Pre-wedding photos

Welcome to Hicksville

Sometimes the husband and I are out driving, visiting relatives in Ohio or whatever, and we run into interesting towns, interesting people.

The other night we had occasion to visit Hicksville, Ohio, specifically. I'm not kidding. And on your way to Hicksville, you see lots of farm animals, and tractors, and silos. That kind of thing. And a lot of open fields filled with crops. It's very middle America.

One thing I noticed in the town of Hicksville proper is a business called "Ethics Automotive." Out there in Hicksville they want everyone to know they'll shoot straight when they fix their cars. No messing around like those city-slickers. Just good old-fashioned service. 

But the thing that caught me by surprise, and pleasantly so, were the number of Amish buggies we skirted past on our way to the big town of Hicksville. Four, in fact. They are common in these parts and it must have been a progressive sect--they had open buggies instead of the closed-in kind.

So with hats and full-length clothing, the works, I noticed these Amish moms and dads with a few kids tucked into the backseat of the buggy. (Did you know they are required by law to use battery-powered lights in the back of the carriage when it's dark out? Did you also know many Amish men carry cell phones, but are not allowed to have a land line--a link to their house from the "outside world?")

Well, as we lumbered along down the road to Hicksville, we came upon a young Amish man alone in his buggy. Listen in to how the conversation in the car went next. 

Suzie:

"Hmmm, honey. There's a single one. He needs a wife. It's not right when all the rest of them have their buggies full."

David:

"Yeah."

The conversation continued when we saw what we believe was the same young man alone in his buggy on our way out of Hicksville.

Suzie:

"There he is again."

David:

"Still alone."

Suzie:

"You know, we could fix that. All my single friends....do you think they would mind if we found them an Amish husband...you know, the simple life and all that..."

This conversation reveals a newfound preoccupation the husband and I have with matchmaking in general. We simply adore marriage. So we feel a personal yearning to match up every available friend we have. Never mind that we waited for decades for our mate. We want to match, and match now! We've already been scheming, but have waylaid our plans for now. After years of living single, we realize that our friends may not appreciate well-meaning, but hasty matchups. Will it help if I promise that all of our future matchmaking efforts will be covered with hours of prayer?? :) 

So back to Hicksville. It was quiet there. Even though it has a McDonald's and all, the residents take pride in their town and their way of life. Simpler. Kinder. Countrified. Nothing wrong with that.

Today, we again found ourselves driving through the fields of Ohio, when I spotted a sign: "Worstville --------->." We weren't headed that way, but if we ever do, I'll be sure to report on it. After all, exactly how bad can "Worstville" be--and a better question, where in the world do Ohioans come up with all these interesting names?

Can you sound off on some other unusual city names? Please post--you can do it anonymously now, and it's easy.  And, yeah, it would be great if you at least signed your first name. :)

Everybody needs a friend

So I moved to a new city in a new state and have been trying to start a new life. The being married to David part of that life is wonderful--and has even exceeded my expectations. I can't say enough about the advantages of getting married when you are older, hopefully wiser, and yes, more loving and gracious. It's not for everyone, but as for David and I, we feel infinitely blessed.

As for friends

But as the weeks roll by, and I try to settle in a bit more each day, acclimating to my new surroundings, I find myself wishing for a friend, or two, or three. I left such amazing people behind when I moved, that it's hard to imagine forming deep, stimulating relationships here.

As one girlfriend from my old haunt put it, "You need a girl you can call to get ice cream with." I'd also love to find a spiritual mentor; a book lover; a funny fun-to-hang out with sort, and another who sees the importance of a long walk surrounded by nature.

But as my sister put it last night, when you move to a new place, you have to take the initiative to get involved. The reason is that everyone else is settled into their life, their routine, and their relationships. They don't really have a compelling need to form a relationship, whether surface or deep, with you. Wow.

So, lest you think I'm despairing and hopeless about this situation, I'm not. Just the other day, three women from our church contacted me. Yes, all on the same day. Two reached out of their own volition; the third received a call from my concerned husband. Years ago that would have ticked me off--today I'm happy to admit my need for connection. And so thankful that David cares enough to do something about it.

