EB

For over 30 years, I've been Erin Elizabeth Bredin.
I've been linked to a great heritage of people who have loved Jesus, served Jesus and given their entire lives to be in the ministry.
I grew up as a pastor's kid. I was known by my last name especially with the church people. I was loved and supported by hundreds of people because of whose daughter I was. I just recently looked through some old bins of notes and cards that I have had since high school and found SO many encouraging letters from so many people over the years.
I went to Prairie Bible College, and most of my friends from their call me EB. (Thanks to Britt! hahaha) My identity their was almost all from the people I hung out with. A few people knew my family and there were a few traveling missionaries or old family friends that I met up with, but I was largely unknown until I found my community of friends.
Living on PEI, you are always, ALWAYS asked "Now, what is your father's last name?" almost anytime you are meeting someone for the first time. I've been shamed into admitting I'm not an Islander! hahah But I always qualify it with, if Anne of GG is an Islander then so am I! I am definitely an Islander at heart!
As a sub teacher, my name around the school out of most of the kindergartner's mouths is "Miss Bumble-B". The older kids call me Miss B, and that is how I am known by the kids and if I slip up and say my name is Miss Bredin...they immediately call me out and tell me that my name is MISS B!!! haha

All my legal documents say Erin Bredin.
My doctor and dentist know me as Erin Bredin.
My landlords receive their rent from Erin Bredin.
My driver's license says Erin Bredin.

I'm Erin Elizabeth Bredin.
For about one more week.

I can't even begin to understand what a BIG BIG MOMENTOUS occasion it is to GET MARRIED, CHANGE YOUR NAME, MOVE IN WITH YOUR BFF and START A LIFE TOGETHER.

I've been reading some really amazing blogs lately about people in all different stages of Love. I know Danny and I are in a very specific stage that could never last forever. There is this THRILL of excitement when I get to see him, even if it was just the night before that I saw him. I even get excited sometimes when he goes outside to do something and then comes back in the house! hahah Every night when I have to drive back to my own apartment, it just feels weird. Its starting to feel strange when I don't see him at the end of every day, and I haven't really started many days with him so I can't wait until that happens.

But I am realizing that soon my identity will be Erin Elizabeth Stretch. It feels like I'll be a whole new girl. That I will be stepping into being a grown up after all these years. That I will finally get to be a wife. That I will finally get to look around my HOME...not just an apartment or a place I'm living, but a home where I belong!

I am excited for the seasons to change and our relationship to strengthen. I know we have so much to go through and so much to grow in as our hearts continue to submit and love each other as a husband and wife. I am sad to give my name up a little...but I love my new name.

Stretch. This is a name that is known on the Island. There is a huge heritage here. This family has such a great reputation for being hard workers, detailed, helpers, givers and God-fearing folks! I am proud to become a Stretch, although it is intimidating at times to feel like my personality is completely opposite from them. But I know that I will be better for it. I am already learning (haven't quite mastered this yet!!!) to be more patient, take better care of details and to work hard without complaining!I hope that I can share with Danny the amazing qualities I bring as a Bredin. We have a reputation for being food and coffee lovers, investing in people/relationships, givers, encouragers, and God fearing folks!

I am proud of my family and I am excited to have a whole new family to add to it!
So for one more week, you can call me a Bredin....and I will cherish that name.
But after that, I'll be Erin Stretch!

Moms

I love Mother's Day. I am glad we take a day out to celebrate both of my parents around this season. Its the perfect excuse to have a family meal and buy a special present and write a meaningful note to my Mom. I was thinking alot about that John Mayer song (Daughters) and that it is true that our parents do alot to form who we are...and YES, its very important to be good to your sons and daughters...but I was thinking about the legacy and the heritage I have and then thinking about (forgive the song reference...) but the "mazes" Danny has had to deal with from me and it usually does have "nothing to do with him". There's alot in my heart that has been built up with love and grace from my parents, especially my Mom...who my sister worded well, did most of the raising, rearing, disciplining and building up in our home (due to my Dad working full time as a pastor and being committed most evenings to church things). But there's those OTHER things that are deep in my heart that cause stress and strife in our relationship that also impact Danny. He is the most constant and intimate male relationship I've ever had and he wants the best for me... so more than any other male in my life he works really hard to address things and talk it out and listen and make things work for us. Because we are so different, this has caused more stress and pain and conflict then I even want to begin to think about...especially in the past 4 months, unfortunately. We have had to deal with some really big things and are slowly coming up over the hardest part and starting smooth sailing again but the fact that my man has NEVER given up on me even when I had some of my hardest and most difficult moments and didn't always show my best side to him makes me feel so utterly safe and secure. I know he loves me, and it still flabbergasts me why sometimes, but I know he does and he will stick by me to the end.

