Friday, August 27, 2010

En Route


Wedding pictures are on their way!

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Introducing...

Mr. and Mrs. Marty and Annette Lessmann!

bruce shrock photography

July 24 was a day we'll never forget. It was full of love... we feel so blessed to be able to celebrate with our closest family and friends! We're thankful for the support and for all that everyone did to make it such a special day.

I woke up that morning at 4:00... I was just too excited to sleep! I forced myself to stay in bed until 6 and was making blueberry coffee cake for my bridesmaids before everyone else was up. All of the gals came over for hair and makeup and we headed to Boulder to take pictures with Marty and the groomsmen.

The first time Marty and I saw each other was a beautiful moment. His tears said it all. I was in awe of this man I was about to marry... and I made sure to soak up every moment. Taking pictures with Marty and the rest of the wedding party was a blast... we love our bridesmaids and groomsmen!!

The wedding was amazing. Hotter than hot, but perfect. The wedding party and I walked down the aisle to "Walk Down this Mountain" by Bebo Norman (played by the very talented Chuck Hugenberg and Brian Davis). Dear friends sang an artsy rendition of the Doxology and we enjoyed hymns and favorite worship songs during Communion. Our pastor invited us to serve the Communion. It was one of the best parts of the ceremony because we were able to interact with each of our guests in a divine way.

The ceremony wasn't a performance... it was a worship service. A beautiful, simple, loving statement lifting up Jesus in our lives and in our relationship. It looked exactly how we wanted it to look, and I think it looked exactly how Jesus wanted it to look as well.

We became man and wife! While running to our decorated car through all of our guests' cheering, I felt the love of the day radiating toward my new husband and me.

Then... we partied. We had a wonderful reception at the Colorado National Golf Club where we chatted with the guests, ate dinner, enjoyed time as man & wife, danced, tossed, and celebrated the incredible thing that had just happened.

Again, thanks to everyone who made it such a fantastic day. We're so grateful for the love and support!

We haven't seen all of the wedding photos yet, but they're on their way... and when we see them, we'll be sure to share them with you. Enjoy the few we have...


bruce shrock photography


Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Island Time

Marty and I just got back from a fantastic sailing vacation with family and friends in the British Virgin Islands. The two weeks were full of beautiful sights, exciting adventures, quality conversations, and much needed relaxation. Highlights from the trip included scuba diving around a shipwreck, snorkeling, running on Peter Island, reading, enjoying wonderful sunsets, experiencing the island culture, and quality time with my Marty Man.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Journeying

The past 4 months have been some of the most intense and poignant months I have ever experienced. There were many tears, prayers, conversations, and moments wondering if the right decision was being made.

The sweetest part was that I got to journey right alongside Marty.

Knowing that we wanted something new when we got married, Marty started the job hunting process way back at the beginning of spring. The guy watched every school district in Colorado closely to see if a math opening would be available for the fall. He applied over and over again not letting the fact that this is THE most difficult job market for teachers in the history of... teachers. I supported him in any way that I could and eagerly awaited news of an upcoming interview.

Windsor High School (in Northern Colorado) interviewed Marty and offered him a job in mid-April. My first reaction was "we're moving to Fort Collins!" Marty's first reaction was anything but. His heart was completely on edge about the entire thing and he felt no peace about the job. So, after much deliberation, we decided to turn it down.

It was then that the toughest parts of the journey began. We had so many conversations about where we wanted to live (we even thought of moving to Seattle for something really new), what our goals were, and what we wanted our marriage to look like. Neither of us wanted to cause the other person to sacrifice a lot, but we also didn't want to settle. We had a few great conversations with our counselor and friends, and their wisdom and guidance helped us to realize what was truly important to us. We knew we wanted to be in Colorado. We knew that I would start school as soon as possible to get my teaching license. We knew we wanted a story to tell.

