Double Wedding, Double Anniversary, Double Joy!

Seven years ago...

(Jamie & Jill in the back yard prior to leaving for the church)

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One couple is cautious, planning, deliberate... one couple more spontaneous. One couple chooses a date in June and begins planning, thoughtful about schooling and schedules. One couple says, "yeah, we think we are going to marry in August."

Two marriages in two months??? Mother-of-the-Bride(s) is struck with an idea... just an idea.

One young man is excited, the other is pensive... tentative (understandably, as most don't expect to share their wedding day). More pondering the idea.

It's a go! Now, to plan a day that celebrates the union of husband and wife before God, family and friends... one that allows for the spotlight to shine on each couple individually... and yet encompasses the precious closeness shared by sisters that not only entered the world together but have a bond that enables them to relate to each other in ways singletons can not imagine.

It was all of that plus so much more...

(Beautiful Brides)

(Our Four Daughters)

(Jill, Mom & Jamie) (One VERY proud Dad) (Waiting Grooms)

(a loving kiss)

(Mr. & Mrs. Joshua and Jamie & Mr. & Mrs. Brad and Jill)

(a family picture)
(The Wedding Parties)

From this day forward...

Forever...

Happy Happily Everafter you guys. You can't imagine what a tremendous blessing all four of you are to us. We love you and are so proud of you!

Mom and Dad

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The music playing is called Freedon by Michael W. Smith. It was what the couples selected as the Bridal march as their Dad walked them down the isle to their waiting Beloved.

Oh, did I mention Josh also has an identical twin :)

I have no greater joy than to hear my children are walking in the truth.3 John 1:4
Photo's by Photo Loft Photography, Medford NJ

Show and Tell Friday ~ Pretty Pink Afghan with Roses in Tunisian/Afghan Stitch

Growing up, my very best friend lived right next-door. My family moved into our new house when my mom came home from the hospital after giving birth to me, so we were friends from infancy. She is less than a year younger than me and was a grade behind in school, but we were always together. Her dear mom enjoyed crocheting and made many beautiful items. One day she told me to pick out an afghan from one of her pattern books and she would make it for me. I am guessing I was about 10 years old.

This is the very pretty result of her kindness. I have always loved this pink afghan with the pretty roses on white diamonds. I even took it to the hospital when my youngest daughter was born 17 years ago.

My friends mom called it the afghan stitch but I have also heard it referred to as Tunisian. Here is a close-up of the stitches.

Yes, we remained friends ~ she was even in my wedding. We lost contact for a long time after children came but reconnected a couple of years ago. hmm... I haven't talked to her for some time... think I'll give her a call :)

Visit Kelli @ There is no place like home for more Show and Tell

Three Bean Salad and Cracked Pepper Bread

A favorite summer side dish of mine is this Three Bean Salad recipe. It goes well with burgers, sandwiches and chicken. I could eat it anytime :)

Begin by rinsing the beans in a colander. Chop onion and bell pepper.

Add the dressing ingredients and vegetables to a bowl.

Gently toss to coat and refrigerate to allow flavors to blend.

THREE BEAN SALAD

1 can cut green beans
1 can red kidney beans
1 can cut yellow wax beans
1 small green pepper, chopped
1 small onion chopped
DRESSING
3/4 cup sugar

1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/3 cup salad oil
2/3 cup vinegar

DIRECTIONS
Drain beans. Add beans, onion and green pepper to bowl and toss gently.
Combine remaining ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
Pour dressing over bean mixture, stirring gently to coat well. Let salad marinate in refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Serve chilled.

Cracked Pepper Bread

(My husband loves pepper and covers most everything he eats with it)

Ingredients:
1-1/2 cups water (70° to 80°)
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons minced chives
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 cups bread flour
2-1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
Directions: In bread machine pan, place all ingredients in order suggested by manufacturer. Select basic bread setting. Choose crust color and loaf size if available. Bake according to bread machine directions (check the dough after 5 minutes of mixing; add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or flour if needed). Yield: 1 loaf (2 pounds, 16 slices).

(Taste of Home Recipe)

Dough shaped and ready for second rise

Ready to go into the oven

Hot from the oven

Ready to serve... time for dinner!

aww... now I'm ready for summer

A pedicure makes me very happy! Thank you, Jamie, for my

Mother's Day gift :)

Daybook

FOR TODAY June 1st...

Outside My Window... a window box of large white pansies

I am thinking... how wonderful the testimonies and the baptisms were at church yesterday.

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I am thankful for... time spent this weekend reading 801 Questions Kids Ask About God to my grandson. He loves this book. I find it a little redundant and not very in-depth but it is good for topic starters. (And we do laugh a lot).

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From the kitchen... Barbecued chicken breast (on the bone as I think it tastes lots better) and some smashed potatoes (Pioneer Woman's recipe).

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I am wearing... denim Capri's and a top... with a necklace ;)

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I am creating... hoping to try a new pattern or two.
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I am going... to refinish the top of a very nice little table my husband picked up at a garage sale this weekend for $5.00. (See picture below).

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I am reading... magazines ~ trying to catch up on back issues.
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I am hoping... for substantial growth in my husbands business.
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I am hearing... the tap, tap, tap of my puppies nails as he walks across the wood floor.
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Around the house... usual Monday: water plants, clean out/wipe down refrigerator, organize/attend to the mail/papers/recipes etc. that accumulate each week, master bathroom cleaning, linen laundry and down stairs floors... before little "E" gets here for the day!
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One of my favorite things... holding my husband's hands as we worship together in church.
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A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: still more yard work: divide some perennials and more weeding.

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A Picture to share:

A little table needing some attention. The top was a mess with crackled and chipping old varnish or something. I sanded most of that off and like the wood underneath. Decided not to paint this piece because I think the dark wood gives it character and it matches a library table also located in the foyer. It doesn't appear it in this picture but the table is taller that similar tables I have seen. It fits perfectly in this spot between the front and garage doors.

Click above Simple Woman Buttom to see more Daybook thoughts.