Memories

That First Look

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Before I saw the man I would spend the rest of my life with….I wanted to see the guy who would give me away.  
Emotions ran high for some very obvious reasons.  
I was more nerve that my dad would be a mess and then I became a mess.  The thought that I would be given away almost terrified me.  For 30+ years I was his little girl.  Now, I had to grow up and start a family with someone.  Hopefully someday have our own little ones.  
Seeing my dad brought up so many thoughts and emotions. 
He looked so handsome. 
Looking back I feel like after this moment the entire day just flew by. 
Again, I want to thank Meigan and McKinsey with Blink Photography for capturing all these amazing moments.  

Then the photo gals took me outside to wait for my guy. 
The look on his face was priceless.  
He looked terrified, yet ecstatic.  

He grabbed my hands and said, “wow….that dress”
Those words said it all. 

I probably could have stayed in this moment for the rest of the day.
Just looking at each other. 
Melting away in the heat….and love.  

Then he pulled away again and just kept looking me over. 
That, ladies, makes you feel REAAAAALLLLLL good. 

And we walked towards the gazebo.  The place we would say “I Do” just a few short hours later.  
I knew I wouldn’t have the sense to take it all in during the moment of the actual vows so I’m glad we took the opportunity during photos to do so.  

This man is my forever.  

Love him so, 

Last fling before the ring…

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A week before our wedding I was blessed by my MOH and my family and friends to have one last night out as a single lady.  It was a BLAST to say the least.  We took a party bus downtown and had the luxury of starting the lingerie shower at my best buddy Ted’s house.  Of course he wasn’t home to enjoy all the fun, but we did poke (literally) fun at him a bit and left him so beer bottles in the flower beds. 
 Following the little shower and games we headed to Bakersfield which has the best guacamole and margaritas that I’ve ever known.  Yummo.  Seriously.  At this point I had quite the buzz going and may have tormented and totally annoyed some of the other Bakersfield visitors.  Oh well….
After Bakersfield we cruised in our bus a little bit and took part in all the yummy drinks the ladies had packed for us.  After our cruise we ended up at a fantastic show at Talbot Street.  Those ladies (err…uhhh…men?) never cease to dissappoint.  
As soon as we left I bothered a cop and asked him if he was next surprise.  Unfortunately he was a real cop and was not amused at all by what I asked.  Oops!  Then I was ready to continue the party.  Problem is…no one else was.  So, I pouted and was mad.  And next thing you know they’ve got pictures of me passed out on the bus.  Can you imagine?  
Fun was seriously had by all, especially me….I most definitely will never be able to thank all these girls enough for spending the evening with me enjoying being Miss Plank one more time!

Up next….  Rehearsal and Rehearsal dinner!

Meet the Ushers!

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Time to meet the handsome devils who will walk the guests to their seats and get everyone situated.  Three of the main dudes in my life….
To my favorite Brother-In-Law, Brandon – Even though I make fun of your age and all your gray hair, please know I love you dearly.  You’ve always been protective of me and for that, I am thankful.  I’m so happy you will be a part of our special day and I thank you for everything you’ve done for me.  

To my cousins, the Skunk Brothers, Matt and Jared (Peanut) – Growing up next door helped us develop a special bond….greater than most cousins.  We are all so blessed to have parents close as siblings and a bond of cousins that others typically don’t get a chance at.  Morning cartoons of Transformers and Power Rangers at my house during the school year.  Playhouse and school out in the shed at your house.  Summers with your mom and school year with mine.  Summer trips to stay with Grandma and Grandpa picking up rocks and eating ice cream and popcorn every night.  Bath times before it got too awkward.  Tball teams to save our parents trips to the ballpark.  Working at Kroger together as one of our first jobs to, again, save our parents the gas money and extra trips.  Parties in college and running from the ……nevermind!  We all miss mom so much as each day passes, but I’m grateful you let me borrow yours to help fill those voids.  I’m lucky to have both of you in my life and I hope we can always be close.  Someday maybe we can recreate the bathtub pictures with our own little ones.  Thank you for being a part of our special day.  Love you both so much!  
A road trip likely to Grandma and Grandpa’s!
A paddleboat ride with Grandpa
Tball
Snow Whirl
My high school graduation

TriState football and a great college party afterwards! 🙂
Christmas after a long night at BSU

Meet the Flower Girls

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Meet the Flower Girls!

