Bridal Shower

My sister Tessa and her daughters Emerson and Campbell threw me a wonderful bridal shower at their house. Some of my very favorite women were there - women who have supported me throughout my life and molded me into who I am today. I loved being in the same room as all of them. I'm so grateful for the influence they have all had on my life and for their support at this important moment for me. 

My grandma, Elsie Shoaf. She and my grandpa were married for over sixty years when he died and they raised thirteen children together. My grandpa wasn't a member of our church, so my grandma took all thirteen kids to church by herself. Her effort paid off - today eleven of them are active members of the church. She is an incredible example of faith and resilience and I look up to her so much!

The food. Mmm... Usually the food table is my hangout spot at any party I go to, but it's hard when everyone's there to see you and you have to mingle and stuff. :) There were lots of delicious things I didn't get to eat enough of.

And the prettiest table decor I ever did see. :)

Most of the women who were able to be there. Many of these women came all the way up from Columbus - over an hour drive - to celebrate with us that day. Back: Chrissi Harris, Terri Bartnett, Kim Hill, Diane Olmstead, Jacie Farris. Middle: Katie Kirk, Jeanette Kirk, Nancy Shoaf, Tracy Kleinhenz, Jaime Zogmaister, Carrie Stephens, Angela Farrer (and baby Lyla), Sandy Shoaf. Front: Emerson Chapple, my mom RaNae Shoaf, Grandma Elsie Shoaf, me, Cooper Chapple, Maylee Shoaf, and Campbell Chapple. My sister Tessa took the picture. 

It just happened to work out that two of my best friends from my college days in Utah, Angela and Jaime, were living in Muncie, Indiana at the time so they were able to come to the shower! 

The bridal shower was on May 7th, 2016 - the day before Mother's Day. It was an honor to be with so many mothers that I admire, many of whom mothered me as I was growing up. Most of all, I'm so grateful for the example of these mothers - my mom, my grandma, and my sister Tessa - who have shown me what it means to love, nurture, and teach.