Megan's Shower

A few weeks ago Kristi and I got to go home for the shower we put on for our wonderful cousin Megan! We had a great time and were especially excited to see lots of family and celebrate Megan's upcoming wedding! We had the shower at Diana's house and she decorated everything so well! I loved the details! Here are some pictures!
Dan+Megan
Diana's adorable centerpiece!
The centerpieces on the eating tables. These also doubled as the favors!Each guest got to take a flower home, and attached to it was a prayer request from Megan for this exciting time in her life! ( I got this idea from another shower and have been waiting to use it!)
Cousins!! Megan and her bridesmaids!
Sisters! (who are both engaged!)
The beautiful bride and her cake.

The Bride-to-Be opening presents! (The best part!)

We all love Grandpa Boogaard!

Megan is actually one of three cousins who are currently engaged! We will be celebrating Megan's wedding first, in April!! Can't wait!

Tired of Good-Byes

This is such an exciting time of life for us, and we have been enjoying every minute. . . except for these. In this eventful young married stage, Brandon and I, along with our many and wonderful friends, are continuing to figure out where we are going to "settle" and are seeking more long term full time jobs. With that come moves that we don't like! And they have been frequent lately!

The first real hard one was Brandon's best friend from high school Tyler and his wonderful wife Tiffany. They moved to Washington! We have been living in the same apartment complex as them since last summer, and even though we didn't see one another as much as we'd like, it was SO nice knowing they were so close. Tyler got an awesome youth pastor position up there and we couldn't be happier for them! But still. . . a tough good-bye!

The second hard good-bye was one of our best friends- Saskia! This one, I (many of us) were not ready for! She is joining our other close friends over seas to teach English. Again, an amazing opportunity for her! I can not explain well in words what this sister means to me (us). As she is joining one of my other closest girlfriends, I am now really feeling something missing, even just after a short 5 days with her being gone. We have no doubt that her life is going to shine so bright where she will be, and we are thankful for that.

At her going away get-together.

One thing that makes these good-byes easier is knowing the ultimate purpose behind them. We have so many amazing friends that have sacrificed being close to family and friends to Serve the Lord and be a Light.

Ideally we would all live in the same place at the same time and be able to Live Life together, but we know that is not reality. So, we pray that we will remain close where ever we are and in whatever we are doing. We are so thankful for our friends and the Lord's love that binds us!

"In the same way, let your light shone before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Matthew 5:16