Tied the knot! Took the plunge! Marriage bliss!!

You are now reading a blog by Mrs. Emily Hudak! This past Saturday, the 20th of March, 2010, I married my soul mate, my love, my life. It was the most perfect day I could have ever dreamt up!
In front of all of our friends and family, we shared our vows and our promises to always be two people, as one. Our minister was awesome, and the day couldn't have been any better!

I was a TOTAL mess, and SUPER nervous before walking down the aisle to Matt. He hadn't seen me, and I hadn't seen him before the wedding. I even slept at my moms house the night before. He had no idea what my dress, hair, or anything would look like, and as soon as I turned the corner for him to see me, he melted. It was so sweet to see my future husband, crying and emotional from seeing his soon-to-be wife. I thought I would be the bawling mess, but it ended up being Matt. And it has left the most special, loving feeling in my heart for him. To see a man cry, to allow his emotions to show, proves what a real man he really is.

We ended up having everyone show up, minus only a few people. The ceremony was a big blur, with me only remembering bits and pieces. Our reception was so fun, and very laid back. The dance floor filled up with brothers and sisters, nieces, cousins and friends! The day could not have been any better, and it will stay in my memory for many, many, many years to come. It really is the most special day you will have in your entire life. To know you love someone, and to offer your love for life, really is a special feeling.

We had our wedding night alone at home, and we leave for Las Vegas in 12 days! We will leave on Easter and come home on my birthday (the 8th)! We even get to stay in a King Suite for our entire stay - for FREE!!

This journey called life, is truly a blessing and an amazing thing. Life. Love. Laugh. I love you my handsome and smart HUSBAND, Matt. :)

The Story of Us

I figured since we are on the 1 week countdown to our wedding - I thought it would be a sweet thing to write how Matt and I met, and our journeys to get to each other.

As some of you know, I started "dating" (I use that term VERY loosely!) Brett in 1999/2000. I was 19/20, young, dumb and ignorant. We were together for almost 8 years. He never wanted to be married, never wanted kids... Yet, I stuck around. He had a way of keeping me around, for his own good. It was a stupid, waste of time.
Matt was married to Evan's mom for about that exact time too. They got married because Evan's mom became pregnant with him. Matt was moved to Montana, Idaho, California and Texas by this woman. He split with her and moved to Solvang to live with his uncle. Not long after, he moved to his parents to help them out around their house, and to get back on his feet (Solvang didn't offer much in the form of work).
I only explain our 2 pasts, to show you how different they were from each other, and the paths that we had to take to find each other.
Brett and I broke up around April of 2008. We were actually in the middle of buying a home (in escrow, that's how close). I will spare you the break up drama and antics. We continued to live together in this home. I figured, why make him leave to live in an apartment or hotel while waiting for his house in escrow. See now, I would have said "Get the F out of my house!!!", but back then, I was still not a mature woman, and I was under his lead. It was an interesting few months to say the least. He would try to convince me to stay and move with him, I was FINALLY at the end of my rope. I stayed.
Around May, I joined a website called plenty of fish. I figured "what the heck, I could use some new friends at least." I wasn't looking for the next man, or Mr Right, just seeing what was out there. I mean, I was trapped in B's web since I was 19 years old.. My 20s were over half way over! I met a few people, who just ended up being the typical online pervs.
Then, one night I was sitting in the living room, pondering my future when I sent Matt a message. He was online and we ended up chatting for hours into the night/morning. For some reason, meeting the other people "in real life" was fine, but I was nervous about meeting Matt. Did I already know he was the one? Doubtful... But something told me to take it slow, get to know him more. Matt was pretty persistent with wanting to meet me. By now, it was June (late June, actually!) and he really wanted to take me to dinner. On the 27th or so we were texting and I kept kind of shrugging him off. I think we might have planned to meet that Sunday, but I wussed out, again.
Finally on that Monday, Matt called me and said "I am taking you to dinner tonight, and you cannot say no!". I obliged. It's funny because at around 4pm I was out front of my house talking to a friend and I got a text from Matt saying "You better be getting ready!"... I wasn't. I was wussing out. Then, the friend who I was talking to said "Just go! You'll have fun!". So, I got ready and walked over to my moms so that I didnt put on a show for Mr Paranoid Brett. Matt showed up a few hours later, and the MINUTE I met him, I knew I would marry him one day. Now, I know it sounds corny.. But don't you hear those old married couples say these things? "I knew I would marry him the minute I met him"... That's how Matt and I were. We ate at La Paloma that night, and to this day it's "our place". The dinner went really well, and after dinner I told him he needed to buy some new shoes. He showed up in BRIGHT WHITE shoes. In typical Emily fashion, I spoke my mind, had him drive to Kohls, and bought some brown Converse. He still has them to this day :)
We had coffee that night, and talked more than we could have over text or phone. About life, exes, jobs, etc. He dropped me off at home, and we continued to talk and text all night. The next night, Matt came out again to take me to dinner, and invited my mom this time. We all went to Bangkok Blue. Love that place. The next night we had a family birthday and Matt came to Claim Jumper with us. We were inseparable, and to believe I wussed and dodged him for over a month! That weekend we took off to Vegas for 3 nights for The 4th of July. Some people were pretty skeptical of us leaving for Vegas after only physically knowing each other for a week, but I tell you - if you want to know if you're compatible with someone.. Do just THAT. Go to a hotel for a weekend. By the end of the weekend, you will know if you want to shoot them, or snuggle them! I was just more head-over-heels with Matt when the weekend ended.
The rest is pretty much history... And in 1 week from today, I will marry the man of my dreams in front of my friends and family. I know this will be my first and only marriage. I love you Matt, with everything inside of me. You really are my savior, my soul, my love. Without you, I don't even want to think of the places I would be. LOVE.