So anyway, I will call this kind woman back, and we will probably do coffee or something. I imagine she will be happy to tell me where to get a good haircut, who the best doctors are, where the closest farmer's market is, etc. And I will be exceedingly grateful.

And then came Father's Day

I skipped the church service last Sunday. Just couldn't bear the thought of sitting through a sermon about dads and honoring them, since my dad has gone on to heaven since this time last year.

So we showed up for Sunday School instead, in our wonderful little class, and I felt so alone, missing my friends in Michigan. No one knew me enough to know how much I was hurting from the pain of Father's Day, and I can't really blame them. But it still hurt.

Even David, though he's been so persistent in getting to know me for the last year now, didn't know Dad and doesn't share my history. I was seriously missing those who know me on a deep level, who understand the pain of my loss.

And late that afternoon, while David was off visiting his dad, I let the tears flow and remembered the moments I spent with dad on Father's Day just one year ago. And the tears ended with a really heartfelt prayer, thanking my heavenly Father for the beautiful, good memories I have. Nothing left unsaid or undone. Just knowing my daddy always loved me and I loved him. And that is a serious blessing, and one that I don't take for granted. I cried out of a thankful heart. Tears over missing him, but tears of joy, too.

Branching out

This weekend, in an attempt to cast my net out for friendships, I'm going to a book club Sunday evening. It meets at a local coffee shop and sounds like it will be a group of young moms. I'm not quite sure how I might fit in, but I will give it a try.

A dear couple I know through my former employer took us out to dinner last Friday night, and we talked their ears off for three hours! I will meet with the wife next Tuesday am for coffee, at her invitation. Their kindness to us has meant more than words can say.

A birthday

David turns 43 on Sunday, but keeps insisting he doesn't do birthdays anymore. I know better. Every person, no matter their age, deserves to be celebrated for the amazing, unique person God created them to be.

He married a girl who celebrates. And I think he couldn't be happier. So, to remind him his birthday's comin', I decorated a gift bag that says "43 looks good on me!" I covered it with adjectives about who he is--faithful, respected, hard-working, fun-loving, etc. Now he has to stare at it next to his bed until his birthday dinner Saturday night. Oh, the suspense...

Final note: in case you were wondering, David is the real cook in the family and will make his own cake and a dinner of grilled snapper with mango relish, with a little bit of help. Not because he has to, this man really wants to spend some time in the kitchen. God's been so very good to me!!! :)

The glory of a shiny, spankin'-new macbook pro

As of yesterday, I own a new laptop. And it sings...

OK, it doesn't actually sing at me, it's just lightning fast, with like amazing interactivity, new programs, a magnetic plug-in cord and a killer sound system. And for pete's sakes, I can now make little Suzie and David videos to post on my blog! Think of the possibilities, people. I think my husband's pc laptop is jealous or something. This thing smokes. There, now--that's a better verb for it.

I already have 6 widgets on my desktop. i.e., little boxes that connect automatically to things on the web, keeping me up to date on the weather, the time, 3 separate to-do list, new messages on my gmail account, a dictionary/thesaurus and this crazy little widget called "cashboard timer" that allows me to track my billable hours for freelance clients by client and project. (No more math in my head!)

Then there's iphoto, imovie...I can make my own web pages, too. And the sad truth is, I think I might even dream tonight about all I might accomplish on this little laptop.

I'll close with this funny story about booting up a brand new macbook pro. So I pushed the on button for a razzle dazzle presentation introducing me to this glorious new wonder. When the multimedia frenzy stopped, I looked up to see myself in the screen. Yikes! The small built-in isight camera was trying to snap a picture of me. And there I sat in my workout gear, hair back in a ponytail and a headband, completely stunned and confused.

When I got over my amazement, I snapped the picture at the top of the post with a special effect for my ichat account. Snappy, isn't it?

That's all for now, folks. Come back soon!

What's a girl to do with rhubarb?

Well, she's got to eat it, of course. So here's what this girl did...

First, here's the small rhubarb crop from our backyard. 

Exciting, isn't it?

And somehow my husband knew exactly how to pull up the equivalent of 4 cups worth of rhubarb. Nice eye, honey!

