Giving Back....

At a time when I feel so lucky to be able to have a wedding of my dreams, a family that supports me, friends that back me, and a fiance' who wants to spend the rest of his life with me, I have been overcome with the feeling of being blessed.. That being said, I have been looking for this for a long time and finally figured out how to get the links attached and online paperwork filled out for this to work... SOOOO I am happy to blog tonight about mine and Rickey's membership to the I Do Foundation. This was a foundation set up by a few large scale corporations to give back during a couple's exciting wedding time. Through this foundation, we have been able to link both our Target and Pottery Barn wedding registries to our charity of choice, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Any purchase made from these stores carrying our registries will donate 5 percent donation to our charity. You can also access the charity link and donate directly to St. Jude through the I Do Foundation. This means such a great deal to me because having worked at St. Jude before, I understand the massive undertaking it costs to maintain the everyday runnings of the campus (over 1 million dollars a day to run all facilities). Not only that, the hospital is one of the most amazing places I have ever been in my entire life. Angels from above definitely work there are lives are saved every year through research and hard work in the fields of pediatric cancer and pediatric illnesses that can be fatal. Rickey and I have toured St. Jude together and it is very special to us both. We do not need ANYTHING from our registries, being able to get married and be happy with each other is more than enough and we are blessed, but these children need more and this organization deserves more than any of us will ever know! If you are in search of a charitable cause, consider St. Jude and becoming a official St. Jude Partner in Hope!



Avec tout mon couer ~ Lace and Rick



Click HERE to go to our I Do Foundation link!
http://www.idofoundation.org/37740



You can also learn more about the foundation by going to www.IDoFoundation.org



Thinking of becoming a St. Jude Partner in Hope? CLICK HERE!
www.stjude.org


You can also find a link at our wedding webite! CLICK HERE!
http://www.theknot.com/ourwedding/LaceyHarris&RickeyNoland

Blind Side...

I was getting ready for work this morning and catching up on my daily Celebrity Gossip through E! Entertainment television and I literally was stopped dead in my tracks when I saw the preview for the new Sandra Bullock film titled "BlindSide".. This movie means ALOT to me because of the story behind it... Let me elaborate..

Although I am marrying an LSU fan and being swayed into supporting LSU through watching ballgames, etc, I am still an Ole Miss (Hotty Toddy!) fan at heart and will always be. Last year I was amazed at the story of Michael Oher, an offensive tackle for Ole Miss. Oher was a standout player for the University and although I do not know him personally, many of my friends do and can attest that he is one of the nicest and most wonderful people that you will ever meet. Oher's story goes so much deeper than that though. Growing up in the Memphis, TN area, Oher's father was murdered and his mother was addicted to drugs. He had very little attention as a child and attended eleven different schools through the first nine years as a student. Oher was found, at the time homeless, by Sean and Leigh Ann Tuohy, who literally adopted him off the street, provided a home for him, helped him gain confidence and attendance at Briarcrest Christian School in Memphis, TN, attended sporting events for him and became his "mother and father". Oher only played one year of football before attending Briarcrest Christian school his junior year (totally three years of playtime in his high school years) and was an extremely high talent for scouts. Oher was ranked as the #1 Offensive Line prospect in 2004 and sports analyst, Tom Lemming, said "Michael Oher’s athletic ability and his body — the only thing you could compare it to was Orlando Pace". Oher, upon graduation, was offered scholarships nationally, with highest regards from LSU, Tennessee, Alabama, Ole Miss, and North Carolina State. Oher chose to attend The University of Mississippi and was drafted to the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the NFL draft in 2009.

That being said... A book was written about Oher's life by Michael Lewis in 2006 titled, "The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game". I was so excited when I saw the movie trailor come out about this story. I literally cried the entire time that i watched the film trailor because my heart has always gone out to Oher and I have always thought he was so awesome to have overcome the adversity in his life. The family who adopted Oher are also amazing and I think so many times how they loved someone who had been overlooked for SO LONG, and literally changed his life.... What an impact they have made... Amazing.

