You have to guess. We had to. But easy for us, Amber had a slip up. I caught it immediately, and no matter how much she tried to cover her blunder, it didn't work.
We all chose a boy.
We had to wait for the cake to be officially cut before they would admit it.
His name will be Levi Carter Rando.
Then onto the humor. They wanted a nostalgic picture like the ones taken in the West back in the 1800's. What a hoot!
The humor continues. Michael says, "Stephen looks more pregnant than Amber." LOL :)
Little did Stephen know, that's what happens when you get married!
As you can see, they are very excited, and are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Levi!
The next big part of our weekend, is our anniversary. Clif and I will be celebrating 30 years Monday, Feb. 9. Clif had asked what I would like to do to commemorate such a big milestone. To me, what better way than to have our marriage blessed at church with our 10am family of Faith. It has been by God's grace that we have made it this far, and it will be again with God's grace that we will make it another 30 years!
Fr. Pedro asked us, how many years? (30) Have they been easy? (No) Have we felt like Job as in the readings today in which we have felt abandoned? (yes) Has there been joy and happiness after feeling so low? (yes) We answered truthfully. The congregation responded in laughter with our unified/unplanned responses!
But then the blessing began. All parishioners extended their hands in prayer as Fr. Pedro prayed over us. It was wonderful to be surrounded by such love. It was even more special knowing Stephen and Amber came to Mass to be a part of a special occasion.
After he was done, he says, "you may kiss the bride." Not one for public display of affection, a peck on the lips were enough for us. After all, we've been married for 30 years! But NOOOOO, that wasn't enough for Fr. Pedro, he decides he has to make a comment about such a peck on the lips. Notice how he is shaking his hand NO!!!
We have to reignite the passion of our early years of marriage! He is giving us specific instructions that the congregation is going to count to ten. I am not allowed to deny Clif his passion of years past!
Okay, so here goes. Notice he is even helping them count! Oh my gosh, they were so loud, and they were counting so SLOW! We only made it to the count of 5.
We all had a good laugh!
Anyway, it was a joyous occasion. Then onto visit The Virgin Mary for our final blessing. :)
Who better a role model for fidelity then she?
We finished off our wonderful weekend by going for a walk through the community of Celebration near Disney. There are lots of walking paths. You can walk around the neighborhoods like this area.
Or, you can walk the paths around the town.
Or even through the nature areas that link each subdivision.
We even spied a raccoon. You might have to play "I Spy" to find it.
Lots of birds were wading about.
Then onto the monstrous homes that have water slides attached to their pools. What kind of a job do you have to be able to afford these? Certainly Clif and I wouldn't ever be able to afford one, but then again, we don't desire to either!
It was an amazing weekend, and we give thanks to God for it. :)