So, while I was dicing up the rhubarb, I made a quick trip down memory lane, remembering how my middle sissie and I used to sell rhubarb out of my dad's garden when I was a kid. It seemed to multiply like baby rabbits do, and we would harvest it with dad, then bundle the stuff in large paper grocery bags. Next, we hauled out our rusty radio flyer and filled it for a trip downtown, just about a block away from our house. I must have been around ten years old, and in those days, we could make the trip alone.

We sold the stuff for an amount I can't recall today, but it must have been cheap. Two cute little sisters, peddling their wares...and sometimes people bought it, too. Perhaps mainly because they had pity on us. Or it reminded them of their own childhood. Whatever.

Any-hoo, I distinctly remember, back in the day, putting a stalk in my own mouth for a taste. Whoo--ee! That was tart.

So today I picked up a little piece of our diced rhubarb, put in my mouth and sucked down hard. It was only a little piece of tart, but boy, did it bring back happy memories.

And after putting all the pieces together, 50 minutes after I placed it in the oven, voila:

Can you see the delectable juices bubbling?

Well, can you? If you EVER have the opportunity to partake of rhubarb crisp, still steaming from the oven, seize the day while you may. 

Now, let's get down to business. Here is the fabulous, easy recipe I used:

http://southernfood.about.com/od/rhubarbrecipes/r/bl30515k.htm

(Please note: I also liberally sprinkle chopped walnut pieces across the top before baking. It increases the protein content and offers a nice contrast of crunch with the saucy rhubarb.)

I actually work off my husband's laptop, perched on the kitchen counter, which is how we may all bake someday.

And one more rhubarb tip. David and I are addicted to the food network, and in an effort to encourage rhubarb use, he told me about a recipe for rhubarb lemonade. I haven't tested it, mind you, but hey, they used it on the food network, people. C'mon, it's got to be good.

Turns out it's actually a strawberry-rhubarb lemonade concoction:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_7752,00.html

Anyway, all this rhubarb talk reminds me of my dad and his love for any kind of 

fresh fruit crisp. This makes two rhubarb crisps for me in one week. And somehow I'm 

quite sure he would be proud.

Each day, a new surprise

For instance, tonight over a dinner of stuffed portabello mushrooms, I asked David where he got the "hang loose in Hawaii" tshirt he is wearing. And he said, well, naturally, he got it when he visited his former girlfriend in Hawaii. Where she actually lived--oh, and he visited her parents, too. (They met in California, many years ago, and when he moved away, the relationship dissolved.)

Just a day in our lives, where we're discovering something new about each other almost every day. And we are constantly asking each other, "Why are you doing THAT?" I promise, we would think each other very strange individuals if we didn't explain the reasons we do things the way we do. 

Sometimes one of us will look at the other and say, "That's cool. I never thought of doing it that way. That really works." And occasionally, we will look at the other and just shake our head and laugh. Because the way each person does something is completely normal to them, utterly routine, even. But it can seem almost utterly bizarre to the other half.

So after the Hawaii tshirt discussion, David ventures to ask, "When was the last time you had a car accident?" And I said while that would be in the back parking lot of my former employer's office building, on a really icy Michigan morning, when another employee plowed into the back of my vehicle."

"Right," David replies. "About two years ago."

I raise my eyebrows in surprise. Turns out when David switched my auto insurance over to his carrier, they delivered this information to him, and I had just corroborated what he learned. But he promises he wasn't trying to catch me or anything. Really, he was just making conversation.

And here is the habit David is breaking, just for me, even though it seems almost painful to do so. David likes tortilla chips and salsa. Which isn't a horrible habit, except that he likes to sit in front of the TV eating out of an open bag and dipping each chip right into the salsa container. Saves dishes, he says. To which I "harrumph." (I never pictured myself "harrumphing," but I do!)

Turns out my sister-in-law had the same conversation with David's brother early on in their marriage: "Please put your chips in a bowl. That's the only way for you to see how much you're actually eating." 

