Lovebird Pictures

I took these pictures yesterday in Atlanta.  Thought they turned out very well.  The lovebirds are in double digits of days until their wedding now. 

Emily and I started arranging some of her silk flowers.  She arranged her bouquet today (I spent all day at church!)...her bouquet is bee-you-tee-ful!!  Bluish grey hydrangeas and white roses.  I love it!  Pictures to come.  Here is the boutonniere...

Need to start on those bridesmaids dresses soon.  One of the bridesmaids will be gone all summer after a couple weeks!  Yikes!

~Joan

I'm Writing A Book...

...but you'll never be able to buy it.

I am writing Emily and Steve a book for their wedding.  It is nothing fancy...just a spiral bound book of blank pages.  

Recently I read a couple of books where a parent has written his child a book of letters.  So I had this *bright* idea that I should do that for Steve and Emily.  Steve has said several times that he wished he knew Emily when she was a little girl.  I am trying to put down on paper some of her antics and escapades...things that have endeared her to us, as well as give Steve a glimpse of what it was like to watch her from infancy until now.

Yesterday I let Emily read my first two entries and asked her if I should keep it up or ditch it now.  She implored me to continue, so I guess it is serving its purpose.  She will be able to read things I thought but never told her.  Isn't that the beauty of a book...being able to "read" the author's mind?  A lot of them will be things that she was too young to remember.  Some will the the circumstances around events that she was unaware of at the time.

I hope it is a meaningful gift for the two of them.  One of my friends who also has a daughter getting married this fall asked me if I was sad that Emily was leaving us.  OF COURSE!  One of my goals is to only express happiness at their rehearsal dinner and wedding.  I.  am.  happy.  But I will also be so very sad to have her leave our house.  I am thrilled for who Steve is and who I see him becoming.  Could not have picked a better husband for her myself (if that were even possible).  But it is bittersweet for me.

~Joan

They've Driven Off Into The Sunset

***Both of the following pictures were taken by my daughter, Susanna. Many apologies for not giving her credit earlier.***

Actually--make that sunRISE!!


Here is the scene on Steve's car dashboard. These are their beloved Chick-fil-A mini moos, Timmy and Roxie. Susanna and Emily will be in FL for about a week. We had a grand visit while Steve was here.


Above is a picture we took just moments before they left. The travelers are in their traveling clothes (a la Sound of Music) on the bench in the front. Some of us (ahem) had just been awakened moments before the picture, but at least we're all present!!

Hoping to get back to "normal" soon.

~Joan

Emily's Engagement Ring

My Emily is a unique girl (like everyone else). She does not like diamonds. I wouldn't go as far as to say she HATES diamonds, but there is a strong negative emotion going on there. She says they look cold. Some may choose to differ. Her fiance (I can barely grasp that I actually typed that word in reference to one of my children's relationships for the first time) did good. Here is a picture of her engagement ring...

It is so perfect for her.

Off to the races,

~Joan

I've Gained a Son!!

This is the best picture I can do for right now. Steve asked Emily to marry him today, and she. said. YES!!

~Joan

He is Here...Again!!

My daughter's boyfriend arrived at 3:30 this AM, unbeknownst to her. I've known he was coming since yesterday AM, and it was EXHAUSTING to keep such a secret! Talk about pleasantly surprised!! I was so happy for her.



We all sat and laughed for 30 minutes or so after he was revealed!! Here is a picture of the happy couple...Emily is on a high stool behind Steve, who is on a chair (for those who had to know!)...

Needing to go to bed. Soon.

~Joan

More of Steve and Emily

Steve was here again this past weekend...at least I think I saw him once or twice. Emily's friend (and Steve's SIL) Rebecca took more pics of them. So photogenic!

~Joan

...And My Favorite!!

Last, but not least (probably not even last!) is my favorite picture of Steve & Emily...

~Joan

For Kila & Keith

Here are some pictures of Emily and Steve. Emily is my daughter. I am posting these for Steve's parents and any others who want to see them. Seeing these two together makes me smile...a lot. Seems to have the same effect on them.



Hope you enjoy these as much as I did! Can hardly wait to see Steve again in September.

~Joan