We have a lot of precious littles in our life.  It was really tough to pick out just one little boy and one little girl to represent all of our happiness.  We just plain couldn’t.

So, we had to pick 3 precious angel boys and 3 angel girls.  They aren’t always angels, but they sure are adorable!

First up is the little ladies….

Shailynn

As she will tell you, we are one in the same.  And, we really truthfully are.  I don’t know how my sister was blessed with me for 18 years and then me again for another 18.  She is so lucky!  (sarcasm.  major sarcasm.)

She would also tell you that she is HEAD Flower Girl.

From the minute Shai was born I know we would be buddies.  We are birthday buddies and lifelong buddies.  She even has/had a shirt to prove it!

I love everything about this girl, even though we clash at times.  Sometimes people who are eerily alike do that!  She is smart.  She is sassy.  She is powerful and charming.  I am proud of all the things she’s accomplished in her 8 little years and my pride grows daily when I think of the steps she has taken out of her comfort zone.  She’s going to be one of those fierce women in about 10 years that you most certainly don’t want to mess with.

I’m so glad she will lead me down the aisle with flower petals.  I wouldn’t have our special day any other way!

Kynsey

My dear sweet Kynsey Lee.  The day you were born there was an instant buddy for Shailynn and another little pretend niece for me!  I may not technically be your aunt but I certainly treat you like you are just one of our own.  I enjoy our special time together.  You’re a wonderful helper and an excellent baker.  We can giggle to just about anything and I hope I haven’t taught you too many naughty things.  Remember, “Don’t do as a I say or do.  In fact….don’t pay attention to me at all!”

I can’t wait to see you, Shai, and Willow walk down the aisle looking so beautiful in your dresses.  You’ll probably be stealing from the candy buffet and breaking moves on the dance floor all night long.  I can’t wait!  I feel so special that when someone asked you what your summer plans were, you responded with….”We have a wedding.”  That’s right girlfriend…WE HAVE A WEDDING!  Wahoo!

Willow

Oh little Willow.  You have a light and life inside you the size of Texas.  I knew my best friend would be blessed with a bountiful little bundle of joy as amazing as you!  Some how I feel like your behaviors are a bit more like me and not as soft and precious as your momma.  You make us all smile and we love your sweet little attitude.  You have a great personality and loads of character.  I have loved watching you grow up!

I can’t wait to see you walk down the aisle with the big girls in your pretty dress.  The day will be so fun because you are a part of it!

And look…..one flower girl feeding another!

Can’t wait to see these precious girls lead the way as I take my steps down the aisle!

Next up is my sweet little men….

Meet the Groomsmen

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Time to meet the groomsmen!  I’m so fortunate to be marrying my best friend.  Along with marrying my best friend I have gained more friendships with his best buds…and I have to admit…he has pretty great taste in friends.

Best Man – Dave

Best Man are perfect words to describe this guy for my guy.  He is always there for him and even there past the time I’d like for Mike to be out.  But, you’ll have that.  Those two typically know how to get in trouble and from what I’ve heard….it’s been a long life of getting in trouble together.

Dave always makes me laugh and I love watching him grow and lead Michael in the right direction of a wonderful family man.  🙂  Hopefully he doesn’t lead him astray too often.  I’ll try and forgive you for the night on the patio in Florida and the late night at the tavern.  I’ll also try and forgive you for the many nights you and Michael conveniently don’t answer your phone and I’ll try and forgive you ahead of time for the bachelor party weekend you’re about to adventure on.  Remember….he’s about to be my husband so soon you’ll have to answer me!

