Quick Suggestion.....

Here's a suggestion. For those of you traveling thousands of miles to your Brother's wedding, grab one of the two photographers at some point during the day and force them to take a picture of your family.......Hind-sight is a wonderful thing, isn't it? I would've had someone take a picture of our family when we were out there.....after all, we were ALL out there! Not once during the whole weekend did it come across my mind. Then, when we were all dressed up for the wedding, I went stupid and didn't get one then either........Oh, if you can't get one of your family perhaps you can at least get one of you and your brother. There's a great one of my brother smiling at me happily......but you can only see the back of my head......Which by the way, the back of my head looked fabulous!

We had a good weekend here! Handsome can say many 'words'....Mama, DAda, Wa-err, Fow-err, Hi, Ahhhmmm(sister), Nigh nigh, baby, PaPa, Nana, ball, Cheese, bah-bul (bubble)......

We got the papers for the start of Sweet Pea's pre-school! Wow! pre-school! The list is tiny, but she's already asking to go! Hope the excitement doesn't wear off before Sept. 9th!

Sunday was our 12th Anniversary! Bonus points for beautiful flowers! More bonus points for not going overboard on roses that'll die! When Husband started his new job, for some reason, we started going to brunch for our anniversary. A strange tradition, but it seems to work rather well. Yesterday we went to a beautiful place for brunch, we've had much better food, but the scenery couldn't have been beat. The sweetest picture I got was walking out of the place.....

The Wedding - Part II

Ahhhh, so you're thinking 'the wedding is over, the reception should be a breeze'......well, of course you remember I didn't know about the baby sitter, so I watched my little ones, her cousins and the other flower girl run around.......and around and around. We went up to my room, as I had promised a snack and sucker and she got it! I took them to go potty down by the reception........there was a lot to do! I think I got 1/2 glass of vino in......

I just wanted to take a second to say that the bride looked amazing! Just beautiful. I think that's when I got to appreciate how wonderful she looked!

So as the kids were running around....they had drinks on the side lawn while they changed the tent over from the ceremony setting to the dinner setting. During dinner, Handsome wanted nothing to do with sitting. So I think I got about, no joke here, 7 bites of my dinner in......It was at this point I found out where the sitter was.......I tired to leave Handsome with her who was smiling when I left to go get Sweet Pea, but was in tears when I got back.....no go there..... In the mean time, Sweet Pea had told Daddy at the dinner table that 'my eyes are closing!!!' which means, she's so tired, she'll fall asleep any second. So Husband took her in his arms, where she immediately fell asleep. I continued to chase my little man.

Our family time was up. The kids needed to go upstairs. We made our way through the tent and were heading to the elevators where the Wedding Planner stopped us and said, 'You can't leave yet, the Bride has a surprise for the Groom'. She hastily walked away and Husband gave me "the look". I shrugged, raised the eyes "You Wanna?" hoping he'd stay, which he said "No Way!".

I told him I'd come upstairs after the 'surprise'. I was glad I watched the fireworks and it was pretty cool. The DJ announced the Bride had a special surprise for the Groom, so could everyone head over to the lake side. It as really pretty cool. Two songs worth of fireworks from a barge. I really wanted to stay, but with a 16 month old, you really can't and made my way up to the room. I stayed for a few minutes. Sweet Pea was already undressed and sound, and I mean SOUND, asleep in her (or should I say our) bed. Husband was kicking back and told me to go back and have a good time.

By this time, the reception had moved into ballroom of the hotel for desserts and dancing. Mind you, we had to have MORE desserts than just the adorable mini-banana splits! Yum!!! Unfortunately, big unfortunately here, I missed the Best-Man's speech........(the Groom's Twin Brother......my brother).....Auuugggh! Can't a girl catch a break? I found Nana and my Oldest Brother. At that point Nana said, I'll head up to the room so Husband can come down and have a dance with you. I did get to hear 3 more speeches which were great! The Matron of Honor, Sister-In-Law's Boss and my Father.

