Our Wedding Party

Following last Friday's post, this week I bring you our {awesome} wedding party!

My bridesmaids are so special to me! All were introduced to me during different times in college (where I feel like I grew the most) . And all have huge hearts for everyone they meet.

Chelsea, me, Kelly, & Bethany.

Their bridesmaid's dresses were from David's Bridal Special Occasion and were actually chosen before I found my own.


And we all wore J.Crew flip flops!


Our flower girl is my godfather's daughter. She was just around a year and a half and a lot of fun! Her dress was from Children's Place and went with our black suits & daisy flowers.

Sam's groomsmen included his brother, brother-in-law, & best friend. We decided not to rent suits, since all the guys had black suits already, but we did purchase a ties to unite them.

Josh, Charles, Sam, & Matt

And we bought socks that stated their "title" for the wedding!

I've said it before, but our wedding party was perfect for us!

(Quick) Weekend Recap

After our {much-needed} coast vacation, we had a relatively lazy weekend. We rolled back into town around 10am on Friday and spent most of the day doing laundry & watching the second season of LOST (more below) . My mom & grandma arrived around 5pm & we ate a delicious steak & chicken dinner made by my wonderful husband! Then my mom took me to JoAnn's Fabric Store to pick out my first project on my new sewing machine. I'll leave the reveal a surprise until it's finished. My grandma also bought Sam (& the rest of us) a blackberry cream cheese pie from Shari's for dessert. My mom & grandma stuck around to spend the night, so we played a few games before bed.

Saturday brought early risers, as my mom & grandma were heading the rest of the way up to Washington for the weekend. We made them coffee & talked about Fiestaware until they decided they had to go. Sam & I spent the rest of the day & night finishing the second season of LOST (with a small break to go to the gym & the grocery store) . Sam has been hooked on LOST since day 1, but I, on the other hand, didn't get into until this year. Therefore, I've had a lot of catching up to do and I'd say we're doing quite well. Only 2 more seasons to go (since I watched season 5 on TV this year) before the final season airs next January. I can't wait!

Sunday, we got up and went to church. When we came home, I began cleaning house & Sam headed to the gym. When he got home, we curled up on the couch & watched Ocean's 11. Then Sam made another delicious dinner on the BBQ & we watched Big Brother.

As we hoped, our weekend was lazy, but just what we needed. Unfortunately, today (Monday) came all too soon after 4 1/2 days off.

Much Needed Vacation

Sam & I have been dreaming of a vacation for the 13 months, but with changing jobs and lack of vacation time, we've been stuck doing just that - dreaming. Until last Wednesday when we really did it, we went on vacation!

Sam & I - 7.22.09

With the Oregon coast as our destination, we were on the road by 1pm on Wednesday and before we knew it, we had arrived at the beach. We checked into our hotel & immediately headed down to the beach. We stuck our toes in water (brr!) and took some self-portraits. Then we headed back to the hotel to go swimming. After working up an appetite, we headed to an Oregon landmark - Moe's.

Cold water!

Thursday, we woke up early for breakfast & then down to the water to check out the tide pools. I love watching Sam take such interest in making sure he gets the best shot. He looks so happy when he has his camera!

Sam, his camera, & various sea creatures.

Following the beach, we got ready for the day. Our plans included a trip to the Tillamook Cheese Factory & Cape Meares. It was a beautiful day to be out & exploring the coast. Once we got back from our outing, we headed to the pool again. Then we headed to a local pizzeria for dinner. Sam had hoped to get some shots of the sunseting on the beach, but unfortunately the clouds rolled in right around the time the sun went down.

Fresh Tillamook ice cream.

Friday, we just packed up & headed home. The whole way home we just kept saying what a great few days we just had. And I told Sam we couldn't go another year without another getaway, so hopefully our next vacation isn't too far off.

Yay for vacations!

My Wedding Dress

In my Google Reader, there are various newlywed blogs out there that I read daily. One I read daily (Kelly's Korner) is hosting a "Show Us Your Wedding Dress" event today and I couldn't pass it up!

Unfortunately, I wasn't one of those brides who wanted to try on every dress possible to find "the one". I actually dreaded the wedding dress search entirely because I didn't think I'd find something simple (& inexpensive) enough.

"The One"

After much coaxing, I caved & decided I'd go to one place in hopes to find my dress. With my MOH, my mom, future mother-in-law, & future sister-in-law in tow, we arrived at David's Bridal with one hope in mind -- find my wedding dress!

