Six Years Ago Today...

Mike made me one very lucky and happy woman....he asked me to marry him!
The day is almost a blur, now, but, I do recall him getting on one knee in the middle of
the academic quad at West Chester University...the place from which we both received our degrees.
He knew all too well that WCU was a very special place for me and that it was the place that our
friendship deepened and that, ultimately, set the groundwork for our relationship today.

These years have gone by at lightening speed...but, one thing's for sure: I love  you more today than I did on that day! And, trust me, I didn't think that was possible!

Sealed...

by the cross of Christ forever.
On Sunday, August 8th, 2010, Rachael Lenore was baptized. We started the weekend with our families coming to town, including her Godparents, uncle Doug as Godfather and my cousin Allyson, as Godmother. Thank you to you both for playing this important role in Rachael's religious life. We spent Saturday making preparations for Sunday's brunch...I couldn't have done it without all of the help from everyone! Saturday evening, we had shared dinner together and then ushered Rachael off to a bath in preparation for the big event. The next day was a very special day for our family! Rachael was such a trooper....she didn't cry when George (the head Rector/Priest) took her in his arms, nor did she cry when he poured the water on her head. She was quiet during the rest of church and even fell asleep during communion! This is one of my favorite pictures from the day:

Rachael reaching her hand up to touch Rev. George's face...precious!

After the ceremony, we enjoyed a brunch at our house with family and friends.
The whole weekend was a great celebration of Rachael's big day...her first "white dress"
celebration! I have a feeling this one was cheaper than the BIG one in the white dress.
Another special memory -- Rachael was the fifth girl to wear the baptismal dress.
Here's the list of those who have worn it:
Barbara Louise (Eavis) Garman - 1946
Kathie Elizabeth (Eavis) Craft - 1948 (Rachael's grandmother - Nana)
Micki Leanne (Garman) Marquardt- 1968
Sara Louise (Craft) Concini - 3/6/77 (Rachael's mother!)
Rachael Lenore Concini- 8/8/10

Gammy (Rachael's great-grandmother) remarked that this was the fifth baby she'd held in this dress:

And, here are the four generations:

And, finally, Rachael with her parents and Godparents: