Introducing our new blog...A Simple Renaissance

After five years of rambling about the simple things in my life, I've now reached a big moment...I'm moving on. Instead of blogging alone, my wonderful husband, Ben, and I have decided to create a new blog. On our magical wedding day, we became a new family. Though many things have changed, some things are still the same. My life is still simple and beautiful.

My musings will continue, but they will continue here, on our new family blog. A Simple Renaissance...a name that combines my blog title, and Ben's...a blend of his personality and thoughts with mine...another way that we're becoming one. So, with this last post, I've uploaded some pictures from the wedding that a friend took with my camera. I haven't seen the professional ones from my photographer yet, but these will do.

To keep up with Ben and me, please click here...the Honeymoon pictures will be over there! :)

"Daddy walk me down the aisle. Daddy don't cry...."

Wonderful friends, and my brother Caleb singing "A Clare Benediction"

The service seemed so short, and almost three weeks later, I still remember most of it!

Exchanging rings.

My wonderful friends, Mr. and Mrs. Sanford sang with the wedding party.
You are all such sweet friends and y'all sounded just lovely!

"Sealing our love with a kiss, waited my whole life for this.....

....Watching all my dreams come true...lost in this moment with you."

My wonderful parents. I love y'all so much!

I wouldn't have made it through the day without my wonderful wedding party! Thanks for the laughs, y'all! Love y'all and miss all y'all!

The family...only we're missing Ben! How did that happen?!

The brothers.

Me and my gang!

Goofing off...

Nice shades, eh? ;)

Finally! A moment to sit down!

I'd say that Ben is tired.

Oh, I love these girls!
And the wedding party is off to the reception in the RV.

A good start to "Happily ever after."

Be sure to follow us as we continue living our Simple Renaissance!

At 3:30....click here! :D

So many details....so much to do! Not much time to update now....maybe later. :)

Fabric.

Soon and very soon!

Days go by!

One more post before the big day?

Here is the video:

From Video

Busy days, lots of planning, and loads of mixed emotions. It all makes for interesting days in our household. I'm still trying to figure out how one can look forward to an event with so much excitement, wonder, love, and at the same time, so much sadness. Last week began the time of "the lasts."

Even as I write this, I'm living the last day that we'll all be together...together and alone. It's just us...we've been 10 for so long, and pretty soon, "they" will be 9 and "we" will be two, and yet one. These days are precious, difficult, and yes, I do admit, often teary. I am so blessed to be surrounded by a loving family, and beyond that, a loving church family. I found myself suddenly overcome by sobs this last Sunday, and before I knew it, I was surrounded and embraced by four amazing, wonderful and close friends...sisters, and yet the best of friends.

A time for lasts...that will lead to so many firsts. I stand in the doorway of a room with a new view, and while I am sad to leave so many wonders behind, I'm also ecstatic to be the one who gets to stand beside my best friend and live this great adventure with him.

But until that day, we keep busy with many different events, and this post features a surprise birthday party for an amazing friend, and then a talent show at church.

Cruisin' down the interstate.

How sneaky of them!! Who could they be trying to scare?

Why Grace, of course!!! Happy Birthday, m'dear!

When one eats at the Bandy household, one will never lack for food!

My wonderful father showing off his plate.

Mmmmmm...I love fresh flowers.

The birthday girl, a true servant, helpingthe little people get food for .

My plate!

A Bandy-McDonald tradition....LOVE Y'ALL!

Dad playing with the kiddos.

17 candles for somebody special!

Two different cakes and homemade ice cream! Life doesn't get much better!

Moving along to the Arts Alive! show...
Here we have Josiah singing...a song. Can't quite remember the name...something about a star, but it was lovely!

Little Miss Evans reciting a poem.

The Sanford girls in a play the centered around the importance of guarding your heart.

Peter played the dashing Prince Charming.

"And they lived happily ever after!"

Hurrah! Wonderful job!

"Blessed Be Your Name" in sign language.

Marie Michelle singing in Italian. Not sure what the name of her song was, either, but it was amazing!
This one and the rest in this post were taken by: Caleb

We normally call ourselves the "R&B Sisters". This time we were "Four from the International Club."

Phew!! We're done! It was fun, and so special since it was our last performance...good memories!

The Providence String Quartet.

Close friends...now and forever.

Check back for the video!

Okay, so instead of breaking this up into two more posts, I decided to overwhelm you and give you the rest in one! Mean of me, I know... *smile* Things have really been picking up in our neck of the woods, and there will be lots to blog about soon...very soon. *smile* Enjoy Day Two!

Okay, I have to admit, this was my favorite shot from the weekend.
Another great concert with Nathan Clark George!

Joel McDurmon from American Vision.

My amazing father during his lecture. Unfortunately, I missed it, because after getting this shot, I ran downstairs to attend....

...this lecture.

My darling mother speaking on the feminist movement, and how it can affect our worldview.

Kevin Swanson, from Generations With Vision.

A passionate speaker.

Yes, he's talking to you.

Nathan Clark George listens through the windows.

Ahhh...a break. Here we find the men "Table Talking" in the speaker's lounge.

An encouraging time for all, I think.

Hurrah for the fantastic kitchen crew!!!! We love y'all!
Now, is it just me, or do Grace and Emil look like twins in this picture?

All those years of homeschooling conferencing prepared Grace for her job during the weekend. We're thinking about sending her on the American Vision tour. *grin*

Sooo many good books to buy!

Two great speakers, Dr. Sproul Jr., and Joel McDurmon

Our good friend, Hohn and my dad.

Joel McDurmon insisted that I get this picture or I wouldn't be in any of them.

The George family enjoying the Providence Potluck...always good food around here on Sunday!

Now, isn't that a cute baby?

Oh! Food, glorious food!

Little Miss Sara enjoys lunch.

I think our speakers did too.

A time for prayer.

I call them the Four Yorkshiremen

The adorable little man!

From another angle.

Oh look....he's on here again!

Soaking up the information.

Answering a question.

Portrait time! We'll start with Dr. Sproul.

Gary DeMar in his "Thinker" pose.

Joel McDurmon.

And I saved the best for last! Guesses on his name? *smile*

Prayer.

Sharing information.

Table talk....without a table.

Thanks for stopping by and stay tuned for more exciting posts!