Raising Shepherds: Wedding Bells

A few weeks ago, on May 29th, one of my cousins got married. His name is Kevin, and his new wife's name (how fun to say that) is Kristen. They are awesome, and we're so excited for them as they begin the journey of marriage together. The ups and the downs- fun times and not so fun times- but all SO worth it!!! Marriage really is the best ever. How cool to get to do life with your best friend, live with them, and just have fun together- I love it. Anyways, the wedding was beautiful, and the kids had a BLAST dancing at the reception. Zach got the privelage of officiating the wedding, and he did great. He's a fun one to do weddings, I think, because he keeps it light and fun, and at the same time reminds us of the importance of what is happening- marriage and how it's the best testing grounds to help us get closer with Jesus, and how to learn what real love is and looks like.

It must be so neat for my grandparents (married 54 years this April!) to watch as their family line just grows and grows. My mom (who I have to say really quick- her and my dad just had their 33rd anniversary- happy anniversary mom and dad!!!) has 4 brothers and a sister (so there are 6 kids), and then those 6 had 17 kids of their own. So there are 17 grandkids. And now those 17 grandkids have had 10 of their own kids (with one more coming soon- our little guy). How incredible to just get to watch and be a part of such an awesome growing family line. I love it. I know there are also very stressful parts to it for them- I know they are prayer warriors for all of us. There is so much to keep up with- everyone's lives and all that's going on with them all. Some of it worrisome, I'm sure. But I know they give it all up to God, and know that He is in control of it all. The cool thing too is that all of us live in Arizona, so family holiday celebrations are SO fun, and SO crazy!

When Zach first came to AZ to visit me, about a month after we met- we went over to my grandparent's house to meet them. They have a wall with all of their grandchildren's pictures on it, and Zach began to study all the names. It takes a while to get it- and then to get who is married to who, and whose kids are whose. He caught on really fast though. And I'd have to say that he brought a lot of love to our family. I've never really been a hugger when I leave somewhere, but Zach totally is. And he started from the get go, to just hug all my family when we leave a get together. I've noticed over the last 8 years more hugging going on, and it's pretty cool. Zach really brings love and joy wherever he is. :)

So yes, the wedding was fun!

Here's my dad with Dane and Jett during the wedding- hard for them to sit still!