Tea with E: Happy Anniversary # 2!!! A tribute Part 1

Two years ago Derek and Amber got married in Ecuador! This blog is going to be a tribute to them, and to all those who helped make this day possible. We had a host of wonderful friends who pitched in and made it all happen. Jan Jenison shared with Amber and I that when her daughter and her were planning Julie's wedding, their mantra was "Are we having fun, and are we still friends!?" Amber and I adopted this for ourselves, and I did with my friends as well! I think for the most part it was true through and through! We had a ball, and we are still friends! I thank God for His grace and provision of friends and family who make this day so special. Happy Anniversary Amber and Derek! May God continue to enrich your lives and your intimacy with Him and each other, so that your marriage will be a reflection for the world of His love, mercy, grace, forgiveness and joy!

In the parking lot getting into the car! She is the first to arrive of the many guests who will be coming over the next weeks to celebrate the wedding, and Austin's high school graduation!

Back at home, trying on the dress, which none of us have seen! Austin is helping her into her shoes! She is just a little bit tired, finishing finals, packing for a wedding, honeymoon, etc. I have no idea how she was even standing at this point! But we were so excited to have her home, and see her dress!

Happy mom and daughter! "Isn't she lovely...." the song from back in the day, rings in my head as I look at these pictures!

Amber's first morning home, I invited three friends to come and pray with and for and over her and I as we headed into this season of wedding, and having her here on the ground. Two of the three were able to come, so Gina, Amber and Sandi are pictured here, after our time of prayer! We asked for God's blessing, and patience and peace to cover every detail in the coming weeks! He did, over and above what we could have envisioned. Thank you Gina and Sandi for doing this, and thank you to many others who prayed with and for us from afar! We made it because of your prayers!

On our way to a shower here in Quito, given at Marlo's house, by my friends here in Quito. Marlo's mom was here too, and helped. Marlo worked on her yard/garden for weeks, and everything was like a fairy tale that afternoon. Including Sunshine all afternoon!

Marlo's creativity! She took their wedding invitation, and made a scrap book of the shower!

Cameron went and bought these flowers, and then Sandi, Christy, and her did them! They were so, so beautiful, and crisp fresh! Just lovely! And all Amber's colors! Green and pink!

Again, notice Marlo's creative genius! These little boxes, were handmade by her and her mom! But Marlo designed them! They held tea bags as a favor for the shower! It was a tea party!

It was fun to have china! These two tea pots and creamer sets are mine. Some of it wedding gifts from almost 25 years ago!

Every detail was just so perfect! Amber had a great afternoon.

Dana, interviewing Amber and getting her to tell her and Derek's story to friends here.

Getting ready to open gifts! It was so fun that I got to be a part of one of her showers. I had been in Ecuador for the Stateside ones, and it was deeply meaningful to me and to Amber that my friends did this shower for her here in Quito. Thank you to each one of you who helped make this possible, and for those of you who came, even during the busy end-of-school-year season.

Circling up, and praying over Amber, in good Youth World Fashion!

Out at the Wedding Venue, Hacienda Villa Vieja! Doing a run through and letting Natalie see the place.

Amber, getting her practice hair-do done and our friend and hairdresser Nancy working her magic!

Almost finished! Getting the curls just right!

Sandi and I prepping the baskets that we had for each and every guest that came into Quito. They were full of snacks, water, and a wedding packet that had schedule, times, events, and important Spanish phrases, directions, phone numbers etc. Also included in this packet was a World Cup Schedule of Games and times!

After the trial run for make-up. Nancy also did the make-up for the wedding.

In the midst of all of this, we celebrated Austin's 18th birthday! Ofcourse with Cline Clan, and Dani.

Marlo, Donna, her mom and I working on the tags for the favors at the wedding. They were incredible, and what we didn't finish this morning they took home and finished! Friends were just so amazingly helpful in so many ways. I couldn't have done it without you all, and am still incredibly grateful.

Ta Da! Bridesmaids begin to arrive: Renae and Dietzy! Some of Amber's best friends! They came early, and helped with everything! It was wonderful to have them.

Austin, G'pa Gordon and U. Stephen, watching the World Cup which was happening in the middle of this time!

Shamus, G'pa, Amber and U. Stevie sitting on the front porch! In between grad and wedding events of some sort or another!

Renae, Dietzy, and Amber at Austin's open house for graduation!

U. Stevie with his nieces and nephew, Logan and Sammie weren't here yet!

The whole fam that was on the ground!

Amber and Jess! Friends from the 7th grade! So fun to have Jess back for the celebrations!

Sisters, and friends! Natalie was the amazing maid of honor! She did a fantastic job of serving Amber and making her every wish her command! The best part is Natalie genuinely loves doing it!

The bride, taking time to clean Shamus' eyes! and give him some love, while she talked on the phone to her sweetheart back in the States!

Yeah!!! Logan and Sammie are here! And ofcourse! World Cup is on! Enjoying the game with G'Pa.

Sammie and Amber! We were so happy that Sam and Logan were here to help celebrate. Love you two!

These dear girls washed hundreds of dishes! Filled lots of ice trays etc. etc. etc. And always with a smile! I love you girls.

One of these days U. Stevie will have to visit just for fun, and not for these huge events. He rarely left the kitchen, and was such a great help too. We laugh a lot when we work together, except about pancakes, on a non-pancake morning! Still feel badly about that Stephen!

Phil and Logan! Not too sure they are father and son!!!!

Sitting down enjoying a meal together! Lots of laughter around the table these days!

Three lovely, beautiful, ladies. Love you!

I think this was Austin's birthday party! The gentle lover receives his name from Amber! Still laughing about that one! Some "mess-ups" stick and don't get forgotten!

Gina Cline hosted a brunch for Derek's mom, sisters and friends the morning after they arrived in Quito so that they could meet some of our friends here right away, and then have familiar faces for the rest of the week they were on the ground, and hopefully make the wedding less overwhelming! It was such a wonderful time of getting to know Carla, and hear her stories about Derek. All the wedding party were there, Phil's mom, friends from Quito and Moses lake! It was just a beautiful setting and a really fun time together!

Parish, the flower girl, Sandi, Mary, and Carla! Worlds meeting, blending, part of life as we know it.

Gina's superb hospitality, beautiful in every way, and such delicious food!

Gorgeous!

Rheanna and Gina, mother and daughter! They were the ladies of the day! Just did a beautiful job!

Wendy made a practice cake! Baking at 10,000 feet is a little challenging, and Wendy wanted to make sure everything was "working"--ofcourse it was more than working. Wendy is a grade-A, world-class baker, cooker, extraordinaire! She has baked birthday cakes for the kiddos since they were born, she did Logan and Sammie's cake for their wedding! And so, it was awesome to have her come down from the States and be here for all the festivities, and to ensure that the cake was the best one more time. Not just good looking, but also tasty as all get out! :) You are the best Wendy!