Wedding Shower and Wedding Bells

Another event to catch up on is my sister's wedding.  On July 31st, she married her sweetheart James in Flowery Branch, Georgia.  It was a very nice wedding and she was a beautiful bride!  I had the honor of giving her a bridal shower the Thursday night before the wedding. 

The Baker family all played a part in the wedding.  I was the old lady matron of honor, Alex was a gorgeous bridesmaid, Faith was a pretty princess flower girl and Tommy (who was MIGHTY handsome, I might add) escorted my beautiful Mom down the aisle.  Tommy was a huge help with setting up the church and reception and being a food runner, clean up crew, and most important a jokester who kept all the high emotions in balance!!  My man has a true servant's heart to always jump in and help with whatever, whenever.  Thank you sweetheart!

We girls had a lot of fun getting dressed up for the wedding.  I reminded Faith for two weeks before the wedding that she HAD to wear the dress and she WOULD be getting her hair fixed and how HAPPY she was going to be to be Mommy's princess for the day.  :)  Knowing Faith is knowing that she prefers much more to be in basketball shorts and a t-shirt with a ponytail and sneakers.  I love her for that but also need some girlie time with my girls.  I am happy that Alex is now at the age where she likes to get dressed up.  This was the first time she got to wear mascara, powder and lip gloss...just for this occasion. 

This picture is fuzzy...and my Mom was cracking up at her brother

I always cry at weddings.  I cried in Jamaica when Tommy and I saw a wedding on the beach.  Weddings are so intimate and personal and it is as sweet to me as seeing a newborn baby...new love!  I have never been IN a wedding before.  So, you'd think that with the stress of being an old maid matron of honor that I'd be focused on the tasks I needed to perform and not think about crying...I was a mess...and on stage.  Sarah was beautiful, the bridesmaids were beautiful, the reception was amazing...a really great day!

So sweet to watch Mom helping Sarah get ready

Sarah, I pray you and James will seek after the Lord with all of your hearts.  He is the key to a lasting and fruitful relationship.  Don't let the little things become big things. 

3 recommendations to stay connected:

1.  Dialogue daily

2.  Date weekly  

3.  Depart quarterly

Doesn't have to be fancy...just keep the lines of communication open.  Put each other FIRST.  That was a hard one for me to learn!  Allow James to be the head of your household beginning now.  Don't wait until your marriage is in trouble to begin seeking the Lord, because the storms WILL come.  It took me 10 LONG years of us trying to do it all on our own and then finally the Lord hit us both in the heads with cinderblocks to show us He has been there the whole time wanting to lead us both.  This will be one of the greatest challenges of your life.  Make the decision to change the course of divorce for our family.  Always know Tommy and I are here for you!

One more thing.  I have to share how proud I am of my Mom.  She had to face some challenging and uncomfortable situations with this wedding.  I am very proud of her getting out of her comfort zone and attending all events with grace and dignity.  She has come a long way and I am very happy.  I am proud to be her daughter and I pray that God will continue to use me as a true light in her life.  Love you Mom!