A few days have gone by now since my daughter #1 got married. It all happened this past Saturday. Ceremony and reception. Pre-parties, and post-dinners too. After many months of preparing for it, making decisions, lining up catering, deliveries, ordering the cake, the take-home favors, the special decorations, and more...the day came. The two are married. A new beginning has started.
Here are a few of my thoughts about it.
It was all worth it!
All the time I put into planning it for my daughter and her fiance, who live in another state and were unable to be hands-on with it, was a true labor of love and the pay-off was wonderful! I'm a bit prejudice I know, but I think the whole day came together well, and there were many, many special moments.
The vision my daughter & her now husband, and I, had for how the day would go - actually happened. What a blessing!
Here are some random thoughts...
* There's nothing better than seeing your adult child marry a wonderful person, knowing that although perhaps life will be tough at times, they will be there for each other. They are off to a great start in their life together. I know they will have amazingly happy moments together. I hope I can share in their joy as the years go by.
* Weddings bring so many people together! I never thought of it so much before working on this wedding. Important people (family & friends) from childhood, from school years, from college and beyond... all came to witness the wedding. Families joined. New friendships were formed. It's a really a beautiful thing that happens at weddings.
* Weather! The one thing none of us can control. The biggest worry of it all! I admit I stressed ahead of time, especially as we got within a week of the big day. The forecasters were predicting 100% chance of rain. All along I asked/begged people to pray for good weather. Guess what? It did not rain during the ceremony or reception. In fact, the skies cleared halfway through the reception and the weather improved as the day went on. Did the prayers work? I think so. I kept telling myself ahead of time if it did rain NOT to blame God, but now I feel thankful to Him...
* My daughters have some of the most wonderful friends! I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with them and am assured that the "next generation" is awesome!
* Music and dancing make you feel great! Do it and do it often!
* Hubby and I are VERY lucky to have wonderful new family... we actually love the groom's extended family. They are warm, and fun, and loving.
* Not all the little things we planned happened exactly as planned. But, it's okay. I was told early on: Good food, good music, good drinks. It makes a good party. And it did! Don't worry about every little detail.
* Professional wedding consultants are under-rated. I did a lot of the early contacting and preparing, but I could NEVER had done what the consultant did during the wedding week. Her timeline, her follow-up calls, her calmness were a gift to me. I was able to be "mother of the bride" and enjoy the fun of the wedding week.
* I can't thank everyone enough. Really. For those who came - for those who cared - and shared the moment. It meant so much to all our family!
I'm still "high" from the day and the time leading up to it. I so look forward to seeing the professional pictures, and I look forward to seeing the new Mr. and Mrs. when they return from their honeymoon.
It was a beautiful "moment in time" that lingers with me. The day really shouted hope, and joy, and love. What a blessing!!
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
The Hodgepodge...? Yes, but it's also about the wedding.
Hello Hodgepodgers and friends just popping in! It's time again for the weekly questions and my answers. Read on - play along too. I love to hear responses!
1. April 15th! What's the most 'taxing' thing you have done rccently?
Well, as most of you know, my daughter's wedding has been "my project" for months, and it's only a week and a half away now. It's been a "long term assignment" for me, because it's happening here and my daughter & fiance live in another state and both work long hours. So, I have been the "go to" person to make it happen. I have said before it's a "labor of love" for me - and it is. But, sure, it's been taxing at times too!
I have learned a lot going through the wedding planning process. I have discovered what ALL goes into it, nuts to bolts. Most of my meetings with the various vendors have been wonderful, but I leave with a longer list of my own....things to get, then drop-off, pay for, calls to make. I have tried to add some personal touches to everything - family connections, music choices, etc.
But, to keep sane, I try to remember, it's about 2 wonderful people getting married to each other, surrounded by family and friends. Add in some food, some booze, some music - and it's all good!
2. When did you last take a taxi somewhere and where was that somewhere?
Wow. I can't remember the last time. I live in an area that is not "urban" and doesn't have taxi service around. There's one that I know of locally (yes, I'm using them for some wedding guests), but most of the other taxi companies are up in Myrtle Beach. I guess the last time I took a taxi was when my daughter and I came home from a trip some 5 years ago or so, and we were at the MB airport and my car battery had died while sitting in the parking lot. It was late at night... we were tired. So, we took a taxi home. I went back up to the airport the next day and got a jump - and got the car home. FYI: most airports have a service for helping stranded motorists in their lots. It's good to know!