Joel

First, Joel was my cousin.  Then, he became my boyfriends good friend.  Now, he’s more like my fiances girlfriend because I swear those two talk and text more on the phone than any of my friends and I.

Sometimes I tease Michael that the only reason he is marrying me is so he can be related to Joel.  So he can be closer to Joel.  Hopefully, it’s not true!

Joel is a great friend to Mike and a wonderful part of our family.  We’re lucky to have Joel and Kelli in our lives.  We are SO lucky that Kelli decided to introduce Mike and I back in August 2010 at the tractor pull.  She was right on when she said she had found the phone for me!  Thank you Kelli!

Cody

Our old neighbor and dear friend, Cody.  We spent many nights on your porch or ours.  We spent many nights at the shop hanging out.  We’ve even driven on a snowmobile in a blizzard to see you!  I love your little family, and especially your wife.  You two put smiles on everyone’s face and we were so blessed to be there for your special day.  I’m glad you can stand next to Mike for our special day.  Thank you for being a wonderful friend to him!

David

My soon to be brother.  Although we only get to see you once or twice a year, I always look forward to our time together.  Or, hearing updates from Mikey after you two get off of one of your super long phone calls on a Sunday afternoon.  You are excellent in the kitchen and some day I will visit the kitchen you master in Idaho!  Thank you for being a part of our special day.  We wouldn’t have it any other way!

Joshy my brother

From purchasing my first ever stuffed animal at the hospital, to helping me on the bus for my first day of school, a few parties together in college, a short stint of living together when I needed you the most, and today being a wonderful big brother and still tormenting me with your amazing abilities.

I love you dearly Joshua.  I still have the letter you wrote me when I went to college.  I’ve read it often.  You were so honest and I was so clueless.  I wish I had listened to you a little bit more.  We’ve been through hell and back as a family.  I admire you for being an amazing dad the minute you had to be.  You’re caring and hardworking and despite the fact you drive me nuts sometimes (because that’s what brothers do) I wouldn’t trade you for the world.  I know I can come to you for anything and not too many sisters can say that.  Thank you for being a part of our day.  I can’t imagine taking the next step in life without you by our side.

Teddy

I’m also fortunate that my best friend is allowing my other best friend to stand up with him.  I’ve been through a lot with this guy….birthday parties, graduation parties, dates with friends, secret parties from our parents, college nights, etc.  I can’t imagine my childhood and teenage years without Ted.  Although time and growing up have certainly spread us apart a little bit, I can pick right back up with him where we left off.  I adore his girlfriend.  I’m proud of his work ethic and time dedicated to his family.  He’s a true friend, one that would and will always be a part of our lives as we grow old.

I hope someday our babies can have parties together and sneak off and make crazy mistakes just like we did.  We had a lot of fun growing up and I’m sure they will too!  Thank you for being a part of our special day Ted.  I always said I’d ask you be on my side and wear a dress, but I’m really glad Mike said it was a better idea for you to stand up with him.  I’m also glad that the pact we made about getting married at 30 changed to 40.  My forever asked me a week later and I’m pretty sure you’ve found the one too.  As long as she can put up with you!  Thank you for being a part of our day.  Can’t wait until July 19th to celebrate!

We’re very blessed to have 6 girls 6 guys who love us enough to stand with us on July 19th and tell the world we should be together….and that they support us and our future.  Friends are important.  In our case, friends are family.  We love them all dearly!

Meet the Maids #4

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Meet the Maids #4

My bestie.  My work bestie who I know longer work with.  The friend that I was brought to by an old yucky relationship.  Boy am I glad I’m out of that relationship but I am incredibly thankful that he brought me to her in a twisted little way!

I remember him saying, “Hey, Pickle’s wife works at that school.”

I remember meeting you and knowing in that very instant we would be best friends for life.

We’re waaaaaaay too much alike not to be.

