{One Day}

One day.... I will learn what it means to keep a blog updated on a regular basis. I mean, seriously, it has been two months... maybe a little more. I am so bad at this. However, I long to be really, really good at it.

Quick Update:

1. I am back in Ruston as of last Tuesday. I am glad to be home... However, really sad to leave Jordan.

2. My parents have sold their house and are moving around the corner into a newer, smaller house. This was all a great blessing from the Lord that everything worked out smoothly on selling this house and finding the new one! No worries Ruston, my parents are not leaving yet!

3. Wedding Planning is just coming along smoothly. All the guys have their suits; I made the flower girl dress; All the bridesmaids have their dresses; I am meeting a florist on Monday. Man o Man... I love planning!

4. I begin Student Teaching and the last 9 hours of my Masters degree on Sept. 9th! I am excited to see where I am placed and the children I get to hang with.

As for this blog, I hope to all my wishes that I will be better. I can't make promises because lately on this thing I have not kept them! So here is to hoping and wishing :)

In Him,

Emma

{Sweet Callen}

My days in Iowa are filled with some relaxing, sewing, wedding planning and babysitting! Mandy is allowing me to take care of her Sweet Callen one to two days a week! I really enjoy my time with him; he is nonstop fun!

O and he already says my name :)

In Him,

Emma

{Biking Fun}

At the Bradley's home in Ankeny, Mrs. LeAnne found Asher (the future nephew) a new bike! Jordan decided to have a little test run!

O goodness :)

In Him,
Emma

{Save the Dates}

They are complete and in the mail! Get ready family and friends, our Save the Dates are headed your way. They were designed by the wonderful groom himself and we were able to get them printed on an online store for a great price! They are truly unique for our wedding which makes me love them even more. We spend last Thursday, a semi rainy day, printing the return addresses and the fowarding addresses on them at Jordan's house.


Jordan was finishing up the last ones.

The stack of finished Save the Dates!

We went the the post office when the weather cleared up. We didn't count them because we thought that the post office would run them through a little machine labeling them for us. However, we were completely wrong. So, we guess a large number, and bought stamps. The great part is that they only had Polar Bear [post card] stamps! They are an extra funny treat!

The polar bears are hilarious!

Well, they are complete and in the mail! It was a large relief to get them done! They were quite a bit of work. I am only imagining what the invitations will be like!!

Also: Our wedding website it complete!!! So, go check it our jordan-emma.com!
Let me know what you think :)

In Him,
Emma

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.
{Inspired by SouleMama.com}

my favorite breakfast

consists of blueberry muffins and strong coffee... Can't beat that!

I'm in Iowa!

To begin, it has been a long time since I updated! Man, how time flies when you are finishing school, being in a wedding, fiancée coming into town, and then I move to Iowa for 3 months!

Me at Rachel's and Ryan's wedding!

Whoa, are the words that come to my mind.

May 24 - 27: Jordan and I went through my entire closet, getting rid of 50% of the objects in them with 25% of that being old binders that do not get used anymore. Technically, I went through the closet while Jordan sat on my bed figuring out what could be sold online or not. Quite amusing if I say so myself.

Jordan slept only a little bit while I drove. I have to admit... he drove most of the way up :)

Jordan packed my trunk perfectly full!

May 28: Jordan and I decided to leave a day early since I was done with my job for the year and most of the stuff we needed to go through had already been done. So, on May 30, Jordan and I left at 7 a.m. on the 15 hour trip to Ames. We made it to Ankeny, IA to his paretns home at around 9:45 that Friday night. It took a bit longer than his usual trips mainly because we made more stops on account of having to use the restroom (having a small bladder is not helpful on such long trips!)

May 29: Jordan and I spent the day at his parents. Jordan helped his dad with several around the house jobs and I spent the day relaxing and reading the fourth book of the twilight saga! (I'm such a nerd, I have come to terms with it now...)

May 30: Jordan and I got up a little early and went to church at Cornerstone here in Ames. We then unpacked the car, which was quite a haul if I do say so myself. I got myself moved in and met the girl I am subleasing her apt room for the summer. I also met Leah in real life who is my lovely roommate for the summer. Then, we spent the evening hanging out with some friends. Another relaxing day.

