Wedding Weekends

The past two weekends were filled with love at two lovely weddings. Nothing is more beautiful than seeing friends marry their best friend.

Shortly after Jace's graduation, we hopped in the car and drove to KY so we could attend Jay and Lisa's wedding. Jace was a groomsman and the wedding was at Keeneland. Jay and Jace have been friends since high school and Jay is Jace's best man. I love that Jay and Jace were/are engaged at the same time and could talk wedding stuff. Surprisingly, guys talk about wedding things more than most girls would think!

We had the absolute best time at Jay and Lisa's wedding! Mr. Cash can throw a party and more importantly make everyone feel so welcome! Jay and Lisa were so hospitable and I think they danced with almost every guest that attended and let me tell you, those two can cut a rug! Jay gets it naturally because his momma has some amazing dance moves!

Everything about their wedding was classy and timeless. The venue, the food, the flowers, the decorations, the bridesmaids dresses, the band, the lighting, everything. Everything was so detailed and looked great. Thanks Jay and Lisa for a wonderful evening. Jace and I love you!



Kentucky Room at Keeneland



Jace and Lisa dancing

Only Jay Cash can dance with two girls at the same time

Best friends

The Joe Harvey Band

This past weekend, Matt and Liz got married in Mayfield at the Lodge at Emerald Waters. Jace and I had never been there before and it was beautiful. The Lodge can accommodate weddings but can also be rented out for hunting expeditions. The lake at the Lodge is over 80 acres and it is beautiful. God's country really is in Graves County. The Lodge fit Matt and Liz to a T! It had a country feel to it but was also elegant.

I saw Liz after she got her hair done and before makeup. She was glowing. She was calm and collected and very ready to see Matt. The next time I saw her was when her daddy walked her down the aisle. She was emotional and you could tell she was soaking up the moment. The way Matt looked at her while standing at the alter, it was simply love.

Husband & Wife

One of the most beautiful cakes I have ever seen

Cake cutting time!

After their vows and exchanging of rings, the bridal party took pictures and it allowed Jace and I and the other guests time to soak up the views of the Lodge. After pictures, we ate a wonderful meal of BBQ and maybe the best tasting hashbrown casserole I have ever had. Once the cake was cut, it was time to hit the dance floor. Thankfully from Jay and Lisa's wedding, Jace and I were already warmed up on our dance moves.

Overall the night was wonderful, the bride was stunning and now they are enjoying a much needed honeymoon! Best wishes Matt & Liz!

Traveling Sabbath

I have had so many thoughts running through my head lately and have finally found time to get them in word.

In Sunday School we have been reading a book by Matthew Sleeth, called 24/6. It stresses the importance of taking one day a week to observe the Sabbath. I understand the importance but struggled with finding ways for me to observe the Sabbath. I struggled with this for several weeks but finally found it this past week.

This past week, I traveled home and did a presentation in Princeton. I found my Sabbath in the four hour drive. What I love about the drive home is that I am away from the computer and I can sit back, drive, and just think. I notice nature's beauty and enjoy the solitude of just me and my radio. When I arrived at home, there is a sense of comfort that washes over me. There truly is no place like home.

I also found my Sabbath at home. I love nothing more than sitting on our deck or porch, watching the day begin or enjoying the final minutes of daylight in the evening. I love nothing more than sitting outside at night, watching my pup and Big play outside. I try to stay out there until the mosquitoes get to me and it becomes too dark to see. This is my Sabbath. During this time, I find myself thanking God for his many blessings. In Graves county, my soul is refreshed and I only wish I could get back more often.

After I completed my presentation Tuesday night, I returned to Lexington Wednesday afternoon. I arrived back in town just to leave again. I visited Lauren and Adam this weekend and we had the best time. There is something about spending time with your best friends that does a body good.

The traveling will continue...Wednesday I fly out for Jace's law school graduation. He graduates this upcoming Friday and I can't believe it. Where has 3 years gone? I always thought I would be a mess at graduation but I think I will hold it together. Now, his momma is a different story. Dana may not leave with any mascara on.

Right after graduation, Jace and I will get in the car and drive back to KY for Jay's wedding. This drive will be a first for me. To be honest with you, I am just like Miss Daisy. I have never drove in big cities before and traffic scares me. To help me overcome this fear, I suggested to Jace that I drive part of the way back to KY so I could get some experience and he will be there to help coach me. This means I will route around Memphis. If you would, say an extra prayer for me. I will need divine intervention!

