Going to the Chapel

In the past two weekends, Noelle has been to her first two weddings! Last weekend, we went to New Albany for Luke's cousin Emily's wedding to Jonathan (also known as Chunky...don't ask me why, because I don't know!). She was a perfect angel during the ceremony, not making a peep! She also did great during the reception as everyone passed her around. We had a great time and stayed until midnight! It was a really fun time with the family. Special note-- the reception had three different food stations with three different themes of food (Italian, Polynesian, and Mexican). It was a great idea and had something for everyone. I took the full world tour and ate from all three stations. Yum!

Noelle with Luke's dad at the reception

Noelle's second wedding was for Brandon, one of our high school friends, marrying Jennifer. After getting lost in the fields and farms of Pendleton, Indiana, Luke and I made it to the ceremony just after Jennifer walked down the aisle. Thankfully Noelle was quiet as usual and didn't call any more attention to us. It was another great time, and we got to catch up with a lot of our friends that we hadn't seen since Noelle was born. It's always fun to watch a friend you have known since elementary school get married. I am happy that our group of friends has stayed together so many years down the road.

Me with my long lost friend, Stephanie

Kevin, Luke, Noelle, and Me

Congrats, Chris & Megan!

I can hardly believe that September is almost over! It feels like only a couple days ago that we went to the Notre Dame game over Labor Day weekend. Now it is almost October, and I couldn't be happier. This September has not been all that Fall-like, although this past weekend was a sign of weather to come. It was sunny, breezy, even a little chilly by nighttime, and that is just the best!

We had a fabulous weekend in Muncie. Our friends, Chris & Megan, got married, and Luke was an usher in the wedding. We had the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner on Friday night, the wedding on Saturday, and then a post-wedding get-together today. We are so exhausted. In fact, Luke is snoozing on the couch (for the third time today!) as I type this.

The wedding was beautiful. It was all black and white, and the bridesmaids' dresses and flowers were a magenta color. The weather was outstanding, and the reception was a lot of fun. I actually was asked to come in and take some "getting ready" pictures of Megan and the girls, so that was really fun. She was a stunning bride. In fact, Luke said that "other than me," she was the most beautiful bride he has seen.

Last night, I felt pretty pregnant. The dress I was wearing highlighted the belly bulge going on, and while everyone was enjoying several alcoholic beverages, I stuck to my water and Diet Coke. I was really good about not drinking caffeine during the first trimester, but I have added it a little to my diet in the past couple of weeks. I am allowed 200 mg a day, and one can of Diet Coke only has about 45 mg. I typically have Diet Coke once or twice a week. Sometimes I just need it!

Anyway -- the wedding was great fun, but WOW my feet hurt by the end of the night. The reception didn't close up until midnight, so it was a pretty long day for us. However, I loved being around my friends and seeing Chris and his groomsmen and ushers, who most of whom were elementary, middle, or high school friends. It is so cool that people can stay in touch and be friends after so many years.

One crazy thing that happened was Chris actually broke is wedding band during the reception. He had a tungsten band that is "virtually indestructible," which is the kind Luke has, but during the reception a large chunk broke off! It actually happened during a pretty hilarious part of the reception, which was when Megan's cousin taught Chris a very interesting dance. It involved some pounding his hands on the dance floor, and that was when the ring incident occurred. However, that ring should not have broken like that no matter what he was doing. He only got to wear it for 3 hours! Luckily, by this afternoon, he already had a new one as the jewelry store was able to replace the exact ring in the store today.

Well, I have chicken chili simmering on the stove and a Colts game about ready to come on-- I am exhausted and "kind of" dreading going to school tomorrow, but I know that the weeks are flying, which means the baby is growing, and I am getting closer and closer to lots of exciting things!

Back to School!

School is back in full force these days, as I went back to the working world on Monday. We had corporation meetings on Monday and Tuesday, and then the kiddos came on Wednesday! I have 19 fresh-faced students, and I must say that 19 is a HEAVENLY number! I had 25 last year, and with the 2nd grade classrooms bursting with 27 and 28 kids each, I am rejoicing (quietly, mind you, so as not to brag in front of the other teachers ready to pull their hair out!).

I spent the first three days doing what I should have done my first two years during the first three days (did you follow that...?). I got to know the kids, I didn't start out with super fun awesome activities (I know you're thinking...why?). I didn't crack a text book. I took my time assessing the kids' prior 3rd grade knowledge, preliminarily placing them in groups according to their skill levels, and I taught them all kinds of procedures. My method to my madness is that if I start out tame and reserved, but still warm and friendly, the kids will be eager to see what is next, and they will respect me more than if I started out as their best friend. No one likes it when their best friend has to reprimand them, and that is what inevitably happens. The kids feel betrayed by my sudden authority after they think I am all about fun and games. No more rookie mistakes for this 3rd year veteran!

