100 Random Wedding Thoughts

Here's the best way I could think to blog about our wedding- here's the top 100 random thoughts that came into my head!

1. I flew into New Orleans on Wednesday night so I could spend one last night at home. My Daddy and I laid in bed together and talked for awhile. My sister is the one who cried. :)
2. Thursday afternoon was wonderful. I spent the afternoon with Abby, Annie, and Scrow. I am SO glad I had the quality downtime with my friend. It was perfect.
3. I had a live in hairdresser (J Todd) and makeup artist (Annie). It was unplanned. I was spoiled.
4. I wore a sexy green dress to my rehearsal dinner. Loved the dress. Hated the heels.
5. The only reason the night wasn't perfect was because I missed the National Championship game. I know. I expected more of myself too.
6. Little did I know Thursday night would be the first of three crazy nights out at the bar.
7. Layne's the baby on his side of the family and I'm the oldest. Our age group when we went out spanned from 36 to 16. That doesn't include our parents generation, and you know they were out too!
8. My bridal luncheon left me speechless.
9. Have you ever been in a room with all of the female role models who you've looked up to your entire life?
10. I have amazing women that inspire me. I owe them so much for molding me into the woman I am.
11. I found myself looking around the room and thinking about how different everyone was, but how well everyone compliments each other.
12. My mom, aunts, and their friends gave me a unique childhood.
13. No doubt I am incredibly blessed.
14. Nan and Po hosted my bridal luncheon. I am Nan's favorite. She spoiled me. She always spoils me. I will never be able to say thank you the way I want to.
15. That's not going to keep me from trying to though in her thank you note. I hope to get it to her before 2010.
16. The luncheon was at Cheesecake Bistro. Cheesecake is my Mom's favorite dessert. It's become my favorite too.
17. That was the second time I wore heels in two days. I may have broke a personal record.
18. After the luncheon, I relaxed at the hotel. Layne and the boys went to lunch at the Howlin' Wolf and then to the WWII D-Day museum.
19. Friday night we had a welcoming party at the hotel where everyone was staying.
20. It was the perfect idea.
21. Uncle Paul D brought Layne's favorite fried chicken.
22. I think I had 4 pieces of king cake.
23. Everyone came down and mingled after they checked in and got settled.
24. People got to know each other better, faces became familiar. It was good.
25. Guess what we did after?
26. We had a group of 50+ crash the sand bar at Lucy's Retired Surfer's Bar. We owned the courtyard.
27. We had two rounds of group shots. Yes. 50+ people group shot.
28. My mom took a shot. You know it was a good night.
29. I saw my sister-in-law intoxicated for the first time.
30. I need to hire a baby sitter and take her out with me more often.
31. Layne finally met Hampton. Hampton finally met Layne. That made my night.
32. Lots of people ordered these drinks that had sharks on them. No one thought the shark might be a warning. DANGER! DRINK AT YOUR OWN RISK!
33. Jessica Newell's eyes were perfectly glassy that night.
34. Lucy's was only the first stop of the night. Red Eye was the second.
35. We danced. Mom. Dad. Family. Friends. We owned the bar.
36. You Can Do Whatever You Like became the official theme song of the Orkus/Court Wedding Extravaganza.
37. I fought hard, but ended up caving in and going to bed at a decent hour. Like, 2am.
38. Abby, Amy, and I shared the bed on my last night as a single woman.
39. I don't know if I would have been able to fall asleep without them by my side.
40. I woke up on Saturday morning, and needed a walk. Amy, Uncle Scott, and I went to get beignets. Just what the belly needed...
41. Hair and make up in my room all day. It was a buzz of activity.
42. I took a mini break and disappeared into Aunt Ellie's hotel room. Her tub to be exact.
43. Yes. Of course I brought a book.
44. They knew me well enough to send someone in after me though to remind me to get out.
45. I didn't see my Mom much before the wedding.
46. I wasn't anxious that day, or nervous about marrying Layne.
47. Put me around my Momma though, and I would have cried all day.
48. I want to be her little girl forever.
49. There are some great pictures from the wedding. If I haven't seen yours, send them to me.
50. I rode to the church in a limo with my Mom and Dad.
51. If I was more organized, I would have had a Rex Flag to hang outside the car for her.
52. Susan Reynolds Orkus is royalty, you know?
53. I started to get a little anxious at this point.
54. We drove by Mount Carmel on the way to St. Dominic's Church.
