In high school through college I worked retail at Foleys.  One thing was consistant, if there was a holiday we got a holiday.  We were closed on Sundays and Fourth of July we were off spending it with our family.  Today George and Carolyn and I went to La Madelines, Target, Marshalls, Aarons Frames, Jos A Banks and Lowes...I didn't see any place closed for the holiday.  I think it stinks! 

July 4th is always like a war zone around here.  However tonight it is almost quiet...the only thing I can think is the price of gas is cutting into people's entertainment, but I'm happy and so is my dog who hates fireworks and thunderstorms. 

Got a new digital camera and we've been messing with it.  Even figured out the timer!  (So much more to learn, but have at least learned a little). 

We got back last night from California.  Jennifer Liddi, who lived with us one time and we went to church with at Clear Lake Vineyard got married.  What a joyous celebration of God's abundant grace and mercy.  The weather was a shock, last week it was 103 and they predicted it would be in the 90's.  The wedding and reception were outside and the evening started in the low 70's and got cooler at the night went down into the 50's.  (The poor bride and bridesmaids wearing strapless gowns).  Jen and Richard had been taking dance classes and their dancing was amazing. 

We got to see mountains, orange and cherry trees, many beautiful crops and just pretty sights.  The best part of course was just being with Jen and getting to serve her.

Wow, I had no idea all that was involved pulling off this wedding.  Thursday and Friday we did misc. things - helping Stephany and Robert pack and move, figuring out how to wrap about 30 pots and decorate the outside - that was about a two hour project George and I bonded on.  Stephany's roommate Kim made the cake and we got to see it from start to finish (although we didn't get to see her decorate the cake). 

The day of the wedding we had breakfast together (Steph, Tiff, George and I) - Jake would have been there, but he was sick, thankfully he did get to come to the wedding.  We were all sleep deprived, but especially Steph and Tiff as they hadn't gotten in till about 2:30am!  After breakfast Steph, Tiff and I went to get her hair done.  It was fun seeing others we knew in there as well - Deborah, Robert's Mom and Ellen, my mother-in-law were also getting their hair done.  Steph's hair looked amazing.  Afterwards we went shopping for a gift for Mandi, a childhood friend that came and videoed the wedding (amazing gift).  We went back to the Johnston's house long enough for a sandwich before we were off to the church.  George was playing rescue ranger as he had to take Stephany's car to the shop (what a time for the check engine light to come on!)  It was fun getting ready at the wedding, but a little awkward with a room without mirrors (unless you sat on the floor).  Brittani lead us in worship and Stephany even scheduled in some quiet time before the wedding.  

I loved the music and it was so fun seeing everyone come in.  Maya, the sweet flower girl, was SO shy while walking down the aisle she wouldn't look up.  I was doing fine till Stephany and George started down the aisle and Robert began to cry.  About the same time Robert started crying, his brother Nathan began to cry too. Tender moments and a beautiful wedding.

The reception was at a garden and when we got there they were taking pictures in the middle area.  I got the "smart" idea of cutting through the flower bed.  It had rained the day before and my heel totally sank in the dirt causing me to fall forward!  Yikes! I was able to dust myself off and recover my dignity.  It was fun connecting with friends and seeing Stephany and Robert drive off in the back of my father-in-law's taxi filled with balloons. 

We're back and here are a few pictures.

I put more on my facebook   http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=36067&l=7e916&id=634109202