Our link with the House of Windsor (British Royal Family)

As part of putting together the wedding-day program, we're creating a list of events that happened on our birthdays and on our wedding day. We have found many interesting things to list, but the following is rather peculiar:

Jen's birthday: Jan 15
Niels's birthday: Jun 2
Our weddingday: July 29

Coronation of Elizabeth I: Jan 15 (1559)
Coronation of Elizabeth II: Jun 2 (1953)
Wedding of Charles (son of Elizabeth II) and Diana: July 29 (1981)

Isn't that interesting?

Words of Wedded Wisdom

My Michigan friends threw me a bridal shower a few weeks ago. Since I am one of the last of my friends to marry, I'm able to learn from their experiences. My friends put together a book of marriage advice for me. It's good stuff, so I decided to share.

If you have wisdom to share, I'd love to hear it!

• In Terms of a Lifetime...In those moments when a situation seems SO important to you and the other one just doesn't get it. Before pursuing the "discussion," ask yourself, "In terms of a lifetime together with my love, is ____ really important or will it be forgotten in days, weeks, years? Proceed according to your answer.
• Celebrate the Differences. If you and your spouse were exactly the same, one of you wouldn't be needed in the marriage! Usually a difference causes you to grow in some way. Growth is tough but without it the relationship suffers.
• Pack some snack food, your computer and a DVD. Go for a drive to a nice location. Have your own drive in movie night date. Enjoy the movie and each other.
• Go mini-golfing and out for ice cream afterwards.
• Get dressed up for an evening out. Go to a nice restaurant for dinner and then go ballroom dancing. For added privacy, crank up the music and dance in your backyard under the stars.
• Challenge your spouse to a $20 date night. See who can plan the best evening for $20 or less, then go out and try the winning date. It will make you feel like a teenage in love!
• When you know your honey is having a hard week, pamper him with a foot rub and a back rub. When he's more relaxed, then you can share sweet kisses...
• Prepare a romantic picnic with your husband. Bring a blanket, some cheese, and a nice bottle of wine. Find a secluded park or nature trail. Enjoy an hour of conversation and good company.
• Do something sweet and don't him. Just wait to see his reaction when he does notice.
• Go on a real date once a week.
• Get flowers.
• Be intimate even when you don't feel like it. Very rarely, if ever, will you regret being intimate with your spouse, but you will regret the connection and closeness you miss out on if you say, "No."
• When tempted to pick a fight, pick grace instead. Both bickering and grace are contagious. You can choose what will abound in your home.
• Take long walks togehter after work. It's a great way to stay connected and catch up. And you'll get some exercise while you're at it!
• Know each other's love languages and work at filling the other's "love tank." It takes some effort at times, but the rewards are great!
• Surprise him in the shower every once in a while. He'll love the company as long as you don't startle him too much (BOO!!) Slipping and breaking a leg in the shower in the process is not romantic!
• Always set aside time for "just the two of you." Movie, dinner out or just bumming around the mall. Quality time together is so important. Never let life get too busy and full to allow time together.
• After he's had a long week, make him a huge romantic dinner for the two of you and spend the rest of the night together.
• Pick one night per month (a different one every month) and leave a note or gift tag with a quote or rhyme to clue him in or leave him curious.
• Watch football together. Browns and Vikings should work nicely!
• Initiate intimacy yourself. Men like to feel desireable too!
• (My favorite) When you are feeling saucy, or even when you're not, break out the romantic game of Settlers of Catan. Oh Yes, I said romantic. Romantic variation: every road build: kiss; every settlement buitl: rub; every city built: nibble; every metropolis: lick. Winner: the sensuous result of three hour gaming anticipation!!!
  

We also enjoyed several romantic quotes:

• The most precious possession that ever comes to a man in this world is a woman's heart--Josiah G. Holland
• Love is an irresistable deisre to be irresistibly desired--Robert Frost
• What lies behind us, and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us--Robert Waldo Emerson

The Dress

The wedding plans are coming together quite nicely. As of today, all of the major vendors have been contracted, with the exception of our wedding day transportation, but that's Niels' job (right, sweetie?)
We've had a lot of fun talking about how to make the most of our international theme. With guests coming in from China, the Netherlands, Canada and all over the States, we've been adding different elements to celebrate the cultures and customs of those we love.

One interesting custom I learned about while in Europe was the Dutch custom of the groom coming to bride's house to meet her. The photographer is there and captures "The Moment" when it's a bit more private than the American custom of the groom seeing the bride for the first time as she walks down the aisle.

We've decided to go Dutch in regards to the viewing the dress. (While we are celebrating American customs, the dress pictured is NOT my wedding dress). My sisters and I will spend my last night of singlehood together in a suite, just as we did for my sister Carisa's pre-wedding night. My sisters are fabulously talented in the hair and makeup department, and have graciously agreed to get me all dolled up and dressed. Niels will meet me in the hotel to have our big moment. From there we'll make a few stops around Canton, in full bridal attire, and take pictures at a few of our favorite places: browsing books at Borders, checking out the toys at Best Buy, getting groceries at Giant Eagle, and taking in the crowd at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

It's a little bit different, but then, so are we :-)

Happy Birthday, Sweetie!

Today is my Dutch sweetie's birthday! Thirty-three years ago in the Netherlands, Niels was born on a beautiful June day. Today, unfortunately, I am unable to be with him because my cold has kept me here in Ohio. He's off in Canada visiting some friends who I know will take good care to celebrate his life with him today.

In 56 days, my Dutch sweetie becomes my handsome, almost-permanent American resident HUSBAND!!! Fifteen years ago I started praying for the husband God planned for me. Many people wondered over the years if my expectations were too high, but God crossed oceans to bring us together. Niels is all I asked for and more than I could have dreamed. Praise God!

I love you, Niels!