Wedding and a Funeral..........Seriously

Another whirlwind weekend.  It has become the norm rather than the exception.  This one swept in and brought an array of emotion.  It began with the unexpected loss of my first cousin.  She was 50 (which use to seem very old but I am not that far away from that number myself and the older I become the younger that number seems~) and was found in her recliner after family had unsuccessfully attempted to reach her by phone.  She always said she hoped she wouldn't have to suffer as her mother had and it is a blessing that she didn't.  At this point it appears she left us in her sleep as there was no evidence that she tried to use her phone to call someone or anything.  She was a beautiful woman inside and out and will be missed by all who was blessed to have known her.  I can still hear her laugh.....................

Saturday brought an entirely different set of emotions.  My husband's first cousin married the love of her life (after having been part of his life for around 20 years.....) and marked the beginning of their life together as Mr. and Mrs.  It was absolutely beautiful.  A beautiful day (the wedding was outside); temperatures were only slightly nippy; the scene was at a Plantation House around Knoxville and it was such a lovely site and served as a perfect backdrop for a wedding; I so loved the crafty decor and the colors she chose; and it just could not have been any more beautiful!!!

Took a few good pictures that I will share.  I am still a work in progress with regard to photo's but I really enjoy taking pictures and sharing them.  It has been a hobby of mine for many years now.  I suppose I just want to make sure that I have memories and since my memory is not very good I am able to enjoy my memories thru photo's.  Hope you enjoy these.  I have so much on my plate right now and so many ideas of things to blog about.  My intent is to put my thoughts and ideas into words so hang in there with me and keep checking back!

D-husband with D-niece



D-husband can not leave D-niece alone but at least she seems to enjoy it!

A few the bride's flowers

Petals from the Flower Girl-AKA- D-niece

And finally, JDevan and D-niece post-wedding posin'

Her Independence Day

Well, it has finally come to pass.......Jdare has finally reached the day that she has been waiting for..........

COLLEGE

We moved her into her dorm room yesterday. 

Those around me kind of expected me to crumble and spend the next two weeks in mourning but He has given me a peace that I can't explain and I know that I have to trust Him.

Love her sweet roomie and also her family!  Hoping this is the start of a lifetime friendship between them.

Enjoyed the layout of the room, compliments of the roomie's father.

I am a bit conflicted of course.
 Sad that she won't be here everyday.
  Sad that life at home will never be the same. 
Sad that time has flown by and maybe I haven't been all that I have needed to be for her.

Thinking about all that life may throw at her.
Wondering if she will take the road less traveled.
If she is really ready to handle independence.
Wondering how we will adjust to the distance between us (though this facetime thingy is awesome!!!!)

However, I am also very proud and grateful that she is the person she is.
Thankful that she expresses her desire to seek His will for her life.
Thankful that she is His child and that He is in control.
Very grateful that her sweet uncle D planted the seed for her to attend this college.
I am thrilled that our relationship continues to grow and change overtime!!!!!!

And I attempt to prepare myself for what may come to pass.
Rather than worry though I know that prayer is the most important thing I can do and anyone else reading this is certainly welcome to join me in praying for her!

I am the proud mom of a B-Lo girl.
A bit of an inside joke!

19 years???? Really????

Celebrated our 19 year anniversary on Monday.  My understanding of marriage has certainly changed over the  years. 

Marriage takes a lot more than LOVE!!!  Love is not a noun, and it isn't easy to work with sometimes (no pun intended).

Marriage is a lot of work.......

It isn't easy.............

Sometimes you feel like giving up..........

But you don't............

You find a way to make things right.......

You find a way to meet half way............

You realize that this is what you signed up for........

You realize that you can't see yourself without your spouse..........

It begins to make sense.........

You realize that your love has deepened........

Is more seasoned.........

Is maturing...........

You find yourself in an easy chair side by side, legs crossed, a bit of a smile on your face, and you quietly thank God for pulling you through the hard times. 

You ask Him for 19-plus additional years...................

You will accept everyday He gives you!

Happy 19 JDoug!

This "Love" is for you~ (pun intended)