I love you so much Miss Amanda.
I love your smile.
I love your beautiful dark curly hair.
I love your three crazy babies.
I love that you laugh at my jokes and think I’m sassy and strong.
I love that we always get along.
I love that we can go weeks without talking but you always know just what to say.
I love the icing you make for your cakes.
I love that I can walk with you for 13.1 miles and never run out of things to say.
I love that I kind of forgot your birthday and was late to Zumba recently and you don’t hate me.
I love how incredible of a mom you are.
I love that you go the extra mile for your kids, your husband, and your friends….always.
I love our play dates in the summer.
I love your passion for teaching.

I loved our time getting our Master’s together. Want to take more classes?! HA!
I love our addiction to tattoo’s. Yours are just as cool as mine. 🙂

I hate that we don’t work in the same building anymore (I know….I know….this is partially my fault!)

Bottom line is….I’m incredibly lucky to have you as a friend.  A true, honest, caring, and loving friend.

Thank you for sharing our special day with us!  You look GREAT in your dress, necklace, and boots.  I’m so glad you’re just as excited for all this as I am!

This sweet boy always melts my heart.  He is so caring, just like his momma!

And this stinker….still as sweet as can be and awfully adorable too!
Thank you for always sharing your babies with me and sending me sweet photos like this one.  

We always have a good time together. 
Our first mini together!  Looking excited before it starts.  

Even when I’m complaining the whole way you’re still smiling.  

Kissing the bricks!

Awww….finished!
XOXO, 

Meet the Maids #3

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Michelle, my other sister….

Growing up with you was a blast.  You were like my other big sister.  Someone else to pick on me, and love me, and help guide me along the way.

I love everything about you, your crazy life, and your cute little family.  You don’t have to have the same blood to feel related to someone.  You’ve always been an honorary “Snider” and there’s no going back now.  Many people think we are sisters anyways….might as well be!

I love your bubbly personality and your smile.
I love that we share a Mr. Mole together.
I love that you’ve always been there for our entire family.
I love that we have so many vacation memories together and get to make even more this summer.
I love having an ongoing text conversation with you and my sister every single day.
I love barreling through the county fair together smelling like pigs.
I love everything about you!

Thank you for standing next to me on our big day.  It means the world to me!

By the way…..what time is it in Nashville?

A trip to Nashville that we need to make happen more often.
We loved meeting Ken and Jess!

A little time with Elvis.  

Thank you for putting up with me in 4-H and helping make Cinderella happen!

Remember this trip to Michigan?  Jet skis with Lauren?
You don’t look very happy with us….

Birthday celebrations. 

Looking nice for the queen contest only to be down poured on shortly later…

Welcome to the club! (evil laugh)

Making memories with our loved ones.  
I simply wouldn’t have it any other way. 
Now that I think about it…I’m so very glad our parents were best friends.  I wouldn’t have you in my life if they weren’t!
And I guess it’s okay that your mom never had a sibling pair for me.  Because, I’m sure there’s no way they could have ever topped you!
XOXO

Meet the Maids #2

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A letter to my bridesmaid and my sister,

You’ve literally been there for me since birth.  I annoyed the crap out of you the best that I could growing up.  I can remember singing in our bunk beds and you screaming at me to stop.  Unfortunately for you I enjoyed singing myself to sleep….or singing anywhere for that matter.

We went from bunk mates to sisters down the hall.  I secretly hated having my own room, although I know you enjoyed it thoroughly.  We figured out ways to torture our brother the best that we could.  When you left for college I felt completely lost.  Even though we were years apart, 8 to be exact, you were always there for me.  I could never really thank you enough.

In our worst of times you were right by my side, letting me cry on your shoulder and sleep in your bed.  We couldn’t believe the woman who taught us so much was gone.  The best of a terrible situation was looking to you for all the things I would have looked to mom for.  You let me look to you and you put up with a lot of my crap.  You let me live with you in some of less than finer moments.  I became a part of your new little family and have always felt that way.  I’m grateful for your husband who takes care of me like I’m his own sister and not just some sister-in-law.