Check out the Blind Side trailor here...



p.s..... OHER SIGNED WITH THE BALTIMORE RAVENS in 2009 for 13 Million dollars..... God is Good. :)

ALOHA ~

Mahalo Kahuna.... (it means, "Thank you, Hawaiian Priest".. no relevance but sounds beachy. Yes?) I just got back from a wonderful and relaxing vacation to the beach with my sisters and mom. It was wonderful to be able to sit on my balcony and drink a nice sippy sip, eat some yummy "catch of the day", and get my sunshine on.. Much needed after a busy life I have had these last couple of months... WHEW! We had such a great time and it was fun to just spend time with my sisters since we are all departing to different directions for school, work, and life in general. We got home around lunch today and I was itching to get back to the clinic to visit my coworkers and get some stuff done. I have had the PRODUCTIVE bug today since my last few days have been spent like a fish in the water, just swimming and lounging.. After I left work for the afternoon, I was driving home and heard a song that made my mind totally think and keeps reminding me of perspectives that we face. Now, let me totally write that I am not a HUGGEEE Kenny Chesney fan. Although I think the guy has some talent, yes, most of his songs remind me of most of his songs that i've ever heard. But I loved the lyrics of the song, "Never Wanted Nothing More" (p.s. if you really want to check out a cool singer/songwriter from the Delta/MS/Nashvegas area check out Meagan Rae Mitchell.. She's also singing at my wedding for my first dance. Do I have to mention that she just rocks? I didnt think so.). Not all the lyrics apply to me in this song. I dont "wait to turn 16 and drive all the boys around"... BUT.. when the Chorus strikes it makes you realize this guy's got it right here, this is what life is all about, or SHOULD be.. "Well, I'm what I am and I'm what I'm not. I'm sure happy with what I've got. I live to love and laugh a lot and that's all I Need..." - TOTALLY LOVED THIS. That's how I totally feel. I am who I am, take it or leave me. And I am so very happy with my little imperfect self and my little imperfect life. I dont need a fancy life or grandeaur things. My future hubby and my pup make me smile and laugh a TON. My family is a blessing and more wonderful and supportive than anything. I got to thinkin' today, "Man, this is just all I need...". Rickey and I wont ever be bazillionaires (well, I cant say NEVER, things do happen, they do..) and the chances are ever so slim that we might be super wealthy.. But we will be happy, and full of love and peace with the good Lord on our sides.. I look forward to our hamburger helper dinners and times when we might have to save for weeks and weeks for that little "somethin" that we want.. I cant wait to work my tail off for things that my children need. Now, Im not saying that I want to struggle with my finances or I dont want to be comfortable in my living situation. I think that most people desire for that. Im just saying that I am fine with living in our perfect little average, happy, imparticular and imperfect home and life. Im fine with being average on this earth and in this life so that we can live a life that one can only dream about with our Father above.. I've got all I really REALLY really ever need and its a pretty satisfying feeling. Any other blessings that we recieve from here on out are BONUSES.. thinking about life that way makes me happy, sure does....

It's The Little Things in Life....

It's been a busy morning and is about to become a busy afternoon, but thats alright with me. I am currently sitting in the living room, watching abner nap because I just ran his poor little legs off and waiting for Rick to get out of the shower. This morning we helped my brittany her roommate and best friend, Katie, move into their new apartment. It is SO CUTE and she is so excited! Having a new apartment and feeling like "a forreal BIG girl" is fun. Im proud of her. She is headstrong and independent and has so many qualities that I wished I had for myself. She's definately the most OPEN MINDED person I have ever met. She sees the good in everyone. Sometimes its so easy to let things get in the way, but Brittany does love with a christian heart and its remarkable to see someone who sees no boundaries and love for all. I respect that about her, she makes me want to be such a better person. Love that boo. Rickey and I dined at my favorite lunch spot in Oxford, Newk's, for lunch and gazed at the Powerhouse where we will have our wedding reception. I cannot believe that we are going to get married in 318 days. I know that it sounds long but honestly, the time has FLOWN by... We have so many things to do and to think about. We are job hunting in Cleveland as well as house/apartment hunting, planning for season, planning a wedding, finishing up school and getting ready to start graduate degrees, and creating a life together. It's exciting. My heart feels so inundated with happiness I cant explain. This afternoon we are going to do some wedding planning. Since Rickey is coaching at Delta State, time is of the essence when it comes to wedding planning TOGETHER. Suprisingly enough, Rick has actually enjoyed helping me look at dishes and what-nots for the wedding and has been the BIGGEST HELP. Yet, when baseball starts on Monday it will be hard for him to be able to sneak away for the weekend and help me to plan or look at things in Oxford. From Monday until June, we are packed Solid. But its a solid that I love and a solid that I'm ready for. Ok.... Rick's out of the shower and beckoning me to come on.... So time to go...

Avec tout mon couer....L

My in-laws have a last name... its N-O-L-A-N-D...

