Wait a Minute...Where is the Wedding Story?

It has been such a whirlwind week that I just realized I never posted a story about Kyle and Jessica's wedding! How can that be? Well...the day was amazing. It was an absolutely beautiful wedding.






I've never seen Jessica more beautiful. She was radiant, simply radiant...and Kyle...oh my Gosh. What an adoring groom!!! Their wedding could not have been MORE beautiful...more memorable. Perhaps I'm just a bit biased!!!



The weather cooperated so we we were able to have an outdoor wedding...just as Jessica planned. And Emily played the violin processional...and it was perfect.



Our Chloe threw rose petals in Jessica's path, followed by the twins Cody and Tyler as the ring bearers. Pop escorted Jessica down the aisle...and Jess...well her smile just beamed!!!! She was so happy...she was the princess Cinderella!!!


After the photo op...the wedding party was introduced and Pop toasted the happy couple. His best advice? Never go to sleep angry. Always take the time to resolve differences. How true, how true. He should know. Pop and Grammy have been married 55 years!!!



And Graeme's tribute to Kyle. I will have to paraphrase...but he said something like Kyle was the nicest guy he has ever known. And he added...he could not imagine a better friend than Kyle. It was touching...and so true.


We danced our legs off. We even had a dance off..thanks to Daniel Rowland. He paired us all up to his liking. Gino danced with Genevieve...I danced with Jareb!!And Melissa even managed to get Johnny out there. It was too funny! Just too funny and fun!!!


The Castle was amazing. And as it turns out it's where Jada Pinkett and Will Smith were married. Who knew? But, I doubt their wedding could possibly have been more fun than Kyle and Jessica's.



We all took the shuttle to the local hotel and the party carried on. But not for me...I had "Chloe Duty." I took my little precious back to my room and we turned in for the night. And in the morning we joined my Mom and Dad, Grandma, Gene and Priscilla and Dick and Linda for breakfast. We also hooked up with Pat and Ed and Melissa.

This wedding was too much fun!
I hated to see it end. And I've decided that my friends and family are so much fun, that we need to have a party every now and then...just because. No reason necessary...just because!!!

More and More Wedding Photos

My friends have been loading up photos to share on facebook. What an assortment of cool pics from each person's perspective throughout the evening. Here is another favorite...My Boy Kyle and My Girl Jessica!!

More Photos of the Weekend

Here are some more great photos of the weekend. I sure enjoyed my darling Chloe-bean!

She kept us laughing the entire time.


And Karen and I have known each other since we were thirteen! Goodness! What a weekend to remember.

Here's a photo of Dylan's wife Elise...with Bayou and Kona at the Bay.







And what can I say...more of my dear Chloe!!

More Walking Today!

Karen, Chloe and I went into DC today and walked all over the mall. First stop, the lawn of the Washington Monument. Then we stopped at the World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial, the Lincoln, and the Korean War Memorial.



Final stop...the refreshment stand for a popsicle for Chloe and an Italian Ice for Karen and me. We sat there in the shade on a park bench and just took our time, taking in the day, the people walking by and the splendor of it all. The weather was beautiful...the sky was blue and it was filled with wispy, downy clouds. It was a nearly perfect day in Washington!!

After much coaxing of my dear Chloe, we finally made our way back to the car...with the help of a piggy-back ride from her Mimi (me)! I sure got my exercise the past few days!!! Wow! I'm feeling old!!!

Tomorrow I'm back to work again, so Lisa stopped by to pick up Chloe for me. She and Lauren and Marisa will have "Chloe duty" for the next couple days. Chloe bounced right off to climb into their car. She was VERY excited about staying with Aunt Lisa and Uncle Noyan. I'm sure the girls will be a fascination for Chloe the next several days.

Karen and I loved our time with Chloe...but I have to admit we did enjoy this evening's peace and quiet. We walked down the street and had a nice dinner at the local Thai restaurant...and now we are home watching anything but kid's shows on T.V.

Not too surprising that Kyle and Jessica are really enjoying their honeymoon and the rare adult time this week.

What a Fun Weekend!

Yesterday I picked up my friend Karen from BWI. She flew in for Nanny's memorial mass.

No Marti...she is not here for the boat show!!! You nut!!