The Bride and Groom danced an adorable dance together, including a hip bump and my brother picking her up and spinning her in his arms. There was lots of dancing and a sweets table which was a nice touch. Eventually my Oldest Brother went up to the room to reprieve Husband, who was almost asleep at that point. I got to dance one dance with Husband (a slow one, he can't dance what so ever) and he retreated back to the room. Thank you Big Brother!

I witnessed the cake cutting, the throwing of the bouquet and garter. I am glad I was there, really I was and I would go with my family again. It was important for me to be there. Would I do things differently? Knowing what I know now? Absolutely!

The night ending wit the Bride and Groom jumping on a cool refinished boat which took them on a ride around the lake. I got back to my room at 12:30 is that am or pm? The ride up to the room in the elevator was shared with a drunken, barely standing man, who oddly tried to pick me up...."where are you going?" he asked. "Luckily nowhere with you" I responded...... With that giggle to myself I made back to the room.....YAWWWNNNN!!!!

SUNDAY - The Main Event

My first post about the wedding totally had to be how great and beautiful it was, well, because it was! Being a Mother of 2, and being held up in the hotel the prior three days did not bode well for my energy level nor my children's 'sleep/napping' schedule and it took full effect on Sunday.

Which, of course started off with a 2:00 am(again....or was it 3:00 am???) wake up call from Handsome. Of course, Husband and Sweet Pea lay sound asleep in their beds......After his bottle, which by the way, did I mention that by now our hotel room was an embarrassment because, well, we squished everything on the 'writing' table which for us became, the catch all, desk, pantry, activity storage (read place to throw toys, coloring books, sticker book) munchies, gift bag, keys, cards, and everything else storage place. The lovely big bathroom cubbie holes were taken up by makeup, toothbrushes, curling irons (which I did not use all weekend.....of course) and jewelry and more than half of the bathroom sink counter top was dedicated to drying bottles and sippy cups.......YUCK!

So, back to the 2:00 am wake-up, the rest of the 'sleeping' morning did not go so smooth. I got a lot of feet butts, head butts and body butts from the top of my head to my shins.....I think we roused ourselves up by 7 or 8 am. The kids munched on some cereal and we fed Handsome breakfast in the room. Sweet Pea and myself ran down to eat breakfast, which went surprisingly fast!?!?!? I think a continental breakfast will do that to you though! I believe we came back up and I gave the kids a bath, and then, well by that time it was time for Handsome to go down for a nap. It was 10 am. Husband and Sweet Pea left the room. Mommy closed the drapes, turned off the TV and let Handsome cry himself to sleep as I lay on the bed......It was the most beautiful time of my trip. Quiet indeed! So, so peaceful. Turns out, the Bride and Groom were across the hall from me, but I didn't know that til later! The size of their suite did not allow them to hear the cries of my child, so that was good. I took my shower, did my nails and lay on the bed for about 10 minutes!


I had no idea what time my hair was to be done(my fault, I said a little too late I wanted it done for me). My or myself were to get makeup done at noon and 12:40.......She went first and I changed places with Husband as Handsome was still sound asleep in his pack-n-play. Sweet Pea was dragged from Nana and Papa's room to the Bridal suite. Nana looked fabulous and I was next in line (the second person) to get her makeup done. I do have to say, it was fun as I had NEVER had my make-up done for me before! So I was very excited about the hair. Sweet Pea played in the suite and had fun, but I knew there was a looming thought of it being an exhausting day for her. I had checked on Handsome and Husband a few times and it turns out, he had slept about 3.5 hours! What a nap! I knew he'd make it! My hair wasn't started until 4:30pm. The hair dresser assured me it wouldn't take too long. With my make-up done, I was hopeful, but not counting on anything. I wanted to be downstairs with Sweet Pea while she took pictures to make sure she was in the right places. While getting my hair done, I was horrified when I saw the floral headband a top of her head......my hairstylist stated the other hair stylist put it on upside down.......Great! She stopped my hair and started to fix Sweet Pea's. Then my hair progress was stopped again because the Bride came back into her room (shocking, I know!) to use the restroom and freshen up her makeup. (I also had to stop another time to grab Sweet Pea's dress, socks and shoes to get her dolled up.) So I was booted out of her bathroom and waited. When she left everyone else (in the wedding party) left to take pictures, it was now 5:00 pm.


