Bridal Brunch

The wedding weekend that I posted about yesterday, was truly one that will go down in the books. The bride and groom had it planned to a T, and it was evident for the guests. I felt so honored to be invited to attend the bridal brunch at The Colonial Country Club in Ft. Worth. It was a breathtaking atmosphere for a beautiful bride!

Bride

The newest cousing - Major Maddox
Bridesmaids

Mother of the Groom and Bride

The Menu

The Colonial

Wedding Weekend

Weddings are magical, aren't they? I think they are the closest thing that the normal American comes to royalty. Brian and I had the wonderful privilege of joining with other family members to celebrate his cousin's wedding to his beautiful new wife. Here are a few pictures from the rehearsal dinner at Joe T. Garcia's in Fort Worth, Texas.

The bride and groom.

Parents of the groom.

The lovely restaurant.

The bus ride from the hotel to the restaurant. Josh and Lauren (Brian's sister and BIL)

Yet another birthday bash.

So, I think this is the last birthday post, but I just couldn't leave out some of these cute pictures. Last Thursday, on my birthday, my family came over for a little party before Brian and I headed out of town for the weekend.

Sweet Hensley never fails to smile for the camera. Isn't she a cutie pie?

Last week, Chelsey and I were out and about, and we decided to get Brian this big 'ole drink as a joke. Yes, everything is bigger in Texas!

Yummy cupcakes, and so pretty, too!

Maddox was so excited about my gift. Isn't that sweet?

Chelsey is thinking of becoming the next Vanna White.

Ashley and Brian.

Dad and Carol

It was a wonderful evening of food, family, and fun!

Maddox the Magnificent

If you're a regular blog reader, then you know Maddox, my nephew. Brian and I have the unique privilege of being aunt and uncle to Maddox and Hensley. We always have the most magical and exhausting time with them. Last week, Maddox came over for dinner, and we decided to keep him over night. Here are a few pictures from his stay.

Some would call this redneck training, with the gun and hammock, but, here in Texas, we just call it good sense :)

One of the things that Maddox always enjoys doing at our house is building a pillow fort with the couch cushions. This time he decided it was going to be a cave, though. He and Brian engineered some spelunking gear for him to wear this time. Do you recognize the Snuggie book light? Also, we coined the title "Spenuncle" for Brian :)

Once again, never be more than a few inches away from your gun :)
All was going well until the dogs had had enough, and intruded the cave's entrance.

My how guys DON'T change as they grow up! Breakfast in bed and The Lion King were enough to keep the boys happy!

And again, the dogs just couldn't contain themselves.
Bathtime.
A pistol is a more appropriate weapon in the bathtub :)

I think that being an aunt is the greatest thing in the world. Maybe it's like being a grandparent. You have the wonderful opportunity to play and spoil and then you send them packin' when the exhaustion sets in.

Birthday Getaway

Brian gives the best presents. They are always thoughtful, timely, and creative. I can count on that with him. For my birthday this year, he gave me a weekend getaway at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine. It was just what I needed :)

This was the view out of our hotel room.

A look at the front of the resort.

Our room.

On Friday night, there was a firework show over the lake. We watched it from our room.
Inside the resort.

Inside.

This is an atrium shot from the glass elevator.

On Friday night, we went to historic Grapevine.

Brian is a man with many aims. During dinner on Friday night, Brian said, "I've been thinking. What do you think about me wearing a bracelet of some sort." This was his deliberation face. I said, "How long have you been considering this very important decision? (note the sarcasm)" His reply? "About a week." So far, he hasn't taken up the bracelet idea, but I sure don't put it past him :)

So, You Say It's Your Birthday!!!

Well, folks today I've passed up the mid-20s to join the ranks of the older 20s. Today is my 26th birthday. Can you believe that? I'm sure you can, but for some reason, 26 sounds so much older than 25.

I know that this is not a great picture, but I decided to pull it out from the archives because it was taken last year on my birthday. I can't help but be a little moved by the differences in then and now. My, how things change. At this point last year, we were still riding high on the emotion of the wedding and honeymoon. I kept thinking, "I barely know this guy, and I'm married to him?!?" It makes me laugh to think about it now. Sure, we knew each other's histories, likes and dislikes, and weird little personality quirks.