The Summer Apt:

The door that leads in the apt. It is on the second floor is a very safe building!

The living room space. Leah and her real roommate, Esther, have decorated quite nicely and I know I will enjoy lots of time in this room... like now :)

My room or really Esther's room she is letting me rent out and use her furniture!

My closet. hahahahahaha

Until next time, In Him,

Emma

updating...

I am very wishy washy when it comes to the world of cyber communication. At first, I seem to be on board updating my status, checking profiles, and letting all those who care to know what I am doing. Then, it seems to get old; like it has taken over my life and if I do not update then I feel disconnected. Whoa, the emotions that come with cyber life.

However, I am learning that this cyber communication, although rather tasking at times, is worth it in the end. People do keep up with me and people know what is happening without having to have an awkward phone conversation.

Therefore, I will try my best to stay on top of this cyber communication trend. Blogging, twittering, and maybe even a little facebooking here and there :)

Have a great Saturday!

In Him,

Emma

learning...

I am learning a lot lately. Not only in school but about life in general:

1. Insurance is expensive. Plan and simple.

2. Writing papers is not my strong point. I write, print, and turn in. There is no rereading.

3. Sometimes you just have to do what others want in order to get what you need.

Those are just a few of the things I have been learning lately. God is showing me what it truly means to live for him daily and follow his commands. It may be hard but by golly the outcome is glorious!

I want to send out a special thanks to three of my best friends. They have truly shown me what friendship looks like. It will be hard to move away from them one day, but from recent events in my life, they will always be my best friends. Love you Mallory, Millie and Caroline!

Wedding update:

1. Jordan has completed and ordered our Save-the-Dates! We will be sending those the beginning of June.

2. I ordered and received already a self-inking return address stamp. It is WONDERFUL!

3. Jordan has bought our website domain and our website will be up and running very soon!

4. We have decided to make fabric and felt flowers. My future sister-in-law has been wonderful enough to agree to help us! I am so excited to be making these with her! It will all be very rewarding in the end. :)

6. Jordan is making trellises for the ceremony and reception. I will definitely supervise!

5. Jordan is coming down on May 24th! He is staying a week as I finish work and then we are driving back to Ames for the summer on May 30th! O the things that will be accomplished this summer for our wedding! and all the new friends I will make and already have made. It is going to be a BLAST!

And lastly (but definitely not the least):

Cedar Creek is throwing me my first wedding SHOWER!!!! It is next Wednesday! I am somewhat nervous because all the attention will be on me, but it will definitely be fun!

Now, onto writing some papers that I am not so good at doing :/

In Him,

Emma

Whoa... how time flies...

So, I have not been the hardcore blogger I have hoped to be yet. "Yet" being the key word!

This past weekend, mom, dad and I traveled (drove) to Iowa for Jordan's graduation. It was a good trip!! Our parents got to meet one another which turn out great!

Here are a few pictures from the weekend:

We are all so proud that he is graduated!!!!

Wedding update:

1. Jordan is making the Save-the-Date cards right now and they will be sent out at the end of the month.

2. The guest list seems to be getting longer as we speak. You never know how many people you know and love till you have to make a list! Whew!

3. I will be living in Ames this whole summer! God has opened the door for me to be there and in an apt across the street from Jordan! So excited!

Thats all for now! I must finish the quarter of school! So, you all may not hear from me till then :(

In Him,

Emma

{this moment}

{this moment} - A (beginning) Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Worked on some planning...

Being the weird crazy person I am, I made a large, abnormal "Wedding Organizor." Many call this a scrapbook which is natural since it is in a scrapbook book. however, this organizor is a source of timesline, pictures, lists, and so much more. I decided to make this instead of buying a "normal" organizor since I could not find one that I loved. Therefore, I created my own wonderful source of organizational wonder.

Tonight, I spend time going through my timeline. I was actually able to mark off many of the expected items to complete in the months behind me. I was proud persay. I thought there had not been much done at all and that the thoughts were all still in my head. Well, technically, the thoughts remain in my head. However, a good amount of the larger items are completed.

