It's been awhile . . .

Our last post was 2 weeks ago and a lot has happened in the Stevens / Bisonet households. I went to Chicago last weekend to visit one of my best friends from college. I took the commuter train out of Michigan City Friday morning, since it is only $15 round trip - versus $100 for Amtrak (out of Jackson.) Since gas is so cheap now (don't you just want to hug the gas station attendant every time you fill up?), I figured driving part-way would be cheaper. I ran right into a major snow storm in Kalamazoo, which left me wishing I had shelled out the moolah for the Amtrak ticket! I did make it to Michigan City, just in time, to catch the train. Once in Chicago, I had my first experience on a city bus. Well, I had ridden the bus before, in Poland, with my cousins. But this was my first time alone and I was VERY nervous. What if I get on the wrong bus? How do I pay? What if I miss my stop? Yes, these questions were all racing through my head. With the help of a few kind strangers, I made it on the right bus. I even managed to pay without causing a scene. I found a seat and announced to the guy next to me, "This is my first time on a city bus!" What a dork I am. He was kind and talked to me for awhile. Then, someone else sat by me and taught me how to "pull the string" to get off. So yes, I even got off at the right stop. Besides all the bus excitement, the weekend was full of shopping, delicious food and martinis. It was great to catch up with a dear friend, who has shared so much of my life over the last 10 years. Hard to believe it has been that long!

The other noteworthy item (and most exciting) is that after a lot of thought and planning, Brook left the law firm he was at last week. He, along with 2 other attorneys, have decided to begin their own firm. Most of the details are still up in the air, but it looks like the office will be in Grand Haven. Brook is very excited about the possibilities this holds for him. Being a typical accountant, I honestly have to say that I have had my share of sleepless nights over this. After much discussion with Brook and a lot of prayer, I think he has made the right decision and support him 100%. We both believe this will allow us to achieve the dreams we have for ourselves and our future family. Please keep us in your prayers at this time of transition.

As for the holiday weekend, we are beginning the festivities by joining in the obligatory "Night before Thanksgiving bar night." My sister is having a get-together at her house and then we may go to the Hunt Club. Thanksgiving, we will spend time with both families and eat way too much - 2 meals, only 3 hours apart - ugh! Friday we are going to go out into the woods and chop down our Christmas tree, like Paul Bunyan. Ok, probably more like Clark Griswold. And Friday night, we are meeting some friends from DC for dinner (SO excited for that!) Chass' baby shower is Saturday afternoon (can't wait to see her baby bump!) and then my 10 year class reunion is that evening. Why am I not excited AT ALL for this? But I am definitely looking forward to seeing Katie, Meagan, Jane and Chass all at the same time!



We want to wish you a very "Happy Thanksgiving" and let you know that we are so grateful for your presence in our lives, no matter how small. We are truly blessed, b/c we know you.

Registry

Brook and I registered yesterday for wedding gifts. When I told some friends we were going, their eyes got really big, like they were afraid for us! And then they said, "Good luck and bring water." Like the good planner I am, I already had a list and we had discussed what colors we wanted in the house we don't have yet. So, I didn't think it would be too bad. We started at Target at 11am, then went to Bed, Bath & Beyond. We had to break for awhile to attend a marriage class, but then went back at it and didn't get home 'til after 8! It made for a very made long day, but we had fun.

As I was sitting on the couch, reviewing what we had registered for and taking notes on what we still needed, Brook started laughing and said, "You are in your element, aren't you?" I just looked at him and said, "We missed a taupe wash cloth." Then, we both started laughing! Who knew picking out stuff for other people to buy you could be so stressful? :-)

Thankful

I have been reflecting about my life a lot over the last 2 weeks and have had an overwhleming sense of thankfulness lately. Maybe it is b/c we are so close to Thanksgiving, I don't know. I am on the verge of tears a lot, but they are finally GOOD tears! I just have a resounding feeling of thankfulness. . . thankfulness to God for my family, good friends and Brook.

In Brook, I found someone who loves me more than I think I deserve to be loved. He loves, cares and understands me more than almost anyone. He is the person that deep in my heart I always wanted, but was too afraid to ask God for. I thought I was asking for too much. And it didn't help that people told me I was too picky. The last 7 years of my life have been quite a journey. I went thru so many highs and lows after leaving the Sisters. I dated a lot of guys that weren't right for me (I initially had "losers" here, but thought that wasn't very nice!) and cried many tears. I felt incomplete and doubted that God heard my prayers and even if God existed. I even wondered if I had made a mistake leaving the nuns. I became fiercly independent . . .

