10 days, 1 hour...

I'm sitting in the living room eating breakfast with Mimi and Flash. I feel like this getting married thing is surreal to me. I talked to Rachel, who gets married this weekend, and she agrees with me. It's so hard to believe that all of this is really happening.

We are moving my things into the apartment these last two weeks, little by little. We are going through the temple next week and then sealed on that Friday.

I have been working on a surprise for Gordon and I was so excited that Aly and I finished this by driving into Flower Mound. It ended up being a little frustrating but it all worked out.

Wedding Invitations

Here are the JPGs and PDFs of our wedding invitation. Just click on each image to enlarge.

Final Crit

Here are some of the pictures from my ceramic final this semester.

Counting down...

There has been so much in the last couple months. Here is a slide show. From Gordon's birthday to Thanksgiving to planning for the wedding and school ending, I hope this helps fill you in a little.

Update On The Bed

As I have previously mentioned, Gordon won a bed a little bit ago from work. He was able to choose any size and any type of Simmons mattress. Along with this blessing, a couple weeks before that, we were given a king size bed frame from the Allens. We chose the BeautyRest Black Edaline Plush, King size. We have to pay $35.00 for delivery fees and no gift fees. That is all. We are really thankful for the blessings. The bed will be delivered in about two weeks. Next week we will have an exact date for delivery.

"I won a bed for us!!!!"

Gordon is in training this week for Mattress Firm in Houston. It has been a long week for him and he has been really looking forward to coming home. He went down knowing there was a chance to win a bid for us and he expressed his desire to win one instead of buying one in December. I reminded him to express his feelings to our loving Father in Heaven. At 12:13 pm today, I received the following text from him: "I won a bed for us!!!! I won the only bed of the week" We are both really excited and will keep you posted on what bed we get and more wedding plans that come up.

Wedding Updates

Photographer:
Our photographer is going to be Adam Pippin. He is Cathe's cousin and we are getting a great deal on everything. We are very excited.

Gordon's band:



My band:



Reception & Invites:
We are still trying to decide between two different places for the ring ceremony and reception. As far as addresses go, I am starting to collect and compile them all. Soon I will be asking everyone for their address to make sure I have it correct.

The Dress:
Mom is making my dress, however, we have not done anything yet. I know we need to get moving. Everything is so busy with everyone's school, work and counseling. Gordon is working 55+ hrs/week and Mom is teaching three classes at UNT and three or four at NCTC. I am still working and going to school at UNT. I am actually working in two positions there and working on my portfolio to work for Apple.

Thank you everyone for helping me stay on track and my family for their support and ideas.

False Alarm...UPDATED

I am not pregnant. I have been sick for almost two months and we were very excited when we thought I was on the up swing of being sick. This was not so. I am still sick and due for another appointment with the UNT clinic.

100 days and counting...

Well, for those of you that don't know...I have been sick for over a month now. I have acute bronchitis. I am still on Institute Council and the wedding plans have picked back up when we figured out a couple weeks ago that we have just over three months left.

Gordon's parents decided they would like to do a "rehearsal" dinner. It will only be our siblings, their spouses and our parents the night before.

We are wanting to have Adam Pippin as our photographer. He's Cathe's cousin and we really like his work.

We decided we are going to have lunch after the pictures at the temple with just our parents. We are looking to eat at Zizikis. Gordon and I still need to go talk to them about allergies as well as the restaurant his parents will want to have the rehearsal dinner.

We are still deciding little details but we are hoping to have everything done in the next month possibly.

As far as the kids, I really want to do something for the five children the morning before, however, my ideas are limited. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Thanks.

Learning To Play Together

I remember a time when the Blanchards still lived in San Angelo when a bunch of us played in the rain and then went and watched a movie on their living room floor. Another time I went out in pajamas to play in the rain even when no one would join me. In Denton, Sandy and I would go for walks in the rain. I don't think she liked having wet fur as much as I liked being soaked but she was always willing to spend the time with me and show her love.

Tonight it the rain was pouring. I felt like I had to beg Flash to play in the rain with me. At first it was mostly him just standing there watching me jump in puddles and dance around. With a little encouragement and teaching, he remembered how to be a kid and in no time he was just as wet as I was. Rain has always been something I enjoyed, I'm excited that it is now something that I can enjoy with Flash! Here are some pictures for your enjoyment and laughter.