For example:

1. Site: First Baptist Church for the ceremony and reception.

2. Photographer: the great and wonderful Jena Leigh.

--> We have taken our engagements already and those weren't on the list for a few more months!!

3. Wedding dress bought!

--> I spend most of the month of March in search and worry about finding a dress. Turns out I found my dress, and it fits perfect!! I may not even have to have alterations :)

4. Register

--> When Jordan was in Ruston in March, we registered. Got that taken care of fast and was able to figure out all the colors of our future home. (One day I will write about the experience!)

See, 4 HUGE things done! After going through my organizor, I felt a sense of relief. I felt the "wow" in the process up to this point. We are on schedule and the time is going fast! Only 6 1/2 months till the wedding! WHOA!!!

To end for today: I feel accomplished and less overwhelmed. Our wedding will come here faster than we realize and this organizor will hopefully keep us in line! (Hopefully is a GREAT word!)

In Him forever.

On the road...

Biscuits & Gravy:

To begin a great day ahead, we started with a hearty southern breakfast. O, the joy of coffee with biscuits and gravy. This should become a tradition in the futureBradley home! (Well, I will drink the coffee.)

On the road:

We are in Chipley, Florida for a "family" wedding. In all technicality, they are not family by blood but by heart. We have known the Locke's since I was born. Therefore, they are family to us.

Mother, Father, Patrick and I traveled 8 hours yesterday. Through my birth town of Mobile, Alabama. We actually ate next to my birthplace:

If you squint you eyes, you will see "Springhill Medical Center." This is the place I was born. Every time we go through Mobile, we always search for this place. I never got a chance to take a picture till yesterday when we ate lunch at Cracker Barrel for a late afternoon lunch. Now, everyone can look over the place in awe and thanksgiving for the bringing of me into this world!

As soon as we arrive, we stop by Wal-Mart. Then, we hit up the rehearsal dinner. Aaron took a bad fall at the rehearsal. Therefore, we had a little time on our hands. Patrick got musical...

Finally, everyone arrives. We eat a great meal!! Aaron ended up going to the Emergency Room last night to get his knee checked out. No worries, he will be able to stand during his wedding today! Thank the LORD!

Now, time to get ready and go to a family wedding!

In Him,

Emma

Parentals are HOME!

I have just returned from picking up the parentals from the Monroe airport! For those of you who know me pretty well know that I don't usually stay up this late. This must mean I really LOVE them! And maybe I missed them just a tad :)

I am glad they made it back safely. They definitely came back with more bags than they went. I learn that it is because they brought a TON of Catie's stuff home for her. Therefore, 90% of the stuff in their luggage was not even theirs! My parents are GREAT packers!

Well, tomorrow, the family is off to Florida for a wedding! We are some hardcore travelers. :) We are very excited about this small trip.

Pray for safe travel!

In Him,

Emma

Hair cut!

Jordan cut his hair!

Actually, he did it himself! Impressed? cause I am!

Work began again today. It was great to back in the swing of things. With my parents being out of country at the moment, I have kind of not had much to do. So, it was nice to do more than just sit on the couch or homework! Good thing I enjoy my job :)

We had our engagement pictures taken when Jordan was in town in March. We wanted to go ahead and take them so we could make our Save-the-Date cards to send out in May. We LOVE the pictures. We think Jena Leigh did a great job. She worked really well with our idea of using this old vintage looking frame. Go to (http://jenaleigh.com) and click on view your proofs to see them all...

Well, now it is time for a paper. I have to remember the end in site! Then, I hopefully will not be writing papers for a long time!

In Him,

Emma

Life to the Fullest

Well, I am not sure why I stopped writing. I loved it for the short time I did it. Then, I just stopped. Hmmm.... I am ridiculous.

Well, life has changed quite a bit; where do I begin...

Let me start with what I am doing: I work at Cedar Creek Kindergarten as a teacher's aide. I LOVE my job. I get to hang out with kids all day and help the teachers. It is quite perfect for me in the between of what is happening. I have enjoyed getting to know 42 new faces as well as becoming great friends with the other aides and teachers. It has definitely been a blessing!

