simply the best!

"Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero." -- Marc Brown

I just realized that even though I announced my MoH a while ago, I never announced Alphonse's Best Man! That honor belongs to none other than Alphonse's baby brother, Stephen. And being the good BM that he is, he's informed us that he's already started working on his speech! Of course there's a lot more than just a speech that goes into being the BM, just check out this list. Luckily there are websites like thebestman.com that make everything on that list seem like a walk in the park (definitely a fun website, even if you, like me, are not a best man :P).

Unfortunately, the photos you see below are the best I can provide based on what I have on my computer at this time. But since Steve is now my brother for life, I'm sure there will be many other opportunities for Steve-Al-Kat or Kat-Steve-Al photos, and any other permutations in between. TOP: At the PA engagement party. Alphonse is usually more clothed and Steve is usually more smiley, but you get the idea :) . BOTTOM: All of my current and future siblings at Nanina's. I have no idea why it's so blurry, but it does look kinda artsy.

"And when God had me wander from my father's household, I said to her, 'This is how you can show your love to me: Everywhere we go, say of me, ''He is my brother.''" -- Genesis 20:13

engagement party recap!

"You are my very greatest earthly blessing." -- Martha Finley

This past Saturday was our NJ engagement party hosted by my lovely future in-laws, Rosanne and Alan. Everything turned out quite perfect, from the food to the dancing to the fellowship. And speaking of perfect things, that boy of mine said all the right things all weekend... He always makes it so hard to leave him, and he makes me wanna marry him right now!

We both would like to thank everyone who came out and made the event so enjoyable for us, whether you traveled for hours by car or train, or whether you just took a stroll down the street... We're glad that you were able to share in our happiness and we're very blessed to have you all in our lives. And of course there were many that were missed, but there will be plenty of time to celebrate over the next year! And in the midst of all the picture-taking and people-greeting we did, we were told that that was just a small dose of what we'll have to do at our wedding, so any interim celebrations will be good practice! :) . Here are a few pictures for your enjoyment, feel free to email us others at alphonse.katrina@gmail.com!

Click to enlarge.

For more pictures, click here. And a few other random tidbits that I wanted to share: (1) congrats to my se17-mate Len, who recently got engaged (I think this captures the moment pretty well), (2) as of this afternoon I'm through with another one of those dreaded med school exams, and (3) someone bought the toy car that Al added to our registry (now we're waiting in anticipation to see who did it!)

"I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings" -- 1 Corinthians 9:23

a belated party recap.

"Love is to the heart what the summer is to the farmer's year - it brings to harvest all the loveliest flowers of the soul." -- Author Unknown

Since I'm not sure when I'll find my camera cord (or give in and buy a new one), I've decided to give you a pseudo-picture summary of the July engagement/meet-the-family get together (before it becomes too untimely...) There were seashell inspired centerpieces and the lovely country backdrop for a little relaxation, family photos on display for old and soon-to-be family to view, a swimming pool for a fun break from the heat, lebanon bologna and other tasty local foods for hungry bellies, state-war volleyball games for bragging rights, tents for shelter, bug spray for warding away pesky guests, champagne and vino for toasting, and a late-night bonfire for 'smore making. And thank you again to everyone who came, especially those who traveled from NJ and MD and other far off places! Soon enough, it'll be time for the next engagement/meet-the-family party!


"As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease." -- Genesis 8:22

something (red, white, and) blue...

"In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved." -- Franklin D. Roosevelt

Happy belated Independence Day. In honor of everyone's favorite red, white, and blue holiday, I thought I'd post one of my favorite red, white, and blue wedding photos: My Aunt Annie on her wedding day, with my mom as her Maid of Honor (from both of whom I've learned a lot about marriage and family). I thought it also seemed appropriate because they are the lovely hosts of my engagement/meet-the-family party this Sunday.

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." -- Galations 5:1

thank you mom.

"The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new." -- Rajneesh

I remember waking up on Mother's Day when I was younger and eagerly running in to my mom's bedroom to give her flowers that my dad helped me pick out. Funny how nearly twenty years later, some things never change. And while my dad wasn't there to help me pick out flowers this time, and my mom wasn't in the room next door when I woke up, I still waited eagerly to give her flowers that were meant just for her. The thing is, no matter how old I get, I know that I will always be my parent's daughter-- their first child, their first baby girl. And as the eldest child in his family, I know Alphonse shares a similar sentiment. Even now with plans to possibly move away for medical school and to one day start a family of our own, we know that we will never be far, in mind or body, from our families and the people we love. And even though it may seem as though every thing else around us is changing, we know that some things, like flowers on Mother's Day, will always be exactly the same.

So without further ado, we would like to say Happy Mother's Day to the two special women that we've been blessed with. Words cannot begin to describe how grateful we are for the ways you've loved us. And even as we continue to plan for our wedding, we are so thankful for all the support and encouragement you've given us so far... only fifteen months to go!

Alphonse, Rosanne, Cathy, Katrina -- Mother's Day 2008

As an aside for other current or future brides-to-be, here are some loose guidelines for the roles of mother of the bride and mother of the groom. Apparently one of the big responsibilities for the MOB is picking out a dress... if only everything in life was so easy/difficult :) .

"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you." -- Exodus 20:12