A Little of This n That....

My youngest grand, Brie, is headed off for her senior year of college.  OMG where in the world does the time go??  It wasn't but a couple three years ago I was enjoying her kindergarten picture. Now 21 years old, old enough to drink and vote both done responsibly I am hopin'.  

Spent her last day at home with her on Monday, seeing a movie (Lucy, interesting concept and definitely her choice) and enjoying dinner together before she headed to Iowa State on Tuesday morning. It will probably be October or maybe even November before I see her again. Insert sad face....  

On Monday, along with the movie we drove onto Northern Illinois University campus where both my daughter and son-in-law coach.  Lisa wanted me to see the statue that their dog MAC posed for, well MAC didn't exactly pose, the artist took pictures and then created the piece from the photos.  Quite impressive.  Just fyi, statue on left, real MAC on right.  

We also found out on Monday that Hilary is ready to deliver that new bundle of joy, my great granddaughter....notice I said my, at any hour any day.  Her body is in preparation mode.

On Sunday my friend Marti, along with her family went to a French Market event at one of our local parks.  There were......

Jugglers on stilts....

Musicians playing folk songs....

A lady that made just about anything out of balloons.......

Unfortunately, the balloon popped shortly after I took this pic, but not to worry, we found the face painter and that wiped away all the tears....

And Saturday I shot a wedding.....OMG was I nervous.  A great responsibility shooting a wedding, it's not like you can ask them to re-do those vows or re-do the rings.  But as I reviewed the almost 1,000 pics, I think they will be pleased.  This was the 2nd marriage for both so the bride decided to go bold and wear red.  Bet you don't see that too much.  She looked beautiful and you could see in her eyes, her smile, her giggles that she was estatic and look at that smile on the groom!!  My granddaughter, Bailey was with me the whole time... hauling my gear, holding the diffuser, giving me confidence, a blessing!!

Oops, almost forgot, need to add a pic of a fence for Good Fence Thursday over at TexWiseGirl's blog, The Run*around*Ranch .  Another goodie from my trip to Michigan.  My goodness those colors are vivid.  Does the sun shine differently there??

Tonight I am headed to bookclub where we will be discussing "The Girls from Atomic City".  Good non-fiction book, relating the story of the building of Oak Ridge, TN where the first atom bomb was built.  Fascinating....and I am not a fan of non-fiction but this did hold my interest.  Except ofcourse when the author would write about all the science stuff, I do believe my eyes would glaze over.  No physics classes for me, biology was the most advanced I managed.

OK that's it. I have rambled far too long.

Until next time....

Memories of the Wedding

Well, what does a Mother say to her son as they drive to the church for his wedding.....I stumbled out something like "it looks like the 3rd time is a charm" .  Since he has been engaged twice before, once in his 20's and again in his 30's, it appears that the 40's was the right time for Lane.  I should have been saying wonderful things like "blessings and prayers for you and Nelly on your wonderful day", but somehow I seemed to be in some kind of stupor.  So much activity, dinners, gatherings, best man getting strep throat, last minute changes, stress, tears, more stress, more tears that by the time the day actually arrived, I think I was in a wedding fog.  The day was sunny (is it anything else but sunny in So. California?) cool and a little breezy.  Remember we just went thru the terrible Santa Ana winds that were even worse than the winds that blow in Chicago.  Friends and family gathered and the ceremony began.  It was a 10:00 AM wedding with a luncheon reception immediately following.  Both Lane and Nelly were beaming and their love for each other was quite evident in their faces.  Some brides cry during the wedding ceremony, but all I saw were smiles and even a little laughter at times.  Joy and love surrounded them on this their wedding day.  Fr. Martin's service was lovely, the music was heavenly, and the bride and groom were blissful.  What else could a Mother wish for?! 

Lane, waiting in anticipation to see his bride as she walks down the aisle to their new life together.

Nelly and her Dad.  I think he looks more nervous than she does.  

Exchanging of the rings is always such a sweet and tender moment....

Don't they look happy now that they are Mr. & Mrs. ?

My handsome son, Lane.....

The beautiful bride, Nelly.....

The tender kiss.....

Lane & I spent the night together Friday night before the wedding.  He had the rings so I was able to take this picture before the wedding. 

After the wedding, Nelly's Dad looked happy and relaxed....



Kelvin stepped in as Best Man at the last minute, because Lane's Best Man ended up in bed sick with fever and a strep throat.



Kelvin took his job as best man seriously....who looks more scared, Lane or Kelvin??

Nelly's sister, Patsy was Nelly's Maid of Honor.  I think Patsy and Nelly look so much alike.  They are both beautiful ladies. 

Since the reception (luncheon) was held immediately after the wedding and the Bride & Groom really didn't want alchohol served at their reception, the toast was sparkling cider.  Personally I like the cider much better than champagne.  And who needs alchohol in the middle of the day?? 

After the wonderful luncheon, cake was served, but not before the bride and groom tasted it first.  I think the two of them must be on some kind of sugar high. 

My brother (the Colorado brother, actually my only brother) and his wife were the only family besides myself that was able to attend the wedding.  Too many obligations during the month of December prevented Lane's sister, Lisa to attend.   

Me and my son....

What a lovely couple standing by the Christmas Tree.  

Lovely day, lovely memories.....

"The real act of marriage takes place in the heart, not in the ballroom or church or synagogue. It's a choice you make - not just on your wedding day, but over and over again - and that choice is reflected in the way you treat your husband or wife."   ~  Barbara de Angelis

Until next time......