{ Happy 21st Birthday Kellie! }

Tuesday night was pool party time at Club Messick. You're probably thinking to yourself "Pool Party? In December?" That's right folks. A pool party in December. For my little sister Kellie's 21st birthday! That's what Kellie wanted. And what Kellie wants, Kellie gets. So, Dad heated the pool, we invited everyone over and well, the rest is history!

{ Almost The Happiest Place On Earth }

Just look at the disappointment on that little face. So close, yet so far. The whole fam drove all the way to Disneyland this morning in hopes of introducing Dallen to the happiest place on earth. Unfortunately we never made inside. Stupid rain. I think we'll try again this weekend.

:: Sunday Evening Stroll ::

Sunday afternoon we came home from church to find an uncooked roast in the slow cooker. Dumb thing never turned on when we left he house! So, while we waited for dinner to cook, the whole fam headed down to the Dana Point harbor for a little late night stroll. Good times were had by all. Especially me and my little D. We're so in love!

{ Jeriann & Travis' Wedding Day }

A couple weeks ago Jerrian and Travis tied the knot at the gorgeous Montage Resort & Spa in Laguna Beach. I know I shared a few pics already, but here are a few more from their perfect December day in Laguna...




After an exhausting morning of prep and set-up, Hannah and I treated ourselves to the most delicious gourmet lunch and dessert where we could watch the cliff side ceremony and just enjoy the view. We totally deserved it!



After the ceremony and cocktail hour ended, guests moved indoors to the ballroom for a formal dinner and reception. Hannah and I had the opportunity to decorate each of the 11 dinner tables and sweetheart table with arrangements of white vendela roses, lisianthus, sweet peas, arabicum, hyrdrangea, and peonies in these gorgeous silver julep cups. Such a classy wedding!

{ Another Ritzy Reunion }

Monday morning before work I joined friends Lauren Hunter, her adorable baby Annie, and Brittany Watson for an amazing ocean view breakfast at The Ritz Carlton. They all live in the DC area so when we get a chance to get together, we do it right! And I just have to say that I love how we can get together after months or even years of not seeing each other and pick right up where we left off. These girls are simply the best!

As I enjoyed the most amazing French Toast and berries, we caught up on each others busy lives. Lauren and her husband recently moved to the suburbs of Virginia and are loving life with their little Annie Leigh! Brittany is living in DC, finishing up her Masters in Interior Design, and leaving tomorrow for a trip to Denmark to see her man. And me, well, I'm still here in Southern California, maintaining the busiest schedule possible until my prince charming comes to rescue me! Anyway, it was a wonderful visit and I really miss not having these girls around. It makes me sad every time they leave to go back home. I think I might have to make a trip to DC next month for a quick visit!

{ Christmas At The Messicks }

What a wonderful Christmas! This year the Messick's opted for a simple Christmas. Small tree, less presents, and more time with family. It was truly one of the best Christmas' in Messick family history. Well, aside from Christmas '07 in Hawaii, but that's a given. It was wonderful having Little D here to enjoy the morning us. He loved every minute of it! Pictures don't lie...




After all the presents were opened and the yummy French Toast had been devoured, we hopped in the 'burb and drove down to my grandparent's in San Clemente to join all the aunts, uncles, and cousins for some food and fun. EVERYONE was home for the holidays this year, so it was a FULL HOUSE!

At this time last year, before all the presents were opened, my Grandpa gave the most heartfelt speech about the importance of family. I think we all wondered how in the world we would ever top it this year. Well, thanks to my little sister Jacki, mission accomplished! Jacki was blessed with some beautiful vocals and sang the sweetest Christmas song and shared her feelings on the Savior.

The Spirit was strong and everyone could feel it, so Grandpa invited everyone to share their thoughts and feelings on the Savior and love for their family. There wasn't a dry eye in the room. It was truly a magnificent Christmas this year! One I will not soon forget. I hope you all had an equally wonderful Christmas spent with family, friends, and those you love!

