They’re Married!

 Well, they did it! So sweet and beautiful! I wish I could fill you in on all the precious, personal details. But they’re personal for a reason. 😂😂😂

The photos aren’t back yet, but the photographer did give a sneak preview. I’ll do a detailed post when they’re in but here are a few...

The newlyweds have returned from their “mini moon,” as they call it. They are both pretty adventurous and I love how so many of the wedding gifts have really spoken to that. Like this super cool adventure map. ❤️

I am thrilled to watch their pins expand! 

They surprised all the children by coming to see them on their way home. I actually caught part of it on video. 

So super sweet! I cut the video too soon so you missed all the tears. 🤪 

They brought all kinds of jerky (elk, gator, boar, yak, ostrich, kangaroo, buffalo, camel, deer, beef, pemmican) and spent the evening taste testing with everyone guessing what they were eating! 😂😂😂

Michael and Alex have taken to kissing contests. 🙄 Look at Calvin in the background. You can tell the children are thrilled. 😂😂😂

It is good to have them back and watch them settle into life together. 

Wedding Day

 Beautiful day! More later...

Busy Times

SOOOOOOO much going on lately!  Mike and Sherrod recently traveled to Alaska for her 21st birthday trip.  It was only about 6-7 months early but, ya know, WEDDING! 💜 She wanted to go dog sledding and whale watching and the bonus was they got to enjoy 50 degree weather while we were here, melting! She got some really great pictures:

The wedding planning is in full swing.  ONE WEEK until go time! Yay!  They're having so much fun planning and getting things done together, but I know they will also be glad when they can just rest.  In fact, we could ALL probably use some rest. 😂😂😂 Not that it's all wedding-related...it's just been a bit crazy around here with this whole clan!

We had the bachelor and bachelorette parties last week.  We painted pottery for Sherrod's and enjoyed a nice dinner with most of the bridal party:

Alex and the guys went camping.  Wallace and Calvin were THRILLED to be invited and to get to go!  They have lots of fun memories/stories...starting with the packing of the backpacks.  If you see Alex or Wallace, be sure to ask about Wallace's pack! 😂 They didn't get a picture that night when everyone was there, but they did at least get this picture that Selah insisted on so she can finish their engagement album.

Lots of wedding planning has been happening.  I'm so glad to have (most) everyone involved! (Selah took the photo, Mike was in a chair beside the sofa.)  I think we have pretty much everything done.  We're just going through some minor details.  They are going to get their marriage license TODAY!!!

Yesterday was a crazy busy day and dinner did not get planned.  I was out in the pool house, vacuuming the pool (don't ask😟), Mike was fixing the van (ugh😟), and the littles were playing outside.  I came into the house to find all the big people in the kitchen, working and talking and laughing.  Sherrod was making biscuits while Alex was busily warming up leftovers and the other girls were fixing plates.  They were all giggling and telling stories and laughing and the thought hit me once again, how thankful I am for this clan that the Lord has given me.  What a joy!

The Funeral

What is the purpose of a funeral?

In this day of technology, I fear that we are forgetting our  human need for relationship. 

If a funeral is offered via livestream, is it good enough to attend it that way and forego the physical service?

No. Go to the funeral. 

Always go to the funeral. 

They need you. They need your presence. Even if you don’t have the opportunity to speak with the family, they need you there. They need to know their beloved was loved and cherished by you. You watching them grieve for their beloved from afar does them absolutely no good. 

So unless you are states away, seriously ill, or have some other good reason to stay away, please go to the funeral. 

Take off work. 

Adjust your schedule. 

Drive out of your way. 

They need you. Love them. Let them know you really care. 

Go to the funeral. 

Happy birthday, Elly!

We celebrated Elly’s birthday recently. She has grown into a young woman seemingly overnight! I can still hear her sweet little toddler voice mispronouncing things like “Wal-Mart”. Now, here she is, a kind and thoughtful young lady. I love how she is repentant and careful of her sin, how she cares for her little siblings, and how diligent she is in her work. What a joy to watch her grow!