Home Tastes Like... |Vlogmas|

Sweet Grilled Texas BBQ!!
Went with my mom to taste-test some food for her wedding next year. You know the saying "everything's bigger in Texas" is certainly true about our portion sizes! So yummy!

We drove out to Midland, Texas (only about an hour away from home) for some real home-made bbq! And it was so worth it. We found the perfect little place, a family run restaurant and within the first couple bites and sips of sweet tea, we were sold! There was a happy rumbly in my tumbly the whole drive home.

The next day I joined my mom & brother at their Boy Scouts Christmas party. We played games, I helped as DJ, and enjoyed the free food. One of the games included was "Name that Tune- Christmas Edition!" And whichever Troupe lost had to get up in front of everyone and sing. They weren't too happy about that.



The next couple days flew by. While my mother was at work and my brother at school I got to relax. I stayed with the puppies and watched TV (Criminal Minds marathons, of course!) and read a lot. I finally had the time to sit down and read The Christmas Shoes. It's always been one of my favorite songs during the season and I couldn't put down the book. It was absolutely beautiful. I can't remember the last time I cried so much while reading a story.

After finally getting to chill during my Holiday Vacation, the circus arrives! Haha, and by that I mean my sister. The next couple of videos will be much more exciting with my wonderful family and nieces running rampant as we prepare for Christmas Day.

I'm leaving out of town to visit my father for the weekend, so while I hope I will be able to get the next couple videos up, I make no promises!

#KeelingIt2017

As the unofficial videographer of the Keeling Wedding... Here's my next Vlogmas video!!

I never imagined I would be so emotional during the wedding. I ran around with my mother making sure each of the girls were taken care of and that they were all looking stunning. I ended up being the last one finished, but I didn't mind. We had food, drinks, and music- and that was just the prep!

As all the guests wiped their feet and warmed themselves from the rain outside, we in the wedding court prepared for our big entrance. Some were more nervous than others, speeding down the short aisle. I had to remind myself to walk slowly. My feet cooperated in my new heels and the girls all smiled and giggled at the little nuances throughout the process, remembering all the jokes from the night before. But when Sarah started to get choked up, reciting her vows to James, it hit me. I didn't expect to start crying seeing my friend get married off, but it did. Sam, in front of me started sniffling, but we both held our composure. And Sam never cries! Sarah was all in tears and I couldn't stop smiling. I was so happy to see the two of them getting married. And if Sarah was crying like this, she must really love this guy. Finally, after a wonderful 30minutes, we sauntered out of the hall.

Photos were taken and soon after a short break we entered the reception. It was a small wedding. Nice and sweet. Family and close friends of both the Bride and Groom. It was crazy to see people I'd gone to school with and hadn't seen in years! My mom joined us on the dance floor for every song. We kept going up and making requests to the DJ and pulling Sarah out with us. Even if our small group were making fools of ourselves, it was just nice to hang out with my friends.

I just laugh at how nerdy the two of them are. Each little table had Chocolate Harry Potter Snitches and colorful mini Bubble Lightsabers. The Wedding Court sat up front, our seats claimed by a different POP Figure representing the person (Mine was Princess Ariel, of course!). The court entered in on Star Wars music and the couple left under a mist of bubbles. Overall, a magic night. I love my friends and I can't express how honored I was to be apart of this Harkiewicz-Keeling Wedding.

*December Bride*

I can't believe it's almost the Big Day!! One of my best friends is getting married!!! I was so honored when she asked me -less than a year ago, now- to be apart of her Bridal Court. I love the two of them & I am so proud! 

And thank goodness the reception was indoors! It had been rainy and cold for several days leading up to the big day. I bought my heels the day before the rehearsal and chose to break them in on this day. Although I love the new shoes, my feet begged to sit every chance I had.

It was nice to finally meet the other Groomsmen. The hard part about being the only one living out of state is that I never see any of them. So sad. But dinner was nice! We ate at a chill Italian Restaurant and got to hang out all together. The Harkiewicz Clan, the Bridesmaids, and the Groomsmen. I certainly had a lot of fun talking Sarah and James through their Honeymoon plans. They'll be flying out to Florida to visit my old stomping grounds: Hogwarts! I didn't know until that night that Sarah had never been on a plane before! It was so much fun giving her travel tips from airports, hotels, the theme parks, and Universal Studios. I was sure to tell them all I could as an insider myself! 

Here's to our *December* Briii~de!

April's Wedding

HiHi!!

This past weekend my cousin got married!

I hadn't been to a wedding in a while,

so it was pretty nice to get out for such an occasion
so early into the new year!

My cousin, Laurel, being adorable and weird.

I left with my Aunt and Uncle from Dallas

Friday afternoon.

Cloudy Skyline

I'm used to long hours in the car,
so the 6hour drive to Odessawasn't too bad.

When we arrived that night, we had the rehearsal dinner:
just your basic Mexican food,
but Coraline seemed to really like them beans!

This little girl loves herself the camera!!

((Just like her Auntie!))

It had been a while since this side of the family

had seen Cora;

she was obviously the center of attention!

Coraline is getting so big,

and every day she becomes so much more ridiculous!

I was able to get so many great photos!

Including a number of 

precious moments like this!

Saturday was the day!

It was a very traditional Catholic wedding,

meaning it was really long....

Let's just say, 

we were all pretty happy when it was over...

(-u-)

L-R: Uncle Jesse and Dad in their Sunday's Best!

But it was great to see everyone dressed so fancy!

We kept saying that my dad 

and Uncle Jesse looked like a couple Mafia bosses!

I know I had fun dressing up!!

((Like Always!))

But this little one

obviously stole the show!

(^-^)

The reception was lots fun!

I danced most of the night,

and the food was great;

which was no surprise,

seeing as how they are restaurant owners!

My cousin, April, looked absolutely stunning 

in her wedding gown!

And her new husband seemed pretty cool!

I'm hoping it'll be 

"Happily Ever After"

for these newly weds!

Till Next Time: 

Remember to KEEP IT GENKI!!

☆*:.｡. o(≧▽≦)o .｡.:*☆