Nah...actually I am FAR from a vet. I just have more experience under my belt which gives me a slightly elevated boost of confidence. I have redone my room and my thinking for this year, and I look forward to sharing my new revelations with you along the way.

My new and improved reading area

Anyway -- another friend has joined the marriage club! We went to our high school friend's (Cody Lee) wedding on Saturday in Muncie. He married his long-time girlfriend, Ashli. We had a lot of fun (scratch that, a TON of fun) catching up with some old friends and watching another beautiful couple tie the knot! Marriage is a wonderful thing! (most of the time)

Well...Luke said he wanted some Cold Stone, so I am not going to delay. This is a rare occasion for HIM to ask for ice cream! Better capitalize!

Weekend Summary: Allison's Wedding!

Well, after a whirlwind weekend (seems like most of my weekends are like this these days!), I have finally caught my breath, and am I ready to blog about Allison's wedding!

I was so excited to be a bridesmaid for Allison (not just any bridesmaid...the maid of honor!). However, I was overcome with nerves and anxiety the entire weekend. We joked that maybe I took all of her nerves, because she was so relaxed the whole time. I kept feeling like I was going to throw-up...but all of the nerves were for nothing because the wedding was flawless, my dress zipped *sigh*, my speech went great, and the reception was lots of fun! 

Friday night was of course the rehearsal and dinner at Puerto Vallarta. We had tons of fun as a wedding party, but the real fun began when we left the restaurant and thought we were headed to go to see the movie, "The Proposal." Well, we got stuck by a train, and we were already running late, so we decided to just have fun anyway and blare some Michael Jackson, roll down the windows, and belt it. All joking aside, I am still stunned about MJ's death, but it was fun to pay tribute to his awesome song, "Man in the Mirror" on Friday night. We also decided to head to our former Bethel houses and take some pictures. When we finally got back to Allison's mom and dad's house, we just hung out, talked, and painted our nails until 1 a.m. 

Us at "Old Bethel" (we lived there from August 2004-July 2005)

Outside of "New Bethel," Al and I lived there from July 2005-May 2007, and Laura and Nikki joined from 2006-2007

Saturday morning came around, and we went to get our hair done! They all turned out great, and on the way to the church, we picked up some McDonald's (of course!). We killed some time before getting ready by dancing and talking...just having fun together. When we got the dresses on, the time came around quickly for pictures and the wedding to begin. I was shaking before walking down the aisle, but I made it without tripping! I teared up when she came down the aisle...she looked beautiful and radiant...and I am a sucker for music at weddings. It gets me everytime! 

Laura, me, Al, Jenn, and Nikki waiting for the ceremony to begin!

Al and me!

Once the ceremony ended, we took some full group photos, then headed out to the reception. It was so great to see our friends and sorority sisters! Al's reception was in a tent in her parents' yard, so it was beautiful and romantic and summery and perfect! I delivered my speech just the way I wanted to, and people laughed, so I think it went well! I also didn't cry! Woohoo! I know there is no reason to be sad...our friendship will go on forever! 

My baby and me at the reception!

My AOII family! 

Stacia, me, and Kel

Cutting the cake!

I was dead on my feet by the end of the night. The stifling heat caught up with us by the end of the day. It was definitely 90 degrees...but there was no rain! 

Now, as I type, Al and Chris are either on their way or have already landed in Jamaica! I can't wait to hear honeymoon stories and see pictures. I am definitely feeling nostalgic and remembering my own wedding and honeymoon almost two years ago. We are happier than ever and ready to see what the future holds!

Congrats to Chris and Allison Overholt! Marriage truly is a blessing!

Summer is in Full Swing!

I hate cleaning. I may have sounded really motivated in a previous post to do all kinds of "cleaning" things around the house, but actually, I have changed my mind, and I now despise it. Ok, I will make a correction. I despise cleaning when I have a deadline. My old roommate and dear friend Laura is arriving around 3, along with Allison and Jenn. Laura (Lo, as we nicknamed her in college) and Allison have to rehearse some music for Allison's wedding which is now officially less than 2 weeks away! Ahhh! Jenn and I plan to shop around for some shoes for our bridesmaids dresses while they are gone, and then we are going to reunite for a dinner later on. Anyway, the point of this is that I have to have the house looking top-notch by 3, because Lo has never seen our home! This is a tall order, given that we have vacation laundry to wash and put away, I am knee deep in reorganizing the office closet (almost done though!), the guest bedroom looks like the guest from you-know-where has been living in there for a month (even though it is just our junk), and I have to clean the kitty box...EW (that is Luke's job for a reason)!

