Just a reminder

Hello all! Just a reminder that we now post on our other blog

www.thematthewmorganfamily.blogspot.com

Last Post

Hello Faithful Blog Readers!

This will be my last post on this blog. Matt and I have started a new blog together. The link is below. Join us there.

http://thematthewmorganfamily.blogspot.com


See you there!

Did you hear about  the Morgans?

Shutterfly

Matt and I have been looking for the "perfect" Christmas card for this year. I have enjoyed sending cards over the last several years and as Matt and I prepare for marriage we wanted to start that tradition for ourselves. My favorite card this year is....

It is simple yet it truly shows what Matt and I have experienced a great amount of this year-JOY JOY JOY! We also like this card because it has a spot for 3 pictures and we have three pictures we want to share. It's just right.

Shutterfly also has some other amazing items.

More christmas Cards...

http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards

Wall Calendars...

http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars/wall-calendars

Photo cards...

http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery

Shutterfly is also doing an amazing thing this year by offering free photo cards to bloggers who share about Shutterfly. Sign up here- http://bit.ly/sfly2010

I'm pretty sure that Shutterfly is my Christmas BFF this year :)

Until Next time-

Les

It has been toooooooo long

It's official. It has been entirely too long since I've blogged. As I sat here tonight thinking about blogging. I first thought "I can do that within the next few weeks" Then, I thought about the next few weeks.

This weekend....Louisiana Thursday and Friday; Birmingham Friday and Saturday including Shower#1; Montgomery Saturday and Sunday

Work all week

Next weekend...Shower #2 in Hammond, LA, Bridal Portraits, Shower #3 in Amite, LA

Work all week

The next weekend...Shower #4 in Montgomery, AL...

Thinking about it almost made me want to complain and then I thought "OMG! This is the greatest time in my life so far!" God has blessed me with a man who will be my husband! The Love of my life. The companion I have prayed for and because of that we are blessed beyond belief by our friends and families throwing us showers and loving on us! Complain, I will not!!!

As of today, we have 66 days left. I'll tell you like I've told everyone so far. We certainly wish we were getting married sooner because everything is done and we are mostly in the waiting but at the exact same time we are grateful that we still have some time. Time to continue to learn about each other before marriage begins. Time to continue to enjoy what we have now. Time to look to God for strength when needed during this waiting period. We are enjoying our time.

Here is what we do have left to do:

Finish our marriage counseling which we are LOVING! Pastor Rick rocks!

Finish choosing scriptures for the wedding.

Design the programs.

Make wedding favors (mostly done)

Finish wrapping participant gifts

Send Rehearsal dinner invitations.

Yep, pretty sure that's it!

Loving engaged life knowing that married life is coming.

Praising God for his provision of a wonderful man!

Until next time-

Les

Memory

I've been helping with AWANA at church on Wednesday nights with the Sparks group...ages Kindergarten through 2nd grade. These kids are ridiculously sharp. It's insane! One of my sweet girls learns nearly 8-10 sections every single week. I've been encouraged and convicted. How much of God's Word have I put to memory? It's time! First up: 1 Peter 2:9, a verse Matt and I are learning together.

Until next time-

Les

Wow, life is busy

I've wanted to post nearly every night since my last post but honestly I haven't been able to find the energy.

Here's why:

1. Wedding/Marriage Planning...it is so FUN but time consuming as well.

2. Surgery...I had a small outpatient surgery on 8/23 and recovery and therapy have accompanied it.

3. Work...we are the busiest we have ever been at work. Between the 2 speech therapists we have nearly 35 Part A and Part B patients.

4. Travelling...with the busyness of wedding planning also comes lots of trips home for planning and etc.

5. Matt...I love spending time with my sweet Matt. Sometimes that means not blogging.

As you can see, life is busy but life is also great. We are getting married in 102 days...wow...almost into double digits!

Until next time-

Les

Quick Recap

Church/Reception hall "booked"

Photographer chosen

Engagement pictures date set/Bridal portraits date set

Hotels blocked off

Bridesmaids and Groomsmen chosen

Ushers chosen

Wedding singers chosen

Pastors chosen

Rehearsal dinner site/time set

Save the dates done and ready to mail/e-mail out

Caterer nailed down...catering semi-nailed down

Flowers-in process

Dress bought and absolutely perfect!!!!

Marriage prep---begun!

Now, what am I forgetting???