It has taken me weeks to write this because each time I sit down to express my feelings about my sister, my bridesmaid, my friend…I feel overwhelmed.  There is so much I look to her for and boy…. am I glad she can handle it.  I would be lost without my sister.  I love her kids and can’t imagine loving my own more than them someday, though I’m sure I will.

So happy she will stand with me on our big day!

You’re looking at me all lovingly and Josh is looking straight crazy.  

Your hair was just as amazing as you are.  No idea what the white dot is on Josh’s head.  
Easter at Grandma and Grandpa’s with Melissa.  The days where the two of you used me like your real life baby doll.  

Our trip together to Disney and stuffing our faces on the bus ride home.  

Helping me get through 4-H after losing mom.  We made it through that and never killed each other.  

Being your bridesmaid and catching the bouquet!

What would I do without the two of you? 

Love you both to the moon and back.  

Your family means so much to me.  

Thank you for all the wonderful days over school breaks, weekends, and summer time where we spend time together.  I love those days and all that time together.  

Graduating college with my Master’s, which I started with you a few years before.  

Family Forever.  

Days at the park.  Days anywhere during summer.  Days together are the best!

Date nights too with our guys.  

Teaching me to make strawberry jam.  

 You’ve taught me so much.  I’m sure I’ll continue to learn many of life’s lessons by nagging you with questions.  Hope you don’t mind!

XOXO

Booked!

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We booked it!  It’s official!

We are getting married in 147 days!
I’m marrying the man of my dreams at the place that just a year ago I said I dreamed of getting married at!  I’m hoping the weather cooperates for July 19th around 5:30 p.m. so we can pull off an outdoor ceremony just like we want.  I don’t care what the weather does everywhere else but if it could be absolutely gorgeous and perfect in Pendleton at Blu Falls I would be so very grateful!
The planning process and final “let’s do it” considered me for my dad’s heart condition.  So, he decided to fake a heart attack for a cute photo opportunity.  

It was so much fun to meet with Cindy at Blu Falls today and get this party started!  The place is absolutely gorgeous and I can’t wait to meet with my event planner.  Even got the invitations ordered tonight and engagement announcement submitted to the paper!  

Working on checking things off the list one at a time!  Hoping to stay calm and anxiety free….ya right!

Engaged

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I have a fiance and for the first time today I had to say that out loud….and I gotta tell you it was crazy weird!

Not weird in a bad way….just weird in a different way!  Like the weird that I’ve been waiting on my whole life!

So here’s the story…..

Friday was Valentine’s Day and he always said he would never propose on a holiday so I was most definitely not expecting it.

Friday morning I set out a cute little scavenger hunt for him which led him to a card, couple of Rockstars, and some gift cards.  He loved it.

Friday night we had dinner reservations at the restaurant where we had our first date, Stone Creek Dining Company.  I kind of wondered if maybe he would pop the question at dinner but it was never discussed and I reminded myself he would never use a holiday to propose.

We came home from dinner and my usual is to go upstairs and change into “comfy pants” as we call them round here.  I didn’t head upstairs because I still hadn’t received a card or gift and kind of thought maybe if I hung around long enough on the couch something would magically appear.

Low and behold it did.  I opened the card.  A sweet card with a sweet message.  That man always writes love notes and never just signs his name.  Love that about him.

Then I pulled out the tissue paper of the red sparkly bag with heart on it and it was a mouse.  A computer mouse.  A wireless freaking computer mouse.  My response……”Ummm….thanks” with sincere disgust.

I huffed and puffed and pouted on the couch for a bit and he decided to head upstairs to put on his comfy pants.  Not long after I decided to head up as well.  As I was putting on my pajamas he came around by my side of the bed.  I thought he was going to grab some pants or underwear from the dresser but instead he GOT DOWN ON ONE KNEE and I about passed out.

