The Weekend

I had an amazing weekend but one that was full of mixed emotions.  We celebrated MyH(e)art becoming a BERRY, remembered Chad on his birthday, and celebrated Father's Day.  This blog will be filled with elation...don't get me wrong...but I need to say a few things first.

Saturday was Chad's birthday.  It was one of the first things on my mind that day.  I read my daily emails from my family, where everyone was remembering in their own special way.  I was sad.  I knew the day he died that Christmas would be unimaginable without him there.  Thanksgiving for that matter too.  But his birthday?  The day that marked his entry into this world...I didn't think it would hit me the way it did.  I took a pause and really tried to put it on the back burner.  This was MyH(e)art's day...I could be sad tomorrow.  Until I read this.  I was in the truck with Tuck...reading silently on my phone when I had a t-total meltdown.  I know I caught him off guard because he didn't know if he should keep his eyes on the road or on me...the hysterical passenger in the front seat.  Her blog was chilling.  So beautifully and perfectly written.  And then I was really sad.

In that moment I realized that June 19th was Father's Day.  It hit me that this would be the first year of my life to not spend Father's Day with my father...who is alive and well.  So I was sad.  It hit me that his babies were missing their daddy yesterday.  That HIS father spent his first Father's Day without his oldest son.  It broke my heart.

Little moments during the weekend left me paralyzed thinking about him.  At the rehearsal dinner I was upset knowing that he would never meet my future husband.  Knowing he wouldn't be there to give a toast at my rehearsal dinner.  MyH(e)art married a Chad.  Her older cousin Chad had his fourth child that weekend.  He was every where and it was all I could do to not think about him.

Don't get me wrong.  June 18th was a happy day.  I was able to celebrate his life...and one of the most important days in my girl's life.

She said I do.  And he did too.

The weekend was perfect.  After braving some EXTREME weather in Arkansas the Thursday night before...I was in Tupelo and ready for action.  Friday morning started the weekend off with a bang.  A bridesmaid's luncheon filled with lots of laughter, bottomless mimosas, and heaps of chicken salad kicked the day off right.  Lots of meeting and greeting...with the groom's mother and grandmothers in attendance.  I learned that Chad's mother (the MOG) and I are kindred spirits.  She is an absolute hoot, has the best attitude, and will tell it to you like it is- wish I had gotten to meet her sooner.  It was also excellent because so many of my favorite people were all in one place and under one roof.  In typical Tupelo fashion...we took 423409127974523410912 pictures...but I didn't mind.

 Missing 3 bridesmaids and a flower girl...but best group shot I got

 One of my favorite pictures of the weekend

 MyH(e)art with her precious grandmothers

 Original GO

 Original and wannabe newest GO girls

Disney's newest princess.  Watch out nugs...Belle is on her way to Orlando!

Friday afternoon Tuck came to town.  We had a quick visit before I had to get ready to practice my stroll down the aisle.  Please take note of his tie and shirt combos in pictures to follow...my first time shopping for a boy (without any male input)...and I think I did pretty good.  Just as Tuck said, "FYI: I look sexy"....yes, you do sir, yes you do....if I do say so myself.  Dinner that night was fabulous.  The speeches were so sweet and described our couple perfectly. 

After the dinner, Chad's family had us on the rooftop of the restaurant for some dancing.  Let me tell you.  Tupelo girls are known for breaking out into spontaneous song...full on harmonization and everything (don't worry they did it this weekend too).  But Little Rock boys/ Ole Miss KA's?  Definitely known for shaking a tail feather or two.  We had SO MUCH fun dancing that night...it was a GREAT indicator for what Saturday night would have in store. 

 I've done this more post graduation than I ever would have considered doing during college

Saturday could not have gone more smoothly.  MyH(e)art was absolutely breathtaking.  Everything was just perfect.  Her dress was totally her.  From lace in her hair that looked like her everyday headband...side pony included...hit the nail on the head.  The whole day was all her.  Her photographer made everything so easy and allowed her to just soak up the day and HAVE FUN.  I cried as she walked down the aisle.  I could see her tiny little body just shaking as she held on to her daddy.  Being able to see Chad's face during the ceremony was amazing.  He meant every word he said...each vow said with such purpose.  They shared communion together after they said their vows.  She caught my eye as she turned back to be announced as husband and wife.  The look on her face was priceless.  A combination of: this is really happening, I'm definitely almost Mrs. Berry, thanks for being up here with me, and I'm so in love.  She is...so in love.  I'm delighted I got to share in that day with the two of you!

The reception immediately followed.  The wedding party trekked the streets of Tupelo for additional wedding pictures.  It was HOT but gorgeous.  We danced the night away.  I hardly even sweated...I was amazed.  Tuck was dry as a bone when we left...we're lucky that way.

 Apparently I have some stiff competition 

 See, like not hot at all

Best part of the night?  Wedding party did the Wobble.  I hope y'all are able to view this.  We will see.  It was so fun and so very Berry. 

Oh and I toasted the happy couple this year.  Unlike last year.  So they know all my wishes for the future.  With such a solid foundation...so much fun ahead for the two of you!

The Weekend.

Just some words

Just some words to recap my weekend.  No pictures this time...so I totally understand if you feel the need to "X" out.  Go for it.