A few weeks ago, Marty applied at Niwot High School. It wasn't a school he had heard a lot about, but he applied anyway. Right before we left St. Louis for Colorado to spend Memorial Day with family, he got a call from the high school's interview team. They wanted to talk to him on the Thursday that we were driving to Colorado, so Marty interviewed in the car while we headed west on I-70. After the interview, we were both pretty sure that we wouldn't hear back from them.

A few days later, however, Marty got an email from Niwot's principal. He wanted to talk to him again! After that meeting, Marty became Niwot High School's newest math teacher! We both love the area (mountains, trees, open space, and friendly people) and are really looking forward to starting live just north of Boulder.

I'm thankful for the journey. It's just beginning! Even though what we went through was hard, it was refining, and I truly believe that the Lord used that time to ask us to trust Him more and more. We learned so much about each other, about ourselves, and about life - and we are truly thankful for His hand in all of it.

If you prayed for us, thank you. If you thought of us, thank you. If you asked us about our journey, thank you. This isn't the end... we're just getting started. Life together isn't always going to be easy, but it is going to be good.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Showered...



A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending my first bridal shower! It was in Bakersfield, California so that I could celebrate with all of my aunts and cousins. My cousin Emily and sister-in-law Danielle threw the party... and they did a fabulous job!

I'm so thankful for all of the friends and family who have surrounded us at this time. It's such a blessing and it makes this sweet time even better.


Here are some pictures from the sunny afternoon...











Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Enjoying this sweet time

... it has been far too long since I last posted a blog.

The month of March was crazy and amazing and beautiful and meaningful all at the same time. The last time I wrote, the man I love so much had proposed only hours earlier. What a whirlwind it was to realize my life is changing and to feel so chosen and loved. It took a while for reality to set in - I kept thinking wow, do I really get to marry this guy?!

We hit the ground running with our wedding plans. Asking our attendants to be a part of our wedding was special... my best friend, Jill, was honored. My sister in law laughed (and said yes, of course). Cousin Emily squealed. Marty's sisters were shocked and glad I asked them. My favorite reaction of them all: Roma. One of the flower girls.

I think our favorite part of planning so far has been the registering. While walking around Target and Crate & Barrel, we'd see something to add to our list, and Marty would gleefully say, let me hear that beep!

A mid-March trip to snowy Colorado allowed for an awesome day with my mom and Jill to find THE DRESS. I found it. And since Marty reads this blog, that's all I'm going to say about it...

I could go on and on about details (like a fantastic honeymoon in the Upper Northwest), but I won't. One thing that I've learned is that instead of getting caught up in the planning and details of the "day", to enjoy the man I get to spend my life with. He's an amazing helper with all of the things that need to get finished, but I'm most thankful that through the process since we've gotten engaged, I've truly seen his heart beat less and less for himself, and more and more for us.

There are 109 days until we get to truly be "us" and I couldn't be happier!

Saturday, March 6, 2010

YES!


I am absolutely on Cloud 9!

Marty asked me to marry him today! And of course, I said yes.

After coaching baseball this morning, Marty rode his bike over to my house. He showed up and motioned for me to get my keys so he could put his bike in my car. I pushed the unlock button from inside the house, but he wanted me to go outside. I walked out to the car, and he asked "what do you want to do today?" I said, "how about we take the Metro (subway) somewhere?" He said "That's a great idea... I have a better idea (while getting down on his knee) -- Annette Versluys, will you marry me?" I said over and over again, "are you kidding me?" and I said an emphatic YES.

I loved the proposal. I thought he'd do something big and grand, but had he, I would have known he was up to something. He totally caught me off guard. It was simple, sweet, and totally us.

We still ended up taking the Metro to downtown St. Louis and enjoyed talking about marriage and being giddy.

Wow. It's awesome!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Happy Monday!!

Whew, it's been over a month since I moved to Missouri. I've definitely enjoyed myself and have loved getting to know Marty better in the same city.

My job is going well (I'm actually enjoying it!). It's been nice to get to know some of the people I work with. In a typical week, I work during the day twice and at night once. I hope to add some more hours, but for now I'm thankful that I even have a job.

