the wedding...

...was a huge success! My little fire starter didn't catch the place on fire as she lit the candles(like her mother nearly did at her age..), the guest book attendant did his job well and greeted everyone(big step for the kid who won't talk to strangers, normally), the ring bearer went down the aisle at his own pace(practically running) while the flower girl actually dropped the petals. She walked on her own accord, held her own basket(though not at first) and dropped petals right next to anyone who was looking at her and even handed a few out to outstretched hands. She didn't freak out or scream! Progress! She sat between daddy and nan snarfing on snacks nana had stowed in her purse during the service, though she wasn't exactly quiet. My song with my sis went off without a hitch and I think we still sound pretty good together. The bride was gorgeous and stunning and her new hubs was quite fetching, too, I must say!
The reception brought all shades of excitement, but when the band started to play, well, that was when the party REALLY began! There is something about a group of 12-year-olds rockin' out without fear and showing us all what they are made of. The got rave reviews for their first ever gig. They did 12 songs total, 6 were cover songs and the other 6 were originals they wrote themselves. They were every bit as good as the covers they did, I truly believe. I may be partial, but I overheard this from party-goers as well. The little people danced their funky little hearts out and the wee-est one finger painted herself in wedding cake frosting!
It was such a great time and the way a family can come together for such a celebration as a wedding is wonderful. Family is all we've got when it comes right down to it. I am so glad God has blessed me so incredibly with my family, both by blood and by heart.

Gearing up

for the wedding this weekend is going well, but frantic. Having 5 children all involved in different parts of the wedding as well as us grown people makes for a lot of preparations. Getting dresses made, clothes picked out, shoes found and purchased, hair bows made, hair styles decided on and on and on is a LOT of work, but so worth it. Family weddings don't come around every day. In this house alone, we have a flower girl, a ring bearer, a candle lighter(who is also the back-up and most likely needed flower girl), the guest book and gift table attendant, a wedding singer, a Mother-of-the-bride seater and reception entertainment. That is a LOT of purple shirts and dresses! We are all very excited to see out-of-town family and for the wedding festivities. There will be no rest for the weary until Sunday afternoon. I'll share pix and a run-down of the wedding then. I am sure there will be MUCH to share, so stay tuned.....

It's CRAZY hot....

...here and there seems to be no end in sight! No one wants to go outside or do anything as it just zaps us all of our energy, BUT, we MUST go on! There was Band camp for the biggest one two weeks ago, Girl Scout camp for the girl and VBS for the rest of us last week and a birthday party over the weekend. Then soccer camp this week for Soccer Dude, so we press on. Add to that a family wedding over the weekend, that involves us all(including the drummer as his band is playing their first gig) and there is simply no rest for the weary. Isn't that what summer vacation is for!? Next week we plan to do some big things, too in addition to a birthday, and then we are down to two weeks before school starts. How did that happen!? Where did it go? I know they will be ready for it all to start, but am I? Not sure.

While part of me knows they are thirsting for the routine that the school year brings and the daily interaction with friends they don't get to see over the summer, I know they would love to continue sleeping in and hanging out. I know #1 is stoked to be starting Middle School this year and that has this momma a big ball of nerves, mostly, due to the fact that I HATED Jr High! The WORST two years of my life, hands down! I do so hope that his experience will be much better than my own. Only time will tell.

My two little ones aren't going to know what to do with themselves once the big kids head back to school. The little Princess will be looking all over for them and her buddy will be missing them something awful! I look forward to the excitement bursting out of him when he hears the bus pull up in front and the big people return. That makes my heart leap! He loves them so!

I am off to bed in hopes that I get rested enough to drag myself out of bed tomorrow with less struggle than I did this am. I am NOT a morning person. Anyone who really KNOWS me knows this, but I gotta do what I gotta do, so good night all and wish me luck.....