happy news

This blog needs some happy news!  Lots of exciting things going on in our lives this summer. 

In 31 days, pretty much to the minute, I will be the very happy wife of Tyler Vixie!!!!  I am so very excited, wedding details are on my brain every minute of the day, imagine that.  :)  

Since it wouldn't be a story without a picture, I'll include one of my favorite engagement photos.  Kelsey Lynne Photography.

Next happy news: we just returned from a trip to Redondo Beach to meet our new nephew Gavin!  This deserves it's own post, but for now, a picture of the sweet guy!

Last but not least, Pogo has been as wonderful as ever lately.  She really enjoys helping mommy and daddy plan their wedding :)

Hope you all are enjoying your summer!

I dedicate this blog to Joan

It is with great sadness that my most loyal blog reader, my godmother and aunt Joan, passed away recently.  I didn't predict for this news to follow my grandfather's death on the blog and am still in disbelief, wishing I had seen her more recently.  Joan, you are already very missed.  I greatly appreciate your generosity throughout your life, even from when we were very young!  We have many great memories of your love of cooking, country music, and road trips!  These memories I will cling to tightly, in hopes that Joan knows how much I appreciated her.  I hope she is smiling down upon me from heaven as I write this.

Songs at funerals, like Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art, bring instant tears and memories.  Sometimes tears are cleansing, I do realize.  If you haven't seen Carrie Underwood's version of the song, I strongly encourage you to check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLLMzr3PFgk.  It just gets better as the song moves along, particularly around 3:30.

Rest in peace, Joanie, rest in peace.

O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

When through the woods, and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.
When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur
And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art! - See more at: http://www.allaboutgod.com/how-great-thou-art.htm#sthash.2u4tdg4o.dpuf