My Best Friend's Wedding.

My little sis got her wedding pictures back, so I sifted through them and picked a few I thought you'd like to see!  It was such a beautifully special day for her (and all of us!), and I kind of can't believe it is already over.  She was gorgeous and beaming and beautiful.  A glowing bride, that's for sure.

:)

(The silly watermarking website was down today, so all pictures are property of Anna Lee Media.  Thusly I am supposed to say please do not copy or alter images.  Thanks!)

Some killer heels!  Check those out!  Betsy Johnson five inch spikes with leopard, ruffles and sparkles...that about sums up my sister all right!  ;)  These were hilariously awesome.

One of the beautiful flower girls checking out her 'wedding dwess'.  :)

My sister seeing herself all put together for the first time.  'Twas a moment.  :)

The other beautiful flower girl!

Last minute touches before heading downstairs to the sanctuary.  My hott mama is in mid-bubble-blow.  Anything to keep the toddlers happy.  ;)

This might be one of my favorites.  The boys were walking to the sanctuary when Russell arrived with the girls.  Emery spotted Brendon (the groom) and ran to him for a hug.  She loves him so much, and he loves her back.  He's won this Mommy over with that for sure!

The Hart girls.  We've been the Three Musketeers for a very long time.  Love them.

(And see what I mean about the freakish extra vertebrae!  

We were all in heels.  The family freakazoid, I tell you.)

;)

The sign my sister had the girls carry down the aisle in the wagon pulled by their daddy.  So cute!

My home church.  Simply elegant decorations, and a lovely group of people.  The church was packed to watch Caitlin and Brendon tie the knot.  Like I said, we have nice people.

My mom, holding back the tears.  Russell was right by her side, a background helper like always.  Love them.

Glowing, I tell you.  

I'm not a big cryer, but the slide show got me when a few pictures of my dad and Caitlin flashed up on the screen.  It finally hit me that, through his own choice, he missed the most special day of Caitlin's life.  It hurt my heart in that moment, for her, for him, for all of us.  But, when I looked out into the audience full of love and support and life-long friendship, I was reminded how God filled up that empty place in my sister's heart and my own.  He makes all things new.

The gals.  She is beautiful.  Stunning.

Had to throw in one of the gorgeous cake!  I wished that I could have made my sister's wedding cake, but, alas, the Matron (gag) of Honor duties were a job in and of themselves.  It was so much fun being her Matron of Honor, even though I gag at the sound of the word 'matron.'  ;)

About to drive off to the honeymoon, but she wanted one more hug from her Mommy.  They are the best.

There are about a hundred more pictures I could have posted from Caitlin's big day--they were all so good!  She threw a beautiful wedding, but the most beautiful part was how the couple honored the Lord and continue to honor Him with the way they live their lives.  These two are going to have such a happy marriage, and I can't wait to watch it unfold.

Cheers to the bride and groom!!!

:)

Date Me.

Remember when date nights were not few and not far between?

Remember the good ol' days?!

Well, it had been far too long since Russell and I had gone out for a date, and his sweet parents gladly accepted when I asked for a weekend of kid-less-ness.  Hooray!  We didn't do anything crazy or outlandish or even all that out of the ordinary.  We...

...ate lunch at one of our favorite spots: Ted's Cafe Escondido.  DELISH.

...decorated the house for Christmas...although it isn't even Thanksgiving yet.  Meh.  Who cares.  As my lovely friendy wrote, it should be such an overall season of thankfulness throughout both Thanksgiving AND Christmas, so why not just get things rolling.  Right?  We lit cinnamon and apple candles, we turned on the Christmas Pandora station, Russell dragged (drug?) all of the Christmas dec out of the attic, and I fluffed up our teeny tree as best I could.  It's one of those pre-lit trees...except only one strand still works.  And it's missing a limb or two.  I'm thinking this tree might have seen it's last Christmas season...  ;)

...Russell scaled the roof and hung up some icicle lights.  He was determined to finish this task before we went to pick up the girls that night, because he was so excited to see their thrilled reaction.  (Side note: best Daddy ever.)  The girls did not disappoint!  They were in awe of the lights on the house and the sparkling tree.  Delia continues to gasp in awe, point with gusto, and say, "Teee??!!  Teeeeeeeee?!?!?"  So cute.  :)

...we did some snuggling and relaxing and laying around and being lazy and only getting up to pee or refill a drink.  Ahhh.  The ultimate essense of a true stay-cation.  (And yes, my house shoe is missing a fuzzy ball.  And yes, I cut myself shaving.) ;)

...we went to see the next show included in our Performing Arts Center season tickets: Mary Poppins!  It was an entertaining show, and we kept saying how much Emery and Delia would have loved it...if only they could sit still for more than two minutes all together.  Someday!

