March 26th.

On march 26th, my brother:

Andrew Hamilton.

Got married to a beautiful girl:

Stephanie Senges.

It was a beautiful wedding.

Black dresses and tuxes, yellow accents, white bride. Absolutely stunning. And on top of it all, it never poured with rain. Thank the Lord.

Bridesmaids got with other bridesmaids, and groomsmen with other groomsmen.

Girls got up early to get their hair and make-up done, while the boys had breakfast, chilled, watched a movie and then got ready to leave for the church. Wowie, we're all so different.

The bridesmaids gathering was fun! We helped the bride get ready for her BIG day. Her dress was breathtaking. She looked like a princess; Ivory lace, bows and toole. Wow.

And to complete her dress, she had a marvelous bouquet of yellow flowers. Lily's and roses.

I couldn't believe how amazing we all looked, her mom and my mom, her family and my family, her friends and his friends, we all looked outstanding.

(I'm trying to think of more words to describe this day, and I can't think anymore, there's just not enough.)

God definitely gave us an amazing day that none of us will ever forget. :)

The church, Ebenezer Baptist Church, was beautifully decorated, yellow flowers everywhere. I adored it.

The groom took the grandparents down the isle, along with the parents of the bride and groom. And then it was time for the groom to pause and wait by the alter for the bride. The groomsmen waited a the bottom of the isle for the bridesmaids, as one by one they walked down.

On top of the stage was a band, a band playing 'Only Hope'. It was beautifully done, sounded just like the real group who sang it originally before.

It was the grooms friends from church.

I loved it, everyone did.

Everything was perfect, it was a beautiful happy ending.

Tears of joy, we watched the bride walk towards the groom. She looked stunning, and he had no clue what to say, I think he looked quite stunned himself.

They are so happy, it makes me happy to see my brother so full of joy and love.

The reception happened at Stanley Park Pavillion. Like I said it was beautiful, yellow accents everywhere. The building was ancient, I loved it. Lots of people after the ceremony came out. I felt like there was more people at the reception than there was at the ceremony.

There was speeches from both sides. It was very heartfelt, there were tears and laughs. Definitely a beautiful, disney felt wedding. I loved it. She was happy that her dream came true.

The bride had a Daddy Daughter dance and a First Dance with Andy. It was adorable, I almost cried.

There was a huge dance party, that everyone danced too. 

It's hard to let go of the ones you love, I had to do that multiple times. It's not easy. I hate goodbyes. Saying goodbye to people is only hard if they live on the other side of the world and if they move into another new family.

I had to say goodbye to Tim and Anita Van Egmond. :(

I had to let go of my brother, so he could live happily with his wife, and to live and belong with the Senges. (Not like he didn't before). But it's still hard.

I know I'll still see him, but still... it's hard.

So that's the wedding info, lots to say, and lots to show. It was amazing, and I loved every minute of it. :)!!

Day Ten.

So I completely cheated. By having two tall drinks. BUT they were only steam milks. So no biggy there. Oh well, I kept it healthy. :)
Anyways, I can't stay up talking all night long, I do have to wake up super early. Let's say 6 o'clock, because I need to shower before I get my make up done and also I need to have my hair wet, when I get it styled at 9 thirty. Lucky me eh?
So don't be all bummed out if you don't get a blog that night. Who knows what time I'll be home from the reception downtown.
(Be prepared for a tired Leanna Sunday morning)

Anyways, Anita (Tim's sister; Andy's best man's sister), is here as well. She came thursday. And I clicked in so well with her, I don't want her to leave! She leaves Monday :(
I guess I'll just have to visit her in Australia :) I know she'll be reading this one day.
But I've always wanted an older sister, and I've found out that we're so much in common. And it's awesome. Like I'm happy with the siblings I have now! And I love them to pieces. But there's something about Anita that is totally wicked. Well it might be because she's australian, but other than that, she's also got an amazing heart for God. And who doesn't want someone like that. :) Like come on. I don't know, but I love her. She's definitely made my friends list... oh and family.
Tim is like another Andy, Anita, Lisa, Steph (soon to be, aka in the next couple hours). <--that's weird to say.
Sigh, I don't know where I went with that. It started out as a fast, then a cheat, then tiredness, then family/friends.. yeah I'm tired.

