New Year's Eve Wedding

One of my best friends from college got married on NYE in Austin, and it was such a special way to ring in the New Year.  Erin and I met our Sophomore year at Ole Miss, pledged Kappa Kappa Gamma together, lived together our Senior year and three years later moved to DC at the same time.  We have remained so close through the years and still share so much even 1200 miles away.  Erin met Mike our first year living in DC, and from the beginning his pursuit of her was special and sweet.  It was incredible to watch your best friend fall in love.

Erin and Mike's big day was filled with AMAZINGNESS from the weather (70's in December) for their outdoor ceremony to the perfection of the vows they wrote for one another.  It was such a special event to be a part of, sharing the love of two made for one another. There is no doubt Mike will take care of my best friend for the rest of their lives. After all these years Erin and I can't believe we were engaged at the same and both getting married within four months of each other!

The bride still radiating beauty after hours of dancing.

 Happy New Year!

Welcome 2012!

2011 Recap:

Joined small groups in our church. Celebrated two years together at Max's Wine Bar. Traveled to Anaheim, Orlando, Chicago, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Washington D.C., Greensboro on work trips.  Prayed through  Neal's Mom kidney surgery. Ran the Capitol 10K, Vail Half Marathon, San Antonio Marathon, and Turkey Trot 5 miler. Celebrated the Fourth of July in Madisonville. Rode our bikes in the Ring of Fire in Luckenbach, TX. Celebrated three marriages: Emily and Joe, Rebecca and Jonathan, Erin and Mike. Schneider family Reunion in Lockhart. Started a new job in Temple, TX.  GOT ENGAGED. Welcomed Elliot Brooks Leasure to the world. Spent our first Thanksgiving together. Bought a new truck. Celebrated Neal turning the big 3-0.  Spent Christmas with my WHOLE family in Madisonville and celebrated our engagement with friends and family. 

 We look forward to 2012 and all that is in store for us as we continue to grow in our relationship, learn more about each other while strengthening our love.  Blessings to all in 2012.

Christmas 2011 Home Tour

Attempting to enjoy Christmas all month long, I tried to get a jump on decorating early. We started projects the week after Thanksgiving but as hard as I/we tried it seems like more could be done. A unanimous decision was made, also early on, that with lack of space and holiday travels we would go sans Christmas Tree once again. Next year will be different, hopefully.

My FAVORITE THING this year is the Santa Claus a little elf painted.  Neaelf did an awesome job and even painted one for his parents to enjoy at their house. For full tutorial on the Santa inspiration visit Bower Power.

My Second FAVORITE THING, an idea from Barefoot Daydreams, to display Christmas Cards. LOVE.
I have never claimed to be original in my decorating!

2009 Christmas Card picture with hand sewn ornaments by my Grandmother in a vase.

2010 Christmas card and a peek of pictures of from 1984.  My Mom dressed us in matching pajamas for our Christmas pictures we were eight, four and two.

Reminders of the Season as walk out the door.

For twelves months the door has been bare, I am so happy to finally have a wreath on the door to welcome you home.

Blessings to all this Christmas Season!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulder.  

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Might God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

 Isaiah 9:6