Until next time-

Les

Excitement

Here I sit/lay in my bed on Friday morning at 12:29 a.m....WIDE AWAKE!!!! Last night, I was soooo exhausted. My mind has been working overtime thinking about so many details regarding a wedding and a marriage. It's super fun but exhausting as well. I was so tired that I went to bed at 5:40. I knew it probably wasn't the best idea but I just couldn't stay wake any longer. I just decided to sleep while I could. So, I've done that...now it's the normal time to be sleeping and I'm not! Oh well, I'm taking the blessings as they come. I just keep reminding myself that I will only get married once and this time is so special.

Matt and I are loving planning together. He is such an amazing man and an excellent "helper". He has served my socks off this week and that has made this whole time less intimidating.

We are certainly planning for a wedding which will take place on 1-1-11 at 1:11 p.m. We weren't going for an afternoon wedding at first but then realized we just couldn't pass that time up!!!

Aside from planning a wedding, we are planning a marriage. We have decided that one night/day a week will be dedicated to just us. We are calling it "Matt and Les" day. This time will be dedicated to learning more about each other, reading books to prepare for marriage, quiet times, prayer and most of all, it will not include wedding "stuff". I know there is a lot to think about but we believe that if we focus too much on the wedding that the marriage will suffer before it's begun. As I've said before, we both believe wholeheartedly that God wrote our story and since that is the case, he certainly cares about every detail leading up to our marriage, including the wedding. I mean, really, he's numbered he hairs on my head surely he will take care of the catering decisions too! Don't hear me say that I don't believe I have to do my part because I know I have to put forth effort to make this happen but I'm saying that Matt and I believe that God has best. He knows our heart's desires and he wants to bless us just because that's who he is!

I was talking to a great friend this week and his advice was this: "The Wedding is only a success when the marriage endures" Uh, wow. We completely agree and are so grateful that others are praying for us and supporting us.

So, my questions to all you married folks out there: What did you do to prepare for your marriage? Did you read books? How did you stay focused on the marriage and not just the wedding? How did you turn your brain off at night?

I have so much more to share but I'm thinking I better try to fall asleep.

Until next time-

Les

P.S. I've chosen my bridesmaids! Jill, Brittany, Rebekah and Rachel. I am an incredibly blessed woman to have these women stand by my side at this time in my life.

Engaged!!!!

So it's 6:00 a.m. on Sunday morning and instead of sleeping, I'm up recapping everything that's taken place over the last 24 hours and planning a wedding....Let me back up a little bit.

Yesterday, Matt and I celebrated our 6 month anniversary of dating and it happened to fall on the first free weekend I've had all summer (Providence, I'd say!). He told me he was going to plan the whole date which made me excited because at this point I was exhausted from so much traveling and fun stuff. However, if you know me at all, you know that having someone else control something in my life is not fun for me.

So Saturday morning began with a trip to the Farmer's Market in EastChase here in Montgomery. I was super excited about this because I had been wanting to go for quite a while. We had a great time and got some great vegetables and fruits which makes me smile and would make my dad proud since I was buying locally.

After that, we came back to my apartment and he made breakfast/brunch. It was so wonderful. Omelets made with the fresh vegetables we had just gotten, peanut-butter/banana toast, fresh pineapple and orange juice. We love cooking together so this was such a treat. After breakfast/brunch, I told him I hoped there weren't lunch plans because I'd be full for a while.

While sitting at the table, he told me that for the next part of our date, I had a choice. PRAISE GOD! something I can control. He said we were going to see a movie and my choices were "Toy Story 3" or "Despicable Me". I chose "Despicable Me" and we both loved it. It was the perfect cross between and really funny kids movie and a sweet little story. We both laughed a lot and even teared up toward the end.

After the movie, he took me to this used book store which rocked my world! We had no particular book to look for but we knew we wanted to get a book that would be something we could remember this day by. We walked around laughing and finally we saw the perfect book. It was a joke book and as soon as we looked at it, we both said "This is it". It was funny and a perfect example of how well we fit together.

After the book store, we went to get italian ice at Nancy's Italian Ice right by my apartment. This is one of our new favorite places and it was such a treat.

By this point, we are both tired. My one request prior to the date was that we get some rest in at some point. I've been so busy that there has been little time for naps etc on the weekends. So after italian ice, I got to take a nap!!!!! It was wonderful.

After the nap, Matt said that I needed to be dressed and ready to go at 5:30 because we were going to Shakespeare to feed the geese. I was super excited but also extremely anxious and I asked about 1 billion questions. Matt was starting to get annoyed, I'm sure. He just kept saying "It's going to be great!" which just drove me crazy! Now I know some of you must be thinking that I must have caught on at this point. I actually had been thinking all week that he was going to pop the question but he said something later in the week that threw me off of his trail-sorry sucker! :)

While the nap was ending and I was getting dressed, it began to rain a bit. Matt just kept looking at the weather and basically said we would make a game time decision as to whether or not to go to Shakespeare. He said we had somewhere to be at 7:00 so we had a little bit of cushion if we needed to wait for rain to pass. However, God is so good that he took care of the grass with the rain and stopped it just in time for us to leave.

