Shower The People You Love With Teenage Literary Drama Actually Geared Towards Pre-Pubescent Girls

Finally, the moment you've all been waiting for: the reveal of those individuals who fought long and hard for their chance to receive a small piece of Heaven that is Sweet Valley High. Number Twelve, Isabel, Lauren R., and Fraulein N., pull out your bangle bracelets, roll up the cuffs of your jeans, and prepare to be amused by the delightful antics of Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield as they learn about life and love with their crazy gang of bookworms, playboys, cheerleaders, and jocks.

Choosing a winner was really hard, not only because every woman is worthy of the wisdom SVH can bring, but also because only four people expressed any interest in receiving one, and how could I deem one gal's reason as more valid than another? I mean, would you be able to choose between a first-time mother about to go into labor versus a stressed out bride-to-be versus a working mom looking to make peace with the gaping hole in her teenage existence versus a woman who wants to reconnect with the series that introduced her to Linda Ronstadt? Cuz I sure couldn't. Also, I'm a little bit in love with all of you for leaving such great comments when you visit, so the idea of strengthening the Internet bond I feel we now share by declaring everyone a winner is really the best way to go. So, if I don't have your address already, be sure to send it to my gmail so we can get on with the sharing as soon as possible.

In other news, in case you couldn't tell by these blogs, Luke and I were given a totally awesome wedding shower by my sister and my parents. There was spiked punch, Frema's landslide winning of The Toilet Paper Game, and the congregation of blog readers and writers alike.

 

Lost A Sock, Number Twelve, and me.

Auntie Betty, Ryan, and Brooke. Unlike her digital-photo companions, Ryan is not a faithful reader of this blog, but I didn't remember to get a picture of Betty and Brooke together, so there you go.

Our towel cake. I have never heard of such things being used outside of weddings in my family, but apparently to someone they are a traditional element of bridal showers, and my mother has taken it upon herself to carry this tradition on with us. Yes, my momma made that, with her own two, carpel tunnel-ridden hands, no less. Talk about having a kick-@$$ heirloom to pass on to your kids.

Edited to add: OMG, I can't believe I forgot to showcase the coolest readers of all. Our families! Here we are with Luke's parents, Daddy D. and MJD. Don't be surprised if both sides ostracize me for making such a fatal error in judgement.

Samantha and me. She's been the best matron of honor a girl could ever ask for.

Sunday was the day we met with our pastor for the first of two premarital counseling sessions, which took place in Joe's Crab Shack after the late-morning service. A man of many opinions but few words, Pastor Tim's message to us was simple: remember what brought the two of you to this point and never lose sight of it, no matter what. Be aware of what your partner loves most about you and work hard to nurture that part of yourself. And finally, "Take a good, long look at the person sitting next to you, because that's all you need to make your marriage successful. Each of you will serve as an anchor for the other."

It was a new experience, sitting in front of a person who didn't know the details of our relationship and yet listening to the best advice on marriage I'd ever heard. And explaining to him what it is about Luke that I love so much moved me in a way I didn't expect. It was as if I was looking at him in a new light. Luke is prepared to love me for the rest of my life. He'll be by my side through new jobs and the birth of our babies and the loss of my parents and the purchase of our first home (though hopefully not in that order). We'll celebrate second honeymoons and golden anniversaries and the beauty of compounding interest with our 401(k)s. And one day, after we've retired and our children are grown, we'll be like those sweet little couples I see walking hand-in-hand down the street, shuffling along at a snail's pace, barely talking, happy enough just to be in the presence of the other. Thinking about it chokes me up inside, because I know how lucky I am to have crossed paths with a man of Luke's caliber; I know some people go through their whole existence never being part of such a happy accident, never knowing what it feels like to be loved so intimately and so completely by another human being. That feeling is the best reason I have to bow my head and give thanks to God.

On that note, I leave you with the most unique gifts we received on Saturday, courtesy of our beloved Number Twelve:

Comments

[Lost a Sock]

Ha! I'm first! What touching words you wrote about Luke. You guys deserve all the happiness in the world.

