Jill Victoria

My family has gained another member.

Yesterday, my baby brother Matthew married a wonderful girl named Susan. It was a small, close family and friends ceremony at Salem Baptist Church in McDonough. Matthew and Susan were married in the same (original building) chapel as our parents. I know that made it even more special. My dad and GrandDaddy both made toasts.

It’s hard to believe my brother is married and I now have a sister-in-law! I’m so happy for both Matthew and Susan!

In January of 2011, Matt and Susan will have a traditional ceremony to which everyone they want to invite will be asked to come to. Susan wants to have their re-commitment ceremony at the Hazelhurst House, too. I think it would be great if they did! I know I loved every second of my wedding day there.

This time of the year just became even more special. Two wedding in just six weeks and two new and fantastically wonderful people were added to the family.

I can’t help but marvel at how blessed and wonderful my life and family are. I have never lacked anything I needed and I have certainly obtained my fair share of the things I’ve wanted. Loving family, loving husband, new loving in-laws and family, new sister-in-law, great friends, a house, working cars, an education, health, happiness and adventures! I was able to have the wedding of my dreams and marry my best friend, just as I had hoped for my whole life. I’m a newly wed who was fortunate and blessed enough to end up in a house with room to spare.

I have gone and done and experienced more than I ever thought I would in my lifetime. If I have done what I’ve done now, it’s hard to think of what there is to come!

Since it’s so close to Thanksgiving, it’s nice to think of all the wonderful things I’ve been blessed with that I am so truly thankful for.

I really love autumn! Though autumn in Georgia can be confusing. One day can be sunny, cool and have a crisp feel to the air; the next it can be muggy and rainy. But despite that, I love how fall looks and feels. I marvel at the beautiful colors the trees turn. I just wish they had turned in time for the wedding. Still, I get to enjoy them now. Or rather, what’s left of them now.

I think I’ve finally settled into a new routine for life. Things are still hectic feeling at times for me. It’s not easy to change a whole life routine. And I miss being in my lifetime home. Though my new home with my husband is a wonderful place to be! I’m so happy!

I’ve been having a great time with my parents, brother and soon-to-be sister-in-law, Susan. Yesterday I tooke Susan up to Atlanta to a place called Natalie’s for her to try one her dream wedding dress. She looked absolutely gorgeous in it! I’m so glad that Matthew found someone like her to marry.

Susan and I had lunch together at Salsa, since it was right down the road from Natalie’s. It was great to get some girl time with her.

Last Thursday David and I finally got the pictures with Ashley done. We were supposed to have done them in August originally. I’m pleased with the ones she did. As a Christmas gift to my parents, David, Matthew, Susan and I are paying for Ashley to do family photos of the six of us this coming Sunday. I’m really looking forward to it!

I’m also looking forward to Thursday. Matthew and Susan will be getting married in a small, family ceremony at Salem Baptist. They’ll get married in the same chapel as my parents. I’m so excited for them! In January of 2011, after Matthew is back from Iraq, they will have a traditional wedding. Susan really wants to have it at the Hazlehurst House, too. She loved the pictures from the website and from my wedding. I really hope it works out for them to do it that way.

John and Yoly set their wedding date for July 31st of next year. From what they have discussed, it should be a great wedding! I’m just glad that both John and Yoly’s as well as Matthew and Susan’s weddings are both happening locally. I love to travel, but not for two weddings!

Next week is my last week of classes for this block. I’m debating taking a semester break and trying to get the house and my finances more organized. But then, it could be bad for me. I am just now getting into a routine that involves school. Should I deviate from that routine now, or stick it out? I’m really not sure what to do.

I can’t believe that next week is Thanksgiving! I’m looking forward to spending my first holiday season with David as my husband and us both being part of each other’s families. That is one of my favorite parts of being married: family. It’s important for both of us to be involved with family. I just wish Matthew and Susan would be here for the holiday. They leave Thanksgiving morning for Texas to spend time with Susan’s family.

Things in life sure do change quickly. It’s like seasons in Georgia, sudden and never knowing when it might happen!

Today marks one month of marriage. I can honestly say that being a wife is wonderful, but that could also be because David is a wonderful husband. If every woman had a husband as loving, caring, supportive, hard working
and devoted as David is, then all marriages would be easy. Though I will admit, I’m a lucky woman to have married a Cole man. They are a rare and wonderful breed of men. Its not often you find guys like them anymore. Kind, considerate, polite, loving, generous, family and God centered gentlemen. They are great examples of who men should be.