Next, I am getting my Masters of Arts in Teaching for PK-3. I didn't think I wanted to do this at first. However, the Lord definitely provided for me. With working with the Kindergarten, I learned it is what I really want to do. I love seeing the children grow from not being able to read to reading full books! I love seeing and hearing their stories everyday! I am so thankful that the Lord brought me into the program! One day, I hope to have my own classroom. O the JOY!

So I keep myself pretty busy with work and school! But the biggest news of all is that I AM ENGAGED!

Yes. It is true. The Lord truly brought us together.

It all began last May. If you think about it, it actually started 4 years ago when we first met. Jordan (Bradley) and I met when I went to Ames, IA to help Catie at a children's camp. We became friends and stayed that way over the years. We didn't talk that much over the years except once or twice. We had two separate lives. I was in Ruston beginning college and he was in Ames beginning his.

So, to continue the story... This all begins last May. Jordan was in the same place as my sister doing 6 months of mission work and taking 6 months off of school. Catie tells me he is there several times, but I was consumed with my own life at that point (with graduating from college and all). ON graduation day, I was skyping with Catie and Jordan happens to show up in the video. They were all at her apt for the night. So, I write on his facebook wall that it was nice to see him and that I hope he is having a good time with my sister. Well, that started it all. We begin facebook messaging. Then, since facebook is quite a hassle, we began emailing. Jordan came back stateside in July. The emailing continued until we decided to watch Lost together. I had watched all the seasons from the urging of Jordan and I was on Season 4. This is when we began to talk on the phone as well as videochat.

On September 12, Jordan asked if "we can define what we are doing!" This is when we started dating. We knew it would be hard. Being so far apart and trying to have a relationship. We had one thing down for sure though: Communication! We knew this Long Distance Relationship (LDR) would be worth it though.

Our first time to see us would not be until Thanksgiving Break. It was a rough wait. We hadn't seen each other in person in over 4 years! However, the wait was worth it. Being together felt so right and it was great to be with him in person instead of on a computer screen. We spent over a week together and he was my date to Caroline's wedding.

This time together was when we began talking about marriage. We KNEW the Lord brought us together. 2 1/2 months later, we are engaged!!!

I will graduate with my Masters on November 20. Jordan graduates with his degree this May 8. Our wedding is this November 27, 2010!!!

Now, there just seems to be so much to do with little time to do it! haha. Just Kidding! I have this amazing wedding organizer that is keeping everything together! Plus, I have the best friends and family a girl could ask for!

I am really going to try my best to keep this updated from here on out!! There is still so much to tell, but my homework needs to get done!!

In Him,

Emma

A Summer of Shades.

I just wanted to share a few pictures of all my friends in my favorite shades!


Well, this is me first! haha I am in Dallas visiting Jeremy with Brooke!


Clairebear had to be like Miss Emma.

The next few pictures are from Wednesday Night Children's Church. It was like a fashion show!

Bethany

Taylor

Mallory

Uh-oh

Aden

The soon be rockstar.

Trisha


O these make me smile :)

Coffee Shop

Over the past four to six years, I have become what some may call a 'coffee addict.' Personally, I like to call it a passion for the great taste of coffee or simply a coffee lover. But in the end, the same meaning comes from both names... I absolutely love coffee. The smell, the taste, and even the atmosphere that a simple cup of coffee brings to a group of people. I love it both cold and hot although I prefer it hot. I also love it STRONG! My dad can not take how strong (or how Starbucks puts it...'extra bold') my coffee is.

Well, after all of that... my point is that one day, maybe in the near future or maybe in the far future, I want to open and own my own coffee shop. I believe this all started when my days of studying and fellowship with friends. I remember the time when we would all just need to get together and the coffee shop called Crescent City was the number one choice. I want my place to be like that. I want people of all backgrounds, age, and reason for coming to the shop to come!

I have this one huge vision in mind for a children level. Well, maybe I should begin with saying that I want this place to be two stories. The top level is like a children's library/ hangout area. Therefore, the children have a place to go and the mothers are able to have a cup of coffee and some free time.

