Days 5: What I'm Thankful For

Day 5: I'm so incredibly thankful for my brothers, Matt and Aaron. Never did I imagine that anyone on this earth could handle a life with the Soto sisters (myself included!), but it looks like God has someone for everyone :) They both love their wives so very much, and it's evident in everything that they do. I never thought anyone could be good enough for my sisters, but these guys far surpass anyone that I could have planned or imagined for them.

Aaron is the most patient person I've ever met, and we get along well because we can be really nerdy about all sorts of things together. Our senses of humor compliment each other well, and we never fail to have a good time when we hang out together. 

P.S., he's also an awesome dad :)

Matt is a pretty amazing guy too. He's hard working, kind, and honest. He's so real and genuine, it's easy to want to be around him. He does a great job of taking care of Molly, the girl who is busy taking care of everybody else, and for that I'm truly thankful. We can geek out about guns, technology, and hard-rock together too, which is pretty awesome :)

This was taken while Matt was serving overseas with the USMC. It's one of my favorite pictures of him!

Days 3 & 4: What I'm Thankful For

Ok so I know I'm really behind, but it's been a CRAZY week! I'll catch up, I promise :)

Day 3: I'm incredibly thankful for my big sisters, Nellie and Molly. We may not have always gotten along when we were younger, but now that we're older (and especially now that we're all married) we find it much easier to see eye-to-eye. Both of them have always looked out for me, and done everything in their power to save their baby sister from the hurt and hurdles of life. They may not know it, but I learned a lot just by watching them. I learned what can make and break relationships (both with friends and boyfriends), and what can happen when you hang out with the right or wrong crowd. I've received valuable financial advice that probably saved me a lot of grief in my college years. Although I've made my fair share of mistakes, Lord knows that they certainly saved me from a few. Aside from what they taught me as big sisters, they also have blessed me so much as individuals.

From left to right: Molly, Me, and Nellie

Day 4: I'm also thankful that I gained two more awesome sisters when I got married, Amber and Aimie. Though we haven't known each other long, we instantly clicked when we met. We have so much in common, and have tons of fun whenever we get together. Despite the fact that we haven't known each other for long, I can talk to them just like I would old friends. They are both totally sweet, and I feel honored that I now get to call them sisters :)

From left to right: Amber, Me, Adam, and Aimie

P.S.

I know that most of these photos are from the wedding. They happen to be the most recent ones taken with the whole family. But let's face it, I know you've all been dying to see the wedding pics ;) They'll be up soon!

Days 1 & 2: What I'm Thankful For

I've seen several friends on Facebook writing something they're thankful for every day in November. Normally, I don't follow the Facebook fad, but I truly believe that most people, myself included, just don't stop and count their blessings enough. I'm hoping that I can be more in-depth and appreciative when I'm not confined to a status update. Therefore, I'm writing what I'm thankful for on here.

First and foremost, I'm thankful for my husband. He keeps me steady when I'm losing my sanity, makes me take a break when I'm working too hard, and never fails to put a smile on my face. If you know me, you know I'm pretty silly, and he takes all of my silliness in stride (and sometimes even plays along).

I'm so grateful that he is a man of God, and while he knows he isn't perfect, strives to improve. In the almost-four months we've been married, I've already seen him grow so much, and I can't wait to see what God has in store for us in the future :)

The second person I'm incredibly thankful for is my mother. My sister already wrote a beautiful post about how amazing she is, but hopefully I can convey as well as she did how awesome my mama is. My mom has been through a lot. She has seen more pain and hardship than I think most people do in a lifetime. Despite this, she remains incredibly strong, positive, and loving as she has always been. We're both a little crazy, and when we're around each other it becomes more and more evident that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree ;)

Of all the useful things she has taught me over the years, I'm so grateful that she has been a living example of grace and love. She accepts everyone, no matter who they are. That kind of living love is hard to come by. Her examples of forgiveness have also taught me how to forgive, something I feel I am only particularly good at because of her. If I can be half the woman she is when I grow up, I'll be happy :)

Today's Wedding Culture and Why It's Ridiculous

I was never really ever into weddings before I had my own.

I would watch the occasional episode of "Say Yes to the Dress", and casually scroll past everyone's wedding boards on Pinterest, but I never made my own board or actively delved into wedding culture until I was planning my very own wedding.

The first thing I think about weddings these days?

Like everything else, societal expectations of a "good" wedding are ridiculous.

If Pinterest, wedding blogs, magazines, and TV shows are any indication, one has to spend thousands upon thousands of dollars and have every little detail flawless to have a "perfect" wedding. Anything less, and your special day just won't be special. To highlight the most prominent parts of a wedding, those make-or-break details, I'll go over just a few things that especially bother me about today's wedding culture.

*NOTE: I'm not saying that you shouldn't spend money on your own wedding. If you want to spend your whole life savings so that you can have a fancy wedding, that's totally cool. What's NOT cool is when society says that you HAVE to spend thousands of dollars to have a wedding worth anyone else's time. 

