Bridal Slideshow by our photographer

N Sight Photography from N'Sight Photography on Vimeo.

2 Weeks!

We have 11 days left of engagement, and we're VERY excited and VERY busy! I have not blogged much lately because I jsut really have not known what to say since we have been so relaxed this whole process. Thank you to all of you who have RSVP'd on time, and we are so excited about seeing you at our wedding. We will miss those of you who cannot make it, but please return to the blog 2 weeks after the wedding and you'll feel like you were there!

If it does rain a few days before the wedding, we advise you not to wear stiletto or other sharp heels! Continue praying for the weather, our upcoming marriage, and for a safe trip to our honeymoon destination.

We love you and can't wait to see you!Love,

Almost 100 guests

We are excited as the response cards continue to trickle in now. We are almost up to one hundred guests including the kids that are coming. Five weeks from today we will be married and getting ready for Italy!
We cannot wait to see you all there!

Wedding Prayer

I wrote this prayer for Ramon and myself as an assignment for our marriage counseling. It is what I am praying for us.

You have said, "It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a help-meet for him." Now Ramon and my joys are doubled since the happiness of one is the happiness of the other. Our burdens now are halved since when we share them, we divide the load. I pray you bless my future husband, Ramon. Bless him as provider of food and shelter and sustain him in all the stresses of work and life's pressures. May his strength be my protection, his character my boast and my pride, and may Ramon so live that I will find in him the haven for which my heart truly longs. Bless me Ramon's loving future wife. Give me a tenderness that will make me great, a deep sense of understanding and a great faith in God. Give me an inner beauty of soul that never fades, that eternal youth that is found in holding fast the things that never age.

Teach us that marriage is not living merely for each other; it is two uniting and joining hands to serve you. Give us a great spiritual purpose in life. May we seek first the kingdom of God and YOUR righteousness, and the other things shall be added unto us. May we not expect perfection of each other that belongs alone to God. May we minimize each other's weaknesses, be swift to praise and magnify each other's points of comeliness and strength, and see each other through a lover's kind and patient eyes. May we be blessed as we develop our characters as we walk together. Give us enough tears to keep us tender, enough hurts to keep us humane, enough failure to keep our hands clenched tightly in YOURS, and enough of success to make sure we walk with God. May we never take each other's love for granted, but always experience that breathless wonder that exclaims, "Out of all this world you have chosen me."

When life is done and the sun is setting, may we be found then as now still hand in hand, still thanking God for each other. May we serve God happily, faithfully, together, until at least one shall lay the other in the arms of God. Amen.

Just because...

Ramon sent 3 dozen flowers to me in Atlanta today. He is so sweet!

6 months

Today I have known Ramon for six months. Today marks the day of our anniversary of meeting which blossomed into a beauitful relationship. We both feel we have experienced way more than six months worth of happiness with each other. But then again time does seem to stand still when we are together, looking into each others' eyes. Looking back at all we have shared during the past six months I am so excited of all the more happiness there is to come as I look ahead to a wonderful life together as husband and wife.
These were the flowers Ramon brought me for our six month anniversary. The two roses represent us and the sunflowers are up for interpretation.

Ramon takes on the cake and maybe more

Upon discussions about food, drinks, and cake for the reception during the family lunch, I asked Ramon what kind of grooms cake he wanted. He went into detail about stacking up cakes and cutting them in such a way that they emulate some great feat or steep-jaggedy mountain with him on it. He then said he wanted to make it."WHAT!?" came the chorus. We now have a plan and I am excited about the cake. Ramon will put it together and it will be grand and glorious. He is so great! He often tells me how excited he is about making the cake. He says, "I've never made one before. I think it'll be fun!" As Peter Pan asked the children to believe in fairies so Tink would get her strength back, well, I'm asking you to believe with me that my dear Ramon can make his dream grooms cake.(Don't we have to clap or something? ;)
I love that Ramon is a dreamer like I am...we have both found a mate who understands how important it is to be believed in...no matter how impossible the dream is. Here's to dreams: Cheers!

SPAM-A-LOT

Last night Ramon and I went to see Monty Python's SPAMALOT here in Huntsville as a date. I have to admit, it was hilarious to watch the movie come to life and I left reminded of the fact to “Always look on the bright side of life.”
The story today is not truly about the musical as much as it is about the way that we got the tickets. It all began three weeks ago when I was searching for ways to get cheaper tickets to go see the show and I came across Lite 96.9's webpage which adverstised that they were sponsoring an Iron Chef Spamalot contest and the reward was two tickets to see Spamalot Tuesday night. So I sent in a recipe and lo and behold I received a call a week later telling me that my recipe had been chosen and that I needed to show up on Feb. 12th with my SPAM creation made for the big contest. There had been over 150 entries and my recipe was one of five. Being chosen as one of the five contestants promised me two tickets to the show and some other goodies too. But you had to be there on that day... thus the problem... so since mom and I cook together, the radio station let mom go for me and represent us in the contest. So, while I was in Atlanta presenting, mom went and to all of our surprise... won the whole shabang... she was Iron Chef Spamalot... she won the elusive title. And that is how we got the tickets. I have included a picture of mom and dad preparing the samples for the chef judges there at the VBC.