Through all my travels I think I found my Sabbath. Traveling gives me time to reconnect with my thoughts and I can reflect on the blessings in my life. What is your Sabbath?

Thursday's fun facts

Today is just a regular Thursday but there are a few fun facts associated with today. Today marks 100 days until our wedding! Crazy! Time is really flying by and I can't believe it. I want it to speed up and slow down at the same time. There are still many logistics to figure out with our move to FL and most days it overwhelms me. I also tear up every time I think about leaving my momma and the Teak. But on the other hand, I can't wait to be Jace's wife and to start our lives together. I am sure there will be many happy and sad tears shed during the next 99 days.

Today is also Jace's last day of classes at Mississippi College School of Law. Where has 3 years gone? How can this be? Three years in MS has made Jace into what I call a MS wimp. He thinks 40 degree weather in February is cold, whereas I am scraping frost from my car in February and thinking 40 degrees is a heat way. Three years has brought other changes in Jace as well. He has longer hair, loves a good bow tie, and isn't afraid of crawfish or an oyster. In three years, he has come into his own and become the "tax guy".

Some days, law school has been three LONG years and other days, these three years feels like we turned around twice and now it is time for graduation. I hated Appellate Advocacy, every Moot Court trial,  late night phone calls from him on his way home that I didn't remember the next day, the stress associated with finals, etc. As much as I hated these tough periods of law school they have been bearable due to the friendships Jace and I have made. They have created joy and fun in some of the most stressful periods of life. It is because of our friends that I secretly wish we could stay in law school just a little bit longer and cherish the thought that all of us are together and no one is moving or having to go work in the "real world" just yet.

The thought of Jace's last day of class at MC makes me reminisce about a trip we took before he started law school. We went to Hilton Head and with his toes in the sand, Jace read "1L of a Ride". One chapter was on relationships. It didn't paint a pretty picture. Basically, it said that if you were in a relationship that chances weren't good for you and your partner because law school is so demanding. If only Jace and I could go back and talk to those two kids on the beach and reassure them that yes, there would be tough times but it will make you stronger and better people. We could have saved ourselves a lot of time that summer because we were both worried to death. We had no idea how demanding it would be on our relationship but thank God we made it through.

So, today is sorta a big deal. I have found myself reflecting on the past, thankful for where we are today, and very much hopeful for our future.

Papaw's Roast

When my Mom came up for Easter, one night her, Teak, and I were talking about Papa's retirement roast and we tried to watch it. It is on VHS and wouldn't work on our VHS player. Mom took it home with her and her sweet boss burned 5 DVD copies for Teak, the girls, and I. Mom didn't tell Teak and I she was doing this so when we got them in the mail this week it was a nice surprise.

Friday night after dinner, Teak and I put in the DVD and had the best time. My Papaw worked for 31 years in Cooperative Extension as a swine specialist. I like to think that his legacy still lives on in the College of Agriculture and I am quite proud to know that he was well liked and respected within Extension, the college, and the state. I never knew him as a specialist since he retired the year I was born. But from what Mom has told me is that he retired when it was no longer fun. He left when the traveling got to be too much and yet was young enough to still enjoy his free time.

The roast had plenty of dirty humor and the stories were quite funny. I noticed throughout the night that Papaw kept checking his watch. He didn't want to the be the center of attention and would have much rather had the spotlight on someone else. Various people from the Ag College and the swine industry roasted him and I must say they did a fine job. After a few playful jabs at him, they all commented on how great of a man he was and how much he impacted the swine industry. He was a mentor to many and a trusted colleague to all. That was evident since 450 people attended his retirement roast/dinner.

His one liners keep me laughing and I got the opportunity to hear his voice again and memories came flooding back. I remembered how he used to call us "gang". I remembered his laugh and his smile. I remembered the tuffs of white hair that he had. He was constantly lighting another cigarette, which is how I remember Papaw. He also said a few words of wisdom that ring so true today. One of his liners said in reference to orientation for agents and specialists, "the mind can only absorb what the seat can handle". In other words, he was tired of sitting in training and was ready for a break.

Papaw was in administration for five years and though this was a high honor, he was never the administrator type. He wanted to be with the people; he wanted to be "in the field". He wanted to talk to those hog farmers and help their farming operation. He wanted to create healthy, fat pigs which makes happy farmers.

