was as I waited for the water to boil for our mac n' cheese. I reflected on the conversation that I had with Ashley earlier in the afternoon. So many times during our chat I felt so much joy and excitement for where she is in her life. We have been dear friends for a LONG time and I know we will be for many many years to come.

She will be standing with Matt and me when we get married. I am so lucky to have sweet friends who I can talk to so long that I lose track of time. We can talk about the deep things in our hearts and trust that no judgement will take place. We can celebrate with each other when we experience victories.. and cry with one another when there are hard times.

Today, I think we may have decided where we are getting married! I want to remember all the moments of this time and take it all in. I am marrying the love of my life.. and I couldn't have more peace... love you, Matt.

Love,
Lindsi

my stomach is in knots...

Today we find out if the venue is available. Another couple/person/group has it on hold, but they have to decide by today. I have looked at so many photos of this venue and it is beautiful, outside ceremony/inside reception (which is what we want!), and they allow us to use our own catering and bring in our own alcohol. Unfortuneately.. they are super booked. So, hopefully this day will be open.

If not, I know we will find a wonderful place. But it would feel so great to nail that down. We have been engaged for 3 weeks and I have already found a million more reasons why I want to spend my life with Matt! I think that we are a great balance for each other. Well, I will keep you posted about the venue! We should know.. very soon. yay!

Lindsi

most wonderful time of my life!

June 24, 2009.. Matthew asked me to marry him!!!!! AHHHH!!! So exciting!! The truth is.. I can't wait to be his wife, his partner for always. He got my attention when I was 13.. for so many reasons. I could see that he was real, sincere and loving. He is still all of those and a man.. he was a boy when I met him and now he is a man.. this incredible, loving man who I love with all my heart. It feels so good to know that he is the one I was made for. He supports me in every way and our relationship brings me so much peace and joy.

I believe that the Lord knits our hearts and when he does.. He knits another heart just for us. My heart is Matt's. He makes me better. I know that our life will be so sweet. It will be filled with joys and some pains... but isn't it beautiful when 2 separate people join together and say,

"No matter what I will stay, no matter what I am here, and no matter what I am yours."

So this post is dedicated to Matty, my love. From the moment I said yes, our love has grown and I know that it will continue to grow! YAY! Thank you for reading my mushy post.. I can't help it!

:)

lj (almost ljn!)

over active brain.

I am going to assume that I am not the only female on Earth who thinks too much. I have found that the effects of this condition are quite negative. I have so many things in my life to be so thankful for. I am so blessed, and yet I let the unknown, the unresolved, the inevtiable life stuff rob me. I am missing out on the beauty of being in my early twenties, in love with the man I was made for, pursuing the career of my choice, healthy, strong, with a bright future and so many things to look forward to.

Yet, I worry, I fear, I dwell, I analyze and I miss out. I have used this blog for many things. But for me, it is healing and therapeutic to write. For whatever reason, I don't write very much anymore, but when I do I find comfort and release. As often as I can, I am going to come to the blog and write about my journey to healthier mental habits. And I am sure I will share other things as well. If you read this, I hope that you can find something to relate to or maybe think of something great you can share with me.

My 24th birthday is this week.. it is a crazy and busy week.

Today, I am going to do what I can to get my school work done. Then I am going to go to Matt's softball game and be with our friends. When I get home.. I am going to spend quality time with him and do my best not to be distracted by what is undone. There will always be things to do, a list of chores or errands or assignments or papers to grade.. So I want to cherish the time I have to talk with Matt and connect with him. I want to grow next to him and be the woman he needs. Right now, I feel like I am lacking because I give into my stress so often and forget to enjoy the present.

RIP Phillip Talley

Today is one month since Phillip's death. I think about him every day. That was a special time, miss you Philly. July 26, 1983- July 13, 2008

Thank you, Kelly! I love my page. You are a wonderful friend and sister.

Rocky (my brother's pit bull) met our puppy last night. They are great friends already! We still don't have a name, but she is part of our family. She is hanging out with me now, actually.

I am working on vacation plans for labor day weekend, I can't wait to be a lazy beach babe. I am buying like 15 magazines to read. I can't wait to celebrate with Ashley that next weekend.

I find out where I will be student teaching next Tuesday. I am looking forward to so many things. I am in a new season of life and it just kind of snuck up on me. I am looking forward to the days to come.

Cait and I are hanging tonight, my bestie est. 1998. Life is good and sweet.

Thank you for reading! I am sure, like with all things, this blog with evolve and hopefully provide you with more reading pleasure in the future.

Have a sweet day!

Lindsi