Insomnia... *sigh*

As the major stressors of wedding planning have been checked off my list (dress, venue, food, etc.), I was hoping that I would be able to breathe easier..... but these larger obstacles were merely hiding the endless line of smaller hurdles that I am now facing.  While I am definitely accomplishing this never-ending list of "To-Do's", my anxious mind still races as I lay in bed at night, reviewing the days productivity and preparing for tomorrow.  And although I try to reason with it, promising a much brighter morning if I can just get some sleep, my mind's persistence inevitably keeps me awake until it slows enough to allow my eyes to close.  SO.... rather than get frustrated, I decided that I would get up and write a bit -- it's been an eventful past couple weeks, so I thought it would be a good time to share a few updates with y'all!  :)

Since it is technically Wednesday, I can say that we are 23 days away from the wedding.  23 days until I am MARRIED.... until I am MRS. DYER....!  The earlier days of the engagement were quite blissful, and while I'm still overjoyed and excited beyond comprehension, the reality of this situation is really sinking in.  I know that I am ready to be married, I know that I WANT to be married.... but it is still difficult for me to picture myself as a wife, starting my own family... this is one of the biggest transitions I have ever had to make in my life!  But don't think that this is me having second thoughts -- I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that this is the right decision for me.  I know that while there may be a few bumps down the road, Geoff and I have made a commitment to each other and we will make it work -- no matter the sacrifices we will inevitably have to make.  I think, more than anything else, that the TRUST we have in each other and the concern we have for each other's well-being will help to make this relationship last - through this life and into the next.  We just can't wait to start on this journey together :)  But before that journey begins, we will have to jump through this hoop of a wedding.... Thankfully it is all coming together, and I feel like I am finally ENJOYING this process (somewhat)! haha.  I was treated to a lovely bridal shower last weekend, hosted by my future mother-in-law Shirl and sister-in-law Ange, and it was so fun to have a chance to get to know more of Geoff's family.  I am so blessed to have family and friends who are so willing to share the load and help (although sometimes I wonder how "willing" they truly are....) because it is only with their support that we are actually going to pull this off!  As the pieces slowly come together, the bigger picture is emerging and I do believe our wedding will be more than I could have ever imagined.  Words can't express my gratitude.... I am truly blessed!!

As for other life updates (of which there are many)......
1. Geoff and I have found the perfect townhouse in Bountiful that we will move into once we are married, and we signed the lease on it yesterday!  One major question mark has now been turned into an exclamation point -- and we plan to start the arduous task of MOVING later this week.... as I have moved across the country a couple times, I will say that moving just 15 minutes down the road is really not that big of a hassle.... it's more the sorting/organization/packing/unpacking/sorting..... you get the idea.  But with a few weeks head-start, I think that it will give me enough time to wrap my head around the amount of STUFF I need to go through, and I won't be as overwhelmed.  Little by little... room by room... our house will eventually be our HOME.  And I can't wait :)
2. Greg got his mission call (!!) -- TAMPA, FLORIDA spanish-speaking!!!!!!!  Words can't adequately or appropriately convey how proud and excited I am for him.  This will be life-changing for him and for those he will serve.   I'm not going to lie, I will miss him terribly... but I think I can share him for a couple years :)  October 5... not too much longer!  So the wedding will be one last HURRAH with our little Newman family before he leaves us... and before I am off and married and living in Bountiful starting my own family.  When did we grow up?!?  But I cannot wait to see where life takes us and what the Lord has in store for us.... :)

Well my eyelids are starting to get a bit heavier... I should take this as a cue to move back to my bed, and hopefully I'll be able to fall asleep... another day ahead of me with lots to do!  Hopefully I'll be back on here with more thoughts and updates in the next week or so... fingers crossed :)