Have we met?
Oh hello, there. Have we met? I’m Amy Beth. I used to have a blog that I updated fairly regularly but then I started working very, very hard at my job, managing my own photography business and, oh, had a man move from England to marry me. It’s been a little busy here in Tennessee.
I have a confession. A couple of weekends ago, I slept until 12:30 p.m. It was completely accidental; the night before, Paul and I gave each other a pep talk that went something along the lines of “We have to go to church tomorrow. WE HAVE TO GO TO CHURCH TOMORROW.” So, on Sunday morning, I dutifully got up to get ready but somewhere between thinking about getting in the shower and actually getting in the shower, I found myself laying down “for just ten minutes more” which, unfortunately, turned into three hours.
When I woke up and realized that I had slept past noon and I was too old to blame it on being a teenager, I felt a little bad. I don’t sleep in; the fabulous five and fostering ended my era of being able to sleep in on the weekends and I’ve never regained the ability to sleep past my early morning call time. But then I thought about the hours I have worked over the last month (oh my goodness, THE HOURS I HAVE WORKED OVER THE LAST MONTH) and I made the executive decision to not feel guilty. I have a firm belief that, when you lay down for ten more minutes of sleep and end up sleeping three hours, your body is trying to tell you it needs rest.
Of course, I’m wedding planning, too. For those of you keeping track at home (if anyone is even out there reading anymore), I am less than one month away from being married. It feels really surreal to tell you that. Where are my long-term readers who remember how I was sure — SURE — that I would never get married? Remember those blog posts? Well, this girl can’t believe she’s writing the words oh, I get married in less than a month.
I had my first wedding nightmare two nights ago. I dreamt (dreamed? dreamt?) that I woke up the morning of my wedding with spray tan all over a pair of white pajamas and streaks of missing tan on me. I also dreamt (dreamed? dreamt?) that I didn’t have flowers or a cake on my wedding day which probably came from the fact that I haven’t actually ordered the cake or flowers yet. Ooops.
Paul has now been living in the states for a little over two months and is doing splendidly. He is, of course, homesick at various times but how could you blame him? Every day, when I think of what he left to come here to marry me, I’m awed by his selflessness towards me. I still can’t get over the fact that we get to have dinner together, go to the grocery store together or even just watch television together. It’s funny how, when you haven’t had those things for so long, you really don’t take them for granted when you get them. I hope that, five years from now, I’m still not taking them for granted.
Right now, our days are filled with trying to squeeze in wedding details around my work schedule (Paul has still not received his authorization to work for pay in the US, so he continues to volunteer 40 hours a week and I continue to pray the magical letter appears in our mailbox). The whole Paul-not-being-able-to-work thing has actually been an odd blessing in the fact that one of my biggest desires in a husband was to have someone with a really strong work ethic because my dad has had that his entire life. To see Paul not be able to work — but still choose to volunteer 40 hours a week to be a productive human being — has made me admire him even more than I did before.
We have also been blessed to have Aviean with us quite a bit of time. For those of you who are new, Aviean is my cousin’s daughter and used to stay with me quite a bit but then was gone for a little over a year. For you long time readers, are you ready to see something that will melt your heart?
Life is not perfect, or at least mine isn’t. But sometimes, life is really comforting when you get to love and be loved.
Posted: August 22nd, 2012 under Uncategorized.
Comments: 29
Comments
Comment from ran
Time: August 22, 2012, 9:42 am
YAY! She shared a bit with us! Glad all is well in your world. That is a sweet pic!
Comment from Melissa
Time: August 22, 2012, 9:50 am
LONG time reader and let me tell you, I do remember those days! I am so happy for you! You deserve to be loved, for you have shown love to so many! A is such a doll! Blog when you can!
Comment from CrysHouse
Time: August 22, 2012, 10:32 am
I’ve missed you 
But I’m glad things are awesome (or mostly awesome) for you right now!
Comment from Victoria
Time: August 22, 2012, 11:12 am
Oh yes, I remember the “I’m going to be single for the rest of my life!” posts. Having spent some time praying for you, specifically for that, I am utterly delighted to see God’s fulfillment of the desires of your heart! Now to pray for cake, flowers, a nice tan, and wedded bliss!
Comment from paul
Time: August 22, 2012, 11:52 am
Oh I remember reading the ” No one will ever love me ” posts that, naturally, led to therefore ” No guy would ever want to marry ME ” posts.
Am I thanking anyone who will listen that they never came true. Because all the coming to live a new life with the girl of my dreams would never be in process right now.
Comment from Michelle P
Time: August 22, 2012, 1:41 pm
^
||
*swoon*
Comment from Mocha with Linda
Time: August 22, 2012, 4:53 pm
Yes, I’ve been around awhile, and I remember a lot of heartache. I can’t EVEN begin to tell you how much it makes me smile every time I think about you & Paul and your upcoming wedding!
And how precious the picture with Aviean! So glad she’s back with you.
Comment from Caitlin
Time: August 22, 2012, 5:10 pm
^^ Paul’s comment is the sweetest thing ever. And the above picture? Too adorable.
