It's All About Your Roots

No matter how far you go or how hard you try, you always come back to your roots! At least that's the case for Chelsea. Chelsea's dad served as the music minister at my home church for years. They have since moved to Kentucky where Chelsea has grown into a woman...an engaged woman at that! Chelsea and Dustin, my brother, were close in age and were always supposed to "get married." At least that's what Dustin once told Mama: "Mama, I have to marry Chelsea. She said if I didn't she would punch my lights out." There are also other memories of them running through church and continuing as they ran through a glass window or the time they continued running until they knocked the 10-12 foot door down in the sanctuary. Yes, these two were trouble. But, it seems as though they will not be married after all. Ha! Chelsea is engaged to a nice guy, Phillip. Several of the church members who worked closely with Mike and knew this family well decided to have a "hometown shower" for Chelsea and her family. My mom hosted the event at her home. The plan was to enjoy one more party in her back yard before the grass died. Ha! However, it rained all day Saturday and the party complete with 60 guests was moved inside. That's okay, though. My family has great friends!

Several of the hostesses came over as early as an hour and a half prior to the party to help set up, clean up, set out, and prepare the home for an INSIDE party.

The food table

Wedding materials still in use!

Some ladies gifted with talent provided lovely flowers for the food table and dining room table. The food that everyone bought was set out nicely all over the kitchen, and the guests mingled as they came in.

Suzy, Karen, Danny, and Mama

Daddy and Phillip solving the world's problems

Mama welcomed everyone, we presented the couple with a piece of furniture that will always remind them of her roots, Daddy prayed, and we all ate.

Seating was an issue since the 60 guest party was scheduled to be outside and inside. But when you have such a great church family, you never have to worry about logistics! We fend for ouselves and make ourselves at home. We are with family, after all! Some stood as they ate and visited...

Mrs. Mary and Melinda

Some were creative with their seating arrangements...

Karen, Cynthia, Evan, and Courtney Ann

And some were lucky enough to find a seat at a table...

And, in case you have been reading my blog and STILL are amazed by my family and our antics, I thought I'd do it to you one more time! I mean, everyone knows that this is normal at a bridal shower, right?

Ahh...yes. I love my church family! It was noisy. And, I loved the noise. It was the sound of a family loving each other, gathered together for one of our own, and enjoying the evening.

Allen Woodhouse, Mrs. Foster, Mike, and Mr. Fitts

Me and Jeremy

Courtney Ann, Chelsea, and Amy

Russ came in straight from work

And after the party...

Well, let's just say that I don't have the only crazy family in this group!

Yes, Chelsea found my mom's dress up closet! I'm not sure what Phillip thought about the whole night, but I know one thing for sure. We broke him in good, and he now knows Chelsea's roots! Ha!

Congratulations Chelsea and Phillip! We miss the Crook family, but rejoice in this exciting adventure you are on!