As we were driving into the Shakespeare park, I kept commenting that there were no geese which was the main reason we were coming, RIGHT????? When we got there and parked, Matt got a backpack out and said "Come on". I had a flashback to my younger days when Mom threw me a surprise party for my birthday. I knew it was going to be great but fear and stubbornness kept me from going inside. I was standing by the car not wanting to move forward. Matt being the sweet man that he is just took my hand and walked with me. As we were walking, we went around this group of trees and I just kept saying "There are no geese, this stinks". As we got in between two rows of trees, Matt said "That's okay because this spot is perfect" I immediately began to freak out and said this over and over again "I knew you were gonna do this". Matt got down on his knee and he said "I love you so much Leslie and I want you to be my wife. Will you marry me?" I always thought I would start crying or screaming at this point. Instead, I just hugged him and said "Yes!" and then I told him for the very first time that I loved him too. This was such a special moment. I have known for so long that I loved him but we had decided to wait until engagement to say those words, just another way of guarding our hearts. It was so special.

After that, Matt said it was time for the special part. I'm thinking we just got engaged what could be more special?!?! He took me to a ledge near the water and he sat me down. He pulled out a Fiesta Ware pitcher which is the "china" I've always said I wanted when I got married and he looked at me and said something very similar to this "As Jesus did in John 13, I want to serve you and love you as Jesus loved his disciples and he washed their feet. I want to wash your feet, Leslie. This is to demonstrate how I want to love you." Uh, can we just say, "WOW!!!" I mean really?!?! It was an incredibly special moment because it was the perfect way for us to begin our engagement, remembering how God wrote this story in the first place.

After that, we enjoyed some time together. I called my parents and told them. They both knew it was coming because Matt had asked for both of their blessings about 2 weeks ago. They were thrilled. We then went to have an amazing dinner at Garrett's here in Montgomery. Before dinner, as we sat in the car, we had a quiet time together, read some scripture and prayed. Again, a reminder of who wrote this story in the first place.

Dinner was amazing. Matt had arranged for his parents to bring roses and candles to the restaurant for our table, which made it even more special. We laughed. Enjoyed saying "I love you". Ate dinner. Smiled. Talked wedding stuff. Smiled some more.

After dinner, I texted everyone I could possibly think of and then the phone started blowing up. It's one of those moments that every girl dreams of. I was again in awe of God's goodness, as was Matt.

The last part of this date will take place this afternoon at lunch. A little back story is required for this part. For those of you who do not know, I love CiCi's pizza. No, really, I mean LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE CiCi's pizza. It has become a joke in the last few years that I would not let any guy take me there unless he wanted to marry me because once he saw how much I loved CiCi's, he may change his mind if he wasn't already committed. Matt has known this and it has been a joke throughout our relationship that he wanted to take me there. At some point when we were dating, I decided I wanted to be able to tell him I loved him without really saying I loved him since we weren't using those words. One night, we were on the couch talking and I said "I like you so much that I would let you take me to CiCi's" Matt was shocked and super excited and we both knew exactly what that meant. I am excited to say that today Matt and I will go to CiCi's today together. Just another reminder of God's perfect and unique stories for those he loves.

Well, that's the recap! There will be pictures soon!

Until next time-

Les, the future Mrs. Matthew Robert Morgan

I know, I know

Yes, I know it's been FOREVER! I want to update really badly but honestly, I don't have time. Plan to update next week for sure!

Until next time-

Les

Can't Touch this!

Hello All!

I've been contemplating this post for a long time and tonight I decided that it was finally time to type it up and hit "Publish Post". As most of you know, Matt and I have been dating/courting for the last 5 months (well, almost five months). God has so incredibly blessed our relationship, it's almost too much for Matt and me to comprehend. We honestly have days where we just have to step back and say "Wow, God. Thank you for blessing us."

One of the very first things I shared with Matt when he told me that he was interested in dating/courting was that I had a strong conviction from the Lord to not kiss until I am married. Let me just tell you, as a woman who has never dated anyone (praise God) it is very hard to tell a man that he wouldn't be able to kiss you unless he marries you. Most guys are like "whatever" and "peace out", but not Matt. Matt reminded me that I had told him about that earlier in our friendship and that it was something that he completely respected and wanted to honor. Whew! What a load off of my shoulders. God completely showed up and reminded me that he is EVER FAITHFUL!

