Wedding Week Wednesday

Its finally here.

We are 3 days till showtime.

This is the last Wednesday i will be a Parker.

That realization is slowly sinking in. Ive carried this name for 24, almost 25 years and its a good name. Its an Indian name. [Quanah Parker] look him up.

I come from missionaries, contractors, builders, teachers, lovers, Indians, Irish, rednecks, hunters, fisherman, fighters, crazy, nuts, caring, forgiving, rich, poor, downright beautiful people.

Im not losing any of that. 

Im gaining loggers, intelligence, scientists, rednecks, hunters, fisherman, graduates, Indians, happy, energetic, FUN, loving, caring, compassionate, downright beautiful people.

My whole life I've been proud of my Parker name. It meant something to me. I was proud to wear it on the back of my jerseys, proud to hear it called out loud in a crowd or at school. Proud to hear it in history classes. My name has always been my identity in a way. And now i am 3 days out from retiring that name...and gaining a new one. Robertson.

As much life as I've lived as a Parker, i will live more as a Robertson. God willing.

Im writing this sitting in my parents living room. The same place that I've sat for 10 years while just watching tv or having a conversation. I never would of thought that id be sitting here, talking to you, about my wedding.

I am beyond blessed and beyond proud of my family and the new family i am gaining this Saturday.

Mine and Colbys life is about to start, together, forever. 

Ive waited for this moment since i first saw him at 16. I knew. Ive always known.

The sun is setting and I'm grasping on to the last few moments of being, a Parker.

Heres a little throw back to Colby and I at a Toga party while i was in college, 2010.

I was happy then and i am just as happy, now.

"In short. Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don't be afraid"

DIY Coconut Oil & Honey Hair Mask

Since my wedding is in 7 days, i decided i would start pampering my entire body. Starting with my hair. Thanks to a girl from work, i got the idea to put coconut oil in my hair.

Tada.

What you will need:

Honey

Coconut Oil

Towel

Measuring bowl

I mixed equal parts of coconut oil and honey in a small bowl and evenly distributed it in my hair with my hands. My hair was dry as oils tend to cling to dry hair better than wet.

I scooped out a big chuck and warmed it between my hands and started at the tips and worked my way up. This is a VERY messy step but i had such a fun time doing it.

 I put my hair in a bun and slept with the oil in my hair.

This is what it looked like this morning.

I have such thick and long hair that these treatments are sooooo good for my scalp and ends.

Wedding prepping is so fun :]

I washed out my hair like normal and my hair smells so good and has such a healthy shine.

Coconut Oil has many many benefits other than just for hair, such as; thyroid help, heart health all the way down to skin care. I like to cook with it, mostly.

Heres a link that will guide you on your way to supplementing coconut oil into your daily life!

Organic Facts of Coconut Oil

7 days till I'm a Robertson and I'm beyond ready!

Cheers

PS. Thank you to my wonderful fiance for taking these pictures. You're a gem.

10 days, and I'm married.

First i gotta give a shout out to my momma. Without her hard work and dedication, this wedding would not be happening!

She is beautiful inside and out and I've learned so much about life and marriage because of her.

Thank you, and i love you to the moon.

This is what my old room at my parents house looks like. All over the floor. Boxes on boxes on boxes of wedding stuff. Plates, cups, gifts, EVERYTHING. I love coming home to visit and just go stand in that room and look around and realize its all about to come to an end. All the planning and all the months of putting everything together. It is all about to be revealed and shared, with you.

Another shout out, to my future husband.

You are kind, and sweet and loving and beautiful and have a heart of pure gold straight from Jesus himself.

I can't wait to stand at the alter with you and become your wife. And also to go to Cancun :]

Dillon, our photographer took these beautiful pictures. I love them so much.

10 days people. 10 freaking days, and I'm a Robertson.

My 1st Surprise Party

My Coworkers. My Friends. Geez. Im overwhelmed.

Today i was thrown my first ever surprise party.

Looking back, all week they have been asking me strange questions about my registry, the wedding and foods i like. I was oblivious, obviously. Sneaky sneaky friends of mine.

When i walked into the kitchen, i was instantly greeted by every person in the office!

I was so surprised i was speechless.

The food was gorgeous and gluten free [part of it, hehe]

Ive never felt more accepted and loved in a work place then i do here.

So much love in one little room. All for me. Sometimes i can't handle all the blessings people shower over me. But I'm reminded all the time, that because i am surrounded by beautiful people, they are going to provide me with beautiful moments. I shouldn't of expected anything less!

Holy cow i almost fell out when i saw this. Ive been keeping my eye on this bad boy for a while!

The beautiful ladies of RE/MAX.

These cupcakes were TO DIE FOR. Debra, thank you, and tell your talented daughter thank you.

Champagne Soak Cup Cakes.

And to top it all off, my favorite flowers and my favorite color.

Lately, I've made more friends and felt more love and just want to shout it from the rooftops!

The wedding is so close and so far, its everything I've ever dreamed of.

Lots of planning and lots of stress, but lots and lots of love.

God has continued to bless me throughout my life & all i want is to share His love.

Thank you team, for my very first surprise party. Ever.

I LOVE YOU ALL

Wedding Venue & Marriage License

Here it is guys. A first look at our wedding venue.

This lake is absolutely beautiful. The lawn is where the chairs will be set up and down by the sidewalk is where Colby and I will say our "I Do's"

A little history behind this venue is, my dad built it. Thats why its so special and the wedding just had to be here! There are 4 cabins around the lake and after the rehearsal dinner, the wedding party will be staying in the cabins and thats where we will be getting ready.

These chairs will be moved, the glass doors will slide back into the wall and be opened up and this is our dance floor.