Husband had spent his time in the room and was going a little nuts himself. Someone had Sweet Pea, I wasn't even sure who, I was told not to worry and to get down when I can. I was supposed to tell everyone in the party to get down there, but I had no idea where everyone was, nor was I ready. I think I got down there about 5:45 pm. after wisping into my room where Nana and Husband were dressing Handsome. Only for Husband to give me the "look"....."I need to get dressed too!" I took Handsome down with me and found my daughter with her cousins. Thank goodness they were entertaining her! Sweet Pea was exclaiming she was tired, wanted to lay down and didn't want to be in the wedding now........OMG!!! Let's add THAT to the pot!


I would like to say, at this point, I loved my make-up and my hair which was a 1/2 up-do. Not a style I normally do, as it was a little 'edgy'. But when I through that dress on I got my second "you look nice" comment from Husband. That's twice in one year!!!! Whoa!


I am bummed I didn't get any pictures of my Daughter getting her hair done..... hope someone else did. Although the second hair dresser only did my and Nana's hair, I'm sooooo glad she stayed until before the wedding, as for Sweet Pea was running around with her cousins and the other flower girl and the flower wreath was bouncing up and down on her head. I had a Momzilla moment when I saw that and demanded hair pins from the Wedding Planner...or was it her assistant? Big Kudos to the second hair dresser who STAYED because she fixed both my daughter's and the other flower girl's wreaths. Which, looked tons better the second time around.


My poor Sister-In-Law was also to get her make-up done and she was recuperating from the long night before.....they had stayed at another hotel the first few days and then moved to the wedding's hotel the day of the wedding. So she kind of had to pack and unpack again in the morning and she was a bit overwhelmed herself. She had to get herself and her girls ready.


It was about 6:45 pm.....and the wedding party was waiting in a conference room next to the tent the wedding was to be performed. Sweet Pea started up again......she was tired, wanted to lay down and didn't want to be in the wedding anymore. (there were attempts to make her re-think her thoughts by the Bride and Groom, but I knew my girl so I did what any self- respecting mother of a 3-year old flower girl would do......re-direction and BRIBERY!!! What video did she want to watch? What kind of snack did she want? Was she hungry? Did she want chocolate? Did she want to play with her cousins? How about a sucker??!?!?!? Yes!!!! A sucker! She wanted a sucker! What kind?!?!? (they are lining up and the Bridesmaids are walking down the aisle.....How about a purple sucker? Yes! A purple sucker! You've got it Honey!! As soon as the wedding is done, we'll go up to the room and get you a purple sucker for doing such a good job!!!! I reminded her of her demands all the way up to the door where I had to let her go and walk down the aisle with the other flower girl. She did it!!!!! FanF'ingtastic!!!! She did it!!!! She made it to the end and did her job and spread petals along the aisle!!!! Whew! The bride came down and at this point I already had Handsome in my arms because he'd had enough of a day with Daddy......Unfortunately, Sweet Pea was calling out "Mommy!" about 5 minutes into the ceremony. She wanted me, Handsome wanted me....Husband had to walk away with him during the ceremony or he just wasn't going to be happy. The good news is the pastor was able to pick up on that right away and excused her to be with me during the ceremony. I really liked the pastor and his wife as we were able to talk with them in length during the rehearsal dinner a couple nights ago.


