Allison & Christian's Wedding

On Tuesday, August 12, 2014 I boarded a plane and flew to Denver to help my sister Georgena as she made preparations for her daughter Allison's marriage to Christian DeShazer.

I took this photo that Thursday night as we left the Denver Temple

 after a beautiful Endowment session for Allison.

The days leading up to the big day on Saturday were filled with lots of baking, mostly done by friends of my sister's. I was bowled over by the help she received! I got the same help from my friends and ward members when my own daughter was married and it is so humbling 

to see Christ-like women in action, loving and serving each other!

We did indulge the groom and make dozens of cake pops for him as his big request for the reception.

Two cute Sister missionaries came over and hung in there with us for hours as their service for the week.

They were also there the next day to iron all of the table cloths at the church!

An army of DeShazers, Farias, and three Looses were there to string wire, 

hang ceiling drapes, and decorate up a storm that Friday.

My sweet husband Coach Dee, and my son Richard drove over on Thursday and were with us that long day. Thanks to everyone who was there to help!

The M.O.B. (Mother of the Bride) only had minor meltdowns

and held it together beautifully!

There were fantastic monsoon rains and a rollicking Rocky Mountain thunderstorm

to keep us entertained too!

 This photo is from Saturday night as the reception got underway. 

I think Gena and Allie's vision came together beautifully!

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Denver, Colorado Temple

It was a glorious day! No rain, but a terrible traffic jam caused by an accident on the 470 freeway to the temple. Though the bride and her parents left the house and hour before the rest of us, we were forewarned and took I-25 straight through downtown Denver. We arrived at the same time as the bridal party! It was all OK. The wedding previous to Allison & Christian, as well as those after had all been caught up in the same traffic. Once we entered the temple there was peace, patience, and a spirit of co-operation.

" Let's all take our turns and get these kids married!"

The ceremony was beautiful and an amazing spirit was there as these two sweethearts (since age 14!) became husband and wife for all Eternity. The groom cried more than the bride too, which was very sweet!

Because this is my blog I include these pictures of my son Richard, myself, Dee, and my dear almost 92 year old Mom who was melting in the heat as we waited for the bride and groom

 to make their grand appearance outside.

Richard has always had a soft spot for his Grandma Helen!

The photographer was also caught up in the same bad traffic so we all snapped a lot of photos while we waited. Here is Allison's "Twinie" Emily, the lovely Maid of Honor!

Mr. & Mrs. Christian DeShazer!

Aww!

These two girls love each other so much!

We all found the shade while we waited for the photographer to arrive. 

Gena too this opportunity to un-bustle the bride's dress. It wasn't as simple as it seemed!

 Wait!! The M.O.B. is A.W.O.L.!!

Allie's sweet little nephew Nathan loved the pretty roses! Isn't this a precious picture?

Three of the four Faria sisters, Emily, Allison, and Nathan's mother Sarah. We missed Christina and wished she and Christopher could be there with us and we all want to meet their little Emma! 

Alas, Maryland is far, far away.

It was pointed out to me that the M.O.B. has some confusing years ahead as there are now three Chris's in her family...Christopher, Christina, and Christian!

My beautiful sister is too young to be a Grandma, isn't she?

  Here's Allison with her biggest brother Michael.

 Oh, this cake has a story! Just let it be said that it arrived damaged, not decorated the way it had been ordered, and the ribbons were SO not red and purple! Thanks to a late night run on Friday, Gena and I found the correct colors, as well as fresh red roses to place on it. Thanks to Christian's sis-in-law Holly who sweated it out with me trying to replace the ribbons without messing up the butter cream frosting! Thanks to Michael's Army training he got a 50% discount for his parents on the cake.
To its credit though, the cake was delicious!

The Groom's cake was a big hit too! Gena told me that these two figures were the very first purchase she and Allie made for the reception!

Just look at a small portion of the hundreds of goodies made by friends for this couple! 

The treat table was a big hit!

The curs-ed cake pops were very popular and yummy as well.

It was a beautiful, fun, aggravating, exhausting week...but what wedding isn't?

I love my little sister and I would do anything for her! 

Here's to many more of these happy days for both of our families!!

Well done M.O.B.!!

Oh, the Dimples!!

There is nothing sweeter than a brand new baby and last weekend we got to meet 

a little guy who has the cuteness market cornered!

Meet Nathan Anthony Faria. 

He is the son of my nephew Michael and his wife Sarah.

 Sunday was the day he was given a name and a blessing at church.

 Nathan was born 2 months ago in Texas where his father has been serving in the Army at Fort Hood. Michael did cool things like pilot drone aircraft. Someday Nathan will think that's pretty awesome!

Now that Michael is out of the military, he and Sarah decided to come to Utah so that he could finish his schooling. I couldn't be happier about that because it means we get to see them and get to know their little guy! It also means that his Grandparents, my baby sister Georgena and her husband Steve will be coming over from Denver to visit. Win/win!!

Here is Gena with her first little Grandson, Nathan. They look pretty good together, don't they?

I couldn't resist a slobbery kiss for my pesky little sis!

  She is looking gorgeous and I kind of look five years older than her.

After the blessing at church we gathered at Sarah's brother's house in Lehi for some photos and visiting.

Michael is the cutest Daddy. 

He couldn't love this little boy more and it shows!

There's my husband the Master, the Cutest Coach...forever answereing Email and texts.

This is the group of good men that stood in the circle of Priesthood brethren. 

Nathan is lucky to have good uncles, cousins, and Grandpas to love him!

Here are Michael's family who were able to come. 

We missed Emily's twin sister Allison, who had to stay behind in Colorado and work.

 Also, their brother Chris and his wife Christina and their darling little Emma who is aobut 6 months older than cousin Nathan.

 Cannot wait to meet her someday. Maryland is a far away place...

 Front: Sarah, Michael & Nathan, Auntie Emily, Cousins Brittany & Rachel.

Back: Grandpops Steve, Grandma Gena, Great-Auntie Marianne, Great-Uncle Dee, & Cousin Richard.

 Sarah has given Steve & Gena their grandparent names. They are going to be Lolly & Pop...Cute!

"Lolly" fits Georgena nicely!

Nathan is the smiley-est baby I've ever known.

 He has literally been smiling (really smiling) since he was just weeks old.

 He can melt a roomful of adults with those dimples!

There was plenty of doting on this little man. You cannot help yourself!

This photo was a popular one from the night.

Someone said it was very much like a Norman Rockwell.

I agree!

I hope Lolly & Pop can come over often! 

Miss Emily is still at BYU and now this little grand baby is in the neighborhood. 

Next visist please!!

Meanwhile, I am enjoying cool, early summer evenings snuggling on our patio, The girls gave me these lights for Mother's Day and the guys put them up for me. Nothing nicer! (except for baby dimples!)