The Anniversary of Triple Tens

One year ago, I married the most amazing man in the world.

I remember how excited I was. It surprised me. I was convinced I’d be a bundle of nerves, or a crying hot mess (tears of joy, but sooo not pretty!).

Instead, I walked to that doorway and I was happy, no, thrilled. The day was finally here. And we fought hard for it. We made it happen despite many unpredictable heartbreaks.

My future mom lay in ICU.

My mother was MIA somewhere in the city of Dallas.

But despite it all, I looked at my four beautiful flower girls, and one handsome ring bearer, and I knew, I would never have this moment again.

My daughter, me, my childhood friend, & my sister

I think my sister was more nervous than me. Her eyes were full of tears and I wanted to smack her with my bouquet and say, “Do NOT make me cry!”

I laughed instead.

And then I walked down the aisle. I did not stumble on my dress. I did not fall, or slip. I didn’t walk too fast, or too slow. I looked straight ahead at the man I was to marry. And he looked sooooo good.

Our wedding ceremony began at about 3:10 (for the three ten’s).

I spoke my vows to him in front of God, our family, and our wonderful guests in the beautiful St. Matthews United Methodist Church.

It was more incredible than I could have imagined.

Then, we played Westside Music Ministry’s – Have a Little Faith in Me – as we poured three tubes of sand into one heart-shaped vase. Pink for the three girls, peach for Jason, and beige for me. We mixed them together symbolizing our new blended family. No matter what, these sands can never be separated. And knowing the difficult future we face, we vowed to have faith, no matter what. Faith in our life together.

In a blink, the ceremony was over and we were man and wife.

Then we played,It Takes Two, an 80’s hit, (also played on The Proposal movie) and did our cool exit.

We purposely did something fun to celebrate this last part of the wedding. I don’t think anyone will forget it, at least I won’t.

Our new family.

Our gorgeous wedding.

Our amazing family and friends.

And the most angelic girls in the world.

Our perfect 10 wedding.

A day I will remember forever.

We had a quite a first year.

These precious moments helped us through them.

Love…

Joy….

And marriage.

Now….it’s one year later.

Happy Anniversary Sweetheart!

Special thanks to Bella Lucia Photography for traveling from Oregon to Texas to photograph our wedding.

I’m a Creeeeep…I’m a Weeeeirdo…

What the heck am I doing here?
I don’t belong here.

-Radiohead

I typed out these lyrics to Creep in a Facebook message. Little did I know, they would dramatically change my life. It was, in all honesty, the only Radiohead song I knew.

I saw an update status asking if anyone would be interested in Radiohead concert tickets on Sunday. Well I really wasn’t, unless I could get my brother to come down from Oklahoma, but being it was a Sunday night that wasn’t likely to happen. The bigger question to me and the one that I asked to my casually acquainted Facebook friend……why aren’t you going?

He admitted to not having a date, going through a hurtful divorce, and the regular woes of life that we all get so caught up in that we forget to – well – have fun.

Then I wowed him with my lyrical knowledge. “I’m a creeeep! I’m a weeeeirdooooo!” Never mind I wasn’t singing but typing. I’m that good.

He was so impressed that he found a fellow Radiohead fan in all of Facebook-land that he offered to take me to the concert, so we could crone as one.

I did what any single girl would do trying to become a crazy fan in 48 hours or less to impress a guy. I YouTube searched a few more songs. Surely I knew more than one Radiohead song. Right???

I found Karma Police. Yeah. I think I heard one of the contestants sing that on Rockstar INXS. Cool! I watched the video. See I was a Radiohead fan after all. No problem. I got this.

We made plans to meet at his house at 6pm to head from Arlington to Dallas. I talked to him for the first time on the phone the day before to set it up. I, incredibly, got there at 6pm sharp. For those that know me that was a miracle in itself.

As I pulled up, the garage door opened and there stood my date – that wasn’t a date – but just a kind gesture of servitude to another concert going Radiohead fan (heh).

Our eyes met in smiles right away, he was MUCH better looking in person than in his picture and what surprised me most of all…he was TALL. 6ft 1in. If only Facebook gave profile stats, I could have known. I wore my high heel sandals thinking he was short. I know. Don’t try to compute the logic, I had guy issues. Ahem. I’m a creeeeppp.

Off we head to Dallas, listening to Radiohead in the car, except I didn’t know it was Radiohead since I only knew ONE song. Maybe two if my YouTube memory held out. I actually figured it out AFTER the concert when I truly was a new turned fan.

Didn’t matter anyhow, we talked the whole way – about – everything. If there is one thing my momma taught me it was how to have a conversation, with anyone, anywhere, anytime. Thanks mom! I’ll chat with you later when I have a few hours *wink*.

It was a good thing too. It took hours just to get INTO the concert. Never have I seen so many people going to a concert at Superpages.com, or better known as the Smirnoff, or more simply Fairpark, in all my life.

The park was packed. Our seats were just under the awning – which was GREAT – considering the entire lawn behind us had seating that was really far back and ALL of it was standing room only. The concert started right after we sat down and it took my breath away. Literally, or Lyrically. I guess both.