On our way from the airport we stopped in Annapolis. I knew Karen had not been home for a while...and Annapolis...well it's so beautiful!!! We had breakfast at Boat Yard Grill in Eastport. Then we walked through some shops. One was a photography studio with some very beautiful shots of the Annapolis area and the Eastern Shore.

We called Marti's oldest son Dylan...and went by their house. They live there in Eastport. What a beautiful place and we walked with them down to the water. There's a park at the end of their street with a magnificent view of the Bay and the Bay Bridge. The skyline was filled with sails. What a beautiful day.


Chloe spent time on the swings...and so did I. Wow, I was just like a little kid again!! It was fun! Chloe enjoyed tossing the ball into the bay for Bayou and Kona...Dylan and Elise's two dogs. They got their exercise and loved the water.

Karen, Chloe and I got back to the apartment by evening. We had stopped for dinner at a Lebonease Restaurant. When we finally got back to the appartment I gave little Chloe a bubble bath and we finally tucked ourselves in for the night. What a fun day and weekend!!!

A Day Filled with Sunshine!!

Our day started in a lazy way...just sitting around taking it easy. I braided Chloe's hair and put it into colorful hair "do-dahs."


Hopefully I can keep it from getting all knotted today.

Grammy, Pop and I laughed the morning away at Chloe. We watched her pretend to talk on the phone...and you would swear she was REALLY having a conversation with someone. She is one very animated and funny, funny little girl!!

After a while we we went for a drive through the Pennsylvania country side. First I needed to find a place to have the oil changed in my car...and we went to shop after shop, but they were all closed. Finally we found a Jiffy-lube and don't you know it was right next door to a Brewster's Ice Cream!! Perfect!


We dropped off the car and walked over to get a treat. Chloe had a chocolate ice cream cone with sprinkles. It was sure a lot of ice cream for such a little girl.



Then we set off to find the fields and fields of sunflowers. All four hundred acres of them!!! It was quite a ride to get there but all along we enjoyed all the quant little old towns...and the beautiful farmland.


Finally we found them and I've never seen so many sunflowers in my life. They were set against the deep blue of the Appalachian Mountains. It sure is pretty country up here in Pennsylvania.

We took our time...stopped several times along the way and just enjoyed the amazing, peaceful country side. It's definitely God's country here. Chloe was a trooper. She insisted that Pop sit in the back of the car with her.



Finally on the way home...our little Chloe was plumb tuckered out. Pop's arm made a perfect head rest for my little Pumpkin!!!

OK Carla...I'm blogging again!!!

Wow! It's been so busy, I haven't had time to blog!!! But...I'm B-A-C-K!!!

I'm here at Grammy and Pop's with my little Chloe. We arrived yesterday and we are really enjoying some relaxing time here. We had lunch yesterday at the Eagles and dinner last night at an Italian restaurant. Chloe wanted pizza so that's what we did.

When we got home it was bath time...and hair washing. Oh my GOSH! I'm glad I had boys rather than girls. It took me forever to get the knots out of Chloe's hair...so now I've got it braided. Her hair is so baby fine that it just gets filled with tiny, tiny knots that are impossible to get out. And it hurts! That's way too much trouble for me. So I will keep it braided until Mommy gets home. My goodness!!!

I'm beginning to recover from the frenetic pace of wedding week. I was constantly in the car picking boys up from the airport...dropping them off...running errands...driving back and forth from Maryland and Virginia. But it sure was fun...and happy.

Jessica and Kyle left for Myrtle Beach late on Thursday and got there early Friday morning. Yesterday was a very relaxing day for them. They spent the day mostly sightseeing and Kyle showed Jess all the places we used to go when the boys were little. Kyle and Jess have never been away longer than a weekend without Chloe...so I know they are really enjoying this time together.

We are still reminiscing about the wedding and the photos are starting to roll in. Friends keep sending me links and I've sure got some cute moments captured on disc. I will share a few here!!!

The Day turned Somber...

On my way home from dropping off Randy and Ara this morning at BWI I got a phone call from my dear friend Marti. Nanny died today. Marti's Mom was eighty-eight and had lived a very full life...but it's still hard. We are all grieving the loss of this very special, very dynamic woman who loved us all dearly. Thankfully Nanny is finally at peace. It's just one more reminder that Life is precious and beautiful... Hold onto it and everyone you hold dear...

