A Green Thumb

Well I knew when we met and fell in love that one day we would find a major difference between the two of us and now I know what it is. Philip, a green thumb has married the girl with the black thumb. My own mother has threatened to buy me a Shirt that says, 'I tried, but it died'. My children have all shared the story about the poor Christmas cactus in my kitchen that shriveled up and died for lack of water!
Philip has spent his weekend working on my much neglected yard. Oh, I mowed it fairly regularly but that is all. No trimming or pruning. I would have never planted new, beautiful growing plants; no matter what some say I do have a heart. Anyway, I went to Lowe's with Philip on Saturday watching as he walked up and down the isles looking and turning and reading those little plastic sticks that tell you IMPORTANT information on the plant. He would then pick the hardiest of the group and move on. I was amazed how he knew so much about plants. Then on home where he began working even though we both were suffering a stiff back from all the moving we had done on Friday. (Still living in two towns) He dug, He planted, He staked. He re potted and spent hours watching where the sun was during the day to make sure the plants were in their best spots. I watched and smiled as I knew he was enjoying having a yard to play in. I also found happiness in knowing that sometimes God fills a need in our lives that even we were not aware needed filled. I Love You Philip and I thank God for your green thumb!

Newly Weds!

Mr. and Mrs. Philip C. Livingston




Bill Corley preforms the ceremony as follows; for those of you who were not able to be there:

Wedding Vows of Evelynn and Philip

Greeting
Dear family, we have come here today in the presence of God to witness the marriage Evelynn and Philip, to surround them in love and share in their joy.
Charge
Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens. A good marriage must be created. In the Art of Marriage: The little things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say 'I love you' at least once a day. It is never going to sleep angry. It is at no time taking the other for granted; the courtship should not end with the honeymoon, it should continue through all the years. It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives. It is standing together facing the world. It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family; both hers and his. It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy. It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is not looking for perfection in each other. It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humor. It is having the capacity to forgive and forget. It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow. It is finding room for the things of the God. It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal. It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.

In 1 Corinthians 13, we read what love is; and more importantly what it is not.
Love is patient; love is kind. Love does not envy; is not boastful; is not conceited; does not act improperly; is not selfish; is not provoked/ does not keep a record of wrongs; finds no joy in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never ends.

Declaration of Intent and Consent
Evelynn, will you have Philip to be your lawful wedded husband? Will you love him, comfort him, keep him in sickness and in health and forsaking all others, be faithful to him so long as you both shall live?
Philip, will you have Evelynn to be your lawful wedded wife? Will you love her, comfort her, keep her in sickness and in health and forsaking all others, be faithful to her so long as you both shall live?
Exchange of ring
Take and wear this ring as a symbol of my love. With it I wed you, and commit my life to you forever.


Declaration of Marriage
Evelynn and Philip, you are now husband and wife.
Be merciful in all your ways, kind in heart, and humble in mind.
Accept life, and be most patient, tolerant and kind to one another.
Forgive as freely as God has forgiven you.
And, above everything else, be truly loving.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, remembering as members of one body we are called to live in harmony, and never forget to be thankful for what God has given you.
Philip you may kiss your Bride.

After the ceremony we were serenated by Chris to "Sweet Home Alabama"
The cutting of the cake and enjoying our family.

We missed you Jason, Ashley and Ethan, Caitlin and Silvia and Patrick and Anne and David and Jan. We felt the love and prayers of all our dear family and friends from across the Country.

Amazing Fourth

Yesterday was our nations birthday. It was a day with family, yummy food and fabulous fireworks. I have always loved the fourth of July and yesterday was no exception. We were able to cook out hamburgers on my Dad's new industial size grill. The rainy weather held off long enough for all the cooking to be complete. We then headed out to the beach. The drive to Bill's house took us over the intracoastal bridge where we had a 360 degree view of fireworks around the area. I suggested we pull over on top and just enjoy the view but was reminded that would be illegal. It is only a short walk from my Sister's boyfriends home; around 9:15 p.m. we headed out and merged in with his neighbors down the path to the beach.

Locals who must have a budget to purchase fireworks were already in high gear firing off bottle rockets that hung over head as we trekked down the path to the beach. In a few moments time we where standing facing the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean with fireworks going up from the pier to the right of us and the Navel Station to the left of us. It was a beautiful sight and one I will enjoy for years to come. I can honestly say this was probably one of the finest fourth's I have ever had.

Wedding Music

Well we are in the final week before the wedding. I am excited, joyful and a little nervous about our future. I think all these feelings are normal and to be expected. Philip worked on the music for our wedding last night and we made a CD with songs we both love. It was fun to do this and I think it will make the day more special for all. We have tried to make this a very simple, meaningful day. Our only disappointment is that both our Sons will not be at the ceremony. Patrick is unable to come and Jason, Ashley and the children also will not be able to come. We so wanted all of them to be there.

We are so very close and only God knows how long I have prayed for this day.
Until the 7th.