The plan is set. Everyone (donned in proper Regency attire) eagerly anticipates the arrival of the Riggenbach family. As soon as they arrive the little ones are rushed downstairs and the Dads follow.

All know the plan, save one. She sits in complete oblivion - not suspecting a thing. She does think this sudden visit from the Riggenbachs is a bit strange, but she thinks little of it; she’s used to our odd ways and she loves visiting with the Riggenbachs.

The ladies sit quietly. Sipping their tea, of course. The doorbell rings.

"Who could that be?”

Melissa rises to answer the front door. We can see no one through the glass. "Why, hello Mr. Cave!" Melissa greets the newcomer to the party cordially. "What are you doing here?"

"I heard there was a party and decided to come over." He replies, smiling.

Melissa offers him a seat. He is in his perfect regency attire. Everyone looks a bit surprised (the unsuspecting member, a bit more so than the rest), but immediately continues sipping their tea.

Then it happened...the infamous wink. At me. Coming from Mom.

"Mom, why are you winking at me?" I ask, oh so innocently.

"What are you talking about? I'm not winking at you!" Mom replies, winking all the while.

Silence. Then the winking starts again. "Mom, you are winking at me!"

"I am not! There's...something in my eye."

Mother stands up. "Jessica come here, I need to speak with you for a moment." We exit to the room adjoining the living room (Dad and Mom's room). We shut the door. Mom sticks her head out. "Melissa! I need you!" Melissa exits.

Mrs. Riggenbach stands up. "Well!" She sends a knowing glance to Lily and they swiftly take their leave, following us.

This leaves Tiffany, the unsuspecting member, and Jared alone. Meanwhile, "My Father's Favorite" plays softly in the background.

Jared then knelt down on one knee and asked my sister to be his wife. She smiled and quietly told him her answer. “Yes.” So Jared Francis Cave and Tiffany Faith McDonald are to be married.

I can't believe it.

Tiffany has always been an amazing sister to me. She's selfless, kind, encouraging, and understands me better than most people. She can tell when I'm upset and when I'm worried. She's always there with a kind word that makes me see the world more clearly. I will miss her so much that I can't even say. But how can I be anything but happy for my sister, since Prince Charming has finally come for her, after a long and patient wait?

God is so good, and though I selfishly wish she would never leave, I know that this is Gods will for her. And I know she'll be happy.

God bless both of you, Tiff and Jared.

Please join me in congratulating them!!

In Christ Alone,

Jessica

P.S. In case anyone is wondering, I have decided that marriage is out of the question for Melissa for at least five years (unless I get married first!). :-) LOL!

Lovely photos were taken before the "tea party". Here's one of Tiffany and Dad.

"Let not thyself be worried, Jessica. I shall not leave thee for a long while yet." quoth Melissa.

"My beloved sister! If thou dost even consider it I shalt slay the young man myself." quoth I. (Er...or not. ) *GRIN*

Elizabeth Bennet: [on marriage] "Is that really all you think about?"

Mrs. Bennet: "When you have five daughters, tell me what else will occupy your thoughts, and then perhaps you will understand."

*Pride and Prejudice

The most wonderful parents in the world!

Tiffany and Mom.

Elizabeth Bennet: [about Mr. Bingley] It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.

Mrs. Bennet: Yes, he must indeed! And who better than one of our five girls?

Lydia: What a fine joke if he were to choose me!

Kitty: Or me!
[Lydia and Kitty laugh]

Jane Bennet: [reprimanding] Lydia!

Father and Daughter.

"Unsuspecting" Tiffany.

"Quite Suspecting" Melissa

"Quite Suspecting" Mrs. Riggenbach

"Quite Suspecting" Lily

Mrs. Riggenbach: And now, Miss McDonald, it's your turn to entertain us.

Tiffany: Oh no, Mrs. Riggenbach, I don't...

Mrs. Riggenbach: And I believe I know what key you will sing in. ["C" sharp!]

*Modified (by me) Sense and Sensibility

"Tea?"

Dad- If any young men come for [Melissa] or [Jessica], for heaven's sake, send them in. I'm quite at my leisure.

*Mr. Bennet, Pride and Prejudice

He enters the room.

Mom: Oh, my goodness! Everybody behave naturally!

*Mrs. Bennet, Pride and Prejudice

Edward Ferrars ~ "My heart is, and always will be, yours."

