Mr. & Mrs. Leys

Laura got married at the end of August in Kenosha (over our anniversary weekend). We had a wonderful weekend celebrating.

Rehearsal dinner: Bridesmaids

The bride getting her hair done

Hair is done!!!!!

pre wedding entertainment

Laura and her flower girl

Lovin the beautiful weather

The best....Ashley

Wedding party....people risked their lives for this picture

Laura and Mikey on the Lake

The bustle....we rocked it

Ashley, Me, Laura, and Kim on the bus

Best date in the world....thanks for being a slave for the day. I could never do it without you :o)

Chi Omegas!!!!

Umm one of their gifts was a gourd....it was hollowed out and this was a pic of the inside....the outside was covered with 'memories' haha. creepy enough i had to take a picture

Bride and Bridesmaid :o)

Micah and I ended the weekend with a trip to Six Flags Great America.

Mr. and Mrs. TeBeest

My dear friend Ashley got married at the end of July in Sheboygan, WI. She is worth the 5 hour drive :o) Ashley was a wonderful friend in college. We met when she joined my Sorority and then became much closer when she partnered up with me to get Relay For Life going on campus. I could not have done it without her positive attitude and support through the last 3 years of planning. Lets just say, it probably would never have happened had she not come along. Love you Ashley...and love your heart!

For those of you who don't know her, you are missing out. She is the sweetest person you will ever meet, with a heart of gold. She has a passion for helping others and does everything she can to help support organizations battling cancer. Quite possibly why we hit it off so quick! Ashley is also a special education teacher which probably tells you a little more about her amazing personality.

Her wedding was beautiful! Absolutely breathtaking, but with a beautiful bride what does anyone expect. Her bridesmaids wore knee length strapless black dresses and carried bouquetsof white hydrangeas. Her wedding was mostly black and white but she had purple accents to honor those who had passed from, are fighting, or have survived the horrors of cancer. She also spent the money most people use for favors to donate to American Cancer Society.

Mr. and Mrs. Joshua TeBeest

Love Them!

Love him but someone forgot to pack his belt and nice shoes....haha he is lucky I was not as up tight as I normally am. Laughed it off and went on with the evening.

My wonderful Date

My sweet Chi Omega Baby Krystal, finally back from living in Hawaii

My College Loves

All the Chi Omega's at the wedding

Our little Chi Omega Family

Thanks for letting us be a part of your special day!!!! We Love you both!

Wedding Season seems to never end....

This summer was more mild than last, but we were still busy. In June I spent a weekend in Kenosha for Laura Fornetti's bridal shower. She was my roommate in college (would not have graduated without her by my side) and helped me though some of the toughest moment in the college years. I am very grateful for her friendship. She stood up with us in my wedding and then asked me to be a bridesmaid in hers as well.

Her shower was simple and lovely! Held at the Bull & Bear in Kenosha. All her bridesmaids were there except her sister Jamie...who is slaving away on her PhD and MD in Denver.

Bridesmaids: Kim, Me, Laura(bride), Ashley, Sami

Me and the very tan bride to be....or I'm just really pasty (thanks what working every day does to a girl)

Guest appearance of Mr. Will Waller (groomsman) to cheer on team USA in the World cup game that day....they lost

We got the groom to step in for a pic as well...he ran quickly after he was loved on by the bridesmaids.

Chi Omega's....I blame XO for our unplanned matching attire.

Had a wonderful time with the ladies....wish the weekend would have lasted longer!!!!

Homecoming Weekend at Carthage

I was really missing my Sisters and Friends from Carthage, so what better way to reconnect that heading to Homecoming. We had a Chi Omega Reunion on Friday night which was wonderful (Thanks Amy A for hosting it) It was amazing catching up with sisters from my pledge class, those older, younger, and even some I had never met before. Different sisters were in and out throughout the evening but it was definitely too much fun for all of us! Can't wait til the Next reunion. Miss all those who could not join us. And for the two sisters we lost this year, you were there in our hearts for sure. Love you Katie and Angie.