We Have a Job!!!!

Flash accepted a job with Mattress Firm today! He will start either this Wednesday or the next. He will be in their Manager Training program for 90 days. We are really excited! He also turned down the job offer from Sherwin Williams. It was a hard decision for him but it came down to living in Oklahoma or here in Texas...Texas won. Well I guess with me being in Texas, helped it win a little ;) Even though we were alright with the idea of being apart for the next couple months, we really did not want to go through that.

Lauren's Knowledge

I want to thank Lauren if giving me the following two links for more templates.

http://leeloublogs.blogspot.com/
http://www.pyzam.com/bloggertemplates

Also, I spent way TOO much time looking through both sites. Don't be surprized if it changes a couple times until I'm sure of what I want.

Thanks Lauren!!!

P.S. I love the buttons...so many to choose from...

Family and Bikes

Saturday was out first training for both the marathon and the bikeathon. It was so much fun. Somehow I got a flat and when I pulled my bike off the rack after we were back in Denton, my front tire was dead.
Flash and I got a tube and fixed my bike tonight after I made it back in town from counseling. There was a good half inch hole in it. I'm excited to have it fixed so I cna ride some more. I really enjoy riding the bike and look forward to the bikeathon in Tucson.

After training for both events, we drove over to Flash's parents house. I finaly meet Catherine! I was excited! I was so tired from leaving town around 6am for training, I almost fell asleep several times on the couch while visiting.

Date Night

I have to let you all in on a little secret...well you all know already...Gordon is a great guy. He is so sweet at times. He is very adamant that we have a date every week, even if it is only 30 min. Tonight we had dessert first. We went through the drive through at Chick-Fill-A to see Aly and to get a ice cream cone to split. We planned to go to McAlister's but they close at 9pm and with institute, it's kind of hard to go to places that close before 9:30pm. We ended up at Chipotle witch is one of the places we like a lot. We did make a list of the next couple places we would like to go. We are trying to try new restaurants that are not too price. We are not wanting to get in a rut with our dates.

Here are some of our ideas:
Rooster's Roadhouse
Fuddruckers
McAlister's
Michael's Kitchen
El Chaparral Grill
State Fair
Circus
Zoo

These are in no certain order and if you have suggestions, please feel free.

Sarah's Team in Training

I had to laugh when I logged in to post and saw that Flash beat me to it. As he talked about, we are both participating in Team in Training (TNT). Well, he already gave you the background info so I will just be a selfish and talk about myself.

I'm 100% terrified that I won't be able to do both of these events:

El Tour de Tusan:
With this being 100 miles, I honestly might not finish the entire course, but I will do my very best with training and I will ride as far as I can.
I have biked over 10 miles before and participated in the Cow Creek Classic, but the thought of doing 109 miles is down right scary. Most of you know that I am not very physically fit.

White Rock Half Marathon:
I'm only running a half. I admire Flash for his strong desire to run the full.
The last time I ran a full mile was in JR High. Can you believe that?!? That was a long time ago. I'm starting off slow and hopefully before I know it I will be able to run a mile and maybe even the entire 13+ for the half.

You can see my Websites by clicking on the title of the event you wish to see. If you have any questions, donations or words of encouragement, please let me know! (Especially the encouragements, I will need it) :)

Team in Training

Yesterday Sarah and I went to sign up for Team in Training, which for those of you who do not know is an organization that raises money for the leukemia and lymphoma societies across the United States. Through running, cycling, and triathlon events, participants use these venues to train and at the same time raise money for research, testing, and treatment for these life changing illnesses.

I shall let Sarah talk about what she is doing, but I am running in the WhiteRock Marathon (yes the full 26.2 miles), on December 14th, 2008 and the El Tour de Tucson century ride on November the 22nd. These two events will be challenging in there own right, but the rewards that will come from it will make every training event worth going to and every benchmark something to strive for.

Team in Training has provided us websites so that we can put up pictures and chart our progress both training and fund raising/donation wise.

My goal is to finish both events and to raise at least $6000, so that a life might be bettered by my decision to participate in Team in Training. Any donation, even a $1, will be appreciated from the bottom of my heart. Please let everyone you know what we are doing so that we can be a small part in helping to find a cure for leukemia and lymphoma. I look forward to keeping everyone updated as we go along.

Thanks!

