Dads

Well, better late than never . . . to give a shout-out to our Dads. Here are all of us on Father's Day at my parent's house. (It's so convenient that Brian and my family lives under 5 miles from each other -- perfect to combine occasions such as this :).

Not the best angle, but you get the picture :)

We had a BBQ after church and just sat around and chatted and laughed until the evening. It was so nice to relax together.

Me, Dad, and Joy

Dad (Hand), Brian, and Mike

I must say that fathers have such a critical role in our lives -- I know my dad's love and opinion and support is so vital. And, it's funny how we often take those things for granted until we perceive it lacking. I have been able to turn to my dad for wisdom and provision over the years. It's amazing how God made the image of our earthly dads so much like our need for Him, our Heavenly Father. It's funny to think how exciting and comforting it was to run into your daddy's arms as a child, and to sit in your dad's lap, and to run to your dad when you were scared at night, and to brag about how your dad would beat up your friend's dad if things got messy on the playground.

Father's Day is not only a day to let my dad know how much I love him, but also a reminder of how we ought to praise and love our Heavenly Father -- and to see Him as our Daddy who welcomes us with open arms.

Back from Vacation

We enjoyed the last week in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It was so wonderful to be with family -- my mom, aunt, brother, sister-in-law, neice, and nephew -- and to relax at the beach and pool . . . and to read and eat good food. It was such a refreshing time. Here are some pics . . . some of the 150 we took!

Bri and me at Jockey's Ridge

Bri, me, Mom, John, Robin

Brian and Caleb - playing after breakfast

Ansley was fast asleep after I read "Hop on Pop" for the second time

Brian and Caleb -- busy at work

Brian's masterpiece

John taking the kids on a bike ride in their "cab" - I found this totally hilarious

The house we stayed in -- just kidding :) . . . our house was very nice though

My bro and his cute fam

An awesome sunset

The couples

Me and mom

Brian made his waffles -- yum!

Jenna Love

This past weekend, I threw a bridal shower for Jenna, our soon-to-be sister-in-law. She is soon to become a "Hand", leaving "Love" behind . . . I must say that Love is a cool last name . . . but, being a Hand is pretty hard to beat -- I'm not partial or anything.
Our Shower-ified Living Room

Before Guests & Presents Arrived

Anyways, I've been preparing for the shower the last few months, and it's been fun. I love organizing details and coordinating events, so this was right up my alley. (I often think I was meant to be an event-coordinator). It's also an outlet for my creative side, and I've tried to do things inexpensively; therefore, I tried to be resourceful and make as much as possible - the invitations, decorations, and part of her gift. As part of Jenna's gift, I made her some personalized stationary. Here it is:




I think Jenna enjoyed herself after she got over the shock of the surprise. Her fiance Mike assured me that she would want a surprise, . . . but, that appeared debatable. Honestly, I was just amazed everyone kept it a surprise. We enjoyed ourselves though. One thing you must know about Jenna: she is a Disney fanatic!!! "Mommy Pam" got Jenna and Mike a bridal head-piece and top hat that had Mickey Mouse ears on them. Jenna of course love the veil with ears, but Mike was definitely more reluctant to put on the hat for pictures. It was hilarious.

Look closely - Jenna is sporting the Mickey-veil

"Mommy Pam" -- a close friend and mentor to both Jenna and I -- gave a short devotional on being a wife. She's such a great speaker, and has lots of wisdom. Another friend of Jenna's led a time of prayer for both her and Mike. And, my step-mom led a "How Well Do You Know Mike and Jenna?" jeopardy-like game. It was a lot of fun. And, of course we had lots of food, cake, and present-opening.

Jenna and I have become good friends since she moved here last year. Brian and I really enjoy hanging out with Mike and her. Since we're around the corner from each other, we're at each others' house all the time. And, we get to see each other multiple nights a week at Brian and Mike's softball games and basketball at church.

Jenna, I'm excited for us to be sister-in-laws . . .

I'm looking a little tired!