Wedding Day Recap in A Nutshell

Woke early.

Enjoyed omelet – courtesy of Dave.

Last minute errands.

Chatted with Kayla on the phone before her hair/makeup appointment.

Relaxed in front of TV.

Feeling calm and proud of all we had accomplished.

Kale comes home – just chillin’.

One hour until photo session - about to get dressed.

Phone call from Kayla.

Both hairstyles - a DISASTER. Kayla is distraught.

Frantic phone calls… Kay, my wonderful hairdresser, comes to the rescue.

Kayla is happy again.

We all make it to the church for photos about 30 minutes late.

Button falls off Kale’s tux jacket.

Wedding begins ON SCHEDULE (did you notice Brother Steve?)

Wedding was BEAUTIFUL!!

Yes, I cried.

Head to reception - major caterer disaster.

I freak out. Start making punch. (BTW, chocolate coffee punch was the crowd favorite.)

After what seems like forever… food is served.  SORRY guests! We really do love you.

Kale and Kayla off to their mini-honeymoon destination… and off to begin their lives together. Smiling all the way.

* * * * * * * *

The day certainly had it’s tense moments.  But, the kids are just as married and all is well.

I want to thank everyone who helped us: Jodi and Gary (who stayed to clean until 10 PM, they also helped us so much setting up); Steve, Judy, Kelly, Joe and Libby for getting the church put back together for Sunday services; Carla (Dave’s sister) and Ray X. for helping the caterer.

Thank you, Steve, for all the years you’ve been there for our family.  It is a huge blessing for you to marry our “baby” after all these years.

Thank you, Lord, for blessing our son with a beautiful girl, inside and out, to spend his life with and for blessing David and me with a daughter. 

We have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving week!

Dear Kayla

A little over three years ago, we met up with Kale at one of our favorite little spots in Harrison (Neighbors Mill).  He didn’t tell us ahead of time, so it kinda surprised us when a cute little girl stepped out from his car.  We got tickled and said to each other, “oh, look, Kale’s brought a little girl with him!”

Well, that little girl has come to mean so very much to me.  You love my son with your whole heart.  You are kind and warm and sweet.  You make me smile and I love you already as though you are my very own.

Today, on this day that you marry my son, we wish you all the happiness in the world. We pray that God will bless your marriage and keep you close to Him and to each other.

I’m so grateful that he invited you that day to Neighbors Mill.  That little girl has become OUR little girl.

We love you!

PS.  The five year plan starts today!!

An Unexpected Blessing

We had a sweet Thanksgiving church fellowship tonight.  There’s always so much good food (especially the desserts) and good conversation with wonderful church family. 

Afterwards, I was headed to my office to put a few things up and I heard someone in the sanctuary… it was Steve and Judy and they were working on packing up the shoe boxes our church collected for Operation Christmas Child.  So, Tyler and I joined them… and it was so much fun!!

I couldn’t help but think about the little hands that would get to open each box and the smiles on their faces and the joy that those simple shoe boxes would bring to each child.  I only wish I could be there to see them open them with my own eyes.

What a blessing to be able to do something as simple as pack a few shoeboxes to be ready to ship!

And the countdown is on… four more days until Thanksgiving and six more until the wedding.  This will be a busy week!

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year #4

I got this email from XM Radio today!! SO excited! I love me some Christmas music…

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I LOVE the holidays!! I start celebrating at the end of October, early November. Here are the photos I’ve taken with my Blackberry camera to catch the simple things that make this the most wonderful time of the year to me…

1. Holiday lights/decorations

I caught this beautiful Christmas tree Friday night at the Landing in Branson.  Small towns know how to get decked out for the season!

2.  Holiday Programming – even commercials

I spent today watching the “Love Comes…” series.  I can’t wait for holiday programming in all its glory!

3.  Pumpkin bread

My favorite food at this time of year!

More to come…

I hope you find joy in the simple things during this most wonderful time of the year!