March is finally here!

This month has FINALLY arrived! I was so glad to kiss February goodbye. That month represented receiving bad news, miscarrying and sad times for us. There were some bright spots in February, but nothing to trump the sadness we had. Having March arrive, kind of helped clear that palate.

March... Evan turned 11 years old on the 3rd! I cannot believe I am about to be a step mom to an 11 year old!! He is finishing his 5th grade year over at Roynon, and will be on his way to Ramona Middle School come the fall. I remember Ramona! Here come those "confusing" years for any adolescent! He is a good kid, and I think his transition to middle school will be a smooth one. He got his 2nd trimester report card on Tuesday and has ALL A's and B's! Even brought his Science B to an A! But, his teacher notes were not good. :( Disrupting his classmates, disrupting his teacher while she teaches, and not staying on task. How do you do that, but still have A's and B's?? So, it kind of was a "push" report card. We have a teacher conference today and will see if it is as serious as we read it to be, or if its only a small issue. I have SO many teacher friends, and I would hate to think there are kids who are disrupting on a daily basis!

Since I found out there may have been a diabetic problem, I have been eating great and walking 3 miles a day, plus using my Wii Fit Plus. Since I found out I was pregnant, I have lost 19 pounds!! I am SO excited, and I can actually SEE the differences in my body. I would *like* to lose another 30+, but I am taking it slow, and keeping it so that it doesn't "feel" like a diet. I am happy to have lost weight before my wedding/honeymoon!

Matt continues his infusions on an every 6 week schedule. It has helped his psoriasis, but not helped TOO much with his arthritis. He is scheduled for an MRI for his shoulder (that has basically started to deteriorated) sometime in the coming week, so hopefully start the process of reconstructive therapy. I hate seeing the nurse here every 6 weeks, all the meds and especially the IV pump that we store in our spare room. It just reminds me that for the next 4 days or so, Matt will be in bed and not feeling well. But, it is helping. :) We have kept him out of the hospital for almost a year (besides a few ER visits, which we don't count!) now!

Our wedding is approaching quickly! On Saturday we will be 1 week away. And comparing how fast these last weeks have gone, it will be here SO quickly! I pick up my dress tomorrow! I was so lucky to find "the dress" on the first day of looking, and even more lucky to not have to need ANY alterations! Only a bustle! I can't wait to have my dress in my possession! My shoes will be ready on Monday (being colored). Matt's suit looks awesome, we picked it up from alterations on Tuesday. Evan (ring bearer), Hillary (flower girl - niece) are all ready. Now it's just small things to do. We ended up going with a Karaoke DJ! I am SO happy. I was having nightmares about not having an MC announcing anything, and just envisioned chaos! Food, tables, chairs, linens, everything is done! Just some brushing up the yard and house for the big day! Tomorrow I go for a MUCH needed facial! And on Saturday I am having a small family bridal shower/party! SO excited!

On Easter, Matt and I leave for our glorious 5 day stay in Las Vegas for our honeymoon! We were upgraded to a King Suite and CANNOT wait to sit in the huge jacuzzi in our room! The day we come home from Vegas, I will be celebrating my 30th birthday! I am looking forward to it, but also it's a little bittersweet. My 20s were wasted on someone worthless, and I didn't get to experience much. But, during my 20s I met the man that will be my husband!

My mom has been a God send. She has basically financed EVERYTHING, all without any help from anyone. She is amazing. We are so thankful and grateful for all of her givings so unselfishly. If we win the millions in Vegas, she will be the first we share with! Love you mom!

Stay tuned for all of our wedding, bridal shower, honeymoon and more pictures!! <3