Wish me luck down that isle! (There'll be pictures, trust me.) Church friends, I'll tell you all about it sunday. :)!
And you friend friends, will hear about it soon. I promise you!

But I must say good night! <3

Day Nine.

I've failed you once again. I had a bunch of snacky sweets today. Cookies, cake, a few chips, pop... and even a frappy from Starbs. Can you believe me? I barely lasted a week. Gosh I suck with fasting. I think I remember the one time I lasted a week or something without facebook. Yeah it was amazing. And this was when I was in school too. So proud.
Anyways, today was awesome! At first I was so nervous, but it turned out great. This wedding is going to be totally awesome! "I'll cast some spells, with a flick of my wand. Defeat the dark arts, yeah bring it on! And do it all with my best friend Ron, 'cuz together we're totally awesome!" Sorry, thats a really good play.. Very Potter Musical. Watch it on youtube. Anyways, if you want you can come to the ceremony on saturday... well as long as you know who the bride and groom are, then you can. But if you don't, then that would be awkward for you.
But this rehearsal went great. Better than I thought. And I've got to remember to walk faster than my slower walk. :/ Wish me luck, pray for me... that's better. :)
Yeah, at first I was nervous, it sorta calmed down, but now its back... Oh man, and I'm the first down the isle. And its a pretty big one too. We defs need to space out our walking though, because we have the song all sorted out. It's 'Only Hope' by Switchfoot. And Andy's got Sam Romijn singing it :) and he's doing a fan-tiddly-astic job at it too. He sounds like the real deal. Sam's the wedding singer.
So it went smoothly, and I'm glad.
I'm partnered up with my Uncle awesome... he's totally going to make me laugh.


Okie Dokie. So if I don't blog saturday, give me a break. Because, I have to wake up at like... early. My make-up appointment is at 7:30... and I need to have clean hair for my appointment afterwards. So shoot me? Lucky me. Woo hoo.
But who knows, you might get a post at like 2 in the morning. Hahaha, anyways have a great night/morning :)

Day Eight.

Well today I totally cheated with my co-worker. Oh well. At this point I don't really care, haha. It's only a couple more day's till my brother's wedding anyways. And I'm so stoked for it too!
Soon enough I'll have another sister in the family (if you don't include her own siblings).
Oh the joys of weddings. :) Getting all dolled up... and looking your best. Sigh. One day that'll be me.. but not for a long long time....
I like how I went from cheating to weddings. Aren't I grand?

Dat Seven.

I'm going to keep this one short and sweet.

No Starbs today! Absolutely nothing. And I worked in the store too.

Making my own tea from David's Tea. Forever Nuts. :)

And I watched Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince this morning... hehe. Love HP. <3

Day Six.

Ok, so I worked today. And I was SOOO tempted into drinking starbs, but I didn't. Congrats to me!
Except it was a closing shift, and I didn't bring any dinner with me, besides an apple, an orange and some crackers. That right there didn't cover me for the night.
Sadly I had to buy some food... But all is well, I had a yogurt and a bagel, not too bad, not too bad.

Today was rather boring. Except, my co-worker and I had fun in drive-thru as always. At first he looked a little gloomy and sad, but once he started working with me, it was like he was all cheered up. :) And that's a good feeling. He said we're like best friends. Wooo.
Definitely a good feeling.
Sigh, whatta night.
Missed Life Group again... sadly :( we need to change the day... or something... I think I need to get Sunday's and Monday's off.... Hmm, I'll see. I'll make it work. :) It'll work, I promise!....I hope..
K, I'm getting tired. Goodnight y'all!

Day Five.

