Lets Look At Pictures of MKH + CWG...

Happy Thursday and Happy Eve of New Year's Eve... I am up super late tonight (its 1015 in KY and I feel like a rebel because its SO past my bedtime...) because I don't have to go to work tomorrow and I couldn't be more excited. My long lost BFF Emmy is coming into town tomorrow and we are going lunch and to get our nails done and catch up. I haven't seen Emmy since her housewarming party back in October.

Unintentional Matchy-Matchy....

The FIN and I also have a dinner date tomorrow night. It will be out last date of 2010. I don't feel like its time for NYE, but then again I wasn't prepared for it to be Christmas so whose to judge? I feel like I have been somewhat busy this week trying to get things back together after the Holiday and being away.  I was super excited that I had a nice surprise waiting for me in my mailbox when I returned home. Alas, my our engagement discs arrived while I was in TX. I knew this was waiting because Mommy TX received her disk in the mail while I was visiting and I told myself that I wasn't going to peek until I had ample time to go over all of the pictures. So when I got home this afternoon I settled myself in my chair with a sweet tea and started going over the shots (by "going over" I mean zooming in and out and trying to imagine the different pictures in frames...). Don't fret I hadn't forgotten what they had looked like because every so often I would "re-look" at the proof section of the photographers website. I have added my "top" favorites below. There were so many to choose from I narrowed it down the best that I could!

For your viewing pleasure... 

I couldn't be more pleased with how the photos turned out. We were so fortunate enough to be able to work with Cameron Powell out of Nashville. He will be doing my bridal portraits, our wedding day, and he will be putting together the slide show that will be shown at the rehearsal dinner. I can't wait to see how everything else will turn out.

Its now almost 11pm EST and I am about to turn into a pumpkin. Hopefully the MKH + CWG photo montage hasn't scared anyone and I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe NYE!!!!

2011 is almost here!

LOVE, MKH

Christmas 2010 Recap....

Happy Tuesday!

Its still cold in KY and I am counting down the days until warmer weather arrives. I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas! I am unfortunately back at work this week but I only have two more days until I am off for NYE and it cant get here soon enough. Work has been boring at best the past few days. It was so hard to get back into a routine after being off work for almost 10 days. The FIN and I traveled back to visit with his family for the week before Christmas. I came back to KY by myself to spend my last unmarried Christmas at home with my family. I called my dear friend Emmy while I was waiting in the airport and she asked me if I felt funny about this being my "last Christmas as MKH." At the time it didn't strike me as funny because Emmy always asks "those type of questions," and I always laugh but this time I was like, "OMG, MKH will be MHG next Christmas!" (Granted, I don't always speak about myself in the 3rd person, but you get the idea...). MKH is growing up... hahah

In preparation for my upcoming name change Mommy TX also gifted me a few goodies with my new monogram for Christmas. I have tucked them away and have told myself they cant be used until after June 25, 2011. Since I am a fool for anything monogrammed I have been trying to slowly replace my MKH garb with MHG and these make-up storage pieces will work nicely! Overall it was a wonderful Christmas and I am super excited for 2011.

Keeping up with my photo rule I thought that I would share a few photos from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Christmas Eve with Mal...

Grandkids &  Grandparents...

KLK, KTK, MKH, & MJH before Santa came...

Christmas Day... please notice my over-sized ski jacket... It was SO COLD!

I have a wonderful airline story that I will share tomorrow!

LOVE, MKH

Merry Christmas...

Merry Christmas from MKH.... Its snowing (about 6 inches) in KY and it is the first white Christmas in 17 years! I forgot to post our first Christmas card when they arrived, but I thought that it would still bring some Holiday cheer today!

Christmas Card 2010... Special Thanks to Mostly MEllen

I hope everyone has a blessed day with family and friends! I hope that everyone remembers the true reason for the season. I was reminded of this verse last night as we read the Christmas story at my Grandmother's house.

And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy–the Son of God. (LUKE 1:35).


Merry Christmas and I hope that Santa was nice to everyone!
LOVE, MKH

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

Well its Wednesday and I have been ready for the weekend since Sunday afternoon. I hope everyone is having a wonderful Wednesday and is looking forward to the upcoming weekend! Being that its Wednesday and I haven't blogged yet this week I thought something fun and easy was needed. For the past few Wednesdays I have noticed that some of my bloggy blog buddies have been posting specifically on "What They're Loving." So to keep up with the pack I thought I would join in...

On this Wednesday, December 08, 2010 I am loving the following things (in no specific order...)!

I'm loving that my dear friend Caitlin D. has started her own blog. I am so glad that she has joined me in writing this online daily (almost) ramblings. Check her out over at I Could Write A Book,  and you will be loving her in no time!

MKH & Ms. I Could Write A Book

I'm loving that all of my laundry is DONE and all my t-shirts, towels, and delicates have been put away in their proper home... success

I'm loving our wedding website, check it out here.