...since we went on a real date, I wore REAL CLOTHES.  It felt good.  After five straight days of leggings and t-shirts, I thought I might have forgotten how to dress myself in non-softies.  ;)

...we enjoyed our time in our sweet little home.  We laughed, we talked, we did some praying, we did some planning.  Together.  

It felt good to date and to be dated.

He's my boyfriend.

:)

(PS--Our girls have the best grandparents.  For reals.  THANK YOU for sponsoring our weekend of dating, Mimi and Papa!!!)

How about you?  If you and your significant other get a chance to date, what do you like to do?  Are you homebodies by nature (like us...!), or do you go out on the town?

Liebster.

I have nice people.

My friends Lori and Ashley nominated my humble little blog for a Liebster Award, and, while I'm not necessarily sure that my distracted ramblings deserve any kind of kuddos, it sure did give me a smile and boost when these sweet gals sent the award my way.  So!  Thank you, lovely friends!

Lori's blog is called Mama Needs Sushi, and she writes very openly and candidly about life with her first born baby girl.  Not only is Lori a new mama, but she has supported her hubby through four years of pharmacy school while working a 9-5 AND maintaining a photography business on the side.  We became bloggy buddies after connecting the dots that our husbands were in school together, and I very much appreciate her sweet comments and encouraging words left on my posts.  You should check out her blog, too!  Lori asked me to tell five random facts about myself, so here ya go!

Five Random Facts:

1.  I canNOT stand Jeff Bridges.  He has the thickest, fattest tongue known to man, and to watch him talk is like watching a manatee trapped inside of a drainage pipe writhing and wiggling in order to escape.  The thick tongue makes listening to him nearly impossible for me, so I will NOT be purchasing the new Jeff Bridges CD any time soon.  I'm sure he is a very nice man, but still...gag.

2.  After going through some bummer back troubles over the past few months, I was sent to get an x-ray.  The tech finished up and asked if I'd ever had an x-ray before.  I said that I hadn't and asked why. She told me that I actually have an extra lumbar vertebrae that probably added two inches to my height and that she'd never seen that before.  Neat.  I'm a freak.  A tall freak, but a freak nonetheless.  ;)

3.  If I was ever chosen to participate on Survivor, I don't think I would last longer than the boat ride to the island for one simple reason: LOTION.  If I can't have lotion to slather all over my hands after they've been wet and then dried, then I can't live.  Lotions are stationed all throughout my home in strategic locales, and I almost can't think straight if I can't get to lotion quickly after washing my hands. I told you...freak.  A well-lotioned, too-tall freak.  ;)

4.  I eat an apple a day.  For reals.  Yet another reason I'd never make it on Survivor. Gotsta have me some fiber.  TMI?  Meh.  You're used to that by now.  ;)

5.  Plucking and shaping my eyebrows (or the eyebrows of any willing friend or family member...) brings me great joy.  I do not know why.  But I love it.  


Ashley and I went to college together, and we had many, many English and literature classes together.  What better way to get to know someone than over a good book at a great school?!  Ashley also became a new mom recently, and you can follow her journey with her amazing little boy at her blog, Our Invincible Summers.  Ashley is a new mama AND teaches fitness classes in the midst of taking on a new business venture, all while being an excellent wife and mother.  Another Super Mom!  Ashley asked me to answer a few questions about myself:

1.  Why did you begin blogging?
I began blogging about ten years ago, but it was called Xanga back then.  Remember that? ;)  I love to read and write, and this was a way to do both.  I continue to blog now, because being a stay-home Mom can be a little lonely.  When I'm going through a difficult phase with my children or just need some entertaining escape-reading, blogging helps me express myself and feel connected.  SOMEONE out there knows I exist on those days when it feels like I'm doing it alone.

2.  Favorite clothing item to wear?
Right now, I'm loving my fall uniform: skinny jeans, flowy top, structured jacket, big scarf, ballet flats or boots.  I guess that was favorite itemS.  ;)

3.  Beach or lake?
Beach.  All the way.  Can I go now...?

4.  Best meal I ever ate; where and with whom?
Fried catfish with sautéed spinach and shallots over buttery garlic mashed potatoes and then bourbon bread pudding at Frank and Lola's in Bartlesville, OK with my hubby.  Or anyone that wants to make the drive to Bartlesville with me.  :)

5.  Biggest inspiration in my life lately?
The book Loving the Little Years by Rachel Jankovic.  If you are a mother of little ones, do yourself and your children a favor and GET THIS BOOK.  I could write an entire post about how this book has heavily influenced my mothering...perhaps I will.

