Today, I have been married for one year to the love of my life---CRAZY.

Engagement:



Wedding:





Honeymoon:

If you have Netflix add us as your friend(s) by going here:
http://www.netflix.com/BeMyFriend/PSmmqBbshHg4G5gJ5YXW

This way we can see what we've both been watching. Fun! :)

So...yeah..I still don't have a job. I've looked and looked and looked. And applied everywhere. It seems that it would be easier for a college graduate but I guess I'm wrong!! Its really frustrating and I'm really hating the job market right now. So in this inbetween time I've decided to try to figure out other means of making some cash much like Katie and Joy are doing.

So, I've created a new blog: http://aestheticsofgrace.wordpress.com/
that will be used for more general blogging (this journal is usual friends only and pretty stinkin personal plus most of my lj friends have been here for 3-5 years in my list so we know each other pretty well) and advertisments through Blogvertise (which Joy mentioned to me). I'm excited about it because its a fresh start and a new canvas for my writing! So please check it out and spread my link around the web so I can get my rank up there :)

PS: Also check out my friend Katie @ http://katielovesjoel.livejournal.com/ and Joy @
http://thejoybird.livejournal.com/ who are awesome people trying to make ends meat as well.


<3

I can scarcely believe that we only have 12 days until we start moving into our new apartment, 17 days until my VBF (very best friend!)and Matron of Honor Joy comes from California for pre-wedding girl time, and 25 days until I'm MRS. SPENCER!!! AAAH. the excitement is almost too much.

:) If you were invited to the wedding or thought you were going to be invited AND have not responded with an RSVP, we need to know if you are coming. We've had an awful time with USPS losing our invitations. So please let us know ASAP.

Aside from wedding-ness, this was the 4th weekend I have been away from church on a Sunday because of out of town trips. It makes me so sad! I missed seeing a majority of my close college friends this weekend. Bummer.

While I was in Charlotte at my parents house this weekend, I had the pleasure of watching two really good films, Dreamgirls and Miss Potter. It was nice to take a break and just feel like it was Summer for a little bit.

I'm still looking for a job, but I'm praying and trusting that something wonderful will happen soon!

So that my update! Much love!

Mel

Its funny, this semester I feel like I've become like a leaky faucet. I just can't seem to stop the flow of tears..both good and bad. I worry. I doubt. I distrust God and his timing. I push those I love away. I break. I repent. I release my burdens.... then I gather them back up. But God never seems to care. He's still there. Still waiting to catch me, sooth me, cheer me on. He comes in different forms for me. Lately he's shown his love in three distinct ways: thru my fiance speaking truth in my life/praying for me when I am so fed up that all I can do is shake/sob for an hour, thru music (lately I've felt his presence in the music of Patty Griffin and David Wilcox), and finally thru my small group ladies (we've become so incredibly open and vulnerable with each other. its so beautiful. I see/feel/taste the presence of God when I am around them).

I'm not sure if my leaky-faucet syndrome is a lasting thing or not but it is so refreshing to be able to be a mess in front of those I love the most. This is new for me, since its only been a few years since I've been able to truly open myself up and cry infront of people I trust. I think sometimes words fail us in prayer... sometimes the only way we have to connect with our creator is thru an emotional response like tears. tears can be an act of intercessory worship.

So I am writing this to tell myself to stop feeling guilty for tears. The love of God covers us even in the rain of tears.

Sometimes I just need a reminder.

Last year I had the opportunity to see two of my favorite bands practically back to back... U2 (6 feet from Bono!) and Jump, Little Children at the very LAST EVER Dockstreet Theater Acoustic show! AMAZING.

This year I wish to go to this:

Over The Rhine's " Little Soiree"

"Sunday, December 17th, at 3pm, the day after our Cincinnati homecoming concert at the beautiful Taft Theater in Cincinnati, Karin and I are inviting you once again to join us at St. Elizabeth's in Norwood, Ohio, for some acoustic music, spoken word, festive food and drink, conversation, and basically a chance for us to have a little holiday gathering with our extended musical family before we call it a year. We really enjoyed this last December, and hope to see even more of you this time. Check out overtherhine.com for more details."

I also want the Over The Rhine Christmas album, "Snow Angels".

*Sadly* the OtR soiree is all the way in Ohio... so thats pretty much not happening. boooo.

Instead I will be seeing Derek Webb, Andrew Peterson, Sandra McCracken, Jill Phillips, etc in Charlotte on the Dec. 14th at The Behold the Lamb Tour. Not exactly Over the Rhine...but atleast its Christmasy.

This is for Katie.. and you others who've been pestering me with comments ;)

On Tuesday the 10th we were in NYC and headed to our planned 8 month anniversary date at Tavern on the Green in Central Park. The day (as well as the whole trip) had been a crazy one.. what with my clothes almost getting stolen at Macy's, a near-death experience in a cab, and almost missing our reservation at TOTG. Well we made it to dinner and had yummy food (Me: cauliflower soup, cedar plank encrusted salmon with couscous, and creme brulee. Spence: Ceasar Salad, Couque Ven Chicken with green beans and potatoes, and chocolate mousee cake). The ambiance was wonderful and the interior was absolutley gorgeous. After dinner we had made plans to go on a carriage ride around the park. It was a chilly night, so we got in the carriage and snuggled up in some warm blankets. We looked at the scenery, cuddled, and talked about how blessed we had been by our relationship. Near the end of the carriage ride, Spence turned to me and said "I have one more trick up my sleeve..". I kinda laughed and looked in utter disbelief as he pulled the ring box from his jacket pocket. He then proceeded to say how much he loved me and then asked if I would be his wife. Apparently he says I got really shy, smiley, and giggley (I thought I'd cry!!), and I of course said YES!!! We both couldn't stop smiling!!! :) We kissed and asked the carriage driver to take some pics.