Today was rather interesting. There was no sweets, besides home made apple pie :) but don't worry, it was a small piece.
It was Andy and Steph's Dinner Rehearsal. It definitely went better than I though. Speeches were awesome!
First, the preparations before hand were splendid, even though it was rather boring. We got everything ready to go, and that's what helped out through the night. Everyone pitched in and made the night wonderful.
There was a family tradition, where we cradle (meaning pick up so they're floating) family members to a song (a slow one..) and we just let them know that family and friends are supporting them no matter what. So we did that to Andy and Steph.
Also we prayed for Steph's mom because she's having chemotherapy after the wedding. So we got around her in family support and prayed. There were also some tears.
Oh and by the way dinner was marvelous! We had home made cabbage rolls, salad, and last but not least perogies. Mmm, and those perogies were amazing! I had five... what? I had no lunch...
Just so you know... there is left overs... lots of left overs. Wicked!
And towards the end of the night I did end up with a starbs drink. BUT it was only a tea, so nice try. And it got cold, so I threw it out. :)

Before I started off my day, I read Psalm 139, both the NKJ and MSG bible. But I have to say, I understand the Message Bible ten times better than the other one.
Anyways, I was a little upset that I couldn't go to church. I just had no ride. But I had to calm myself down (or else it would've ended badly), so I opened my journal and wrote down my thoughts, then I pulled out my bibles and began to flip through. And found Psalm 139. It calmed me down more than I did to myself.
The bible is one of the best places to go if you're feeling down, or stressed or anything. Because God shows you where to look, and tells you to be calm. He's always there for you in tough situations.

And plus I had a feeling that there was going to be a reason as to why I wasn't at church. I later found out that  my cousin Jenn needed to talk to someone. And she came to me. So I was glad that I was able to meet up with her earlier-ish to chat. God had a reason for me, and I found out what it was.
Even though I would've loved to be at church, cause I heard it was a great service, but my cousin needed me and I was glad to be there for her. :)

xoxo

Day Three & Four.

On the eighteenth of march I went downtown with the bridesmaids for the stagette. It was definitely a blast!
I'm not aloud to say as much, because the bride said no pictures on facebook.. yes, it was that bad. :)
So that night I didn't cheat with any sweets or anything. Just a few drinks and a burger, no biggy. Seriously, I was fine, I remember everything.
It was a late night and I forgot my Pajamas at home... so I slept in jeans at the Westin Hotel on Robson street. It was a grand hotel, so beautiful.
But anyways, thats besides the point (if that made sense), the next day, aka today, we went for Tim Hortons. It was either that or Starbucks, but I told them I couldn't because I was fasting. And plus its not very breakfasty. So this morning I had a french vanilla (which is coffee) and a bagel (That I totally regretted).
I'm sorry guys! I cheated! :( I felt so bad to eat that bagel and drink that coffee. But after I finished the drink, I was happy. Why? Well because I won a free doughnut. Woo woo!
Sorry Paula..
I'd share it with you, but I've already tried giving it to someone, and Lisa was like, "No that's ours."
So there you go.
Bam.
Thats my two days.
Oh yeah, and later tonight, after the worship night at my church, there was dinner waiting at my uncles house. So I had pizza and dessert aka a very thick pudding called mousse... I'm sorry! At least I'm not drinking Starbucks... right?

....
Sorry guys! I'm really trying my best to say no... and I was brought up in a business where I have to say yes.
Siiigggh... why does life have to be so difficult?

Day Two.

Well guess what guys, I survived another day. I'm just so proud of myself.
I was downtown today, by myself, and I saw people with Starbucks in their hands.... I was so tempted, but I said no. Yes, I said no. Thank-you for believing that. :)
Later today like a couple hours ago, I went out for desert with a friend (Erica). I told her I didn't want to go to Starbucks, because I also told her that I was fasting and didn't want to be tempted. So we went out for White Spot and had milkshakes and desert. I know... I had a brownie, shoot me if you please. WE shared it, so no biggy. I didn't even finish it... I was full, hahaha (Lame excuse)... Well we also had our own milkshakes.. mine tasted like a peanut butter cup :) SOO good. I'm going back for one of those again.

