Fall: A Wedding

We attended a beautiful wedding last night and Brooke stayed at my in-laws.  I told my father I'd sleep in today, and he laughed and said, "No you won't!" He was right.  I was up at ready to go at 6am with a bit of a dry throat, as the heat is pouring through the vents; isn't that the way things work?  It's a chilly 40 degrees [feels like 32] and hubby is currently stacking firewood as I sip on some Coffeecino in my flannel leopard pjs.

I sit here typing verrrrry gratefully!! You see, we left the house in a bit of a rush yesterday.  We had fun  taking Brooke to soccer, went looking at big girl beds for her, then dropped her of at Joe's parents.  By the time we got home, I still had to shower and get my prego self looking wedding ready! We have been leaving Holly out of her crate when we leave because she's been really good.  Well, that is no longer the case!! On our way to the wedding, I said to Joe, "OH no.  We didn't leave the muffins your mom made on the table, did we?!"  He replied with yes, but don't worry, they're in a ziploc bag and in a plastic bag, she won't eat them…

Once again, Mama just knows!  I know my dogs and I know not to leave any remnant of food in their reach, otherwise it's gone!  So there was nothing we could do other than to just go to the wedding and hope for the best.   Well, when we got home a few hours later, not only did she indeed get into and eat about 5 or 6 muffins, and some of the wrapping, she also knocked over Joe's cup that had a little water in it…and my laptop was RIGHT next to it!!

I saw red for a few moments, picked the computer up and heard a gushing sound. To say that I freaked out was an understatement…I was really upset.  It's not even a year old Mac Book Pro, and I really love this computer!! Joe rigged up some fans and we ran them on it all night---and here I sit today, so so lucky to be able to type on it!! I don't think there is any damage! Thank goodness. 

So aside from yet again, more dog drama, the wedding was undoubtedly one of the most beautiful we have been to.  Well, who is it that got married?  You may be asking.  It's an interesting one to explain, but one that gives true strength to the meaning, family isn't always blood.  

I've mentioned before how I am the oldest of three girls;  I have two younger sisters.  We were very close growing up, but something happened to the youngest of us, and without going into grave detail, she became addicted to drugs and alcohol and has some major mental instabilities.  My heart will always be with her, but unfortunately you cannot help those who refuse to help themselves.  About 5 1/2 years ago, she gave birth to a beautiful and healthy baby girl, and despite all efforts, my niece was sent to live with her father…

That man got married yesterday to a wonderful woman.  She has taken my niece into her heart and became her 'mom' when her own mother could not.  This couple wrote their own vows and shared their hearts with their guests; hearing all of their love and sentiments, it was hard to keep a dry eye for sure!  

Now, I know weddings affect all of us differently, and I'd be lying to say that a little part of me felt a pang for 'what could have been' if only my sister were healthy.  While I am so grateful to see the life my niece, her father and new mom have together, a part of me was reminded of what will never be.  More than anything, my heart burst with happiness, to know that this little girl is loved beyond all measures and will be safe, protected, and loved in a caring environment.  And?  We are all a part of her life; never once has her father shut us out of her life.  We have been there every step of the way and will continue to support her and them, as their newfound family of three begins.  

I know that I am pregnant and more emotional than usual, but it really was such a sweet and beautiful day.  Weddings like that remind me of my own special day, and all of the words we say to one another, the vows, the poems, the meanings behind all of it.  It makes me wonder if we heard those words more often, and actually listened, maybe people wouldn't get divorced…

The ceremony was outside and although chilly, it was simply stunning.  It was followed by cocktail hour inside, and dinner/dancing in a tent outside.  The brides father gave a heartfelt speech and it moved me; he spoke of how his daughter enjoyed the small pleasures in life as opposed to the grandeur.  He reminisced of a particular Christmas, where he didn't have much at all to provide but a little tiny tree and some inexpensive ornaments, hung while sipping some hot cocoa.  While he felt funny about that Christmas for so many years, his daughter told him one day that, that was her favorite Christmas of all.  

It made me think of all that is life; how hard we try to give our kids everything, and in reality, what they need and want is so small.  Moments; thoughtful, intentional, love-filled moments, more than any pricey toy or gadget, is what they'll remember most of all.  

Hubby and I were blown away by the gorgeous golf course views and just loved it!

It was actually nice to put in some effort and get all dolled up…

Bump & booties.

My sister.

The bride did a stunning job with her Fall theme, intertwining their love of music and simplistic joys in life.  Their wedding favor was a CD of some of their favorite songs…they're really good ones too!

This drink is such a great idea for a Fall party!! 

Apple Cider

Sprite

Cinnamon stick

(Bourbon if you feel like warming it up, clearly mine was without)

May the rest of their lives be filled with much love, peace, and everlasting happiness.  Congratulations!

One of their readings was one of my favorite Robert Frost poems…

The Road Not Taken

Robert Frost, 1874 - 1963

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.