Nana's Birthday Celebration

I am going to try to wrap up on sharing 2012 events before 2013 hits... fingers crossed. These past few weeks have been busy busy busy. We have been anxiously preparing for Christmas, shipping boxes, wrapping presents, planning, prepping and spending time together as a family. All the while I have been editing like a crazy person, shooting a couple of sessions including a beautiful wedding on the 22nd and trying to keep one finger on my own wedding planning on the while. Needless to say I am ready for things to simmer down a little and my mind to be focused on just one thing... our wedding.

A week before Christmas we celebrated a wonderful birthday as Nana turned 83. This year we decided to celebrate in a little bit more special way than the usual dinner and presents at her house. A few days before Nana's birthday our beloved cousin Diane passed away suddenly. She was an avid reader of this blog, a faithful servant of the Lord, and wonderful confidante to seek advice from and keep you up on current events in the family. Our hearts were heavy as we celebrated Nana's birthday with that loss on them, knowing that Diane's freedom had come and she was resting in her savior's arms. So as we walked into a birthday celebration, the preciousness of life and celebrating little moments were the priority.

I made reservations at a local eatery, BL BISTRO, which Nana had never eaten at for our entire family here in town as well as Danny and Nancy who had traveled in for Diane's services. We ate dinner together and celebrated a remarkable woman whose life has been a blessing to all of us. We had told Nan we were going to do a traveling caravan in our cars to view some Christmas lights in Amarillo, but we had a suprise in store for her... As Neeley and I walked Nana out after dinner she was suprised to find a stretch hummer limo waiting to take us all on a tour of lights. Nana was so excited! We rode around for an hour before going back to have cake and open presents.

 

She was showered with many wonderful things that we each had searched to find to show some small amount of appreciation for her.

 

 

Nana- You are such a blessing to me. You are an incredible example of a mother, wife, sister, christian, and servant. Your love is never ending and your faithfulness is constant. Thank you for all that you do for each one of us. You tirelessly keep our family connected and strong. I love you with all of my heart!

 These are some coasters I made for Nana of some of her great grandchildren.

Neeley Got Married.... The Finale

Picture this.... You walk through double doors into the first floor of the 3 story Amarillo museum of Art.  As soon as  you walk in you can see a roof over the dance floor created of tissue balls in light grey, cream, ivory, and gold. These little puppies took many nights of hard work to create. To your left as you walk in is a table filled with pictures of the Bride and Groom's engagment pictures, taken by yours truly, and a large canvas of Neeley's gorgeous Bridal photo. Also on this table are 500 Fortune cookies filled with selected fortunes from Neeley and Lane for their wedding guests, these are sayings that mean something to the them. Also on this table is the amazing reception program created to kepe guests informed of where on the 3 museum floors each activity is located and what time events will be happening. The program's front cover has a hand drawn picture of Neeley and Lane done by Kelsey... precious! On the right as you walk in is a table for gifts completed with a lamp with a handmade lampshade and birdcage. As you make your way into the atrium on the first floor you come up on the tissue balls above you, cocktail tables lining the walls, and toward the end of the first floor is a bar and dj. This space will become the dance floor as the night goes on. You take the elevator up to the second floor where upon stepping out you are greeted with two buffet lines, and on either side of this entry atrium are two rooms filled with round tables for guests seating. The centerepieces are handmade by Tammy, Neeley, and myself ranging from tall vased arrangements, candleabras, and a low floral display all surrouned by a mixture of gold, black, copper, silver votives. Stunning. As guests are looking for more entertainment throughout the evening they can make their way up to the 3rd floor where they are greeted with a barista and full service coffee bar, beer and wine bar, and a photobooth! Tammy and Neeley thought of everything even bringing in sofas, chairs, pillows, and trees to make the space feel intimate and cozy for guests.

