The BEST January Wedding- Sam and Sarah

How do words even begin to describe what a joy is was to be the coordinator for this wedding?  I have known the new Mrs. Best since she was about 13 years old, and it was extremely thrilling to be able to turn her most beautiful day into one she will never forget!  Sarah knew exactly what she wanted for her wedding: simple, vintage and IN A BARN!  The last request led me to a new favorite venue, The Moore Ranch, for these nuptials.  Sam and Sarah said "I do" under the antique (300-400 years old) oak trees on the ranch and became the first couple to get married in this location.  Sam and Sarah have amazing friends who were able to pitch in and create florals, decorations and music for her wedding.  Ryan Price, a new up and coming professional, was her photographer.  The weather truly could have not been more perfect.  It was a warm, clear, January Texas day.  I had a blast coordinating and enjoying time with friends.  The pictures speak a thousand words a piece, and I have many to share.  Enjoy!!

A time for worship.

A time for prayer.

Beautiful bridesmaids!

Their very first kiss!!!

I love the look on Sarah's face!!

I wish I had a closer shot, but the groomsmen boutonnieres were encased in cigars. 

Ryan Price in action!

Adorable decorations- all ideas came from Pinterest!

Heath and Jessica

There are some couples that really capture my heart, and Heath and Jessica definitely fall into the "Some of My favorites" column in my book.  Jessica is extremely kind and thoughtful, and Heath is finny and doesn't take life too seriously; except when it comes to Jessica.

Their ceremony took place in early November at Rock Lake Ranch.  The weather threatened to rain all afternoon, but cleared up just in time for an absolutely beautiful ceremony.  The only real glitch: the sweet boy who offered to carry the punch bowl dropped it and it shattered all over the pavement of the Rock Lake Patio.  The bride's mom sent someone to buy the supplies to replace the tropical blue Hawaiian Punch based drink, and this person could only find green punch to replace it and got a speeding ticket for his effort.  But, to most of the guests, this was unnoticed and definitely a detail that is unimportant in the grand scheme of things, right?  I also didn't get any pictures of the ceremony because I  needed to set up the appetizer table (cheese, crackers, etc) because the friend who was in charge of that did not realize that she was supposed to come early for set up.  That is fine, because it is my job to fill in the holes and take care of those details that sometimes get lost in the big picture!

The delicious food was catered by Mallett Brothers BBQ, Travis with Texas DJ was the Master of Ceremonies, the amazing cupcakes were provided by Cakes by Blonde and Shannon Buck Photography captured the special memories "on film".  I had a delightful time getting to know these families and wish the new Mr. and Mrs. Lowery only God's very best for many years to come!!!  Thank you for blessing me with the privilege to coordinate your very special day!  It was wonderful! 
Enjoy my pictures!!  I had fun taking them!

Extreme Makeover-Home Edition! Part 2

We have been so busy since putting the house on the market, I have not taken the time to post some after pictures of the house.  I intended to take a current picture of our family in front of the very same fireplace, but for now, you will have to settle with some pictures we took of our family on Easter Sunday to see how much the boys have grown. These pictures were taken on one of the many fabulous trees we have enjoyed in our yard over the years!

I am also posting a link to our house pictures on Realtor.com where our realtor, Stacey Isgitt, has posted our listing.  Thanks to everyone who has loved us, encouraged and prayed for us during this endeavor.  We are so grateful to each and everyone of you.  And for those of you looking at this for the first time; Enjoy!!!

Our very own "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"

7 1/2 years ago, my husband and I made a decision that, at the time, didn't seem quite as significant or difficult as it actually turned out to be; in hinds sight...
Our boys were 8 months, 2 1/2, 4 and 6 when we made the move to the country.  We bought a two story house on a 4/5 acre lot. Although the house was built to be a two story, the second floor was basically attic space and there was no garage.  The goal was to finish the upstairs, make some updates in the house and build a garage.  It has taken longer and cost more money than we estimated, but through it all, we have known the goodness and faithfulness of the good God we serve.
Tomorrow, the house goes on the market!
Tonight, I am posting some "before" pictures and will post the listing with current pictures when it goes live tomorrow!

The front of the house- before the garage was built. July 2005

Front entryway

Main hallway

Living room

View of Kitchen from the eating area- notice the multi-colored cabinets

View of the kitchen from the laundry room

View of living room from dining area

Entertainment Center

Master bedroom

Backyard

Top of stairwell leading to second floor

Downstairs bedroom which we use as an office now

The future upstairs bathroom

This is where one of the bedrooms will be as well as part of the center room upstairs

Future bedroom

Other future bedroom

Dormer window

The future larger bedroom/media room

Some progress.  We have beam supports on the ceiling as well as OSB board on the floor- 2007

Changing the structure of the ducting for the air conditioner to make it more efficient- our utilities bill immediately dropped $100 per month!

The future reading area

Our family in front of the fireplace right before we moved in.  Look at how little our boys are!  July 2005