Keeping It Simple

This makes my heart go pitter-patter! Oh my goodness! The photographer for our daughter's wedding, Amanda,  has grown to be someone very dear to our family over the years- she has shot all 4 of our daughter's weddings as well as other occasions for our family. Slideshow of selected pictures: http://amandalockphotography.myshowit.com/erinandnickwedding She catches all the magic! If you actually watch the slideshow (it's not too long), an explanation- there is a point where the alter boy in kneeling next to the couple. The church was very hot and he almost went down (the bride's little brother). She had him come over next to them to check on him. I thought it was very sweet! Just adding an extra dose of cuteness. I don't think this one is in the slideshow. 

Lots of things have taken me away from the blogosphere lately.  Mostly good things! :)  Most recently, the wedding of our youngest daughter!  Then there is all this cuteness! Since this time last year, our family has grown  by four (five counting the above son-in-law!). There is an additional reason:  Blogging has sort of gone professional! I began blogging in response to the inspiration I received from being able to peek in to the world of other homeschoolers. So many generously shared how their school days looked, how they organized, how they got dinners made... It seemed like a nice little community to belong to.  Don't get me wrong. Some of absolute favorite blogs are the ones that have gone professional. These are women (men too) have found a place to share their time and talents. And don't kid yourself, it takes time to go that direction. I have heard complaints about affiliate links and such, but the women who take...

It's funny, this story is such a part of me and my life story that I feel like everyone must know it. As we approached the wedding of our youngest daughter, the subject of how I met my husband came up several times. I am surprised that many people that I have known for years did not know it. So, just to set the record straight. ;) On labor day 1977, my family (dad, mom, 2 brothers, and my baby sister) headed to Santa Cruz beach along with a friend of mine. I was just about to begin my freshman year in high school. We spent the day building sand castles and getting tossed around by the waves. I remember one particular wave that day completely upended me. There was a moment that I couldn't find where up was- very scary! Anyway, we finished our day by piling into a borrowed station wagon that had the back seats that faced rear view. My friend, Brenda, and I were lucky occupants of those back seats. The drive home was slow going. Lots of traffic going over the winding road...