Wedding Week

* I apologize that my last post was a little heavy, but I made a vow to myself a long time ago that I would be completely transparent while blogging. I like to share the joys and sorrows of life in hopes that we all can learn and grow from each other. 

* Update on Catrina's passing: There have been no definitive findings in the autopsy reports to this point. For all we know a 12 year old girl went to sleep happy and healthy and God chose to take her home. In a way, for me it is a relief... there are somethings in life we never get the answer to and we must choose to have faith. It's easier on my head to know that there was nothing anyone here could have done, it was just her time. On the other hand I do feel a little upset because I know that no answers makes the closure harder on my parents. As the weeks pass by my head is slowing wrapping it's way around death. My nightmares (from the first two weeks after) are fading away and I am trying to just live life one day at a time. We are all going to die and this made that so apparent, and I don't really like it. I know it is the truth but it was really hard for me to know that death doesn't only come to the elderly or sick. Death has it's own timing and I have to learn to deal with it. Catrina has been in my life the past five years and I have spent time with her but nothing compared to Lynnette, my dad, and the other kids. I can only take what I knew of her and be thankful for each moment I did get to spend with her. My family (the ones that lived with her and were so close to her) are the true warriors of the situation. They deal with it everyday, they live in the house where it happened..... but I cannot be more proud of them. I am so impressed by the way they have clung on to each other in the face of this tragedy. They push on, draw closer to one another and God. They blow me away.....  Her memorial service is in a couple of weeks and I pray that we can honor her memory there and let God take control of the rest. Death only hurts on this side of heaven.

With every low in life there is always a place to find joy. And this week we get to celebrate two of our best friends getting married. Jordan has known both Tyler and Chelsea for 8 years.  And in the past four years as I have got to know them I can't believe what incredible people they both are. We have had the privilege of watching their whole relationship develop. We were there when they dated, then we helped Tyler with the proposal, Jordan got to take their engagement photos, and now we get to be a part of the wedding and Jordan gets to stand at Ty's side as one of his best men. We drove Destiny over to the wedding site so we could spend the whole weekend with them. On Friday, we spent the day hanging out and setting everything up. They chose a beautiful ranch out in Valley Center, CA. It was so gorgeous that it didn't need very much decorating. We all had so much fun. Jordan was climbing trees and hanging lights, I followed Chelsea around trying to help with every little detail I could and all of the wedding party met up for the rehearsal dinner at grandma's house.

The day of the wedding I spent most of the day finishing the decorations and getting all the last minute details together while everyone else was getting ready. I had so much fun playing "coordinator"! Planning and organizing in high stress situations is something I LOVE, actually I think I am kind of addicted to it. It was the best day for me and I am glad that I was able to take care of things so Chelsea, Ty and their parents didn't have to. Right before the ceremony I ran up grabbed a quick shower, slipped on a dress, hung out with the boys for a few, checked in with the girls and ran back down to make sure everything was perfect. Tyler and Chelsea, more than anybody, deserve a perfect day! They did such an awesome job planning. The wedding was a BLAST. Everyone, all ages, had such a great night. The ceremony was beautiful, the food was amazing, and the reception was perfect (with a killer DJ http://www.pacificentertainment.org/)!!!

We could not be more happy for our closest friends and one of the most incredible couples we know! Thank you for involving us in your big day. We love you guys so much

Best friends

handsome groom 

beauty queen bride

the apple doesn't fall from the tree! haha
they didn't know they were standing exactly the same way!

Jordan's guardian Angel!

She looked radiant

"I DO"

Awesome Best man speech!

Two married Men

They are so precious, I love their friendship

Jordan played their first dance. It was incredible... and he did amazing,
especially since it was directly after his heartfelt speech that he
got choked up in!

Our adorable niece Zoe

Mars! Precious as ever....

 SURPRISE. WE ELOPED!! Yes, on Friday before the wedding and Sunday after the wedding I received two text messages. The first from my dad and Lynnette, the second from my baby sister Jena and her husband Jesse! They both eloped this week! So happy, and somewhat shocked, for both of them! I love our big, crazy and ever growing family!