Where Do I Begin?

The wedding WEEKEND was awesome!! And...it was a blast!! There is nothing better than a big old party...and indeed it WAS!!! The celebration got kicked off Friday night at Gene and Priscilla's. They had a barbecue for all the kids. It was kind of a pre-bachelor and bachelorette party. Later they all hit the local Irish Pub...that's a story in itself. I'll save that one for another day...

I picked up Dan and Ara from National Airport. By the time we got to the Rowland's the party was in full swing. Ed and Pat had arrived from Delaware with Zach and Melissa. We hadn't seen Zachary for about five years so it sure was good to see him again! He was here all the way from Nebraska.

And the VERY BEST part? I had all three of my boys together again!! Wow!! I love them!!



And Melissa...well she's our Tampa girl. And what can I say about Melissa? She is a r-e-a-l character...and she's a blast!! The laughing started the minute we walkded in the door. Thankfully Ara is not a shy girl...because she walked right in...and she fit right in...right away!!!

She and Melissa are now best buds. They have shopping in common!! HA!!! And Ara is a sweetheart. I am so happy for Dan. They compliment each other nicely.

I finally met Jessica's friend Kim. She lives in Maine, and she and Jess have been friends since high school. Kim said that she and her Mom knew Kyle was a "keeper" from the first moment they met him. And she also said she has never seen Jessica more happy. I agree. She was beaming and having so much fun. Here is a cute photo of our Jessica...by the end of the evening her party veil had turned into a tail!!! That's OUR JESSICA!!! LOL!

Saturday was a whirlwind day. I went to my apprenticeship in the morning. Stopped off and made some more last minute flower orders. Then Priscilla and I went for a manicure and pedicure. That's about the only time I had to relax. That evening, the boys stayed here...and I headed back to Virginia to take care of my Jazzy Boy and get ready for the BIG day.

Sunday morning I tidied up the apartment, got myself ready...made several trips to the car with my gown, Randy's tux, my bags and gifts etc. Then I headed back to Gene and Priscillas to pick up Randy, then on to the Castle...

I Am So Happy...

Randy and I left National Airport last night at six...made our way through Old Town...and across the jammed up Woodrow Wilson bridge, then sped our way to Baltimore. Once we got away from downtown...we moved along pretty smoothly and the trip went fine. We talked the entire way there.

Boy it's good to see Randy again. We realized it has been eight months since we've been together. We have never been apart that long. It sure is good to hug my boy!!

The practice went well. It was dark by the time we got there so it was a little hard to see. We practiced out on the patio where the ceremony will be. Jessica's friend Wendy has twin boys who will be the ring bearers...they are identical! And cute! And of course Chloe is the flower girl. Boy did they look adroable! This will be a very special, memorable wedding.

.I'll tell you...my Jessica is the most calm bride I have ever seen. She has done all her research...she knew exactly how and where everyone will stand etc. She has put so much thought into this wedding. At one point I said, "Jess remember to bring your marriage license that day." And she smiled back at me and said, "Mom, it's already in my binder...do you want to see it?" We all laughed!! "No Jessica, I should have known...you've got it all going on! You are amazing," I replied

I got to see Graeme's new baby and Grammy was there to hold him while we went outside to practice. She...of course...was in her glory and while Jack had been a little bit squirmy at first...he settled right down when Grammy went into that old familiar...baby rock prance!

We all went to the little mountain inn afterwards for a bite to eat. At dinner I gave the kids one of my gifts. It's a photo of Jess when she was a baby with her Mom Pam. Jessica lost her Mom about five years ago, so I know she is missing her more than ever as she plans to marry. The photo was from an old tattered snapshot and I had scanned it years ago. I fixed it up last week using photo shop, then had it enlarged. It's a darling photo and Jessica loved it.

The other photo was Kyle with me when he was taking his first steps. Colleen had snapped it just at the right moment and it's a picture I've always cherished. I scanned that one too and had a print made for them. Jessica will add both pictures to the "memory table" of photos at the wedding..