Gordon


Our website addresses:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/ntx/Whiterck08/gbolton
http://pages.teamintraining.org/ntx/tucson08/gbolton

http://pages.teamintraining.org/ntx/Whiterck08/SarahKathryn
http://pages.teamintraining.org/ntx/tucson08/SarahKathryn

Birthdays...What are they for?

As some of you know, I HATE my birthday. To just give you two to the things that went wrong...My computer crashed. Yes, I know what you are thinking..."it's a mac...what do you mean it crashed?" My harddrive failed. I was able to salvage some of it today...like the wedding invites I designed :) Also, when I was getting ready to go home, I happened to lock my keys in one of the rooms I work in. When the UNT cop finally showed up, he had to "verify" I had authorization to the room. The dispatcher kept trying to tell him to just let me in. After he argued with the dispatcher, he finally let me in to get my keys. Gordon helped make my day better. We went out to Olive Garden (aka Soy Garden) for dinner after institute. Diana and my mom decorated my car as will while I was at institute. Nancy and Marques took me out to lunch today as well. Marques also is the one that has been helping me with my computer. I'm hopping that tomorrow Mike and I can drive into Plano to go to the Apple Store.

pushing forward

What a week of mixed emotions this has been. From another job rejection, to my graduation becoming official, and a little batman mixed in between. Sarah has well noted our wedding plans, and where we are going with that. Being involved is fun, and Sarah is doing a great job at giving me ideas and letting me know what she wants to do. I have just decided to do Team in Training (http://www.teamintraining.org/) and train for the Dallas White Rock Marathon and the El Tour de Tucson century bike race. Sarah and I went to it, as she signed me up, and it looks like something that is going to be extremely rewarding. It should be an interesting 4 months training for two long events. Hopefully we can get pictures up as we train to keep everyone updated as we go along.

Gordon

My Own Personal Angel

Tonight I was really having a hard time. I talked to Aerro for a while and realized how much I missed her and Nicole. I have been feeling very lonely lately and most especially tonight. I ended up calling my mom in tears sometime after 9pm. She rescued me. I went up to UNT (where she was currently working) and we watched Bed of Roses. I bought this Thursday whild Flash and I were on our date. The only thing I could remember about it was that Wil liked it. We watched to movie and spent some time together.

I have been blessed more than any with having the mother that I do. She is beyond amazing and always their beside me encouraging me weither it's church, school, counseling or life in gerneral. The amount of love she has is overwhelming. I know sometimes she wonders, but I love her so much. She is always by my side and in my heart. I could never ask for another angel for a best friend. She is the very BEST. Thanks Mimi!

Fuzzy Tacos...?

Aims and I went to lunch today at a place called Fuzzy's Taco Shop. It was really good. In all honesty it was much better than I expected. Aims had two shrimp tacos and I had a cheese enchilada and a beef taco (both really tasty). The price was so-so but a fun new place on my list of random Denton restaurants.


This was on the board at Fuzzy's.

It's Official

I'm so proud to say that it is official! Flash made a B in our Elem Stats class! We are so excited...well I think I'm more excited than he is. We will go pick up our transcripts tomorrow and give them to UNT. Then in August Flash will graduate with his undergrad! He interviewed last Friday with Enterprise and we are waiting to here back from them. They told him that they would call him by Thursday, so just one more day to wait.

Wedding Plans Update

Gordon and I have been looking at ties. We have not made a final decision for them as of yet. Monday, Mom and I got fabric strips and some flowers at Joans. We will try to get fabric samples distributed for everyone sooner rather than latter. If anyone has any questions, you can call or email Gordon and I. I talked to Natalie and she is excited to get to wear a special dress for the wedding. She is very cute and she asked to have pink flowers on her dress. Mom will be making it and she knows of Natalie's request. I think she might have been bribed by Lauren because pink is a girlly color ;) Mom and I are looking for a way to give her a little pink on her dress and tie it in with the rest of the wedding. We think we know what fabric we want for Natalie's dress but we would like to show Cathe before we do anything and get her opinion. We also plan on making a dress for Ella and we plan on getting ties for not only the adults but Ammon, Adam and baby Jake. Lauren sent us to this site and we like one but we are still looking around and we talked about getting similar ties but not matching ones and letting everyone choose their tie. I will try to keep everyone posted as things progress.

Pictures from the 5th of July at the Oasis.