I, too, remember those posts and personally relate to them quite a bit, and so watching how faithful the Lord has been in bringing you a partner has been inspiring and beautiful to see (read?).
Comment from Katie
Time: August 22, 2012, 5:41 pm
I remember those days when you were sure marriage was never going to happen for you. And I’m so thrilled that those days have come and gone. God is so very faithful! I am so very happy for you! (and Paul!)
Comment from ALE
Time: August 22, 2012, 6:43 pm
I remember those days well… and I hope one day to meet you IRL and meet the man that I have prayed for to come into your life. Gosh, that sounds weird.. being we’ve never actually met.
Also… I did a happy dance (yes, literally) when I saw you updated the blog. I have MISSED you, ABB!
**we need a guest post from Paul about how he met you… fell in live, etc. **
Comment from Julie
Time: August 22, 2012, 6:54 pm
I’ve been missing you. So glad to hear things are going well! I remember those posts and praying for God to send the right person to you. And He did. He is so good! And Paul’s comment? Can you stand it? How precious and sweet!!!
Comment from Destiny
Time: August 22, 2012, 7:27 pm
AB: You’re not only getting married, but you’re the girl of someone’s dreams. (as shared above.) Be still my heart! I couldn’t be happier for you…for finally getting everything you deserve and more.
Comment from kellye
Time: August 22, 2012, 7:34 pm
Amy Beth, I am so HAPPY you posted! I know you are incredibly busy, but I love hearing about this season of joy in your life. You are so mature to appreciate and feel gratitude for the simple things in life, like someone to grocery shop with. Can’t wait for the big day!
Comment from Emily
Time: August 22, 2012, 7:57 pm
Wedding blessings!
Comment from Rutheee
Time: August 23, 2012, 12:52 am
I miss you but I just smile when I see your blog name on my reader list even when it is not lit up. Not writing because you are happy and busy is the best reason of all. Just know that we need, nay deserve to see wedding pictures as soon as humanly possible! Cause we love you and are thrilled for you!
Comment from Krista
Time: August 23, 2012, 1:00 am
I also remember reading those posts… I think I started reading your blog about the time you were having a yard sale to get rid of old Starlight stuff. Or maybe a little before that. But soooo much has happened between then and now and I too am so so happy to see you happy and blessed!
Keep this post to read after you have a fight (sorry, it will probably happen at some point) for a little perspective. At least, things like this help me.
Lots of love!
Comment from Suzanne
Time: August 23, 2012, 7:42 am
I am SO very happy for you and Paul! God answers prayers in His own time and, YAY, it’s YOUR time to reap so many blessings that you deserve! Happy wedding planning and remember, at the end of the day, if the cake fell or the flowers didn’t show, you’ll still be married to THE ONE God picked just for you!
Can’t wait to read all the details!
Much love and blessings!
Comment from MrsLanglie
Time: August 23, 2012, 12:25 pm
Been reading for YEARS and couldn’t be more thrilled for you!
Thank you for the update. I’m excited to know that your wedding date is getting so close and love seeing pictures of you enjoying Avean again.
God is so good!!
Comment from Erin K
Time: August 23, 2012, 2:23 pm
If the pic of Paul and Aviean wasn’t enough, Paul’s comment definitely did it. I can’t come to your blog anymore because I just end up crying. Sorry.
Comment from EG
Time: August 23, 2012, 2:58 pm
I MISSED YOU SO MUCH!!! That’s totally normal, right? Thanks for the update. Yay Aviean and Paul!
Comment from Melody
Time: August 23, 2012, 7:14 pm
Glad to see you posting again. So happy for you.
Comment from nlynch
Time: August 24, 2012, 7:42 am
SO glad you updated! Loved the pic.
Love that you are happy.
Many blessing to you ALL.
NL
Comment from Kim
Time: August 24, 2012, 12:47 pm
I’m another who has missed your posts, but totally understand your crazy/hectic life right now Excited for your upcoming nuptials and will be praying for the day to be beautiful, for things to go smoothly and for you to enjoy your special day to the utmost!
And we’ll be looking forward to hearing about, and seeing photos of, the wedding whenever you have time to post afterward
Comment from Stacy
Time: August 24, 2012, 2:36 pm
Yeah a post! I’m so excited for you. God is good and provides at just the right time. I hope you will continue to keep us long time followers updated with your life.
Comment from Katie
Time: August 24, 2012, 5:17 pm
SUPER excited for you!! I look forward to reading your wedding updates as well. It won’t be long now!!
Comment from Carmen
Time: August 25, 2012, 8:38 am
Hi…Long time reader here, too! YAY FOR YOUR HAPPINESS! And yes, between posting and enjoying your awesome life, ENJOY LIFE! But if you’d like to blog again, that would not be a tragedy
Comment from Stephanie
Time: August 26, 2012, 7:36 pm
The picture of Avian and Paul just brought tears to my eyes. I miss you and can’t wait to see pictures of your wedding!
Comment from Taryn in NY
Time: August 27, 2012, 8:51 pm
This makes me sooo happy!!!
back to Home
Comment from Kelley
Time: August 22, 2012, 9:02 am
So glad to see you posting again amoung the business of life! Sweet picture!!