All these ideas have been growing over the years... I need to write them down. haha

So the main purpose though for all of this (: the coffee shop I mean) is for fellowship. I want it to be a place where all people feel welcomed and a place to get to know others. Fellowship is about people coming from all different backgrounds and living life together. Fellowship is vital to the human life and especially the Christian walk. So many people think they can do it on their own and not need anything from others. But a simple talk or hello can change someones life. That is what is missing in this individualistic world we live in. Living life together doesn't mean you have to be doing something or getting the next big item, it means being a friend who listens and supports when it is needed. The reason I stress a place for children is because that is where it all begins. Children learn so much more from watching others and they have a place to fellowship as well as their parents; basically, they are learning for one another.

Fellowship is a necessity. That is why the purpose of church began so many years ago. Now, I feel that church is not acting the way it is suppose to lately and people get the wrong impressions there... but that can be a whole other post. I am not trying to say that I want the coffee shop to take the place of church either. All I can say, Fellowship is a necessity and most times it is needed other than Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. :)

Anyways. I have been thinking about that this week. I believe it will be a lifelong dream.

Renovations

Now, when you think of renovations... you think of completely stripping down to nothing and changing everything. Well, that is what I hope you are thinking. I think of renovating a house. Has anyone seen the house renovating shows on TV? the ones where they completely gut out the house and then make it completely beautiful inside?

I have decided this summer is going to be a time to completely renovate me. (wow, that kinda sounds selfish)... well the matter of the fact is that I have not been taking care of myself and therefore hurting others in the process. This summer, I hope to renovate my body, mind, and especially my spirit. It is going to be a battle and I am quite a stubborn person. But I know this is what is best for me because it will help my relationship with my Creator which in turn changes my life daily.

So, the summer has officially begun and I have been keeping myself busy...

First, I actually had an interview with a hospital for a Child Life Internship! I feel that it went quite good and I am praying that if this is what the Lord wants me to do, He will make it happen.

http://www.georgetownuniversityhospital.org/

Secondly, my summer job while trying to figure out my future is to babysit three children. There are two girls and one boy. The oldest, Connor, (who is a girl) is going into the fourth grade and definitely acts like a little mother. The second, Clayton, is going into the second grade and loves to dye his hair blue everyday. He is always willing to try something even if it gets him hurt! The third, Claire, is two years old and is quite the girly girl. One day after putting her bathing suit on, she was looking at herself in the mirror and says "I am just so cute!" Claire is definitely the baby of the family and I have a feeling she is going to be a bit of trouble later on in life with all the boys! The pictures are of a trip to the zoo we made this last week!

A Trip to the Zoo

Third, A group of friends and I are taking a CAKE DECORATING CLASS! It has been quite a challenge. Turns out, making a smooth cake is hard. I love to make the different designs with the different tips. I especially love to make the homemade icing. It is so delicious. Our next class is tomorrow night (Monday at 6) and we have to bring one cake iced with the extra icing to practice in class. Today, I made 6 cakes to freeze to practice on during the week and 3 batches of icing. I am officially a baker!!!

A Summer Full of Cake Decorating

Fourth, I am just relaxing and taking everyday like no other. I have no definite plans for my summer except my job, so therefore I have alot of free time on my hands. I have been reading the Twilight series and they are wonderful. I have also been exercising a lot more trying to work on that renovation!

Summer 2009

Something to contemplate: Tattoo? What do you really think??

Well, that is all for now. I hope to blog more... got distracted every time i was going to blog.

Africa

I cannot describe my summer last year. It was by far the most challenging and amazing experiences of my life. I found a love for a country and a people I never realize I could.

The greatest part was being so engulfed in the Word everyday. It was truly amazing to see His will and work done through me and my teammates. I was in pure dependence of Him daily for absolutely everything which is completely opposite of what I feel in the US. Most days, I pray for that dependence to reoccur, but i know that it requires me giving up my independence. It will continually be a struggle. However, God is miraculous even in the small things.

Here are the much awaited pictures. Pictures that I have been afraid to show most people for some reason...

Part 1: (our layover in Casablanca included)



Part 2:



Part3:



Enjoy!