6.  What's the last book you read?
See above.  :)  Seriously.  Get this book.

7.  Years married and the best thing about your husband?
Russell and I have been married almost 8 years, and the best thing about him is that, of all the humans, he is literally the best one I've ever met.  If you know him, you know why.  Patient, kind, thoughtful, brave, intelligent  honest, driven, easy going, and I happen to think he's a sexy beast in his officer's uniform.  Win win for me.   :)

8.  Best childhood Halloween costume?
If by 'best' you mean 'most lame,' then it would have to be the year my sister and I wore our huge winter coats and minuscule little bird masks because it was SO FREAKING COLD.  ;)  

9.  What's playing on your Pandora?
As I type this, my Pandora station is set to Indie Holidays (I did not make up the name).  A little Sufjan, a little Jack Johnson, a little Colbie Calait all singing holiday songs.  Peaceful and mellow and lovely.

10.  What has most changed your life for the better?
That's an easy one: my children.  I'm such a better (albiet more tired and frazzled) version of myself now that my life isn't all about me.  Such a good thing.

11.  Who should read your blog?  
Anyone who wants a good example of self-deprecating attempts at mothering...and lots of pictures of cute kids.  :)

And now, I nominate the following for a Liebster Award of their own:

Bethany @ The Good Life
Bethany has walked a tremendous road in her journey towards motherhood, and she writes with honesty, humor and she takes really good pictures.  Did I mention she's a photographer on the side?  Super Mom, all the way.

Rachel @ This Owl
Rachel is my sister-in-law, and she is as talented as she is beautiful.  Her blog documents the thoughts and feelings of a quirky, modern little owl, and you'll get quite the chuckle from This Owl's posts.

Katie @ Footy Pajamas
I've linked to my bestie's blog many times, and for good reason--she's hilarious, honest, and self-deprecating all while being one of the best Moms I've ever known.  If you don't already read her blog, you should.  You'll want to be her bestie, too.  :)

Leanne @ My Supplications 
Leanne is new(ish) to the blog-o-sphere, and, although we don't know each other in person, her writings on motherhood and her call to spread God's encouraging words have really been a source of inspiration for me.  You can follow her journey as a mom of eight, and, if you're lucky, she'll leave you a comment back that can sometimes be just the boost you need to make it through the day.

Leslie @ Walking in Memphis
One of my college roomates, a gorgeous girl inside and out, and an excellent mother of two precious little boys.  She shares my Type-A spirit, and she's been a source of entertainment and encouragement through her musings on motherhood.  She's a gem!

Okay, nominees, if you'd like an idea for a blog post, complete the instructions below after telling us five completely random facts about your life.  I'm sure we'd all love to read these...!  See instructions below.

(How to participate:  Link back to my blog in your Liebster post; place Liebster emblem in the post; answer my questions; nominate no more than 5 other bloggers with less than 200 followers.)

And, to my lovely readers, if you made it all the way to the end of this Liebster Award post, YOU deserve an award yourself--ha!!!  I promise...more pictures next time.  ;)

Thanks for reading!  You guys are the best!

Life Raft.

Twice a month, I attend a Mom to Mom group where we participate in a bit of Bible study, snacking, talking, snacking, listening to guest speakers, and snacking.  Did I mention snacking?  This group of young moms is led and counseled by seasoned mothers, and I have found this group to be a life raft of sorts at different phases of my mothering.  When I was a new mom and had recently quit my job to stay home, I was so overwhelmed, lonely and confused.  Schlepping myself and my new baby to Mom to Mom and just sitting in a room with other women who were experiencing the exact struggles as me was unbelievably comforting and helped me keep my head above water at times.  God sent me to that group at just the right time in my life, and I am continually blessed by attending.

Recently, one of our talking points was on confidence in parenting.  From where does our confidence come?  What does it take to shake our confidence as mothers?  I'm sure everyone in the room agreed that, on some days, it doesn't take much to shatter our confidence.  One spat between siblings.  One poopy diaper removed in the crib and then smeared all about.  One clogged toilet.  One spilled bottle of hair product.  Sometimes it doesn't take much to send me into the spiraling abyss of "I'm not good enough...Why can't I keep it together today?...I'm not being as good of a mom as I could be...Why am I even trying today?"  Please tell me you've been there.  Please tell me I'm not alone!!

Anyway, the revelation of just how quickly my confidence can be shaken conversely made me see the other end of the spectrum: how quickly one kind word can buoy me right back up.  I remember very specific words of encouragement from my family or friends when they simply told me, "You are a good Mommy."  I've saved a few emails and messages from family and friends in which my efforts toward being a good parent were noted and applauded, and I shall never delete them.  These people probably didn't think a thing about it after the fact, but in the moment, those encouraging and kind words were like a life preserver being tossed my way.  In that moment, I was drowning in self-doubt, frustration, confusion or loneliness, and that swift and matter-of-fact compliment threw out a life preserver.  That's it.  Just a quick word of encouragement, and I was floating once again.  That's all it takes sometimes.