And really I can’t describe it, but those things hanging down..they changed colors. They glowed. They flashed. They did everything but walk off the stage, or maybe they did that too. It was all in tune to the beat, and the motion of the music, which was poetry in itself. Incredibly awesome, like nothing I have ever seen.

These images are from a google search. Our view was more like this.

But honestly? It didn’t matter where we sat. It was the greatest, most energetic, dramatic, artfully choreographed media concert show I have ever seen and, trust me, I’m no concert virgin. There was a time I thought I was watching a video being played on a big screen, when in fact it was in live time with the stage. It was that good.

I felt SAD when it ended. When our night ended. I felt like we went through something special together and a friendship bond formed. Was it love at first sight? Not at all. I was pleasantly surprised by him. Blown away by the concert, and really enjoyed our long car conversations. *It took three hours to get OUT of the concert*

Jason, my friend, my boyfriend, my husband – Happy THREE year anniversary of our meet date. I can humbly say, May 18, 2008, a Radiohead concert, truly changed my world by bringing you into it.

You know the funniest twist to it all? They didn’t even play Creep.

I’m a creep.
I’m a weirdo.
What the heck am I doing here?
I don’t belong here.
Oooh-oooh.

*I rarely re-post, but this is in honor of another year.*

Happy last first date to my sweetie! Now, when is Radiohead coming back in concert?

I Love Your Face!

Easter 2011 was a big success. Wonderful Church service in the Church my husband and I were married in. A hundred and fifty balloon launch after service. A delicious lunch catching up with family, watching cousins play. Hearing laughter, piano, and squeals. Watching the kids bang balloons, hunt Easter eggs, and blow out birthday cake candles (my oldest step-daughter is seven today).

I did my best to get some good pictures. But honestly? I haven’t figured out the trick of capturing running children, whose eyes are constantly down, searching for the golden egg. You know the one with chocolate money. These kids are so lucky! I didn’t find money eggs at their age. I found hard-boiled eggs crunchy from too many drops. And let’s not mention the ones we didn’t find….. until later when they were ripe, ripe, ripe! P-yew!

Truth is, my bum ankle isn’t spry enough to give me a very good support of going up and down in a rush. I am…uh…wobbly, to say the least.

Truly, the very best part of our Easter celebration? This face.

Happy making salad. Happy having a camera pointed at him. Happy to put up with my likes and dislikes, my fears and frustrations. Happy to take on a teenage daughter when his are still so little and years away from teenage(y) things like a long-haired boyfriend in a rock band.

Happy to hold our “littlest dog” in his lap and take her to the festivities when I know he still misses his big baby Cooper. Happy to be encouraging when I am sad about the little girls missing Church due to weekend visitations of divorced parents.

He always has a hand extended. A smile to brighten. A heart open to forgiveness and understanding. A demeanor of peace and innumerable patience (especially with communication gaps me).

I loved so many things about Easter this year. But, most especially, these two photos.

My favorites.

My dear husband….I love your face!

Speaking of faces – My iheartfaces photo challenge entry is in the page link above, or go here – Snow bound.

Austin Baby….Yeah!

A few weeks ago, my husband and I traveled to Austin. I have driven through Austin, but I haven’t stayed for any length of time. I discovered the state capital of Texas is a beautiful town. I fell in love (it’s not so weird!). Something about the hill country and all that green, then the brilliant city lights beating to the smokey vibe of urban lakefront. Then to see this…..

(source)
Wow! Absolutely stunning.

Austin was the day I did my first maternity portrait session. I don’t know if you remember me saying long, long, long, LONG ago that the only way to learn was to just do it. And that’s what I did. I did it. I tried my best. I really wanted something nice for this couple. Something to remember for a lifetime.

Their story is very special. I’ve been excited for her ever since I heard the news. A couple not expected to have children, advised it was unlikely, and then “Hello there, little one”. Surprise. A little blessing from God. A little boy.

I love little surprises like that.

They are going to be incredible parents. Their love, joy and fun just wrap around in an endless circle. Did I tell you how happy I am for them?

I wanted to show you what I saw through the lens.

Beautiful couple in a beautiful Austin park gazing in awe and wonder at the miracle of a growing life.

Congratulations to you both. I can’t wait to meet baby Lyle.

After the session, Jason and I took off for Chuy’s Hula Hut on Lake Austin. Mexican food and margaritas – oh yeah!

Best of all we got a lakeview from our table on the patio. Of course, I had to run and get my camera.

Patio Palm tree along the walkway next to the lake.

String of lights over the dock at Chuy’s. This restaurant has boat parking. How awesome is that?

It was a great way to end our day.

Like I said, I heart Austin. I heart this adorable couple. What a great adventure and what a great opportunity for my photography quest.

Thank-you Mr & Mrs Fox for a wonderful session and being my maternity guneia pigs. I adore you both and can’t wait to see you again.

Jason and I are headed back to hill country this weekend. This time to Marble Falls. I hope to do much exploration of this area and take LOTS of pictures (of course!).

Have a great weekend everyone!