After taking our picture (as seen above), we called his Family and talked to them! Then we got more giggley, smiley and of course kissy! Later, we met up with my parents, and Chip and Cheery at St. Patrick's Cathedral. We told them and they freaked out and called every single family member alive (haha!). Both of our families were VERY VERY excited/happy. Anyway we went inside St. Patrick's Cathedral and prayed for awhile. We thanked God for our relationship, for his bringiung us together, and that He woud continue to work in us as a couple. It was a great time of just praising God and re-submitting our relationship to him. It was a beautiful moment!!

:) so thats how it all came to be :) Come September 29th, I'll be Mrs. Spencer.. woot! :) God, sure knows how to blow me away! I NEVER thought a year ago that I would be getting married ... but here we are. Resting in God's plans.. timing.. and providence. THANK YOU LORD! I love you!

Melody :)

Here are some yummy links for you ;)

I want to order some of this before it gets chilly!
mmm drinking chocolate

So awesome! What a great idea!
Fair Trade Halloween

Spence, we MUST go here. mmmmmmm.
The Chocolate Bar

IF YOU'RE ON MY FRIENDS LIST, I want to know 28 things about you. I don't care if we've never talked, never liked each other, or if we already know everything about each other. I really don't. You are obviously on my list, so let me know with whom I am friends!

1.Your Middle Name:
2. Age:
3. Single or Taken:
4. Favorite Movie:
5. Favorite Song:
6. Favorite Band/Artist:
7. Dirty or Clean:
8. Tattoos and/or Piercings:

HERE COMES THE FUN ... ... ...
1. Do we know each other outside of LJ?
2. Whats your philosophy on life?
3. Would you have my back in a fight?
4. Would you keep a secret from me if you thought it was in my best interest?
5. What is your favorite memory of us?
6. Would you give me a kidney?
7. Tell me one odd/interesting fact about you:
8. Would you take care of me when I'm sick?
9. Can we get together and make a cake?
10. Have you heard any rumors of me lately?
11. Do you/have you talk(ed) crap about me?
12. Do you think I'm a good person?
13. Would you drive across country with me?
14. Do you think I'm attractive?
15. If you could change anything about me, would you?
16. What do you wear to sleep?
17. Would you come over for no reason just to hang out?
18. Would you go on a date with me if i asked you?
19. If I only had one day to live, what would we do together?
20. Will you repost this so i can fill it out for you?

YESSS. CHRIS THILE---Saturday, NOVEMBER 18th @ The Visulite Theater!!!! I'm soo there!! woot!

alissamarie is having an annonymous comment Encourage-Fest...hop on over to her journal and leave some encouragement for your friends! Spread the love!

I have come to a decision...after much thought, this LJ will now be strictly FRIENDS ONLY. If you would like to be added to my FRIENDS list please leave me a comment and I will more than likely add you back.

Thanks so much and many Blessings,

Melody :)

My Becs called me last night out of the blue!! It was so good to talk to Becca even if it was for all of 15 minutes. She's hoping to come see me this Summer which would be wonderful. She made miss Nashville (and her lovely self) very much. :)

I just found 3 out the 5 books I need for Summer classes used for a grand total of $40 on half.com. woot.

I still need to finish this take home exam. I have until 11am tomorrow. eep!

I need coffee,

Really for my own records....
( Crazy-To-Do-List of DOOM )

Also last night, doing the Salvation Army's Night Watch was really awesome. I loved doing ministry side-by-side with Spence. Such a cool learning, growing, stretching experience.

Ok back to my very busy Saturday.

Love! :)

yes..thats right its GORGEOUS outside. Yet, I am stuck inside doing a million-and-one school related things. boo for annotated 8 page reference lists, oral speeches on ethics, reader response papers, sociology papers, and news analysis. Seriously boo.

I can tell it's now officially Spring because my allergies are in full gear. Coughing, sneezing and itchy red eyes are sooo sexy. ;) haha.

This is such an uplifting post, I know. haha.

ok back to being productive :)

I'm bored..and tired of studying Spanish so i thought I'd do this instead. So ask me questions people. What have you always wanted to know about me? Ask away and I'll post responses when I get a chance. :)

Happy Tuesday :)



Ask me anything...



EDIT: boo.. I give up trying to make the text box bigger.. just leave them in the comments

Ten Simple Pleasures

1) new paper journals
2) fresh flowers
3) buying music
4) wearing flip flops
5) picnics on warm days
6) kisses
7) coffee (especially) hazelnut lattes
8) bubble baths
9) new issue of Paste in the mail
10) good, glass of white wine

In other news, it's Saturday and I have so much work to do. Blah. I'm so ready for Summer. heck I'm just ready to be finished with my undergraduate career. But I had a great meeting with my CST department advisor yesterday. She rocks my socks off. She confirmed a lot of thoughts I had kept to myself or just only told Spence. So yeah. It's always cool to have a random professor tell me, I am crazy (in a good way), unique, and intelligent. haha

I miss California a whole bunch. I want to go get a Jamba Juice with Joy and Becca...and go to the beach. And be warm. Ohhh and get some IN-N-OUT. yumm.
I get to talk to Joy tonight though...she will make me feel a bit closer to the West. :)

Have a great weekend, dearlings!

-Mel