And I think I said the same words, almost verbatim. So David is trying to get used to the bowl thing--and as for the salsa container thing--well, ladies, you must pick your battles. You see, whenever I'm slightly or very annoyed over any habits, I remind myself of the amazing man David is, working so hard, tending our yard and garden, cooking, cleaning up, and even vacuuming or doing toilets when the needs presents itself.

Then I remind myself that I, too, have a bevy of weird and unusual facets to my personality, manifested through my habits. Here is just one: I cannot buy a whole package of mentos. Um, actually I can buy one--but if I do, I will absolutely, hands-down, eat the whole thing right away. I can't save them for later. They beckon to me. And this is what happened last week, when I confessed to David my mentos compulsion. I had bought the package at Meijers earlier and had been munching mentos since then. I told him between mentos that I had a secret to share about myself as I proceeded to eat the whole little box. I can't remember for sure, but I don't think he ate even one. (But I might have offered.)

Ah, love is a many splendored thing, especially when you get a partner who loves you despite and perhaps even because of your eccentricities. Long may true love reign, each day unwrapping at least one new "What are you doing?!?"

It's not easy being green--or is it?

For most of my life, all 35 years of it, I have thrown away glass, plastic, aluminum, paper, etc. And I have thrown them away in large quantities, too, since I'm naturally a "thrower" and an "organizer." (I feel like I should be announcing this at a "Wastefuls Anonymous" meeting.)

In the last three years or so, I have started to contemplate my responsibility as a caretaker of God's good earth. And I think it really started to bother me, in a good way, when a Christian naturalist pointed out that if we don't keep God's creation well, if we don't care about the rainforest or even the woods and natural habitat around the corner, people who don't know God might be less likely to see him in His creation. Whoa. (Read Psalm 19 and you'll be reminded that this is definitely a bad thing!)

I won't get into all the particulars, but the problem is vast, and sometimes, ironically, we as Christians seem to be the worst at being "care-full" of God's creation. Me included.

So, go figure, moving to this new city, and gaining a new husband who recycles and reuses, has been a very happy thing for me when it comes to conservation and stewardship. We are so far from perfect in this area, really, but I have to say it feels good to pile up the recyclables and put them in their prospective containers. To think of all the stuff I dumped before...the landfills I filled with junk.

So here is what recycling looks like for us.



Every other Wednesday, when they pick it up, it's nigh to overflowing. And yes, we always have trash pickup, too--just a lot less trash than I once generated.

And here is step #2: reusable grocery bags. Check this beautiful bag out at envirosax.com.


And look how it folds up to fit in your purse or bag!!



Then we have our ugly burlap style variety...



But they work in a pinch, when I remember to bring them in the store! But for those times I do forget (which are hopefully becoming fewer) I take those plastic bags home and use them in bathroom and office trash cans. Which is the part where we "reuse."

These small steps won't save the world or the whales, we admit. But if everyone took them, they might make a serious dent in the caretaking of God's creation. And truth be told, they're not even inconvenient.

One last note: I believe to be good caretakers we need to be "good appreciaters" of God's creation. That's why we plant flowers like these, to enjoy their beauty, and in so doing, to enjoy the beauty of our Creator and our relationship with him.

Care to post on your efforts to be conserve and be caretakers?

Once upon a time...or "the pictures are coming soon"

Once upon a time, David and Suzie got married . . . and 5 weeks later, they still didn't have their wedding pictures posted on Suzie's blog. Because patience is a virtue. Because we're still oooing and aahing over them ourselves. Because we'd like to touch up just a few more. Just because.

But we're almost there.

And for anyone who's wondering, my neck is fine now. Lesson learned: beware of chiropractors who knock the wind out of you.

Now if I could just get my office/freelance business organized. One day at a time, with something new learned every day.

And if anyone else is wondering, David's job is secure for now. As with all of you, we're sitting tight and looking to God to provide for now and in the future.

Come back soon for a load of pictures. Really.

Visiting my second home

Here I am, typing away, in Grand Rapids, and marveling that I am away from my husband of one month, visiting friends and picking up wedding photos.

He is only three hours away, one really expensive gas tank from here, but three hours seems a long distance to be apart from your other half. Especially when you have been married for only one month.