When it was time for him to speak, he got through his thanks quite well. In his speech, he said that the reason he wanted to be in Extension was to help people and promote the university. This too is the reason why I went into Extension. I want to help others in a non-traditional setting and improve the lives of citizens. I would extend his remarks and say that I perused Extension to also help promote the College. The College has done so much for me and it is an honor to be a representative of this land-grant university and strong College. Yet, when it came time to thank his family the words got a little more difficult. Though he was holding back tears, he ended his speech saying thank you to his friends and family and how he was going to spend more time with them. That he did. He enjoyed piddling with UK athletics, farming at his family farm, and spending time with us grandkids. He still visited his buddies at the Ag College and kept up on the latest news.

Watching his retirement roast was a true blessing. I got to see my Papaw in his prime and remember the sweet man that I love and miss deeply. I pray that I can have a career that I am remembered for helping others and someone who wanted to go "into the field". I pray I realize my passion and make that my life's work so that way work doesn't feel like work but instead the greatest blessing that I get to live out each and every day.

 That DVD means the world to me and I only wish we had more things on video. So I have determined that Jace and I will record everything so our children and us can remember life. Now excuse me as I research video cameras!

In stitches

Y'all things around Teak's house are very routine. We don't get in too big of hurry, life is fairly predictable, and we are comfortable with our routine. However, when I walked in the door yesterday and saw that Teak was holding ice to her mouth I knew our predictable life had found a little excitement!

The Teak had to have physical therapy quite some time ago and to be honest with you, I forget what she had worked on it was that long ago. They said she could come in each week and exercise and she has done this for several, several months now. She goes twice a week and has gotten to know the workers and in small world fashion, one of the girls in there used to be one of my residents.

Yesterday, Teak headed to PT and waited for a girl to get off the treadmill. Teak said she was running fast and thought they were rehabbing for her a leg injury. When the girl got off, Teak got on and she started out slow. I guess when she increased the speed the treadmill resumed the speed the girl had. The girl was running at 6 MPH which was entirely too fast for my sweet Teak. Teak ended up falling and hit face first. She tried to brace herself which we can tell through the cuts and bruises on her hands. She was not terribly hurt but did have to get 5 stitches in her bottom lip. Thankfully, her teeth didn't go through her bottom lip or worse, break. That was her first question to the PTs, did she break her teeth!

She said the PTs came running and told her that it wasn't her fault that she fell. The treadmill should have been reset before she got on. Teak laughed it away once she knew she was ok and even drove herself to Urgent Treatment. I asked her if she cried and she didn't but did say the worse part of it all was the tetanus shot she had to have.

By yesterday afternoon, she looked like she was permanently pouting or as I told her it looked like she had lip filler injected. Once news broke about Teak, all her kids came or called. I wasn't home ten minutes when Sam walked in the door to check on his MawMaw. Ross called later in the evening and Jake said that he wasn't worried about her because "she is a tough ol' bird". That she is.

I know she is ok and thank the Lord for keeping her safe. It could have been much worse. I know the PTs were quick to act and at least it happened there and not at home.

Now we are trying to create some fancy, elaborated story about her lip. I suggested that Teak wanted to look like some of the Real Housewives and blow up her lips to an unnatural size. Aunt T suggested that Teak got mad at Sam for not visiting more often and hit him and he hit her back. As always with this family, we will find some type of humor in any bad situation.

So that was our eventful Thursday evening. With lip stitches, it can only mean one thing: milkshakes! I did a quick DQ run and with anything, ice cream can make it better. She will be black and blue and sore for a couple of days but as Jake said, "she is a tough ol' bird"!

Wedding Update

One of the greatest blessings Jace has ever given me is at 15 month engagement. We are 3 1/2 months away from the wedding and I have been stress free so far. The beauty of a 15 month engagement is that when I feel like working on wedding stuff, I can. I don't feel pressure to get X amount of things done each week and race against the clock. I go at my own pace and slowly chip away at my to-do list. This week has been one of those weeks that I have worked on the wedding and I must say it has been a busy week!

Tuesday after work I picked up our invitations. They are lovely. When I held the invitation in my hand, I thought to myself "things just got real!" Something about seeing your names in print makes everything surreal. I felt the same way about the Save-the-Date cards. I loved my invitations but what I didn't love was that I didn't receive our lined envelopes, tissue paper, thank you cards, or accommodation cards. Hopefully they will be shipped soon and I can start stuffing and addressing.