It was one of my proudest days of my life as mom did a great job.

Okay, so back to the musical... the night was filled with belly laughs and surpirses like the exploding confettiti at the end and this quote whcih got everyone laughing and cheering, "We are no longer the knights who say ni! We are now the knights who say ekki-ekki-ekki-pitang-zoom-boing Sweet Home Alabama!” It was quite the night to say the least, but as they always say... the journey was half the fun. So, if you are thinking about going to see Spamalot, please go.

Valentine's day...

...the first of many to come in our relationship.
I know I am one of the luckiest women in the world to have a man like Ramon who is so romantic in speech and deed. I can say this because he was picked as one of the most romantic men in Huntsville less than two weeks ago by a contest on WAY Fm. They had created a contest for men for Valentine's Day. The deal was that husbands had to finish the line... "The sweetest thing my wife does is..." Well, when my dad mentioned it at Sunday lunch, he sugggested that Mr. Romantic Ramon enter the contest and he did. But I did not know he he had entered till I heard a quote by a Ramon from Madison who had been not only choosen for the top ten, but also was the grand prize winner of the contest. Now, there are not many Ramon's in Alabama, let alone Madison, so I knew it must be my Ramon. Ramon said "The sweetest thing about my fiance' is... the way she sometimes takes my arm and wraps it around her, almost subconsciously, like she's half-asleep pulling a comforter closer on a chilly night." So, with this he earned himself a get out of the doghouse pass and Fireproof the movie, The Love Dare book, flowers, and a night for two at Gooch Place here in town on Valentine's Day night. It was wonderful... he is wonderful.
So, on Valentine's Day, after we went to his mom's house in the morning to wish them Happy Anniversary... we came back to his house to get ready for our first Valentine's Day Dinner. The first thing I noticed when we pulled into his driveway were how his daffodils were and still are blooming beautifully! After Ramon got ready to go, showered and all, we began to gather our stuff when we realized we had forgotten his camera at his mom's house...so we were off to Walgreen's to find a disposable camera for the night. We were at Gooch Place for more than two hours as we enjoyed a wonderful Valentine's meal. I have the BEST VALENTINE, I love you Ramon!

(Pictures to come later when they are developed)

The movies and marriage

Here’s a question to scratch your head over: what is your favorite movie that portrays love in the context of marriage?

My premise is that most movies that portray “love” are primarily concerned with the pursuit of love – love’s starting point. The overwhelming majority of romantic movies are concerned with “boy meets girl.” Very few movies follow up on “boy marries girl, has three children, etc.” Think about your favorite romantic movies (or for guys, your wife’s favorites). I’ll bet you that the movie ends with 1) a wedding, or the very likely prospect of one, or less often, 2) the death of one or both of the leads. There are probably two main reasons for this. One is the necessity of movie plot mechanics. You need three acts in a typical romantic movie (or any movie). Act One: Boy Meets Girl. Act Two: Complication – Boy and Girl Separated. Act Three: Resolution, happy or otherwise.

Think about your favorites (or your significant others’.) This applies to all of them. I think it’s easier for screenwriters to portray “the pursuit,” or courtship, or “falling in love,” or what have you, in the span of two hours than it is to portray “married love” in the same span, and with the same kind of plot structure. The other reason I think movies primarily deal with courtship is because of a more general societal definition of love. When we think of romantic love, whether we are trying to or not, we usually think of the feelings involved in “falling in love.” Not that there’s anything wrong with falling in love! Falling in love is great! But – what does that say about our definition of love if the popular portrayal of love “ends” with marriage. We see a wedding in a movie and this is movie shorthand for “and they lived happily ever after.” But that feeds into the belief that all love always feels like falling in love.