3. What's something you can do today that you couldn't do a year ago?
Be 58 years old. lol I don't know.... I don't think I have added, or learned, skills or talents this past year. Well, maybe the whole wedding planning thing. That's about it.
4. How often is chicken (in some form or fashion) on your menu at home? Which of the following would you most like to see on your table tonight... a chicken salad sandwich, your mom's fried chicken, a Chick-fil-A meal, Cracker Barrel's chicken 'n dumplings, a roast chicken dinner with all the trimmings, or 'hold the chicken, I'm a vegetarian...'?
I eat a fair amount of chicken. Certainly more than red meat. I like it. But, as I have said before I don't cook much, especially these days when the family is not here with me. I'm often eating by myself. So, I enjoy chicken salad sandwiches for lunch often. Then I eat something light at night. On weekends hubby and I cook chicken ka-bobs on the grill sometimes.
Of the list above, I would take the roast chicken - but maybe with just one side of something green. I'm not into huge meals. I'm trying to stay away from fast food. I rarely go to Cracker Barrel and have not had their chicken 'n dumplings. My mom made many dishes when I was a kid at home, but never friend chicken.
5. What was your favorite television program when you were a kid? What characters do you remember most?
Well, when I was really little, I remember liking Romper Room. There was no Sesame Street back then. As a kid, I remember liking "The Flying Nun" with Sally Field as Sister Batrill. I also liked Gilligan's Island.... "the professor and Mary Ann".... and I watched other shows that my brother and sister wanted to watch. I am the youngest and as a kid I had little say on what channel the TV was on. And remember - in the house was ONE television, and the television had 13 channels. Other shows we all watched: McHale's Navy, Combat (brother's choice), Addam's Family, Dark Shadows. I remember when Merv Griffin had the first daytime talk show - my mother loved it! Then at night, of course, Ed Sullivan - and Carol Burnett.
6. What was the last piece of 'art' you made?
Back to the wedding: I've been a bit crafty and have made a few things for it. Other than that, I have gone to a few of those classes - the one here is called "Paint and UnWine"... where you hang with friends, drink wine, and paint a picture - usually suitable for hanging. I enjoy the classes and I have been happy with my finished artwork.
7. What frustrates you most about the internet?
Hmmm. I love the internet! I love how I can look up something so quickly... be it a medical concern, or a crossword answer, or just something about a thing or person I have wondered. I also love Amazon! (Back to the wedding: I have ordered just about everything from it, from guest book to invitations, to cake topper, to napkins, bulletins, etc.) I really only get frustrated when my computer gets a glitch OR the local server is having issues. But, that's not an internet problem.
8. My random thought.
So, you know it's about the wedding. Here's the late minute concern.... WEATHER!!! It's the one factor I have no control over and it's starting to really worry me. We hope to have the ceremony and the reception outdoors. The grounds of the plantation where it will all take place is just beautiful...and a lot of work, and rental stuff has to do with being outside. We have a "plan B" but I don't want to have to go there!! Yesterday, I was thinking - is it really right for me to pray and ask God for good weather? I mean...it's pretty insignificant compared to all the problems of the world! But, man, I find myself praying - and asking others to pray also.
And... here's another concern. All this rain now! Will it bring out tons of bugs next week?? And, should I get the place professionally sprayed? Oh my.... some things are just going to "be" and it will all be lovely. Breathe in, breathe out.
Thanks for reading all this wedding stuff. It's getting down to the wire. I appreciate your patience IF you have stuck with me to the end of this post! Have a GREAT week everyone!
1. April 15th! What's the most 'taxing' thing you have done rccently?
Well, as most of you know, my daughter's wedding has been "my project" for months, and it's only a week and a half away now. It's been a "long term assignment" for me, because it's happening here and my daughter & fiance live in another state and both work long hours. So, I have been the "go to" person to make it happen. I have said before it's a "labor of love" for me - and it is. But, sure, it's been taxing at times too!
