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!!!!

Dutiful Wife

Last night, I was the dutiful wife. Alright, is your mind out of the gutter now?!?! Husband is the President of the custodial group at his school district and their contracts were renewed this year. He gets no advantages or privileges for this, other than knowing whats going on and doing what'd best, for what he hopes is everyone........So, what that means is, he's been stressed about this for the past 3 months. My wonderful neighbor helped him out while I was away a couple months ago and I've done the last couple type-ups for proposed changes to the contract. I did get a thank-you last night so that was nice.

After 45 minutes of typing for him, I ran through my typical sites and hit the hay at 11:00 pm to be woken up at 12:30 am and 2:30 am by Handsome....I had to come back into work today, as we're leaving in 2 days!!!! ACK!!!!!!

Did I mention that when we went out on Friday to the reception Husband gave me a nice, sweet compliment. Do men have no idea what it means to hear something beautiful and sincere come out of their mouths?!?!!??!? I mean seriously, I can't tell you the last time he said something like that to me without me telling him to do so. Boys are stupid...... The amount of ego stroking we women do is off the charts compared to what we receive in return!!!! It's a good thing I love him! Of all things he makes me laugh......it's good to laugh.

It's good to laugh and get compliments!

I can't imagine I'll receive many happy comments from Mr. Delightful this coming weekend, but I'm hopeful I'll hear a few. There's always hope!

I've got pictures coming, but I only just downloaded them this morning. Bear with me!

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!

My Parents

I thought of my parents when I read this. Nothing sums it up better!

WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING

A message every adult should read because children
are watching you and doing as you do, not as you say.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my
first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately
wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a
stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind
to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my
favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little
things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I heard you say a
prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always
talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a
meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I
learned that we all have to help take care of each
other.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of
your time and money to help people who had nothing,
and I learned that those who have something should
give to those who don't.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care
of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have
to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you
handled your responsibilities, even when you didn' t
feel good, and I learned that I would have to be
responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come
from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things
hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you
cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of
life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and
productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and
wanted to say,'Thanks for all the things I saw when
you thought I wasn't looking.'

Should've Updated Sooner!!!

Turns out, Mickey did not make it through the evening night before last. After ripping some hair off, he proceeded his way into the family room to be terminated via a quick death trap from DH! Whoop, whoop hooray! I felt a little bad.....but to know that thing isn't pooping or peeing on my carpet is good enough for me! We will set out the traps one more night or two to catch any others......

Ummmm, one is NOTHING COMPARED TO THE 36, YES 36, that were in my folks' crawl space. I'm sure they were in more than just the crawl space, but I choose not to think about it!!!!

Hey, did I mention that I had a fantastic time at Girls Night Out? We played this game that was like password and mine was 'Betty Davis Eyes'. All I could think of was somewhat slurring the words, and later it came to me that I was remembering Eddie Murphy from SNL.......

http://www.broadcaster.com/clip/9247

Handsome weighed in at a glorious >0% weight check, 11% height and 25% head circumference.....

Poor little petite man!

Guest Update

Well, Mickey paid a visit last night and lost some hair.......I felt bad, but at least he didn't die of suffocation on a sticky trap. If only he'd have learned to never come back........I think I'd feel better if it was just the evil quick death trap.........either way, don't want 'em in my house!!!!!! I think it'll be tougher to get him now! Grrrrr!

Going in for Handsome's 15-month check-up. He only HAS a 15 month check-up because he's underweight (just as his sister was). I'll update after the appointment. I do think he's going to follow afterme though. Short legs and long torso......

More rain tonight.....I'm ready Mickey! So watch out!

Unwanted House Guest

I'm all for Disney Land, Disney World, Little Mermaid and all those other cartoons.....It's just when one of those four legged creatures scurry along my family room wall I get a little irritated.

I'm mostly irritated because I told my Husband.....(and that's being nice, lots of other things I'd like to call him now!) a couple weeks ago that I saw a little guy scurry out of the garage. I know I heard "I'll take care of it......... "

So, after a long day and ANOTHER VISIT TO THE EMERGENCY CLINIC, I woke up on the couch proceeded to tell Husband to go to bed and forced myself to stay awake so I could get up too.........Husband was upstairs already and I saw this tiny thing scurry along the wall of the fire place. I'm not sure if it got in by way of the fire place (which is seemingly likely) or through the vent where as our family room is mostly on a slab, except where the vent is.....either way, it totally blows that this creature has accessed my home. Ants are bad enough, but come on?!?!?! a MOUSE!?!?!?

Alright, I do have to remind myself that when I was young, numerous mice were trapped in our crawl space at home. I don't know the numbers, but I remember Mom(or was it Dad) using bread bags to carry out the multiple kills. So I guess I'm a little crazy to think it couldn't happen to me. I'm just irritated that Husband didn't act on my first statement. I don't think we would've had this guy as a problem today......

So, I did set a trap with peanut butter last night. This morning Husband says, you know you have to put something on it. So the little snot ate the peanut butter and the trap never went off. Great.......so he's bringing home some sure-fire 'death traps'. Sorry Mickey!

So, you're probably wondering what happened to get to go the Emergency Clinic again. Well, Sweet Pea woke up Sunday morning at 2:30 am and said her hand hurt. I had feared that maybe she broke her hand in a bouncy house that she had played in at a party earlier that day.
I also knew she reacts badly to mosquito bites. I vaguely could make out a bite on her middle finger. So I give her Motrin (all that was on hand) put some calamine lotion on and call it a night. That morning the swelling is worse and it's not going down and now it's red. Husband gets home
from his building check, cuts the lawn and we decide it's a good idea to take her in before it closes. Just me though, cause you never know how long it's gonna take and Handsome had to take another nap. I believe we got there at 3:30 pm and we didn't get home 'til 7:00 pm....long day.....the Dr. said it was an 'insect bite' (who knows what kind as I checked her bed that night and tore the sheets off .......Also, it could've been at the party we were at and she was reacting to it later)and that her reaction was more so than average.....great......took pictures, will have to download, but right now, I've got to finish some of a report for work.....

Ahhhh, gotta love those jam-packed weekends! I'm grateful to be part-time.