Disneeeeey

My husband and I had the distinct pleasure of celebrating with David and Dawn Mills on their 30th wedding anniversary. They have been a huge blessing in our lives and a wonderful model of a loving Christian marriage.

To celebrate, they invited 11 of their family members to a weekend celebration in Disneyworld! Their generousity was more brilliant than the sunny dispositions of the Disneyworld "cast members" (staff). Our group of 13 ranged from age 7 to 75. Magic Kingdom was the perfect destination for our gaggle of celebrators. There are rides that can accomodate many passengers of varied abilities, mostly boat rides. (Many choruses of "I'M ON A BOAT!" were sung throughout the day..)

What was my favorite part you ask? Dinner. We celebrated the Mills' with an anniversary dinner at the Floridian (that looks a lot like the Hotel Del Cornado in San Diego..). We surprised them with a cake and picked up their tab - it was the least we could do to show our love and respect. Jonathan and I sat across from David Sr. and Phil, Jon's grandparents. It was wonderful to chat with them. This was only the third time we've met them, the first being at our wedding and the second being at Jennifer and David B.'s wedding the year prior (Jon's older sister and her new husband). They now live in FL and are very active in serving through their church. It was really fun to chat, joke, and learn.

A highlight for me was the book I was reading : The Shack. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who can read. Seriously, it's that good! While on the plane to Orlando, the wonderfully bubbly and welcoming flight attendant commented on the book. I could immediately tell from the aura and love emminating from her that she was a believer. I wrote her a note describing what an encouragement she was to me and how beautifully she allowed God to shine through her. I gave the note to another flight attendant to deliver. Later, I saw her walk off of the plane later with tears in her eyes - she was so touched. I approached her, we hugged, giggled, and exhanged "God bless you"'s. This book has changed my view of God for the better - it's a relationship, not rule keeping. God has used the book to give me the encouragement to encourage others.

Disney may be the happiest place on Earth, but my joy is heaven sent and heaven bound :)

From a 6 to a 10!

"I'm not fat.. I'm festively plump"

I come from a "thicker" family. My family members of German Norweigen descent are either over 6' or under 5'. Our hearty European ancestors really knew how to eat and drink and be merry. Myself on the other hand, I've always been the odd one out; I'm 5'4" and usually average size by European American standards. I've still battled with weight, but it was due to my self image issues rather than genetic makeup. 2 years ago for my wedding, my mother and I both got into the best shape of our lives. After the vows, we scurried off to our Honeymoon to eat the food I swore off for 6 months. But alas, marriage is infamous for bringing on the pounds and I don't like to disapoint the status quo in such matters.

So, 2 years later, my mom is still in excellent shape and I have gone from a size 6 to a 10. At first I was really upset about my weight gain, but after a few revelations, I've come to terms that it's not my body I'm upset with, it's my clothes. I love shopping and hate throwing things away. I adore dresses and dressing nicely. All of my favorite outfits no longer fit me due to my increased girth. As soon as I put on clothes that fit my curves, I love my shape. After a few yard sales and proper under garnments, I am more comfortable with my body than I was before my wedding day.

So now, here I sit on my couch watching Dancing with the Stars (Go Neicy Nash!) and eating popcorn, remembering that it's not the number on the scale or even the number on the dress; it's the way it makes you feel. I smile to remember that Marilyn Monroe was a size 14/16 by today's standards (look at Some Like It Hot; baby's got some major back). Most of Hollywood is under a size 6, eating their egg white omlettes and splurging on Diet Cokes. I'll take my medium rare steak with garlic mash potatoes for the win :)