The ladies who were there during picture time. Some had scattered by this point and others were just arriving. LOVE YOU ALL. And a special thank you to all the dates who, after dating Chi Omega's for many years, have learned that picture time is their time to shine as well. They grab the cameras and start clicking. Cracks me up because we don't even ask anymore, they just follow and click.

Nikki, Me, Laura, and Liz. Laura and Liz were bridesmaids in my wedding...and best friends...and roommates...and neighbors... And Nikki is one of my favorite little XO....we have a special bond, right Nik. You all saved my life in college. Sometimes literally

This was right after Laura got down on one knee asking me to be her bridesmaid in her wedding next august. Of course she already asked me before this night, but wanted to make sure I was not gonna back out...haha Love you Future Mrs. Leys

My favorite Heather and my favorite Liz....in the Micah Photo shoot. You really should see the 15 pictures he took of us.

We spent saturday morning at the parade. Although there were not hundreds of people there like usually, it was wonderful to remember the good times when i was actually a student. Chi Omega's were shining brighter than all the others in the parade that is for sure. We love you girls, Keep Carrying on the XO Love.

The ladies were pirates. Had absolutely nothing to do with the theme but they couldn't think of anything so they decided this would be fun. ... And that is one more reason i love Chi Omega. And i must they are the best looking pirates i have Ever seen.

Immediately following the parade it is tradition for different organization to set up booths and sell food!! So we wandered over that way to see what there was yummy to eat. And in the process I was able to get an update on CAC (Colleges Against Cancer)...The organization I started in my 4 years at Carthage (through American Cancer Society). So thanks to everyone who prayed for me while we were in the process of getting it started, and thanks to those who

celebrated with me when we had our first Relay For Life at Carthage....and many many many Thanks to those who have continued to carry on CAC after i left. It is so wonderful to see how it has grown in the 2 years since i have been gone...it is in Good Hands!!! I was also able to catch up with some of my favorite professors during this time (Love you Dr. Blaine (AKA MOM)...and many of my friends. I love the warmth of reuniting with the people who shared my life for 4 years. The connection never seems to fade no matter how many miles we are apart. Thanks for the memories.

And as we were leaving we decided to spend a little bit of time on 'our rock' by the Lake.

When Micah came with me on move in day at carthage, this is where we said our goodbye's, and where we spent many many many many many moments just sitting throughout the 4 years. I often went there when I was missin home, or stressed, or just wanted to look at the beautiful Lake. It was great to enjoy the beautiful weather together.

My home for 4 years.....and outside of winter it is the most wonderful place in .....WI. So it doesn't measure up to many places i have been, but for a college home it was perfect. Lake Michigan is big enough you can imagine you are walking along the ocean on your way to class every morning....

And since I promised I would not bore Micah with a weekend of all MY friends, we headed out early Saturday afternoon to go visit Micah's old roommate and his family. It was wonderful visiting with you Raz and Autumn come see us soon! And Welcome little baby Carter....he is too cute for words, what a blessing.

A warm weekend in FREEZING Kenosha

Sometimes you just need time away with some great friends. It has been entirely too long since I lived in Kenosha with some of the most amazing people I have ever met. I didn't realize how much I missed being in Kenosha until I was back.

It all worked out wonderfully with schedules and getting everyone into town at once. I was really in need of a bridesmaid weekend and it could not have been better. I drove the horrid 5 hour(should have been 3 hour) drive up to WI to be greeted by my favorite roommate...Laura Lu. She was kind enough to be my roommate once again for the weekend. It was so nice to just catch up for the evening and play with her little puppy. It was also exciting because another wonderful friend, Brit, is now Laura's new roommate so I got to see her too. It really is a huge adjustment from College to real life. You get used to being able to run down the hall and have 50 wonderful friends there whenever you need them...then being stripped of that luxury is really difficult.