Anyway, I am going to talk about the positive aspects of life right now! We had a fabulous weekend, beginning with a Friday night dinner at Jake and Amanda Eichenberger's home. We ate tacos and talked and laughed and shared stories. It was really a fun night. Saturday, we had to hit the road to New Albany to attend Luke's cousin Erika's wedding. It was a beautiful day and wedding. We had a lot of fun at the reception, too. After the reception, we went to see the movie "The Hangover" with Jonathan and Ashley (Luke's cousin and wife). That movie is every fiancee's nightmare,  but it was so funny! I am still laughing about some of the scenes.

Luke getting some daddy practice in by carrying the sleeping Gus.

Liz was a bridesmaid. Look how pretty she is!

The "electric slide" :-)

10/11 Ernstberger children with their mom, Mary Ruth! WOW!

Sunday, we had a pool party at Luke's Aunt Marcia's home. She has a great pool and hot tub, and she generously opens her home each summer to have all 100 Ernstberger adults and kids over. I love spending time with the family!

Luke and I got home late last night and were really not motivated to do anything around the house. I did manage to get some laundry done, but it is the putting away that I really have problems with. I hate putting laundry away!

Well, I suppose I am not being to productive by complaining on this blog about all I have to get done before 3 (which is less then 3 hours away now). I need to just get my butt into gear and get it done. I am sure I will be very relieved when all these jobs are complete.

Shower and Bachelorette Party a Success!

Well, Saturday was a hugely full day, but it was also a huge success! We had a great turnout for the shower, a super time at dinner, and a hilariously adventurous bachelorette party. Allison was pleased, everyone had fun, and I am happy it turned out so well!

The one thing I learned from all of it is that I can not attempt to maintain a "college" lifestyle at my old age. I have been so tired ever since Saturday! Staying up until 3:00 a.m. is definitely not my thing anymore!

One of my highlights of the day was giving Jenn a star that we had named after her mom who passed away one year ago from cancer. It was a really touching moment as we all wanted to do something to show our support. 

I am getting worn out just typing (WHAT is wrong with me!), so I will upload the pictures later. They are super funny!

Update: Pictures!

AOIIs at the shower

WD girls at the shower!

Bridesmaids!

Crammed in the back of Jess's car....not legal or safe!

Having fun at Have a Nice Day Cafe

We had some really creepy encounters...and this guy was one of them. He was rude and insisted that he knew me...even though he didn't...and then he insulted Ball State and flipped me off!

This guy tried to take a drink out of our straws!

I was getting annoyed and scared!

Guy over my shoulder is relentless and won't take a hint! YOU, sir, are married...and so are we!

Me with the bachelorette!

Relentless married guy backing up into me

Headbanger guy = scary

The faces really, really say it all!

Luke's 1/2 Marathon!

It was a beautiful October day...what better time to run a 1/2 marathon? Luke was originally training for his first full marathon (he has done a few 1/2 marathons before), but his studying to the best of him and he ran out of time. He decided to only go for 13.1 miles...what a wimp! (kidding!)

Luke's dad and sister, Clare, joined me in cheering him on at the finish. He was quite proud of his time, which was just over an hour and a half. I truly can't believe how amazingly athletic he is. Anything he sets his mind to, he can accomplish. 

Going to any kind of race event is really inspiring. I love seeing the people cross the finish line, usually with their fists in the air, amazed that they "did it." It truly is an emotional experience to persevere and keep going when you want to quit. I commend anyone who finishes any race, no matter the distance. 

After the race, we had to hurry up and get ready for Jenn & Justin's wedding in Muncie! I had the honor of doing a reading for the ceremony (1 Corinthians, which has special meaning to our sorority). Jenn's mom passed away in May from a long battle with cancer, so it was an emotional day, but a happy one. Her mom's spirit was with her all day, and it was truly a memorable experience to share. Congrats, Jenn & Justin!

Laura, Allison, Jenn, Nikki, Jess, Amanda, and I

Ernstberger Wedding #2

The second wedding of the summer belonged to Jonathan and Ashley. Luke was the best man in this wedding! He was quite nervous about the speech, but he did very well! The wedding was a lot of fun, despite the torrential rain that came through that night! Jonathan and Ashley love each other very much, which is very inspiring. Congrats!

The new Mr. & Mrs. Ernstberger (little blurry!)

Being silly as usual with E and CeCe

With the best man!

Ernstberger Wedding #1

In the first wedding of the season, Aaron and Ellen tied the knot in Cincinnati, Ohio! It was a really fun night that began with a beautiful service. We all had a wonderful time celebrating the occasion, and Elizabeth and I of course danced the night away. To top it off, Seth & Liz surprised us all by announcing that they were expecting baby #2 in January! (Elizabeth and I did suspect something and we kind of pressured Liz into telling us...but oh well!) We are very excited!

Seth, Liz, Gus, and baby #2!

I missed the memo on the goofy face

Aaron with CeCe, Seth, Luke, and Abe

We love weddings!