Now I’m glad to know that I will soon have two sister-in-laws! My brother proposed to his girlfriend, Susan. They will get married this month while she is on a 30 day leave from her Army station in South Korea. I’m so happy for them! Susan is a great girl and my brother is a wonderful guy.

My brother-in-law John also proposed to Yoly last week. They plan to get married in July of 2010. It seems that wedding planning didn’t stop at my own! I can’t wait to see what kind of wedding John and Yoly have. If its anything like Yoly was talking about, then it will be fantastic!

Matthew and Susan will have a “real” wedding when Matthew gets back from Iraq. He leaves December 27th for a year. I’m sad he’s going, but proud of his service to this country.

I can’t believe its been a month since I married David! It seems years ago and also like it hasn’t even happened yet.

Creating a home with David has been a great experience. We still have a lot to do, and we’ve had some great help from Lauren and Mandy’s boyfriend, Charlie. Our guest bathroom is done minus a window treatment and a new shower curtain rod. The main living room is done. We just need new furniture to complete the makeover. I want to work on our bedroom and bathroom next. The dining room and kitchen will follow. I’m not sure what to do with the other living room or the guest bedroom and office. We’ll get it figured out though. We have a lifetime to do it.

I wanted to write about our wedding day while its still fresh in my mind.

The day was PERFECT! That 60 – 80% chance of rain that haunted us for almost two weeks never even happened! How awesome is God for doing that?! I want to thank everyone who prayed for the gorgeous weather we had for the whole day.

David and I couldn’t have been happier! Everything was beyond what we could have ever hoped for and more than we deserve. All that we planned went exactly as we wanted. I successfully avoided David seeing me (Though I accidentally saw him out of the bridal suite window. Oops!) and we both got the moment we hoped for as I walked down the aisle. David told me that when he saw me that it was like his heart sped up and stopped at the same time. I knew exactly how he felt.

It was so great to see all the people we did. I scanned the faces as my dad walked me down the aisle (”Moon River by 101 Strings Orchestra, composed by Johnny Mercer) and couldn’t help but have my heart swell with so much love that I literally felt my skin tingle.

I wish I knew how to describe what the moment felt like when I reached David. Everything in my life, the good, the bad, the wise choices and the not so wise choices all fell into place. My dad gave me away on behalf of himself and my mom, and they left me in very safe and loving hands.

Rick Statham, the pastor, did a wonderful job. He didn’t over embellish love by reading Song of Solomon or 1 Corinthians 13, but talked of how David and I are to yield to each other and work as a partnership. If we both live for each other and for God, then we are living in a Christian marriage.

David was so sweet. I knew he was nervous because he was shaking as we held hands and said our vows. During the last prayer, before we kissed our first husband and wife kiss, David started to make what I call his “happy noises”. He basically sighs very content and happy sighs. I knew he was totally overjoyed that we were finally married.

My Aunt Donna served as our MC instead of the DJ. She did a great job. She announced us as we came in and went into our first dance (”At Last” by Etta James). My dad and I had our father/daughter dance (”True Love Waits” by Buddy Holly, which has been stuck in my head all day) and David and Ms. Deb danced their mother/son (”Life Story” by Grant Wilson).

The food was great. Marmalade chicken, roasted potatoes, and green beans. Our wedding cake was strawberry short cake and was delicious!

There was lots of dancing. I danced with Matthew, Emily, Lauren and kinda with Jonathan.

I wish we had more time at the reception. It was a great send off though. David and I walked out in a cascade of tiny bubbles and were driven off in a Model A classic car! I had always imagined leaving in a classic car, but never thought it would happen.

All my girls looked so beautiful. They were a great help and I was so honored they were able to be a part of the day. The groomsmen were handsome as well, especially my brother in his Army dress uniform. I thought my mom looked beautiful in her red dress, and Ms. Deb was lovely in hers as well.

David and I made it safely to the beach condo. I can’t believe I’m laying next to my husband! Its such a sweet yet still foreign word, but I love saying it!