(get the title? Oscar Meyer Weiner song? ok.. maybe you dont get it.. anyway)..

First and foremost, let me say that I am proud of my Rick. Yesterday was his "first" real day of being a coach on the Delta State University Baseball program. Now, if you follow my blog then you know that I am a proud, proud Fiance' but this day is special to me because it begins a new chapter for Rickey. He has played baseball his entire life, knelt for hours behind that home plate and was the captain of the field. This change, although different, is still good. Rickey is blessed to be able to coach at such a prestigious baseball program under a coach that is undeniably one of the best coaches in the country. Although Rickey's going to be standing in a different place on the field, he is still on that green green grass and I am happy. You have to understand this game and this lifestyle. It is different from anything else. It's a career full of heartbreak. Not every game is won, not every player will make it to the pros, not every coach will stay at the same school his entire career. There are many ups and downs. There are many nights that he will be gone and on the road, playing games and chasing balls, recruiting players to come play for "the best" and losing players to other schools that claim they are the best. It's a losers game, they say, but its the best game I've ever seen. Its something that we LOVE. It's engrained in our relationship and it runs through Rickey's veins. I am so glad that he (and I) are taking on this new challenge and chapter in our lives. All those nights that Rick's away and it's just me and Abner are fine with me, as long as my Rick is happy. To make a long story short, Rickey's first day went good. My "catch" has turned into my "coach" and I am so very elated and joyful. Oh how I love that Rick. God is good.

Rickey and I went to Louisiana this weekend to take our "announcement engagement pictures" and we had a BLAST. It was so fun and I think that we smiled and laughed more than we took any of our "sexy" pictures. We drove home pretty late and once Abner finally went to sleep (on a pillow to be exact. Yes he is SPOILED out of his MIND) I had a lot of time to think.. So I am going to blog about those thoughts... Each one of them.. My Future In-Laws.. The Noland Family..

Let me start out with the one who honestly had my heart from the get go... Ryan.. Ryan is Rickey's oldest brother and my "herb" (as I like to call him) is just so wonderful.. Herb is brilliant, far more brilliant than he will give himself credit, and has lived this life that seems to be like a fairytale to me. Now, Herb will be the first to tell you that he's made some mistakes in his life, but he's SERIOUSLY amazing. He is one of the most laid back people I have ever met, and he would go to NO END to take care of the people he cares about. Herb will make the most fantastic husband one day. Whoever marries him will definately have to sit down and take a test for me or something, because I am going to be very particular. He reminds me a lot of my middle sister, Brittany. Both are somewhat reserved but when they have fun, they have fun. Herb ALWAYS makes me laugh and he loves my dog (maybe more than I do sometimes). Herb is VERY VERY VERY special to me and i love that boy so much. He's the "future uncle" that my kids will be excited to sit and listen to his stories of when "he was thier age".. Herb rocks..

Next is Stephen... OHHHHH i LOVE STEPHEN NOLAND. Steve, as I like to call him, was the first out of the Noland family that I ever got to meet. When I was in Johnson City visiting Rickey, he and I spoke on the phone for a long time. He told Rickey that I was a "keeper", and we have been so very close from that moment on out. Stephen is hilarious. He knows how to ALWAYS make me smile and laugh, and is a blast. Steve is always there for me when I have questions about life in general and we see eye to eye on so many different things. I know that if I ever had a problem and I couldnt get in touch with Rickey, I could call stephen (And herb) and he would be there for me in a second. I have never had brothers, so this is just awesome to me. It never fails, when we get ready to leave LA, steve always tells me that he Loves me and gives me a hug. That is so very mutual. Steve is also brilliant and is so personable its insane. Steve can make friends with a tree if he had to. He will meet someone that knocks him off his feet and I cant wait for the day that he calls me and says "Lacey, I found the one".. I will REJOICE for my steve because he is so deserving of such happiness.

