Saturday, December 19, 2009

ringalingling



Realizing that neither one of us really needs much else (and being on a budget) this year, we decided awhile back we would not buy each other any Christmas gifts...

Instead we thought it'd be cool to get our wedding bands picked out and ordered around Christmas- so we did that today! It was all pretty quick, as for the most part we both already knew what we wanted; for Shell: an almost matching band (white gold) of the engagement ring (but specially brushed #5), and a partially brushed TITANIUM ring for myself.

We went back out to Shane Co. in Woodbury for hers, but decided on Helzberg in the MOA for myself (they have a lifetime warranty option for the titanium, which is rare?). I was glad that we were able to get both of them ordered and taken care of on the same day. Although I must say, buying her first ring was a lot more exciting as of course it was a surprise (and about 10x more expensive)!

Three months tomorrow then you'll get to see them on our hands...

:)

Friday, December 18, 2009

House Hunters.


Last Monday Josh and I had our first official walk through of a town home. Woah. We are "house" hunters in search of the perfect home that fits our budget and us! Its an overwhelming process looking online and then finding the time to visit places- but it is exciting to walk into a place and picture all our things filling the space making it our own.

So if any of you know of good, affordable to rent please let us know!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

our honeymoon: it's official!



We will be going to...




Seattle!!!

It is a place that neither of have been and just seems like a totally perfect spot: it has the chic hipster vibe downtown, the majesty of the Olympic Mountains in view, and the cool hush of the Pugent Sound surrounding... Emerald City here we come!





Sunday, November 29, 2009

The flood gates will open, again.


I noticed it has been too long since one of us has posted on our blog. Wedding planning has seemed to be on hold since September when I started my student teaching. Well tomorrow is the last day in November which means we are on the verge of being only 3 months away from wedding day which = MUCHO MUCHO PLANNING. Not only do we need to finish planning the wedding details but start the hunt for finding a place to live. So those that are faithful followers of our blog get ready because the flood gates of planning and the future Shelton's lives are going to open yet again.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Our first supper.


Last week Josh and I attended the meal tasting at the Holiday Inn. I didn't think of it until now- but that will be our first meal shared together as husband and wife.

The ballrooms at the Holiday Inn were decorated as a wedding reception would be so if was very exciting to enter that atmosphere. There was only two other couples there- very much wrapped up in the Twins game.

They had all the food set out in a buffet style- the food consisted of:
2 different salads, rolls, green beans, 2 different styles of chicken and potatoes, along with pasta and walleye.

All the food was very delicious and we almost have the menu decided. No specifics will be revealed at the moment- we still want some things to be a surprise- no matter how small they may seem! :) All I can say is- come hungry!

Thursday, October 1, 2009

On preparing


So we took the month of September off from blogging (Did you already know that? Or would you have never known w/o the explicit disclaimer? How often do the mighty waves bring you to our little depth of the ocean?). Not that we set out to do so; as you know sometimes we all just "live life."

Shelley has been student teaching for a month now. We recently started pre-marriage counseling. She is learning how to gain respect in loving ways. We learned some truths on just how to love & respect each other. She is on the road to becoming a full-fledged teacher. We are on a path together headed for marriage!

I believe the first time I picked up a book on relationships was when I was 16. Since around the time Shelley and I became "a couple", I've especially enjoyed reading them. Spending time w/ married couples we look up to... maybe checking out a podcast relationship oriented... taking extra good notes in church while in a series on love; whatever it has been, something inside me is always eager. I will straight eat it up. May I always be open and looking for ways to improve upon and deepen understanding of my relationship w/ her and ultimately God.

So I ask you: how are you investing? What are you doing to fix your eyes ahead (and working to balance being and breathing HERE and NOW)? While plans certainly have a way of dissipating to mere vapor before the eyes, simple steps of preparation can gear one up to be equipped for whenever the elusive moment comes that you'll need it...





-eager beaver #1, jS

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Be careful with that gun.

Josh and I had the joy of registering this past week at Target and Kohls. I was looking forward to when we got to walk the aisles picking out what our living quarters would look like, but always said, "when we go, we must bring snacks."

So with wheat thins in my purse and a gun in my hand we set out to make too many decisions in one setting.

