jo + nathan

i led a bible study not long after eliot passed away.  this was most likely not a very good idea, but in retrospect, i now know that one of God's great purposes was my becoming friends with jo.  she is one of the most unique and beautiful souls i've ever known.  in those days of her sophomore year of college and still today, i have always said that jo has one of the purest hearts for God...i am always praying that she will see Him.  she is so genuine and gentle and loving and she serves like very few others i have known.  not long after the bible study, jo started working with jewelry with me...and not long after that, i had hazel and jo started babysitting for us....the summer she spent in nyc happened to be when we traveled with 8 month old hazel to new york to talk about eliot on the today show, so she "nannied" for us while we were there {{if my computer hadn't died, this is where i would include a picture of jo with meredith vieria.}}...then, when she came back to fayetteville she continued to volunteer with 99balloons and began working full time with special needs adults and still babysat for hazel....then one day, when i was on bed rest, preggos with anders, she brought a "friend" by...the next time we talked she informed me that that friend,  nathan, was actually going to be her next boyfriend.  that was in december & 2 months later he was, indeed her boyfriend.  and now, 2 years later, they have both become so so dear to us.  my best guess is they just may feel the same way because they asked, not 1, not 2, but all 3 of our kids to be in their wedding!  (more later on how seeing lena be a flower girl is so much gospel i can hardly take it in)  our kids love them, just like we do!

so, there will never never never be a way to bless jo and nathan like they have blessed us, but last weekend we tried a little.  matt & i got to be a part of throwing them a couples shower.  one of the hostesses plans parties & weddings & by the pictures you will see that she does quite a good job.  it was really really fun.  with rascals at my ankles, i made kebabs all day, then got to really enjoy a night loving on jo and nathan & being around their friends and family.  

the bride & groom to be! & yes, they always look this good:)

orange hearts & cream arrows & succulents...so adorable.

some hostess action.

the drink station had some drink recipe options for you to make your own & included really funky & cool vintage carafes, cute straws and a few more succulents...super cool idea & guests had fun with a ton of fun with it {{told ya the party planner hostess was amazing}}

the menu was a salsa bar, free salad, kebabs with sauce options, dinner rolls & cookies & cupcakes...yum!  it all turned out so delicious & pretty.

some hosts manning the grill.  i had about 5 pictures of the night & matt was making this face in all of them:)  

mingling

 happy couple & hostesses...really fun group

maybe i had more than one of these cupcakes

 

food, fun, friends, gifts, games & celebrating these 2 about to start their lives together in only a few weeks.  honored & humbled to be a part of their world.

love you both so much, jo & nathan!