One of two pictures of I have of Neeley from the reception... the other one goes in a Sister Vault :)

We the wedding party first arrived we were greeted with a live jazz band playing as guests ate dinner. I quickly navitaged myself and Drew up the back stairwell to our designated seats to be served dinner. Both of our feet were killing us and I changed out of my 2 pair of shoes that night and he changed into his groosmen gift, a pair of Toms. Drew and I mingled around with a some guests who hadn't yet seen my engagement ring before I heard the dj announce time to cut the cake. I was so nervous were would miss getting a good spot so we again rushed down the back stairs. I felt very "Father of the Bride" going in and out of the secret back ways and sometimes getting completely blocked. Neeley and Lane cut the cake and did their toast and it was then time for Drew and I to give our Best Man/ Maid of Honor speeches. I was completely nervous! I had typed mine out on my phone so I would stay focused but that was a major fail. Drew went first and he spoke from his heart, saying "awesome" almost everyother word... he never says awesome, I guess he was nervous too! I was handed the microphone and looked at Neeley and began to sob. I couldn't pull myself together and my speech was a mumble of crys and words. I think Neeley got the point of my speech if noone else did.

After that we were free to dance the night away to country music, pop, oldies, and a little korean :) I was did get out and show the guests how to do the "Gangman" dance. Not my most graceful moment. Peyton was glued to me and Drew all night so we got an extra workout of dancing and holding her at the same time... that girl is not light!

The time came to say goodbye to Neeley and Lane and I lined up on the end and as she got in the car to drive away I cried... like a baby. Kelsey came to me and we both sat on the sidewalk crying. It is hard to say goodbye and no that when I see her again everything would change, our lives will be so much different. Change can be hard. But we quickly pulled ourselves together and cleaned up the museum and went home to bed.

The next week Neeley and Lane were gone on their honeymoon was the loneliest, saddest, hardest week ever! She did sneak in a few texts and phone calls to me to let me know she was ok. I am so glad to have them home and so close. And even though things have changed our relationship never will. I madly love my sister!

Adilyn Ann

I am completely overwhelmed with Joy and Excitement today as my dearest friend gave birth to a healthy baby girl ....

Adilyn Ann Davis

Born 12/18/2012

7lbs. 13 oz.

To two of the greatest people I know!

I cannot wait to meet this sweet baby and hold her... first time I see her will be at my wedding!!

Neeley Got Married.... Part 2

Neeley had a very specific look she wanted for all of her bridesmaids... her colors were alternating mocha and gunmetal gray. Each bridesmaid had a black headpiece on, mine was the most dramatic :) and awesome necklaces to compliment the look, mine was again the most dramatic. Once we started playing around with makeup and discovering the look Neeley wanted she decided we should all wear bold lips with mine and Kelsey's being slightly different from the rest.... the result was a fashon shoot in the middle downtown on our way to the church. Needless to say Neeley had the coolest looking bridal party around!

 

 

Neeley and Lane were married in the church our parent's grew up in. Central Church of Christ has been a staple in our family for as long as I can remember, we have had many many family functions there including Grandy's funeral and Neeley's parent's own wedding ceremony. The chapel is adorned with stainglass windows and a beautful stage with wood paneling. Neeley had the two aisles lined with candles and greenery. The stage had two candleabras with greenery on them.  It was stunning.

As we got to the church the groomsmen were already around taking pictures so we snuck in and I took my duty of getting the bride dressed and ready very seriously. All the bridesmaids, Tammy, and flowergirls were all shoved in a small attic room with Neeley as she got dressed. As soon as Neeley put on her dress the moment all became very real of what was about to happen. She looked beyond amazing!

After we trampsed all over the church taking photos I was able to sneak to Lane to give him his wedding present from his bride, and shortly thereafter Drew snuck up to our room to do the same. Seeing him in a tux about made me lose it!

Time seemed to fly as I felt like almost immediately we were lining up to walk down the aisle. I was so blessed to have Drew at my side as we walked down together. Before I we stepped into the chapel I took one final look back at Neeley who was in waiting on the stairwell with her Dad, she quietly mouthed "I love you" to me and I lost it! I barely had time to respond back to her and see her tears before I was walking down with Drew putting my best smile on.