He stunned me.
He shocked me.

He said, “I love you….will you marry me?” and opened a ring box to behold this GORGEOUS and FABULOUS ring….

 I said….YES!  Covered my face to hide the tears approaching then I held his sweaty, shaky face in my hands and kissed him.  He placed the ring on my finger.  Of course it didn’t fit at first but we took the spacer thingy off and it fits perfectly.  Just perfect.  
Then, I thought I was going to puke.  Not the kind of puke like, “OMG what did I just do!” the kind of puke that is from absolute shock.  People always told me I wouldn’t know when it was coming.  Heck, even he told me he wanted to surprise me…but honestly I didn’t know if he could pull it off.  Trying to hide things from me is probably extremely difficult. 
But, he did it.  And he did it perfectly.  And he proposed to me in our bedroom in the midst of putting on pajama’s and I will never forget that moment for the rest of my life.  It was just us.  It was perfect. 
Now….for some more of the details.  
Then I loaded him up with questions….like…did you ask my dad? Of course he did!  He asked my dad just earlier that morning.  My dad (a man of many words…ha!) replied with, “Sweet.”
I asked when he bought the ring.  He told me he had purchased it on Wednesday because he felt like if he had went to get it any earlier he wouldn’t have been able to not give it to me.  He even took his dad’s truck for fear that someone at the jewelry store may have seen his work truck and let me know he was at Kay’s.  Smart man!
We spent the rest of the evening trying to make phone calls and being extremely excited that we were engaged!  Like giggly…giddy excited. 
I did make the comment about being so excited to get married and have babies.  His response, “Can we just enjoy the engagement for a day or two?”  hehe  Sorry buddy! 

And we took this to capture the moment….Pinterest idea.  And so true…

My best friend answered her phone first.  Although I didn’t full on cry when he actually proposed….when I had to actually tell someone what happened I sure did.  And she cried!  And I kind of realized how real this whole thing was.  
We finally fell asleep early Saturday morning and got up early again to start the next round of phone calls and Facetime calls.  We wanted to tell all the special people in our lives over the phone or in person before we committed to the big announcement on social media.  It was fun to make the phone calls and Facetime calls together.  Hearing everyone’s excitement.  Shedding a few more happy tears.  My niece’s response of, “Can Kynsey and I be FLOWER GIRLS?!?!”  Lynn telling me how my mom was right there with me and how happy she would be.  
Just straight up pure bliss.  You can’t package that stuff.  Those feelings of forever love.  
I always knew he was….but that bling makes it so official and ready to take the next step.  
And the best part of it all…he’s just as excited as I am.  He told me he loves how I can’t stop smiling. And I seriously can’t.  
Yes, we’ve discussed dates, venues, and plans but we have nothing set yet.  We’ve sent out inquiry emails to a few places and hope to book a place soon so we can go from there.  I love how interested he is in the whole process and I’m very thankful for that.  
I also can’t get over how excited everyone is for US!  I’ve always known I was loved but the hugs and messages and texts are incredible.  We are so blessed to know so many wonderful people and have those people to share our journey with.  
This blog may become totally weddingfied and I hope y’all don’t mind.  I’ll have lots to share and definitely want to track these memories as we go.  
I’ve struggled a bit with sadness today at the thought of doing all of this without my mom.  I know she’s here with me along the way.  I know I have an incredible sister, aunts, and best friends to help me out.  I’m also going to be blessed with an awesome mother-in-law (woah…weird to say…again!).  I’m not alone in this…but I sure can’t help but think about how she would help me if she were here.  
The love of my life proposed to me on Valentine’s Day.  I can’t stop smiling. 
This man is a man who sent me this picture just last week. 
A picture of a cardinal right in our front bushes.  He knows I believe that’s my momma.  
He knows me so well. 
That picture made my whole day. 
And this man is going to make the rest of my life. 
Yours truly….
an Engaged Fortunate Girl