Crestwood Christian Church is beautiful! I am using tablecloths to cover the Lord's table which is actually three wood 3 X 3 tables all pushed together. I am breaking up the tables and using two to hold the large flower arrangement and the other table will hold the memory candle and our unity candle. I went to Purdon's Rental and picked up two different sized table cloths and ran to the church to see which one fit better. By now they know me by name at Purdon's and thankfully they have been great to work with.

I also scheduled my trial makeup and hair session with the one and only Pink Lou Lou! Funny side story: I saw her at Target the other weekend. I had on jeans, a UF shirt, and no makeup. That morning I washed all my makeup brushes and went all natural and believe me I need at least some concealer and a touch of mascara each day! We were in the same aisle and I introduced myself looking like a hot mess. I know I turned beet red and was so awestruck at meeting her! She is a huge blogger and girlfriend can do hair and makeup like none other! Anyway, I emailed her and we have a trail date set up and ready to go! I can't wait.

Also this week, I completed the quiz for our marital counseling session. I am so thankful that Jace can come up to Lex and for us to meet in person with Kory. Originally we planned to do this over Google Plus but since Jace will be in town for Jay's wedding, we scheduled our session for the Monday after. This will be the first time Jace has been in Lexington since July 4, 2011! It means alot to me that we can do this in person and not over the computer. We have had to make too many  big decisions over the computer and thankfully this is one where we don't need Internet connection!

I have also listened to a CD my church organist gave me for ideas for the ceremony music. I knew this would be difficult; there are so many songs that I like and I try to envision who will be walking to each one. I will have to get my momma's input on this decision as well as Jace's. Jace and I are driving from MS to KY for Jay's wedding and hopefully after 9 hours in the car we will have a complete ceremony play list.

Last week Jace booked our wedding night hotel so at least that is taken care of and off the to-do list. I feel like we are making lots of progress! I am not stressed and am getting more and more excited. I sorta feel like the tortoise in the story of the tortoise and the hare. Slow and steady and just keep chipping away at the to-do list!

Weekend Recap

Last Wednesday I jumped out of bed at 5:15 AM and was excited for the day. After a quick shower and all bathroom accessories packed, I pulled into the airport parking lot on two wheels! You see, I was just two flights away from Jace and was extremely excited to see my boy! After two flights, 1 tram ride to Concourse B, and 1 weighted down suitcase I made it to Jackson, MS. Jace had a graduation meeting that day and told me he would be late in picking me up. But that boy surprised me and met me as soon as I got through the security gate. After a quick hug and kiss, I pracitically sprinted to the car and got vacay started!

Jace surprised me again with two magazines waiting for me at his apartment. He had night class on Wednesday and class on Thursday and wanted to get me something to help pass the time. We visited for a couple hours and then he had to run to class. I tried to be a good spouse in training and fixed dinner while he was at class. We decided to keep it simple and do spaghetti and meatballs with garlic bread. I could not for the life of me remember when he would get out of class. I remembered that the professor was keeping them later. I thought he was getting out of class at 6:30 but couldn't remember if that was slow time or my time? I decided to air on the side of caution and to go ahead and fix dinner just in case he came home earlier than I thought. I put my noodles on, browned my meatballs, and set the table. While everything was cooking I started looking at my Southern Living magazine and was completely engrossed in the various flowers they were promoting in the issue. Before I knew it my spaghetti sauce was completely cooked down and I ended up using the whole jar for the two of us. I had to put more water in my noodles, which had become the size of my arm because I had boiled them so long! I texted Jace and asked when he was coming home and he replied in 45 MINUTES. Though my intentions were good, I failed at dinner. When he did arrive home, everything was edible and it tasted good but there was just enough sauce for our two plates. Not my best run at dinner but we ate!

Thursday morning meant an early morning class for Jace and I got up with him. After he left I went for a wonderful run in a neighborhood next to his apartment. I haven't ran since the Color Me Rad and need to start running again since I signed up for another 5K. I was not fast and it sure wasn't pretty but I ran. What was pretty was the neighborhood which had a ton of azaleas (white, pink, purple). It felt great outside since a storm was rolling in and I was glad I ran.Thursday afternoon Jace came home and we went to Bo's house to watch the Master's with the guys. By this point, I had cabin fever and was ready to get out and socialize. The guys were intensely watching the Master's and could tell you who previously won. The facts they knew about the Master's was too much for me. Why keep all those statistics in your head? I kept myself occupied with Bo's basset hounds, Charlotte and Murray. I petted on those two babies and entertained myself until Bo's wife came home!