I'm not the type of wife who needs to be by his side every minute (and I never thought I would be), though I enjoy his company immensely. But I relish his nearness, his thoughtfulness, and the way we argue about which of us is "funniest."

I like it when he cooks, and when he cleans up. And I especially like it when he vacuums! Then there's the great sport he is, taking me to SteinMart, and letting me spend money on summer clothes. But the best part was the way he gamely tried to evaluate my clothing purchases--everything looked "really nice," except the neon green shirt, but it is growing on him. :)

And so, here I am, three hours away, redeeming the time, jetting all over town to rendezvous with good friends, sharing wedding pictures, and celebrating the mutual admiration and fondness we will continue to enjoy across the miles.

In summary, God's been so very good to me. I couldn't be richer with relationship, and I know the God who has sustained and guided me this far will help me find new companions for the journey on my new patch of earth. He's famous for providing what I need when I need it. Even though his calendar and his watch differ from mine, he is always right on time.

One man at my new church said it was nice to meet me, but I "was a little late" in marrying David. I couldn't have agreed less. In the grand picture, the weaving that's underbelly may be covered with knots, God's master design is perfect. Turns out, I showed up just in time.

David and I, separate all these years, being shaped, formed, molded, and prepared for the love God has for us to share. As one friend put it when he found his wife in his late 30s, "It's not perfect--but it's good."

update from the Mr. and Mrs.

Oh, my aching neck
Ouch! Don't ask me how I threw my neck out while standing at the kitchen counter last week...maybe it had something to do with moving boxes and situating stuff. In any case, I've seen a new chiropractor here twice in the last 5 days, and I'm more sore than ever! Where is my old chiro when you need him? Anyway, there's something very humbling and gratifying about having your husband pray over you for consecutive days straight. Thank you, David. Hope to be back to the old Suzie soon.
Then there was Barnes & Noble
And while we were there the other night, David bought a best-selling novel, The Shack. USA Today said it was too "edgy" for Christians and too "Jesusey" for others. A David/Suzie book review will come later.
And also at B&N
Suzie attended a writing group last night and made some fast friends in April, Tom, and Helen. She came home bouncing off the walls, and her happiness made David happy. A very stimulating conversation, indeed! I was especially tickled that those in the writing group were not put off by me working for a Christian book publisher. I'm eager to make new friends, wherever I can find them.
Wedding pictures should be here anytime now...

The honeymooners

The wedding photos come later. For now, meet the honeymooners...

It all started with generous friends who shared their lipstick with our windshield...actually, all of our car windows.


This is the happy couple the evening of their wedding overlooking the Grand River from the Amway Grand Hotel, dining at Bentham's. Surprisingly, we still look alert after a long wedding day!


The next morning we shoved off for one of our favorite up north spots, Empire. We were blessed to borrow our friends' cottage for a blissful four days surrounded by God's great creation. Cold, but beautiful!

While we were up north, our Saab took us on many excursions, on one of which we journeyed to Mission Point, with a delicious stop at the Chateau Chantal winery, for free tasting. And the view wasn't bad either! (The groom or the scenery.) We also enjoyed downtown Traverse City and can't say enough about the unique menu choices at Poppycock's restaurant. David had a whitefish sandwich on homemade bread, I had a salad that included dried apricots and an amazing dressing--we topped it off with orange mousse for dessert.

The next day we traveled up to Leland's fishtown and the Grand Traverse Lighthouse. Suzie bought a magnificent coat that includes just about every color in the rainbow--but trust me, it's one of a kind and beautiful.
David traversed some stones to get out to the big rock on Leelenau Peninsula. In case you can't tell, he's flexing his muscles.

The next day we took a 7-mile scenic drive, recommended by a deadpan national park ranger. He insisted it would be beautiful in the most matter-of-fact way. :)

And here we are, at one of the most beautiful places on the dunes. We were happy to finally enjoy 50 degree temps that day.




This is a picture of the happy couple who almost lost all of their honeymoon pictures. Minutes before, my camera thudded to the wood planks below and the memory stick sunk down to the ground--who knows where. We remained calm, had someone take our pictures with the original memory in the camera, and 15 minutes later--presto, David retrieved the memory stick. He received a big kiss in return.

