Monday, March 28, 2011

A Truly Beautiful and Joyous Wedding












Two strong families came together on March 25th, to show their love and support for the creation of the new, strong, young family of Colin and Macey Washburn. It was one of the most joyous and blessed events I've ever been privileged to be part of. So many wonderful people joined forces, sharing their collective wisdom and talents, to see that it all came to pass. Thank you all so much! You know who you are, and you know we love you! Right? Right. It was fun to stand in the reception line and shake hands with so many friends of Colin's and Macey's, too. It may have been hard on the feet, but it was certainly easy on the heart. I loved every minute of it!


Greg is the last to leave for home, which means he's the one who's been drafted into posting-pictures-on-the-blog duty. Thanks, Greg. And thank you again, all you friends and family for everything from the bells, to the chocolate-dipped strawberries, pictures, videos, help with shopping for food and for clothing, for your advice and/or suggestions, for rides and flights, and so much more. And that's just the Washburn side of it. I know Macey's friends and family have a long list of kindnesses of their own for which we're all grateful. And now for a few of those pics. See if you can spot Shane anywhere. He was there, arrayed in full cardboard.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Moving Day

Pretty exciting happenings around here! It has been so much fun watching Colin and Macey preparing for their upcoming marriage. Today, they're moving furniture and other belongings into the apartment they'll soon be sharing. We're just so hhappy for them! Macey is absolutely adorable, and her family thinks just as highly of Colin. Having most of our family arriving to celebrate this momentous occasion, only adds to the joy. Sometimes it seems incongruous to feel so wonderful when I know there are so many people who are suffering. But I have to remind myself that during my time of greatest trial, life still went on for others, and that was as it should be. I know I will never be completely oblivious to the trials of others, though. All those affected by the earthquake, and tsunami, and the looming nuclear disaster in Japan are in my thoughts and prayers. When I enter the temple tonight, and next Friday, I will be conscious of the fact that others are in less desirable places, such as clinics, hospitals, etc., and I will be praying for them. Rejoice when you can, and pray always.

So, here's a good laugh Greg sent me recently. It's an account of a road trip we took from our home to visit my sister Becky. He wrote:
"Anyways, I am thinking it is story time right about now. Today I shall tell you about an incident that occurred on a family vacation when I was at the tender age of 13 years old. We were driving from Washington State to Los Angeles and we elected to take many of the scenic coastal byways through Oregon and California. In the back of our minivan we had a little bed set up where we would rotate who got to lie down and take a little nap as we drove. Somewhere in northern California, it was once again my turn to lie down and relax. I was pretty tired by this time as we had been on the road the entire previous day. It didn't take long for my eyes to grow heavy as I was hypnotized by the drone of the tires on asphalt. As the minivan swayed back and forth, I could feel myself slipping deeper and deeper into sleep, and I began to dream. :) In my dream, there was a very warm and soothing mist that danced back and forth across my face. I snuggled my pillow tighter as I enjoyed this luxurious sensation. My mind began to wonder and question from where came this spa-like treatment? Finally it was too much, and I awoke. To my surprise, the side of my face was indeed moist!! I sat up quickly and this is when everything became all too clear.....there was my mother, dumping a cupful of my 3 year old brothers urine out the window, which was then misting me through the open side vent :/ Lets just say I didn't attempt to get any more sleep hehe :) "
It's an account all right, but not a true one. He wasn't 13, and his brother wasn't 3. Aside from being a little off on their ages, I have to admit that it is pretty near to the truth. Hmmm, I look forward to hearing what stories our sons will be swapping this time next weekend.