Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Little Preview
That's right. Soon Sam and I will get the WHOLE collection of our engagement pictures back! So far Anjuli has given us a "taste" of the cuteness of them via her blog. I am VERY excited to see the rest!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Planning...the biggest pain in my rear.
Oh my goodness! How busy life has been!
I thought summers for teachers were supposed to be relaxing.... not even close!
I've been so stressed about wedding plans, being torn from different angles of what people need to know and I even got a migraine the other day. That's only the 2nd in my lifetime.
Among all of the stress and chaos.....there are a few things I DO know!:
#1 My Photographer: I came across a beautiful picture on a wedding blog and I loved the colors and the lighting so much I had to find out who it was. Her name is Anjuli and she is stationed in San Diego. "Great!!" I thought! After MUCH communication and her willingness to wait a VERY long time for a contract... she's mine for the day! (And for engagements THIS month! Ahh!) (See her blog here: http://photographsbyanjuli.com/blog
#2 My Dress: It was a toss up between two actually. But both looked so amazing! (This wont be revealed till the wedding!)
#3 The Reception Location: After DAYS of driving all of Orange County, it was finally picked. It was a toss up between beach or greenery. Although I've always considered myself a beach bum and I absolutely LOVE the ocean, The Balboa Bay Club wasn't for me. There were too many yachts in the way of seeing anything. Not worth it. My heart kept going back to the Tustin Ranch Golf Club. Although I am not a golfer, on site it's just soo green surrounded by beautiful ponds and lakes. And I love the reception room lined with large windows. I never wanted the "hotel" look and this is FAR from it! (See here: http://www.tustinranchgolf.com/sites/courses/layout.asp?id=525&page=27059
#4: My colors: It was hard to decide. But from the beginning, Sam and I both like the different shades of blue with a brillant tangerine as an accent. Little did I know that it's extremely hard to choose blue! There are SO many shades. "Aqua blue" looks different on everything although it might all be called "Aqua Blue" on everything! (I'm actually still trying to work on the right blues!) See below
#5. Our DJ: At first I considered doing the usual "friend with an iPod" type thing. But my dad and Sandy insisted there be a more directive and charismatic type DJ. Sandy had been to a really unique wedding DJ for 6 weddings. After talking with this DJ he sadly said he doesn't do weddings anymore... in fact, he TRAINS DJs how to do weddings now. He referred Matt to me. Matt, from Joyful Noise, adds so much fun to weddings! He does introductions of bridal parties, grand entrances, and best of all, he tells the guests the story of how the couple met. I'm very excited to have him make the night unique and a blast!
Most importantly, I know Sam and I are getting married in the Newport Beach Temple for time and all eternity on October 8th at noon. I know without a doubt he is the man for me... in fact, in contrast to all men I've been with... I've never doubted for a second that he wasn't perfect for me. He has a wonderful gift to always make me happy and bursting into laughter! When I'm stressed with planning and busy making decisions, I just remember that covenant I will make, and I smile again.
I thought summers for teachers were supposed to be relaxing.... not even close!
I've been so stressed about wedding plans, being torn from different angles of what people need to know and I even got a migraine the other day. That's only the 2nd in my lifetime.
Among all of the stress and chaos.....there are a few things I DO know!:
#1 My Photographer: I came across a beautiful picture on a wedding blog and I loved the colors and the lighting so much I had to find out who it was. Her name is Anjuli and she is stationed in San Diego. "Great!!" I thought! After MUCH communication and her willingness to wait a VERY long time for a contract... she's mine for the day! (And for engagements THIS month! Ahh!) (See her blog here: http://photographsbyanjuli.com/blog
#2 My Dress: It was a toss up between two actually. But both looked so amazing! (This wont be revealed till the wedding!)