Even sitting next to her favorite cousins in the world was not enough to keep her happy. She'd had enough and I had to get up and do the 'sway' move.....you ,know, where you throw your kid on your hip and sway to music that's only playing in your own head?! There were many more whines and I again re-directed and told her if she didn't finish her job and sit til the end and go back down the aisle, no sucker, no deal Howie! I barely got to hear their vows, I'm sad that I ruined it a bit for Nana as she had a whining child (at times two) next to her. I didn't think Sweet Pea would make it back down the aisle, but SHE DID IT!!!! I was very proud and totally did not expect her to walk back down that aisle.


Ahhhh, your thinking, what a relief, the ceremony is OVER!!!!! Well, no-one informed me, or I didn't hear, that the conference room we were waiting in would be the baby sitting room too.......she was there the whole time and instead of me watching Sweet Pea get tired out by her cousins, running around like crazy, she could've been in a nice quiet room doing something creative or just having quiet time......THAT KILLS ME!!!!!

More later, as this is only 1/2, well more than 1/2 of the day.

Reality Check

Quick update regarding work......I'm so sad the my pseudo"girlfriend", Alex, at work, is leaving. It's kind of like your younger brother leaving home. I trained him to perform part of the work we do when I was pregnant with Sweet Pea. He was one of the three worker bees in the department. He's the guy I can look to and have a mutual humorous understanding, biatch or whine. Now our department consists of one other full-time co-worker, two mid level bosses and one department head. The good news is that I get along with pretty much all of them. The sad news is, I don't have anyone to BS with. The good news is, that he's leaving for something he'd started pursuing 4 years ago, to be a fire fighter. I'll miss him a lot......sniffle.....weep.....SOOOOBBBBB!


I know, you're already asking, where's the biatch part about the wedding? Well, I thought it deserved it's beautiful description before I got into the details of our 'hardest vacation ever"!! ::wink:: Let me first say this, Handsome is still on a two - nap - a day schedule, Sweet Pea needs a nap on most days. They both wake up so early that they need them. I have to say, I wrote all this down in long hand and I felt better after it was all out, so hopefully, I can look back at this trip a little 'rosier'.


WED

The WED. before the trip was a late night, the kids were bathed, the bags packed, my bags packed......I fell into bed at 1:00 am. Not the greatest start, and I still had some work to do. I had done the on-line (24 hour ahead) pre-boarding passes and thought I was doing great with A51, A52 and A53.


THURS

We woke a little later than normal time, somewhere around 7:30 am, I showered, fed and dressed the kids and as I packed my last few items......Husband strolled out of bed......Nana called twice during the morning and I called her back once. Which, is awesome.......for us!


We arrived at the airport Park and Ride at 10:30 am (I would recommend this to anyone). They picked us right up and right away, Sweet Pea had to know his name (I don't recall his name, but know he was wearing a red shirt). When we arrived at the airport we still had to wait in line and check baggage and to re-do my boarding pass, as we had to prove Handsome was less than 2 years old. There turned out to be a 35 minute wait due to the plane being delayed, which actually gave us some time time sit back and relax. We grabbed a good 'ol Happy Meal for Sweet Pea to enjoy before the flight.


Just as we finished the meal, and some really horribly salty popcorn, we started to board. Although we were in Group A we boarded after many people(eye roll), you'd think they would have kids and families board first (I was told many other airlines do that, but for some reason, not Southwest). We boarded the plane and all 4 of us took up a row with Nana and Papa and an empty seat behind us. Handsome was terrified during take-off and was in Daddy's arms, whom, I really didn't see do anything to help sooth my baby. Handsome does not like when his stomach drops, which is probably why he hates elevators. I take Handsome half way along the 'climb' and sing the familiar Ariel song, during which he seems much more relaxed.


During the flight, we watched The Little Mermaid and some Dora. Sweet Pea popped back to Nana and Papa and colored in her new Princess coloring book. Handsome fell asleep just before landing.......more tummy drops and white-knuckling for my baby boy.


