This is NOT a Wedding Report

As I sit in front of my computer screen, hazy from the weight of the wedding sugar cookies and endless glasses of whatever alcoholic drink people brought to me, I can honestly say, that Andy and Kim's was the best wedding.....ever!

I write to you not to share a blow-by-blow accounting of the craziness and happiness that surrounded this particular wedding, but to tell you that as a parent, it is so worth it to get involved in the plans and the chaos of your children's wedding.

I have been an empty nest Mom for three years now.  There are good days and there are devastating days.  And no matter what kind of day who are having, they are always EMPTY of your children.  Of course, this can be considered a good thing, depending on the child and your unique relationship with that child.  I am lucky to have great relationships with all three children at the moment.  I can honestly tell you that I miss them every single day.  I don't cry everyday, but the lump in my throat occurs at least once every single day that goes by without them living under the same roof anymore. 

Getting involved in a child's wedding does have it's negatives: you'll end up spending $$$ and you may end up in an argument about some ridiculous ritual or activity.  So what, everyone's human.  It's what life's all about.  In the end, everyone grows and becomes closer, just as long as everyone gives in at some point.  While my husband might disagree, the money you spend is worth every penny. 

Another negative is when the big event is all over and the last favor or tux has been returned, you can hit a new low.  I think that is where I am now.  Tired, no I take that back, exhausted and trying to get back to work for my clients.  My head is filled with the recent memories of family and friends.  It is a great feeling.  And the pictures take about a month, so just as the memories start to fade, they all will come bouncing back with each still shot taken.

I am happy that the kids allowed me to wallow in the details of their special occasion.  I do not feel at all empty; in fact, I feel filled to the brim with happy emotions.  I am tired to the bone.  I am blessed with a wonderful family, no matter where they now reside. Thank you Andy and Kim and to Jonathan and Laura!  You all are the best and I hope your lives are filled with joy and laughter.      

Are You Going To Cry at the Wedding?

I had dinner with my future daughter-in-law this evening.....Andy's in Hawaii on business and Bill had a business dinner tonight, so Kim and I went over to Scottsdale Quarter and checked out the newly-opened Eddie V's for a little bite to eat.  (It's very nice.  Way darker than the old Eddie V's, FYI).  Anyway, it was our chance to talk all about the wedding without being cut off by the boys. 

The subject turned to who might get emotional at the wedding and the events surrounding the wedding.  It's an interesting topic in that most Moms are going through some obnoxious phase of menopause when their children are getting married, so yes, pretty much all of us are going to have some sort of dramatic experience during our kids' weddings!   Up until tonight, I hadn't really thought about whether I will become emotional or not.  But, for the past few years when I actually attend a church service, I break out and cry every time the choir sings. Our choir happens to be incredibly good, but breaking down and sobbing is kind of ridiculous, don't you think?  People around me are probably thinking that I have recently lost a loved one.  That's not true, but truth be known, I AM probably thinking about my Dad who passed away a decade ago. 

I would understand it more if this occurred during one of the President's speeches (crying that is....except today's speech was maybe one of his best...surprised even me), but I cannot explain all that happens in a woman's body during this "special" time frame.  (Don't you get all emotional now, I still think he is a disaster just waiting to happen........................)

If I were a betting kind of person, I would put odds that I will be a blubbering idiot and cry throughout the entire wedding ceremony, but I will be fine during the reception and rehearsal dinner.  They will be tears of joy.....of happiness.  Happy to see one of my children find such joy and happiness for his life.  But, I should look into waterproof mascara!

We have two months before the big event and while we are planning out every last detail it is interesting to think about how it will all sink in and how we will react during that very moment when my oldest son gets married and officially leaves the nest forever.  These are lofty thoughts.  These are special moments to be cherished forever. 

I can almost feel the tears welling up already..........................

 

It's Easy Being Elegant With $2.5 M to Spend

I find amusing how the media has spun the whole Chelsea Clinton wedding to the public.  I'll admit that other than one article in the AZ Republic and a few stories online, I haven't spent much time learning the intricate details of this event.  Still, I have seen and heard enough to know that when the media wants to spin a story one way or the other, they have the power to do so.

I am imagining how the story would read if this was some conservative/Republican family who's daughter got married in 'Chelsea Clinton' fashion:
              Ostentatious affair, with no care for the poor folks around them.....
              Gaudy amount of money spent for personal reasons......

No, instead, we read and hear.....elegant wedding........lovely family affair.......Clinton's stimulating the economy (my favorite!)....and.....America's dynasty family and their elegant affair!  Please don't tell me that this is the best America can do to produce elegance and style and something we should try to achieve!

It did look like a beautiful affair.  The area and home used are amazing, Vera Wang dresses are always stunning, etc.  But (you know exactly what I am going to say here, don't you?!), with that amount of money, a lot of us....no, most of us could produce a lovely wedding event.  Frankly, I am personally outraged at that amount of money being spent.  Has this world really gotten this crazy? And why couldn't this couple from Arkansas hold their daughter's wedding...in Arkansas?  Why have they disowned this state?

As far as setting examples for others as the newspaper suggested, I say a big THANKS A LOT, Clintons' for making it impossible to emulate such an expensive event and setting such an example for our kids!  Imagine all the GOOD you could have done by hosting a simple daytime wedding ceremony followed by a lovely luncheon.  Because the future wedding couples will try to follow your lead. Unfortunately for all of us regular folks are busy working our butts off to pay our taxes to support all your parties' spending programs, now have to disappoint our children with less extravagant weddings.  You (The Clinton family) will just continue to do whatever the heck you want to without any regard for those around you, for decency in how you personally conduct yourselves and continue to set bad examples around you.  I've come to expect nothing less.

I would hope that the media would treat all folks with the same respect, so please guys...when our next President Paul Ryan's children get married....please spin the story in the same fashion....and prove me wrong!