I can’t wait to see pictures from today. Its hard to realize that today is still my wedding day. It was like two days wrapped in one. Though most brides have told me that they didn’t have time to enjoy anything, David and I can both safely say that we enjoyed and savored every second. We had the best day of our lives!

I’m sending out lots of love to our families and our friends. You all made this day very special and we were so blessed to have you as part of our wedding day.

And thus ends my wedding day and my first blog as Mrs. Jill Cole! <3

Why yes, I am blogging on my wedding day! Emily, Krista and Lauren can rip me a new one later, but I want to capture the moment.

So far, so good for everything, including the weather! Please keep praying that the rain holds off till after 12:00.

My mom, Rachel, Emily, Lucie and I all just finished getting hair and makeup done. Now we’re heading to pick up shoes, then on to the Hazlehurst House to finish getting ready!

I’m so excited! I’m getting married! I love David so much and I can’t wait to be his wife! An hour and a half from now, I will be Mrs. Jill Cole.

Holy crap!!!

The wedding countdown is now at 10 days and a few hours. Its so hard to believe that in only 10 days I will be David’s wife! Its totally mind boggeling! And still, I haven’t finished what I needed to do before now.

This Saturday is my bachelorette party. Just a good old fashioned sleep over with some close girl friends. We’ll be going to eat Mexican before the sleep over commences. I really need to get the Goza Road house clean before then. Especially the carpet.

Tomorrow I have an appointment for a haircut and highlights. I’ve never had highlights before, so I’m nervous and excited. TheKnot.com recommended that autumn brides get some highlights to make their hair look fresh, and not dull. So, fingers crossed it turns out good!

I’m so loving the fall weather! Its my favorite time of year, and the cool in the air makes my heart race, because it means its time to get married.

I started my new block of classes. With all I have to do, school is giving me a hard time. Its hard to focus and learn, but I’m doing it. I had to tell my new teachers that I will be missing a week of class, but that I’ll be turning in my assignments the week before. Not sure how I will meet attendance though. I guess i’ll figure out a way around it.

The house is another thing that has my attention. We need to clean and paint and move furniture… but we have no time left. All the stuff I wanted to try and do before this late in time didn’t happen, so now its all bunched up with everything else going on!

Yeah, I’m a bit stressed. Everyone keeps asking how they can help, but how do you ask someone to come and help you move things, or paint, or scrub a carpet that just gets dirty again because no one bothers to care. Plus, when I do ask for help, no one responds. At least David wants to help me. He said he wants to help me as less stressed as possible. He’s wonderful like that.

I so can’t wait for the honeymoon! I plan to relax. At least someone finally have us something on our honeymoonwishes.com registry. Seemed like everyone was scared to do anything on there.

Still, with all the stress, I’m savoring every moment. I’m especially looking forward to seeing family coming into town next week! It will be fun, and I’m kinda bummed that I won’t be around after the wedding to hang out with them.

Please keep David, myself, and our families in your prayers. This is an exciting and stressful time, and it takes a toll on you after awhile. Part of me wants this over with, the other part doesn’t want it to ever end! This is the biggest event in my life, and I don’t want it to also be the biggest stress either.

We are now 18 days away from my wedding day. I can’t even wrap my head around what all needs to be done. Although we have gotten so much accomplished in the past eight months in preparation for both the wedding and the move, I now feel like nothing has been done.

I’m the type of person who likes to have a plan of what will happen way in advance, mostly so I have time to plan more and tweak things. Now we’re down to last minute things and I don’t have time to tweak those.

I’m so ready for the wedding to be over with, but at the same time I’m rather sad that it will be over in just 18 days. I won’t lie, the attention David and I have gotten has been nice. Though not having to plan things or deal with drama will be nice when this is over. The cruise will be great!

On top of the wedding, I have school. My first block of classes ends this week and I’ll be starting my second the week before the wedding! I need to finish my two papers for the current classes and then have to tell my new professors that I’ll be out of class for almost a week and a half.

I’m not stressing about any of that at all. //sarcasm

On a lighter note, I have had some fun lately. Saturday David and I went up to Atlanta to buy my wedding band. Last minute, I know. We went to the Solomon Brothers, which was interesting. The Solomon Brothers is located in an office building, which makes you wonder if you’re in the right place. You even have to sign in to go up to the store!

