my brother, new sister-in-law & flower girl

well, they really went through with it!

of course, there was no doubt to be that they would. my oldest brother, Brian, and his fiance, Carla, made their union official on june 25 as they exchanged vows in her hometown of san jose.

i could not be happier for the both of them. i look up to my brother for many reasons. ever since i met Carla in person at my high school graduation party a little over a year ago, i had the feeling she was the one for him.

i had tried to skeptical; tried to find that one thing that might make me think she wasn't good enough for my brother. somehow, i couldn't.

in fact, i was shocked, amazed and moved last august when i visited them at their san francisco apartment by an extreme act of kindness. essentially, she designed a spare room for me for whenever i wanted to get away from school for a weekend. there was a cute little bed, study desk and a chest of drawers in a room with a theme of my favorite color.

for a refresher; please refer to my blog from that time: http://tinyurl.com/sfbayarearocks

a year later, i was as anticipatory as anyone as the wedding approached. it was extremely exciting, yet a little sad. the latter of which was that with Brian being the first of the eight of us kids to marry, it was almost like the end of an era. of course, i gained a sister-in-law rather than lost a brother (though i've always hated that line!).

Carla's family came in mostly from california, while several of my extended family members made the trip from as far as new mexico and iowa. we all were treated to a wonderful ceremony between two loving people. She was absolutely beautiful and he looked ever the gentleman. the reception was elegant, inviting and joyous.

though not a member of the wedding party myself, several of my siblings played a part in the event.

my brothers Kevin and Brandon were groomsmen. my next-youngest sister Jessica played the intro music as guests were seated, then the wedding march as Carla walked down the aisle. she also played a couple hours of music after the initial band was finished, accompanied by my youngest brother Keith on the drums. Keith had did double duty as well, having been an usher seating guests prior to the ceremony.

and then there's Monika. this three-and-a-half-year old was princess-like and simply adorable in her dress as the flower girl. as my parents were assisting Brian, i was charged with preparing my youngest sister for her role. i could tell she was a little nervous. she tried to hide it, but finally told me she was just "afraid of messing up." i told her that i had full confidence that she would be just fine.

she was so much better than fine. she was tremendous! her huge smile lit up the aisle as she walked down it, calmly laying rose petals along the way. i was so proud of her. i often refer to her as my munchkin but, on this day, she was purely an angel.

so here i am with a new pride in my siblings and a new addition to the family. i think everything is turning out just right.

~ Kassandra

Julianne; brother's wedding, work

this weekend marks the culmination of one of the best years of my life. i've concluded my freshman year and it's time to head home for the summer. that means saying goodbye to my dorm mate and getting ready for the summer.

Julianne

i had been talking to this southern californian for about a month via telephone, text and e-mail prior to that september 14 day when i moved into what would be my home for the next nine months.

i'd never had a roommate before, despite my large number of siblings. i arrived in the morning and moved my things into our room. it wasn't long before i heard this "hi. Kasey?" it was this sweet girl who would become not only my roommate, but my best friend and "partner in crime" as well.

we've studied together, confided in each other, partied together, prepared food for each other ... well, you get the idea.

i've been so fortunate to have been around a girl such as Julianne ("Jules") this year. she's kept me grounded and said i've done the same for her. this has been a new experience for each of us and i can't put into words what it has meant to me to have her here. fortunately, we have arranged already to share a room next year as well.

today i said goodbye -- no, "see you later" -- to Jules for the summer (though i may make a trip to visit her native oxnard this summer).

it was very difficult and emotional to say goodbye to someone who has been such an integral part of my life these last nine months. the tears wouldn't seem to stop. watching her drive away was akin to seeing my parents and baby sister drive away on that lonely september day.

i shall miss Jules these next few months.

summer full of plans

school is over, but not my time in the bay area. i my brother and his fiance will exchange their marriage vows on june 25 in Carla's home town of san jose.

i will stay with them (in my room at their place) until tuesday before driving home for a week. the following tuesday, my dad and i will drive down to assist Brian and Carla in any way we can, then celebrate with them on their wedding day the following saturday.

while my brother and his new wife are on their honeymoon, i will house sit for them when much of the rest of my family will head back to portland.

i'm looking forward to the week of house sitting, as i will be joined by my sisters, three-and-a-half year old Monika and 14-year-old Angela. there is also a strong possibility 17-year-old Jessica will join us as well (she wants to; has to figure out some band scheduling). that would be an amazing week if the four of us had a chance to spend it together in san francisco. the three -- or four -- of us will drive back the following sunday, just a couple days before independence day.

i'll spend july, august and the beginning of september owrking for my family's business outside of portland. my mom is the general manager, but as acting operations manager, i'll be able to give her some time off to enjoy her summer, as well as fulfill her u.s. army reserve responsibilities.

so, that's what's going on with me. any questions?

~ Kassandra