They’re Engaged!!

Last Wednesday, Saint Patrick’s Day, our oldest daughter, Alycia said YES to marrying Jason.  She started her day in Florida with her Grandparents and me, arrived in Pittsburgh in time to have lunch with her Daddy and by that evening, she had a fiance and a beautiful engagement ring on her finger.

Photo taken by Jason’s Mom of Jason & Alycia that evening.

Once again, Bill and I are so blessed by God bringing Jason into Alycia’s life.  I told him the evening that they called, that Bill and I had been praying for him since before Alycia was born.  It is fun to watch how God has worked in both of their lives to draw them together.  God is so faithful!

It would appear that another wedding is going to be scheduled for September.  So many good things continue to happen in our lives – weddings, grandson (soon to be born), college freshman, empty nest, turning 50 –  WOW! 

The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

Psalm 126:3

Read Full Post »

Final Thoughts on Recognizable Moments from last weekend

Thank you to everyone who has expressed their enjoyment of the blog posts about Josiah & Laryssa’s wedding.  It has been enjoyable to record my thoughts about this big event in the life of our family.  And now my recognizable moments are recorded, so I will be able to remember them when needed.

Our final event of the weekend was held on Sunday, we hosted 20 family and friends for a late afternoon meal so Josiah and Laryssa could open their gifts and to say our farewells.  Here is a hint to all Mothers of the Brides (and future Mother of the Brides) – I had a my good friend, Kelly cater a meal for us on the day of the wedding and for this meal.  She did an amazing job (as always – her food is incredible) and it was so wonderful to not have to worry about the food for the many people we had. 

 

 

 

 

 

 The newlyweds opening their gifts  – they received 2 beautiful quilts along with many other thoughtful items. We have such wonderful friends and family.

Then it came time to say good-bye as they would be leaving early the next morning.  Time for one last photo …

There is no need to tell you that there were tears, lots of them.   I know that all of the Joseph girls cried and my Mom as well.  Josiah must think we are a bunch of “sappy cry babies” – and we are.  Welcome to the family, Josiah.

The next morning, I was driving home from taking Nic and Audrianna to the airport (I had the car Josiah and Laryssa had driven all weekend and Bill was driving another car, so I had time to myself).  Even though I was so very tired (physically and emotionally) – I realized that I had no regrets.  The weekend was everything that I had wanted it to be for Josiah and Laryssa, but even more than that I had no regrets as a Mother.  Sure there are lots of things I would do different (like not get so angry or upset over things that really don’t matter), but overall, with the Lord’s help, I have loved my journey as a Mom.  And I plan on continuing to enjoy the upcoming moment with each of our daughters.

The day after photo…  lots of flowers, bobby-pins and wedding items to put away (and I still have a few items that need to be dealt with, but have made great progress throughout the week). 

Now our home is an empty nest and so far Bill and I are doing okay.  It is quiet, especially in the morning when Laryssa and I shared coffee together and around 4:00 when Audrianna would be getting home from school.  I am so proud of our daughters and where God has called each of them, but I miss their presence in our home every day.  But I have no regrets and am thankful that God called me to be Alycia, Laryssa and Audrianna’s Mom (and now Josiah’s Mother-in-law). 

To God be the glory ~ Great Things He has Done.

Read Full Post »

Recognizing the precious moments of the weekend #3

After a wedding come the reception – the party time to celebrate.  When followers of Christ marry, there is much to celebrate.  This couple has established a home of faith that will represent God’s love and grace.  Laryssa and I planned each detail with the hope that our guests would enjoy the evening. 

To my delight, our reception location was titled Legacy (how fitting for my passion).  It was a special, “just the right size” banquet hall located  in the county.  The inside was beautiful and Darla (Legacy owner) and her staff were wonderful to work with.  Here is the sign that greeted guests.

Josiah and Laryssa enjoyed the entire evening – eating desserts, greeting their family and friends, kissing, photo-taking and everything.  Here are a few photos of the evening.

 

 

 

 

 Laryssa decorated the tables (and her cake) with lanterns.  Laryssa’s college friend, Kathy played and sang all evening long.  Notice the memorabilia table in the background of this photo.  We wanted to honor the legacy of Christian marriages that are in Josiah and Laryssa’s heritage; we did so with photos of their parents and grandparent’s weddings.  The wedding dresses you see are mine and Josiah’s Mom.  In the center of this table was this verse…

“For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100:5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Dance &  Daddy ~ Daughter Dance

Josiah sat with me when Laryssa was dancing with her Daddy and thanked me for allowing him to marry her. 

The sister toast was very special, Alycia and Audrianna spent a lot of time planning and writing it. (I do not have a photo of the toast, I am hoping that the photographer got this shot). 

The only regret is that it went too fast – before we knew it, we were saying good bye and packing up all the lovely decorations (one of my former MOPS Moms did all the decorations — they were absolutely stunning.  Decorated lanterns and candles on every table, little details for the sweetheart table and much more!  Thank you Brenda, I love you!!)

