Thankful

This year I have really been looking forward to the holidays. Maybe it’s because I am back in school full time and working full time. Maybe I just need a break or maybe it’s just because I want to spend time with my family but I have been really excited this year.  A few of my friends on Facebook have been posting one thing every day that they are thankful for and it has really got me thinking about what I am thankful for.  Not to sound sappy, but this year has been one of the best years of my life, Chris and I got married, we went to Hawaii, we went on some other great vacations, a few of our friends got married, and I started my masters program.  Not to say this year wasn’t hard, it definitely was, there were times when I had no idea how I was going to deal with everything I had on my plate but somehow I did and I think it’s because I have some great influences in my life. 

First and foremost everything comes back to Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ; without their help and without the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life, I am not sure I would have been able to keep the “eternal perspective” in mind.  I am so blessed to know I am a daughter of God and to know where I came from and what my purpose is in life.

I’m also blessed with the greatest family and friends anyone could ask for.  I have a wonderful husband who supports me in every decision I make and is the best friend I could ask for.  (To read a rave review of Chris go here) My parents and sisters have always and still are wonderful examples of love and hard work to me. And I think I literally have the best in-laws (both parents and siblings) anyone could ask for.  Chris and I also have a fantastic group of friends who are like an extra family to us, we love them so much and we are so grateful they still stick around with us even if they have no reason to do so.  I will also say, Chris and I have the best dog ever, I’m serious, she is the sweetest dog-child anyone has ever had and if you don’t believe me, that means you have never met her. (If I sound like a crazy dog person, it’s because I am. See here)

Anyways, in all of this jibber jabber what I am trying to say is, I am thankful.  Thankful for all the blessings in my life: family, friends, school, work, dog, car, roof over my head, and for everyday that I get that was not promised to me.   I hope we can all remember to be thankful this holiday season and to try to remember to be thankful throughout the year.

The Mullen-Brown Wedding

It finally came! Last weekend was Megan and Danny’s wedding in Newport Beach and it was PERFECT! I don’t think I have ever been to a wedding where every single aspect was flawless! The weather (will someone please tell me why we live in Texas?), the dress, the decorations, the bridesmaids (not that I am biased), and the location were all in ideal condition for an ideal couple.

The ceremony took place at the Newport Beach Temple which is absolutely beautiful.  It was a wonderful ceremony; Megan looked gorgeous and you could tell Danny was very happy with his choice in wife.  It was great to be there with Chris and kind of re-live our sealing that took place just a few short months ago; it’s so easy to forget how lucky we are to be sealed for eternity.

After the ceremony we took pictures and grabbed a bite to eat before we went to the beach to take more pictures. Their photographer was amazing and she also happens to be the sister of one of our friends. See her work here...awesome right? While we were taking pictures, my sweet husband and his wonderful mother ran around doing some last minute errands for the wedding. Poor guy missed the beach but he was happy to help!

The reception was on a yacht and went off without a hitch! As the yacht made its way up and down Newport Harbor we enjoyed food, a little dancing, and some serious basking in newlywed bliss. We ate yummy salpicon for appetizers and along with their mini bride and groom cakes they had Sprinkle’s Cupcakes… All I can say is YUM! Good choice Megan and Danny! I may or may not have had about 2 cupcakes and had a bite of the 2 Chris picked so all in all we shared 4 cupcakes….Wow, it makes you feel like more of a pig when you see that in writing. (I will add here that I went for a run that morning so I reached my 5 times a week workout quota, there is that better?)

In the end, it was a fast and furious weekend but we got to spend some time with Chris’ mom and with some family friends of mine and of course a few quick moments with our wonderful (and now married!)friends.

(Editor’s note: Due to Hannah’s status as a bridesmaid she did not have time to take any pictures so that task was bestowed upon Chris who incidentally is not the official family photographer, considering this, Chris actually did a pretty good job!)

Emily, Rachel and me minus the matching bridesmaid necklace Megan bought me...no one could find it!

Some of the cute flower girls. Jenna (the one on the left) and I danced the night away on the yacht, she is so sweet!

Chris and I basking in the awesome California weather.

The fugitive bridesmaid necklace was found!

The beautiful Newport Beach Temple

The Bride and Groom!!!

Everyone; so happy and so colorful!

Megan had some serious bling.

Weddingfest 2011

I have gotten way behind on blogging but the truth is; there’s not that much interesting stuff going on in our lives.  I knew I should have waited to start the blog after we had kids but I just couldn’t wait that long!

Anywho, this summer has officially been dubbed “The Summer of Weddings” Everyone is getting married this summer and I mean everyone. As of now I am a bridesmaid in three of the five weddings we will be attending this summer and two of those weddings are within two weeks of each other.  Not that I’m complaining mind you, I LOVE weddings and I love the fact that I am not the one planning and spending my precious cash money on them!

Last weekend I hosted a shower for my lovely friend Megan Mullen.  It was tons of fun planning my first shower and I had some fantastic ladies helping me! My friend Ami made cupcake bouquets that were beautiful and yummy to boot!

I am awaiting more pictures (since I was irresponsible and didn't charge my camera I had to rely on the kindness of others) but I hope to post more later.

The best part of planning the shower was that I got to do it for one of my best friends! Megan is an amazing person and friend. Chris and I are so excited that she is marrying Danny and we look forward to our life long friendship with them! I mean, who wouldn't want to be friends with these people? 

We love the Mullen-Browns!

On to June and the first wedding and second shower!