Its not just Danny though. My friends and family who have supported me in the past few months really don't know how that has helped me. When I think of my line up of 7 bridesmaids...theses are the girls that have had such a huge impact on me.

 Jodi and Kristin: my school years wouldn't have been the same without them. We formed a spiritual friendship from when we were teens and they are two of my inspirations and encouragements in maintaining a daily quiet time a midst the chaos of raising children, running a home and loving their husbands. Kristin, of any friend I have, you do the MOST to maintain connection with me. I feel pretty guilty sometimes with the amount of effort you put into me. I know you love me and want to know about my life and I am so thankful that you have that gift of keeping in touch. I know we will be friends until we are old and gray!

Brittany and KT: my Prairie years wouldn't have been the same without them and even after that...living in Japan with KT. I know so much of my spiritual friendship was impacted by journalling with Britt, talking out life with all the Prairie girls, driving to church every Sunday with KT (blaring TuPac the whole time) and seeing Jesus in them. I am so proud of who they are and they continue to inspire me in so many ways, even though I don't get to have the every day life lived together I'll never forget the days that I DID have that privilege.

Julie: my life AFTER university wouldn't have been the same without her. I met her 10 years ago at Kristi's wedding. We drove to New York many times and she has impacted my life as an UTTER servant and caregiver to children. I have watched her loving children and giving LITERALLY every penny she has for the joy of others. She has sacrificed so much and there is NO cost that is too high that she wouldn't give to ANYONE. She inspires me with her giving and her patience and her ability to THRIVE in chaos. She is perfect for what God has chosen her for and the kids and the people she impacts will be lining the hallways of heaven to give her tributes someday. So proud of her.

My sisters. Well, since one reads my blog and one doesn't I'll just put this in a general way. I am blessed to be raised in a dysfunctional family of 5 kids. We grew up in a home where there was a huge RANGE of ages. And I have always been the middle child...hahah. I have two older sisters and two younger brothers. And I know the relationships we have with our siblings are far different then any friendship. My Mom has always had this burning desire for all of us to be close, and in our own way we certainly have come a long way from those days of fighting over 5 dollars of gas and who's turn it was to wash the dishes. We still fall back into our roles at family meals...well correction: I Do. I am probably the one that acts the "youngest" when we are all together...but I do love my siblings. I love the family nights we are blessed to have together and I am grateful that there are 4 other people in this world that I don't have to explain my family issues to. They get it. We all get it. We all have our own perspectives, but there are just certain things you can't really put into words sometimes. I am so grateful for my sisters. I am thankful that I have sisters to show me through their experiences of marriage of what I want for mine. There are things in their lives that aren't perfect but I have learned about the priorities I want in my marriage.
Kristi: You have taught me to love your husband first. You adore Jason. You miss him when he's gone for even one night. You go to sleep at the same time every night and pray together (even when one person falls asleep). You serve him and give him a good life. You are an amazing cook and your home is filled with peace and love. Its one of my favorite places in the world and it DEFINITELY is the place I would call a safe haven for me. When I'm upset or sad, I always feel a calm there and your boys give me so much joy. So well done! You are doing it.
Lori: I know that your life is different than you imagined. You have been blessed with four amazing kids who are so different but so smart and talented. You have given them so many opportunities to do sports, travel, be part of church and school and community life. I remember when you first got married how you decorated your apartment and how you made such fancy meals for Brian. I know that newly wed stage doesn't last forever but I remember watching you and Brian falling in love! I know we are similar and I know Danny and Brian are similar. I thank God that he blessed us both with men who can fill our gaps and show us alot of grace, kindness and patience.