*Sense and Sensibility

~Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds. Or bends with the remover to remove. Oh no! It is an ever fixed mark that looks on tempests and is never shaken.~
-William Shakespeare

~"Yes. A Thousand times, yes!"~

Gretal: Do you think he'll kneel down when he asks her?

Mrs. Riggenbach: Shh!

Gretal: They always kneel down.

*Sense and Sensibility

Our week in a nutshell...

So last week was a pretty busy one for the McDonald family.
On Sunday we had a wonderful time of fellowship long after Church was over, as many families decided to stay a bit later! *joy*
Then on Monday our dear friends the Evans' invited us over to their home for dinner.
Then on Saturday the Cave's (Jared's family) arrived at our home to spend the weekend with us. And to top it all off, on Saturday we also had our monthly Hymn Sing! :-)
Oh, and somewhere in the week we finally got around to finishing our Kitchen table. Dad, Caleb, Mel and I went out to sand and stain it. It looks SO much better now! *yay*

So all in all, it was a busy but exhilarating week (and I do so love to be busy with company!).
As it would take far too long to type up the joys of the week, I'll give you some photos instead. :-)
Enjoy!

In Christ Alone,

Jessica

Emma and William sporting there cowboy gettups. :)

Mel, Caleb and I with Samuel, Jacob and Grace. I know what you're thinking...but hey, we always act like we're nuts when we're with the Evans'...not sure how or why that happens...it just does. Or maybe we're just naturally nuts? You decide. :-D LOL.

Chatting with the Evans'.

Don't we all look so interested? LOL. (we actually were interested, contrary to popular opinion...LOL)

Jared and Tiff chatting in the Evans' living room.

In the Evans' kitchen (trying to decide if we should actually DO the dishes. LOL). Melissa, Jacob and Samuel.

What cute little girls we have at Church!! :)

Two lovely young girls at Church (Elana and Rebecca)! *hugs*

Trying to get organized for a photo. I love Becca in this picture (the one shooting Peter). TOO funny! :-D

The "girls" on the stage...well, excluding William...doesn't he look adorable trying to cross his legs? :-D

Peter, Jeremy and Garrison. And no, they don't normally go around hugging each other, but they weren't exactly acting "normal" that afternoon. LOL.

Dad, Mom and Mr. Pudewa after dinner.

Tiff and Jared at Church.

Those who stayed for Catechism Class

The "stuff" we used to refinish the kitchen table!

Dad, Caleb and Jared during the day worked on sanding down the table.

Caleb, Dad and I after we finished for the evening.

Some members of the Cave family (all that came).

Melissa, myself and Jared.

Dad and Mr. and Mrs. Cave on the deck.

Sailing! :-)

Tiff and I as we sail off with Jared and Mylydia.

Tilly, Judah and Abigail enjoying the view.

Tiff and Jared (again). :)

Happy Birthday, William!

I can't believe it. I honestly can't believe it. Where has the time gone?? A special little person turned 3 today. Yes, that's right...William Alexander McDonald.

He's such a joy to the McDonald family!! He nearly always has a smile on his chubby face. He loves laughing, playing cowboys, wearing his gray cap, playing with his siblings, cuddling with his big sisters or parents, "reading" books, and just being a joy!

He's so very, very special to us all. I can't imagine how we ever lived without him! I thank the Lord for blessing me with such a beloved little brother. God is so good!!

Happy 3rd Birthday, William! I love you like crazy!!

~Jessica

P.S. Please join me in wishing William a marvelous birthday!

(All of us McD Kids in Alabama a week and a half after William was born.)

"I shoulda been a cowboy! Shoulda learned to rope and ride..."

"AWWW!"

The Titanic

Nearly a hundred years ago the Titanic left on her Maiden Voyage across the Ocean. But she never made it to her destination.
On April 15, 1912 the Titanic hit an iceberg, and in God's providence, the great ship sunk to the bottom of the Ocean.
The sinking resulted in the deaths of 1,517 people. Hundreds of women and children were saved and put on life boats. Why? Because Men and boys knew the meaning of Chivalry and of Honor. They gave their lives for the women and children that they might be saved, and for this, I thank them.
Remember these brave men on this day and thank the Lord for his mercy.

Praise the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever!

Trí Chríost Amháin,

Jessica