I also gave Jessica the beaded bag I carried for my wedding and a hand-tatted hankie that was made by Kenny's grandmother Kruse. And Grammy added the "something borrowed" by giving Jess her first engagement ring to wear. She was very touched.

After dinner everyone headed home. Mom and Dad, went back to Pennsylvania, Randy and I to Virginia and the rest to their homes as well. Randy said the folks in Ft. Wayne would be amazed that we drove an hour and a half to the practice last night. Routinely driving those kind of distances is unheard of in the mid-west. But of course, it's what we do here without a blink.

Tonight is a barbecue for the kids...a pre bachlorette and bachelor's party. That's my Priscilla; it was all her idea. I think really she is hoping the bride and groom will skip going out...and instead will just hang out there. And frankly so do I. I cringe at the thought of them all being out and about partying etc...and drivng. Oh me...oh my!!

Randy has finally rustle awake and is headed for the shower. He and I have a few last minute odds and ends to do today. And then we will head over to Priscilla's. Dan and Ara arrive tonight. Randy and I will pick them up at BWI. Yippee!! It's going to be a busy and fun weekend.

I Maneuvered Through the Day

I even got out of work on time! Glory Hallelujah!!! The day went fast. I had some help pulling off what I had to get done today. Was lucky to find someone willing to lend me a hand.

The meeting went well...fabulously actually! The job is starting to get exciting!! And the meeting even ended a few minutes early. I sped out of there on time. Even got to stop at the post office to pick up the mail they held from last week. Got home and picked up some more around here...dumped the garbage etc.

Kyle even called and is picking up Randy's tux for us this evening. We were worried about that...it was supposed to be picked up today...but there's no time left in our schedule to run Randy by Annapolis. Thank goodness Kyle thought of it. Boy...sometimes things just fall into place!!

I'm off now to pick up my boy. Man...I'm a happy Mom! I'll see two out of three of my boys tonight...and all THREE tomorrow night. Plus I'll get to meet Danny's girlfriend too. Finally! How cool is that? She's joining us all the way from L.A!!!

Cheers!!

My Baby Arrives Tonight!!

Randy will be getting to National about six o'clock this evening...let the festivities begin!! I'm sure he will scold me for calling him baby. But that's too bad...it's a mother's prerogative!! Randy will ALWAYS be my baby!!

I will have a busy day today...I have quite a task to get done before I leave the office tonight. Also I have a meeting on my calendar at the end of the day...good grief!! Although it's supposed to end by 3:30...it makes me nervous...because it's with my boss. So it could easily go a bit longer...and if so, I'll be in a bit of a pickle. I may just have to remind him...

Right now, I can predict that I'll be making a mad dash out the door to catch the metro home...drop off my computer, pick up my car and get to the airport. It will be another one of those hectic experiences...no doubt. Then Randy and I will drive north...above Baltimore to get to the rehearsal. We have no time to spare!!

We will probably get back to the apartment pretty late. But I'm looking forward to walking in this door. I can't wait to see what Jazz does when he sees Randy. Will he remember him?

Jazz grew up on Randy's lap in front of the computer. Literally! While I was away at work, Jazz hung out with him and he slept with him at night. Then about six months later, Randy moved to Indiana and had to leave Jazzy Boy with me. At that point he finally became more of my cat...but prior to that it was Jazz and Randy. And, they haven't seen each other since. So it should be interesting. I wonder how much animals remember? I imagine he would have to remember Randy. So we will see.

All in all...I think Randy is more excited about seeing Jazzy Boy...than me!! Smile! But...regardless, I think I will hug him when I see him...and not let him go!!

Been on the Phone

Talking to just about everyone this evening. Busy, crossing all the "T's," dotting all the "I's!" And...I'm finally going from stressed to excited! First call...my darling Melissa, and she calmed me down. She is up from Florida and she has worked for an event planner this past year. She is doing some of the flowers for me...and has it all under control. She is also putting together a triage kit...you know, safety pins, spot remover, baby powder in case Jess gets anything on her dress. She says, it's better to absorb any stains without using water. Melissa has it all going on...and of course I feel so much better now.