The Dress

What the Wedding Industry thinks: What you're wearing the day of your wedding is (probably) the most important part. If your dress doesn't have a huge price tag, or if it's not the most gorgeous thing anyone has ever seen, it's sub-par. 

What I think: Personally, I think the dress is pretty important. Is it as important as the fact that you're marrying the love of your life? Absolutely not. But it certainly is something to take time deciding on. In my book, as long as the dress meets the following criteria, it's perfect for YOU. Not for a fashion magazine or the Knot, but for YOU personally.

1) It needs to fit. This sounds pretty obvious but you wouldn't believe how many women buy dresses thinking they're going to be a different size by the wedding day, or compromise on fit because they like the dress. If it doesn't fit, it won't look as good, and it won't be comfortable enough to do the Macarena in. Sorry. 

2) It needs to be in YOUR price range. As much as the wedding industry would like to make you think that, like your mate in life, there is only ONE perfect dress, there isn't. You have multiple shirts you own that you like, right? It might be easier to find one you like for $3,000 at a boutique where someone is recommending things they know will fit your body-type. However, skimming through racks at a trunk show or discount boutiques might provide a cheaper answer to your quest, even if it takes more time. 

3) YOU have to like it. If it's one thing the Industry has right, the bride (and groom) are always right. If everyone else likes a dress, but you don't, it's not good enough. As women, we are our own greatest critics. Everyone is going to think you look gorgeous no matter what dress you put on. It's how YOU feel in it that matters.

The Photos

What the Wedding Industry thinks: If your photos aren't pinterest perfect, you won't remember your wedding. If you don't have every cute pose in the book, your memories will be tarnished forever and you'll regret it.

What I think: Is it important to document your wedding day? Absolutely. You want those pictures to show your kids and grandkids one day. For that reason, you want SOMEONE assigned to taking pictures. After all, you don't want to be stuck behind a camera on your special day.

For some, it's worth paying $1,500 plus dollars for a wedding photographer with years of experience. However, you might be able to get the pictures you need from someone a little cheaper, say a friend or relative who's into photography. Below are some pictures that I took for a friend on her wedding day.
Now, if the best you can do is Grandma following you around with a disposable Kodak, you may want to consider saving the money to make sure every moment is captured and that pictures are the LAST thing you have to think about. After all, your job is to look beautiful in your pictures, not to worry about if they're being taken :)

The Cake

What Wedding Culture says: You cake must be an incredibly intricate work of art assembled by professionals on-site and it must match your overall colors, theme and decor. Also, it must be the most delicious cake anyone has ever tasted. Ever.

What I think: While your cake is important, and it should most definitely be something that reflects you as a couple, it doesn't have to cost a fortune. In general, cake is pretty tasty. Ten years down the road, people probably won't remember that your cake was double Belgian Chocolate maple with cream cheese buttercream frosting. Will they remember that it was good or bad? Perhaps. What they will remember is how happy and beautiful you both were. Just know that it's ok it ask a friend to make a cake, or to ask a local grocery store to make cupcakes! Just remember- it doesn't have to be expensive or extravagant to be special.

Have you noticed a trend yet?
Lots of Money = Perfect Wedding
Sensible Choices = BIGGEST REGRET OF YOUR LIFE

...right...

The Music

What the Wedding Industry Says: Your two options are band or DJ. Period.

What I think: There are other options- iPod, or a computer, Or an orchestra comprised of penguins.



There are plenty of cheap/free software programs that will auto-fade music for you. Now, you may need someone to man the computer, just to make sure the right songs come on at the right time, but just know if you don't want to drop $900+ on music, there are other options. DJs are great, and bands are fun, but if you just don't have the money (or want things done a little differently) that's ok! 

The Decorations

What the wedding industry says: Every inch of your glamorous venue must be meticulously decorated in order for your guests to be impressed and have a good time. If your wedding reception looks like a high school dance, people will leave.

What I think: You should decorate your venue however you want. If you want purple unicorns and gnomes all over, be my guest. It actually worked quite well for my friend 

Éowyn's bridal shower ;)

Whether you want everything to be themed, or you're just trying to keep to a simple color scheme (or maybe you're just re-using decorations from Great Aunt Edna's 75th birthday party), don't feel like you have to spend a lot of money. I was appalled at how much the simple decorations that I wanted were going to be, so I got creative! You could buy a whole pack of mason jars at a craft store, OR you could ask Aunt Edna to save hers for you when she's done canning. I wanted records (vinyl) to go under centerpieces, but decorative ones were almost 5 bucks a pop online! So, I rolled on down to Goodwill and paid a quarter per record. The cool part was that I still got to decorate with what I wanted for a good price :) 

Decorations certainly set the mood, but just remember: If someone forgets to hang a streamer, your wedding won't be ruined forever.