I was surprised how well it went. There were no big brawls in the kitchen aisles or mad stomp offs while looking at bathroom towels. We were quick to compromise in any conflicting interests in taste.

We realize even now before we receive anything that we are blessed to have so many people in our lives willing to help us get started with our life together!!! :)

our home's future colors:
Kitchen- burnt red and brown
Living Room- green
Bedroom- brown and light blue
Bathroom- diesel grey and pink

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Quality Time


My turn for a movie post...




We saw the new novel-based film, The Time Traveler's Wife  last night.  The longer I think about it, the more I realize how much I enjoyed it!  Without giving too much away, the movie is at it's most basic about a couple's struggle to find time together, and to enjoy one another's company as much as possible (given the obvious obstacles, found in the title alone).

My time in Russia, away from her, certainly was not easy.  While I was "getting my mission on" (which should be the daily life of any follower of Christ), God definitely provided more than enough so that I was not consumed with missing her.  But deep down I was longing for our return. Being around the world was on such another level now that we are engaged.  T-Mobile rates are $5.99/minute in Russia, so needless to say we didn't talk the whole time I was there (but we did steal :55 from the universe while I was in SVEDEN).  Being back- actually getting to hear her voice and spend time together daily, ahhh...

Quality time is undoubtedly where it's at for us.  We are both so glad to be done w/ our college careers and near each other; long distance for as long as we did it was long enough!  Both of us being in MN means that we don't have to search for the time like Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana... but similar to theirs our time together is so sweet!   

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Meals are meant to be shared.


Today I believe I set a new record. I saw two movies in the theater- both for FREE!

The first movie this morning was "Coraline" at the Kerasotes in Inver Grove theater with Nicole. The second movie this evening was "Julie and Julia" at the Kerasotes in Block E with Brittany.

I was not much of a fan of Coraline, but Julie and Julia was two thumbs way up. I think the part that I enjoyed the most about the movie was both Julie and Julia had great marriages. Usually in a movie like this it is a boyfriend and girlfriend shown living together, which does not have the same sweetness as husband and wife.

I enjoyed watching the interaction between the two couples and of course the element of cooking! I remember watching Julia Child on TV when I was a kid- so it was fun to recall that part of my childhood!

It is a movie I would highly recommend but at the same time it made me miss Joshua that much more. I look forward to the sweet interactions Joshua and I will have as a married couple and all the meals we will share as husband and wife.

There is something in sharing a meal with another person that I don't think we give enough value or credit. A shared meal is something that should not be taken for granted because it is daily partaking is something vital together.

Meals can be one big collaborative work of art. It is something that everyone can contribute to to create a tasty masterpiece. We are blessed with the resources to cook many meals, to try new recipes and have access to numerous grocery stores to supply all the food to make it happen.

So find a new recipe, cook it for you and a loved one, enjoy some good conversation and in the words of Julia Child,
"Bon Appetit!"

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Kaliningrad, Russia



Today Joshua left with RVC Global Project to Kaliningrad, Russia. We were blessed that he had an afternoon flight because we got to spend part of the morning together. I don't think it sunk in that he was leaving for 10 days until this morning. I know 10 days to some of you may not seem like a long time, but it's 10 days with minimal communication with your best friend that will only include texting and possibliy email. (Apparently the phone rate in Russia is $4.99 a minute! yikes!)

But even though I will miss him terribly and long to simply talk to him, I must not loose sight of the bigger picture. Joshua and the team are going to work with one orphanage the whole week. Their main goal- spreading the Gospel and sharing the love of Christ.

Joshua and I are going to becoming a team- united with one cause, one goal, one finish line. So I will strive to focus on the bigger picture, because knowing, trusting and living for Christ is far greater and more important than my feelings.

August 3rd- I received a text that read "After 2 days of traveling we are finally in RUSSIA! Just had a team meeting and we are all pumped for this week of ministry! Love ya guys :) "

Please continue to pray for Global Project Russia!

Kaliningrad




Thursday, July 16, 2009

Save OUR date!






Last week, Shell and I were able to get our "Save The Date" postcards out into the hands of the masses. It was a joyful process (labeling/stacking, stamping/stacking), just knowing that it would be joyful for you all to be receiving them!

We had a little tribute session to Michael Jackson (we were doing this the night of his funeral) as we busted out a best of CD... classic. 

