HAPPIEST DAY OF MY LIFE!!

To be quite honest, I've kinda stalled on writing this particular blog. Not because I didn't want to (quite the contrary actually) but because I couldn't seem to find words fitting for all that I felt about this day. I knew an engagement was coming..heck we even had a wedding DATE picked out by this time... so in reality, I shouldn't have been very surprised about my proposal... but the truth was, it hit me upside the head like nothing ever had before. And I loved every minute of it! :)

It had taken a few weeks of planning (on Chad's part) for this particular day to work itself out. He had gotten a coworker of mine (Gary Morgan) involved by plotting a masquerade of sorts. He told me he wanted us to take pictures together to send to his family back home for Christmas. Sounding like a good idea, I suggested that we get Gary involved to keep from having the extra expense of a "real" photographer. Who knew that this whole time I was aiding in my very own proposal! lol..

Finally finding a day that worked for everyone, we began this particular Sunday morning by meeting up with Gary at the Belmont Hotel. We had heard this was a great place to get pictures of the downtown skyline. :) Starting our whirlwind tour, we made our way to places we had been on our first date, places unique to Dtown and your standard places with picturesque backgrounds. Towards the end of the afternoon, we found our way to the farmers market. We toured the area, and found ourselves amongst rows of beautiful red, pink and white flowers. Squatting down for pictures... I was too involved in trying to keep myself balanced to notice that Chad had begun to reach into his pocket. Turning to Gary he said, "Keep going Gary..." Not really understanding what was going on, it took me a second to realize that Chad had pivoted around and was already on HIS KNEE!! It took a few seconds to realize that his eyes were watering and his hand was clasped around the most BEAUTIFUL diamond solitaire ring I'd ever SEEN!! After a couple of happy "SHUT UP CHAD"s.. he finally asked me to be HIS BRIDE!!!. :)

Belmont Hotel

Downtown Dallas

Farmers Market Sign

He has the ring in his hand!!

YES!! YES!! YES!!

I had dreamt of this day my entire life... and right here, kneeling in front of me, was the most perfect man I could've ever hoped to spend the rest of my life with.... I'm in HEAVEN!! Now starts the fun stuff.. :)

10 years and counting..

I really honestly can't believe how fast time flies. One minute I'm nervously awaiting my first day at college, not knowing what the first year will hold away from home, and the next minute I'm buying my first house!! Thank goodness for technology and it's ability to keep people connected. Although it takes away the mystery of your classmates lives when reunion time approaches, it allows friends to remain steadfast in their friendships, and allows strangers to reconnect. When my ten year reunion came knocking at my door, I couldn't wait to see all my classmates again. I had so much to be thankful for, so much to show for myself and luckily, I had a wonderful man on my arms to share in my long lost friendships. :)

What a beauty!

Awwww... Sweet ,sweet baby, oh how you've grown!! Just six months old and already expressing so much emotion and personality! She's a doll and I couldn't be more proud of my GOD daughter Addison Grace! She's growing up so fast... :(

Happy 28th B-day to ME!!!

After months and months of attempting to "settle in" to our new digs, Chad and I found TWO reasons to cozy up our pad. :) My 28th birthday was fast approaching (October 14th) and the ever important HOUSE WARMING party was all too late! Not needing much of an excuse to entertain, we scheduled our shing-dig for the Sunday after my b-day and began to prepare for our guests. Cooking, cleaning and preparing all led us to this day...and guess what? It was a SUCCESS!! Here are a few pictures of that special day.. and for those of you who couldn't make it... we missed you!

Auntie Erin and Miss Macie

Marcus and Ashlee show off their pumpkin carving skills.. :)

Awww... they brought presents!!

Texas State Fair..

Everything I do now seems like the first time. Even if I've already been somewhere, or seen a particular Dallas attraction, going to it with Chad just makes everything DIFFERENT. Going to the State Fair this year was no exception. I had actually been to the fair every year since I got to Dallas, but this one was the BEST.

Anyone care for a cooking demonstration??? Anyone? Anyone?? ;)

First of all Chad was actually working the fair this year. As part of his restaurant-y duties, he was scheduled to showcase a particular recipe at a cooking demonstration in one of the grand halls. I must admit that I was a bit nervous for him. :) My fears were quickly washed away the minute he began to speak. Almost instantly his charming personality and witty banter took over the crowd. He was a success and I even got to help!! Groupie and helping hand! :) Move over VANNA, I'm wearing the sparkly dress now. lol.. :)

And no.. I'm not anywhere in these pictures.. I was the hired help in the back, helping him cook up the change out FINAL version of what he was demonstrating. Wooooooo, GO ME!!

After slaving away as Chad's Sous Chef in order to pay my way onto the fair grounds, Chad and I decided to check things out. :)

Six Flags!!

Taking full advantage of Chad's one GUARANTEED day off, we took this Sunday to head to Six Flags!! Although we had already been there before, this particular day was awesome because we had the entire place to OURSELVES!! It was awesome flying thru roller coaster lines and zipping through the park!! We even found that we had to stop and take a break from all the excitement just because we didn't give our stomach much of a chance to settle down! :) It was GREAT!


lol.. I look drunk. And NO, these aren't my usual sun glasses... we were in some kids 3-D thingy... lol

Putt Putt Time..

Having the day all to ourselves, Chad and I decided to try out a new (or at least new to us) mini golf course. We always have the best time just being silly with each other. :)

Check out this man's SKILLS!!

Catching a ride to the next hole.. :)

Saaaaayyyy CHEESE!

Labor Day Weekend..

Just like old times...

I hate to admit that I don't even remember the last time the girls and I were able to get together like this. It was soooooo fabulous to see all my college station girlies again. I missed them so much! This time around it was the girlies AND their honeys as well. :) Even though it takes a while to get everyone's schedules together, the moment we all see each other, it's like we never missed a beat. I love and miss my friends dearly, and although we are all doing FABULOUSLY in our own little part of Texas, I still wish we were all in the same city... Here's a little sampling of the fun times we had..

My girl Jenny Penny and her man Brent

A couple bottles of wine and a scrabble game later..

Tag teaming it.. :)

Dallas Aquarium...

Seeking out a little underwater action, we headed downtown to the Aquarium. :)

Sweet little Fierro/Caldera family.. :)

He is so silly.. :)

Xuxa, where did you go?! You're the only one missing from this picture!

Awww.. there she is! Handsome Lucas munching away at his Frito bag.. :)