Merry Christmas

Oh yes, we did. Chris & I got Dad an inflatable Christmas Story leg lamp. He put it up that morning.

Behind the Scenes

Just to give everyone an idea of what Candi was working with...yeah, not much. Pretty amazing what she can do with an old Oklahoma, wintery-dead field:

What a little trooper! Someday it will be your turn...(sorry mom & dad, it's true.)

The transit was pretty hilarious:

And if I could have dressed and accessorized myself for the wedding just as I wanted, it probably would have ended up something like this:

29...again.

Well, 29 was such a great year, I think I'll just do it over again! Tonight (read Senior Citizen hour) my family and friends gathered at Pearl's for a birthday party for Yours Truly. It really might have been the best yet...my family, my dearest most favorite friends and my husband :)

(yeah, it's still weird to say that...)

"Hazel, everyone knows you can't have a party without an inflatable!"

Hazel and "Boom"

After dinner, Chris took me for another birthday tradition, Christmas Lights! When your birthday is in December, sometimes you feel like all the celebrations are part of your party ;)

Thanks to everyone for all the birthday wishes and phone calls!

The Godmother, Part I

My goddaughter Madisyn (Mandy's daughter) has had a big couple of weeks herself! Last week she was baptized and it was my great honor to be included in that celebration. And last night she debuted in her first Lyric performance in a darling show. I think she was born for the spotlight and can't wait to see the next performance!

Bridal Shoot

I wanted to wait until after the wedding to do a bridal portrait session so I wouldn't have to worry about getting my dress dirty or re-pressed (and my dress wasn't ready until two days before the wedding!) So on Saturday I got to spend more time with my favorite photographer and newest friend Candi. I'm going to miss getting to see her every week...

Candi's inspiration and the theme for the shoot was "Alice in Wonderland"; because Candi wanted to get some edgier, fashion shots to update her website, Mindy joined us and wore Candi's wedding dress to take some pictures. Fabulous MOB really came through with some beautiful bouquets and great props for us to use.

The Return of the Red Shoes!

I am so pleased with how they turned out and had such a fun afternoon. I keep wanting to add one more...and just one more...and then another....so be sure to go to Candi's blog for more: http://candiphoto.blogspot.com 

My Thanksgiving Essay

What I'm Thankful for:

My New Husband, who came in a fully-domesticated model...he's handy!!!

My Amazing Parents who went so far above and beyond to make our wedding the most special and amazing day ever (I acknowledge that I might be slightly biased...)

My Baby Brother who is the most servant-hearted man I know...

My New Family that has welcomed me with open arms...

Incredible Friends that continue to bless me with their friendships...

Oh yeah, and the most talented photographers ever: Candi Coffman and her husband McKinney!! She has posted our wedding pics to her website, so contact me if you want the viewing instructions and password. I'll post some pics on my blog when I get the hard copies. They are totally amazing. I can't wait to share them with all of you! I feel like I just got to see the wedding for the first time and have been reliving and relishing every second of it!

Done and Done.

We tied the knot last Friday and life hasn't really settled down yet...but I'm not sure it ever really will. I've already tried to post a 'wrapping it up' post earlier this week and silly blogspot erased all the pictures I uploaded, so I got mad and gave it the silent treatment. The only problem is that MOB hasn't had any new updates in a while and I know she's having wedding withdrawals, so here are a couple to tide you over :) 

"A Bride and her Chuppah"

Some of my girls and I have planned a pic swap for this afternoon, so I'll able to add some more to this in a little bit. We are still anxiously awaiting Candi's finished product, and I'll post a link to her stuff as soon as we receive it. 

Thanks so much to everyone for all of your hard work to make our night the best ever. We will always remember the kind words and special friends and family who shared our night with us.

The Next Time You See Me...

...I'll be married!

Here we go...

It's raining, it's pouring...

Chris and I have been totally overwhelmed at the generosity that has been showered on us. I am speechless at all the thoughtful touches and special gifts we have received.

This last weekend we were blessed with two more showers:

First, on Saturday night, my bridesmaids had a personal shower/girls night for me and I got a lot of really nice things (but I'm not posting those pics).

My super cute bridesmaids...the perfect hostesses...pretty much the best friends ever:

And the whole group, the rest of my really dear friends 

(except for a few out-of-towners who will be here next week!):

Then on Sunday, the ladies of good ole QSBC had a beautiful afternoon tea in our honor. It was so special to be honored by the women I have known, admired and respected for literally my entire life.

There are so many hostesses to thank and pictures to post; I'm on my way to a girls night at the Perdue Compound, so I'll finish this post later!

Confucius say...

(Happiness and Good Luck)

MOB's mom helpers and teacher friends had an amazing asian-themed shower for us, coordinated with the Chirp dishes we chose. There was a special time of prayer and blessings, followed by lots of yummy food! Look at this amazing cake and delicious spread:

Every detail was so thoughtful,

down to the handmade party favors

(personalized fortune cookies)!

The lovely hostesses:

And this is Mrs. Clymer, who opened her gorgeous home to us:

The always popular crowd shots:

Chris wasn't able to be there,

but his parents represented for the Wiser side.

Oh, my shoes were there, too...

Growing up a T.K. (that's a Teacher Kid for all you non-educational vocation folks), I know first hand the long, tiring days that teachers put in; so it was so especially meaningful to me for these ladies to give this much time and effort to bless our new life together at the end of their workday. Thank you so so much!