The best part of weddings is seeing a groom see his bride for the first time. As we waited in suspense for Neeley to make her grand entrance listening to the beautiful music of Thomas Newman from Meet Joe Black's soundtrack I couldn't take my eyes off my future brother in law. These were the longest moments for him I know as he anxiously waited for Neeley. My stomach was aching to see her as well for I was missing her after only a 2 minute window. As the music got to just the right moment and the doors opened, everyone in attendance stood and Lane wept as he saw his bride. Neeley's beauty radiated around her through her tears and smile as she was escorted by her dad. Kelsey who was standing behind me had a brief moment of loosing it. She cried and felll into my arms as I tried to remind her how exciting this was. I would later hear from Neeley that this was the last moment she looked at either Kelsey or I as she knew if she saw us she would not be able to hold back her own tears.

Now let me say all the crying you are reading about is not of sadness.... we were all very excited about this marraige and believe it to be 100% of God's will... we are just a very emotional family and change does not come easily so with it comes tears! I did look at Drew as he was watching Lane and saw him overcome with tears as well as this moment.

As Neeley and her Dad reached the first pew, Tammy stood up and joined them in walking Neeley the rest of the way. The giving of Neeley to Lane was presented by both her parents and when asked who gives this woman to marry this man the response was this "Her mother, Kelsey and I" from her Dad. I saw as all the bridesmaids began to weep at the precious moment and saw Kelsey beaming with a smile.

Neeley and Lane chose a wonderful friend of Grandy's to perform their ceremony and it was absolutely the most precious and God filled ceremony I have heard in a long time.

The only hiccup in the ceremony was when Ginna, Neeley's sister in law escaped through the back door to pass out in the hallway, this we would not find out until after the ceremony.

The newlyweds made their exit after their first kiss to The Verve's Bittersweet Symphony and we were all taken to a holding room underneath the chapel until we resumed pictures.

It was an aboslutely perfect ceremony that radiated the love Neeley and Lane have for one another!

712 Days

Yesterday was the 2 year anniversary of my sweet Grandy's passing.

It feels like so much longer and yet as if 5 minutes have passed all at the same time.

I miss him more and more as each day passes without his booming voice in my ears, without getting to hold his hand.

It's funny how much his presence effected the littlest things in everyday life. The moments when the tension mounted to high all we could do was cringe he would sweep in with a joke,willing to take on the wrath of whoever dared to cross him.

He was our comfort, our sanity, my hero. Life sometimes feel a little less bright without him.

I wonder what he would think about the lives we are leading. No doubt he would be proud but what advice would he be willing to share?

I wish he could be here to share in the joys of the new experiences I am encountering, planning a wedding, merging families, building dreams.

I wish he could marry Drew and I on March 30, or read a prayer, or walk me down the aisle.

But I know he is watching over me, Nana, us all and is proud. He is guiding us and cheering us on.

When I close my eyes I can still hear him singing to me...

"You are my sunshine
My only sunshine
You make me happy
When the skies are grey
You'll never know dear
How much I love you
So please don't take
My sunshine
Away"
Two years on earth, an instant in heaven.

I miss you Grandy, today, forever, always!


Never Forget.

Neeley Got Married... Part One

Two months is not to late to tell the story of when my sweet Sister got married is it?! Of course Not!

Friday before the wedding on Saturday as family filed into to town everyone was called to duty at the Amarillo Museum of Art, where Neeley and Lane's reception was being held. We worked for hours perfecting the atmosphere Neeley and Tammy had invisioned for the big day. It was all well worth it. I took no pictures that day because my hands were busy running decor between the 3 floors and keeping friends and family focused on the task at hand.


We worked on setting up the church and reception  from 11 am to 5 pm where we rushed to the Courtyard Marriott, our new super swanky downtown hotel to get ready for the rehearsal dinner. Aunt Tammy had reserved a couple suites for all the girls to get ready in the day of the wedding and where some of us spent the night the night before.  The rehearsal dinner was in the Amarillo Club, downtown and high above the city where we ate wonderful dinner, watched a slideshow of Neeley and Lane, listened to sweet and awkward blessings to the couple and watched God's mighty hand work as a thunderstorm blew in below us. After the rehearsal dinner we retired to our hotel suite to share some sweet time with Neeley before her wedding day. We were all full of emotion as she gave her mom, Kelsey, and I momentos of her love in the form of rings. We also shared some things with Neeley we had gotten her.

