. . . forever friends . . . e&c part 2!

Sometimes I think that no matter what decision I make . . . my kids will need counseling when they grow up.

Sometimes I feel like no matter which decision I make – it won’t be the right one.

I don’t know when that started.

I used to feel very confident in every decision I made – thinking I knew it all . . . now, I am BEGGING God to send me someone whom will make a decision for me. Of course I want them to make the right decision. Of course, I am saying this because I am tired of the weight that every decision seems to carry with it. Of course, I am saying this because I am tired of making decisions all together . . . I want to go back to when things were easy – back to when I knew everything . . . and nothing really mattered.

I remember when I was kid. My best friend and would ride our bikes everywhere. We would put towels on our heads and pretend we were princesses. We would hold hairbrushes, jump on the trampoline, and pretend we were rockstars. I remember when I was a kid. My best friend and I would play Monopoly, drink Kool-aid and eat graham crackers, and laugh . . . and laugh . . . and laugh. We would record mixed tapes and go on adventures. We would pretend we were grown-ups.

Now . . . we are grown-ups, and I don’t know about her, but I would like just a couple of Saturdays to be a kid.

I want the same thing for my kids. I want them to enjoy their youth. Experience their childhood. Have fun. Take adventures. Make good friends.

This move to AZ has been so exciting for our family! New adventures together.

When I am here in Montana, though, and my family is in Arizona, it is sometimes easy to become sad. . . to mourn the relationships that our kids have established here in our small town. This weekend – actually the past month- has been full of these kind of thoughts. I blame it on my weddings.

All of my couples are just too wonderful.

Everyone wants to be their friends!!

Eric and Carlie are no exception.

~
~

Their wedding was spectacular! It was so fabulous, because it was full of so many amazing people! They had some amazing friends that had been by their side for a long time. it was so much fun to “hang-out” with them all day – taking pictures, capturing their friendship. It was amazing.

One moment that will stand out forever to me was at the reception. When it was time for the formalities to begin, the best man had everyone in the whole room, laughing and crying with his speech. He did an amazing job at roasting and honoring this sweet couple. His love for his friends was evident through his words, and I want to share some of them with you today.

~
Straight from his notes:

“I am standing up here tonight representing the category of best man. It is a great honor. However, I’m just another guy. The best man here tonight is Eric.”

“Eric is one of the best friends a guy could ask for. He is hard working, genuine, a man of integrity and honor . . . Eric, I can’t read your writing!”

We were all dying of laughter as he continued to share moments that they had had together over the years.

“I’ll never forget the day Eric told me about Carlie . . . . His smile lit up his dorm room as he was telling me about this gal. He was smitten as he said he was going to date her. And so began their path . . . to this moment.”

“There were trials along the way. Eric and Carlie survived 1/2 a world apart while Eric was in Japan on an internship. They continued long distance while Carlie worked in Seattle and Eric finished his Masters Degree in Montana. They stuck with each other, learned about each other, and now they are finally with each other.

“I am the oldest and have 3 younger sisters in my family. I always wanted a brother growing up, but the Lord has blessed me with many along the way . . . including my friend Eric.”

“Now a little marriage advice:

Eric:

1. First, set the ground rules and establish who is boss – then do everything she says!

2. Married life can be compared to college football . . . so BE FULLY COMMITTED EVERY WEEK AND MAKE SURE YOU SCORE EVERY SATURDAY!

3. Remember the 5 rings: the engagement rING, the wedding rING, the compromisING, the children’s sWING, and the enduring.

4. Don’t forget, if you buy her flowers, she knows you’re feeling guilty, and she will remember to the second, the last time you bought her some . . . AND the reason why!

5. Lastly, there are three words you must never forget . . .’You’re right, dear.’ “

“Carlie:

The 5 key tips to a successful marriage are to find . . . .

A man who will treat you right and always stand by your side.

Aman who will shower you with gifts and compliments.

A man who will comfort you in times of trouble.

A man who understand family always comes first.

A man who will share his life with you.

Carlie, you are one lucky lady because the guy you found has all 5 of these characteristics. I love you both and am so excited to see you as a married couple!”

“To Eric and Carlie: ‘May your love be modern enough to survive the times, but old fashioned enough to last forever! Ladies and Gentlemen – MR. AND MRS. LARSEN!'”