And finally, Nic (who was also the MC of the evening) and Audrianna — not sure if they are looking for the Bride and Groom or trying  out for a Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys cover.  They always make us smile!!

Read Full Post »

Recognizing the precious moments of the weekend #2

Josiah and Laryssa spent much time on the phone planning their actual wedding ceremony.  Their focus was the entire wedding ceremony would represent the relationship between Christ and His love for the church and the love that God has provided for us through the gift of marriage. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Her Daddy escorted her into the song How Deep the Father’s Love for Us, a song that speaks of how absolutely amazing sacrifical and great God’s love is for us. 

During the ceremony (after the exchange of vows and rings), Josiah and Laryssa wanted their parents to come up and pray over them.  Our prayers were heard by only them (and some of the bridal party, I am told) – the congregation was asked to pray silently for Josiah and Laryssa and for their own marriages.  During this time, Great is Thy Faithfulness  played.  This was such a priviledge and yet so hard at the same time.  I held on to Laryssa as if I was hugging her and even put my face against her shoulder – just to be a little closer.  Josiah’s parents and Bill and I each prayed.   I prayed that the Christian legacy of both families would continue.  I know that tears were rolling down my face as I prayed.

So many people have mentioned this prayer time to me, telling me that they have never witnessed anything like this.  I have also been told, how Christ honoring the entire ceremony was — which was Josiah and Laryssa’s desire. 

And finally, the “Kiss of Love” – don’t you love how her bridesmaids are making sure they can see.  Such a sweet, recognizable moment to remember.

God is so faithful!

 

Next post – moments and photos from the reception held at The Legacy (can you believe that her reception location is named The Legacy?).

 

Read Full Post »

Recognizing the precious moments of the weekend #1

Well, Laryssa and Josiah are married.  It was a great weekend in every way.  The Lord was so good in every area – weather, travel. family and friends, and most of all His presence was evident throughout each event.  I am still recovering and processing the moments of the weekend.  It has been fun to have my daughters call and talk about different details and fun to see photos (although we are still awaiting the professional photos).  I will post a few photos and thoughts in the next couple of post .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the amazing recognizable moments of the weekend was seeing Laryssa transform into a stunningly beautiful bride.  I have known this daughter since I carried her inside of me.  I have seen her in her pajamas with ruffled hair, dressed up for special occasions and dressed professionally for teaching.  I was with her as she picked out her wedding dress, went for multiple fittings and occasionally even tried her dress on at home.  But on Saturday, when she put on her wedding dress with her veil in place and flowers in arm – she transformed into a lovely bride.  She took my breathe away when I would catch glances of her. 

Another recognizable moment is how very blessed I am by my husband and my daughters.  So many guests told me how special our family is and how they long for such a family.  To experience our family’s love for each other on Laryssa’s wedding day was nothing new or different – just a reminder of how valuable the love of a family is. 

The love of sisters is something I never had – but I have enjoyed experiencing this special bond through my daughter’s relationships.  They truly are each other’s best friends.  The toast they gave at the reception was fun and sweet –  it contained this quote,

“There can be no situation in life in which the conversation of my dear sister will not administer some comfort to me.” Mary Montagu

This is the man who I married 28 years ago on the same day.  On our anniversary, we prayed together before we got up, with thanksgiving at how God has kept us together and blessed our family.  Once again, I am so glad that we both stayed committed to the covenant we made on September 5, 1981.  For better for worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer … for giving your daughter away – we remain husband and wife.

A Mother’s love…

 On the next post – moments and photos from the actually wedding ceremony.

Read Full Post »

Two Days Away…

Josiah and Laryssa’s wedding day is now 2 days away and things are getting busy around our home.  My parents have arrived and Alycia arrives tomorrow and Audrianna on Friday.  There are small piles of items around our house needed for the rehearsal, the bonfire, the actual wedding ceremony & reception and then the gift opening luncheon.  It is going to be a busy weekend.   

How quickly the seasons of life change – right now, my almost married daughter is sitting on the couch with me and soon she will be living with her husband across the county in California.  I will miss her.  It has been a joy to have her home all summer, to enjoy a cup of coffee together in the morning and meal preparation in the evening.  God has been kind to give us this time together.

Lord, help me to remember that you gave Laryssa to me for a season – to mother her to adulthood then to release her to go and create a home with her husband.  This has been your plan right from the beginning of creation through all of the generations.  You must know how hard it is, as you released your son to leave you to go and save the world.  I pray that Josiah and Laryssa will love you and serve you together all of their married lives.  Give them grace with each other and a strong love.  I praise your sovereign name, Oh Lord, that you chose me to the Mother of 3 daughters, it has been a great journey.   Fill me with joy all weekend, make me happy at the works of your hand.  And Lord, thank you that for what is ahead of our family this weekend and in the next season in our lives, help us to always make it all about you….  Amen

Josiah & Laryssa 

September 5, 2009

 

Read Full Post »