I'm loving that the FIN and I had a lovely weekend and enjoyed a nice afternoon watching the UK vs. UNC Basketball game at Harry's (our favorite place...). I'm loving even more that I tried a new dessert and yes I was that person at the restaurant that took a picture of my plate (no flash of course...) I am however NOT loving that UK lost to UNC...

Pure goodness...

I'm loving that I went back to the dentist today (for the second time in two weeks) and I made the appointment to get my teeth whitened. The only down side is that no colored liquids (as in my beloved Sonic Sweet Tea) allowed after I begin the treatments. The hygenist told me that I would be sleeping in the trays 3-4 times a week. I was secretly thinking what happens if I swallow some of the bleach, will the bleach stain my pillowcases, and will I have terrible morning mouth when I wake up? I didn't ask her any of the questions I was asking myself, I thought of more questions as I was driving home. I wrote them down on a notecard so I will be sure to ask when I go back for my impressions. Don't worry they are purely dental related and nothing to do with bad breath or the possibility of stained linens.

I'm loving that next week is my last week of work in 2010. I am taking the week of Christmas off and the FIN and I are heading to TX to spend some time with his family. I will be back a few days before Christmas so I can travel to my hometown and spend the rest of the holiday with my family. 

Christmas 2009 in TX...

I'm loving that our Engagement pictures turned out so well. I finished addressing our Christmas cards last night (I know... I'm a bit behind, but only by a few days) and I thought that I would just thumb back through them and I picked out several "favorites." My current "favorite is below! I will post the slideshow of engagement pictures once all of them come back from the photographer...

Love, Love, Love

I'm loving that I am getting my hair done next week. My roots are extra gross, and my eyebrows are out of control.  My monthly hair appointment (you can set your calendar by my consistency) is something that I look froward to from the time that I walk out the door of the salon until I walk back in four weeks later. 

I'm also loving that it is now bedtime!
I hope everyone has had a wonderful Wednesday!
LOVE, MKH

Save the Date...

Happy Tuesday!

Its been raining and is super chilly in Kentucky and I think our last few warm days are far gone. My Monday and Tuesday have been fairly uneventful and I am already on the countdown for the weekend! As promised I have some wedding news to share. I have received several emails asking about the status of wedding plans and despite the lack of posting all of the major elements were taken care within the first 4-6 weeks of saying "Yes!"

A few weeks ago the FIN and I traveled to Nashville to take our engagement pictures. We were so lucky to have a wonderful photographer who made us feel comfortable (photo slideshow is another post for another day... ). The pictures turned out great and we were both more than pleased. Before even taking the engagement pictures I knew how I wanted the Save the Date cards to look. I am a total sap for all things related to stationary and I knew that I had a few special thoughts that I wanted to incorporate into our Save the Date cards.

When I first began blogging I came across a great blog that encompassed personal design and a touch of whimsy. I immediately began perusing her portfolio looking for stationary ideas or any paper product that I could monogram (I LOVE LOVE LOVE monograms). Granted, I haven't always dreamed of wedding details but once I saw the online store I knew that I wanted to work with Mary Ellen over at Mostly MEllen. When it came time to put my my thoughts on paper I provided the photo that I wanted and a few places that I wanted to include and she did the rest. I was nervous to see the final product (as that is my nature) but once I saw them I couldn't have been happier. I couldn't have imagined them turning out any better, they were better than expected!!! When I opened up the box with the cards I felt like it was Christmas, and like I was 6 years old all over again.

After checking and re-checking all of the envelope addresses against the excel list that was complied by Mommy TX and myself I felt confident enough to mail them, (I am writing about this only because the cards have been mailed and most people have already received their card). The FIN and I spent last Monday night stamping (Me), and licking (The FIN was volunteered to seal them but he didn't seem to mind, which is good because envelope glue makes me gag...) all of the invite cards.

Even Hagan wanted to help with the cards... 

When we went to mail them I didn't want to let them go. I had convinced myself that they were all going to be lost somewhere in unknown post-office oblivion, or that I hadn't put enough postage on the envelopes (which I triple checked with Mary Ellen and the Lexington Post Office).  I was relieved to find out that people had received the cards in both KY and TX. I imagine it compares to sending your child to school for the first time, you know that everything will work out but until you hear others say it you aren't sure. (I know that is a bit dramatic but I feel as if these cards have been my children for the past week.)

Waiting to be mailed... Mary Ellen did a wonderful job on the envelopes too!

He was a trooper, but I think that he was glad that they were finished!

I found my dear friend Emmy's invitation and thought that a blog picture was needed!

Going, Going, Gone... 

Mary Ellen also featured our design on her blog. Check out the post here! 

I have also included a shot of the front and back of the card below. I LOVE LOVE LOVE them!

Front!

Back!

