Meet the Wedding Party, Part 2

Here is what I am finding as I write these summaries of my closest friends:
1 - I am shaking my head at all my different hairstyles...
2 - I am finding myself getting a little teary-eyed...
3 - It is so hard to sum up in a paragraph all that your closest friends mean to you! I had to go back and edit the last blog because I thought of more to say...sigh...

Continuing on with the bridesmaids...
Kim Williams
I can honestly say that Kimmie was my first Emmaus friend. We met and instantly clicked. Kim is the social queen - she introduced me to everyone by saying "This is my friend Angie and she has naturally curly blonde hair" - she's a hoot! Kim has a gift of making people feel comfortable and like they belong. We often joke that we "share a brain" - I can tell her anything and find she feels the same way as I do! Occasionally she finishes my sentences! One of Kim's many hobbies is coordinating weddings - and she is phenomenal at it! She's also my current roommate - and thus has provided a wealth of support for this bride-zilla! :) In Dubuque, Kim attends Capri College for Massage Therapy - another one of her wonderful gifts.
Kati Glock
Kati and her husband, Jon (a groomsman) are our double-date buddies. As Jason and I began dating, the advice, counsel, and support of Jon and Kati was priceless. They have continued to counsel us through every stage of our relationship and we value their practical wisdom. In turn, I found a wonderful friend and confidante in Kati. Kati and I can pick up right where we left off, no matter how long it's been, and can accomplish an amazing amount of talking in a short time! I cherish every get-together with Kati, especially if she brings her precious baby girl, Anna Kate. I would trust her with my deepest, darkest secrets - and I have! Don't ask her to tell - I know her lips are sealed! Kati and Jon live in Dubuque with Miss Anna Kate, and are a vital part of the ministry at Emmaus.
Linda Johnson
I don't even know where to start. Linda is the bridesmaid that has known me the longest - and has quite possibly influenced every single major milestone in my life after the age of 16! Linda has allowed herself used by the Lord in my life - she influenced my decision to attend Emmaus, which was a life-changing decision - and she encouraged me to grow in the Lord and took an interest in my spiritual well-being above all else. Linda and her husband, Stefan, started off as my youth leaders, but I quickly found that Linda was not your typical pastor's wife! For starters - she's absolutely hilarious - don't "dare" her to do something because she'll DO it without hesitation. I've done more crazy, silly things with Linda than I would care to admit. She's an absolute blast. I have to post the picture of us from Williamsburg, VA because it just illustrates what weirdos we are. We bought authentic bonnets and wore them every day - and embarrassed her kids. They call this picture "scary!" Linda and Stefan live in Atlantic and have four kids - you've already met Amanda. They are about to move to Dubuque and join the ministry of Emmaus - and I can't wait!
Grace Keith - Matron of Honor
Grace and I became friends the instant I coaxed her daughter, Lexi (who was 1 year old), to sneak across the aisle at church and come sit with me. Grace has since tolerated my spoiling of her kids - and in turn, I've learned a lot about parenting! Grace and her husband, David (groomsman) and their kids have been a source of stability and comfort for me while living in Dubuque. She has a gift for hospitality, she's a fabulous cook, and she's graciously opened her home to me on countless occasions. If I ever needed a place to go, all I had to do was call. I've sat at her table on many an evening or afternoon, stuffed with food and happy with life! Grace has been there for me through so many trials and joy. I can always count on her support, encouragement, and care. She suffered through hundreds of phone calls and e-mails when Jason and I first started dating, and she had the patience to rehash every detail with me! Grace and David live in Dubuque with their kids, Adrianna, Lexi, and Garrett (all of whom are in the wedding!).Adrianna and Alexis Keith - Junior Bridesmaids
These two sisters are like sunshine and spring flowers to me - they bring an instant smile to my face! Cheesy, but true! Adrianna (AJ) is eleven and in sixth grade and Alexis (Lexi) is seven and in second grade. They are so well-behaved and sweet, you'd wonder if they were Stepford children :) AJ and Lexi love to come over to my house and clean. You read it correctly. They love to clean my house. I have enjoyed watching these two grow up, and can't believe how fast it is happening. Jason won them over, although it took time. AJ was a little hesitant at first, as she figured that if Jason and I got married, then he would take me away from Dubuque! They always have a great big hug for me whenever they see me, sometimes they even hug Jason :) We both love these little sweethearts. Here's a picture with proof that they are hard little workers. One fall afternoon they helped me clear a tree that had fallen into the driveway - they were thrilled to help!
Still more to come! You need to meet the real stars of the show - the ringbearer and flowergirls! And of course, the groomsmen...although Jason has already informed me that his descriptions of his groomsmen won't be nearly as detailed or sweet as mine! :)