The luggage retrieval and car rental went pretty fast. Fast enough to arrive in rush hour. It wasn't terrible and the scenery was beautiful. The hotel was upscale and on a lake outside Seattle, Washington. Our room, well, our room did have a sliding glass door that opened, however there was no balcony. Our view was the busy intersection of the small, I guess you'd say, plaza, where many wedding occurred over a short period of time. So that meant a lot of traffic was coming and going past our window.........The decor was serene, the beds were lush and the bathroom was one that I want for my own! They had a pack-and play set up for Handsome and it had it's own sheet, blanket, and little towel with a miniature J&J lotion and head and body wash. After we got settled and unpacked DH accidentally ordered a "Dora" on demand......25 minutes and $2.99 later, we found the PBS channel. Grrrrr!

We called Nana and Papa who gave us Uncle D's number who I called to remind him to bring out the box of stuff I had mailed a week earlier. We ate dinner at the restaurant connected to the hotel. Great food, but dinner went too long....Little did I know that that would be a little forewarning to many of the meals we had that weekend. So a tired Mommy and Daddy and kids retired to the bedroom, later it would feel like our 'cell', where the kids stayed up until 10 pm Seattle time, midnight Chicago time. Uncle D had forgotten the box and made a round trip for us so we were ready to hit the ground running in the morning!

The Event

Wow! What an event it was!

The day started off with a beautiful clear-blue sky, a forecast for the rest of the day indeed! 7:00 pm rolled around and there we were, ready for the big event. The setting for the ceremony was a tent on the grounds of an up-scale hotel near Seattle, Washington. The chairs aligning the aisle each had an organza bow tied on the back. Several podium flower stands mirrored each other along the aisle (I think about 5 on each side), each bursting with white roses, pale pink roses, pink roses and orchids. The runner was set down the aisle and was bordered by sprinkled pink, light pink and white rose petals. Two large arrangements were situated at the 'front' location of the tent, the back drop of which was the Lake.

The groomsmen were waiting, my other two brothers (Groom's Twin D and Oldest Brother D) and Papa. The bridesmaids were beautiful and glided down the aisle in pink dresses somewhat lineny/shiny. If I could describe it better I would, but the dresses were A-line, knee length, tank style with a 'V' neckline and a bow tied in the back. Simple and beautiful.

I stood by the flower girls (3.5 years old and 4.5 years old) to assist in getting them down the aisle right before the Bride. I distinctly heard an 'AWWWWW!!!!' coming from the spectators as the flower girls stood ready for their debut. Slowly, they both walked down the aisle, not really together, but it was still awful cute in their white shoes, lacey socks, white dresses and rose wreaths neatly pinned a top of their heads. I was told Sweet Pea had a huge smile on her face after the "aww" I was also told that by the time she had about 3 handfuls left to throw, she was placing them decisively.

The Bride, what can I say about the Bride. The Bride was just beautiful! The dress was fantastic her makeup and hair were impeccable. The dress was somewhat of a spaghetti strap mermaid style with an organza overlay that was beautifully sequined and beaded. The back of the dress had an opening in which four or five strands of beading delicately hung across her back. The Bride was escorted down the aisle by her mother. It really was pretty sweet.

Mom handed the Bride over to the Groom, who himself was devilishly handsome along with his groomsmen......o'kay, so I'm a little bias......::smirk:: The suits were a dark grey with an ever-so slight light pinstripe. The groomsmen wore pink vests to match the ladies.

The ceremony started and other than Sweet Pea being excused from standing with the bridesmaids throughout the ceremony, and Handsome refusing to sit still, went off smoothly. The Bride was beautiful and elated, the Groom was beautiful and filled with emotion.

Sweet Pea decided to finish her job and walk back down the aisle with the other flower girl.

