Image Credit: http://www.louisehay.com
That’s how I felt last weekend – Surrounded by love.
My birthday this year was Friday the 7th. Last year, I started a tradition that I would take the Friday off of my birthday week, to re-charge my batteries and enjoy myself.
This year, I was able to go see my dad at work in Norfolk and take a tour, say hi to his co-workers, that kind of thing. Then, Al’s work is only 10 minutes away, so I went to pick him up. He took me to Uno’s for lunch – Delicious pizza. I treated myself to a mani-pedi in Chesapeake, close to my house. Then, our dear friends Lucy and Emily came to our house for the weekend. My mom had appetizers for everyone, before 10 of us went out to dinner at Olive Garden. After dinner, we had brownies and ice cream for dessert. Yummy!
I received so many nice cards, and several gifts. It was awesome!
On Saturday, I couldn’t sleep past 6:00 a.m. I was so excited.
I got my haircut at the salon, then donated canned food and money to a local high school senior who was trying to fill the bed of his pickup truck to help the local food bank. We found out later that, despite the rain and gloomy weather, he succeeded!
After getting ready, I drove my mom, Lucy, and Emily, and my mom’s best friend Debbie D., to our friend Kathy’s. Months ago, Kathy offered to host a bridal luncheon for me, inviting the bridal party and any other special friends.
L to R: My mom, Karen; LB, Al’s mom, Debbie; and Kathy.
Kathy was such a gracious hostess. The luncheon was catered by another dear friend, Tracy. She is making our wedding cake!
The lunch was amazing, and then the red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting were to-die-for!
This was the luncheon plate. Everyone was raving that it belonged in a magazine! It was almost too pretty to eat!
Amazing red velvet cupcakes. Yummy!
Before lunch, Kathy had everyone go around the room and say how they knew me and something they appreciated about me. I almost cried. My mom, Al’s mom, and Kathy were struggling to hold in tears. I wish now that I had recorded it. Everyone was so sweet and gracious. They also mentioned Al and how wonderful he is 🙂
Everything was beautifully decorated! Kathy chose burgundy as the theme, based on our wedding colors. So beautiful.
The vegetable bowl in our everyday china pattern, plus a beautiful leaf-shaped accent piece.
Kathy had everyone write recipes on cards for Al and I. Looking forward to getting my own kitchen to make these!
Kathy’s not a big fan of silly games, but she did have one prepared for us.
This was the list of candy that we had to match to wedding things and phrases. The answers we came up with were hilarious!
Debbie D. won the whole shebang, with 14 right answers!
After the game, everyone had coffee, more cupcakes, and enjoyed fellowship. It was so nice to see everyone and catch up, especially with Lane, my Little from AST. She can’t come to the wedding, so I was thrilled that she and her best friend Amber were able to come to the luncheon!
Lane and Amber, best friends for forever!
Photo montage!
L to R: Katie, one of my bridesmaids, and Melissa, my maid of honor, get to know each other.
Three out of the four bridal party ladies. They took over this table and wouldn’t let me listen in!
L to R: Liz, Melissa, and Katie.
L to R: Amber, LB, and Lane.
L to R: Emily, LB, Debbie D., and Lucy.
Group photo! This was the best idea ever.
Top Row, L to R: Amber, Katie, Debbie D., Kathy, Lucy, Emily, Melissa, and Liz.
Bottom Row: Debbie V., LB, Karen, and Lane.
I cannot say thank you enough. What a wonderful weekend!
Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂
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