Isn't Empire Bluff beautiful?

The last leg of the honeymoon had us driving down to Chicago for a short stay. Here we are at the famous Palmer House Hilton, where we stayed for one night.

While we were enjoying the city, we were thrilled to see tulips blooming...

To eat at the fabulous Tavern in the Park restaurant...

Followed by an AMAZING evening attending the broadway musical Wicked. Buy tickets now. Before it closes. That's all we can tell you. (And we can tell you that it's a "prequel"--what might have happened before the Wizard of Oz. And that the musical isn't nearly as political as the book.)

The newlyweds returned home and lived happily ever after. You'll have to come back to find out for sure, of course! The end.

Suzie Homemaker attempts capellini--with fresh tomato sauce!

I don't believe I've ever been called Suzie Homemaker, but I have to admit, today I'm feeling downright domestic.

It all started when I discovered this morning that "capellini" means "angel hair pasta" and that a "non-reactive bowl" does not include cast iron or aluminum. Glass will do. After these important discoveries, I attempted what I believe is my first pasta dish with totally fresh ingredients (i.e., only the pasta was cooked). Ooo-la-la!

Thank you Weight Watchers New Complete Cookbook, which has tons of recipes that make you feel like you're not sacrificing any flavor at all! And thanks to the unknown person who gave us this blessed cookbook at the church shower. Your name is recorded and you will receive a thank you note that expresses my undying, heartfelt gratitude. (David may even send his own note of thanksgiving.)

And so my cooking commenced at about 1 pm, as I minced garlic and chopped tomatoes, onions, and fresh basil. The basil smells like heaven when you chop it and prompted only one sneeze. (But here's the amazing part--we actually bought a basil plant today for me to grow indoors. Unbelievable. No, ladies, I don't wear an apron around the house all day!)

So, any-hoo, then I added the red wine vinegar, evo (extra virgin olive oil, silly--look out Rachel Ray) and sugar. Then the happy mixture sits for no less than 4 hours, during which time it starts to smell like a really good Italian restaurant. And here is what it looks like when you're about to eat it...complete with shaved parmesan on top.

As you can see, capellini with fresh tomato sauce produces a happy husband who loves to have his picture taken while he is eating...


Perfection!

And tomorrow night, honeymoon pictures are going up. A must-see, for sure.

The Sheer Joy of a Laundry Sorter

Sometimes it is the simple things in life that bring the greatest joy. Like a three-bin laundry sorter from Target...on wheels, no less. It's enough to make a girl happy for a week. Especially when she's getting down to the business of making a house a home. (Then there's the pictured yoga mat in a special yoga bag my friend Jen bought for me--makes me feel prepared, even though I'll only use it occasionally.)

Entertained David's mom, dad, sister, and nieces Saturday night, and used our new three-tier serving set...sorry the pic is sideways. :)

I made fruit medley cookies and that fresh broccoli salad with nuts, raisins, vinegar, mayo, etc. Also served fresh fruit with chocolate whipped cream...my personal favorite made by folding hot chocolate mix into whipped cream. Always a hit!

Y'all come back for honeymoon pics later this week...Peace.

Real life after the wedding

Looks to me that this picture was snapped sometime the day or evening of our wedding. Good news--we're still smiling!

I downloaded the honeymoon pics today, and we'll post them soon, as soon as we can get organized! And when our wedding pics arrive, probably within the next week, we will give you a rundown of the wedding day as well.

For now, everyone is asking if we are happy. My reply: "I'm very, very happy...but I've only been married 1 1/2 weeks!" There is a chaotic routine we find ourselves in the middle of, all the unpacking with so many boxes yet to find and tackle. Needless to say, our study is a tangle of all things yet unfinished...but we are being kind to ourselves and are going slowly as we situate into our new shared life together.

This one month off for Suzie to settle in was the best idea ever. We both agree. David gets up at the crack of dawn for work, and I emerge from dreamland a few hours later. Then I get up, eat breakfast, brew coffee in our new fancy-schmancy coffee maker and watch the Waltons or ER. Really. Then I get down to business and exercise at the Y or outdoors, unpack boxes, situate things in the cupboards, clean various parts of the house, and get something out of the freezer for dinner.