I have learned a lot going through the wedding planning process. I have discovered what ALL goes into it, nuts to bolts. Most of my meetings with the various vendors have been wonderful, but I leave with a longer list of my own....things to get, then drop-off, pay for, calls to make. I have tried to add some personal touches to everything - family connections, music choices, etc.
But, to keep sane, I try to remember, it's about 2 wonderful people getting married to each other, surrounded by family and friends. Add in some food, some booze, some music - and it's all good!
2. When did you last take a taxi somewhere and where was that somewhere?
Wow. I can't remember the last time. I live in an area that is not "urban" and doesn't have taxi service around. There's one that I know of locally (yes, I'm using them for some wedding guests), but most of the other taxi companies are up in Myrtle Beach. I guess the last time I took a taxi was when my daughter and I came home from a trip some 5 years ago or so, and we were at the MB airport and my car battery had died while sitting in the parking lot. It was late at night... we were tired. So, we took a taxi home. I went back up to the airport the next day and got a jump - and got the car home. FYI: most airports have a service for helping stranded motorists in their lots. It's good to know!
3. What's something you can do today that you couldn't do a year ago?
Be 58 years old. lol I don't know.... I don't think I have added, or learned, skills or talents this past year. Well, maybe the whole wedding planning thing. That's about it.
4. How often is chicken (in some form or fashion) on your menu at home? Which of the following would you most like to see on your table tonight... a chicken salad sandwich, your mom's fried chicken, a Chick-fil-A meal, Cracker Barrel's chicken 'n dumplings, a roast chicken dinner with all the trimmings, or 'hold the chicken, I'm a vegetarian...'?
I eat a fair amount of chicken. Certainly more than red meat. I like it. But, as I have said before I don't cook much, especially these days when the family is not here with me. I'm often eating by myself. So, I enjoy chicken salad sandwiches for lunch often. Then I eat something light at night. On weekends hubby and I cook chicken ka-bobs on the grill sometimes.
Of the list above, I would take the roast chicken - but maybe with just one side of something green. I'm not into huge meals. I'm trying to stay away from fast food. I rarely go to Cracker Barrel and have not had their chicken 'n dumplings. My mom made many dishes when I was a kid at home, but never friend chicken.
5. What was your favorite television program when you were a kid? What characters do you remember most?
Well, when I was really little, I remember liking Romper Room. There was no Sesame Street back then. As a kid, I remember liking "The Flying Nun" with Sally Field as Sister Batrill. I also liked Gilligan's Island.... "the professor and Mary Ann".... and I watched other shows that my brother and sister wanted to watch. I am the youngest and as a kid I had little say on what channel the TV was on. And remember - in the house was ONE television, and the television had 13 channels. Other shows we all watched: McHale's Navy, Combat (brother's choice), Addam's Family, Dark Shadows. I remember when Merv Griffin had the first daytime talk show - my mother loved it! Then at night, of course, Ed Sullivan - and Carol Burnett.
6. What was the last piece of 'art' you made?
Back to the wedding: I've been a bit crafty and have made a few things for it. Other than that, I have gone to a few of those classes - the one here is called "Paint and UnWine"... where you hang with friends, drink wine, and paint a picture - usually suitable for hanging. I enjoy the classes and I have been happy with my finished artwork.
7. What frustrates you most about the internet?
Hmmm. I love the internet! I love how I can look up something so quickly... be it a medical concern, or a crossword answer, or just something about a thing or person I have wondered. I also love Amazon! (Back to the wedding: I have ordered just about everything from it, from guest book to invitations, to cake topper, to napkins, bulletins, etc.) I really only get frustrated when my computer gets a glitch OR the local server is having issues. But, that's not an internet problem.
8. My random thought.
So, you know it's about the wedding. Here's the late minute concern.... WEATHER!!! It's the one factor I have no control over and it's starting to really worry me. We hope to have the ceremony and the reception outdoors. The grounds of the plantation where it will all take place is just beautiful...and a lot of work, and rental stuff has to do with being outside. We have a "plan B" but I don't want to have to go there!! Yesterday, I was thinking - is it really right for me to pray and ask God for good weather? I mean...it's pretty insignificant compared to all the problems of the world! But, man, I find myself praying - and asking others to pray also.