Pictures from the 4th of July

4th of July Fireworks

For Mimi, I decided to make a video of the fireworks we saw. Gordon and I were on Lake Travis for them and they were VERY close. I hope you all enjoy them as much as we did. We did not have music to them that night but I thought it would be nice to have it, like in San Angelo. I love you all and I am so thankful for the military and my family members that have served and are now serving. Thank you!

Austin

Gordon and I had a blast in Austin. He came back a little red and I came back a little tan. It shows the Italian in me with that olive skin showing through the German in me :) We studded a little bit for our Stats class. This is the last week. I'm excited. After we are done with this class, Gordon is done with his undergrad!!!

Blessing From Above

So for those of you that really know me, you know that I have struggled with depression my entire life. For the past couple years, it has been pretty good. my depression has been something that I could control myself. The past few weeks have been really hard. I feel that Satan has been attacking me and my relationship with Flash continually with no rest. It has really taken a toll on me and my spirit.

Poor Flash has been putting up with it so well. Tonight we were able to sit down and really talk about it all for a good hour or so. He is such a great friend and example to me. He is a rock that I am thankful to have in my life through these hard times. He constantly tries to remind me that I am a child of God and how important I am. It's funny to think that I was raised all my life knowing that I am a child of God and he has only been taught for a couple months but yet he is the one that has to remind me...you know my brain. I am very blessed that Heavenly Father has literally put him in my life and in the lives of my family and friends. The example he is to us all is amazing and I don't have a problem saying that we are all better for knowing him and growing to truly love him. I know that even if I was not marrying him that the effect on my life he has had would still be great beyond measure.

Gordon is a blessing in my life and I pray that I can continue to remember that and strive to be more like him. He is there for me when I'm mad or frustrated. He is there for me when I scared and tired. He is there for me when I cry and feel the world is falling apart. He is even there when I freak out because I'm not in control of everything and when I struggle letting go of things and just trusting our Father in Heaven. I'm truly grateful to have him in my life.

Bikes, Water, Sun, Bananas and Oranges

Today, mom and I drove down to Waxahachie. We rode in the Cow Creek Country Classic bike race. It was so much fun! I rode a little over 10 miles. Mom rode and walked 10 miles and Flash and his best friend Stephen rode 36 miles. Mom and I woke up early and were out of the house at 4:30am. We were very early for the race. We met so many new, nice people. When we were done, the race had orange slices, bananas, cookies, water and gatorade for us at the finish line. They also had outside showers. Mom and I drenched out hair and it felt so good! I have a tan line from the ride but no burn, however, Flash is burned. Anyways, it was fun and I'm REALLY sleepy from being up all day. Goodnight to all. Sweet dreams.

Give us a 10 for Queen of Babble's Best Couple

Give us a 10 for Queen of Babble's Best Couple

Heavenly Date

Tonight Gordon took me to North Park for dinner. Before eating at PF Chang's we walked around the mall a little and coveted some items in the Mont Blanc store. Then the fabulous dinner. After dinner we put our food in the car and walked across the street. We went in the Container Store (I LOVE this store). He bought me a nice glass jar for pasta and I was so excited. Then onto Barnes & Nobles where we looked at books and went up and down the escalator...I think they are fun :) Then to the Cheesecake Factory where neither of us could finish our fabulous dessert. After running back across the street and being so full from all of the wonderful food we ate, I feel asleep while he drove home. I had so much fun! We talked and laughed so much.

Today's Surprise

So Gordon and I have been having a rough time lately. Satan has really been attacking us. Today was once again. I also had my first counseling session today with LDS Family Services. When I got home there were two cards, flowers and a bag of starbursts on my bed. This is the first time he has given me flowers. I love them so much! They are so cute.

The Flowers
The Package (now with a vase)
The Sexy Culprit (pretending to be asleep)

Falling Asleep

Last night I was ready to fall asleep by 8:00pm however I was out with one of my friends and then upon arriving home was asked to take my sister to a swim party. You may ask why she couldn't take herself...Mike had her car for the night but she wanted some time with her friends. It was midnight by the time we arrived home from that and it was way past my bedtime. After reading my scriptures and saying my prayers I texted Gordon to tell him goodnight and we started a very short conversation until I was smacked in the head. I had fallen asleep while texting him and my hand and phone fell right onto my head. I was promptly woken up and thought it was so funny I had to call and tell him all about it. Then satisfied to share my silliness, I fell soundly asleep.

