Going...going...

The mint supply is dwindling...

We might just have to keep these on hand all the time, 

I think it's the real reason people are hanging out at our house.

It's a pretty amazing thing that happened yesterday. I teared up several times throughout the day, watching all the inauguration festivities on my computer at work and even just listening to NPR over my lunch break.

Our watch party last night

Kitty likes to watch history in the making, too. 

Or maybe she's planning her next attack. 

You never can tell with her... 

(And I think I know which way she voted.)

Editor's note for Gma Sally: no need for worry, 

(extra) prayer or phone calls; 

I'm still an Oil-y Republican, just "hope"ful ;) 

If you need me, I'll be inside.

So when the weather turns cold, I turn into quite the hermitess (fem. form ?); it's sometimes bad enough that friends and family will have to call and check on me because they haven't seen or heard from me in days (maybe weeks...). This year, now that I have a roommate, I guess everyone's not quite as worried because I haven't received as many phone calls since the weather has stayed below freezing and I've been holed up. I did get a new toy and have been torturing Wiser and P.Kitty with an incessant number of close-up and action shots to play with in Photoshop.

Obviously, he has to be coaxed...

Alright, I can take a hint...I'll leave you alone.

Even Hazel has to tolerate me, but she's easily bribed with jewelry (again with the tongue shot)!

Friends In High Places

Two Saturdays ago the Wilsons were without their youngest family member so we had a fun couple's night on the town: dinner and a movie and just cruising around town. 

Oh, did I mention that cruising around town with the Wilsons means from the air?

 

Houston, we have landed

...and already taken off again. This weekend included a whirlwind trip to San Marcos for outlet shopping with Chris' sister Sharla, a quick stopover in Houston to see Gma and Uncle Carl, then back home and at work 1st thing Monday morning.

Photographic evidence:

Awwwww...

and now with the husband:

I would say we passed our first possible stumbling blocks as a married couple with flying colors. I didn't get in trouble for going hog-wild at the outlet mall (no small miracle) and after almost 20 hours this weekend of close quarters in the car, no major incidences to report. 

Thanks, Grandma, for all the yummy eats and t.l.c. :)

A New...well....everything!

So this year I'm starting out with a new husband, a new name, a new family, a new office, a new "roommate" & feels-like-new home...I could keep going, but I think you get the gist of it. Lots of new things & ways to start a new year. I, er WE are so excited and blessed by all these new beginnings. (I'm still getting used to that new pronoun.)

For NYE we stayed in and had a game night, hosted by the Wilson's.

The men were victorious for a few rounds of Scene It, but quickly lost interest as the ladies were staging a comeback....

We wish everyone a healthy, prosperous and blessed new year and look forward to spending lots of time with all of our dear family and friends!

Candi takes on SFA

Wiser's band had a photoshoot with photographer extraordinaire Candi Coffman a few weeks ago. Yes, we're hooked. And trying to think of the next event that we can book her for, so if anyone has any ideas...

You can she what she was able to accomplish here: www.candiphoto.com

And here are a couple of my faves:

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