One of the (reject) dresses I tried on.

3 hours later, I had tried on over 20 dresses (everything from a poofy, ballgown dress to a sleek, body hugging dress) and I had found my dress! And everyone agreed that it was the perfect fit & style for me. With no hesitation, we made the purchase and walked out of the store with no regrets.

My dress during alterations.

On our wedding day, I couldn't wait to put on my dress! Once I stepped into my dress, all the stress & cares of the days (& months) leading up were swept away. I finally felt like a real bride!

Putting on my dress.

Sam & I - 6.27.08

Wednesday Wish List

Last week, Sam & I came home to a package on the front step. Neither of us remembered ordering anything, but we certainly could have. To our surprise, it was a gift from our awesome loan officer, Conrad Venti. And it was something I had been looking at purchasing, so it was very special to receive.

(I'm using this as my Wednesday Wish List since it should have been on my list a few months ago.)

I've seen these all over Etsy, but actually this was done locally, which makes me feel a little better (buying from a local artist) . For about $30, a custom made sign can easily be yours, just like our new addition.

Weekend Recap: Late Birthdays & Bocce Ball

Today, we got to spend the afternoon with Sam's family. For a late birthday party, everyone decided to come to Salem. We ate (homemade pizza, salad, fruit) and chatted. I also opened some awesome kitchen accessories that I can't wait to use.

Following lunch, we walked over to the park and played some bocce ball - girls vs guys.

After over 20 rounds, the girls pulled it out for the win! Woo!

We had a great time with family & can't wait to get together for Matt's birthday in a few weeks.

Weekend Recap: Weddings & Birthdays Edition

Our weekend began Friday evening with a little gathering of friends (sorry, no pictures were taken) . Tim, Kelly, & Ben came over after work for a little homemade pizza party at our house. Kelly & I have been trying to get together for a couple weeks and my birthday served up a good reason to do just that. There was good food & good conversation. Ultimately, a good evening all around!

On Saturday, we woke up early & were on the road to Bend before 8am. Our first stop in Bend was a little visit with our favorite baby - Levi Heater (and his mom, Michelle, of course) ! Sam came up with a great nickname for Levi - '501' - and I couldn't love it more!

Levi enjoyed giving me smiles & funny eyebrow raises.

Sam & '501'.

After the visit, we went to my mom's house and helped her move stuff into the garage. She was so thankful to have her strong son-in-law there to lift the heavy items. Go Sam! Then we got all dressed up for the reason for the visit - Shelby & Justin's wedding!

All dressed up!

A beautiful view.

Mr. & Mrs. Francis!

Krisie & I - friends since we were 2.

The first dance.

Today (Sunday) I turned 24. I don't necessarily feel older, but saying I'm '24' now feels old for some reason. It was great to be in Bend with my mom, brother, & husband for my actual birthday and they spoiled me with thoughtful gifts, including jewelry, this piece of art, serving pieces, clothes, & a sewing machine!!! They also took me out to breakfast before Sam & I headed back over the mountain.

Birthday breakfast.

Weekend Recap: 4th of July Edition

photo by Sam Grable

We spent the 4th of July in Sandy this year. We attended a BBQ at Sam's grandparent's house with lots of family & friends. The weather was beautiful and there was an abundance of food.

Following the BBQ, we headed back to Sam's parent's house to play some games & wait for the firework show. Around 9pm, we walked down to the Sandy High School football stadium to grab a spot for the show. With an hour to kill, we took some pictures and sang along with Josh's iPhone. Once the firework show started, we couldn't take our eyes off it. For those who had attended the show previous years said it was the best one they'd ever seen!

Waiting for the fireworks to begin with the siblings & husband [me, Josh, Laura, & Sam] but missing our brother, Matt.

We also stuck around for the 5th of July for the annual Sandy Baptist Church's outdoor service. We had church, food, & games. Including a dunk tank, where Josh (brother-in-law) was dunked several times! So glad we didn't miss that!

Josh being dunked!

Wednesday Wish List

Is it really Wednesday already? With a 4-day work week and a rough couple of days (Monday & Tuesday, end of the month) , Wednesday sure has snuck up on me. Not to mention that it's already July! I sort of feel like the summer is slipping away already and that doesn't make me happy. So in order to remind myself it is still summer, while being locked in an office all summer, here is this week's Wednesday Wish List:Anthropologie's Blue Sky Thong is just the right thing to celebrate summer & the first day of a fabulous month (birthday month!) . And for under $20, you can't go wrong with a sandal like this!