Maybe it is a bit sad that my emotions and confidence in my mothering can be so vulnerable.
But....
I've never been in a more vulnerable state than as a mother.  Ever.  (Can I get an amen?!)
Thus, it is no surprise that I can be desperately treading water and then be buoyed right back up by the smallest event or encouragement.

So.  Moms.  Send each other a pat on the back today.  A quick Mommy high five, if you will.  Intentionally tell someone that they are doing a good job, and give a quick, specific example.  Those comments stick with me like glue, and I'm sure they will for your Mom friends, too.  

Buoy some Mommy's confidence with your compliment today.
You just never know who might need the life raft in that very moment.

It Only Takes One.

Oh, family pictures.  

Chaos.

Straight up chaos.

;)

This year, I employed my extremely talented pal once again, and I told her that my only goal was to get ONE GOOD PICTURE.  Didn't care about props, specific poses, or any Pinterest-y ideas.

  No.  

Just one picture with the following criteria: all four of us in it; no one crying; hopefully looking at the camera; and Russell not blinking (he's as bad as the kids...gotta love him.)  ;)

SO.  We tried.  And succeeded!  Katie did an amazing job (as usual), and she is not intimidated by snapping pictures of on-the-move toddlers and babies.  Perhaps because she has three little movers and shakers of her own?!  ;)  Anyway, we had to wake the big sister up from her nap to make it on time (never a good thing...), and we bribed with snacks to get them to sit still and smile for at least a brief second.  It worked.  Mostly. 

;)

Here are a few of my faves!  Impossible to pick just one---love them!!

(Sorry about the annoying watermark.

I found out that some of my pics have been copied lately.  

Now THAT is annoying...)  ;)

And, for all you parents of little ones out there, 

here's what REALLY took place most of the time:

Sigh.

But, you know...

...it only takes one.  

And, with Katie's awesome skrillz, we got it...plus quite a few more!  

Victory!

Family pictures 2012: CHECK!!!

Big-Sisters-Only Day!

Have I mentioned the awesomeness of by best friend?  Let's just say that if she ever moved away, I would probably go, too, stuffed inside of one of her boxes.  She's a gem, that one.  Bonus: she's way fun!  She had the idea to find a way to take just our big girls out for a date day, and, after a miraculous aligning of the stars (aka - helpful hubbies and babysitters...), we were able to do just that!

First up, we stopped by our favorite local coffee place.  Because, let's face it...Mamas need their morning medicine.  ;)  Next, we headed to a duck pond and playground area nearby, and we sipped coffee while chatting and watching our sweet, pigtailed girls play together.  It felt like something out of a movie.  I'm not kidding.  Perfectly crisp morning weather, hot coffee, scarves, toddler laughter, great conversations that stretched from beginning to end with no interruptions...and not even the possibility of having to change anyone's diaper. ;)  Somehow, we forgot to take any pics of the start of our day, but I believe you get the picture: perfection.

Next, we loaded up the swagger wagon and headed to the Oklahoma Aquarium!  (No need to mention that we got lost and had to stop for directions from a swarthy policeman...no need to mention that at all.) 

The girls had a blast!  They ran around from exhibit to exhibit looking for fish and then telling the fish to go to sleep in their "fishy beds."  Adorable.  These two girls get along so well, and their personalities are well-suited for each other.  Emery is a bit timid, and Naomi helps her be brave.  Naomi is up for anything, and Emery is the girl with the plan.  Plus, they both have an affinity for pigtails.  It's a win-win, really.  ;)  

(And don't ask us why we wore boots with heels for a day of trekking about.  Because we could, I guess.  And because there were no yoga pants/jammies/three-day-old clothes in sight!  Hooray!)

;)

The girls loved the jelly fish, feeding the sting rays, and racing through the overhead shark tunnel!  They stared in awe at the different colors of "big ol' fishies" in the enormous tanks, and they shrieked with glee as they twirled around the darkened exhibits.  They watched a beaver eat his lunch, an otter do flips and twists in the water, and they squealed like the sweet little girls that they are as they timidly touched some pretty slimy starfish.  It was pure joy to watch them be the center of our attention for the morning, and I think that all four of us needed this day together, sibling free.  :)

After saying goodbye to the fishies, we ate lunch at Red Robin.  Hamburgers and fries all around.  Delish.  We made the sleepy drive home, and Katie and I high-fived that we actually made this day happen.  The aligning of those stars...it's a big deal, amen Moms?!?  ;)

A day with my big girl.

Just what what we needed.

Love her.

:)

Fairy Princess Ballerina Butterflies.

What do you get when you combine $2 clearance butterfly wings 

with allllll of the tutus in your daughter's closets?

Fairy Princess Ballerina Butterflies.

Duh.

;)

(This one melts me...)

Hope you had a happy Halloween!

:)