WE'RE GETTING CLOSE....

Rachel and I realized yesterday that there are only 25 days left until our wedding (now 24). We're talking less than a month, almost three weeks craziness! It's amazing how fast a year has gone. Talk about moving time. It seems like only yesterday we got engaged and here we are celebrating two years of life together. That is simply amazing.

Yesterday we met with Hope's Wedding coordinator and were ironing out some of the details for our ceremony. We have some family coming in town to make it happen on our end, but it was great to begin to imagine the day and coordinating the parts. It crazy to thing in less than 30 days I'm a husband. I couldn't be more thrilled. -theGroom

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Last night in pre-marital counseling, Rachel and I were able to learn a little something about conflict resolution. It would be arrogant of us to say we've never been in a fight, but we have had very few up unto this point (and I'm not complaining!). Every week we are asked if anything came up in the previous week and we never had anything to add. This week we decided to remember one and bring it in. Here are some of the steps that our counselor (Gary Bruegman who is a thug amongst thugs) gave us :

1. Establish a No Losers Policy
2. Heart Talk (for both parties)
3. Brainstorm a solution (as many as possible)
4. Eliminate any choices that aren't acceptable to both parties
5. Pick the top 2-3 choices that are left
6. Select a final choice that is most important to implement
7. Implement
8. Return and revevaluate if necessary

Gary was able to walk us through the argument that we had and how it would have been different had we applied this to it instead of going about it how we did. I have a feeling that if Rachel and I stick to this plan of attack, we are going to have some very successful disagreements in the future (what a concept huh?). -theGroom

BEST WEDDING ADVICE THAT NO ONE WANTS TO HEAR

In our pre-marital counseling, Rachel and I were presented with this advice. What are your thoughts?

I am responsible for my thoughts, feelings, beliefs and behaviors. I am not responsible for my spouse's thoughts, feelings, beliefs and behaviors. In relationship we influence our spouses thoughts, feelings, beliefs and behaviors.

-theGroom

PREMARITAL COUNSELING

Last week Rachel and I got into a little something called premarital counseling. This is where her and I sit down with a person who is going to tell us all the things we are doing wrong and whether or not we should actually go through with this thing. The fortunate part for Rachel and I is that we are with Gary Bruegman who has become a friend of mine. He counseled my pastor, youth pastor and good friend from Colorado. He also knows Rachel's parents and the uncle who is doing the wedding. He is apparently a Godsend. Last week, we got into his office and got down to the conversation (and we got homework...). It was an interesting experience. Some of the questions he asked were name three of your strengths / weakness to the relationship, what do you fear the most when getting married and the whammy was is there anything you fear sharing about your past with your fiance because of how they may repsond. Good stuff huh? There was tons of dialogue and response. Rachel and I left talking a ton so I guess that a good sign. Let's see what happens tonight...-theGroom

CUTEST KIDS EVER

I thought it would be fun to share pictures of the oh-so adorable kids in our wedding!

Ring Bearer: Levi Joy. His parents are Youth Leaders at Hope. He's a ninja!


Ring Bearer: Brody Jones, cousin of the bride

Flower Girl: Addison Jones, cousin of the bride


Flower Girl: Tatum Jones, cousin of the bride


Justin and I have totally accepted the fact that these beautiful kiddos are going to steal the show! We are so excited they will be part of our special day!

Love,

The Bride to Be

Bridesmaid Dresses

Saturday Justin went with me to Lebanon (the city in Missouri, not the country) to pick up the bridesmaids dresses. Exciting, right?




Justin is thrilled to be at a bridal shop.....



"How long do we have to wait.....?"

My favorite part of the excursion occurred when we entered Normans and saw a bride to be trying on her dress. It was pink with ruffles and sparkles....Justin's face was classic. He immediately turned around and booked it out of the room. He then proceeded to ask me, (in his not so quiet whisper) "That's a wedding dress?!" I hope she didn't hear us (and thank God my dress isn't pink and sparkly!).

Good times,

The Bride to Be

WEDDING REGISTRIES

Many people have been asking about where we are registered at. On the sidebar you will find our registry links at Bed Bath & Beyond and Pottery Barn. Bed Bath & Beyond is a direct link and will take you right to the registry. With Pottery Barn, you will need to enter some of following information :

Name : Rachel Tolbert or Justin Chandler
Event Date : November 1, 2008
State of Residence : MO

That should do it. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks for visiting / attending / loving us. We dearly appreciate it. -theGroom
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Now playing: Massive Attack - I Am Home