After the wedding, while guests mingled on the flower garden lawn, entertained by a magician, the tent was turned for dinner. The flower arrangements were used atop of the tables, at this point I was told the arrangements were to be reminiscent of the Space Needle, and I believed it was true. Guests were then moved to find their assigned seats. A main table held cards for families, couples and guests and their dates. The tables were not numbered, but each had it's own animated movie. Ours was "The Little Mermaid", each place setting had name cards with a character indicating food preference, I had selected fish, so mine was Nemo, Husband had selected the beef and had some cow character, Sweet Pea had a chicken dish and, I don't recall the name, but it was the Looney Toons chicken/rooster. Dinner was fabulous, a salad before the main course, and was followed by a lovely sundae desert.

The guests and Bride and Groom mingled for a while and it was announced that the Bride had a special surprise for the Groom. Guests were encouraged to walk out the the lakefront, where a barge was passing and as music played .....a two-song fire works display entertained EVERYONE, everyone in the wedding, hotel and Lake!!!!! (Wonderful comments were heard from guests and employees at the hotel regarding the fireworks). It was totally cool and over the top!!!!!!

More you say?!?!?! Guests were then urged to return into the hotel ball room for sweets (chocolate fountain and all), cake cutting and dancing. Four speeches were given, each one awesome!!! Although, Papas was a little short as he cut himself off before he got too choked up! Way to go PaPa! Dancing was a total blast!!!! The Bride and Groom had taken lessons and danced wonderfully to a great tune that I will ask the name of! I don't recall the order, but there was a Mother and Son dance, a Bride's family dance and then everybody danced! (Two weekends of dancing for me!!!! Holy Cow!!!!) The night ended with remaining guests (and there were many!!!) returning to the Lake where a large pier was located. A tunnel of sorts was formed, which was filled with bubbles, where the Bride and Groom continued their marital walk onto a refurbished wooden boat for a tour around the Lake!!!!

Now, I ask you.....TOP THAT!!!!

Busy, Busy Weekend

Well, it's been a busy few days and I'm starting to get a little stressed about the trip. I know this because when I wake up in the morning my teeth are sore from the grinding that I've been doing all night. No, not 'bump & grinding' ::wink::, just teeth grinding.

I think it's trying to get it all done and together.....I've still got to make reservations at the airport parking place, go shopping for a comforter (Husband doesn't want our house-sitter to be without a comforter). We don't have one, I really don't see why THEY need one! I think husband thinks its a bit 'red-neck', which wasn't his view when we went to the zoo this weekend and he wore the WORST jeans shorts possible!!!!!! Thank God they weren't cut offs, but they were extremely frayed and his zipper kept falling down (which co-workers pointed out to me.......great) Besides, the house sitter can use Sweet Pea's bed! I'll even remove the Dora sheets and replace them with normal ones! I also have to get shower curtain liners and new pillows......you'd think we were purchasing a new home!?!?!? Oh, speaking of money, I'm over drawn on my checking........we'll be broke after the wedding, but spending will at least be done.....

Friday we went to a wedding. Sweet Pea and I went to the ceremony while Husband was at work and Handsome was taking an afternoon nap, being 'watched' by his favorite cousin....He's so enamored by her!!!!! Although I'm not sure if it's him to her or her to him! = ) The wedding was beautiful and the bride's grandfather, a deacon, performed the ceremony. Very teary! = *)

Sweet Pea and I talked about the pretty dresses (the princess bride and her beautiful white gown and the bridesmaids and their hot pink gowns). I asked her who she wanted to marry and she told me "I want to marry Daddy!". I asked her if she was sure and she very diligently told me that, yes, indeed she'll be marrying Daddy. We got home from the ceremony and I ran upstairs to get ready for the reception. Sweet Pea was over joyed to play with her favorite cousin all by herself as Handsome was still sleeping! Husband and I got ready (both of us looking fantastic I might add!!!) and we were off! Beautiful country club house reception, where my brother had his reception 10 years ago! I knew t was time for me to have fun, as the wedding next week I'd have to be more reserved......they didn't know me here.....most of the people anyhow. I danced a lot!!!!! All men over 50 were happy to dance with me! ::wink:: Such a 'hottie' I am!!! Ha! I'll post pictures later.....if and when I have some time! I'm shocked I'm writing this!