My day overall was good though. I felt so free to be by myself downtown, taking the skytrain, getting off at a station, rushing to get my hair done (cause I was late :/ ). But my hair looks all freshened up and ready for the wedding. So, score on my behalf.
And my brother's best man is here, all the way from Australia. Exciting.
The wedding is coming up so soon. I seriously can't wait for it. Its on the 26 of March. So it's next saturday. :)

Sigh, I have nothing to really post about today. I just wanted to make it sound long... and I think I proved my point. SCORE. :)
12 more days... (I think)

Day One.

I survived a day! Thats a first. Lets see if I can last 13 more.
Today I didn't cheat on coffee, but I was sorta cheated with a cinnamon twist bun thing. And mom got it for me... I did only SHARE half with my mom. So no biggy there.
Sadly, I was this close to having a Blenz coffee... but I didn't.. it is still considered coffee.. that's why I didn't get anything.

But now that I'm home, I've made my own cup of tea and sticking with it.
Except Andy (my brother) wanted chips, so I got myself some chips... darn you junk food!
But I can do this.
No more temptations!... after this chip bag..
:)

Fasting!

So starting tomorrow, I'm going on a Starbucks fast. That means goodbye tea, coffee and pastries (except I'll have tea at home, because I can't go a day without it). I'm only sticking with water, and food from home. Wish me luck, because I know I'm going to struggle.

Let's see how long I can go. I'll definitely let you know if I cheat too.. :/

Friends mean so much!

So here`s the dealie-oh, I have a huge list of friends but there are a few in my life that I adore. And they`ve been there for me through thick and thin.

Erica

Gabbi

Joryli

Julia

Kathleen

Mikaela

Nicky

Paula

Paul

Yaisa

I`ve told them everything, or basically everything. It is a good portion of my life that they know, and they understand, because they`ve been through the same stuff as me.

They know who I am, and it`s grand. I deserve people like this. And some say they deserve me.. how, I don`t know. I guess we`re all strange in our own way.

It`s like my family grew, new brothers and new sisters. :) God is good.

Once I graduated from PA (Pacific Academy), I told myself that I wasn`t going to get any new friends and I panicked. Because I thought that it was for sure going to happen, and ruin my life.

But it didn`t, I finally cleared that thought from my head and moved onto new and greater things.

God gave me a job with great people.

God gave me a new home with amazing family (What I like to call church).

There was one day I went up to Jaquie, and asked if I could help out at the church. She said for sure, and I got the whole day to help out. It was an interesting experience (in a good way, of course). This was when my whole new friendship began.

A bubbly girl came up and introduced herself to me. Her name is Yaisa. This was when I found out that she only lived up the street from me.

We go on adventures all the time. We went to New West for a Jazz Night, and I met more people. Gabbi, Nicky, Paula and Paul. And I was so glad, because they are so awesome!

Now I go on adventures with all of them all together, usually after church. I`ve basically been everywhere with  them. We`ve been to White Rock a couple of times, Vancouver, New West, Coquitlam (by mistake, but that`s a different story).

Another place, that is apart of the church, is Wildfire. And that has changed me a lot. Spiritually, mentally and physically (I don`t know how, but it has).

All the leaders there are amazing, and I love them. I could name all of them, but I feel that would be useless to you guys. And I`m pretty sure you all know them.

dan.eliza.chub.jo ann.joryli.liz.mia.

gabbi.nicky.koby.jenna.monica.

callum.sam.silas.paula.yaisa.paul.

josh.edmond.edwin.sterling.crystal.rom.

I`m just so thankful that I had this amazing journey of finding new and incredible people. I feel like God just threw them at me and gave me a challenge. A tough challenge, but I worked through it and made it work.

All I need to do is get to know them for who they are too. There are a few who don`t know me just yet, but God has it planned out. Don`t worry the day will come. :)

This church has given me lots of new friends and people I can call family. I`m just so thankful for this eventful life.

I just know that there is many more to come.

All I have to say is:

BRING IT ON, I`M READY!