Thursday, May 31, 2012

Memorial Day Weekend 2012


We spent last weekend where we usually spend Memorial Day weekend, at the lake. My grandparent's lake house on Lake Quitman to be exact. It's one of my favorite places on this earth. Something about the familiarity of it all, the wonderful memories I have there, being on the water, being with family, etc., etc. As the family gets larger it gets a little more crowded, but I love it. You might get a different response from my hubby-to-be if you asked him. He spent a couple of nights on the couch and was woken up one morning by my our three year old niece who needed help going to the bathroom. Sweet, sweet Justin. He's a good man.

My brother and brother-in-law were the only two missing. Adam recently landed a coveted summer internship at a law firm (he just wrapped up his first year in law school), and my youth minister BIL had work obligations he couldn't get away from. We missed them! I personally enjoyed a little R&R and a break from wedding mania. We're closing in on 90 days to go and I just can't wait!

A few photos from our weekend. We lived in swimsuits and sunscreen all weekend and I didn't touch makeup, a blow dryer or a curling iron for three days. Bliss.







Thursday, May 24, 2012

My Little Secret

Just wanted to share a little secret of mine. I discovered it last summer while in the drive-thru line at Chick Fil A. I pulled up to the window and the cashier told me that the car in front of me had paid for my meal. What?! I quickly tried to see if I recognized the car. Surely a stranger wouldn't pay for my meal. In my shock, I drove away with my free meal. It later occurred to me that I broke the chain. I didn't pay it forward. Wrist to the forehead moment. Naturally the next time I found myself in a drive-thru (which is not that often) I did the same thing that generous stranger did for me and it totally made my day. It's become something I do when I'm feeling down or self-centered and it instantly lifts my mood and puts things in perspective. My secret to a good day.

Yesterday was a terrible day. It came out of nowhere and just made me sad. Thankfully, I have sweet, caring and generous friends that made me feel extra loved yesterday, so it wasn't all terrible. And I can't forget my handsome, loving fiance either. He made me smile too. This morning I woke up still feeling a little sad about some of the events from yesterday and I knew just what would shake that. (Also, after a three day fruit/veggie cleanse I was craving some protein). Chick Fil A is probably not the best place to go after an all natural cleanse, but I figure three little chicken minis can't hurt. Anyway, I did the same thing that kind stranger did for me last summer and I'm still smiling about it. As I quickly drove away I prayed for the lady behind me. I prayed for her family and that she would know how much she is loved by her heavenly father. I hope she has a great day, like I know I will have. And I'm not posting this to be boastful. I just wanted to share my sure-fire way to a great day. Let's make it a great day friends. Happy Thursday.

Friday, May 18, 2012

Niece Love

The last few weeks have been super busy for J. He finished up his hardest semester, traveled to Vegas with his bff (rough life) and has been working 60-80 hour weeks consistently. Fortunately, his rough semester is over (he'll have his MBA in 90 days)! and work appears to be getting a little less hectic. That being said, he hasn't seen my our nieces very much lately, and he missed them like crazy. We were able to sneak in a quick two hours at the zoo on Saturday night and then took them to dinner. By ourselves I might add. They were great and we loved getting to spend some time with them. I'm fairly certain that my sister (still recovering from pancreatitis) and brother in law needed some quiet time too! Here are some photos from our outing:







and lastly, a little comparison. We took Keira to the zoo in December of 2010. Here's a photo of Justin and Keira from that trip and another from last weekend in front of the same bird! She's such a big girl now :)


december 2010
may 2012
 




Friday, May 11, 2012

Tiny Peek

I have debated and debated about whether or not to post a peek of our invitation "suite" and decided I just couldn't wait 113 days to reveal it. I do want to keep it a surprise for our guests, so I'll wait to post the entire package until they're signed, sealed and delivered. That being said, I've never been great at keeping secrets, so here's a little peek. We're doing rsvp postcards and the front features the church we're getting married in. This is the one where I cried the first time I stepped inside. It's exactly what I've always dreamed of. September cannot get here fast enough. So, without further adieu, here's a tiny glimpse of the postcard, both front and back.

this is about 1/3 of the postcard. just a little glimpse of the church ;)

my favorite line. this is just a small corner of the actual card.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Cinco de Mayo Fun


sombrero cookies seemed appropriate

I don't really remember celebrating Cinco de Mayo in previous years. The last several years I have observed "Cinco de Stacey" though. My dear friend (and bridesmaid)'s birthday falls on May 5, so it's fun to really have an excuse to celebrate. I still celebrated Stace this year, just didn't get to do it in person. Don't worry, we have a special Sprinkles night on the books. This year we headed up to Allen for my other dear friend (and bridesmaid)'s housewarming party. Sarah (aka Spierce) and her husband Matt bought their first home last Christmas and we loved helping them celebrate that milestone. The theme was Cinco de Mayo of course, so I brought a festive dessert (see above). Thank you Pinterest. I'm convinced that Cinco de Mayo is really just a good excuse to have a party. Whatever the reason, we definitely aren't complaining. Happy Housewarming Dumas Family.


3/4 of my inner circle

my love

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Seersucker

I adore seersucker. Seriously adore. I guess most southerners do. After we chose Salado for our wedding locale and after I picked my bridesmaid dresses, I knew I wanted the guys in seersucker ties. I think it adds the perfect touch to the fab linen suits that the guys will be wearing. And it just might be one of my favorite things that we've picked out so far. I really wanted the guys in bowties, but Justin drew the line there. Tucker, our adorable ring bearer, will be in a peach seersucker bow tie though. I can't wait to see it all come together. Squeal!

peach for the groomsmen
Tucker's little bowtie

gray for the ushers