And... here's another concern. All this rain now! Will it bring out tons of bugs next week?? And, should I get the place professionally sprayed? Oh my.... some things are just going to "be" and it will all be lovely. Breathe in, breathe out.
Thanks for reading all this wedding stuff. It's getting down to the wire. I appreciate your patience IF you have stuck with me to the end of this post! Have a GREAT week everyone!
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Baskets, Michelangelo, beer,travel, pet peeves = Hodgepodge time
Sometimes the weeks roll by so fast! Don't they? It's Hodgepodge time again!
1. Besides leftover Easter goodies, what's something kept in a basket at your house?
I love baskets! So, I keep lots of things in them. But, one thing I keep are wine corks. I used to keep them for fun, and for a few craft possibilities, but since I made cork Christmas trees last year for sale/gifts, I have become "the cork lady" and am getting them from others. My baskets runneth over with corks!
2. 'The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it' - Michelangelo Buonarroti
So which are you... the one who aims too high, or the one who aims too low? Have you seen the Sistine Chapel? Did you know Michelangelo's surname prior to answering this question?
Most of us are not amazing painters and more - like the great Michelangelo. He was exceptional and so his aims were probably a bit loftier than most of ours! (Get it? Loftier?? The Sistine Chapel ceiling... lol) Seriously, I think for the 'everyman' it is okay to have lower aims - once achieved, then new aims can be set perhaps. Sometimes aiming too high can be too challenging and too difficult. Disappointing. Lots of lower aims sounds good to me. Little steps, little victories. There's nothing wrong with that.
I have never been to the Sistine Chapel. I was an art major in college my first two years and loved, loved, loved art history classes! I would love to go see the ceiling at the Sistine Chapel...but I will admit I never wanted to "play" into the whole vatican thing. I shun away from the majesty of it, and the adoration of men... but, this new pope has me rethinking it a bit. So, maybe....
I did see Michelangelo's last name before...in my art history books. But, hey, the guy never needed to use his last name, did he? Kinda like Cher, or Beyonce... or Elvis! lol
3. April 7th is National Beer Day. Hmmmm.... wonder how that's celebrated?! Do you like beer? If you're not a beer drinker do you have any recipes you enjoy cooking that calls for beer?
I rarely have a beer. I enjoy one on a hot day, maybe after doing some yard work. I like lighter beer, and I like the ones with lime.
I do not cook with beer. I do not cook much, remember?? But, if I do cook - I cook with wine! In a glass... beside me....
4. When did you last travel somewhere new? Tell us where. How'd it go?
Wow. It's been a number of years. I'm trying to think back. I suppose it was when I went with hubby and our daughters on a trip to Belguim, Luxembourg, and Germany. It was wonderful! We had a great time!
I traveled a lot for many years, with my hubby's business and award trips, or moves, or family vacations. It was great, but I have lost my NEED to see new places and to explore. I hear my friends talk about exotic vacations and think to myself how happy I am right here. I love it here. I have a few places I go back to each year - to see family, and to go to the CMA Fest. But, I love where I live and am blessed to be here.
5. The value of _________ is greatly over-rated.
Obvious answers are money (unless you have none), status (unless you feel unimportant), fancy cars (unless you have no transportation)... so, I will go with fine jewelry. I'm quite happy being a costume jewelry person. I don't desire gems, and expensive bling. It's not my thing!
6. What's a pet peeve of yours when it comes to restaurant dining?
I think my biggest annoyance is seeing restaurant patrons who dis-respect the servers. They are hard working people, with long hours, and little rewards. They take the blame when the kitchen might mess up, and they smile through unusual orders. It's a tough job.
7. It's Poetry Month.... share a favorite poem, either the title, a few lines you find meaningful, or the whole kit and caboodle.
I find wonderful poetry in song lyrics. Here's one...
Ordinary? No. Really don't think so...
Not a love this true.
Common destiny, we were meant to be...
you and me.
Everyday I live, try my best to give...
all I have to you.
Thank the stars above that we share this love...
you and me.
Ordinary? No. I really don't think so...
just a precious few
ever make it last, and get as lucky as...
you and me.