Last weekend, Marty and I ventured 11 1/2 hours in the car to Santa Rosa, Florida. It's a small beach community between Destin and Panama City Beach. We were supposed to meet up with two other couples, but due to sickness and snow, it ended up just being us. It was a nice weekend to learn more about each other and enjoy uninterrupted time together. Highlights included a great walk on the beach followed by a beautiful sunset, time in the sun (it was a little cold... but it was definitely warmer than chilly St. Louis!), and a funny seafood hunt. We were thankful for the house that was generously given to us for the weekend.

So, life in St. Louis isn't only a giant blessing, it's also really fun!

What do we do out here? Well... we cook, run, play, laugh, go to the park, walk around the museums (I haven't mentioned yet, but a bunch of great museums and the zoo are all free out here! Can't beat that!), learn, watch Jeopardy (and lately the Olympics), work, chat, and enjoy life.

Life is good.

Oh, and Marty says hi.

:)

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Feeling settled in St. Louis

I'm well into my third week in St. Louis. I'm finally feeling settled here... I know my way around and it feels like "my" city.

St. Louis is a neat city. The sunny days are BEAUTIFUL. The cloudy days are frigid, but I remind myself that it is February after all...

The job hunt was a little frustrating. Coming to Missouri, I thought I'd be able to apply at a few places and get a job. I was proved wrong. I ended up applying at over 20 different places: coffee shops, clothing stores, REI, Restoration Hardware, cupcake bakeries, and other places. I finally got a job at a place called Time for Dinner. It's a place where people come and prepare meals that they take home, freeze, and cook later. I think it'll be a fun job with good people. I'll continue to look for another job, but for right now, this one seems like a good fit.

My little apartment is treating me well, too...

The other day Marty showed up with some tulips...

My room is small but cozy...



Last weekend, M and I went on a spontaneous weekend getaway to Greencastle, Indiana. Population: tiny. We spent the weekend with his dear friends Bob and Jamie Jedele. Bob and Jamie are the parents of Marty's best friend, Paul and they have a wonderful, welcoming home. We laughed... a lot. We went sledding and laughed even more. We shot guns off the back porch... which was not a laughing matter (even though we laughed at how good I was, even though it was my first time!). On Saturday afternoon we met up with some of Marty's friends, watched Kentucky Basketball and later sat around the camp fire. The weekend was precious to me because I was able to see Marty in his element... so comfortable, so free, so himself. The company was awesome -- I wouldn't mind taking another trip to the "Jedele Retreat Center" again!

So, needless to say, things are going really well. Visitors are always welcome... there are plenty of things to do and see in this city! It would be fun to show my friends and family this place that I get to call "home".

Thursday, January 28, 2010

home.

This song brought tears to my eyes this morning. I've heard it a thousand times, but today something struck me...



I've been feeling pretty homesick the past couple of days. If I'm busy job hunting or cooking dinner with Marty, I don't feel much of it. But it's in the moments when I'm by myself or thinking about Colorado that I feel it the most. After searching my heart this morning, I realized something: I miss home because that's where I found my identity. I found my identity in the people I surrounded myself with, in the comfort I felt, in the things I did. Now I don't have those things anymore... I have a new love, a new place to live, and new things to do in life.

Maybe... just maybe... God has taken me out of Colorado not only to fall deeper in love with a wonderful man, but to fall deeper in love with Jesus. Because no matter where I am or what I'm doing...

...HE is home.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

The things I've learned

I'm sitting here in my apartment thinking about the things I've learned in the past week while living in St. Louis. It was weird to put my clothes into a dresser instead of taking them out of a dresser.

I've learned persistence. I was so naive in thinking that it wouldn't take long to get a job. I applied at a few school districts and four Starbucks, only to be told "we don't need anyone right now" each time. So now I've everywhere from REI to Gap (3 Gaps, actually) to a little cupcake bakery down the street. Something will pop up... hopefully...

