Wedding Bells

Last weekend, my daughter got herself hitched to a pretty special fellow. As you can see, they had eyes only for each other during their first dance as man and wife.

The Big Day started out warm, sunny, and plenty humid. But by the time we were ready for the ceremony, huge dark clouds rolled in and lightening began to flash. We knew a wedding on the first hole of the golf course simply wasn't going to happen.

After a minor meltdown and calming sip or two of wine, the bride agreed to move the ceremony to a covered patio area. The change in plans worked out perfectly with a view that included a lovely lake. The rain didn't touch us and I think all the guests would agree the move didn't diminish the beauty of the ceremony one little bit. Besides, isn't rain on a wedding day supposed to be lucky?

I know for sure my luck is blooming bright as the North Star. Guess why? You know how I've complained before about only having grand-dogs and grand-cats? Well, this marriage brought me not only a terrific son-in-law but two awesome ready-made grandsons to call my own. I'm now officially a G-ma. Hooray!

The Happy song has been burning a hole in my brain lately. My daughter's wedding reminded me of how very blessed I am to have so many wonderful people around me...both family and friends. Not to mention the critters who occupy my lap and run my life. I'm feeling good, clapping my hands, and oh yes, I'm happy!

"Clap along if you know what happiness is to you..."

Don't You Love a Love Story?

On Christmas Day the entire family (including 20-something siblings, grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles) witnessed an honest to goodness, down on bended knee, ring box in hand, surprise marriage proposal.

I'm pleased to report that our daughter said yes.

And now may the planning begin...

Happy Birthday Baby!

Today my one and only daughter turns 27. How can that be? I don't feel much older than 27 myself...until I look in a mirror, that is.

Without consulting me at all, time continues to zoom forward at warp speed. Sometimes I think it would be a blessing to slow down the years. But how could I choose when to apply the brakes? In every year it seems like some wonderful thing or another has happened. I'm optimistically hoping that the future brings more of the same.

Perhaps it's smarter to ignore my image in the mirror. Who needs to consider what that old lady thinks, anyway? It's much more fun to listen to the teenager hidden under the wrinkly facade, who resides deep in my soul. That girl is up for a party anytime.

Happy 27th birthday to my pretty baby!

Special Gifts

Christmas 2011 is over and I feel a faint sense of relief.

Don't get me wrong, I love the holidays. But right now I'm shopped out, have become more roly-poly than the jolly old elf, and am weary of running from event to event like a mouse through a maze. It feels good to sit in front of my computer screen and feel at least a bit back to normal routine.

I do have some cool gifts to share with you.

The Son made our holiday with an awesome announcement. He's officially engaged to a wonderful girl and we couldn't be more pleased! It will be such fun to help plan their special event which is scheduled to take place in 2012. And don't worry. I hereby pledge to give advice only when asked, thereby avoiding the dreaded "monster-in-law" sydrome.

The Daughter gave me a unique gift. Check out these t-shirts.

Cute, huh?  But take a closer look...

Tee-hee! I love them! They say every writer needs to advertise. I plan to become a walking Critter Alley billboard!

Hope your hectic holidays brought equally delightful pleasures!