We quickly began hearing that people had received them just a couple days after we got them out (which was reassuring after sending them all out across the country), and have been given many compliments...

PROPS:
-The photos found on them were candidly taken during the actual proposal (in Millennium Park), by fantastic photographer Hannah Sutton!

-Then the card-stock layout and other elements were originally created by our delightful designer Amy Clark!


Although creating the guest list was not an easy task, we trust that those who ought to be there will be... who knows- maybe even a high-profile guest or two???

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Hammy (this is the man that will be marrying us)



Although it's not necessarily "new" news, we haven't publicized (blogged about) this one yet (it's never official until it's documented via the internet, duh!)... but we have asked Mike Hamilton to marry us (wed us, officiate us, etc.) on March 20th, 2010!!!  Hammy (the name that he is called most often) was the YP (youth pastor) @ C4 (Cross of Christ Community Church, the church Shelley and I grew up in) from '04-'08 (...I believe).  He has been a great YP (mainly for Shell as I was already off @ Moody when he became the "official" YP), ministry partner (Shelley was leading worship as a student and again in summer of '06, and I helped out pretty much anytime I wasn't @ Moody), and friend (the hangout, accountability, concert-goin', I'll watch your kids kind of friend... this is an exceptional type) to both of us!  We're super excited to have him be the pastor there for us on that day (since out of all the pastors IN THE WORLD he's the one who knows us best).

I enjoyed sharing this (hope you enjoyed reading it).    

-joshua (shelton)

Thursday, July 2, 2009

You'll Love David's Bridal



Today was more than an adventure, it was an excursion. At 11am today I have my appointment lined up for David's Bridal. My Mom, Amy (MOH) and myself arrived 10 mintues early with snacks in hand...just in case we got fussy! My Mom has Sugar Babies, Amy had Mike and Ikes and I had Snow Caps. At first our bridal consultant seemed nice and fun, but as time went on the more she began to clash with all of us. I felt like she was more concerned with making the sale that helping me find the perfect dress. After two hours of trying on dresses I got the point where when she asked what I thought of the dress I had on I simply said, "I'm done for the day." Seeing that it was 1 o'clock and we all seemed down from the progressivly worsening experience we headed over to Baja Sol for lunch. We got our food of tacos, quesadillas, and chips with salsa bar (Oh YEAH) and ate...a lot! While we ate I came to the conclusion that I had my top three dresses choosen and they were all beautiful but I felt like I would have had a better feeling about them if I would have gotten more productive feedback and care from my consultant. My Mom and I then both thought maybe we should call another David's Bridal, see if there was an open appointment and do it all over again...so we did.

We were able to make our way over to the other David's Bridal with plently of time to look at the Lands Inn Inlet next door. This second appointment was extra special because my Dad was able to join us as he was out making his business calls. As soon as we walked in I knew this was going to be a better experience. The front desk lady was SUPER nice and welcoming! She told us that our bridal consultant was going to be Mehert. She truly was a blessing. She was very warm and ready to have some bridal fun! She sat down with us and asked me about the wedding and what I liked in a wedding dress. She had me look through the catalog and pick a handful of dresses I would like to try on. I didnt tell her I was just at a David's Bridal so I picked out a handful and put my top three in the mix without telling her which ones those were. The funny thing is she choose the top three herself as the first three I would try on! And of course then I tried on other ones just for fun. The biggest change with her was that she got me the right size of dress! At the previous David's Bridal my consultant stuck with the same size even though it was too large. Mehert immedatley saw that I could fit better into the next size down and WOW what a difference a size makes. My top three looked SO MUCH BETTER when they actually fit!

Because Mehert has such a unique and beautiful name we all had trouble remembering the correct prounouciation so one time when my Mom asked how do you say it again she said that it means "mercy" so if we forgot we could just call her mercy. As soon as I heard that I was like "Oh thank you God for blessing us with Mercy!" Again I say she was a blessing.

We all had so much fun! Amy helped me get in and out of dresses which was very nice and helped Mehert pick out accessories so we could see the full picture. One of the best parts was when I tried on one dress Amy and I had both seen on a manique that we thought looked really lovely...but once I got it on...all we could do was comment on how bad it was! My Dad immediately was saying, "no, no, no" Amy said it looked like a swim suit top and even Mehert was saying "this sounds awful when you walk"

But the best part of the day was finding my dress! I had tried on a different one of my top three which was way to small (I thought my Baja Sol was going to come up!) then Mehert went to get a bigger size in it while I put on MY dress (which was in my top three), then I put on the bigger size of the other dress and as soon as I came out in the bigger size Amy and I both said the one I just had on before was IT!