I've learned that even if the sky is gray, blue skies will come again one day. From the time we drove into the fog in Kansas to when we played golf on Sunday, we didn't see the sun... the fog just sat over St. Louis. But more than physical fog, last week I felt an emotional fog... not only did I miss Colorado and all the people I love there, but the move out east proved to be a bigger transition than I was expecting. After some time with Jesus on Sunday morning, a joyful afternoon on the golf course following church (it was fahhhreezing), and a great conversation with Marty that night, my spirits were lifted and I gained perspective on life in St. Lou.

I've learned that 9.5 times out of 10 the noises outside of my room aren't a creeper in my apartment... they're just coming from next door. Ohhh, apartment life. This is my first time living in an apartment... the walls are paper thin, the heat can't decide what to do, the shower will remain unmentioned, but it's home. Marty was so gracious in helping me make this place feel homey for the next four months. On Saturday, we found a thrift store where we got a food storage cabinet for $6 and barn stars for $1. I painted 5 red tulips on a white canvas. I have frames but no pictures to fill them and a lamp without a shade. But other than that, I'm settled.

I've learned that being able to date my boyfriend like any normal couple would do has made everything worth it. Last night was the first time Marty came over after work to hang out, make dinner, and spend some time together (I stayed at his parents' house for the first week before we had the chance to move me in to my place). And we'll try it out again tonight... dating like a real couple... who live 15 minutes apart. How great is that??

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Finally.

Thursday is my last day of work.

Saturday is the day Marty flies out here.

Monday morning is when we hop in the car and move me out to St. Louis.

Recently, the fact that I'm moving out east has felt a lot more real. Before, it was a thought, a conversation, a far-off idea. But now, it's happening!

I'm excited to live in the same place as my love.

I'm nervous about meeting new friends and starting a life out there. I know the city, but I wonder how long it'll be until it feels like 'home'. Will it ever feel like home? With Marty down the street, I'm sure it will feel like home pretty quickly.

I'm looking forward to date nights after work, going on runs together, cheering for Marty and his team at baseball games, weekends together, and phone calls where we get to say things like "I'll see you in a bit" or "come over at 5" or "I'll be right there".

I'm wondering what kind of a job I'll get. Substitute teaching? Starbucks? Who knows!

All I know is that this move means life is changing. I'm almost packed. I like that it's reality.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Happy 2010!

Last year absolutely flew by. It was a great year... a lot of change, growth, and exciting things. The Lessmanns have a family tradition of each person writing a list of their top ten favorites from the year... whether that be events, encounters, or even jokes. I was invited to write my own top ten and now I'm sharing it with you.

Annette's Top Ten of 2009

10. Having Fridays off.
I don't so much care that I only had four-day work weeks, but what was wonderful were the three-day weekends and the ability to travel. Seattle in February, California in March and June, Michigan in May and August, California again in November, and five trips to St. Louis. My favorite getaway was Seattle... the city is gorgeous and I loved walking around the Pikes Place Market, soaking up all of the sights and sounds of the bustling must-see part of downtown. The Michigan weekend was a quick road trip where five of us crammed into my CR-V and drove through the night to attend our friends' wedding on the Lake Michigan shore. It was exhausting but well worth it!

9. Persistence.
In January, I moved back in with my parents. I moved back into the town I grew up in, but it felt strangely different. It was lonely, yet refreshing. I knew that it was time to look for some sort of community, after being surrounded by good friends in college. First I thought I'd try the singles ministry at my church called "Fusion"... wrong idea. It was awkward, and even though they tried to make us think it wasn't a place the creepy old guys were going to find dates, it was. It was a one-time deal for this girl. Next, I tried a singles Bible Study. Why I thought I'd find good friends in the "singles crowd"... no idea. Again, it was a flop in finding friends. But the persistence paid off because I now know great people who are fun to be around and who add richness to my life. Some notable times with friends were rock climbing on the 4th of July in Estes Park, drinking sangria with college friends in September, and times after church with friends - old and new - during the summer. I think the persistence has been most rewarding. And although the friendships I had in college have changed, it's still so fun to get together with those people and hear about their lives. I've found the greatness that is New Belgium brewery... we go, wait an hour for a table, order the free beer, and drink it... but the very best part is the conversation that comes with the afternoon at the brewery. And persistence in finding new friends as well... I didn't stop looking for friends after the awkward night at Fusion, and I ended up meeting some pretty neat people. Maybe it isn't the friendships themselves that make this part of my year "top ten worthy"... but instead being forced to try something new.