For more on this idea I recommend with my most heart-felt recommendation “Sacred Marriage” by Gary Thomas. The subtitle of the book is “What if God designed marriage to make us holy, more than to make us happy?” A friend of mine suggests that the key to a successful marriage is that it requires both parties to become more mature people. Thomas says in the first chapter, appropriately titled “The Greatest Challenge in the World:”“Romantic love has no elasticity to it. It can never be stretched; it simply shatters. Mature love, the kind demanded of a good marriage, must stretch…Any mature spiritually sensitive view of marriage must be built on the foundation of mature love rather than romanticism. But this immediately casts us into a countercultural pursuit.” I don’t think that it is the fault of movies that our general perception of love is limited to the romantic, “falling in love” sort of love – but I do think movies perpetuate this idea. So, what are some “countercultural” movies? Which ones show a different side of love than the pursuit? I thought of these: It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) – Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed. Gets me every time…I am always surprised at how many people haven’t seen it, or haven’t seen all of it. You need to see all of it.The Family Man (2000) – A sort of reverse “It’s A Wonderful Life.” In fact, I’m sure that’s how it was pitched to the producers. Still a good movie, though.The Bishop’s Wife(1947) Cary Grant/The Preacher’s Wife – The original, and the 1996 remake with Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston.The Notebook (2004) – Not my favorite, but I will admit that it portrays married love beautifully – the bulk of the movie, though, is flashbacks to “the pursuit.” The Quiet Man (1952) – A great movie! John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. Guys, if you’re patient, you get to see one of the longest fist-fights in movie history. Jerry Maguire (1996)– Maybe you’ve heard of this one.

A lot of these movies are centered around Christmas – interesting.

All of these follow the same three-act structure mentioned above – but in all of these films the major conflict for love comes after the marriage. These movies require their characters to do more than “fall in love.” They are required to stay in love – which is quite a different kettle of fish - a different set of emotions, a different kind of commitment, than the emotions and commitments that come with falling in love.So, back to the original question. What’s your favorite movie that portrays love in the context of marriage?

Wedding announcement

Amy Myers and Ramon Pedoto
Wedding date: May 2, 2009
Location: Huntsville, AL
Kelly and Sarah Myers of Hampton Cove, AL are pleased to announce the marriage of their daughter Amy Eloise Myers to Ramon Walter Pedoto on May 2, 2009, at the Preserve at Clayton Pond in Huntsville, AL.
The bride is a 2003 graduate of Samford University and a 2008 graduate of Baylor University where she received her doctorate in educational and cognitive psychology. She currently is conducting independent research in the Huntsville area.
The groom is from Madison and is the son of Dr. Constance Pedoto and the late Joseph Pedoto of Curry, Alabama. He is a 1998 and graduate of the University of Alabama in Birmingham where he received a Bachelor of Science and Masters in Computer Science. The groom currently is working for COLSA on the arsenal as a software engineer.
Ramon and Amy met this past year through a mutual friend and although they were friends at first, Ramon was in love the moment he met her. They are now inseparable and plan to spend their lives together and someday start a family. Ramon proposed to Amy on November 29th and Amy happily accepted. Both of their families are extremely happy for the two of them, and wish them nothing but love and happiness as they start the next chapter of their lives together.

Apples to Apples

One of my favorite games of all time is “Apples to Apples.” I first played the boxed version, but at one party in Waco a few years back some old friends discovered that, with a little labor-intensive preparation, you can have an even better experience with a homemade version. The game itself involves each player taking turns reading an adjective (a word that describes a noun). Then the other players turn in a noun that they feel fits that adjective. The adjective reader is then the judge, and decides which noun best fits the adjective. This process is theoretically like comparing apples to apples, hence the title

.I know it sounds less than awesome, but it’s actually great, especially if you are a strange person who comes up with strange nouns and adjectives. Remember, a noun can be any person, place, thing, idea – even a situation. For example, “the sun” is a noun. “Inside the sun” is a better noun. “Tom Cruise’s secret hideaway inside the sun” is an awesome noun. You just have to twist it a little into weird territory. Purists might say that such a “noun” includes too many adjectives already. Well, purists are boring.
We are really good at coming up with weird nouns, including nearly-forgotten inside jokes from the past. Here’s some of my favorite adjectives to use:- Apocalyptic- Strangely Attractive- Likely to Float- Almost Certainly InedibleAnd here’s some of my favorite nouns from past homemade games (including yesterday), both mine and others’:- Unlikely break-dance king- Buttered pillow pajamas- Laser vision catfish- Magical talking barbecue sandwich- The Word Find of Love- Pickle-sicle- Moses MacGruber- One-winged plane that still flies on the power of hope- 9 and ½ volt battery in a twelve-volt world- Flesh-colored ice skates that aren’t fooling anyone- Epileptic banjo prodigy.

Feel free to use these the next time you play a homemade version of Apples to Apples!

** Oh, you may ask "what does this have to do with marriage or Ramon?"... Apples to Apples is on my gift registry.

guily pleasure

I think most people want to find their soulmate, and would do anything it took to find him/her. And once you grow to love someone, you really would do anything for them.
Everybody deserves their chance, no matter what "box" it comes in. Ramon and I met on a blinddate, some meet on the internet through sites like eHarmony, some meet on blind dates, some in high school, work, church, anywhere.