So I spent the weekend with Tuck.  And with his family.  I had the best time.  He apologized over and over for not having a "plan"for the weekend.  Not having "events" for us to be fully entertained every hour of every day.  It couldn't have been more perfect though.  We both agreed that it was nice to just be.  Since we see each other so infrequently we try to squeeze all this stuff into two days.  We were just together and I wouldn't have had it any other way.

People are always surprised about the weird things that we know about each other but living nearly six hours way from one another...the only thing there is to do is talk.  But this weekend?  I learned a lot.  A lot stuff that made me laugh.

1. The boy has no issue throwing you under a bus.  Say for instance, you aren't particularly fond of eating a certain type of meat...but you will eat it.  Say, too, that this meat (that will remain unnamed) is being served that night for dinner...it's in the plan...his mama planned it...had it cooking.  So hypothetically speaking, say all of that happened, know what he would do?  He would walk into the kitchen and TELL HER THAT YOU WON'T EAT IT.  Ummm, excuse me?  Hypothetically speaking you would apologize profusely, say there was a misunderstanding, tell her that you actually LOVE this meat, and you would eat extra that night.  Hypothetically speaking, of course.
2. When swimming it is important to keep the boy occupied.  Pool toys may or may not have been purchased for his entertainment.  He also may or may not have been the most popular guy amongst his five-year-old counterparts.
3. He hates Oreos.  I don't even think I can go there...because let's be honest...that was almost a deal breaker.
4. When he is eating or drinking something new he gets the most serious look on his face.  I've known for about six months now that we are working with a very limited palate.  BUT this look of fear comes over him...like whatever is inside his oral cavity is about to retaliate on him in there.
5. Sometimes the look of death must be flashed in his direction for the trash to be taken out.  That's all.
6. He's a good sport.  We visited Mimi over the weekend.  Margo (an aunt....you will be hearing about them this summer...Crazy Lady blog in the works) INSISTED we give him a tour of the happenin' town of Belzoni.  We saw all of the highlights...including the cemetery.  Don't think it was a drive by or anything...we had to drive the car through it.  You know, why not?  No trip would be complete without a trip to the cemetery.  He went along with it and didn't break up with me after.  Miracles do happen.
7. Going along with being a good sport...he's suffered through a lot of crazy...but taken it in great stride.  Last week, for whatever reason, my entire family (the women) attacked him on Facebook.  One, who will remain nameless, FORCED him to be her friend...sent some pretty threatening messages.  He does well with cougars...most of these women are in that "cougar" population...so honestly, I think he enjoyed it.
8. It should go on record that THIS weekend we spent the most time together that we've ever spent with each other.  Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.  Four.whole.days. Thanks for taking off on Monday.
9. Trying to create a drink that you've never actually tasted and don't know the proportions for isn't always the best idea.  It didn't even end up tasting that horrible but you think we could ever make it again?  Heck no.

So those are just some words and some things I learned.

You got to laugh about it.

It has been a year

Well, I've been a blogger for a year and a day.  An eventful year it has been.  So glad I have a lot of it written down.

I have to thank you all for all the sweet messages, cards, thoughts, and prayers that you have been sending our way.  We've felt it.  It is hard to believe it has been three weeks since I lived one of the worst days of my life.  Thank you.  I love you all.

When I got back to the Big City, my sweetie friends swooped me up and took such good care of me.  We had an eventful night the evening that I got back.  $5 buckets?  Yeah.  We met a man...who introduced himself as TyBear (Like the Beanie Baby...his words, not mine).  I love my friends...all of them.

That weekend, the boyfriend came for a visit.  An amazing pick me up.  We did a lot of laughing and eating out. EXACTLY what I needed...minus the calories.  We celebrated a friend's birthday the first night.  Let me tell you, the boy had on his dancing shoes.  I think I've met my match.  The boy also sings VERY loudly.  You think he knows ANY of the correct lyrics?  Heck no...he doesn't.  Does that stop him?  Of course not.  God love him.  We did a brewery tour on Saturday and then spent that night watching movies on the couch.  Can you say perfect evening?

Last weekend, I wound up in Nashvegas for one last rendezvous with one really cute single lady.  Her wedding is the third weekend in June.  I can't believe it.  It was a small reunion for me.  I've made some fabulous friends from weddings alone.  Here's to you MyH(e)art!

 Post cicada attack.  I can't even go there.  Too traumatic to even discuss.

 Be still my heart.  I hadn't seen either of these ladies in six months.

 Fave picture of the whole weekend.  She'll see this after she's married.  That's a microphone in the middle, Mimi.

Boyfriend's bestie.  Sad you weren't there Tuck (boyfriend)? 

So I'm in a two week class right now.  I finish up on Friday.  Hallelujah.  I also leave that day to spend a long weekend with Tuck and his family.  I'm so excited.  I've been told some fishing and other outdoor activities will be going down.  Competition ON. :)  I will be starting work full time next week.  I went for the first time today.  I couldn't ask for a better place to be.  The Lord has blessed me in more ways than I could have imagined since I've been here.  The clinic is so very much my speed.  Three audiologists on staff.  One works mostly with kiddies, one mostly adults, and one mostly cochlear implants.  Two are from the South- one went to UT (That would be Tennessee) and the other...wait for it...OLE MISS.  Both of these ladies go to the Methodist church.  Both are originally from Memphis.  REALLY?  I couldn't be in a more perfect place.  I am looking forward to learning a lot...and working with some sweet babies!!!

Catch you soon. 

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