Gordon's side of it

One November day, I was sitting in the at my work, a UNT computer lab, and walks in this pretty lady that I had seen and talked to a few times before. She was always nice to me, and I was drawn to her… little did I know that she would become my future wife. Throughout our flirting and talking about ceramics, she invited me to a friend's house to play cards and games. I agreed, which for the both of us was out of character, her usually not asking stranger's to be their "date", and for this guy to go to a party that he had no idea about. The evening turned into 3am, and I got to meet her mom for the first time… telling her it was time for her to come home, and giving me a look only a mother could. Reality set in that she was not ready to date yet and that I was not a member of the church. So, our brief stayed at that, just a brief encounter. I was in search of a faith, and she put her energy along with the missionaries, into teaching me the gospel. I took to it like a sponge, and on January 4 I was baptized. She gave the talk on baptism, and during this period she swore up and down not only to herself, but to many others that she would never date me. I was patient and gave Sarah her space, at one point seeking the counsel of one of the older and more respected people in our ward. He told me that I had spent too much time waiting for her, and to move on. I wanted to take his advice so bad. After all I was not a patient person, and yet I felt compelled to wait…. But for what? She had all but rejected me. People were telling me to stop waiting. But I had this urge to keep waiting…. And so I kept on, and one day in Sunday School, and later at a friends the spirit told her that dating me was ok, and that it was worth the risk. So we stated dating, and like a wildfire though are ward, was this, "I knew it", and, "Weren't you dating all along", and "Wow, now when is the ring going to be on her finger". I was ok with this, but my lovely companion was not. It all came to a head one evening when after a stressful day, came one too many engagement questions, and I could tell it was hurting us, but also stressing her out immensely. I asked if we could sit down then next day and talk. She said yes, and the next morning she came over and we talked for five hours about where we wanted to take our relationship. After spilling out my heart, we got on the same page and decided that we wanted to get married, and if the Lord agreed then, we would go forward with doing so. We both in our own separate ways went about getting our answers. I got mine that evening at our Stake Priesthood meeting, while Sarah got hers in two parts. One in opening her fast before FHE and her final confirmation at the temple while reading the scriptures (D&C 6:15-18 to be precise). Our relationship has grown immensely since the day we met, and will continue too. We will be married and sealed for time and all eternity on January 9, 2009, in the Dallas Texas Temple.

Sarah's Version...

Ok, we met at UNT. He works in the language lab and I work in the MacLab for the Journalism department. Last semester (Fall 07) we meet because I had two Spanish classes and was supposed to spend an hour in the lab each week. He caught my eye but I didn't do anything because I was dating someone else and it was really complicated with him. We walked through the building at the beginning of the semester (first week or two or school) and talked a little, found out that we were both dating someone. Even though we were both dating and I thought I was so happy, there was always something about him that drew me to him. In November, we started talking and I invited him to come hang out with some members. That was a Thursday night that I talked to him. He came to my lab when he got off work and we ended up spending the entire night together. I think that was the 29th of November. It was around 3am that we finally stopped talking and that is because my mom came looking for me. My phone was on silent and she was worried when I didn't answer after trying to call me three times. Later that weekend, I picked him up and he hung out with us. I was worried about it all and very uncomfortable. My ex ended up there and it was more than obvious that Gordon liked me. My ex and I just broke up and I felt very uncomfortable with it all. I invited Gordon to the first presidency message. That was Stake Conference weekend as well as a temple trip. After my session of stake conference I rushed to meet him near the square and we watched Loralyn's harp ensemble with Sheaunna. After that he came with me to Leah's and then to the stake center. (I think this is all in the right order. I have a horrible memory) I avoided him for a long time out of fear. I think something inside of me knew what good would come from our friendship and I think Satan knew as well. I was scared. He started investigating the church and I tried to push him farther but yet be helpful with his investigation. I know I was confusing him because I was confused myself. Gordon was baptized January 4th. January 18th we sat and talked and he made me dinner. I told him all of my issues, well 90% of them. It was something I have never done. I don't open up to people that well when it comes to my family and our past and what we went through. That Sunday the Lord made it clear that we needed to date. The rest was history. February 19th I was given a very strong confirmation that I needed to marry him. It was my second answer. The first was the day before when I opened my fast about marrying him. That second one previously mentioned was while I was reading my scriptures the 19th inside the temple.