Wow . . . there has been much activity here in the Parish home since the last post on our blog! Max and Jenny's wedding, the long awaited, much prepared for event, is now over, and the happy couple are even home from their honeymoon! We had the pleasure of picking them up last night, with much joy all around. Unfortunately, I do not have any pictures to post of the actual wedding yet, ( Max and Jenny borrowed our camera with all the pictures on it for their honeymoon) but we do of the events leading up to the EVENT. :-) If you'd like to enjoy a beautiful post on the wedding composed by Kaylee, it's now available for all to see! Yay Kaylee! :-)

Here we go~


Let's start it off with Jacob's birthday! Five years old and growing bigger by the day, Jacob is a ray of sunshine in our home. It's rare to see Jacob without a smile, and his tender heart is a joy to see. We love you Jacob!


We enjoyed some special times of fellowship with the Werzinski family in December. Their new children are precious gifts from the Lord and it's a blessing to share in that joy with them. Here's Mom snuggling with Audra.


Christmas Day! Christmas Eve was special with games, honey popcorn, and family time. Our Grandma's all arrived for lunch the next afternoon, which was delicious! After dinner, we headed into Sanger, where Great-Grandma Lucille lives, to sing some Christmas Carols at a rest home. McCracken's met us there, and we all enjoyed the time with the older ones; those who are so full of life's experiences and tales. Riding along with the McCracken's into Fresno, we stopped at another home to sing. I personally was so blessed by this experience. We met many new friends, laughed at jokes, and were able to look into the eyes and hold the hands of the one's who have gone before us. I can't really explain it, but it fed my heart in a way nothing else could.


That next week held a special visit from my Uncle Craig (My Dad's brother) and Aunt Rene'. Living in the land of the armadillo's, we don't see them very often, so it was special for the children to meet them and for us all to enjoy their company. Grandma fixed us her specialty, homemade chicken and noodles for dinner that night. Scrumptious!



What would we have done without Grandma these past few weeks? She was a lifesaver! Always full of love, always helping; doing dishes, cooking supper, reading stories, giving advice and wisdom, cleaning the fridge, drawers, and cupboards, sharing family history, shopping with me, helping me learn to stretch meals and sharpen my cooking skills. She's been there to pour out my heart to during the stressful times. She's been there to laugh with. Even taking care of the little ones so Mom and I could have a day out. She inspires me with her energy and zeal for Christ. Grandma is a lovely woman. An inspiration. We love you Grandma!



Uncle Craig and Jacob

Jayni and Aunt Rene'


Since Uncle Craig and Aunt Rene' weren't able to make it to the wedding, we were able to invite the McCracken clan out for some fun, fellowship, and homemade noodles that evening. This was just a little while before the wedding . . . when Jenny was still a 'Crackin'. (To use Lilly's words. :-)


No evening is complete without music!


My wonderful parents. I love you!

I'll close this post with some smiles from our Lilly. :-) Who is ever wanting to be a ballerina in her pretty dress.