As well as an n in your anchor.

:0)

[Brooke]

I thought that your shower was very beautiful. I think that you and Luke will make a cute old couple in your 70's!
I just would like to say that I am 30 weeks pregnant in that picture. It does NO justice for me. Thank God I'm married because that is a terrible picture of me. At your wedding I will have to take another picture. Even though that one might not be that much better because I will be around 36 weeks pregnant then!

[mjd]

There you go again setting the standard for the rest of us - what beautiful and touching thoughts.

[Frema]

Called OUT. Thanks, Lost A Sock!

I also found that I had originally used the wrong "peace" in the second paragraph. It's called proofreading, Frema!

[Lisa]

Awwwwwww!

Love the shirts. And check Number 12 rocking those highlights!

[PaintingChef]

I have never seen such a thing as a towel cake. I'm HIGHLY impressed...

[Luke]

I do love me some Frema.

[butterflygirl]

I heard all about the wonderful shower. I'm glad I finally get to see a picture of those shirts and stickers.

[Tommy]

It makes me happy to know that Luke found someone who is worthy of him.

Although, Joe's crab shack? I mean, I know good advice can come from anywhere at any time...
but Joe's Crab Shack?????

[Hilary]

You two are so adorable! Fabulous post! Enjoy this time in your life. It is very special.

[Fraulein N]

Those shirts are so cute! Also, I won! I never heard of a towel cake but it looks beautiful. I can't believe your mother made that herself.

[PJ Librarian]

What a great and inspiring posting on the one you love. You two really do set a great example of how a foundation to any marriage should be. Also, your Mom's towel cake is awesome. Plus, being beautiful enough to eat, there are no calories. Love those ideas from number 12.

[Number Twelve]

I can't get the smile off of my face... you've made my DAY!!!!! I'm scoring me some SVH books and look at that GREAT blog product. You two are toooooo flippin' cute. Had a blast at the shower. Happy gettin' married!!!

[Isabel]

I am so glad I'm a winner. I always knew I was. I just needed you to validate me. I can't wait to get my book in the mail!

Love the pictures. And the towel cake is amazing (much like my diaper cake picture I posted a few days ago).

And the t-shirts are awesome.

And either Luke is super tall, or you're super short. Either way, you make the perfect couple!

[bdogg_mcgee]

Luke has the best smile!

I'm so happy for you guys! And I totally want a t-shirt like that!


:)

[Sambo V.]

FABULOUS...you two are FABULOUS together. ;)

[Anonymous]

I'm so sorry I missed the party, I heard and now read it was fabulous!
Your mother is soooo creative and talented the cake looks beautiful and I can't wait to eat the real thing!
Love ya, Auntie Di

[Isabel]

Frema, Frema, Frema.....

I JUST got my fabulous package. And all I can say is that I am super duper in love with you RIGHT NOW! (Don't worry, pictures were taken and will be shared.) Preston (the cat) was really into the box. Oh there's a picture of that. Don't worry.

And guess what? I don't think I've read all of the books you sent. So as soon as I log off, I'm going to go and read "Slam Book Fever". Because? It sounds awesome....just like you!

Hooray for Frema. You rule.

(I hope all of my excitement puts me into labor.)

[Number Twelve]

Forogt to give props to zazzle.com, that's where I uploaded my own JPEGs and ordered the T-shirts and stamps. Howabout the U.S. Postal Service gettin' a clue on personalized postage? Anyway, I'm thinking for their wedding gift a wall clock that says "time to blog" ... there's a TON of product there (cafe express has its possibilities as well)

enough free advertising... :)

[verniciousknids]

Fantastic shirts and I loved the sage advice from your pastor...I'm off to share this with my other half now :D

Um and the towel cake - is the most incredible thing I've ever seen!

[Jenabeeb]

Love the shirts and the stamps!

Sounds like the shower was a blast. It is so refreshing to hear the love you two have for each other. I am so happy for you!!!