#3 The Reception Location: After DAYS of driving all of Orange County, it was finally picked. It was a toss up between beach or greenery. Although I've always considered myself a beach bum and I absolutely LOVE the ocean, The Balboa Bay Club wasn't for me. There were too many yachts in the way of seeing anything. Not worth it. My heart kept going back to the Tustin Ranch Golf Club. Although I am not a golfer, on site it's just soo green surrounded by beautiful ponds and lakes. And I love the reception room lined with large windows. I never wanted the "hotel" look and this is FAR from it! (See here: http://www.tustinranchgolf.com/sites/courses/layout.asp?id=525&page=27059
#4: My colors: It was hard to decide. But from the beginning, Sam and I both like the different shades of blue with a brillant tangerine as an accent. Little did I know that it's extremely hard to choose blue! There are SO many shades. "Aqua blue" looks different on everything although it might all be called "Aqua Blue" on everything! (I'm actually still trying to work on the right blues!) See below
#5. Our DJ: At first I considered doing the usual "friend with an iPod" type thing. But my dad and Sandy insisted there be a more directive and charismatic type DJ. Sandy had been to a really unique wedding DJ for 6 weddings. After talking with this DJ he sadly said he doesn't do weddings anymore... in fact, he TRAINS DJs how to do weddings now. He referred Matt to me. Matt, from Joyful Noise, adds so much fun to weddings! He does introductions of bridal parties, grand entrances, and best of all, he tells the guests the story of how the couple met. I'm very excited to have him make the night unique and a blast!
Most importantly, I know Sam and I are getting married in the Newport Beach Temple for time and all eternity on October 8th at noon. I know without a doubt he is the man for me... in fact, in contrast to all men I've been with... I've never doubted for a second that he wasn't perfect for me. He has a wonderful gift to always make me happy and bursting into laughter! When I'm stressed with planning and busy making decisions, I just remember that covenant I will make, and I smile again.
Friday, May 13, 2011
The Day Has Come!
It happened. It FINALLY happened!
The love of my life asked my hand in marriage!
Growing up I always imagined what would it be like or feel like when I see a man on one knee in front of me with a sparkly ring in a box. The best way to describe it is: surreal.
I came home from school yesterday and I went into my room. The first thing I noticed was my bed was made. What? MY bed? Made? I also noticed my floor was totally clean. Then I saw it, a beautiful full rose lying on my bed with a letter in an envelope entitled "Christy"
I opened it. The letter said many things about how Sam appreciates me and he wanted to do something nice for me. But at the end it said: "I want to show you my gratitude by taking you out for a nice dinner for two love birds tonight. So pick out your favorite outfit and I will pick you up at 7:15"
At that moment I thought "Is he proposing tonight!?" Because we had talked about being engaged sometime in the near future. I got ready, curled my hair and he was at my door at 7:15 on the dot. He looked so handsome with his colored light blue shirt that matched his eyes
We first headed to a nearby park to walk around and laugh at the little kids playing a baseball game. It was a GORGEOUS day! It was hard NOT to be outside. Afterwards, he took me to the very same restaurant we had our first date at: Sugarhouse Barbeque. It was soo good and there was a live bluegrass band playing. Very fun! I was sooo full after ribs and all the sides.
We began driving home until he said "We need to stop by my grandma's house. She is out of town and I need to feed her cat". I thought to myself "Umm I don't think she has a cat, but okay" Her house lies on the side of the mountain up in Salt Lake. It overlooks ALL of Salt Lake Valley so I like being there. We arrived and he said "The cat food is on the balcony".... again... weird.
When I went outside I noticed TONS of sparkly Christmas lights all tangled around the balcony beams. It was beautiful! There was a swinging bench full of blankets. His computer was playing some of our favorite songs on loud speakers. 2 dozen red full roses in a vase next to the bench and he brought out my FAVORITE cookies (from Bear Country Cookies), a plate of chocolate dipped strawberries and two bowls of ice cream. Oh... did I mention it was right at sunset?!
It was wonderful! My jaw dropped! We cuddled on the bench as we ate dessert and looked out over the view. He later took the bowls away and our song came on "Hold you in my arms" by Ray LaMontagne. He took my hand and we began to dance. I felt like I was in a movie. I noticed his body was starting to shake pretty bad.... and it wasn't even very cold out.I also noticed he started to breathe really heavy. Uh oh!
After the song, he took both of my hands and began to tell me how much he loves me and being with me. He told me the promises he vows to do for the rest of our lives. Finally, he got down on one knee and he held up a sparkling little box and finally said those few special words...
"Christina Louise Raczka.... Will you marry me?"