55. I just thought it was appropriate. So much of who I am is because of the foundation I received there.
56. When the ceremony started, I was jealous of Layne. I wanted to be able to see everything going on.
57. Then I thought about Layne having to stand in front of everyone, and I was glad to be me.
58. Our flower girls were adorable. I know I'm biased, but they were.
59. Reece became friends with Grace that weekend. Abby and I loved seeing them playing together.
60. St. Benilde's choir from 11am mass sang at our wedding. It was simple, and just what I wanted it to be.
61. I remember three thoughts from when I was walking down the isle. 1 - I can't believe today is the day my Dad is going to give me away. I don't want to get to the end of the isle. 2- But I do want to get to the end of isle. There is nothing more I wanted than to hold Layne's hand and become his wife. 3- I need to give my Mom a hug. I never leave home without hugging my Momma goodbye.
62. My Dad and Layne hugged. It was a beautiful moment to me.
63. I was raised by an amazing man. I never thought I would find someone who could live up to the bar my Dad set.
64. I know Layne can/does/will.
65. He and my Dad have a beautiful relationship. I love that they really talk to each other.
66. Our priest was wonderful.
67. His name is Father Jonathan Austin, and he is one of our parish priests at St. Rita's in Dallas.
68. We live a block from the school and church. The rectory is right there too. We walk to mass on Sundays. It's a good life.
69. While we were on the altar, I just wanted to turn around and smile at everyone who was there.
70. I didn't know I could smile as big as I did when Layne said his vows to me.
71. I thought about the day he proposed. And I thought, "This is the beginning of our happily ever after."
72. We took so many pictures that night, I thought my smile would be frozen in place.
73. Layne wanted to ride back to the reception with just the two of us.
74. I'm glad we did, even though the window was broken and the driver could hear everything we sad.
75. My Nanny sang the song Layne and I danced to at our wedding. She looked wonderful. She sounded wonderful. It was just the way I wanted it to be.
76. My wedding cake was Tiger Stadium. Layne's cake was the Texas A&M bonfire. It was my favorite touch to the wedding. You'll see pics eventually.
77. The reception is a blur. So many people. Time flew by.
78. I can't wait to see the wedding video.
79. We did the limbo at our wedding. It was absolutely hilarious.
80. I had no clue some people could bend and flex their limbs in the way they did.
81. Majority of the people who came to our wedding were there at the end of the night.
82. There were people who went to others weddings who made their way to our reception by the end of the night.
83. The band stopped playing music, and the crowd chanted "One more song!"
84. As our wedding gift, Nanny and Uncle Scott paid for our band. Louisiana Spice was awesome, and it is what made our wedding such a great time.
85. Nanny and Uncle Scott have always spoiled me with their generosity. This was no different.
86. Nanny let me wear her pearl earrings on my wedding day. My Nan wore them on wedding day too.
87. I have the most amazing set of godparents. Nan (and Po) and Uncle Scott (and Aunt Leslie) have always been there at every point in my life. I am so lucky to have such a unique relationship with them.
88. Amy was my Maid of Honor. Claire was a bridesmaid. Brian was an usher. My godparents children stood in my wedding. I am so thankful for these relationships.
89. Layne loves to dance. He looked so happy on the dance floor.
90. It made me so happy to see him and all of his best friends together.
91. There is a picture of Nick, Jody, and Layne that I absolutely love.
92. If my husband is measured by the company he keeps, he has nothing to worry about.
93. Layne's friend Dustin has a thing for my aunt. He keeps teasing me about becoming my uncle one day.
94. After the wedding, we went back to the Red Eye.
95. We stayed out until 5:30am and the bar kicked us out.
96. My brothers took turns on each others shoulders as the bartender played a little TI...You Can Do Whatever You Like.
97. My husband was a dancing fool at the bar. I was too.
98. Amy Armstrong was not. She had other things occupying her attention.
99. As I walked back to the hotel with my husband, siblings, new big cousin (Keith!), and friends, I didn't think life could be any better.
100. Then I realized that we get to do it all again when Doody and Abby tie the knot in June. The only thing that could make this experience better is realizing the joy my sister will experience this summer when she marries the love of her life.

