More Wedding Photos

Here's a photo of our wedding from the street. Our friend Mark Cruz took this photo, and it so embodies for us what the day was. Scott and I getting married on the porch of the house that God prepared for us, surrounded by friends God brought into our lives and family, in the town God brought us to on a lovely day in May. The house is in the midst of restoration (aren't we all?) and is a daily reminder how awesome God is, every day!




These are our rings! They are totally different than anything we'd seen anywhere. They were custom made for us out of koa and blue spruce by David & Nicola Finch. Here's their website: http://touchwoodrings.com/ We love them, we wear them every day, they are so durable and beautiful. We love the significance of wood- Jesus was a carpenter and he hung on a tree for us.... what better reminder of the importance of Jesus in our lives and of the covenant we've made to each other and God? Thank you so much, David & Nicola for your beautiful workmanship... God bless you!

Family Room Exterior May 2007

February 2007 May 2007

Yes, it feels like a slow process, but it is progress! Back in February, we had just rebuilt the walls of the family room and had the roof replaced. In May, Scott and I took the time to frame out the windows, install clapboard & flashing, caulk and prime the exterior. We're measuring for the finish boards for the side with the door and will likely frame it out and install clapboard there, next. So stay tuned! :)

We'll continue to walk by faith, not by sight! God has a plan for us, a plan for us to finish the house and move into it, so we'll continue to seek His guidance every day.

The Black Dog

This morning, God called Black Dog home to be with Him. We are sad, but we are so thankful that we had 12 years with her... and that we were able to shower her with love in her last 15 minutes here with us. The last words she heard were words of love. We'll never be able to fill the void created by her passing, but we rest in the truth that God's plan is perfect. Twelve years ago, we cried over the loss of Caseydog, but when we found Vicki, we knew that Casey knew it was time to go home so that Vicki could come live with us. God called Vicki home in His time, knowing there are a couple of dogs out there who need to win the dog lottery and come fill the silence here. We thank Him and praise Him for all the wonderful memories we have of Black Dog... her smile, her bark, the way she sat at the closet door waiting (sometimes indignantly) for a bone, the wag of her tail, riding in the back of the truck with Steven, waking us up, cheering us up when we were sad, begging, checking on Steven in the morning, exploring all the wonderful smells in the meadow, sitting at our feet...always.

Front & Back, May 2007

Here are a couple of photos of the exterior, since we're getting closer to completing it. The house (main) and roof have been painted, we've installed the decking of the porch, Timmy's working on the porch roof...it's coming together! On the back, Scott, Steven & I are installing/repairing the clapboard and painting.

May 2006
May 2007
May 2006
May 2007

Porch, May 5, 2007

On May 5, Scott and I made a new covenant with each other and God, promising to submit to one another, allow God to use us to build each other as He intends, love, honor, respect, appreciate, care for, protect, and enjoy each other through all circumstances in this life. It was a beautiful ceremony we assembled from God's Word with Chad Pullins, the pastor God put in our lives. Family and friends were there, too, and it was such a blessing to see how God has blessed us with friends in this small community. It was affirmation that He truly led us here! Elmer & Inga and Rusty & Heather threw an eastern Carolina pig pickin' (Buster cooked the pig) for us afterwards at Elmer & Inga's, Joanie & Sarah provided the slaw, potato salad and a tres leche cake that was out of this world, Miss Pearline brought the 16 layer pineapple cake (Scott's favorite!) to complete the sugar coma, Douglas and Nancy brought beautiful plants for the porch... it was all wonderful. Scott's family bought for us a porch swing, on which they burned "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.", and then provided sharpee markers for everyone to sign the swing. What an awesome momento and gift! We are excited for when the porch is ready to support a swing!

We're waiting for photos from Craig & Cathy and Nancy & Doug, and then we'll post more!

We just thank God that He is so faithful...He promises to show Himself strong in the lives of those whose hearts are devoted to Him...and He continues to...

...and I can't help hear "Strength and honor are her clothing, she shall rejoice in time to come." (Proverbs 31:25) I'm rejoicing! I've been rejoicing for the past year and a half, and I'm not going to stop! THANK GOD! :)