I held my mouth in shock and joy and nodded as I said "Yes!!" We hugged and both cried. More hugs, kisses and cried. It was a feeling of pure bliss and... surreal! I turned towards the big view and yelled "WOOO-HOOO!!!!!!"
The love of my life asked my hand in marriage!
Growing up I always imagined what would it be like or feel like when I see a man on one knee in front of me with a sparkly ring in a box. The best way to describe it is: surreal.
I came home from school yesterday and I went into my room. The first thing I noticed was my bed was made. What? MY bed? Made? I also noticed my floor was totally clean. Then I saw it, a beautiful full rose lying on my bed with a letter in an envelope entitled "Christy"
I opened it. The letter said many things about how Sam appreciates me and he wanted to do something nice for me. But at the end it said: "I want to show you my gratitude by taking you out for a nice dinner for two love birds tonight. So pick out your favorite outfit and I will pick you up at 7:15"
At that moment I thought "Is he proposing tonight!?" Because we had talked about being engaged sometime in the near future. I got ready, curled my hair and he was at my door at 7:15 on the dot. He looked so handsome with his colored light blue shirt that matched his eyes
We first headed to a nearby park to walk around and laugh at the little kids playing a baseball game. It was a GORGEOUS day! It was hard NOT to be outside. Afterwards, he took me to the very same restaurant we had our first date at: Sugarhouse Barbeque. It was soo good and there was a live bluegrass band playing. Very fun! I was sooo full after ribs and all the sides.
We began driving home until he said "We need to stop by my grandma's house. She is out of town and I need to feed her cat". I thought to myself "Umm I don't think she has a cat, but okay" Her house lies on the side of the mountain up in Salt Lake. It overlooks ALL of Salt Lake Valley so I like being there. We arrived and he said "The cat food is on the balcony".... again... weird.
When I went outside I noticed TONS of sparkly Christmas lights all tangled around the balcony beams. It was beautiful! There was a swinging bench full of blankets. His computer was playing some of our favorite songs on loud speakers. 2 dozen red full roses in a vase next to the bench and he brought out my FAVORITE cookies (from Bear Country Cookies), a plate of chocolate dipped strawberries and two bowls of ice cream. Oh... did I mention it was right at sunset?!
It was wonderful! My jaw dropped! We cuddled on the bench as we ate dessert and looked out over the view. He later took the bowls away and our song came on "Hold you in my arms" by Ray LaMontagne. He took my hand and we began to dance. I felt like I was in a movie. I noticed his body was starting to shake pretty bad.... and it wasn't even very cold out.I also noticed he started to breathe really heavy. Uh oh!
After the song, he took both of my hands and began to tell me how much he loves me and being with me. He told me the promises he vows to do for the rest of our lives. Finally, he got down on one knee and he held up a sparkling little box and finally said those few special words...
"Christina Louise Raczka.... Will you marry me?"
I held my mouth in shock and joy and nodded as I said "Yes!!" We hugged and both cried. More hugs, kisses and cried. It was a feeling of pure bliss and... surreal! I turned towards the big view and yelled "WOOO-HOOO!!!!!!"
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Because Robyn said so...
It was Mother's Day last Sunday.
I called Sandy but I forgot to send something... oops
I called my grandma to say hi, forgot to send a card... dang it.
But I did give Sam's mom some flowers.... phew!
I need to work on planning ahead!
But in honor of my mother, here are 3 things lessons she taught me:
1. Never lie... ever, ever, ever
2. Don't treat people differently just because they are different than you (race, gender, sexual orientation, etc).... they may be nicer and more caring than the people you are comfortable with. (Her nurses that were black or gay were always the nicest and took better care of her)
3. Be who you are and be comfortable... even in public. Most strangers you'll never see again anyways! (She wore pjs whenever and where ever she wanted!)
I called Sandy but I forgot to send something... oops
I called my grandma to say hi, forgot to send a card... dang it.
But I did give Sam's mom some flowers.... phew!
I need to work on planning ahead!
