John & Jenny

On January 17, my brother Matt married Sayeda Ismail, his girlfriend of 2.5 years or so.  It was a wonderful weekend with family and friends to celebrate this union.  Although Kate and her family could not be there, they were with us in spirit and we read Kate’s toast at the reception. 

Another highlight was getting to spend some time with my dad’s siblings, Bill and Kathy, Aunt Irene and my cousin, Bill, who was one of Matt’s ushers.  Bill is one of those people who remains as sweet and kind as ever.  The night before the wedding a small group of us went out for a drink and it was great to be able to sit and talk to Bill, even though the noise of the music and other patrons made it difficult to hear! His lovely wife, Sheila, and their four children were generous to let their dad make the drive to Dallas, and we appreciate it!  Also, our second cousin Jim Hezel and his family from San Antonio was another highlight.  He and his wife Kathy have six wonderful children ranging in age from 12 to about 8 months.  This family is a joy to be around and full of energy.  Seeing a family with more than the 2.1 kids I usually encounter every day was so refreshing and a reminder that openness to life brings great joys.  It’s a lot of work for sure, but so is anything important.

Our niece, Maddy, was an awesome flower girl! Mary and Caleb did a wonderful job of preparing her for the long walk down the aisle.  Madgey knew what to do when the lady said, “Go ahead, Maddy!” Maddy told us what the lady would say to her and how she would fold her hands and walk down the aisle and see the “Blessed Mommy.”  So sweet! It was a treat to hold little (or not so little anymore!) Pita.  She is such a sweet girl and getting huge! 

Sayeda truly is a gift to our family and an answer to our prayers.  We welcome her and her parents, Amy and Abdullah and her sister, Nadia, to our family.  Thanks, Ismails, for a wonderful reception!  To see photos of the wedding weekend, follow this link to my sister and brother in law’s site.