8. Trying it once.
My attitude with new things has become "just give it a try"... whether that meant drinking a french press (which I admittedly neuter with creamer), peeing in the woods, flying Pops' plane, or tasting durian, I've learned that trying something just once usually shows me that I can do it and that I actually enjoy it. Except eating durian... I almost threw up and will not eat that stuff again. With that, I'm stinkin' proud of myself for conquering goals that I set earlier this year... even just earlier in the fall. For an example, Marty took me on a run in Faust Park in mid-September. I had barely run before and I felt like I was going to throw up. In my words, I "hated life". But just the other day we ran that same trail... and added more... and there were no thoughts of puking.

7. Caring for a one-year-old.
There were many days this year that I could honestly say, "I love my job!" I started caring for little Bjorn Martinsson back in January when he was just 10 months old and I've watched him grow into this spunky, opinionated, truck-loving, sweet little boy. Being a full time nanny is ridiculous... I mean, there were many days last summer when we spent the afternoons at the pool and many more days when we went for a long walk just because I wanted to. Although I'm ready to move on to bigger and better things -- and to St. Louis -- learning to care for Bjorn has been priceless. Just think, I've already screwed up enough times with him and so when I have my own kids one day, they just might turn out okay.

6. A little big church called Flatirons.
brian and randy... our awesome worship leaders

I am so thankful for my church, and being able to attend on a regular basis is definitely one of the highlights of my year. Flatirons is the kind of church where it's so big that if you didn't want to get to know anyone, you didn't have to. I had that attitude for a while... I kind of thought, "it's so big, why bother?" However, now I've gotten to a point where I do feel like I know people and can call them dear friends... which makes a church that size seem a bit smaller. The Lord has used different times at the church to speak to my heart specifically. In the late spring, they did a series on the parable of the sower. Looking back, I'm amazed by what I learned... my hard heart was softened through the process or learning what Jesus meant when he talked about those little seeds.

Back in May, I started playing on the worship team. Let me tell you, though, that I first thought about applying way back in January. The application sat in my room -- all filled out -- for nearly 5 months. Why I waited so long to start playing -- I have no idea. It is such a joy to use my gifts with other people using theirs. It is a joy to play with such great musicians. It is a joy to learn new things from two wonderful, humble men who lead our church in worship. And I'll be honest, the people who play on the team are really cool... I'm glad I get to call many of them my friends.

5. A wedding at Camp T.
In October, my best friend Jill Fowler married a guy she met up at Camp Timberline in 2008. It was sweet to get the "we're engaged" phone call in April, the "I need your help with ideas" phone calls during the summer, the "will you be my bridesmaid" phone call in August, and the "sex is awesome" phone call in October. The bridal showers before the wedding were exhausting (and expensive), but so worth it in the end after seeing Jill know how loved and supported she is. This really handsome guy from St Louis flew out to be my date for the October 3 wedding up at Camp. My strapless dress was in no way warm enough during the 4:00 ceremony. It was freezing. But the attitude of the weekend itself was warm and loving. Marty and I were able to see Camp Timberline in new ways... after working at the place for so long, it was nice to be a visitor.

