gpEd was here...

i never eat in the teacher's lounge. i mean, you know, unless there is some special gathering in there where delicious food made by the hands of the staff is being served. it is too far away from my room and there is too much negativity on some occasions (and i tend to jump right in because it does feel good to vent about little johnny or suzie sometimes). just recently, i was in there by myself and another teacher walked in. she sat down and i began to tell her how i was so glad to have been able to spend some time with her and her husband at a recent party where shane had played music. i told her that i could just tell that she and her husband were in love and that he seemed to treat her so sweetly. it was just the compliment she needed to explain a few things about the two of them. it was such a nice moment and break away from the day. they have an amazing love story. she then asked me about my dad. she knows my family somewhat and mentioned she never remembers meeting my father. i used to get sweaty palms, pits, maybe would have just paused a while to think of the best way to tell someone my story, but i couldn't wait for it to spill out. he is a great guy, super funny, super smart, a great artist, a wonderful grandpa, and a Christian. as you can see, if the genetics stay true to maternal grandfather's hair...my boys are set for life! he has 7 beautiful children and 6 and still counting grandchildren. the teacher i was talking to is a Christian, but i know as a believer sometimes we just need to hear about someone's coming to believe to be reminded of God's grace and sovereignty. it was so nice to share. i have posted about my dad several times, but very rarely do i get to add pictures...well, his job has brought him to town a few times recently. he loves these boys and they think he is the coolest!! they don't have a lot of grandfatherly influences, so we get as much grandpa Ed time as we can when he is here. the rain kept him from seeing any baseball but maybe next time.

this is going to be our 'mess'. we thought it was lane, but wyatt takes the cake. can't you just see it in those little curls?

i am not my sister...

my husband sings at a lot of weddings, private parties, etc. recently, i was asked if i could take a few pictures at a lovely wedding we were invited to and i agreed to do so. i made the disclaimer that even though i love to take photos, i am not my sister the professional. it became clear to me to second i shot my first picture of this 58 yr. old blushing bride (yes, she is amazing and i couldn't be happier for her and her sweet man) that i was not emotionally cut out to photograph weddings. i could not quit tearing up the whole night. their first dance about sent me into a full sob. we had the best time!!!

her beautiful, sweet, successful daughters. she has so much to be proud of and so do they!!

grandkids!! so cute!

her dad walked her down to meet her groom.

this little guy had a bottle and watched so quietly. he did a great job!!

she laughed really hard when i told her new son-in-laws (minus one who is in the military, thank you sir!) to kiss her on the cheek. she is glowing!!

gifts and cake...all so pretty

first dance. they could not quit looking at each other and i could not focus. their kids surprised them with the gift of music (a very classy d.j.), they made a beautiful toast and it was an amazing reception.

a little kareoke...

a lot of dancing... shake it girl!!

always breaking for the grandkids...
this sweet little girl was pooped!!

shane sings at a lot of weddings, but this one will be remembered fondly. i met this sweet lady a few years ago and it didn't take long for me to realize that her daughters and i have a lot in common. we were raised by strong women. this bride deserves all the happiness in the world!! i pray my mom finds this bliss someday as well.