But, I didn't know what a perfect compliment he was to me. I didn't know that he was going to make me laugh when I could do nothing but pour tears. I didn't know that he was going to give up work and pay to make sure that I was okay and that my needs were met. I didn't know that he was going to meet the pharmacist when the counter window opened to get the medicine to relieve my pain. I didn't know that he was going to shave my head and then shave his so that I wouldn't feel so bad. I didn't know that he was going to buy me a pink vaccum cleaner when I couldn't even vaccum simply because I insisted that I should have one. I didn't know that he was going to enforce his flexibility on my rigidity, making me somewhat less scheduled. I didn't know that he was going to protect me when the questions and the advice and the demands simply became to much. I didn't know that he was going to choose me - above friends, above family, above hobbies, above a paycheck. I didn't know that he was going to be able to fix whatever I break. I didn't know that he was going to support me and encourage me on a daily basis. I didn't know that he was going to live out the words of Ephesians 5:25 - "Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."

But - now, I know.

Thank you, Brian, for making this a magnificent year! We can conquer anything together...

Birthday Bash

June is quite a month on Pleasant Drive. The celebration begins with our anniversary on the 7th (an anniversary we share with Brian's parents), Gladys' birthday on the 10th, Dad's birthday on the 14th, Dale's birthday on the 16th, Fathers' Day, my birthday on the 18th, and Mom's birthday on the 27th. It's packed full of family gatherings, which are all centered around a good 'ole cake. We spend the rest of the summer digging our waistlines out of June's chocolatey devastation.



Tonight we had a joint birthday celebration at my inlaw's house for Dale and me. The evening commenced with this fabulous fudge cake and homemade ice cream.

We had delicious taco salads for dinner. Judy set a lovely table.
For Dale's birthday, we, along with Judy and Josh and Lauren, got him a basketball goal. He and Brian played a rousing game of horse this evening.

They followed HORSE up with a game of Around the World.

Look at that form! Like father, like son!

Josh and Lauren look on.
Dear, sweet Brian. For once, could you please take a serious picture?
And, then there was Vito. That dog loves a ball. And, he's got some serious ups.

Laughter. The Best Medicine.

Sure. They are expensive, messy, and a nuisance, but dogs are about the best source of laughter that a lady can find. I know that I blog about our pups a lot, but those of you with children blog about your kids a lot, and for the time being, they are our babies. So, endure the dog posts :) Hardly an hour passes without me saying to Brian, "Bri, look at Bertie (or Vito or Gladys)." And we both enjoy a chuckle at the latest comedy routine that the dog has unknowingly created.

Bertie is comedic in her appearance. The ceaseless skin folds and clumsiness of her puppyhood are almost more than a person can handle. At times, her face is so wrinkled up that she can't even see. And her big ears throw off her equilibrium so that she is forever falling over herself.

Then, there's Gladys. She's getting droopier and droopier as she gets older. Yet, somehow she retains a regality that the other two canines have yet to muster. Gladys' humor is in her timidity. She is the biggest 100+ pound oaf around. If we have company over, she darts from corner to corner with her tail between her legs, hoping that no one saw her move. When she knows she's been spotted, she uses her surroundings to "camouflage" herself. I use the term loosely because, how well can a couch cushion, a small plant, or a curtain panel really disguise such a monstrosity?

I haven't seen Gladys all afternoon. We have the most obnoxiously long and dark hallway in our house, and she's been sacked out for hours in the quiet and dark.

Thank you, Brian, for most of these shots, but especially for this one. Oh, Vito, your teeth are so sweet. He looks like a hamster. Vito is a college dog. You know, the one where the guy gets the dog on a whim, never giving a thought to how he'll train it, keep it, or feed it. Captain Vito (as Brian has affectionately dubbed him) is this sort of soveneir from the old college days. I must say, though, he does have staying power. He even got a shout out in our wedding. One of the reasons that Brian fell in love with me (probably the biggest reason, if we're honest with ourselves) is because I let Vito stay in the house. Not only do I let this pup stay in the house, but he sleeps in our bed with us and roams the house freely throughout each day. Vito is particular. He, like Brian, is not a morning person. He prefers to sleep in, and then to slowly get his day going. He lounges all day, enjoys short bouts in the sunshine, and then he goes and lays by our bedroom door at about 9:00PM, until we open it for him. And the worst/best part? Brian swears that he's gonna stuff him when he kicks it. Oh, and he insists that he and Vito have the same birthday. It's ridiculous. But, it's why I love them.

True to Texas

In typical Texan fashion, my husband got the truck-buying bug a few weeks ago. You know what? It was our third vehicle to purchase together in our year-long marriage. Some would say that we are obsessed with cars, but I just chock it up to the fact that we change our minds often. It's a hobby. I love to watch that salesman sweat bullets as he works hard to close the deal. Not that I give him a run for his money, or anything, but I make it clear from the beginning that I will be perfectly content with my old car if he can't get the numbers where I want them.