Whewww so a long long day but very worth it because I found my dress, I was showed mercy and it was in our price range! I can't wait for you all to see it! :)

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

postcards, fabric, and gowns


Well things keep coming together.  We received our save the date postcards and they look awesome! (Thank You Chatty-Cathy!)  Our next steps are to finalize the guest list, buy stamps, print labels and have those little cards of joy on their way!  



I went fabric shopping today and went very well.  I believe I found the fabric I want for my ladies and it is a beautiful shade of green.  I have some amazing seamstresses lined up to sew the bridesmaids dresses which is going to be awesome.  Not only will the dresses be less expensive, they will be in a lovely green not offered in stores and of course made with love! 



Tomorrow I embark on a big adventure of trying on bridal gowns.  My appointment is at David's Bridal and I am excited and nervous at the same time.  I have an idea of what I want, but its a big decision, and sorry no details about what I'm looking for or what I find will be disclosed....you all will just have to wait until March 20th.  One thing I will say is that I am not looking to break the bank for a dress that will be worn once.  
Well just wanted to give you all a brief update!

Monday, June 22, 2009

beware of The Knot!


Word of warning for all those future brides out there that plan on signing up on The Knot- you get MUCHO MUCHO mailers and calls for all these random places and people saying, "You've been selected for the Bridal Package prize, Congratulations!"

I was not warned, I did not know, but at least now I get mail everyday!

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Its all GREEK to me!


Today has been a stir crazy day for me. There was something I needed to get done today, and have been unable to pin-point exactly what I need to do. After deliberating which of my dad's suggestion on what I should do with my time- I decided to look up bridal shops in the area. AHHHHHHHH! All of them list things by designers with no pictures. It's like they think I have been planning my wedding from when I was a wee little lass- I DONT KNOW DESIGNERS. I am a visual learner with a budget. Suggestions welcome...

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

all my single ladies.

Maid of Honor
Amy- my wonderful sister who is always full of life and a GOOD laugh!

Bridesmaids

Nicole- my future sister in law who knows how to rock, and craft!
Megan- my lovely shooting star who could draw you a luscious fairy
Brittany- my very tan friend (I assume she will be tan from spending 5 months in Africa!) who sees excitement in everything!
Kiley- my little Eskimo who can paint like no bodies business- word.

Personal Attendant
Bethany- my dear friend who is always there to listen and make DQ runs!

Personal Assistants (Amy and I created this lovely title)
Lindsay- my other older sister who has a heart for adventure!
Tara- my other other older sister who can successfully speak in many different accents :)

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

describe your perfect date.

Stan Fields: Miss Rhode Island, please describe your idea of a perfect date.
Cheryl "Miss Rhode Island": That's a tough one. I would have to say April 25th. Because it's not too hot, not too cold, all you need is a light jacket.
-Miss Congeniality

I was super excited to eat breakfast this morning (despite being oober tired from a lovely late night chat...) because of the new box of cereal I had bought the day before. I had every intention of getting a box of my childhood favorite Kixs- but when I got into the aisle my taste buds were captivated by the box next to the Kixs. I had a delicious bowl of honey nut chex (gluten free!).

As I was opening the box this morning I noticed the Best Buy date was March 26, 2010 and I thought to myself- I am going to be on my honeymoon at that time! Then I went to open my new bottle of juice and the Best Buy date on that was March 20, 2010 and I thought to myself- I am going to be getting MARRIED on that day! Wow- what a morning of deliciousness and happy thoughts that this breakfast will have its last breath of life on my wedding day.

March 20, 2010

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Reception location


Shelley and I just signed the papers this weekend, to book Holiday Inn Lakeville for our reception! It was our number one pick except we thought it'd be outside of our targeted budget, but thankfully we were able to get it! Thank you Joe and Rita

Now that we have the biggest parts taken care of (date, church, a workable guest list, and reception location), we are taking some time off of any official planning to help Shelley focus on finishing up her time at Stout...

