2009 was amazing, but 2010 just might be better!

Hello readers....excuse I mean Brenda.  I thought you would enjoy the above picture.  Jane Austen and mocha!  Today is a great and hold day.  I learned a great deal during today's sermon on the Holy Family.  I will describe in more detail later. 

Two Months Later....as Mrs. Jacobs!

I love Jordan!  It has been a little over two months since I said "I will" to my duty of state in life.  I said "I will" to be his wife and the future mother of his children.  I said "I will" to a life of sacrifice and showing my love to God.   Within a year I have done more for God than I have the past five or six years of my life.  You might be wondering why I keep typing "I will" instead of "I do".  In a traditional Latin Mass, these are the vows that I took.  "I do" doesn't even describe what you promise to God and your husband.  "I will" signifies a commitment that can never be broken.  "I will" implies that through good and bad times, I will keep trying.  "I will" means I will do what's best for my husband and family.  My life as a single lady about a year ago was to help myself get to Heaven.  I am now also responsible for my husband's soul.  "I will" need to keep this in my mind when my faults start to get the better of me.  I will update more later with wedding pictures and such.

39 More Days!

I checked the countdown from theknot.com, and I noticed in only 39 more days I will be Mrs. Jacobs!  Yeah!  :)  The above picture was taken nearly a month ago.   Taking the corn husk off was fun, but chiseling the corn off the cob was a skill I have never practiced before.  This picture was taken at his Grandma Jeanie and Grandpa Dalen's house (Jordan's mom's parents).  Now I know why Iowa is well known for its corn......

Hi Brenda!

A Beautiful Country Morning

I have to admit waking up to see the bean and corn fields is absolutely breathtaking.  I'm not fond of waking up super duper early, but when I walk outside and step into the pick up truck, it's just a beautiful, peaceful sight.  Yes, I did say pick up truck.  It's a monstrous vehicle, but I feel much safer driving it over a smaller car.  I fear that I will hit a deer every morning!  So if I hit one, I would rather be in a larger vehicle.  The best part of my morning is knowing that I will pick up Mr. Jordan Jacobs at around 6:20 in the morning.  He has a butter and jelly toast waiting for me, and his smile and hug just honestly brightens my day! 

This past weekend I helped (well more like watched) Jordan put up a deer stand.  Wow!  He goes up high!  I wasn't sure what the experience would be like, but it was good to know what Jordan does to prepare for deer season.  It's a wonderful feeling to know that I not only love Jordan, but I admire him for his many skills.  

I have been reading this book about Praxedes by Father Martin-Maria Olive.  Once you can get over the poorly written or translated text, you can gain a great deal of knowledge about the holy woman.  She lived in a part of Spain that I actually visited at one point, and her honeymoon took place in the city I lived in for about two months.  I immediately was drawn to her story because of where she actually lived.  Then reading about her trials and saintly actions just drew me to know more about her.  One of my favorite quotes from her so far is, "To serve God and be sad, I can't imagine it."  I will take her advice today and for days to come.  Smile and pray.   :) 

Our First Month

Hello family and friends! I miss you dearly. I decided it was about time that I started an online journal for you to read about all the new adventures I am on in my life as an engaged woman and soon to be married woman. Jordan has started a countdown, and I'm amazed that the wonderful day is coming soon. On October 24th, 2009, I will be Mrs. Jacobs. It is a bit surreal to think that my unique last name, Alves, will change to a more common last name. My mom even mentioned the other day that she will miss saying Christina Alves. I just giggled when she said that.

The weather is absolutely wonderful here. The beans have started to turn a yellowish color, which is breathtaking to look at. I have been quite busy the past few weeks. I started a new job working with at risk middle school students at Charles City Middle School. I do not have paperwork to take home, which is the best part of the job. I get to be with children without the worries of paperwork. Yes! However, leaving McKinley in Pasadena was very difficult. I miss my teacher friends, students, families, and just knowing that people knew me. I have to admit starting all over has not been easy. The teachers are nice at my new school, and the kids are very kind. I started ZAP and the teachers absolutely love me. (My middle school teacher friends know what that is.) But now I know why God placed me at this middle school. There is a boy I have been working with that caught my eye immediately. Let's call him "Alfredo" for the sake of privacy. He's a wonderful little boy, and I feel honored that God called me to help him. I'll keep you updated on he's doing throughout the year.

During the past few weeks, Jordan and I have been preparing for the wedding. We did a great deal of planning for decorations yesterday. We're keeping it simple. I just love how Jordan loves to plan with me. It definitely makes it more fun.

Leaving my family has not been easy. But it comforts me to know that God does have a plan for me, and I feel like I am following my vocation in life: to be the best wife and mother I can be.

I miss you family and friends. Please keep me and Jordan in your thoughts and prayers. We would appreciate it greatly!