A Pre-Wedding Septet

Originally intending this to be a Thursday Thirteen post, I decided to cut off my racing thoughts at seven items. You're welcome. Our son's upcoming wedding is front-and-center on my mind these days.

1. I meant to include this photo in my post about his fiancee's bridal shower. To the guests he was publicly addressing, Ben said, "It's always been my dream that the first woman I kiss would be my wife-to-be. Dee is the first." But then--how romantic is this?--he bent down, kissed her, and whispered to her, "and the last."

2. Our photographer has had to excuse himself from doing the wedding because of a serious medical problem. We feel so bad for him, and pray for his complete healing. At the same time, we need to find a new photographer. The wedding is just over 40 days away. I'm sure God will provide a replacement, for He's had this planned all along, right?

3. I am looking forward to the rehearsal dinner. The food at this place is amazing, yet the atmosphere is casual. Originally I wanted a fancier restaurant (since the groom's family traditionally hosts it) but after eating there and knowing the likes and personalities of the wedding party and their families, a casual atmosphere will be just right. We will have half the place reserved for us, but it's not closed off. At first I was reluctant about the lack of privacy, but the more I think about it, the more I like the fact that the general public can observe the fun and love in the group.

4. I found my dress, shoes, and purse all for under $50. I kid you not. Found the floor length deep purple dress at a local consignment shop for $21. Is that okay to broadcast? Well, I am doing just that , because it's an answer to prayer. I asked God to help me find a purple dress for $25 or less. (After seeing "sale" prices at wedding shops for mother-of-the groom dresses, my jaw dropped. No way on God's green earth am I going to drop $300-500 on a dress for myself!) I am just so tickled at my find last week. Twenty-one bucks for a floor length velvet dress with jacket! Does God love to bless or what, people?? As for the shoes, they're higher heels than I normally wear, but I think I can walk comfortably in them down the aisle (and I hope down the grand staircase) without falling. The little gold purse matches the shoes, so I'm thrilled. All that's left to find is the bling!

5. What to do with my hair on wedding day? I can't afford to bring my hairdresser along, but she's the only one who can make it do what I want it to do. Or rather, she's got the patience to give it the right mix of straight and wavy and product. Oh yes, much product to get this hair of mine to behave. Guess I should start practicing patience. Who has 45 minutes a day to straighten curly hair but not flatten the life out of it at the same time?

6. Yesterday I found a bunch of cleaning supplies on clearance, so texted Ben to ask if he needed Windex, Pine-Sol, Febreze, a bucket, or carpet freshener. He texted back, "I could use a broom and mop." Wha? Did I offer those? I was at the grocery store. I texted back, "Sorry, you're on your own for those." Then I felt a twinge of mother-guilt, coupled with the thought, "He needs to learn that part of living on his own is buying the necessities like brooms and mops." I wrote, "You don't need any of these other things?" He replied, "Nope."

Well, the good news is, at least he has those supplies, right? He likes to keep things clean, but I can't remember the last time he swept or mopped when he was living at home. I'm sure I taught him. Think back, Zo.Think back reaaaaalllly far.

7. Wow, you would think from reading this that my son's wedding is all about ME! You mean, it's not? The real kicker is that it's not even really about the bride and groom. It's about God and His decision to unite two hearts and two families simultaneously. Somehow we like to complicate what seems very simple in the mystery of it all.