Afghanistan & Marzipan!

A celebration was held for a number of things. My cousin Melissa's boyfriend Roger just got back from Afghanistan. This party could also be called an engagement party for Melissa and Roger. And there were a number of birthdays including Sandra, Renda, Kristen (Sandra's daughter), and Martin Luther.

Sandra and Aunt Renda. Love them.
ella. Michael. Abbie. Renda. Jamie. Chris. me. Kandice. I love family.
a past gift from Lisa to Renda...
Our Lisa necklaces. Ella got a kick out of having the same one as me, only baby.
me, cousin Katie, and cousin Kandice.
Amanda and Kathy
Grandma Joy and Arthur C.


the Marzipan.
And- this - is the quilt that Sandra made for Renda. Out of a compilation of Lisa's shirts that Melissa and Katie had.
A few of Lisa's favorite things to do or places to go...
it was really special. Really touching. I think everyone who really knows Lisa well got teary eyed at least once this night, whether it be from Melissa receiving Lisa's wedding ring (which was a surprise to her), or from this quilt... There are stories about every one of the shirts.
Okland Construction. Graduated from ASU in 2008. Always went to park city for fun ski trips. Went to Jamaica on their honey moon. loved Nirvana. loved coke. loved lake powell. loved spain. loved alta and snowbird. Wore the Where the Wild Things Are t-shirt her last trip to Lake Powell June 2009... But I will always remember what Melissa said at Lisa's funeral...

"our sorrow is only as great as our joy."
Sandra and Renda
And "Mr. O," as they call him.
Presenting the quilt
it is amazing.
surprise for Renda! (the quilt)
And Arthur C. always has words of wisdom
All the birthday girls
Melissa and Ella.

the kiss after the official engagement
love this one!


The proposal!!!
Melissa was quite surprised, since she picked out a ring with Roger. And she got Lisa's ring. She got teary eyed, and said something like, "This is the most beautiful ring in the world. I would recognize this ring anywhere. This is Lisa's ring. I am... honored."
I LOVE how Ella's face is lit up in this one!
Renda and Sandra



Miss her SOOO much. It's it's been a hard 4 months for all of us. the hurt and pain doesn't ever seem to go away..


Ella
Katie excited to welcome her new future brother in law to the family! We were also glad that Roger has a beard - it keeps him safer over there in Afghanistan.
Thank you for the wonderful evening!