So fast forward a bit, Matt and I are just truckin' along in our relationship...learning about each other and completely enjoying each other's company. We both felt a tugging from God that we needed to fast. Not just a one time thing but something that he wanted us to do at least once a week until he said not to or until marriage "happened". This "thing" that the Lord was leading us to was a fast from ALL physical touch on one day out of the week. "WHAT? Lord, we must have heard you incorrectly. We are already not kissing and NOW you are saying that we can't hold hands, hug or even fist bump at least once a week! This is insane." Those were the things that ran through the mind of my flesh man while my spirit man KNEW that it was to be so. Let me just tell you, that one day each week has quite possibly been the best day of most of our weeks. The Lord has shown us so much about each other on those days. We have recently been discussing how awesome it is that we desire to be in each other's presence just as much when we aren't able to hold hands and hug each other and we do when we can. This has been an incredible test of our faith in Christ and our ability to trust Him when He tells us to do something. Also, it has increased our desire to remain pure and set an example of purity for other people.

The journey has been....incredible.

Thanks for reading. I pray you were blessed.

Until next time-

Les

Quick!

Today, one of my patients was yawning and I jokingly said "Stop that". He said, "It's a bad habit I learned yesterday FROM YOU!!!" Guess that's what happens when I stay up too late! Oops!

Today, one of my patients saw a picture of MM and me. She said "Wooo he sure is a good lookin' fella" I, of course, agreed. When I told MM, he said "Good to know the old ladies think I'm hot" ;)

One more....

Last night, Matt came by my apartment and made dinner for us. At one point he says "I went by Fresh Market today to get you a Pink Lady apple because I know they are your favorite. They didn't have them so I got these Honey Oatmeal Raisin Cookies instead." I started laughing hysterically. Instead of a healthy snack/dessert I got fattening sugar-filled cookies. I'm not complaining though!!! Grateful for his sweet surprises!

Until next time-

Les

Some Recent Photos

Took too long to upload the few pictures so I'm not up to captioning them. Enjoy the fun times!

Until next time

-Les

My Man, MM, Graduated!!!!

I have been excited about Matt graduating for a while but yesterday when I was sitting in the auditorium (sweating profusely) I couldn't not have been more proud, thrilled and excited for him. He has worked so hard since he has been in college. He had worked a nearly full time job (30 hours per week) and has taken a heavy class schedule most semesters.

Within the last two weeks, he has been inducted into two honor societies including Phi Kappa Phi, received a Wall Street Journal award and graduated Cum Laude. Yeah, he's smart!

It was an excellent day altogether. My mom was able to come here for the weekend and was able to meet Matt's family including his grandparents. We had lunch together and just had an awesome time of fellowship and fun. We are truly blessed. Here are a few pictures from the day!

Mrs. Claire, Mr. Rob, Matt, Holly (and Kieran), Mitch, and Ben

Mom, Matt, me

Me and My sweet Matt!

Until next time

-Les

Funny Funny Funny!

This funny joke fits right in with my life involving my patients...I think you'll like it too!

Jacob, age 92, and Rebecca, age 89, living in Miami , are all excited about their decision to get married. They go for a stroll to discuss the wedding, and on the way they pass a drugstore.. Jacob suggests they go in. Jacob addresses the man behind the counter: "Are you the owner?" The pharmacist answers, "Yes." Jacob: "We're about to get married. Do you sell heart medication?" Pharmacist: "Of course, we do." Jacob: "How about medicine for circulation?" Pharmacist: "All kinds." Jacob: "Medicine for rheumatism?" Pharmacist: "Definitely." Jacob: "How about suppositories?" Pharmacist: "You bet!" Jacob: "Medicine for memory problems, arthritis and Alzheimer's?" Pharmacist: "Yes, a large variety. The works." Jacob: "What about vitamins, sleeping pills, Geritol, antidotes for Parkinson's disease?" Pharmacist: "Absolutely." Jacob: "Everything for heartburn and indigestion?" Pharmacist: "We sure do." Jacob: "You sell wheelchairs and walkers and canes?" Pharmacist: "All speeds and sizes." Jacob: "Adult diapers?" Pharmacist: "Sure." Jacob: "We'd like to use this store as our Bridal Registry."

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Until next time

-Les

P.S. Hoping for an updated post with pictures soon but right now I'm just trying to sleep when I can and still spend time with my man!!!

A quick story...

Before I tell the quick story, let me just say that life is good. Super duper crazy busy but good nonetheless.