I have so many girls that have sent me emails, sent me packages, called me, asked me questions and tried to be there for me even though time and distance often causes a separation. I have felt so supported and loved and I know that I am blessed.

To wrap up this little blog: I want to go back to that song and I love it. I just realize so much about the HUGE impact we have on each other. I am so thankful for all the people who have inspired me. I want to be the best wife to Dan. I want to be an amazing Mom. I know I won't be perfect but I am so glad that I have such a HUGE wealth of people I admire that I can look to.

So Happy Mother's Day. You are doing a great job. Thanks for showing me what good mothers look like. Thanks for being honest about life and keep doing what you're doing!

House Tour!!!!!

Well we looked at so many (well in reality it was probably only a handful) of homes trying to figure out what we wanted and what would work with our budget. There was a little house out in the country that had a really private backyard surrounded with trees...but it was over a 100 years old and we had a few red flags with some different details...but I was really set on the location. But we looked on...

We found a few in the Cornwall area...but there was some that were too high, yucky basement, unfinished basement, bad location on the highway, so we looked on...

 

We found 46 Hilltop Drive on an email from another realtor and looked at it the same week and we were pretty excited because it suited alot of our needs! Someone told me this week that women are usually won over if there is a nice kitchen...and I'm not saying this kitchen is amazing but I did like the cupboards and it seemed to suit me just fine! The other thing we were looking for is a way to convert the basement into an apartment and since there was already a bathroom down there and a private entrance (and a BONUS: private little deck) we knew that it would take a little work but we could fix it up just fine!!!

Laundry Room! (can't wait to brighten it up and paint the floor over and add some color)

We may convert part of this room for our basement apartment, but I'd also love to have floor to ceiling shelves to organize storage!

This shot is a little blurry, but there's a little stove and a good sized room! We may make it into a bachelor but we will also try to have a little kitchenette/fridge/sink! There's a little mini bar already set up so we can use the counter and chairs for this!

Weird Curtain thingy, but hopefully will be our office/video game central! HAHA

Little Bedroom beside our room. Jonah calls it the Cousin's bedrooms! He would love to have some bunkbeds for sleepovers! haha

Full back view, with someone creepin in the bushes! (me!!)

Sweet bike I added to our agreement! Wood Garage floor? Weird, no?!

 

Sweet little workshop area for Danny to build me some furniture!!! or surf boards!

Our little kitchen! (some wall paper to tear down, hoping to paint a little darker but brighter green!!)

I do love the cupboards! In great shape and Danny and I have cleaned them with some Magic Erasers and I have all our food set up and whatever we own is tucked safely away..dishwasher has a few spokes missing but we had our first successful run and dishes came out sparkly and clean! Love the floor too!

A little rickety, but sweet little private place for our renters!

A little pink carpet in our Living Room! There's also a bay window that Danny has freed from behind the lace curtains so now we get tons of natural light coming in through the front! I was thinking to have a shade of blue gray for living room and then using the furniture/pillow/curtains to add shades of color...not sure what yet! We are debating on the floor! Any suggestions? We may spring for expensive flooring but may do a different shade darker! Would that look weird?

Can't wait to sit on my window seat! But we have a little work to do to extend it...or it just may end up holding some flowers or something who knows!

Master Bedroom! We already took down border and Dan ripped up the carpet! We are thinking to have a really pale green (sage or some other lighter shade) and then have a nice bright quilt or duvet to brighten the room and add some color! We will probably get cheap click flooring thats on sale right now and I would like it as dark as possible! Love dark floors!

Main Floor bathroom! Small and cozy! I already scrubbed some rust spots out of the tub but will have another go at it! We may convert it in the future by taking out a closet and extending it but its not top priority for us at this point! I am thinking to paint it a pale color of aqua or pale blue and have the shower curtain brighten it up with color! (Dan says I can have polka dots! I can't help but love polka dots and want to add them wherever I can! lol)

Well thats it for now! I am really looking forward to before and after pics! I love looking at other peoples renos and feel so inspired to work hard and try not to complain or be grumpy about all the work that there is to do! I have never done this so its a HUGE  thing for me to take on and I do get overwhelmed but I am looking forward to doing this with Dan and having lots of projects to work on to make our little house a home filled with peace and love! Will update with more pics as they come!!!