The inside of the lodge is where food, the bar and tables will be set up.

Thursday night we drove to Henderson before the huge thunderstorm so Colby could practice his wedding dance with his mom. Friday morning i took off work for half a day and we headed to the court house. EEEEK!

We met with the Judge, a family friend, who is going to officiate the wedding.

Then, we got the holy grail. Our marriage license.

Colbys parent said when they got theirs it was only $10. We paid $67. EW.

The questions they ask you before you actually get it are a little ridiculous. 

"Are you two related by blood?"

"Have you been divorced in the last 30 days?"

"Do you pay child support?"

"Are you married to someone else at this moment"

[geez]

Good news is, the license is beautiful! I ordered a new camera lens and will wait to post a picture of it once that comes in. To serve it justice.

Doesn't my man look so handsome?

Exactly 2 weeks from today, i will be a married woman!

#Roberstonwedding

Its all coming down to the wire and we are trying so desperately to take advantage of the moment and just enjoy "dating" for the last time.

I am so blessed to have the family and friends that i do, and mostly having the best man i know, by my side.

Colby is starting his new job today. That will be another adventure in itself.

More news about that in the future.

Cheers

Crawfish & Rainstorms

It seems like the only thing that happens in East Texas is rain. And i love the rain. As soon as i hear that its going to rain that day, i get this secret excitement deep down.

Just as long as it doesn't rain on May 2nd, ill be golden :]

This weekend was spend relaxing and growing with Colby.

This man, is incredible. He pushes me to places i never thought i would reach.

He motivates me to work out, which I've been getting compliments lately so something must be working! He motivates me to be more in the word and just to be an overall better person.

Friday night was spent on the couch, enjoying each others company and cleaning up a spilled bottle of wine. joy.

Saturday i hung out with my parents and went shopping for honeymoon/wedding clothes! I found my wedding shoes and my rehearsal dinner shoes, hallelujah! Ill post them after the wedding.

I got to hang out with this guy and he drove my car. He is such a cautious driver. This is my little brother, Nick.

Saturday night Colby and i ate....crawfish. oh heaven.

We drove 15 minutes out of town to a place called Crawdaddys, on Lake Palestine.

The atmosphere is what makes this place so awesome. Tiki torches lit around the back patio, picnic tables and music. It felt like summer.

My new favorite pair of shorts. Thanks mama.

Colby HATES mushrooms, and i could eat them everyday.

These guys were more spicy than the crawfish.

We ended up eating 7 pounds all together. And it was worth every penny.

I think its good for the soul to be outside, completely content with your other half, just enjoying the moment. And now, we have a new crawfish spot.

On Sunday morning i drank coffee with Bri at Starbucks. Its always so good to catch up and recharge my soul with her. Her and her husband came over after and we cooked a good lunch and then ran hills till we passed out. Its a blessing to have friends who motivate you mentally, physically and spiritually.

My aunt Rebecca makes candles and this one is lemongrass to ward off insects. The little chimney was also a wedding gift from her as well. Totally came in handy this weekend!

We ended our weekend with the back door open, listening to the thunderstorm and rain.

I wouldn't trade any of these days for anything.

19 days and I'm a Robertson.

GOD YOU ARE SO GOOD

Cheers

Finding the answers

Colby recently found this guy through Bethel music and I'm so glad he did. His name is Bill Johnson and his way of teaching is so easy and so comforting.

If you're needing answers, or needing encouragement, click the link below and let this message speak to you. It spoke volumes to me. Mostly around minute 17-20.

If you're like me, its hard to find quiet time, so in the mornings when i get ready, i play videos. Whether it be beauty channels or sermons. The sermons should over weigh the other channels but, ya know, I'm human. I pray that i can find more time to be connected. For so long i didn't realize that this is the key to a happy life. Being connected with God and close to God and having him fill your life is what is going to make you a joyful and fulfilled person. 

I'm still learning to be a better Christian. It is literally an every day battle. But i wouldn't trade this struggle for anything in the world. I have blossomed over the past year and i owe every bit of it to Jesus. I couldn't of done it alone.

I hope each of you can find your way if you're feeling lost or confused. Watch the video, i promise it will help.

Have a great week ladies and gentlemen.

Only 25 more days until the wedding. #ohsnap

Bill Johnson Sermon

Bachelorette Party Weekend

Waking up in Houston always makes my heart happy. There is just something about that city that makes me feel alive and like I'm a young 21 year old.

It also reminds me that i am not a young 21 year old [hehe]

The saying, "the days go slow but the years go fast" is so relevant to my life right now.

In 26 days i will be a married woman, and i never in a million years would of thought id ever have my very own bachelorette party!

My bridesmaid and cousin Laura, and my maid of honor Alexi treated me to the city.

We ate good food, had a spa day, shopped, went downtown and danced at a piano bar.

We used UBER for the first time. "Cabs are here"!

And laughed at Jimmy Fallon videos. "EW"

EWW

Lifes good, y'all.

This cookie cake saved my life.

Below is Tiny Box Woods. The most amazing brunch spot in Houston.

Tinyboxwoods

Champagne fruit punch.

Spa day.

This is the view from our amazing hotel.

We bought these cute rings to wear out everynight. They were a hit.

This girl and i were celebrating our parties the same night! 

When we saw each other, we pointed and ran and hugged like we were best friends.

Night #2.

Ate the best sushi I've ever had at RA.

The aftermath....

At the end of the trip, i realized that i was so thankful i didn't do a typical bachelorette party. Just isn't me anymore. I didn't want strippers, i didn't want the club scene. I just wanted time with my girls, good drinks and food, and great quality time to myself and with friends.

I can't thank you ladies enough for catering to me during the most special time of my life.

I love you all!