{ A Ritzy Christmas Eve }

I love Christmas traditions! One of my favorites is our visit to the Ritz Carlton down the street from my parent's house in Laguna Niguel. Aside from their gorgeous holiday decor, every year they do the most incredible gingerbread house! Last year was a Gingerbread Castle and the year before that was a larger than life Santa's Workshop. This year the designers created an underwater village complete with fruit loop seaweed, churro logs, and pastry shells. Enjoy a few cute pics of our Christmas Eve visit.

:: Messick Christmas Card 2009 ::

It's Christmas! Can you believe it? I never did get a chance to send out my annual cards to everyone this year and I feel just terrible about it. I'm sorry to those back in the mission and friends across the globe who sent me a card and didn't receive one in return. Please accept this blog post as a condolence and I'll try harder next year to get you something to hang on your fridge. Deal? Have a very merry Christmas and much love throughout the year!

:: Christmastime At Disneyland ::

Wednesday night after work, this handsome fellow and I snuck off to Disneyland. Can you see us in the way back? We felt like little kids running around all night, speed walking to every ride, eating ice cream, getting our fortunes told by Esmeralda, looking at all the gorgeous Christmas lights, and enjoying the special holiday fireworks show. I just love Disneyland at Christmastime!

{ Coastline Christmas Caroling }

This year the roommies (minus Amy who left early for the holidays...miss you!) and I decided it would be very neighborly of us to bring cookies to all 24 of our Coastline neighbors. It was actually really fun meeting all the "old people" in the neighborhood and singing at the top of our lungs "We Wish You A Merry Christmas!"

A few of the "old people" even invited us in to chat and shoot the breeze. One lady sat us down in her living room and proceeded to tell us about her days as a travel agent and the time she just so happened to be staying at the same hotel as Grace Kelly's 21st birthday party in Monaco. How amazing is that! Another neighbor invited us in to show us all of his woodworking projects. We learned all about the qualities and characteristics of alder, oak, maple, and more. Quite interesting! And yet another neighbor stood on the front step for 20 minutes and told us that out of her 5 daughter-in-laws, the Mormon one was her favorite because she gave her 9 beautiful grandchildren. Haha! I love that everyone on our street knows we're the Mormons. Merry Christmas Coastline Lane! And a Happy New Year too!

{ Day 3: The Wedding Day }

The wedding day was a success! Incredibly exhausting, but gorgeous! The ceremony and formal dinner reception were held at the Montage Resort & Spa in Laguna Beach. If you've never been, you're really missing out. It's located in one of the most beautiful coves in Southern California. Again, sorry for the crummy iPhone pics. They hardly do the beauty of the day justice. I'll post some "real" pics as soon as I have access to my parent's camera.

So, funny story about these altar pieces. Well, it's funny now, but it was a florists' worst nightmare come true! See the white table cloth? Yah, those weren't suppose to be there. Minutes before the ceremony was to begin, the huge glass cylinders that was supposed to be used as the base, suddenly shattered! Can you imagine our horror? With some quick thinking, we took the white buckets we had brought some extra flowers in, turned them upside down, borrowed some table cloths from the hotel and ta-da! Funny, right?

The centerpieces were my favorite part of the wedding. Hannah and I used 3 silver julep cups in descending size for the center of the dining tables. I love how elegant they look. And believe me, this picture doesn't do them justice. They were absolutely stunning in person. I hope my "real" pictures show off the detail in the arrangements. Stay tuned for those...

{ Day 2: Design Time }

A lot of people think designing wedding flowers is such a glamorous job. Well, let me tell you, it's not! Sure it's fun and I love the time I get to spend with the flowers, but it's tiring work! Together Hannah and I spent nearly 17 hours putting together all of the flowers for the big day. And that was just day two!

In total we created 33 centerpieces in silver julep cups, 2 large altar arrangements for the ceremony, 6 aisle pieces, 1 bridal bouquet, 5 bridesmaid bouquets, 8 boutonnieres, 2 nosegays, and 7 cocktail table pieces.

Did I miss anything? Seriously, it was one busy day! But not nearly as crazy as Day 3. Stay tuned for more on the wedding day! Until then, enjoy these pics, courtesy of the one and only iPhone. I think I'll buy myself a camera for Chrismtas.