Monday, July 28, 2008

I need/want/have to change my name!!!

If only it was all as easy as saying, "hi, my name is Meaghan Grable" but it isn't...

First, you have to order your marriage certificate.
2. go to the Social Security office.
Thirdly, drive over to the DMV & pay money for a new license & a new title, because the world needs more money...
4. send in for a new passport just in case you feel the urge to flee the country =)
Lastly (for the most part..), combine bank accounts with your husband with your new name & all!

Yes, we are one month into the marriage and I am only on step 1, but hopefully it will come together before we hit month 2...

First day of work = good. I just watched as others did things, but I'll get my chance. I just feel overwhelmed & nervous still.

My husband is the BEST! I came home to beautiful flowers & a homemade macaroni dish... it was wonderful! We ended the night with some handmade ice cream (via the beautiful pink Kitchenaid)... I love being married!

Sunday, July 27, 2008

One month down... a lifetime to go!

Thursday, July 24, 2008

I got a job!

I'll be doing similar tasks as I was at the credit union, but on a much larger scale (they have 60 branches, Mid Oregon had 4).
I'm not sure when I start, but I've had a good time being a full-time housewife.

In other news, Bethany, Jon, & Rachel came over for hamburgers and wedding pictures on Tuesday night. It was a good time and they were all troopers, sitting through 500+ wedding picture slide show... WOW!

Meaghan, Sam, Rachel, Bethany, & Buster (Jon & Lily not pictured)

Hope you're all having a good week!

Monday, July 21, 2008

Happy Birthday Karkeys!

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Off to Bend we go...
Our first road trip as husband and wife (& dogs...)

My mom took us out to McMenemins for a late birthday dinner.
(Notice the long hair...)

My brother & mom.

The best macaroni EVER!

And the reason we headed to Bend in the first place...
My good friend from high school (we were practically inseparable freshman & sophomore year), Kacie Mcgee...

...is now Mrs. Kacie Ryan!!!

The bride & I (and my shorter hair...)

And before we left the wedding, my mom had to get a shot of Sam & I dancing since we didn't get a first dance at our wedding, so here we are... =)

We had a great time in Bend!
It was sadly cut shorter than we planned because Lily & Trede (my mom's dog) didn't hit it off and we decided to hit the road early on Sunday.
Thanks for the great time mom! We'll be back soon!

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Happy birthday to me!

Yesterday, I turned 23. For some reason, that feels old to me, but still young enough to be spoiled =)

The day started with breakfast made by my sweet husband. He got up early and went to the store and bought flowers and breakfast fixings and came home and made a delicious breakfast. We had waffles with strawberries and whipped cream and bacon. It was great!

Then I got ready for the day and made my first venture to the downtown mall. I had planned on taking back a few of our wedding gifts and wanted to check out the downtown Salem Macy's. I ended up spending almost 3 hours out and didn't even get lost!

Sam had arranged for his family to come down to Salem for dinner, so Phil, Donna, Laura, & Sam's grandparents all made the trip down. Matt also made the trip up from Eugene, so almost all the kids were together. Josh (our brother-in-law) was out at camp and was sorely missed. Charles & Kristi also made it over, which made for a fun bunch of people! We had pizza and salad and Laura brought over her tasty shortcake with strawberries & ice cream, which was great!

I had a wonderful day with family & friends! My day even ended with a missed call from my favorites in Thailand - Sorry Kel & BQ =( I wish I could have talked to the two of you!! Thank you also to all the cards & e-mails & facebook posts of love - I definitely felt it!

Monday, July 7, 2008

A year ago...

As I begin to think about my 23 birthday (half way to 46... crazy huh?), it's hard not to be thrown back to a year ago.

I had just gotten back from my 3 week mission trip to India.
At this time, I was at my roommate's & good friend's (the Stokke's, woo!) wedding in Sherwood. It was a beautiful summer afternoon/evening and love was in the air.
I was preparing to head down to Eugene to spend a much needed, restful time down at Kelly's farm.
I didn't have a job.
I had just 'saved the date' for the big wedding to happen the next summer (June 27, 2008!).
I was just 21 and felt young...

Now, this isn't meant to sound down or sad, but just a look back at where I was a year ago. I wouldn't change anything that happened this last year for any bone in my body. This last year has made me into the person I am today, and I love that.

Within the last year, I...
*got a job at a local credit union and made lifelong friends instantly.
*said goodbye to my best friend, Kelly, as she embarked on a long awaited, year-long journey to Thailand.
*bought a house in Salem, OR with Sam.
*planned and executed my dream wedding, my perfect day!

There were definitely other things that happened, but those were my big-time moments.

Now, as I step into 23 (still weird!) I wonder what is in-store for me this next year. Where will I work? Who will I meet? Who will I have to say goodbye to? Where will Sam and I go in life together? All these questions don't need an answer now, but they are definitely hanging around.

I couldn't be happier right now and life is great! I hope you will stay tuned to see what will happen to me - I know I will =)

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Happy Married Life!

Yup, 5 days ago I was walking down the isle to the man of my dreams. All I could see was his face tearing up and that brought back the butterflies that he has always given me. We said our vows and exchanged rings and when the pastor said, "You may now kiss the bride", I knew that was what Sam had been waiting for. We were officially married!

Our reception was fun! The food was good and all the people that showed up to support us was even better. The toasts made us laugh and cry and the cupcakes only made it in our mouths (lucky for Sam ;-)). We had our exit and tried to say goodbye to everyone who made it. Then, we were on our own.

Since that night, it's just been the two of us. We're making it work and getting used to each other - at least we're still laughing and kissing. On Saturday we drove back and unpacked the car. Sunday, we unpacked some more and went to the grocery store together. Monday, we rested and relaxed and ended the day hanging out with the Weathers. Tuesday, we woke up late and headed down to Eugene to say our goodbyes to my bestest, Kelly, and have dinner with our brother Matt! Today, we got up early and made a few trips to Walmart, Lowes, & Home Depot to pick up bark dust, trees, and soil. The rest of the day was spent going through wedding pictures that Kelly & her mom took (which I LOVE!!!).

Basically, we are just adjusting and doing great! We couldn't be happier and we can't wait to see what life has in store for us. In a few days, we'll be back to normal life - Sam goes back to work and I have to find a job. We'll always remember this first week, but we have a lifetime together and that's what I'm most excited for!

Signing off...
Meaghan Grable =)