Sisters Appreciation, 2010

Sisters Appreciation. Two simple words when placed together have, over the years, instilled in some, feelings of excitement, of joy, of gratitude, and in others, stress, frustration, and deprivation of sleep. I still remember my first Sisters Appreciation. I was slipped a miniature invitation rather nonchalantly after a team meeting. It had my name handwritten on it. A couple of girls had been gushing and "yee"ing, and asked me if I was going to attend. I looked at them vacantly -- not knowing what to say. I asked what it was. Simply put, "It's a night where the brothers of Amaranthine 'appreciate' the sisters of Amaranthine." Well, okay. Vague, but okay. A couple of weeks went by, and the indecisiveness set in. It was on Valentine's Day. I wanted to spend time with Matt (the ex), and I honestly didn't know what all the hullaballoo was about. I really didn't. I was imagining a sort of conference meeting where the brothers would pray for the sisters and maybe distribute a daisy or two. The night came and Matt dropped me off at my dorm, as per usual routine. He told me to go to the event (because I had been complaining about it in the car), to not be sad, and that I would have a great time. I begrudgingly got dressed. Black halter dress, hair stick straight, oxford heels. Okay, I'm ready. I remember walking to the boy's apartment with Karen Chai and some other gals. We arrive at the door, knock, and we hear a lot of rustling and hurried whispers on the other side. The door opens to a booming, rich voice singing "That's Amore." Oh yes. It was Albert Lee's honey-dripping vocals. The tiny studio apartment was lit by Christmas lights and candles, with three tables set up in Italian red & white checkered tableclothes, roses in sparkling wine bottles, and plates --- real plates! ("swiped" from the dining halls). Dennis and Albert were in a homemade butcher-papered gondola, belting the song, there was a black hand-drawn backdrop of a Venice pier, and boys all suited up, directing us to our tables.

Wow.

Now I knew what the gushing and giggling and general feminine excitement was about. This was amazing. I still remember the dinner, I still remember the interesting entertainment, and Matt was there, too. Filthy liars. It was simple and over-the-top at the same time, but it was really one of the most memorable nights I've ever enjoyed.

Our boys are getting older.

Last year's upgraded to a dance-party and sentimental videos.
And this year, just two days ago, we were blown away once more, just from the sheer magnitude of work, planning, love, and prayer that went into this one night. This one night that like Shaina said, we really don't deserve and should not expect. Although I knew a lot about what was going on this year, it was still just as special. Josh's house in Corona was sized for giants and beautifully furnished. The 9 course meal was mind-boggling, and I think most of all, the company was a blessing. This year has been such a testing ground for relationships and the fragile interplay of distance and closeness -- but I think I'm learning, and Saturday was a stepping stone.

Thank you, brothers, for everything you do. For the love you have for the Lord, and for the steps you take to share that love with us. It's really, so encouraging to see how Christ works through you, and how He makes that distinction between men of life and men of this world. My heart is happy :)

Da broz.

These photographs are kind of out of order.

Perusing in our waiting room.

Overseer reading material

Da roomiez. Who are leaving. . . sob.


Albert trying on my shoe. . .

Mike's Forest Gump tart. Which disappeared thanks to Yannan.


Team WINNING! (minus Karen Chai)


Mayhem in the kitchen


Chicco's impressive dessert platter on a not-so-impressive paper plate.
Homemade red wine ice creams with molecular goat cheese and concord grape jelly.
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMs all around.



Caprese

Prayer


Table WINNING

TABLE NOT SO WINNING

Sorry Karen, you moved :(



Below is a series of photographs at the beginning, when we were confined to a room and forced to take photographs of one another.

















Oh, and forced to dance, too.

Ladies.



At home

Chauffeured home

Gourmet meal for the gals, Mexican food for the boy.

Blech..





The end :)