Now for the story...

Earlier this week I was working with one of my patients and I was having her complete automatic sentences like: Up and down, right and left, salt and pepper. I gave her this sentence to complete: Young and____. The most popular answer is: OLD. However, this sweet lady said "Young and Restless"!!!!

I almost fell out of my chair because I was laughing so hard. Such a sweet moment and right then I knew she was a soap opera fan!

Until next time-

Les

Sweet Patients.

I know I'm not supposed to have favorites but sometimes, I just can't help it! One of my favorite patients is Ms. B. A while back I told her something about having a boyfriend and she just got so happy and just went on and on about it. Well, today I saw her in the hall and I went to hug her and talk to her for a minute. Here is the conversation:

Me: Hey Ms. B! I've missed you. Love you. (kiss on the cheek)

Ms. B: Hey There! (returns kiss on the cheek)

Me: Remember me telling you about my boyfriend? Want to see a picture?

Ms. B: Yes. Is he Good lookin'?

Me: Yes ma'am (showed her the picture)

Ms. B: Oh my. Is he as sweet as that too?

Me: Yes ma'am. He's very sweet.

Ms. B: Well, if you get married, let me know.

I just walked away cracking up. It was so cute and sweet. She is definitely my favorite. Don't tell anyone though!

Until next time-

Les

Blessed and HIGHLY favored!!!

I am so overwhelmed by God's goodness. I am in the midst of a super busy season in my life. An exciting season but a busy one, nonetheless. The Lord has blessed me so much to be a part of the lives of some of the most amazing people ever. A quick rundown.

April 24th: My precious stepsister, Deirdre, is marrying the man of her dreams, Duston. The wedding will be in Natchez and it is sure to be fabulous. I'll be reading a scripture in that wedding. (Natchez, MS)

May 2nd: Wedding shower for my dear accountability partner and friend, Rachel. (Birmingham, AL)

May 8th: Wedding of my super awesome friends, Carrie and Chris. I met them on the same night that they met each other. Can't wait to watch them say "I do"! (Birmingham, AL)

May 15th: My man graduates. WOOHOO! Matt graduates from AUM today! (Montgomery, AL)

May 22nd: Bachelorette night with my BFF, Rachel! Super fun times to be had. Including food and laughter! (Birmingham, AL)

May 29th: Rachel and Rick's BIG DAY! I've never been more excited to wear crimson in my life! (Birmingham, AL)

June 5th: A break. The only weekend between now and July 4th that I have a weekend of nothing. (In my bed)

June 12th: Katie Kirby becomes Katie Kirby Trahan (Baton Rouge, LA)

June 19th and 20th: Vital Stim Certification (Birmingham, AL)

June 26th: Katie Covington becomes Katie Mitchell and my sweet sweet friend Dustin marries the woman of his dreams! (Walker, LA)

July 2nd: Rebekah's wedding tops of the wedding season for me. My dear sweet friend will marry her love, Brad, and I am honored to be able to stand with her as her marriage begins! (Monroe, LA)

HOW BLESSED AM I???????

Thank you Lord for these great events and thank you that you are my sustainer. I TRUST IN YOU!

Until next time-

Les

Sidewalk Chalk and Silly String

As many of you know, Matt came to Louisiana at Easter to meet my parents. We had an excellent time. Matt had his first boiled crawfish and he LOVED them! We were able to spend a great amount of time with Mom, Dad and Susan. Matt and I were able to go to church with my mom on Easter Sunday and it was excellent. We headed to Middendorf's for lunch and had thin fried catfish as well as soft shell crab...yum-o...

Mom got Matt and I each an Easter basket with candy and also included were bubbles, sidewalk chalk and silly string. We were instructed that we were to use them ASAP. Tonight, we had a BLAST with our sidewalk chalk and bubbles. Some of the kids in my apartment complex joined in as well. It was so fun watching them play with the chalk and enjoy popping the bubbles we were blowing. A good date, we both agreed!

Here are some pictures...

It's the little things...

Until next time-

Les

Matt's Birthday-The Georgia Aquarium

Well, I know it has taken me over 2 weeks to post this but as promised here it is. I took Matt to the Georgia Aquarium for his birthday. On the morning we were going he came by early to eat some breakfast and I handed him a card. On the inside, among other things, I wrote: "I like you more than the Georgia Aquarium". This was special because Matt and I often say: "I like you more than ____". He was super excited and we had an absolute blast. I even touched some of the "creatures" just for him. Here are some pictures from the day!!!























We had a super fun time!!! If you get the chance, you should absolutely go!!!

Until next time-

Les