When David gets home, he helps me whip up something on the George Foreman grill (thank you Baker, we use it daily!) and then we have a wide variety of possible evening activities. Let's see, shall we register Suzie for health insurance at David's workplace, or clean out the freezer, or run to the social security office, or go to Sprint for a new family plan, or...

You get the idea.

Then we lie in bed and talk and laugh about everything in general and sometimes nothing too specific. And this is one of the supreme joys of married life, at least from my vantage point.

We are already cooking up a list of "The Top 10 Joys of Married Life," which will probably slowly emerge on this blog in about a month. I'll give you a sneak peek now and let you know that "double-dipping" made the Top 10. Yes, double-dipping in that we have now shared tartar sauce, salsa, and ketchup, with no fear of offending the other by dipping in more than once. As you can see, life is good.

Talk to you soon!

Officially, wonderfully wed!

We are officially Mr. and Mrs.!

The wedding was beautiful.

The flower girls tore down the aisle in 2 seconds flat.

The woodwind music was beautiful and reflective.

The bride wore white and Jack walked her down the aisle!!! (Thank you, heavenly Father.)

The guests sat at tables and waited for the ceremony, which was immediately followed by lots and lots of chocolate!

It was meaningful, sacred, overwhelming, and the start of an amazing union.

The honeymoon was FANTASTIC...and I promise I'll post more soon. :)

A sneak peek at our wedding

Attention: For all of those who have prayed for our friend Jack, our prayers have been answered in a big way! We visited together last night, and it was such a joy to see him sitting, walking, and talking--he even prayed for me. And, he plans to WALK ME DOWN THE AISLE. It was a big prayer, to be sure, following his heart attack just 3 weeks ago. To say we are thrilled is an understatement. We are grinning from ear to ear.

And now, for our faraway friends who can't be with us Saturday, a sneak peek at our vows--the most important part of the day.

Enjoy...

Suzie, I rejoice at the love God has brought to us—and I can't wait to become your husband. Today, I pledge to seek first to find the security, value, and love I crave from my heavenly Father. I acknowledge I am accountable to God for the attitude of my heart and my choices. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I will do my best to love you as Christ loves the church, offering agape love to you through my thoughts, words and actions; to pray for you and with you; to bring out the best in you; to share and delight in your joy and also to share your struggles; to care for you in sickness and in health; to forgive you quickly when I have been offended; and to adventure with you into the future God has called us to, until death parts us.

David, I rejoice at the love God has brought to us—and I can't wait to become your wife. Today, I pledge to seek first to find the security, value, and love I crave from my heavenly Father. I acknowledge I am accountable to God for the attitude of my heart and my choices. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I will do my best to offer agape love to you. I will seek to respect you through my thoughts, words, and actions; to follow your lead and submit to you; to pray for you and with you; to bring out the best in you; to share and delight in your joy and also to share your struggles; to care for you in sickness and in health; to forgive you quickly when I have been offended; and to adventure with you into the future God has called us to, until death parts us.

Goodbye to my friends at BPG

For over three years now, I've worked at Baker Publishing Group, marketing great books and discovering lots about myself and others in the process.

I've enjoyed the challenge of maintaining relationships with authors, building marketing plans and executing them, and spending lots of creative time behind closed doors with coworker-friends, titling books and trying to decide which ones should be published and how.

I cleaned out my desk. I emptied my email inbox. I sent messages telling people to contact my coworker after I left. I organized my files. And yesterday when it came time to finally exit the building, with wellwishes in tow, I felt my lower lip tremble as I said so many hasty goodbyes.

I walked out and walked away from my daily routine, a job rich with relationship, and a life filled with access to good resources. Sigh.

But it is only right to say goodbye. Because until one does, she cannot walk forward into the new life that awaits her. She must say goodbye and even allow the emotion of it all to make her stomach turn and her eyes water. This is what therapists call closure. It is necessary, but I believe I've had enough of it now.

There are only so many times the heart can take saying goodbye to some of the most amazing people I've known, at work and out of work.

Goodbye dear, dear friends. I keep you in my heart always--and I thank God for email. :)