But in honor of my mother, here are 3 things lessons she taught me:
1. Never lie... ever, ever, ever
2. Don't treat people differently just because they are different than you (race, gender, sexual orientation, etc).... they may be nicer and more caring than the people you are comfortable with. (Her nurses that were black or gay were always the nicest and took better care of her)
3. Be who you are and be comfortable... even in public. Most strangers you'll never see again anyways! (She wore pjs whenever and where ever she wanted!)
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
What a CRAZY last 2 weeks!
A couple of things that I have found to be true over the last few weeks....
1. Some of the best things in life are also the scariest to achieve them.
2. Don't fill up on the pasta and soda at Rodizio because then there is less room for the wonderful meats
3. Watching the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy (back to back) is a good choice!
4. Oxycodine is wonderful and awful at the same time.
5. I CAN survive without a car or working muscles/energy for 1 1/2 weeks.
6. Yes, a surgery, appendicitis, stroke and bone fracture CAN happen to close loved ones within a week.
6. My sister is now prepared to sponge bath anyone.
7. Sam definitely doesn't just love me for my looks!
Some tips:
1. Don't throw up laying down after surgery on drugs. You're too tired to sit up or catch it.
2. Don't watch over 20 movies in a single week unless you MUST!
3. Don't be stuck at home without a car OR FOOD.
4. Don't get into a bathtub if you don't have the arm ability to get out.
your welcome. Until next time.
1. Some of the best things in life are also the scariest to achieve them.
2. Don't fill up on the pasta and soda at Rodizio because then there is less room for the wonderful meats
3. Watching the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy (back to back) is a good choice!
4. Oxycodine is wonderful and awful at the same time.
5. I CAN survive without a car or working muscles/energy for 1 1/2 weeks.
6. Yes, a surgery, appendicitis, stroke and bone fracture CAN happen to close loved ones within a week.
6. My sister is now prepared to sponge bath anyone.
7. Sam definitely doesn't just love me for my looks!
Some tips:
1. Don't throw up laying down after surgery on drugs. You're too tired to sit up or catch it.
2. Don't watch over 20 movies in a single week unless you MUST!
3. Don't be stuck at home without a car OR FOOD.
4. Don't get into a bathtub if you don't have the arm ability to get out.
your welcome. Until next time.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Meet Sam...
I haven't written a blog in a while but I did want you to meet a VERY special boy.... Sam.
First let me start with the beginning.... This past summer I spent a few weeks on the island of Oahu (see previous blog) with teens and counselors on a high adventure. That's when I met SarahJane... she's the type of girl you meet and instantly become friends. We shared common humor, randomness and even a sleeping bag. She slept above me in a bunk bed and with each groan in the morning..... we were friends. One day, she mentioned to me that I was really funny and I reminded her of her brother, Sam. She mentioned he got off his mission and that I should meet him. At the time I didn't think much of it and just said "Sure".
Skipping ahead through time, I had been dating a few people but wasn't really feeling that "spark" with anyone. I mentioned to SarahJane that maybe I should meet her brother.... She gave him my number and.... he called! We set a double date up.... except....later I had to cancel.... another guy I had been dating wanted to reschedule our date for the same night.... after a TERRIBLE decision on my part.... I canceled on Sam.
Luckily for me, Sam doesn't give up easily! He called just a few days later to set up another date, November 13th. As I waited for my date with Sam... I MAY have sent my roommate to his work to check him out. Haha.
Our first date, he picked me up from my house and took me to SugarHouse BBQ Restaurant.... then I just knew he was someone special! If you know me, I LOVE BBQ! Afterwards, he took me to the Gateway to get AMAZING cookies and we ended up watching a movie. Things went well, no awkward moments. But the best part about Sam is that he doesn't play games. He called me just 2 days later to set up another date. I love that! He wears his heart on his sleeve.
I could talk for hours about us but in the end, only a few weeks later of getting to know eachother we realized we really are absolutely perfect for each other! No games, no difficulty.... just LOTS of laughing, smiles and joy. So I'm happy to call Sam my boyfriend.
Fun facts:
Sam is:
Age: 22
Height: 6'3"
From Salt Lake City
Played football at Skyline High, got a scholarship to play at Southern Utah University as a Lineman
Served a mission in Peru
Currently attending University of Utah and studying Biology
Oh, and did I mention he's dreamy?? :)
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