I think that we're settled with the vehicles we have now - me in my Tahoe and Brian in his Tundra. They suit us.

Oh, and you should see that Brian driving his big, black truck. He does know how to make a woman swoon :)

(I had to add a stock photo, because my pictures turned out so bright, and they just don't do that baby justice!)

Sighs.

Do you ever sit back and sigh when you reach the final stages of something very important or overwhelming? Do you ever just take in those moments of relief that the end is near?

For me, that's what this morning holds. I love mornings. I'm a morning person, through and through, and I hate it when I sleep so late that I totally miss the morning (which only happens about once or twice a year). The dawning of a new day is full of possibilities and excitement. What will the day hold? Who will the day encounter?

This morning, I am up. Brian and the dogs are asleep, and the house is quiet. And, I found that when I walked into the sunny living room and sat down, I exhaled a sigh. A sigh of, "I made it. I did it. It's pretty much over." Sure, I have 6 or 7 more Herceptin treatments at the cancer center, and I'll have screenings and ongoing evaluations for the rest of my life. But the unknown, the scary parts, they are over. For now.

I'm sure that you've noticed these same kinds of ebbing and flowing in your own life, where the ups and downs are ceaseless cycle of joy, scattered with fear. I can't help but think of Psalm 23:4 which says, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

Faithful ones, God is near. His presence is hovering over you. So, when the scary times come, and they will, and you are tempted to crumble in fear, sigh. And remember, He is with you.

A success in my book.

Well, surgery is over. I am home. And I'm in relatively no pain. Why? Because God is just that good. His provision, healing, and treatment is just that powerful.

Brian and I woke up at 4:30AM this morning to be at the hospital at 5:15. We signed in and I stripped down and put my lovely hospital gown on. Then the doctor came in and drew his signature blue marks on me. Here's the perk of the situation, I got a little lipo in my hips and armpit fat area (you know that icky part that hangs over a strapless dress?). [Disclaimer: I'm about to get really personal, so stop reading if you are easily offended.] In a typical "boob job", the implant is placed under the breast tissue. Well, in a reconstruction breast surgery, the implant is the boob. There is no breast tissue left to place it under. So, in order to make a prettier, less ridged appearance, the surgeon used a little fat from those other areas to make a more natural look. It wasn't just elective lipo.

After surgery, I sat in a chair, drank some fluids, got dressed, and headed home. Of course, I made Brian stop by Arby's for some curly fries, but other than that, we went straight home. We both slept for about 3 hours. Then, I got up and made some coffee and unloaded and loaded the dishwasher. Y'all, I feel great! Minor discomfort in my armpits, but mostly great.

Wow! I'm so glad that the Lord cares for the teeny tiniest details of my life!

It's that time again...

Unfortunately, this first week of freedom from the workplace hasn't been that free. Tomorrow morning before the sun even shows its shiny face, I will be headed to the hospital for surgery. From my consultation with my surgeon, I've learned that this should be an easy, speedy process. I am having my final reconstruction surgery, and I am very excited - not because I will have a totally different "look", but because I should have a much more comfortable feel.

This week, in preparation for being out of commission for a few days, I've been running errands and doing chores like you wouldn't believe. I've barely sat down, well, except for the 4 hours that I spent at the doctor's office yesterday.

This morning my husband said, "You should just relax and take it easy today." I've recently discovered that I have NO idea how to relax when I am at home. I am constantly flitting about doing one chore after another, only to find that when I'm done, it's time to redo the ones that I did in the beginning. It's a vicious, ceaseless cycle!

In order for me to truly sit down and take a breather, I have to be away from my home. Isn't that ridiculous!?!

Do any of you have this same disease? How do you overcome it?

One down...

Today marks my one-year wedding anniversary to my precious husband Brian. When I sit and reflect on the happenings of the year my heart is full of joy. I am overwhelmed with love for my God and for my wonderful husband. People always say, "The first year is the hardest." Well, I think the first year was especially hard, but even in the midst of trial after trial after trial, I still looked at Brian yesterday and said, "Bri, this has been the best year of my life."

Year #1 was a wonderful year.

June - This was an easy month. We were married, and we honeymooned in style at the Ritz in Grand Cayman. It was fabulous! We also spent this month settling in and job hunting for Brian.

July - Brian began is current job on July 7th. This was such a great financial blessing for us. Also, we purchased our first major purchase together - a Volkswagen Passat.