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Lovely music


Today I got asked if any of Jason Mraz's melodies would make its way into the wedding- I responded ecstatically, because the answer is of course!

Things you may want to know about Mraz and me, or might come to find that you had no desire to...

1. Was introduced to "Waiting for My Rocket to Come" in '03, and have since gobbled up any thing he's has ever played, written, or photographed.

2. I've seen him live 6 times, I believe. The last two were back-to-back nights... both sold out.

3. I may be the only owner of a very large, b/w cardboard display with him on it.

4. It's true, he is #1 on my man hottie list.

Thank you for indulging with me as I divulged in an at least semi-related wedding post.


Monday, April 13, 2009

Proposal Photos!








Our friends Ben, Hannah, and Paul were with us @ the steps of the bean, when I asked her to marry me... then we exchanged "I love you!" for the first time!!!

Thursday, April 9, 2009

wedding magazines


Today @ Barnes & Noble, Shell and I sat down @ a small cafe style table for two- with over half a dozen wedding / bridal magazines.  We just flipped and pa-roused the pages, jotting down any ideas or inspirations on a napkin for ours (many of them relating to the color GREEN!).  Basically I just wanted to share how much fun something even little like that was for us to do together.  

It's just funny because before we were engaged; throughout the years of courting, there were so many things that we would catch ourselves thinking and wanting to talk about but would have to be ambiguous about to protect each other's heart... and now here we were today looking @ wedding magazines together!  Like when after our proposal, after we stepped into a Caribou to talk about how we got here with a ring on her finger and to make phone calls / send texts, when we were walking to meet back up with Ben, Hannah, and Paul, we were gushing because the floodgates were finally open, allowing us to appropriately talk about OUR wedding!  

Also, we will prayerfully have the reception location booked by the end of the weekend, after the final tours and talks have been had. This will be a major relief, and will allow us to sit easy for awhile and take a step back from the planning... @ least until she graduates!  We already have the church reserved, so after this next step it will be all about the details details details.  Have a blessed weekend reflecting on the life, death, and resurrection of our savior and great hope Jesus Christ!

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

for those who havent seen...the bean!




So I am beginning to realize that not everyone knows what "the bean" is in Millennium park. I found some pictures from a past trip I took when I went to Chicago to visit Joshua when he was still at Moody. And as they say in Bill Nye The Science Guy...."NOW YOU KNOW!"

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

for my bean


This is for my lovely friend Brittany Bean who is currently in Africa!

the count down chain!





When I was home on spring break Josh and I were hanging out at my sisters house, aka MOH and she had the great idea of making a paper chain for us to count down! She was having friends over that night for games and a movie so she got everyone involved of making a 365 link chain! Currently the chain is hung up in the Bungalow's living room- and don't worry I remember to rip one off everyday and even date it so I know if I miss one!

Thursday, March 26, 2009

the army has been assembled!

Best Man
Ben Sutton (the college roommate and aficionado of Biblical Greek/relevant hip-hop beats)

Groomsmen
Eric Taylor (the boy that's been with me "since the crib")
Scott Ritchie (the always comedic, Wild attending, straight up buddy)
Paul Davis (the warrior poet... anyone's life would be improved after 5 minutes with this dude)
Eric Helmin (.com; the multi-talented and reflective one)

Ushers
Jake McNamara (the devoted, light-hearted, hopper-on of aircrafts himself)
Dustin Youngstrom (the genuine gentleman)

Jr. Groomsman
Dante Love (the bro, a.k.a "lil D", who will be 7 years old at the time of our wedding)

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

any suggestions?


so even though I still have not decided the final list for bridesmaids- searching for dresses has been on my mind. Obviously the colors of the wedding will be GREEN and brown- but finding the right kind of green is going to be difficult. I also am cool with not taking the traditional route of bridesmaids dresses and not having them so elaborate that no bridesmaid will actually shorten it later and wear it again. I have been investigating stores like Gap, Forever 21 etc. looking for some less expensive dresses that they would ACTUALLY wear again- so I am open for suggestions!

Monday, March 23, 2009

just a taste

I thought that while we all wait for the engagement pictures to arrive I could enlighten you all with some of my own pictures from the weekend! My rad fiancé
the city
My future maiden name!
Pre-engagement at the parade
Just a portion of ALL the people!
The GREEN river!