And that's that!

Apologies...

I love my blog. I guess that makes me a bit of a dork- but that's no surprise to those of you who know me. I'm having a bit of a problem with the whole wedding/honeymoon blogs. Pictures are a big problem- there are way to many to post. I keep saying I'll figure it out, and I promise I will.

But... there is a but... I'm on the road again in Colorado this week. Ben showed me what I need to do, so now I just need to find the time at home to do it. Soon- I promise!

And a quick update on my bridesmaid dress- it's ordered. (Sigh of relief.) Thanks for letting me get my rant off my chest. It really was the perfect outlet.

My Rant...

I hate shopping. Did you know that? Think about my wardrobe. It's pretty obvious I'm not one of those women who have a shopping fetish. Shoes, purses, clothes, accessories... I just not never enjoyed the process. Don't get me wrong- I'm a girl. I like getting dressed up and looking great, but the effort really overshadows the benefits sometimes.

Since we're back from the honeymoon and our wedding is over, I have a new priority in my life- Abby's wedding. I've got to get on the ball, so since we've gotten back I've been trying to order my bridesmaid dress. That's right... try. What's that saying, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try, again." We're past that point.

Did you know that it is possible to need a dress size for your hips that is 8 sizes bigger than the size you need for the top? And did you know that that is too much of a difference to be altered? So in order to have one dress that fits, two dresses would have to be sewn together. But if you don't get the dress altered at the store where it is being purchased, no tailor will guarantee that they can do it. Did you even know that some alterations could be risking and a tailor wouldn't want that kind of responsibility? Shear frustration.

I've got to place the dress order, and have no clue what to do.
Do you buy the large one and hope someone can make it work? Buy both dresses since there is more of a guarantee? Order the dress from a different dye lot so the bridal store here in Dallas will guarantee that there won't be a problem with the dress?

And this is the problem in my life. For my job, I operate a multi-million dollar budget on my own. Hell, I've had single projects with a million dollar budgets. No problem. I've worked 8 fields, 1200 wells, which totaled 9,500 bbls of oil per day at one time, the only engineer- and it doesn't frustrate me or get under my skin. I don't question my decisions. I make a judgement call, follow through... and I'm good at what I do. Ask me to order a bridesmaids dress for my sisters wedding though, and I end up frustrated, anxious, and emotional. I need to learn how to manage these things better.

I'm going call my mother in law. I'm hoping with her professional knowledge and guidance she can save the day.

... and then I'm going soak in the tub with a new book, my favorite candle, and bubbles... because that is my "special place." You know- the thing you do to relax, get away from the world, zone out, forget the headaches of the day... You don't have a place like that? You don't know what you're missing out on. Don't worry- I know nights like this won't be an option forever. That's why I'm going make the most out of it while it lasts.

Another reason to be proud to be an LSU Tiger...

We all know I am an LSU fanatic. It's who we are. It's in my blood. Everyone in my family has a passion for LSU. And we should. Our University has been good to us. My degree is worth something in employers eyes, not to mention the lifelong memories I have tied to that place.

Our Alma Mater has a line in it that has always been one of my favorite... "Our worth in life will be thy worth..." I know it might sound odd, but I believe it. I am tied to the university. Everyone who knows me knows I associate with LSU. When the university looks good, it is a reflection of "my people." As an alum, my ethics/morals/actions are a reflection of the education I received there.

