These are the hands...

Beav had the last 5 days off - between the days he needed off for pre-cana and then his normal swing days off he lucked out. Unfortunately, I had to work and go to school the last three days but when I went over his house every night he had dinner waiting on the table for me which he cooked all by himself. I'm a lucky girl! :)

Pre-cana went really well. Prior to going, I have to admit that we were really not into the entire thing. However, we showed up bright and early on Saturday hoping for the best and we were not disappointed. The first day they had a psychologist speak about communication and conflict resolution which I thought was great. It was really based on everyday life and stuff that everyone falls into if you are not careful. They had us fill out sheets based on specific topics that were meant to inspire conversation between the couples and they did bring up stuff that was surprising. For example, on the children sheet it stated to pick the top 4 priority things you felt you wanted to instill in your child. I put hugs and kisses, respect for others, respect for oneself, and knowing right from wrong. Beav puts as one of his top 4 - college fund! Seriously!!! hahahah He said that I will give enough hugs and kisses for the both of us so he was being more practical. I found it so funny that he actually would put college fund as one of his top 4 - just wait and see I'm sure he will be giving more hugs and kisses than I will be. Overall, the weekend was great. We really communicated a lot and got to hang out with our friends on a Saturday night - together! I have to say after spending the last 5 nights with him I miss him so much tonight :(

The hosting couple ended the pre-cana weekend with a hand's blessing which I found to be so nice. I think I found the exact one they recited but if not it is very close. Either way, I figured I would share...

(Insert Bride’s Name) please face (Insert Groom’s Name) and hold his hands, palms up, so you may see the gift that they are to you.

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and vibrant with love, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as he promises to love you all the days of his life.
These are the hands that will work along side yours, as you build your future together, as you laugh and cry, as you share your innermost secrets and dreams.
These are the hands you will place with expectant joy against your stomach, until he too, feels his child stir within you.
These are the hands that look so large and strong, yet will be so gentle as he holds your baby for the first time.
These are the hands that will work long hours for you and your new family. 

These are that hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy.

These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or grief wrack your mind. 

These are the hands that will tenderly lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into his eyes, eyes that are filled completely with his overwhelming love and desire for you.

(Insert Groom’s Name) please hold (Insert Bride’s Name) hands, palms up, so you may see the gift that they are to you. 

These are the hands of your best friend, smooth, young and carefree, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as she pledges her love and commitment to you all the days of her life.
These are the hands that will hold each child in tender love, soothing them through illness and hurt, supporting and encouraging them along the way, and knowing when it is time to let go.

These are the hands that will massage tension from you neck and back in the evenings after you’ve both had a long hard day. 

These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times. 

These are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick, or console you when you are grieving.
They are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.
These are the hands that will hold you in joy and excitement and hope, each time she tells you that you are to have another child, that together you have created a new life.
These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to chase down your dreams. Together as a team, everything you wish for can be realized.

(To Bride and Groom) Now clasp your hands tightly together...

May these hands always be held by one another. May they have strength to hold on through the storms of stress and the darkness of disillusionment. May they be tender and gentle as they nurture each other in love. May these hands build a marriage founded in grace, rich in caring, and reaching together to bring forth the very best in both.