A Pretty Perfect Weekend

This weekend was pretty awesome I must say.  I was honored to be apart of the marriage of two friends, spent some time with Brett's sweet family, played at the beach, and went to a drive-in movie.

Leigh & I have been friends since we met at Gunn Jr. High, through our days as Colts and remained friends during college and beyond.  We have shared many secrets, good laughs (including the time I laughed so hard I accidentally spit my retainer out at her - got to love awkward HS moments) and have been dreaming of meeting Mr. Right/our wedding day (that's what all teenage girls do, right?) since we first started hanging out.  Example: This napkin (Yes, I kept it because I can't throw away sentimental things) Leigh wrote on when we were probably freshman in high school about how to get closer to whoever each of our husbands would be.  This visual aid she made for me almost 10 years ago, is still an image that I think about.  I love this and love her.

May 27, 2011 she married the love of her life.  She was an absolutely beautiful bride.  Leigh & Chris' wedding was perfect.  I think one of the sweetest moments (and one of my favorite moments) was during the ceremony when they washed each other's feet, showing humility and honoring one another.  I love that they love the Lord and that they have Christ as a foundation.  

In the bridal room prior to walking down the aisle.

My sweet boyfriend 

Shannon & I at the reception.

Blair, one of my oldest friends - we were classmates in Mrs. Newhouse's Kindergarten class.  Wow, I just realized we have been friends for twenty years. twenty years. 2-0!!

Bride & Groom and Brett & Me

AHS Girlfriends - Still can't believe we graduated 7 years ago.

Twin Sandwich: Blair & Blake (who was also my prom date)

I wish I had more pictures to share.  I am glad other people were taking pictures during the ceremony.

I was so happy to crawl in my bed around 1:15 that morning.  I was not so happy when my alarm went off at 6:30 a.m.  Brett & I were heading to Baytown for the rest of Memorial Day weekend.  Anyone who knows me, KNOWS that I need my sleep and I am not a morning person (until I get a good 2 cups of coffee in).  Needless to say, I just threw some clothes in a bag and hopped in the car.  I must admit, I am glad we got up early and got to Baytown early. It gave us more time to spend with Brett's parents, grandparents & little brother/Sis-n-law. (and more time to play bezzerwizzer & oodles).

We spent Sunday afternoon at Crystal Beach.  Extremely windy, but we were still able to catch a few waves and play a few games of washers.

FYI that boogie board is from 1992 and it still works.

Dallas, Britain, Me & Brett 

Girls pic

Love this pic.

Brit & Dal

Washers Winners - Obviously.

Granddad playing washers.

Granddad & Muzz - married for 70+ years.

Mushy Kissy Pic.

If this weekend couldn't get any better - to top things off, Brett and I went to a drive in movie theater in Ennis on our way home.  I had never been to one and it was so cool, I really enjoyed it.  We had a little audio box that set on the window - audio was a little scratchy - but it was kinda romantic.

  

Told ya it was the perfect weekend.

Things I'm LOVING Thursday

I'm LOVING this new cooking blog I found on Pioneer Woman - it is Bake at 350.  I've been on a cooking blog kick lately & have found some delish recipes - like chocolate chip cookie dough cupcakes, cakeballs, and scrabble cookies.  How CUTE are those cookies?  I LOVE Scrabble & LOVE cookies and these would be so cute at a bridal shower or a cute wedding favor idea (except that would be alot of cookies to bake).


I'm LOVING that this weekend will be filled with friends.  Two birthdays to celebrate, a coming home from the Army party, and a bachelorette party.  Pics to follow.


I'm LOVING that I finally got an upgrade on my phone.  Unfortunately, my old iphone jumped out of my hands this weekend (literally) and the front screen cracked.  Sad day, but after 2 1/2 years - an upgrade is not  unwelcomed.  


I'm LOVING the following video from the movie Something Borrowed.  I may or may not have watched the tutorial to learn how to do those New Kids on the Block moves.  Ask Brett how I good of a dancer I am now.

 

Love is in the Air

One of my best friends from college is ENGAGED - Abby Beckey!! Kevin proposed this past Sunday - and I am so happy for them :)

Congrats Abby & Kevin! Love y'all!

Central Market Cooking Class

A few week ago Groupon had a deal for a Central Market Cooking Class - and of course I purchased one.  Danielle, Amy and myself signed up for the "All about Chicken" class.  It was quite interesting - I have never cut up a whole chicken (honestly, it kind of grosses me out) but this is what we started with:

ha okay not really like that...more like this:

ahha that's more like it.  Let me tell you, I was a bit intimidated.  We had 2 chickens between 3 girls that we had to work with.  We were on the other side of the kitchen and unable to hear all of the directions, but we managed.  First we had to cut up all of the chicken for the 4 dishes we were preparing that night.  We cut off the thigh & leg, wing, breast, tenderloin - the whole shabang.  THEN the fun part came: 4 delicious meals. A sundried tomato chicken pasta, mustard chicken wings, chicken lettuce wraps & chicken piccata.  Haven't tried to make the recipes at home, but hopefully soon.  It was a fun class & recommend it if you're looking for something different & fun to do with your gfs (or with the boyfriend if he'll go!)

Here's to 50 years

I. Love. Surprises.  Love Love Love them! The planning & anticipation is all worth it in the end.  For the past two months I have been secretly planning my mom's surprise 50th birthday party.    This past Saturday was the big day - and it went perfectly.  My partners in crime, Shawn (my aunt) & Peggy (mom's best friend) helped me pull it off.  We decided to have a dessert buffet (who doesn't love sweets?) and we had a smorgasbord of desserts to choose from! Cupcakes, cake balls, chocolate dipped pretzels, chocolate chip cookies, lemon ricotta cookies, brownies, fruit.  Fortunately we had 7 kids helping devour all the food (sugar over load).  It was my first time making red velvet cake balls - and it was interesting to say the least.  If anyone has any tips, I would love to know!  First the white chocolate burned, and then it wouldn't melt and then the cake ball crumbled in the bowl turning the white chocolate a pinkish tint with red crumblies.  Huge mess.  The milk chocolate worked out better - just really heavy on the chocolate side.  They did not look like the amazing cake balls at Leigh's bridal shower.  Fortunately people ate them and said they tasted great.  Whew!  


While Mom's BFF Peggy took her out to Grapevine for dinner, Brett, Shawn & Rachel were at Mom's house cleaning, setting up, decorating etc before the 38 guests arrived!!  (Sidenote: Brett is amazing at dipping pretzels if you need some tasty treats for your next party)  I was worried that Mom would somehow find out - but we pulled it off - she was completely surprised.

Surprise Mom! There are 38 people standing in your kitchen staring at you!

A video montage of the past 50 years

Mother & Daughter

According to her, the apple doesn't fall from the tree.

Happy Birthday Mom!