Look who's getting married!

Dan and I were headed to the airport at 4:30am to fly home for Christmas, when I realized I had an unread text from the night before. It was a picture message from Rachel showing off a gorgeous diamond ring .on.her.finger! Oh my! I couldn't have been more happy -- and thrilled that I'd soon see the happy couple in person! (Nice timing, Alan!)

And what works better for a photo shoot than a windy December morning? We wanted to get some pictures but with coordinating schedules, the only time that worked was not ideal according to the weather. But they braved the bitter cold and flashed smiles that warmed us all by their radiance and happiness. Love is such a beautiful, precious gift!

I love being in love.

I love seeing other couples truly, sincerely, and desperately in love with each other.

And it is wonderfully happy when my sister falls in love!

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;

HIS steadfast love endures forever!"

Psalms 118:29

Congratulations Alan and Rachel!

Merry Christmas!

Born that man no more may die--

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

What a joy it is to be back in Nebraska enjoying such precious time with family

-- what a wonderful time of the year!

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas!

Esther

Class of 2012

Esther! Thanks so much for letting me take your senior pictures last month. Not only was it an absolutely blast hanging out with you (like always!) but you are so gorgeous. You positively radiate the beauty and goodness of our Lord! May He bless you in ways you can't even imagine as you seek Him for direction!

Every love story

is beautiful,

ours is my favorite.

12.19.2009

2010

2011

Sugar and spice and all things nice

It's a GIRL!

--19 weeks--

pink or blue?

What's your guess?
(and cast your vote now...cuz' the answer will be coming soon...!)

and a random side note:

the pink shoes are from my baby days!

ilovethatboy

Dan is in the midst of completing his LAST WEEK of law school! This calls for a celebration! [smile]

He has a big test tonight, another one on Friday, and then his senior seminar paper is due on Saturday. I'm so proud of him. He has been so faithful and diligent -- not only working 40 hours a week, but also studying 20+ hours a week. And now the end is in sight!

After Dan finishes school, we'll travel to Nebraska and spend Christmas with family. Afterwards, its back to the books as Dan prepares to take the California bar exam in February. Prayers are very much appreciated -- not only for his tests this week, but also for all the studying and review he'll be doing in preparation for the bar exam.

"A man's ways are before the eyes of the Lord

and He ponders all his paths."

Proverbs 5:21

photo credits:

taken by Hannah Wissmann

at Sam & Nicole's photobooth

Supper is served

Toasted.

Cheese.

Sandwiches.

(Those words just had to be made for each other. Hm-mm-m. Such an amazing combo.)

Throw in some grilled ham or chicken, a lil' mayo or mustard, a few slices of avocado and tomato--

well, for the first sandwich only use one lone tomato slice.

Which only means more for the next sandwich!

Grilled chicken is my personal favorite. I'm also thinkin' that a slice or two of bacon would only make this even more delish. And all I had on hand was potato bread, but a fresh rye or wheat bread only enhances the flavors (I speak from experience!)

Let the grill do its work - and wala!

Make sure you have whatever else you are serving with supper all prepared and ready cuz' these tasty toasted sandwiches are best hot off the grill.

Hm-mm-m.

Such melty goodness.

Sam & Nicole

Tomorrow morning if you wake up

And the future is unclear,
I will be here.


As sure as seasons are made for change,
Our lifetimes are made for years,
So I will be here.


I will be here, so you can cry on my shoulder;
When the mirror tells us we’re older, I will hold you.

And I will be here to watch you grow in beauty,

And tell you all the things you are to me;

I will be here.

I will be true to the promise I have made,
To you and to the One who gave you to me.

As sure as seasons are made for change,
Our lifetimes are made for years,
So I, I will be here.


We'll be together and I will be here.

Gratitude

...is born in hearts that take time to count up past mercies.
-C. Jefferson

The Lord is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations.
Psalms 100:5

Thanksgiving Travels...

took us to Nebraska for a week! What a delight! And we packed the days (and yes, some nights) as full as possible...

On Saturday, November 19, Dan was a groomsman for the wedding of our friends, Ben & Leslie.

What a beautiful thing to see a young man and woman fully committed to Christ -- now covenanting their lives to each other!

Then on Sunday, my cousin Nicole married the love of her life -- and I had the honor of standing up with her! Such a gorgeous day of rejoicing in what God has done.

It was also a first in that while being the matron of honor, I also did some of the portraits, too. (Which means stay tuned for more pictures of the stunning bride and groom!)

After the wonderfully busy weekend, we had time to relax with family...

spend some time at Grandpa and Grandma's house...

play a few games...

eat lots and lots and lots of good food...
(what a great time of year to be eating for two! [grin])

enjoy a Wissmann family reunion concert...

play with the adorable nieces and nephews...

a shopping trip with sisters...
(yay for finding cute maternity clothes!)

brave the cold weather for a good game of two-hand touch football with the Beasley's...

time with extended family...

and of course, talking and laughing and just enjoying the blessings of family and being together!

Thank you, Lord!

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits,
the God of our salvation!"
Psalms 68:19

Asher David

I'm an aunt again! Just look at this cute lil' guy...

Asher David

November 30th, 2011

Congratulations Josiah and Abi! I'm eagerly awaiting getting to meet your precious son in just a few weeks. Don't let him grow too fast!

photo credit: Kori W.