Thankful Thursdays: Week 3

Three weeks gone already? Slow down, November! Slow down!

Day 14: These Two

They're an endless source of support, encouragement, and love. No matter what the day brings or how crazy I sound, they stay the same. Wouldn't make it through this time without them.

Day 15: Friday Nights In

I love that I'm finally old enough that staying in on a Friday night doesn't make me lame. Old movies, comfort food, and a heater that looks like a fireplace? I'll take that over the late-night-out scene any day.

Day 16: That night out on Dickson 365 days ago

Once upon a time, I had an unexpectedly free Friday night. A friend of mine asked me to join him (and some classmates) for celebratory drinks on Dickson. I went. 365 days later, we shared reminiscent-celebratory drinks on the couch in our new living room.

Day 17: One Year with this Sweet Man

Blessed beyond belief. Can't believe it's been a year. Love you to the moon and back.

Day 18: This ol' Girl

My Millie. She's revolutionized my baking. If you haven't bought into the KitchenAid cult, you're missing out. Cupcakes FOR EVERYONE!

Day 19: Celebrations with fellow Xers

One of my favorite things about Saatchi is that they truly celebrate their people. The celebration to end all celebrations, however, is SSX Thanksgiving. We cater in turkey, ham, dressing, & potatoes, then everyone else provides sides & desserts. It makes for a semi-unproductive day, but it's totally worth it. It's such fun to just enjoy each other and celebrate.

Day 20: Pre-bedtime Cuddles with these two

No matter what mood I'm in, these two snuggle babies can improve it. I love our new bedtime ritual.


What are you thankful for this week?

Enjoy your weekends!

Til next time, friends!

Wedding Wednesdays: A Request

Hello friends & family! We're within the 2 month mark! Exciting, right?

As we get closer, we're to the point where I'm mostly working out little details and just trying to soak it all in - to remember this time for what it is (i.e. the happy stuff...not the stressful, icky parts).

One thing that's really helped me do that is, simply, putting down my phone. I've been making a conscious effort when I'm with loved ones to put my phone in my purse, on silent, and leave it there. It frees me from the never-ending barrage of emails, allows me to focus completely on the moment, and reminds me to mentally capture precious time (rather than trying to snap the perfect photos). Sure I still cave occasionally, but I've learned to love the "unplugged" feeling.

It's on that note that I have a favor to ask of all of you: we'd like to have a "mindful ceremony," and we need your cooperation.

I'd ask those of you joining us for the ceremony to kindly turn off any phones, tablets, or cameras you bring with you. Just for the ceremony.

During that time, I'd rather you fully experience the moments with us. Watch with your eyes and hearts - not through a lens or LCD screen. Really be present.

I'm sorry if this makes me sound demanding, difficult, or selfish, but...

(...wait...no...no I'm not. If this is the thing that's gonna peg me as "the difficult bride," I'm kinda okay with it. This is my wedding after all, right? I'm allowed to ask for what I want...)

Y'all, we've hired AMAZING photographers, and trust me, they will capture the moments perfectly. Please let them. I promise I'll share afterwards.

I appreciate the idea of y'all wanting to grab a few extra shots, but let's level for a minute:

• They won't be as good as Dale & Mere's (sorry, guys...they won't)
• You risk getting in their way during key shots (and robbing Paul & me of that photo - one of which may be of all of your smiling faces...don't make that image one of upheld cell phones)
• And, most importantly, you miss the moment. Even if you capture a snapshot of it, you weren't really present. 

As guests at my wedding, I'd really rather y'all enjoy the moments in their fullest.

When I turn around to look at everyone who's come to share my day, I want to see:

I want to be able to see the faces of people who loved me enough to brave the January weather to celebrate with me. I want to remember spending time with people who were truly present, not caught up in documenting every moment. I want (official) photos of faces looking at me (accepting the selfish in that statement), not looking at screens. So, please friends, do this for me? Let's be different!

Now, during the reception, y'all go crazy! We'll have flip cams to share, an app for you to upload everything for us, and a super-awesome-neato-cool hashtag (#paulaynapalooza...just admit how awesome it is). Still be mindful not to get in Dale & Mere's way, but if you MUST grab that photo of us making funny faces, just make sure to tag it.

I'd really appreciate it. I think you will, too.

Thanks in advance. 

Thankful Thursdays: Week 2

Holy cannoli this month is going by quickly! Anyone else feel it?

Also, it's gotten COLD in Fay-town. We went from lovely fall weather (you know, the kind where "all you need is a light jacket") to coat + mittens + seat-warmer weather. I'm not complaining, it just seems like it happened all sorts of quick.

Enough of that, though. Let's get to the thanks!

Day 7: New Family

I love my soon-to-be last name. It's pretty much the cutest. But I love the family that comes with it even more. They've taken me in as their own and love on me as if I've always been there. My sweet Momma-in-Love-to-be got me this little happy the other day. It warms my heart every time I look at it.

Day 8: Cotton Candy Skies

Driving to OKC after work under daylight savings time = blinding sun and light induced migraine. Driving to OKC after work minus daylight savings time = THIS. The photo doesn't do it justice. I was absolutely in awe of the beautiful sky He painted for me on that long drive to see The Boy.

Day 9: Weekends with my Favorites

These faces, y'all. Gah. How can you not love 'em? This is pretty much irrefutable proof that I have the most adorable fiance AND the most adorable puppy on the planet. Don't even try to argue with me (not that you'd win anyway). Weekends with them are better than any other weekends. Can I just have a whole lifetime of them?

Day 10: Home-cooked Sunday Lunches

Since I was in OKC last weekend, I had the chance to join Paul for one of his new weekly appointments: Sunday afternoon at the Dahlem's. I'm tellin' you, as a born-and-bred Southern girl, there is NOTHIN' better than a home-cooked meal. Unless it's a SUNDAY home-cooked meal (or, you know...Thanksgiving...). And this one came with dessert - tiny apple pies and ice cream. I think I'm gonna like Sundays in OKC.

Day 11: The Smell of Fall

I've mentioned (once or twice...) that I'm a fan of apples. I particularly like apples when they're combined with cinnamon...or caramel...or both. There's a scent they give off that's just so very fall-ish. It's really difficult to capture that smell well (many have tried, very few have succeeded). These guys got it. This candle (and anything that smells like it) is good for the soul.

Day 12: Fuzzy Socks & Warm Toes

I've been stubborn thus far - refusing to turn on my heat (despite my above mention of Fayetteville goin' all crazy-cold on us). Instead, I wrap up in snowmen from head to toe - blankets, sweatshirts, and these little guys. They were a Christmas gift from one of my favorite little girls, and they're my go-to stay-warm buddies. They (and my portable heater), make holding out on the heat a bit easier.

Day 13: Movies that Feel Like Old Friends

You know those movies that you can watch over and over again, and they're still good even after three consecutive watches? This movie is that way. I can watch it on loop and still laugh at certain parts, without fail. I turned it on while I was stuffing invitations, and, after I sent The Boy a quote from it ('cause it made me laugh), he responded with, "How many times have you watched it tonight?" (he's learning my tendencies quickly!) No matter, it made hours of invite assembly more enjoyable.

Happy Thursday, friends! Til next time.