Mike taking out the puppy so we didn't have to freeze :o)

My favorite roommate Laura!

Saturday we spent the day running around town, shopping, enjoying life in Kenosha, and just remembering the good old days. In the evening we joined up with the rest of the bridesmaids and friends. It was Courtney's birthday so we all went to our favorite Mexican place in Racine, Hose's Blue Sombrero. It was just as wonderful as I remember, and then we all headed to the house (the place to be across from campus).

Part of the group- Mal and her BF, Court, Kyle and Brit...

missing Liz, Laura, Mike, Dave, Sarah, and James

Myself and the Birthday girl - Court

XO's Brit and Liz

Sunday was spent on campus visiting with the XO sisters who remain. It was great to run around the floor and see happy faces. I just couldn't get enough and 1 weekend was just not enough time. We tried not to spend too much time in rooms on the floor since the whole group had be struck by the Pink Eye...thats the bad think about living on campus. You share your closets, secrets, and germs hah. All of the ladies were getting ready for their final recruitment party and they got some WONDERFUL new sisters. I miss you all and am so proud of how you are leading Chi Omega.

Laura-thanks for the wonderful weekend and for being an incredible host.

Court- I am so glad i got to celebrate your birthday with you! Love you

Liz- i wish i was still in San Diego so i could see you every other week when you are there on business...maybe we can convince Micah i need to be back there!!!

XO's - miss you all and love you all

Mike - thanks for letting me claim your girlfriend for the weekend :o) And thanks for the frosted animal crackers haha.

You're gonna miss this....you're gonna want this back

As of May 25th I am finished with my undergrad! I finally have a nice certificate that says I have a BA in Chemistry and Biology...HORRAY The day was not terribly exciting but know how much i had been through the get there made me appreciate it a bit more. Here are a few pic of the people i will actually miss.....

First and foremost, my Bridesmaids....Laura, Liz, and Courtney have helped me through the past four years of my life. Good or Bad they were always there for me. Leaving Kenosha was not hard for me, but leaving my best friends was not a simple task. I cannot wait for you ladies to stand up with me in my wedding. I love you!
Miss Ashley....i would never have been able to accomplish my dream of starting a Relay For Life at Carthage without her help and encouragement...This woman is amazing and little kids of the future will be incredibly lucky to have her as a teacher. Love you Ash

Although i double majored, Chemistry was my true love. The amazing men and women stuck out the 4 year journey with me. From homework partners, to help on projects, to personal advice and education. Although there were more, the above are some of the best! Brent, Dr. Rener, Matthew, and Dr. Blaine (AKA MOM)
Miguel, my Amigo from Mexico....Everyday i could expect a hug from the happy Mexican in the hall. With funny stories and insane ideas, life could never be boring. We are sooo glad you cheated on your USA entrance exam so they let you in to attend college. I cannot image it without you.

Mom, this amazing woman has taught me much further than the classroom allowed. I cannot even begin to thank her for the countless hours spent in her office, crying, asking for advice, or just chatting. She has been there for me no matter what she had going on in her own schedule...she also allowed me to babysit her beautiful little boys when I was so homesick for my kids in England. Thanks for being my Carthage Mom and listening to me whenever i needed you. Your hugs in the hall always came at the right time!

My Chi Omega's....I honestly don't think i would be half the woman I am today had i not met all of you. Spring '05 changed my life and i am grateful for each and every one of you. I cannot wait to dance with you all at our next 'function'...my wedding. You are amazing women.

My Laura Lu and Bill....we have been together since the first day of school and i know that i will never forget all the memories. Bill used to ride through the dorm halls trying to get girls to be on his new video "Carthage Girls Gone Wild" and would offer free pencils to anyone who complied. haha i don't think he ever got anyone ....but it was entertaining. Thanks for the rides to class when it was raining Bill!! Laura, the best roommate and friend anyone could ever ask for...my bathtub awaits you in California...i will have your wine and text books ready :o)