Showering with Blessings

Things have been a bit hectic around here lately. Which is why I haven't blogged as much lately. It started with preparing for the arrival of my parents and brother who were here for a two week Thanksgiving vacation. They just left today. Shortly after their arrival I, with others from church, hosted a bridal shower for my soon to be sister-in-law. I was so glad my mom was here to help with last minute details and caring for the kids while I ran errands, etc. Thanksgiving soon followed the shower. Then we embarked on a huge project with the help of my parents and brother. We painted our hallway, living room, and kitchen in just two days--including the ceilings! In the coming days I hope to post some before and after pictures, but right now we're still putting things back on the wall and trying to decorate for Christmas. So it's not quite "after picture" worthy yet.
Anyway, back to the bridal shower. I'll admit that I was a bit stressed about getting all the details taken care of beforehand, but I'm so pleased to say that everything came together SOOO well. It was a beautiful time of learning more about Rachel (jr--as we affectionately call her) and her relationship with Lee, sharing conversation with old and new friends over some delicious food, giving blessings for a strong Christ centered marriage, and showering her with things for their new home.
I also got a sense that it was a pivotal time in their engagement and their march to the alter. Sort of the official beginning to all the celebrations of their marriage together. It was truly a special time.
Ok, I know my friend Kelly is going to ask, so I'll just say it. Yes, I made the cake. Basically because I couldn't bear to pay $60-$90 for something similar to this. And because there were so many willing and capable ladies that took on the finger foods, so I felt like I had time to focus on the cake. I borrowed some pans and got some pointers from my friend, Sarah, who makes cakes professionally, and stuck with a recipe I'm familar with--Red Velvet Cake with cream cheese icing. The cake worked out great, especially since Rachel's wedding color is red!

Playing a game of getting to know the bride.
Rachel loves to cook and bake so we played a game where you had to use just your nose to identify 8 different herbs and spices. It was a lot tougher than it sounds.


Miss Jeannie gave a beautiful blessing to Rachel and Lee as they begin a new life togther. She is always so eloquent and thoughtful with her words. What a blessing she is to all of us who know her.




Can you guess that this girl likes pottery? I'd say that's a yes. Here's to many happy days baking and cooking. But mostly here's to your marriage. May you always keep Christ at the center of your lives and marriage as you work to serve him with all that He's blessed you with.