On the back of the card was another photo from our engagement shoot along with our personalized wedding website. The FIN built the website and I couldn't be more excited with how it turned out. I love the picture choices and our personal stories that we were able to incorporate.  I couldn't be more thankful for his help during this slightly busy time of our lives. 

www.morganandchad2011.com

Until the next post....

LOVE, MKH

Happy Late Thanksgiving!

Happy late Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday with family and friends. I have been at home for the last several days (aka the land of no 3G service and dial-up Internet) and I have been slacking on the blogging yet again. I can say that I have been super busy these past few weeks with wedding things. I will be sure to dedicate a full post to wedding related garb in the next few days, I promise.

It was so nice to see family and friends this week and just relax. The FIN was back in TX with his family celebrating and I am so ready for him to come back to KY.  When we spoke last night on the phone I commented that this was the last Thanksgiving as MKH, and that next year we will be spending Thanksgiving together away from one of our families. I know thats too much emotion for a blog post so I will stop there because my eyes may get misty:( Until then I have a few pictures from Thanksgiving for your viewing pleasure!

Cousin Klay and MKH...

Being silly...

I felt like I ate until I was about to explode and even thinking about turkey makes my stomach hurt. I did however accomplish a major milestone as I used my first real piece of kitchen equipment over break. It is no secret that I am somewhat challenged when it comes to cooking/navigating around the kitchen but on Thursday it was decided that it is time for me to learn. A few months ago my friend/neighbor Lauren had called and asked me if I had a can opener that she could borrow. I am sure I looked like a deer in the headlights because I knew what a can opener was and what it did but I had no idea if I had one in one of my drawers or what one looked like. Needless to say I didn't have one that she could borrow and in repeating this story to family members they decided that they needed to stage an intervention. So on Thursday it was all business as I was tasked to open several cans with said can opener, and the picture below pretty much sums up my experience...

One piece can opener in two pieces.... very dramatic

Please excuse the DG pajamas and nasty hair...

Granted, it wasn't as bad as the picture above makes it seem.  At least I know that when I am married Chad won't starve because we can eat as much canned food as possible. I think that is a comforting thought to his parents and my family both. Who knows on Christmas I may try to boil water...

I am dreading going back to work on Monday as my 5 1/2 day weekend has spoiled me. I am counting the days until my weeklong Christmas Holiday. Only 15 working days until I'm in Christmas bliss (aka my week away from work!!) and I couldn't be more excited. In preparation for the upcoming festive season I purchased a few Christmas ornaments that have special meaning to the FIN and I. After we marry I am not sure how I will display them, but I am thinking that an apothecary jar may do the trick. 

Close but not quite, but you get the idea....

I tried to photograph the ornaments as best I could but they are so shiny that it made it difficult.

"We wish you a Kentucky Christmas"

"And a Wildcat New Year!"

" I Love UK Gameday!"

"GO CATS!"

"Just Married Wildcats!"

I think that the "Just Married" ornament is my favorite and I can't wait to display it during Christmas 2011. My only wish was that the ornaments themselves were date-stamped so I could remember which year that they were purchased and displayed. I guess that having the boxes marked is the best I can do. The weather has been super chilly in the Bluegrass and it finally feels like Christmas is coming. I hope everyone has had a wonderful week full of family, food, and fellowship!

Don't eat too many leftovers!

LOVE, MKH

Lets Be Blue for Christmas....

Happy Thursday!

With my current work situation not looking too promising in terms of an expanding workload I had ample time today to re-read one of my favorite books, Blue Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews. Yes, I read the whole book today in one sitting (its barely 200 pages) while atop of my throne (the uncomfortable black swivel chair).

At bookstores near YOU....

I have read it a few times and every time I do I always wonder what it would be like to decorate for holidays with the color blue. Granted, the whole idea of Christmas decorating is a bit intimidating to me because it can very easily consume you and your home. There are so many things that catch my eye but I feel like it never ends, there are so many different themes, color schemes, and knick knacks that I would love to collect but in reality it would most likely be a jumbled mess. Since I have an exobortant amount of down time from the hours of 700am-330pm I find myself thinking about seasonal room displays and what I would someday like to decorate my home with. Blue Christmas got me to thinking about Kentucky's favorite color (Wildcat Blue) and how it could be incorporated into the festive seasonal decor.

Norman Rockwell meets the Kentucky Wildcats... 

Sadly, the FIN would probably think this would be festive and COOL...

Very understated, but VERY blue...

Blue at the beach...

Blue Christmas meets country charm... 

Yummy blue cupcakes...

Something for every Wildcat...

More my speed...

Even Elvis sang about a Blue Christmas....

I think I am going to order one of these and have it dated for 12/2010, 

symbolizing the our first "Engaged" Christmas...

I hope everyone has had a great week! Its almost the weekend! The are calling for snow flurries in Lexington tonight and that makes me blue (missing Summer already)....

Don't be too BLUE!

LOVE, MKH