Friday morning I went to school with Jace. I went with him just so I could spend time with him. Let me tell you though, the two of us getting ready in a teeny tiny bathroom was something! He needed the sink to shave, the outlet wouldn't hold the hairdryer plug-in, I had to put my makeup on in the closet (which has a long mirror). We got to school with plenty of time but my hair resembled a bush! I was exhausted by the time I got to school and you really couldn't tell that I worked on my hair or makeup! Start praying for us now when we move to Gainesville!

We went to Criminal Procedure together and the class was interesting. This class isn't really in Jace's transactional law track but he thought it would be helpful for the Bar. He told me they were currently reviewing what they had learned through Law & Order episodes. Turns out the TV shows are wrong most of the time, in terms of the law. What I got out of class was to put stuff in your trunk. It is harder for cops to search your trunk but your glove compartment is free game. Now this is probably completely wrong and Jace will correct me tonight when he reads this but as someone who knows nothing about law, this is what I got out of class. Take it for what it's worth!

After class, Jace and I had a DATE! I can't tell you the last time we had a date, DATE! Lately, when we have seen each other or have gone home we have so much business to discuss: Bar application, apartment hunting, apartment signing, wedding save-the-dates, registering, guest lists, UF information, etc., etc., etc. Don't get me wrong I love seeing Jace and hate that we don't get to see each other more often but we had got bogged down in business and had forgotten just how much fun we have when we are together.

 Jace took me to Two Sisters Kitchen which is in the heart of downtown Jackson and it is true Southern food. We loaded up on fried chicken, corn, green beans, biscuits, and any other starch filled food you and think of. We ate and talked for 2 hours! People this is huge! I can't tell you the last time we visited like that, in person. It was the most gorgeous day, we ate outside, there was a slight breeze, and a guy played his guitar and sang! I couldn't have dreamt a better day. We stayed until closing and both hated to leave. We strolled back to our car hand-in-hand. Yes, it was that perfect and exactly what our souls needed. Thinking about that lunch puts the biggest smile on my face and makes my heart feel full.

Lunch date at Two Sisters

 

Friday afternoon we both noticed something! We got completely burnt from our lunch. The top of my forearms were beet red and a nice pale white underneath. Jace's face was red too! Kentucky hasn't had that great of a Spring nor had I experienced 70 degree weather. By the end of the night I felt like I was on fire and had to apply aloe!

My red arms didn't go too well with my black satin dress for Barrister's Ball! Jace and I got ready and headed to Parlor Market to meet everyone for dinner. There was 12 of us in our party and it was good to see everyone. Vince came out with us and he and Jaced worked together at the tax firm earlier this year. Vince had just received word he passed the Bar and we all congratulated him. Then I  met a guy name Jay who looks just like Sean for the Bachelor! After dinner we headed to the Ball and danced the night away. Jace and I have no dance moves but we have a great time on the dance floor. We danced to everything from "Brown Eyed Girl" to "Shout"! We left at the end of the night when they played "Don't Stop Believin" which is our favorite song. On that high note, we headed home and rolled into bed around 1 AM.

How cute is he?

 

Me, Lane, and Haley
(Barrister's Ball was Circus Theme so don't mind the popcorn in the background)

 

I love how big our smiles are in this pictures

 

The Baxter's and soon-to-be Stamper's

Saturday morning we had a date at our favorite bakery and thank the Lord, I don't live close to that bakery. I could eat their egg, cheese, and bacon biscuit every morning! Saturday afternoon we visited a Cyrus swamp and it was neat. We topped off the day by getting Hooter's wings to go and watched Moneyball. Saturday night, Jace and I had another wonderful conversation. It was heartfelt, pure, and honest. When you are apart and get to have those conversations in person (finally), they mean so much more.

Sunday was the day we had been dreading. It means that I have to pack up and fly back home. But before leaving we went to church and let me tell you the choir took us to church! The message was really good too! I am impressed by First Baptist Jackson and think they are doing wonderful things in that congregation and community.  After a quick lunch, I headed back to my old Kentucky home. It felt good to touch down in God's country but it felt even better to spend a few days with Jace!