I talked with Kenny's brother Don. He and Linda are driving up Sunday morning from North Carolina and they will be picking up Ken's Mom and bringing her. That's a huge relief to me...and I can't wait to see them. I wanted to give Don a hard time about the Dallas/Redskin game...Ken was a huge Dallas fan...but unfortunately the Skins won! Sorry Ken...my plan didn't work this time. It's OK, we will get them next year.

Melissa's brother Zach is flying in tonight from Iowa. He moved out there about five years ago and hasn't been home until now. So, I am so-o-o excited about that too. He and Kyle were cub scouts together.

And next I talked with Kyle and Jessica. Through Kyle, I asked Jess if she needed anything. Her reply? "Just a hug!" My reply..."Me too, I need a hug too!" That girl is a gem! An absolute gem! I am lucky!!

Randy arrives tomorrow evening at National. I will pick him up at Six and whisk him away to the rehearsal. We will probably will be a little late. It's a "fur piece" to Baltimore from DC during rush hour. Mom and Dad are driving down from Pennsylvania...and I can't wait to see them. Pop is walking Jessica down the aisle. And...well...that will bring back memories for me too. I know Pop is in his glory...he couldn't be happier!! And...I can already see the look on his face as he escorts Jess down that aisle...it will be that look of pride...I remember from my wedding. He will be tucking in that top lip!! How special!!

Dan arrives on Friday. He won't be here for the rehearsal...but I'm sure it will be just fine. We will quickly coach him Sunday, on what he needs to do. It is to be a very sweet and uncomplicated...heartfelt wedding...without a lot of the typical hoopla and fanfare. The usual fanfare is not Jessica's style. She is practical, and touching, original and sentimental. She does things in her own unique and special way. So, it will be heartfelt and memorable...and fun. For us and our family...there is nothing like a big old party!! Just perfect!! Anytime our family and friends are together...it's a very special occasion.

I also learned tonight that Kyle's friend Graeme will be there tomorrow night for the rehearsal and he is bringing his new baby boy: Jack. I have not seen this little guy yet...which reminds me..I still have to wrap his present. Kenny has always loved the name Jack...so this little guy has special significance to me. And especially since Graeme was just like one of our own...so it's even more special to finally get to see this new little baby! And so the generations continue...

All in all, this is amazing. I am thrilled about this wedding. Simply thrilled. I suppose this is one of the biggest joys in life. Seeing life and love carry on through our children. Wow!! What a blessing! What a tremendous blessing.

Through the Years...

Oh Boy! I've been puttering around here doing girl stuff...messing with my hair, my nails...you name it...just getting ready for the wedding. And I've been listening again to that sappy radio show--Delilah.

They just played that old Kenny Rogers song...Through the Years...and if my Kenny were here this weekend for Kyle and Jessica's wedding, I would dedicate this song to him. We have danced to this one many, many times and he always said it was "for me." So, this song and the words... will always have special meaning to me. Here they are:

I can't remember when you weren't there

When I didn't care for anyone but you

I swear we've been through everything there is

Can't imagine anything weve missed

Can't imagine anything the two of us can't do

Through the years, you've never let me down

You turned my life around, the sweetest days I've found

I've found with you ... through the years

I've never been afraid, I've loved the life we've made

And I'm so glad I've stayed, right here with you

Through the years

I can't remember what I used to do

Who I trusted...whom I listened to before

I swear you've taught me everything I know

Can't imagine needing someone so

But through the years it seems to me

I need you more and more

Through the years, through all the good and bad

I knew how much we had, I've always been so glad

To be with you ... through the years

It's better everyday, you've kissed my tears away

As long as it's okay, I'll stay with you

Through the years

Through the years, when everything went wrong

Together we were strong, I know that I belonged

Right here with you ... through the years

I never had a doubt, we'd always work things out

I've learned what love's about, by loving you

Through the years

Through the years, you've never let me down

You've turned my life around, the sweetest days I've found

I've found with you ... through the years

It's better everyday, you've kissed my tears away

As long as it's okay, I'll stay with you

Through the years!

Oh...and Something More...

This song is perfect for today and I know Mom will love it! It's one of her favorites!! Sorry Mom if it makes you cry...me too!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyx2n_p9OZ8

It's a New Day!!

This is the day the Lord hath made;

let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24