Then, at my lowest point, I met Brook. Now, in less than 6 months, I will become Chrystal Bisonet. This is still somewhat unbelievable to me. It sounds so cliche', but makes all the waiting worth it. It makes all the tears seem like nothing and all the heartache a distant memory.

There are some things I will never forget, though. Like the excitement in Kathy's voice when I told her I was engaged. My cousins, Diana, Holly, Andrea and Phyllis, reacted the same. There were shreaks and screams as I told people the news. My aunts and uncles got on the phone to hear the news together. It makes me smile now. Or when Jill got tears in her eyes and said, "This is an answer to prayer." Yes, it is an answer to prayer. The prayer was not "Please help me meet my husband." It was so much bigger than that. My prayer was "Help me do what I am meant to do with my life" and always seeking the will of God. Mine is a story of God's faithfulness to me, even when I doubted Him and was angry with Him.

Words cannot express how I feel. Thank you to all of you who loved me and supported me through those years. Thank you for not letting me settle and for your encouragement. Thank you now for sharing my joy.

Lawyers . . . and other thoughts

We are back from our quick trip to Chicago. Believe it or not, the swearing in ceremony was rather inspiring. The Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court swore in over 1700 (!!) new attorneys yesterday morning. I know what you are thinking - 'That's all we need, 1700 more lawyers.' That is what my grandpa would say, at least! But most of them are good, decent people and passionate about what they do. (I am lucky to be marrying one of those people.) There was so much pride in that auditorium today. . . mostly, young people, with their parents. I can't imagine the dedication and hours of studying that got them to where they are today.

Of course, there was still much excitement around the city b/c of the events of this week. It definitely was a historic election! And whether you were a McCain or Obama supporter, one thing is for sure: the future of this country is very uncertain . . . economically and morally. When I find myself fretting, I bring myself back to the fact that I still know Who truly is in charge. And it isn't a president.

Stoked!

Tomorrow, Brook gets sworn in for the Illinois Bar. Since we are in the middle of our monthly Close process at work, I didn't even bother to see if I could take the day off. And Brook was going to go alone, which just didn't seem right. Someone needs to be there to celebrate with him. :) Well, I woke up today, really wanting to go, since I was sick and didn't get to see him sworn in for the MI Bar. I thought I would just take a chance and ask. I have such a great boss! I am heading to Chicago tonight to see Brook become an attorney in the state of Illinois!

I Did It!

I finally attended a wedding and got pictures of the bride and groom! Jennifer Zolner became Jennifer King on Saturday at a gorgeous ceremony and reception at the Amway Grand. It was an intimate affair with only 60 people in attendance, but extremely fun! Congratulations Jennifer and Tyler - we wish you nothing but joy and happiness. Thank-you for including us in your special day.

Stacie, Malia, Jennifer and I

Gannon and Nicholas really tore it up on the dance floor


Kathy and Karen with their girls

Brook was proud of this candid photo that he took

Happy Halloween!

We had fun on Friday, making the rounds to see our nieces and nephew, dressed up in their costumes. I went over to Wes and Jaime's before heading to GR and spent some QT with Maria and Connor.

Connor was more interested in the pumpkin than posing for me

Tigger and Sleeping Beauty

When I arrived in GR, we went over to Trent and April's to see Anna and Livia in their costumes, as well. Brook actually went trick or treating with the girls. I decided to stay inside with the pizza and the wine and keep Cindy company as she handed out candy.

A Little Pumpkin and Cheerleader
(enjoying the candy bracelets I gave them!)

Who would've thought that Halloween is almost, if not more, fun for adults than kids? I am amazed at the time and effort that goes into planning costumes. Can you guess what more people were dressed up as than anything else? I will give you a hint . . . lots of guys in Speedos, with gold medals around their necks. Yeah, it was Michael Phelps. Gross. We had an interesting and fun night out with Brook's roommates at McFaddens and got lots of ideas for next year!

Brook, as one of the guys from "Anchorman"
and me as a Go-Go Girl
(Thanks for the costume, Hannah!)

Brook and the rest of the Anchormen


Kendra, as Deal or No Deal model, me and Jen, as Sarah Palin