Daniel Talstra

I have two more wedding "shout-outs" 

{although there are many more friends and family

that made this wedding so special I could go on endlessly}

Daniel Talstra is our son-in-law

and this is the third time he has provided music for a family wedding.

The first wedding was in 2005 when he married our daughter 

The second wedding was in 2010 when Blaine married Lindsay Russell

The third time was in June when Benjamin married Lindsay Allen

All three times were very special to us.

We are blessed to have Daniel as part of our family.

Corey Preston, Esq.

Our whole family loves Corey Preston

Benjamin met Corey in Sunday school and they have been fast friends ever since . . .

through their childhood, adolescent years, high school, college, and now into adulthood.

{Boyz n the Church a.k.a. Ah-Men}

It was such an honor when Corey agreed to be Benjamin's best man.

He did his job with his usual flair, planning a fun bachelor weekend at the Maryland Shore

and touching all of our hearts with his toast at the wedding.

One of my favorite parts was when he shared memories of his times 

"hanging out" with the Hastings - we still think of him as one of our own.

He reminisced about my constant advice for them all to "make good choices".

It appears they all have done just that.

By the way - we also love Corey's wife Alison and love spending time 

with them when they visit home as well as in Colorado where they now live.

Thanks Corey from the bottom of our hearts . . .

{photos by Adams Giese}

Cedar James Talstra

This little guy had been practicing for his ring bearer job

even before he left Phnom Penh to come to America.

He took it quite seriously and we continued to practice

while he was visiting us in Brockport.

Then . . . 

at the "real rehearsal" in Atlanta the bridesmaids and groomsmen

encouraged "party arms" for a job well done.

His performance at the wedding was too cute for words . . .

Just sayin' -  cutest ring bearer ever !

{photos by Adam Giese}

Ryan Grimm, PhD

Our whole family loves Ryan Grimm

Benjamin met Ryan in nursery school and they have been friends ever since . . .

through their childhood, adolescent years, high school, college, and now into adulthood

It was such an honor when Ryan agreed to perform Benjamin and Lindsay's wedding ceremony.
He did whatever it takes to get licensed/ordained in Georgia and took the task to heart.  

Many friends remarked that it was one of the most personal 

and moving wedding ceremonies they have attended.

One of my favorite parts was when he shared this hand blessing

Hand Blessing Ceremony

Ben and Lindsay, please face each other and place your palms together so you may feel the gift that you are to one another.

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.

These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future.

These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief wracks your mind.

These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children and support your grandchildren.

These are the hands that will help you to hold your family together.

These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.

And lastly, these are the hands that - even when wrinkled and aged - will still be reaching for yours.

Ben and Lindsay, may you see your four hands as healer, protector, shelter and guide.

May these hands always reach out with love, tenderness and respect.

May these hands continue to build a loving relationship that lasts a lifetime.

By the way - we also love Ryan's wife Katie

who confessed to drawing funny(?) pictures in Ryan's script to help 

him keep from getting choked-up {which he did every time he practiced}

Thanks Ryan from the bottom of our hearts . . . 

To Friendship: 

"There are wood ships, and there are steel ships, 

Many ships that sail the sea. 

But the best ships, are friendships, 

And may they always be."

{wish I had the photo of Ryan standing on a chair at the rehearsal dinner giving this blessing}

{photo credits: Adam Giese}

looking back

Oh what an eventful five weeks it has been for us.

Our memories of all the excitement are 

comforting us now as we reminisce about it all.

On June 3rd the Talstras arrived from Cambodia and promptly 

went to Virginia leaving us with Cedar for 10 fun days . . . 

When the Tastras returned we had 2 weeks of fun and frolic

along with visits from Blaine, Lindsay, Seth, and Tracy . . . 

Next we borrowed a van from Jim's brother and headed 

to Atlanta for a wonderful wedding weekend . . .  

In Atlanta Benjamin James married Lindsay Marie 

and we now have a new family member . . . 

{cheesy I know - just couldn't resist}

Next - on to the Leisure House in rainy Florida for six days . . .

Now - everyone has returned to their homes in
Brockport, Phnom Penh (via British Columbia), Philadelphia, Burlington, and Rochester.

We thank god for the blessing of family.

Post Script . . . 

A thought from one of my friends . . . 

"The let down after they go back to their homes and jobs is tremendous but then you realize that you could never keep up that pace day in and day out.  The quiet that you hear in the house is both sad but also restful.  You know that it would be nice if they lived closer but when you see their happy faces, you know they are where they should be at this time in their lives." CB

high fiber

The oatmeal I always buy is Wegmans "high fiber" maple and brown sugar.

This week my son-in-law noticed that there are trivia questions on each package.

Two more samples:

Who was President Eisenhower’s Vice president?

Who directed the 1938 film Mr. Deeds Goes to Town?

Do you think there is a target age group here?!

sneak preview

Oh what a day . . .

Cedar, Daniel, Ezra, Amanda, Jim, Mary, Lindsay, Benjamin, Seth, Lindsay, Blaine

Now we have two Lindsay Marie Hastings in our family {room for one more?}