76: Shower North

May 29- Day 76.
Andy and I recently made the extremely long roadtrip from Brandon to Harrisburg for what my mother lovingly referred to as "Shower North."  We left Wednesday after I left work at the Afterschool program, and drove straight through to Nashville to meet Andy's parents, since Janet was doing training with LifeWay.  We then got a chance to sleep for about 4 hours before heading out for Illinois, arriving Thursday evening.  This gave us plenty of time to relax before the shower on Saturday (or go and see family and everyone else who was in town... such is life when going back to visit a small town).


The turnout was really nice- Andy was only allowed to stay until it started (my Aunt Connie requested the "No Boys Allowed" ruling, and since she was the one hosting it she pretty much got her way).  And the variety of people that came out was amazing.  We had four states represented (Illinois, Alabama, California, and Florida), and it really made my day that all my mothers were there (Momma Cathy, Momma Karen, and Momma Janet).  The thing that really amazed me more than anything though was one of the activities.  Neither of my "mudders" (as Tuck would say) are really wedding game people so instead, we had a "guess Dena's age in the picture" activity, and also had everyone who came write advice on a card and then also their birthdays and anniversaries (if applicable).  When I got home, I was very surprised on how much advice was something along the lines of keeping God at the forefront of the marriage and making sure to stay in prayer.  It's not that I didn't think I would receive advice along those lines- but it made me so thankful that I knew that I had a plethora of Godly women at my shower who understood what it takes to make a marriage work.  

Okay on to gifts (because I know that's what you're really reading to know, haha).  We got a lot of awesome stuff, a KitchenAid Mixer (which I have wanted for forever but mom said I had to be getting married first before she bought one for me...:D), lots of bakeware (which I love but Andy's a little sad since he's not really allowed to have much of the stuff I know how to bake just yet because of his diet...:/), and lots of bathroom stuff- but I must say that the things I love most were the things I didn't register for.  Karen's mother bought me some beautiful measuring spoons and cups that I'll have to take pictures of and post later.  Each of them with a cross for a handle with the label reading things like "a pinch of hope" "a cup of faith" "a heap of trust" etc.  They are so beautiful that I have a feeling they won't be used much, but seen often. Hannah also did a good job with my sparkly TOMS which she forbode me from wearing until the rehearsal or the wedding, and also my handkerchief which she embroidered for me (which also helped me pick out colors for Gerbera Daisies for my bouquet- so extra kudos Twin!)- but one of my other favorites that I didn't register for: a cross stitched poem from my stepmom, Karen, entitled "Marriage Takes Three."  When I opened it- I was so shocked because it's so beautiful and since I embroider myself, I know that it took a lot of time for her to do that, which for me means the world.  Overall- it was a great time and I was so happy to see a good majority of my family- but also to know how many wonderful women God has blessed me with, and to have their support.  :)

Marriage Takes Three

I once thought marriage took
Just two to make a go,
But now I am convinced
It takes the Lord also.

And not one marriage fails
Where Christ is asked to enter,
As lovers come together
With Jesus at the center.

But marriage seldom thrives,
And homes are incomplete,
Till He is welcomed there
To help avoid defeat.

In homes where Christ is first,
It's obvious to see,
Those unions really work,
For marriage still takes three.