Today, another alum made me very proud to be an LSU Tiger. Do you remember Kevin Mawae? Drafted by the Seahawks in '94, played for the Jets for a few years, and now he plays for the Titans. Last year he was inducted into LSU's athletic hall of fame. I didn't know much about him then, but I do now. He is a champion on and off the field.
Kevin was on Mike and Mike today. He grew up an army brat, spent some time at Fort Polk, and ended up at Leesville High which brought him to LSU. He's in Tampa right now, and has teamed up with Reebok to send NFL jerseys to our armed forces overseas. He arrived on location with several injured soldiers who are recovering in Tampa right now. One is a huge Steelers fan. The message he sent - (and this is paraphrased) was that he is a football player. He risks his health and safety every week, but he isn't a real hero. He provides entertainment. The real heroes are the men and women who have volunteered to fight for us. They risk their lives, so that we can enjoy celebrations like the SuperBowl in Tampa this weekend. How true.

It's great to be an LSU tiger, and to be in the company of so many amazing alumni who make a difference in the world today.

And since football is the topic of the day, let me just mention that I am extremely excited about college football's signing day on Wednesday. LSU has the potential to walk away with the #1 recruiting class this year, with several players that could contribute to the 2009 football season.

And I'm working on uploading pictures of Jamaica. I promise they'll be posted soon, I just need to get someone to show me how to do what I'm trying to do.

MDA

I rarely post something written by someone else, but my sister Abby sent an email out last night that touched my heart and I wanted to share it with all of you. When I read her email, I had conflicting emotions- saddened by the loss of a child, touch by the simple act of love shown in the picture, and pride that my sister, cousin, and friends are apart of such an amazing organization.

Abby's spirit of volunteerism has inspired me to take action of my own- more to come on that later. Here is her email:

As you all know, I volunteer every summer for the Muscular Dystrophy Association Camp Sunshine. It is by far my favorite thing/place in the world. There is so much happiness, love, and purpose in this one week. The only difficult times are days like today when campers pass away.

Yesterday, Bryan Wolfe, did not wake up. He was 13 years old and was about 7 when I started to work camp. I have watched this boy battle this disease with an ever-smiling face and a cheerful spirit. I wanted to send you all a picture of him and remind you to always treat every day like your last. We never know when our time will be.

Also, there are children like Bryan whose life has been enriched by volunteers like myself and Erin Doody, who attended camp this past summer. This is the reason I volunteer and continue to go back each year. I know I am making a difference. This picture is of Bryan (on the right) and Caleb (the black boy on the left). They did not know I was taking the picture. Bryan could not lift the binoculars to his eyes because of his weak arm muscles so his buddy Caleb is helping him out. What a moment!
I love you all. Abby

Priorities

You think I'm joking, but I'm not. When Layne and I are in a position to finally be LSU Season Ticket Holders (don't worry- we'll be Aggie season ticket holders too), I would sell my home before my tickets... especially if they are in the North End Zone by Mom and Dad. It's called priorities, and I know I have mine straight. :)

Happy Hump Day!

(Honeymoon pictures coming soon! Layne uploaded them last night!)

We're Back!

I took an official break from blogging during the wedding and the honeymoon... but we are officially back in Dallas... living life as Mr. and Mrs. Layne Court. I'm sure the day will come where Mitzi Court rolls off my tongue, but I've already had to reprint and sign four documents this morning!

Pictures from the wedding and Jamaica are great, and I'll be sure to post them as soon as we get things under control. We didn't get back till late last night, and the alarms went off bright and early this morning for work, so we're back in the grind before getting settled in. I'm thrilled it's only going to be a three day week!

Looking forward to talking to everyone soon. And a special thank you to everyone for making our wedding celebration more special than we dreamed it could be. Layne and I are so lucky, and so blessed to have you guys in our life.

Like my momma always says... Life is good.

Going to the Chapel...

