Wedding Shower = Feeling overwhelmed with generous family & friends! Thank you, thank you, thank you...

We've survived shower No. 1 - it was an incredible time! We feel showered in love and good wishes from family and friends who marched over to B's mom's house for food, drink and fun.

We received some incredible gifts as well as kind wishes for our married life.

I'm starting to really realize that we're getting married. As much as that doesn't seem like a big deal, I also realize it's a bigger commitment than just living together and that it's an exciting idea to start our very own Criner-Issleb home together.

I cannot possibly express how thankful we feel for the love and happy tidings expressed at the party - we'll send thank you notes, of course - but it's just heartwarming and amazing to feel so loved. Yow!

B's mom also asked everyone to share a memory of B or I or both of us and passed out maps of the places we've lived and visited to help. Some favorites:

• My mom remembering B ordering a cowboy (enormous) steak at dinner, then years later hearing a woman ask, "Who could eat all that?" Her answer was, of course, "our soon-to-be son-in-law."
• B's mom recalling our sinkhole party and our travels to DC to see the Supreme Court and President Obama's Innauguration. She even called us patriots - which is pretty flattering for two liberals who tear up over healthcare reform.
• Many orange and blue sentiments - I-L-L, I-N-I, friends!
• Michelle recalling B trying to take back a six-pack of beer after a party and getting scolded by me.
• "If it doesn't work out there is always the Seminary." Hmmm.
• WIXY Country memories from my dear friend who adores weddings, traditions and common sense.
• Skeeball boardwalk memories from Cindy who witnessed much of the development of Brian and I as we went from friends to what we are today.
• Compliments to B's amazing brain, cooking, game-playing skills, etc...
• "Wherever you go, go with love."

Cheesy bits aside, we are positively glowing after our shower. And seriously considering cooking up a four course meal with all the gift goodies.

Thanks friends and family!