So there you have it. If you missed the overall message, the Wedding Industry wants you to think that you have to spend ALLLLL the dolla bills to have a fantastic day. However, some of the most amazing weddings I've been to were totally low budget.

Whatever the budget, just remember that the ultimate goal of the wedding is to marry the love of your life. If that goes well, it was a good day :)

Obligatory Introductory Post

So this isn't the first post on my blog, but I guess it's better to get to know someone late than never, so here we go!

I'm Sally, aka Sassafras.

I've always enjoyed writing, but I feel that statuses on facebook just aren't doing the trick, so I've decided to start blogging again. My hope for this blog is that those of you who know me might be able to keep up with my life in more detail, and those that don't know me might be inspired or otherwise interested by my thoughts, pictures, and life (for whatever reason). So here it goes...

I'm currently 22 years old, and have recently married the love of my life, Adam. We live in a small town  village in Ohio (population about 400) and we both work in the area. We're currently trying to figure out life, God's calling for us, and how the heck to manage this whole adult thing. We may be married, but any of our friends or family could tell you, we're DEFINITELY kids at heart :) Here's a random list of fun facts about me, since lists are easier to read than paragraphs (you're welcome):

• I'm proficient in German and even wrote my undergrad thesis in German, about 60 pages. Can you guess what my major was?
• I have another mildly successful blog, firstyearwooster.blogspot.com, meant to give a little intro to those going to the College of Wooster in the fall. It's slightly outdated, but the pictures are fun and all hand-drawn on a computer. They might be good for a laugh if you're bored.
• One of my many passions is photography.

• I airsoft. It's kind of like playing Call of Duty, but you're running around shooting your husband opponent with little white BBs.
• I HATE shoes with laces, though I tolerate them if it means I get to swing dance. 
• I enjoy making up and using my own expletives. For example "POO NUGGETS!"

That's about all for now. If there's something you want to know comment and I'll (probably) answer!

"Dear College Seniors", a Love Letter

Dear College (especially Wooster) Seniors,

I write this letter to you not to be condescending, not to tell you how to live your life, but to simply tell you some of the things I did do and should have done in order to make the most of my senior year. Life is all about transitions, and this is probably the biggest one you've had to make yet.

First, manage your studies well. 

I say this to those of you especially who have a big thesis to write. Plan it out, motivate to get done early. When then end of the year comes and every moment you get with your friends is more treasured than ever, you don't want to be stuck behind a desk missing what might be your last chance to be silly, reckless, and a little crazy.

IT WILL GO FAST!!!!!

As I'm sure you've noticed, every year seems to fly faster, and this is certainly no exception. Before you know it you'll be posting pictures like this on Facebook.

Just remember all those things on your college bucket list won't happen unless you make it happen now, not later.

WARNING: YOU MAY START FEELING ADULT LIKE SYMPTOMS

This certainly doesn't happen to everyone, but by the end of college (really a few weeks into senior year) I started feeling like it just wasn't the place for me anymore. I still loved seeing my friends, studying, all that. But living in a tiny dorm room and sharing a bathroom with God knows how many other people? It just started to get old. I learned that a (close to) normal bedtime makes it a lot easier to get for an 8 a.m. job everyday. I started feeling more and more annoyed at the people who were making a ruckus while I was in the midst of completing the project that would determine my academic fate. Just know, it's ok.

Sidebar: People might start getting engaged and stuff. It's ok. You're not going to be alone forever, you just haven't found your person yet.

I feel as though some people believe that you magically go from college kid to full blown adult in one summer, especially at a residential campus like Wooster. Some people do, but some people have to get jobs senior year. Some get internships that give them real experience. Some truly call Wooster their home because they no longer see their parents for more than a few days at a time. 

If you start feeling like an adult, it's ok. Just don't forget to break out the bubbles and chalk every once in a while :) 

(for my Wooster peeps)

I.S. MONDAY

This is the day you've been waiting for since freshman year, when you could declare your utmost state of done-ness, you really just have one goal:

Don't pass out before the parade!

Seriously, the parade was the best part of my day. Imagine not walking, but floating, on a high of a lot of drank  utter joy and academic achievement down the Kauke mall, your underclassmen friends and loves cheering you on. It's the best feeling ever. Seriously. Not only this, but it is the one and only opportunity you'll have to be totally "unprofessional" around your professors and deans. MAKE IT COUNT!

Finally: Know that this College has prepared you far more than you know.

If you're one of my friends and you're a senior, I can say this: You have brains in your head and shoes on your feet, and by the time you graduate you'll be more than prepared for the next step. Don't get complacent, but don't hold back from any opportunity because you feel you aren't ready. You are. So go for it!

You'll all do well, and whatever it is you end up doing, where ever you end up going, whatever decisions you make, just know that you can take whatever life throws at you.

Love,

Sassy

P.S.

Sometimes you'll feel as though I.S. (or any thesis) will never end... it will. Just remember. It. Will. End.