It was a lucky thing for us. David and I had to wait for a while to be helped, but that paid off well. By the end of our visit, the price of the ring we wanted was reduced for us AND we were offered a free amethyst bracelet! So, I’m obviously going to be using and recommending the Solomon Brothers from now on!

Good news for Emily! She now has herself a boyfriend! No surprise to some of us, and I’m so very happy for her. She’s now in a relationship (officially, since Facebook says so) with a guy she and I have both known the majority of our lives, Greg. I honestly think its a great match and that this will work out very well.

I have started playing World of Warcraft recently. It really helps me take out my frustrations. Lauren and Carlos play too and have been teaching as well as helping me. I really like the game and I believe that David will be getting into it too.

Wednesday I have my final meeting with my wedding planner. My mom and future mother-in-law will be going with me. I could use some prayers for the day of and before the wedding. According to the almanac, its supposed to rain and our ceremony is outside! So, please pray and pray hard to keep the rain away those two days!

Also pray about a new job for me. David talked to a guy he knows who said he is interested in hiring me. That would be so very great! Please keep me in your prayers so I’m not stressed, finish my first block of classes with good grades, have a dry wedding day, and get a new job soon.

Life. Its crazy!

Time is ticking, and its going by a lot faster than I thought it would. In my past experience, anytime I’ve anticipated something big and exciting, time has slowed to a crawl. With my wedding day approaching in just 23 days, I feel like I can barely find time to breathe, let alone do all that needs to be done.

Last week I didn’t have to watch the kids because they were sick. David’s great-aunt Sara died the Saturday before last, so we had the visitation and funeral (I missed the latter due to a migraine) to attend. This past Saturday was Krista and Spencer’s wedding! David was best man for Spencer, and Spencer is one of David’s best men for our wedding.

And yes, I took some mental notes at Krista’s wedding. Honestly, it seemed surreal to me that it was less than a month till my own wedding. I felt like I needed to be planning my wedding while I sat there, watching them say their vows. Strange how that happens in my head.

It was a very nice ceremony and reception. I’m sure that both Krista and Spencer are glad that they’re finally married. They should actually be at sea today on their cruise ship for their honeymoon about now. Luckies!

Sunday was a day of moving furniture from the house David and I will live in to his uncles homes and to John and Yoly’s. I FINALLY got to put together the dining room set that my mom have me three years ago! It looks nice in our dining area. My mom came over and helped put it together. I love seeing the house transform.

Still so much to do! School is getting more intense as it nears the end of my first block of classes. Then I also want to be able to hang out with friends. Its tough to find time for everything and everyone.

I’m excited for what’s to come and what’s happening now. Life is definitely keeping me on my toes!

Today it is exactly one month until my wedding day.

Am I excited? Of course! Am I ready? Yes and no. I’m ready to be married and to experience our wedding day, but I feel so unprepared. There is still so much to do and I feel like there’s no time left to do it in.

But, I’m focusing on the butterflies I feel when I think of October 10th, 2009. It’s all going to be worth it! I still can’t believe it’s a month away… and that when I wake up tomorrow, it will be less than a month to go!

At least I’m enjoying my last days as a “single gal”. I’ve planned my bachelorette party and sent out invitations on Facebook for that. It’s a spend the night party! I can’t think of a better way to spend my bachelorette. Just time with my favorite women in a laid back setting. At least this way I don’t have to worry about people making fools of themselves and me in public. Plus, I’m not much for the bar/club scene.

I’m happy and excited that this time is here and that it’s also almost over. I will never have these times again, so I am soaking it all up. Taking the good with the bad, the relief with the stress and the fun with the down times.

It’s all worth it for David.

In the midst of feeling the stress, the wanting to just throw my hands up and say “I give up!”, I remember this quote:

Time hasn’t stopped for any troubles, heartaches, or any other malfunctions of this world, so please don’t tell me it will stop for you. – C.S. Lewis

I know that time won’t stop for me. I know that time is the most expensive thing we spend and that I won’t get back the time I have now. Even though there are moments lately where I just feel fatigued with stress and everything that I have to do and am expected to do, I wouldn’t want to trade the time I have now for anything.

These are the final days of the life I have always known. I’m about to go from my life as a single girl to my new life as a married woman. I know these moments are precious, that I will never get them back. So, I’m going to savor them for all their worth.

Stress or no stress, this is it.