The party's over ...

The announcement party for Alex and Sara was wonderful. The day began with Randy, Ben and me heading over to set up. Alex and Sara joined us and by early afternoon we were ready for our guests. Mixers, receivers and mikes were in place for the music. Tables and chairs all set up. Fans turned on because it was HOT HOT HOT.

We went home, had lunch, cooled down a little, freshened up and headed back over at 3:00pm to turn on the food warmer, ice down the drinks and wait on the caterers who arrived right on time.

As they were setting up our guests began arriving and by 4:15pm we were in full swing. Randy officially welcomed everyone, Ricky blessed the food and the lines formed.

Alex was introduced to everyone and the wedding pictures were passed up and down the tables for all to see. I went from group to group, trying to get around to everyone. I think I ate a small plate of food – yes, I’m sure I did because I remember carrying it and my bottled water around with me as I moved from table to table.

We were so pleased at how many came out for the event. Most all of Sara’s friends that were invited came and her friend Beth brought her new baby. The group passed the little sleeping beauty around from one to the other, dreaming of the day they would have one too. Actually one of the friends is 7 months pregnant now.

So many members of our church family came. We had asked Molli to play some songs for us. So while everyone was having dessert she went to the piano and played 4 songs – one of which was entitled “Bagpipes” because our Scottish heritage was honored at the wedding. I thought that was so thoughtful of her. The last song she played was one that she wrote herself. As far as I know this is the first time she had played it to anyone except family. She plans to play it for her recital in July.

In addition to the usual suspects from the Lindsey side of the family we were delighted that Mattie, Doris and Aunt Margie made it. Mattie lost her husband 4 years ago, the same day Connie died. She said she thinks she is finally ready to turn loose and sell her house in Snellville. I told her she should just move up here near us.

Our dear friends, Brad, Gwen and their daughter Alexis also came. Before they left Brad said for us to be looking for him about 5-6 acres of land to buy up here. Alexis starts high school this fall so by the time she graduates they may be ready to build. I remember when they moved into the house where they live now. The kids were little and it seems like yesterday. Now my two are in college and Sara is married. Their Shelly is in college and Alexis has grown into this beautiful teenager. I really don’t know where the time goes.

Rounding out our guests were Vanessa, June, Aunt Sue and Andy from the Fouts side; Naomi, Marie and Deb from the Pendley side and Mike, Toniya, Arnold, Casey and guest from Ben’s friends.

After our meal was finished the entertainment began. Toniya and Tatelyn sang a song together. Then Randy, Ricky and Uncle Joe sang “Love Will Keep Us Alive”. After that Papaw joined them on the guitar, Rick picked up his trumpet and they all played and sang a little while.

It was a great, great day. Everyone seemed to have a good time - I know we all did.

And so…. what were my favorite moments of the day? Let’s see…

Alex pushing Sara around on the dolly cart during set up.
Me catching the guys shooting hoops with something soaked in the beer that wasn’t supposed to be on the premises.
When Alex and Ben danced to “Love Will Keep Us Alive”.
When everyone kept asking who the caterer was because the food was so good.
And finally, when I dropped into bed and fell asleep from the exhausting, but absolutely wonderful and happy day.

Yes, the party may be over but we have lots of memories that we will treasure and think about and tell stories of for years to come.


Rhonda

I'll Be Back......

Sorry I haven't posted. This is the countdown to the big party Saturday and Ben is in town. Mike and Toniya are visiting and Sara is due today. I even had to cancel my piano lesson.

It is so great having Ben in the house. He was here for the wedding but only for the weekend.

If anybody can tell a story it is Ben. I have stayed up WAY past my bedtime the past two nights listening to the stories.

I'll write more when it calms down. Ben will be staying through next Tuesday so it may be after that.

In the meantime....YEA SPECIAL FORCES - THE WICKED WARLORD IS DEAD !!!!!

Rhonda