Saturday morning how does a bride begin her wedding day? With McDonald's and Starbucks of course! As we sat in our suite taking in the magnitude of the day Aunt Cindy went out of breakfast for us. Neeley had recruited some of her friends from school to do the bridesmaids's hair and makeup for the wedding. For the next several hours we snacked on Jason's Deli fruit and vegetable trays, cookie cake and sparkling cider and champagne as we were pampered for the wedding.

Neeley and Aunt Tammy put together awesome gift baskets for all the bridesmaids full of some of Neeley's favorite things including a fedora, burlap pillow, vintage plate, dry shampoo, bobby pins, bridesmaid cosmetic bag and much much more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The day was absolute perfection as we got ready for the wedding.

Dear Dementia

I hate you!! I hate the insecurities you have developed inside a strong and capable woman! I hate the self loathing you bring. I hate your robbery of precious moments to come and the anger that can overtake some moments now. I hate the independence you steal! I hate your selfish behavior...you have settled yourself in the brain of a woman who has so much life left to live and wonderful things left to do! I hate you dementia! I hate you!

But even through the hate and the anger I know you will not bring us down and I know of someone bigger and more compassionate that will defeat you!

A Birthday celebration in Heaven

I wonder how birthdays are celebrated in heaven. I'm sure between the angelic singing of happy birthday and a pat on the back from Jesus our birthdays on earth look trivial.

Today is my Dad's birthday. I wish so badly I could celebrate with him. Catch him up on all the things happening in my life. I wish I could have just one hour to talk with him and wish him the happy birthday he deserves.

I would have so much to apologize for so much to ask him. So much to say, but I would settle for the chance to say Happy Birthday!

It's been one year since I have seen you, almost one year since we have spoken. It feels so short and so long at the same time.

I want to tell you that Drew asked me to marry him, that I said yes ( knowing you had already given your blessing in your own way). I want to ask you if you would forgive me for the horrible letter I sent you years ago in my youth and ask if you would walk me down the aisle. But instead I will settle for Happy Birthday knowing you can see what my heart yearns for and knowing you already know all this. Knowing you send your blessing on my marriage, you forgive me, and that you will be with me as I walk down the aisle.

So today I say Happy Birthday to a wonderful man and Father! I know you are wrapped in the arms of your parents, siblings, friends and my sweet Grandy! What a party that must be!

03-30-13

 

A few weekends ago Mom, Drew and I ventured down to Santa Fe to check out some wedding venues. I kept telling Drew about "meetings" I had scheduled and he couldn't figure out the need for a meeting. However once we got there I think he got a little bit more grateful for my preparedness as we wondered through the streets of Santa Fe and vast majority of quaint little nooks many of which would suite a beautiful wedding. By the end of the day amid the distress of choosing a wedding location which makes attending a little trickier for guests I felt more confused than ever. However in my heart I felt there was never a "decision" to make it was simply a matter of me, for once in my life, voicing what I really wanted. And what I have really wanted from the beginning was a getaway weekend for those willing to come the extra mile to celebrate the love Drew and I have found and our commitment to each other. With the support of most behind me I made the choice and am happy to announce Drew and I will be wed on March 30, 2013 at La Posada de Santa Fe in Santa Fe, New Mexico. To all those who think my location picking is far out or reach you should just know my first choice was actually Costa Rica. I have started down the path of planning and it is not an easy one. I was extremely attracted to Santa Fe because we have a wedding coordinator and aside from arranging details such as flowers, music, attire and photography the majority of our wedding will be "handled" for us. I want this next 5 months of planning and preparing to be fun and simple. I want my Mom to feel included and a part of every decision as little or small as it may be. With her disease, we have struggles sometimes but she is very happy and excited for this journey.

Our trip to Santa Fe was a great weekend getaway for the three of us. A time to break away from the ususal routine and spend some quality time together. I loved every moment of watching the man I love protect my Mom and I as we navigated through the many tourists. As he engaged Mom in laughter during moments that could easily swing to anger. I loved watching her as she proudly told anyone who would listen that this was her daughter and she was marrying this great man soon. As she motherly gave advice and asked questions during our meetings of things I hadn't considered.