4. Life with the Lessmanns.
I'm completely biased, but the Lessmanns are a family that everyone should know. Laughter resonates in the house and frisky reindogs sit in the front yard. Two buck chuck seems to make it's way to the counter and to our glasses every evening. Cathy and Gary are vicious croquet players yet excellent hosts. The little Lessmanns and Pritchards are so cute... and apparently they have a kid named Jackson living in the back yard. Kevin hates the little drummer boy and wonders why Mary would let someone play a drum when her newborn son is sleeping on a pile of hay. It's been a gift to get to know this family and to see all of the things that make them who they are. Highlights from the few months I've known this awesome clan are... dinner with Marty, Ryan and Gayle way back in July; sitting around the Pritchard's patio furniture while drinking homemade wine; dinner and airport rides with Gayle; Thanksgiving in Chesterfield; and the National Lutheran Choir concert on Marty's birthday.

3. 23 years old and living with my parents.
When I moved back into my parents' house in January, I had feelings of being inferior... not doing anything with my life... it felt childish. My attitude about it needed to change, so I realized that it was a great opportunity to grow closer in community with my mom and dad. I like eating dinner with them. I like fighting for time to make faces at Roma while she's on Skype. I even sometimes like going to my mom's store to help her out with decorating. I don't know why she asks for my help, she's a much better decorator than I am. I like that it's a cheap place to live. Heck, I like that the money I save by living at home is given to Southwest Airlines. I like that we share an excitement about church. When I was growing up, my dad didn't show much excitement for church... it was a weekly thing that we did, but he never seemed eager to go. I didn't doubt his relationship with the Lord, but I knew something was missing. He started going to Flatirons this year and quickly became passionate about the church, the teaching, and about what the Lord is doing through us. Thinking about having a dad who is finally excited about going to church has brought me to tears a few times... I love sharing the story with others because it's something I've wanted for so long.

2. The Littlest Versluys.
In late September, my sister in law had baby number three: Nora Jayne. Eric and Danielle asked me to be her godmother, which I proudly accepted. I flew to California in November to meet the sweet little girl. I enjoyed sitting with her and staring at her little face... I am truly amazed by the miracle that a little newborn is. She's a cute little kid so it's easy to ooh and aah over her.

1. A man named Moose.
Alright, sappy time. I wouldn't honestly be able to complete my top ten if I didn't tell you that falling in love with Marty Lessmann has been the highlight of my year. I didn't want to get all sappy with this top ten, but falling in love with Marty is the highlight of my year. First off, bumping into him in July was so unexpected. When I saw him for the first time at the ice cream parlor, I felt this "it's Marty" sense come over me... comfort, fun, smiles. As our friendship grew, I found myself increasingly excited to see him next. Being open and honest with him came so naturally; usually I'm not one to open up to people, but I wanted Marty to know me and I wanted to know him. August came and Marty asked me to be his girlfriend. Knowing that he had only dated one other gal, I knew this would be different and I was ready.

Long distance relationships aren't the easiest thing in the world. It's so hard to want to be with the person, but to have to wait. Although weekend visits are precious and so fun, they feel rushed. Learning to communicate was key. Marty is already so good at asking questions that talking to him wasn't hard. But I had to learn to accept the long distance for what it was because in it Marty was proving to be an amazing boyfriend... and soon became my very best friend. I can't tell you the moment I realized that I loved Marty, but it didn't take long. He is so kind and has the biggest heart... I feel blessed that he's chosen me! And now, I'm so happy to say that starting late-January, my new mailing address will be "University City, Missouri". Man, I'm ecstatic to even think about the fact that I'll see Marty on a near-daily basis.

Life with Marty is an adventure. He has a ginormous heart. He encourages me. He cares about me. He lifts me towards the Cross. I have so much fun with him. Not only do I appreciate who he is, but I appreciate who I am when I'm with him. And it's a bonus that he's so nice to look at. He's kept me on my toes, whether we were trail blazing in August, scavenger hunt and winery in September, canoe camping in October, enjoying a Bed and Breakfast in Ste. Genevieve in November, running in the snow in December...

I'm looking forward to learning more about Marty... experiencing life with him... falling more in love with him... and seeing where we are when we write 2010's Top Ten.

Blessings in this new decade!