Pure Michigan

Derek's Uncle snapped this picture as he was driving on one of the nearby roads today. There's some classic "Pure Michigan" for you right there!

"I do": The Olexa Wedding

A few weekends ago we attended the much anticipated wedding of a dear friend from church. It was beautiful to witness the joy just spilling over from the couple! It made the whole night special and fun. I loved the relaxed summer night atmosphere that came with having the wedding and reception at Laurie's backyard (We've had many a church picnic there!). Check out some photos from the talented Lime Green Photography!

They had a beautiful ceremony that was touching, happy, and very honoring to the Lord.

As a gift to the bride and groom, my sister made their wedding cake and I made their cake topper out of clothespins that were painted to look like Laurie and Colin...unfortunately in all the busy-ness of the day, I forgot my camera and neglected to take a picture of it up close. But you can get an idea of it from these pictures! It was painstaking work but really fun and it turned out awesome if I do say so myself. :o)

To: My Man

Technically, your birthday just ended since it is 12 AM. So this actually will be a little late! This week has been really busy for us, and will the next. But I wanted to take a moment and think about how much I appreciate you. How blessed I am to have you as my man!

 It's a privilege to be loved and cared for by you...in the past year you've grown up so much and taken on the weight of being head of our household. And I respect you so much for that. You bear a lot of responsibility and you took it on at a young age, I know. Yet I never hear you complain. You serve me cheerfully, provide for me gladly, and you point me to God's faithfulness when my trust wavers.

I love the way you make me smile...I get too serious most of the time and you try to lighten the mood with your fun loving ways. Even if I shake my head when  you act like a goofball, I really do love the laughter you bring to life!

Most of all, thanks for loving me in the good times and the bad, especially when I'm at my worst. You have forgiven me over and over and bore with me through my grouchiness, my stubbornness, my laziness, my stress, my disrespect, my ungratefulness. You love me despite all that which I know isn't easy!

So happy birthday! I met you when you were mostly a boy...15...and although it's not been a great many years, I've been blessed to see you grow up and follow God wholeheartedly, mature spiritually, take on the responsibility of being a husband, caring and providing for me, living and laughing and loving with me. You've gradually grown up and are definitely a man now! My man...and I'm blessed to call you mine. I look forward to growing with you more this coming year. Happy Birthday!!

Ladybug Baby Shower

This week we celebrated the upcoming arrival of our new Pastor's fourth kiddo. 

This little lady will be name Reese Ashley, and all the women of our church threw a beautiful shower with such a cute theme: ladybugs! It was a fun night of fellowship, games, chatting, and good food. The decorations were gorgeous and I had to take a bunch of pictures.

 The little girls' table...they ate pizza rolls while the older ladies had chicken salad and other yummy things.

We hung a ladybug flag over the bulletin board, which went home with the guest of honor.

My sister Allison loves to bake and decorate cakes...so she brought ladybug cupcakes!

Since there was more of a need for practical items, we made a "money tree" as a group gift. It was so cute!

Games prizes. One of the ladies at our church makes delicious jams and jellies.

This was tied onto the napkins at each place setting. 

Another group gift...10 little ladybugs book!

The guests of honor: Rhiannon, Karen, (Reese) and Ruthie!

Cologne/Clone

Laying in bed last night:

Erin-"There is just too much to do around here when I'm gone all the time. I need a clone or something!"
Derek-"You need cologne? Yeah, I need some deodorent, cause I'm all out..."

Trip to Lexington

Last night we both had the day off and after a very busy week (and upcoming one!) wanted to spend it together just having fun. So we decided to go up to see Lake Huron at Lexington...and even though there was an occasional sprinkle of rain we had a good time. 

We spotted some freighters...

...and a family of ducks.

Everything was pretty peaceful...I love the sound of waves!

Derek jumped around on all the rocks and didn't manage to convince me to join him. 

And just to prove that I was indeed there (I'm hiding behind the camera most of the time)!

Love him! Thanks for a wonderful date!

After awile he started making "I'm-hungry-so-let's-get-outta-here" faces at me so we left.

We dined at a Red Lobster on our way home and enjoyed conversation, warm garlicky/cheesy biscuits and fish and chips. He dipped his in ranch (crazy boy) and I had malt vinegar on mine. To top it off, we shared a chocolate lava cookie with vanilla ice cream. So. Good. It was like a big ball of cookie dough stuffed with melted chocolate.... I might have to try to make it at home sometime. We drove home through the rain and watched a Monk episode before falling asleep. Good day! 

Hello...

...and welcome to our blog! This will be a place to record the happenings in our life, so that we can look back on memories that might be forgotten otherwise, and to stay in touch with friends and family. Feel free to stop by often!