- Kenny Chesney "You and Me"
8. My random thought.
I hope you had a lovely Easter! I hope Spring has arrived in your part of the country! This is the start of my favorite time of the year! Warm days, longer sunlight, outdoor fun!
Enjoy your week! See you here next time.... take care.
1. Besides leftover Easter goodies, what's something kept in a basket at your house?
I love baskets! So, I keep lots of things in them. But, one thing I keep are wine corks. I used to keep them for fun, and for a few craft possibilities, but since I made cork Christmas trees last year for sale/gifts, I have become "the cork lady" and am getting them from others. My baskets runneth over with corks!
2. 'The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it' - Michelangelo Buonarroti
So which are you... the one who aims too high, or the one who aims too low? Have you seen the Sistine Chapel? Did you know Michelangelo's surname prior to answering this question?
Most of us are not amazing painters and more - like the great Michelangelo. He was exceptional and so his aims were probably a bit loftier than most of ours! (Get it? Loftier?? The Sistine Chapel ceiling... lol) Seriously, I think for the 'everyman' it is okay to have lower aims - once achieved, then new aims can be set perhaps. Sometimes aiming too high can be too challenging and too difficult. Disappointing. Lots of lower aims sounds good to me. Little steps, little victories. There's nothing wrong with that.
I have never been to the Sistine Chapel. I was an art major in college my first two years and loved, loved, loved art history classes! I would love to go see the ceiling at the Sistine Chapel...but I will admit I never wanted to "play" into the whole vatican thing. I shun away from the majesty of it, and the adoration of men... but, this new pope has me rethinking it a bit. So, maybe....
I did see Michelangelo's last name before...in my art history books. But, hey, the guy never needed to use his last name, did he? Kinda like Cher, or Beyonce... or Elvis! lol
3. April 7th is National Beer Day. Hmmmm.... wonder how that's celebrated?! Do you like beer? If you're not a beer drinker do you have any recipes you enjoy cooking that calls for beer?
I rarely have a beer. I enjoy one on a hot day, maybe after doing some yard work. I like lighter beer, and I like the ones with lime.
I do not cook with beer. I do not cook much, remember?? But, if I do cook - I cook with wine! In a glass... beside me....
4. When did you last travel somewhere new? Tell us where. How'd it go?
Wow. It's been a number of years. I'm trying to think back. I suppose it was when I went with hubby and our daughters on a trip to Belguim, Luxembourg, and Germany. It was wonderful! We had a great time!
I traveled a lot for many years, with my hubby's business and award trips, or moves, or family vacations. It was great, but I have lost my NEED to see new places and to explore. I hear my friends talk about exotic vacations and think to myself how happy I am right here. I love it here. I have a few places I go back to each year - to see family, and to go to the CMA Fest. But, I love where I live and am blessed to be here.
5. The value of _________ is greatly over-rated.
Obvious answers are money (unless you have none), status (unless you feel unimportant), fancy cars (unless you have no transportation)... so, I will go with fine jewelry. I'm quite happy being a costume jewelry person. I don't desire gems, and expensive bling. It's not my thing!
6. What's a pet peeve of yours when it comes to restaurant dining?
I think my biggest annoyance is seeing restaurant patrons who dis-respect the servers. They are hard working people, with long hours, and little rewards. They take the blame when the kitchen might mess up, and they smile through unusual orders. It's a tough job.
7. It's Poetry Month.... share a favorite poem, either the title, a few lines you find meaningful, or the whole kit and caboodle.
I find wonderful poetry in song lyrics. Here's one...
Ordinary? No. Really don't think so...
Not a love this true.
Common destiny, we were meant to be...
you and me.
Everyday I live, try my best to give...
all I have to you.
Thank the stars above that we share this love...
you and me.
Ordinary? No. I really don't think so...
just a precious few
ever make it last, and get as lucky as...
you and me.
- Kenny Chesney "You and Me"
8. My random thought.
I hope you had a lovely Easter! I hope Spring has arrived in your part of the country! This is the start of my favorite time of the year! Warm days, longer sunlight, outdoor fun!
Enjoy your week! See you here next time.... take care.
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