August - We started the month with a bang by adopting Gladys (our English mastiff). She has been stealing our hearts ever since. About a week later we purchased a Chevy Tahoe. We had to have something to tote our dogs around in. Also, Brian's sister, Lauren, was married on the 16th. This was the day I found the tumor in my breast (but I wasn't that worried). Our house was struck by lightning on August 23rd. This totally devastated our home to the point that it wasn't livable for over a month.

September - We spent most of this month with Lauren and Josh (Brian's sister and BIL) while our house was being remodeled. We had to totally move everything out so that repairs could be made. This month started abruptly with my cancer diagnosis coming on the 4th. It was a month full of doctors' appointments and tests. It ended on the 30th with my bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction surgery.

October - I spent most of October at home recovering from surgery. Brian was the best supporter and caretaker. I went to Oklahoma with my family for a little getaway for a few days. I cried myself to sleep every night because I missed Brian so much. He was my rock, my sanity, and my best friend. I enjoyed the time with my family, and I thought that Brian needed a break from my neediness, but it was miserable for us to be apart. We ended the month with my first chemo treatment on the 24th.

November - Thanksgiving and relief that chemo wasn't so bad. Brian started giving me Neulasta shots at home following treatments. What a great man! He can do it all!

December - By this time, I was tired. Chemo was really wearing me out. I was only working about 3 days/week, and Brian was doing a lot more than his fair share of the workload. We Christmased all over the place and we ended the month with a fabulous getaway to Destin, Florida. It was just what the doctor ordered for us. In fact, we've already made plans to go back this year.

January - We decided to put our house on the market, knowing that real estate was moving slowly. We spent the whole month cleaning and straightening and cleaning and straightening, making sure the house was "show ready". To our surprise, we sold it by the end of the month. God is good!

February - We spent the beginning of the month packing and planning our next place of residence. On Friday the 13th (good thing we're not superstitious!), I had my last chemo, we moved into our new home, and we had to get rid of one of our doggies who'd turned viscious with the moving upheaval. It was a bittersweet day. We were so happy to have a new place to call home!

March - Brian started back to school (online), we adopted Bertie the Bloodhound, and Brian turned 27.

April - During this month, I first noticed that I was starting to feel "normal" again, after 6 months of cancer treatment. What a mighy God!

May - Brian and I were featured in our local newspaper as advocates for the Susan G. Komen breast cancer reserach foundation. I was honored to be chosen as the local Race for the Cure spokesperson. And, we purchased a new truck (Toyota Tundra). You should see how cute Brian looks when he's driving it!!!

June - Here we are. 1 year. I'll be 26 later this month. I would say that it has been a heck of a year.

Here, on Pleasant Drive, there is never a shortage of excitement. There is always something going on, and for that I'm truly grateful. I can't wait to see what year #2 holds. More than anything, I know that God holds this year, and all the years to come. We are truly blessed and overwhelmed at how perfect His provision and timing and presence has been in our lives.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Um, no thank you.

So, last week Chelsey and I drove up in our driveway to find this:

Then, when Brian got home, we did this:
Luckily, Brian saved the day when he did this:

Field Day

One of the many perks (?) of teaching elementary school is the pleasure of leading a class in field day festivities on one of the hottest days of the school year. Actually, I'll have to commend our P.E. teacher, she really made this year's field day a success with all of her preparations. It was teacher-friendly, and usually, well, it's not. Here are a few glimpses into the day's activities. And, I must give Chelsey a great big thank you for helping me out that day. Because of you, my attitude stayed positive, mostly :)

A Face Only a Mother Could Love

Oh, dear, sweet Gladys, you sure are cute!

But, your shenanigans aren't winning you any fans.

So, she got a little bored when she was left out by herself today. Is that any reason to disown her? The jury is still out.

Memorial Day

I love Memorial Day, don't you? Not only is it a special day to honor our troops and those who have given their lives to preserve our freedom, but also it is a great way to start the summer season with a bang! Unfortunately, school continued after the holiday, but not for long. Brian and I spent the afternoon and evening in my mom and stepdad's beautiful backyard. They prepared quite the feast for us.

Maddox enjoyed his ribs!

Chelsey got caught in the act.

Me and Chelsey (or Chester, as we prefer to call her)

Ashley shoots a concerned look at Maddox while Hensley eyes the potato salad.

Chelsey and Maddox

Yummy!

Brian. I like him.

Just a few more days before I can truly start my lazy summer days!