Goodbye 2011; welcome 2012

That last post was written just before the other shoe dropped. My #1 son became gravely ill a week later and our whole world started spinning out of control. While he has recovered quite nicely, and even got married a few months later, my own topsy-turvy spin continued to rum amok. My dear mother began declining in April and surrendered in May. I was lucky enough to be in the area, and spent the last month of her life with her. It was a humbling and wonderful experience, as I watched the loving nursing home staff care so gently for this woman they loved as their own grandmother. Mommy did indeed slip gently unto that dark night. It was a blessing.

Now, I am happily reinstated in my own home, loving my dogs & cats; sewing with my old buddies and once again sharing my everyday life with my dear, patient and generous husband.

The last two years were the opposite of the "Four Weddings and a Funeral" theme: Four funerals and two weddings took place as my mom, both of her siblings and her sister-in-law all died. Aunt Char's was the only funeral I wasn't able to attend, as I was back here in CA & heading to KY two weeks later. It's been a time of great happiness and un-doing sorrow, as well as joy in spending non-holiday time with relatives we don't see often enough. I will be forever grateful to Josh for the opportunity to know him as a fully-formed adult, as well as the chance to bond with my grandchildren in a way not otherwise possible. I admire them all for their generosity of spirit in welcoming me to the fold, as well as their sense of love and family. I learned a lot in my time in their household. It was a renewing experience for me.

Today, I'm celebrating 36 years of marriage to my DH, who gave me the freedom to spend 18 months of that time with our son and his crew. I don't know any other man who would so freely give up his wife for an undetermined period of time for the sake of another family.

Well, children, the truth is this: I didn't take a single picture at the wedding. There was too much going on! I'm counting on my siblings contributing theirs to the pot so we can put an album together for Mom as well as Jill & Matt.
It was a wonderful day, with lots of laughter, some tears, so many wonderful hugs & the sight of so many dear ones that my heart overflowed. The grands were great, even Charlie, who refused to perform his ring bearer duties and, instead, sat between his dad's feet during the entire ceremony. The Right Reverend George proved to be worth his weight in gold, providing a ceremony custom-made for Jill & Matt and causing the first of both the tears and laughter.
The sampler menu at the reception was a big hit, with literally something for everyone, from appetizers (starting with little tomato soup shooters topped with tiny triangles of grilled cheese sandwiches) to the last hurrah (mini milk shakes and mini Chicago-style hot dogs at 11pm). The exclamations of delight continued throughout the evening.
The photo booth was hysterical fun, with everyone in infinite combinations heading for the booth to contribute their own goofy reel for the album and for themselves. I think the group that provided the most laughter in the booth was my five nieces -- it's still making me laugh.
I am so grateful to my family for showing up in force for this event. Matt, too, fully appreciated the effort made on his behalf, and the rest of us just enjoyed being together to celebrate this much-anticipated wedding.
It was all good. Well done, my children. Best. Wedding. Ever. Really.

The sum total of my creativity today? A masterpiece of a salad. To the beautiful greens our neighbor gave us the other day, I added some romaine from the fridge, then sliced up some strawberries & added dried cranberries & some sliced almonds. 15 sprays of Ken's honey mustard, & it was fabulous.
Yeah, it was blistering hot again today -- I'm willing to pass on the 100+ temps for the rest of my life, but I'm guessing this is only the beginning. My DB & SIL arrive tomorrow from Ohio. She wanted to know if the 105 yesterday was a comfortable 105. Um.....no. Not so much.
So tomorrow I'll start a new cycle of beginners' quilting & see what the previous group has accomplished while I was away. Should be exciting, I'm thinking.
DH filled a kiddie pool for the dogs this morning, but the heat just made bathwater of it. The dogs drank out of it after dark, though. I just want to see Mama lying down in it. She splashes in their water bowl; why not in the pretty blue pool?
I gave myself a pedicure tonight -- couldn't stand the godawful mess my naked toes were. Now I have what my sister refers to as a "crack-whore pedicure". feh. If I leave my glasses off, they don't look too bad, I guess.
Oof. Time for sleep. I wonder if I can get Mama to come in & go to bed. Wish me luck.