"How did you end up here?"

I'm a little ashamed for neglecting this blog for so long. The old title "North to the Future" was the state motto of Alaska, and I started it in the first place because I moved there. I wasn't sure that living in northern Illinois would be as interesting to write (or read) about. Then I got caught up in the notion that very few people would care about what I write anyway let alone read it. I don't have any interesting skills or hobbies to share. I'm not experiencing anything really unique or embarking on a grand adventure. I don't have any profound insights or opinions that will break the internet. Recently, however, I've realized that I just miss writing. Even if this ends up simply as a journal of my random ramblings and summaries of life events, I want to continue telling my story. I'll try not to put too much pressure on myself. I know at least my mom will keep reading it. :) So... In my last post 10 months ago, Cory and I were preparing t...

This post is long overdue. I regret not posting anything since April, but I'll do my best to summarize everything from the past 6 months and what we're expecting next (No, not a baby. Although our family did grow!) Meet our veiled chameleon! Her original name was "Chameron", but after I jokingly called referred to her as a ridiculous cartoon character from Adventure Time, "Melissa" is what stuck. So this is Melissa. I never thought in a million years that I'd own a reptile, but Cory loves them, and now I love her (even though she hates us most of the time lol). Lots of visitors recently, and still more to come! Here's a glimpse of our recent adventures... Joanna in March, Rachel and the Godings in August. Jo got winter/spring, the others got summer/fall :) So much fun yet never enough time! I miss them all dearly! Side note: Somehow, Elouise is already 1 year old! My little nugget! Weddings: I've been to 3 within 4 months! The ...

I've been an Evans for almost 2 months now, and I must say, marriage really is the greatest :) Sure, we're still in the honeymoon phase and all, but I won't be taking any of this marital bliss for granted!   The wedding day was exactly what I had pictured at The Hearn House - a family-owned historical home in the suburbs of central Phoenix on February 7th. Warm, sunny, green, relaxed, romantic, sentimental, fun...all of that surrounded by so many of the people we love most. Any mishaps that happened were unbeknownst to Cory and me. The team of friends and professionals that constructed the event exceeded our expectations far beyond what could have hoped for. My parents met Ron and Tricia Di Nello when I was a newborn. I can't remember a major family event that they weren't a part of. They have blessed our family abundantly over the years. Cory and I were honored to have them as mentors in preparation for marriage, and Ron officiated the ceremony. We are ...

It's officially my wedding day!!! It's been quite a while since my last post, so I had planned to write a more detailed blog earlier this week explaining all of the activities and events going on complete with pictures, but as it has turned out, I've been quite busy! Still, I wanted to stop to document at least a snippet of how I've been feeling this week. I expected nerves and anxiety to overwhelm me, but it hasn't happened yet. Cory and I have been blessed with the most gracious team of servant-hearted supporters than we could have asked for. From day one, God has been sending us person after person to take care of every need that we couldn't meet ourselves. After the rehearsal today and incredible dinner that followed (provided by my incredible in-laws!), I couldn't get over how I had no idea what had been going on "behind the scenes," and everything was put together so well! Besides a few rare moments of "HOLY CRAP THIS REALLY HAPPEN...

Big changes for the Mills family this year! There are fewer of us who actually go by "Mills," but there are more of us nonetheless! This year we gained 2 new members. I introduced the first in my last post - Elouise Jean Goding. (In case you missed the cuteness :) ) The second is Matthew Beauregard - the brave soul who actually joined this crazy clan by choice (haha!) With so many girls already, I'm thrilled to welcome a new brother! He's outgoing and thoughtful and he is perfect for my sister. It is quite obvious how much he adores her. I love how in love they are :)They're wedding was a perfect reflection of them. Romance, glamor, country music, and baseball!    These bridesmaids were so much fun to collaborate with! 3 of Julie's dearest friends, her new sister-in-law, and our sisters did an excellent job of tying details together and making sure Julie looked and felt her best. It was such an honor helping th...

I’m pleased to say that my 10 day trip really felt like 10 days. They went by too quickly (as always) and I feel like I need more (as always), but it was so eventful!   The main attraction by far was little Miss Elouise Jean Goding who entered the world on August 16 th at 1:18 am, 10 hours before my flight landed in Phoenix. I had just arrived in Las Vegas beforehand for a 4 hour layover when I heard the news. Once again, I have technology to thank for allowing me to be somewhat present for precious family moments. I sat at the gate with my laptop as Mom Skyped me in on her iPad to witness Brynley meeting her baby sister for the first time. I got to see the biggest bright-eyed grin light up her face as she climbed up on the bed next to her momma and eagerly reached for her new sibling. I heard her giggles of excitement, her perfect pronunciation of Ellie’s full name, and her innocent request to her parents: “Can I have another one?” She was oh so gentle as she stroked her “...