Next is my future Mother in Law, Mrs. Dana... Now, I honestly feel for the girls who sit and say "I cannot stand my Mother in Law" because I will NEVER.. EVER... EVER be in that situation. We are talking about a women who is just the entire package wrapped into one. Mrs. Dana is one of the most creative people I have ever met. Some of the projects that she has taken on and completed with such array and excellence are just downright awesome. From a woman's standpoint, Mrs. Dana is the ultimate mom. She's the mom that will be in the kitchen at 1am when her boys are back at home during christmas vacation to make them cookies because they "were craving them". She's the mom that will rush around all day and do errands for everyone else, then take care of herself last. Her time with three boys hasnt always been easy, but shes not the one that wants to take the "easy" route. She's HILARIOUS. Honestly, she cracks me up more than anyone I know. She teaches me to cook, even though she knows that im terrible at it, and she refers to me as her "future daughter". Coming from a family situation that has been kinda "strange" at times with my parents, hearing her say that is....well... Perfect. We share a passion for "the littles" as I like to call them and I cannot wait for the day when Rickey and I have been married for some time and finally have grandchildren for her to love and hug. These Noland boys are very lucky, to have a mom that is one of the most giving and awesome people that I know. I've been lucky enough to have spent a year and two months with Mrs. Dana and I am lucky to be able to say that she is my "future mother in law".. Thats pretty dang lucky.. If you haven't had a chance to meet her, well, you need to make that a top priority.

Last but not least is my big Rick...... there is SO MUCH that I can say about my big rick.. I think big Rick and I have a lot more in common than we both realize at times. Like I said, my family situation has been "strange" at times so Big Rick and I both appreciate the family circle that we all have created. Big Rick is one of the hardest workers I have ever met. This is a man who will stop at nothing to provide every need that his family has ever wanted or desired. Its so nice to sit down and have a heart to heart or an in depth conversation with him because no matter what the topic is, Big Rick understands and will listen to whatever you have to say. He is very compassionate. And trustworthy. No matter what, you can always bet that Big Rick will be behind you and supporting you, any decision that you make because he's just that kind of man. The thing about Big Rick, though, is that he's honestly humble to his wonderful-ness.. He's been the most outstanding father to three wonderful boys and I bet Mrs. Dana would put a million dollars on the fact that hes been the ultimate provider and husband in a wonderful marriage. When I first met Rickey, we talked about who his hero was over breakfast. I immediately knew that I would love Big Rick when MY Rickey said his father was his hero.... and his best friend. I cannot describe my happiness to have big rick as my future father in law. We also share a passion for baseball that is pretty dang awesome. You can't beat that, now.

and then there is MY Fiance'..... he's pretty close to my heart, as you can tell.. Rick, honestly, had me at hello (clinche i know, but true). One of my favorite memories with Rickey was the first time that we had a one-on-one date in Johnson City, TN. I drove ten hours to meet Rick and hang out, watch him play, etc. I made it to TN at 6 am and Rickey met me at my hotel with the biggest smile on his face.. We were both nervous, you could tell, but he I could tell that he was trying to be so strong because he wanted me to feel more comfortable.. he wanted for me to have a PERFECT trip. And that first real "date" has carried over into our entire relationship. He will stop at NOTHING to make sure that my days are perfect. He would go over the moon to make sure that I am happy and that all my needs are met. He smiles, still, and my heart M-E-L-T-S.. He's a very strong person, and at the same time he's sensitive enough to let me know when he NEEDS ME. He's the best little mix that I could ever ask for. Everytime i drive in my car, I practice my vows and what I want to say to Rickey in front of God, and our families, and our very best friends on the day of our wedding. That moment might be one of the most special moments in my life. In 329 days I will, basically, profess my love to Rick, something that will actually be so easy for me to do because of the way that Rick makes me feel. True happiness. Rick has his flaws as we all do, but his flaws are what I love. He farts like every man, and sometimes hes a total ass when he wakes up. But he's my heart. I never wanted Rickey to be perfect, but i Love his imperfections, I love his everything.. Im pretty smitten..

So after reading this, I know you're jealous that your in-law family might not be as cool as mine... It's ok, they are so awesome they would adopt you if you asked..... :)

Avec tout mon coer.
Lacey

Working Hard... on my Second career as a wedding planner.. No Joke.

I have seriously decided that after I am done with my wedding, I want to plan all of yours.... So I think I will allow myself to become a wedding and party planner.. In essence, I have been working on bridesmaid dresses and picked them out today with my mom and sister, Brittany. We had a great time and B was the best model. Shes such a cutie. I knew what I wanted in my head and totally found it; something really fun and flirty and very SUMMER TIME! I also got to play around a little myself and try on some things for me ;) Wont post much that way Ricker wont get curious..... Cant break tradition and let him see anything before June 26th, right? I have to pack and get things ready for this weekend. We are going to LA to take announcement pictures and try a couple engagement shots with our photographer and are really excited.. Should be fun! Short blog for tonight, folks... Avec tout mon couer, L