Everyone in the
Midwest is talking about it this morning...and we're no exception.
At 4:37am, I dreamt that I was lying in a vibrating bed--you know, the 1970's motel beds that shook for a quarter (and hopefully no longer exist). Then, nature called on line one. I headed to the potty--and, much to my surprise, the toilet was vibrating, too. I thought, "This sure is a strange dream." It was at that moment the fog rolled away and I realized this was no dream. The entire house was shaking...and it was an earthquake!
By God's grace, I was able to go back to sleep...but not before feeling the wonder and awe of the event. This morning, I learned the details and was
completely amazed. It's hard to wrap your mind around this kind of thing. I mean, the earthquake was three hours away, on the IN/IL border...yet it was strong enough to wake us from dreamland in St. Louis. I can't imagine the terror and destruction experienced by those on the fault line...and others around the world who've known much, much worse.
This was my first experience with an earthquake. Although it was mild (and actually kind of cool) for us, I know that the effects were devastating for others. My heart and prayers go out to those who are picking up the pieces. May God hold them in the palm of His hand.
Liliana is always beautiful to me, but she especially melted my heart Friday night. Here is my darling as we added the final touches for the wedding. We both agreed that she looked just like a princess.
The wedding ceremony and reception took place at the Butterfly House in Chesterfield. What a gorgeous setting for the event. We were so thankful for great (but humid) weather, instead of the thunderstorms that were predicted. Left: Liliana gazes at the lily pads on the pond.
This is one of my favorite photos of Liliana. Although she's probably thinking about creepy, crawly bugs or climbing on the playground, I prefer to think she's pondering how much she loves her mommy. Oh, she's gorgeous!
Liliana walks down the brick path, preparing for her big debut. She was so enamored with her surroundings that we didn't need toys to entertain her between photo sessions and the main event.
My little flower girl. Beneath this girly exterior is a well-rounded child who loves digging in the dirt as much as playing with dolls. Throughout the evening, she took a dozen adults by the hand and said "I have to show you something." At some point during each conversation she said, "Look! You cannot believe your eyes..."
When it was time to shine, Liliana knew exactly what to do...until the father of the bride handed her a crisp one dollar bill. Suddenly, the flower girl abandoned the plan and became the "dollar girl." She left the ring bearer and ran down the aisle (forgetting to sprinkle rose petals), saying, "Mommy, mommy! Look at my dollar!"
During the ceremony, Liliana was handsomely rewarded with Skittles (which were also a strategic move to keep her quiet for the nuptials). After the wedding, Liliana smiled through yet another photo session, and then she was free to eat, drink and be merry. Here we are with Cindy as we danced the night away.