Today is January 5th- can you believe it? Only three days in the office until I hop on a plane and fly to NoLA to live out my last few days as a single woman. Special thanks to my family and friends who have been so supportive and encouraging. I can't imagine pulling this off without your help. And a special hug to my Momma... she's the woman who gets it all done.

Looking forward to celebrating with everyone in the Big Easy this weekend!

Happy New Years!

When I finally got back to Dallas, Layne picked me up and we went back to the casa- for a last minute impromptu LSU Gameday Gathering! Mark Hill worked with Layne at Constructors, and he and his wife brought over some DELICIOUS chicken and sausage gumbo and potato salad for the game. Lauren and Chris Martinez drove in from Abilene with another sorority sister, Nicole Appleton, who is in town visiting for the week. Stephen and Kim were at the casa... and it was the perfect storm.

What do you do with a bunch of crazy coon a$$'s who were jacked up after demolishing Georgia Tech in a game that 76.4% of America predicted we would lose? Celebrate! We headed uptown to The Quarter Bar on McKinney, and met up with a bunch of Chris' Air Force buddies who were also in town. The Quarter Bar feels like Louisiana, and was the perfect choice for this rowdy group!

Stephen, Joy and Mark Hill, and Kimberly

I may have just stepped off of a plane and missed half the game, but that didn't stop me! I threw on my gameday attire (ahhh...) and a much needed ball cap, grabbed my FABULOUS new LSU purse, and walked out the door.

It was wonderful to spend time with the Martinez family! They have been in Abilene for a month and a half, and McQ has already been to the house twice. Layne and I can't wait to visit their first home in Abilene when we get back from the honeymoon. Lauren showed me her new Texas license when she was here... who would have thought me and my little St. Joe's hoe would end up as Texas residents? It's nice to have them so close by, and I'm looking forward to all the good times in the future.

Our New Years plans were up in the air until New Years Eve, but ended up being a blast! Our heads didn't hit the pillows till after 4am, and we didn't make it out the bed until noon. We spent the day ushering in 2009 watching football, and I can already tell... 2009 is going to be a good one!

It Doesn't Get Any Better...

I spent the better part of Wednesday at the Denver International Airport. I was trying to make it back from Colorado for kickoff for the LSU Game, and was hoping I could fly standby. It didn't work. I didn't get on the 1:30 flight, or the 2:35 flight. My flight was at 3:50, but at 5pm I was still sitting at the airport- mechanical issues. There was a 5:05 flight out, but they weren't letting anyone from the 3:50 flight switch. It would take too much time to switch everyone over, they didn't want to delay the current flight... yada, yada, yada. I begged, I pleaded, it was shear desperation... and lucky enough, I got my way. I missed the first half of the LSU game, but made it home just in time for the second half.

The day wasn't all that bad though. Let me share with you favorite incident:
I was riding the train from the security check point to Terminal C, and low and behold, standing across from me was a Georgia Tech fan. I could tell by his hat. (I had a LSU hat on myself.) We had a moment where we locked eyes. We non-verbally acknowledged the competition that would unfold later that evening. Could the trash talker in me resist? Not a chance.

"Tiger Bait. Tiger Bait. Tiger Bait." Never mind the fact that there were fifteen other people in the train with us. (I know- you're smiling. You can see it happening.) The Georgia Tech fan was caught offguard at my audacity. "You can't talk trash. You guys are the underdog." I actually felt bad for the man. He had no idea what a formidable opponent he was dealing with. "Of course I can talk trash! We're the defending National Champions. And until next Thursday, I'm going to act like it." (I promise I did so in a polite and playful way Mom!) And then, out of no where, the football gods worked their magic. There was a family, the father was wearing a dry fit Florida shirt. One of his little girls had a sweatshirt on too. They chimed in, "Tiger Bait. Tiger Bait. Tiger Bait." The Georgia Tech fan was screwed. "You guys hate LSU. Why would you cheer for them?" And at that moment, I couldn't have been prouder. The father replied, "We're the SEC. At this time of year, we all support each other. Geaux Tigers."

Seriously... does it get any better than that?