Less than 100 days till the wedding!

Ten Things I Love That Start With the Letter "L"

Leave a comment on this blog and choose a letter of the alphabet (preferably one that isn't taken by someone else).

2. Write about ten things you love that begin with that letter.

3. Post the list on your blog.

4. When people comment on your list, you assign them a letter (or let them pick one), and the game continues.



I've been assigned the letter "L" so here goes:



1. I love LOVE! Romantic love, family love, nature-love, friendship-love, the Love of God...you get the idea.

2. Language: I love words and the fun that they offer, their infinite variety and the potential for expression that lies therein. Also, languages other than English!

3. Letters: I love to receive mail, and I like to write letters, too.

4. Literature: I am an avid reader, and not just the "greats;" biography, history, poetry, travel, autobiography, spirituality (and magazines, like wedding ones...)

5. Laughter: I love the way my parents make me laugh and keep me in stiches... Ramon makes me laugh too, but because he loves me so much.

6. Listening to the sound of waves...especially from our bedroom window, or walking on the beach.

7. Lemon icees.

8. Learning about a variety of things. Crafts, art, music, current events, people's stories, Bible studies, wisdom of the ages...

9. Latte (coffee), preferable Eggnog Latte.

10.Looking for beach glass while walking on my favorite beaches.

look at me, at ME, click! gooood

For photography, we are using Neville Simpson of N'sight Photography. You can see samples of his work at http://www.nsightphoto.com/
Nevile is...a character. Neville did some pictures for us in October and will also be photographing the wedding. Hopefully it will not rain since the wedding and reception are outside, just under tents.

he's a keeper

You're my best friend, I love you, thanks for sharing life with me!

girls, let's be modest

I've never been so sensitive to what other girls are wearing since I got engaged.
We went dancing the other night and there were at least two girls who I wished I could have given my sweater to. I felt so protective, like, this was my handsome vase I had to protect from the screeching masses.
I'm reminded of the verse in 1 Timothy that says a woman's beauty should come from- the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. Do we think that actually means QUIET? Like don't speak? No. Again, No. I imagine the loud-mouthed girls (I could marginally be considered one of those) reading that and saying, "Heck no, I'm never going to be beautiful if quiet is what it takes!" But it says a quiet spirit. How do you interpret quiet? How did Timothy interpret quiet? I think it means a spirit that has a gentle disposition towards others and a quiet spirit that can listen to the voice of God at any time in any circumstance. A listening, eager spirit. I can be silly and have a quiet spirit at the same time.
I can't be angry and hateful with a quiet spirit.I can guess the girls actually reading this have quite gentle and quiet spirits, but in the case that you need to re-check your spiritual thermometer: please be modest enough so that a blushing bride is only blushing because her groom is sweet-talking her, not because another woman is begging a look from the type of guy that isn't worth her efforts.I am so thankful for the God-hearted women that have invested their knowledge and wisdom in my life. I'm also thankful for the prodigal daughters, I desire for you to relish in the great day your heart is reconciled to the fierce and unfading love He has had for you all along.
Each day I see more and more how directly a wedding and marriage reflect the love and covenant relationship God has for us. Thank you, God, for so many reflections in this life, though dim they are, of your great love for us.

Want to hear my dream last night?

Yes? Okay!

It was like the time between when Ramon and I first met. In the dream we started hanging out a lot, like everyday and every night as friends and I started to fall in love with him but didn't really realize it. He became my best friend and I didn't want to be apart from him. Then one day Ramon said he was engaged to be married May 2nd. I told him I was also engaged but getting married a few weeks later. He asked who I was going to marry and I couldn't remember. I had forgotten, it was like no other man existed in my mind except Ramon and my mind was blank. I asked who he was marrying and he wouldn't tell me. I panicked and felt like my life was crumbling because I wanted to be with Ramon, all day everyday forever and someone else was going to get him and I was going to be with someone else; star-crossed! I started thinking, "What if I married Ramon instead? Can I do that? Everyone in society knows who I'm marrying and it's announced, we have a registry, a blog, everything, can I just switch grooms like that?" I was really distressed about the whole thing. Then Ramon walked me somewhere into a room where there were a ton of people who yelled, "SURPRISE!" and I thought it was for him, but when I looked around, there were pictures everywhere of Ramon and me and I was so relieved to discover I was going to be marrying the one I truly loved, my best friend, Ramon.

The Save the Dates are out!

We mailed the dates this past weekend and have had a blast hearing all the responses. The whole ordeal is now alot more real and the excitement has set in for the big event in only 110 days. Life is good, very good though. The stree level is pretty low as we have nailed down the photographer and are working on the band and the caterer.