Sat. is sort of a blur. I had plans, but no idea why I got sort of nothing done........oh wait....I was super tired from the night before and all I wanted to do is lay down, but mustered myself up around 11:00 am.....up from the couch, as my children decided this was a great day to get up EARLIER than normal! Aauuugghhhhh! The shower revived me and I managed to do something before it was off to my Brother's for a BBQ at 4:00 pm. No major events occurred at his house which was GREAT! We left his residence without bumps, scratches, bruises or mosquito bites!

Sunday was a work gathering at Brookfield Zoo. That was pretty awesome, although I'm a zoo member, the company paid for free parking, admission for the family and a lunch under some brand-new pavilions. It was really nice and had a good time. Sweet Pea and Handsome got a free beanie baby Frog (Ponder) and Sweet Pea got to ride the big carousel! Next visit we'll see the dolphin show and some of the indoor attractions!

The Wedding Gift

My brother is getting married, in July, in Seattle.......I love, love my brother dearly and I told him I'd be there no matter what. I know he doesn't realize how expensive this is, but I'm think I'll have to sell Baby Boy to the highest bidder to almost break even! Can you say.....OUCH?!?!? It's not like we can stay with him for free, and I'm not asking anyways. I whine this information, and then I ask.....when was the last time I was on vacation?

The last real vacation was to northern Wisconsin for a week of fishing back in 1998.....I think it was 1998. So now I look at this cost for Seattle and I think it's not so bad. But let's not forget, I've got a wedding the week before (not brother's fault), my daughter is in the wedding (still have shoes and socks to buy), we're paying my niece to watch our house/dog, my bills (just kidding).......It'll just be an expensive month. I'm actually looking forward to it.

I was the first family member to visit my brother way out there in Seattle and it was beautiful! I believe it was in July or August and warm and sunny! Went to the needle, Snowqualmie Falls, and a museum. The mountain was beautiful! And other than that, I was happy to spend time with my brother. This is the brother I got along with fantastically until he went to High School. I seem to remember whipping a high-heeled shoe at him once, but that was the 'worst' of our fighting, ever. So after a few years, we melded back into our great relationship. I have a great relationship with all my brothers, but each one is different. Different, but great.

The bond with my brothers began early on. Somewhere between being the youngest and only daughter and the boys being forced to keep an eye on me and my folks arguing (that happened a lot when we were young - I think it slowed down when I was in High School.....a long. long time ago) and I seem to recall us huddled in the basement, sometimes crying together during their arguments. It's a weird bond and we've remained close, at least the brothers who want to remain close. Even the one who distances himself I still feel close too. He's in there, somewhere.......Just very busy with life. He's the one who'll have a heart attack due to stress. Wait, now that I think of it, two of them will die of a heart attack due to stress........I guess that might come with the territory of being the 'man' of the house........that's a tough title to hold and I'm glad I don't have to be that person. I think my Husband is in that stressed-out position too, and even worse, he smokes. I'm not saying that my remaining brother isn't a 'man', I think he's learned from what he's seen......at least I hope so, but it's hard to get the whole picture with him being so far away.

Back to the wedding. The schedule I've seen is quite set and I'm hoping for some good quality family time to get in there (for my little family). Future Sister-In-Law has pretty much let me pick the flower girl dress that Baby Girl and another little girl will wear. It was fun and I'm glad we went dress shopping BEFORE Nana broke her hip! ::wink::

Someone is nagging to play games, I must go before my left arm is longer than my right arm.....