I went to the Chapel and I got married!!!

As soon as things slow down a bit, I can't wait to re-live the last several weeks in blog form :)

I am floating on cloud 9 and thank you all sooo much for your warm messages and support!

Until then, I just have to share a preview that my sister-in-law shot in the middle of the action!

love to you all!

~Mrs.E~

Butterflies are free

Someone once told me-or maybe I just choose to believe- that when you lose someone close to you, you never really lose them. They go on to live with you in another form. You can see them in a sunset, feel them in a warm breeze, or my favorite: a butterfly.

I feel selfish because as much as I know you are happy and whole with the Lord, I want to see you and hug you and hear your familiar comforting voice call "dolly!".

As my wedding is coming closer, I just have to keep telling myself that you will be there along with all our other loved ones because I know that's what you wanted more than anything, and that it's okay to celebrate.

Grandpa, you've done and meant more to me than I ever could have been bold enough to hope for. You've had a huge role in shaping the person that I am to this day and I will forever be grateful for it.

My love, always always.

I'm looking forward to that mountain breeze, the sun setting through the trees, and maybe even a butterfly. Those will be our hugs from now on, and that, too is a blessing :)

John Gregory Schneider

10/22/29-8/1/10

~Love~

weeeeenie wednesday...And a word from Obie

In the last several weeks, and in the weeks coming, time is not a luxury I have in abundance...so until I have time to share and to catch up with all of you, I thank you for indulging me in my obnoxious love of our animals ;)

Obie has given me some good food for thought...

To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring - it was peace. ~Milan Kundera

~Ciao~

Things that make me smile :)

In no particular order...

The Loveliest Newport wedding via

Lavender bouquets and cupcakes with candied lavender. swoon!

A desperate attempt to convince David we should live on a boat :

How cute these weenies look in nautical wear!

Eva loves her dress...And her new dachshund-in-a-bun toy

There aren't only pretties inside Nordstrom, but outside too!

my mom and 2 of my very favorite men sharing some special time.

I hope something here made you smile too!

~ :)~

weeeeenie wednesday...And a word from Obie

Our 4th of July weekend was everything one should be. Full of sun, golf, water world, the pool, BBQ, and totally exhausting! You don't believe me? Look at these weenies!

Peach Tuckered out!

Eva getting some R&R with her baby bunny. Where she goes-IT goes!

my nautical- Americana babies

sunset golf!

My Bagger Vance, Ha!

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend! And thank you so much to those that commented and prayed for my cousin, Matt. Some precious friends were lost, but he will be okay with the support from his friends, family, and the Lord.

~Ciao~

Freeze!

That's what the voice in my head said this morning when I heard some news that quickly brought my family to its knees. "Freeze. Your head and your heart are needed somewhere more important. Stop running around like a headless chicken deciding on ceremony program fonts, prosciutto-wrapped asparagus rolls and the DEFINITELY DO NOT PLAY list."

My cousin, Matt, who is my age, and who I've grown up with, and had squabbles like siblings with for 26 years...is currently deployed in Afghanistan with the airborn division. He has been hit by a roadside bomb and has 2nd degree burns and possibly a broken back. The day after Independance day... I ask you to please say a prayer for his recovery, and all the troops for that matter.

I've been elbow-deep in wedding plans, and it all seems so insignificant now. I thank the Lord for keeping my cousin wrapped in love and prayers, and can't fathom how much worse things were so close to being.

If you know someone who has served, or currently serves for US and OUR country, give them an extra hug, an extra kiss, an extra I love you. Because tomorrow is not a promise. What little ol me can promise...is to respect, love, and appreciate the people that make our lives as we know it possible.

Almighty and eternal God,

Those who take refuge in you will be glad

and forever will shout for joy.

Protect these soldiers as they discharge their duties

Protect them with the shield of your strength

and keep them safe from all evil and harm.

May the power of your love enable them

to return home in safety, that with all who

love them, they may ever praise you

for your loving care.

We ask this through

Christ our Lord.

~Amen~

Garden of Gifts

In case you're interested in the history of the bridal shower via

The Shower started as an alternative to the dowry. In the 1890's, friends and family put small gifts in parasols that were opened over the bride's head. Years ago, as the story goes, there lived a young Dutch girl who loved a young Dutch miller. The miller was so generous to the poor that he could never save a fortune for himself. Because the young man was not rich, the maiden's father disapproved of the match and refused to give her a dowry. But the village folks, and the young people, had desired their marriage. To make up the girl's dowry, each villager brought some treasured possession of his own until a chest had been filled with all household goods that a bride should bring to her new home. With these contributions, they 'showered' the maiden until even her father was won over. From that day to this, it has been the custom for the bride's friends and family to present her with gifts for her new life. Don't despair over a bad turn in the weather. An old Roman proverb states, "Rain falls in the lap of the happy bride."

Interesting stuff!

Now, on to a wonderful bridal shower in a beautiful garden :)

Great friends!

When there is food involved, you better watch out!

watching some entertainment...

See? plate full and a happy girl :)

The outfit

The fun invite!

via Etsy

my boy and I :)

my mama and I :)

David plotting his getaway from all the women!

Hostess with the very mostess! She worked so hard to make everything

beautiful and special.

emotions were flowing that day...

My aunt Gwen made this apron. She has crazy sewing skills!

A cupcake, of course!

My mom had surprised me with

a wedding album she had been making since the beginning! And I just lost composure.

What a road it has been!

Thanks mom!

Are you still here? What a trooper!

Well, thank you to everyone involved. It was truly a beautiful and touching day. It is so important to take a moment and soak in what wonderful moments God has blessed us with. And I am still in awe of the winding path that led to these very precious moments, with the man that God saved just for moi.

~hugs~