Congratulations on your Marriage, Barry & Michelle

After being together 20 years today and raising two boys to the ages of 12 and 10, my daughter and her spouse got married today. They have been planning this unbeknownst to the family for over a year. They had planned to go to Las Vegas and get married this year on the date that they met. However, with Barry being out of work for over a month and Michelle's surgery and complications, they had to forego that plan.

Change to Plan B. Since we don't have a Justice of the Peace here in town, they planned to go out of town and get married. Due to Michelle's surgery, they had to forego Plan B.

Two weeks ago, Michelle phoned me and told me they were getting married today. She said they didn't want anything formal and that they'd found a Reverand who would come to the house. So, everything was put into motion.

Barry works long hours and commutes 1.5 hours each way. Michelle hasn't been able to drive. So, the boys decided they would buy Mom & Dad their wedding rings for a wedding present. Last week I took them out and they picked out two lovely matching wedding bands. They are plain gold with a small diamond chip in each. I thought they made a good choice. (Dagnabit, I forgot to get a photo of the rings.)

I offered to buy flowers, but the bride and groom to be didn't want flowers. So, I offered to buy them a cake. The bride chose her favorite kind of cake and hubby and I picked it up today on the way to the wedding.

The entire family arrived at 1pm and the Reverand arrived shortly thereafter. He was a very nice man and quite a character, so we had a bit of fun before the wedding began. The boys stood up with their Mom & Dad but of course couldn't sign the register because they are minors. So Barry's Mom and I had that honor.

Here are some photos of the lovely ceremony. Everyone was dressed very informal by request of the bride and groom.

Above is the wedding party and the Reverand. Notice everyone but the Reverand was in their stocking feet. Brandon had a very pained look on his face. I wonder what he was thinking?
The boys held the rings and here the Reverand is instructing Brandon to take it out of the box and lay it on the Bible.
The joining of hands on the Bible, over the rings and the blessings of the rings.
The taking of the vows.

The exchanging of the rings.

Jordan kissing the Bride.

The Bride and Groom and the announcement.
Cutting the cake.

The wedding was beautiful even though it was very informal. This is a really nice photo of Barry and Michelle. Jordan was nearby anxious to have a slice of the cake. See his hand.

We sat around talking for a while and then everyone went their way to do the things they needed to do. The boys came over about 5 pm and Mom and Dad went out for dinner. A very nice day for everyone involved. Today is Thankful Thursday. It is a day when we list the things we are thankful for. If you would like to participate, be sure to stop by Sting My Heart and pay Iris a visit. You can find out all the information there.

This week I have so much to be thankful for:

1. Barry & Michelle getting married. They've been together for 20 years and now, on the 20th anniversary of when they met, they have made their union lawful in the sight of God.

2. That Michelle's lab reports came back that the cyst she had removed is benign.

3. Michelle can finally start getting out a bit and drive her car. She is able to do more around the house, though she still is unable to lift anything heavy. She is happier now that all the infection is clear.

4. Thankful that my husband and I, Barry's parents and my mother were able to attend their wedding, which was a joyous occasion.

5. For sufficient food on our tables, warmth in our houses. There are many who aren't as fortunate.

6. For the struggles that God allows me to face in order to make me a stronger person and to rely on His voice.

7. For Meeko, our Alaskan Malamute who brings much happiness and laughter into our lives. He also provides us with walks everyday in all kinds of weather.

8. For the love of nature, which was taught to me by my parents. I have passed this down to my grandsons.

9. Feeling much better than I did last week. I have some of my energy back.

10. For Easter and Jesus dying on the cross and being risen that we may have eternal life with him in heaven.

What are you thankful for today? I would love you to leave a comment and let me know. ~Blessings, Mary~

PS. Cynthia at Walking On has posted that her daughter, Ladybug, has been found. Please continue to pray for this family.