Tales of the Ordinary Days

It's hard to believe that just a week ago we were celebrating the marriage of Russell and Megan in the balmy sandy beaches of Mexico. A beautiful love story, but whirlwind vacation; all wrapped up into one. It began with our late night arrival to the Beach Palace Resort in Cancun. Our flight was late and the rehearsal dinner, well under way, by the time our airport transportation delivered us to our vacation destination. We caught up with family and friends before locating our room with lagoon view. As Garrett and I unpacked our bags and discussed the Michael Jackson impersonator concert being held at the resort bar, I eyed a bottle of red wine and a really big tub in the middle of our room. I chose to stay in our room over the Michael Jackson show. Although Garrett is more of an 'early-nighter' than me, he reluctantly agreed. "You know, they will think I am holding you back when this is your idea" was his final input to me. I still choose the solit...

Garrett thinks it's funny that I close my eyes when I kiss him. I never thought this was odd. But then again, with eyes closed, how would one know the normal technique? Now that we're married, I will try it his way. Eyes wide opened in married life. Yep, we are married. Tied the knot. Husband and wife. The ceremony has been performed and the cake eaten. Guests were warmly welcomed and the reception hall filled with wedding cheer until close. Garrett and I found ourselves home at the end of the night, reflecting as a married couple. Our marriage ceremony and celebration really were heartfelt and beautiful. We couldn't have asked for more. That being said, it really has been a whirlwind the last fifteen days as I quickly planned a wedding. The goal was family, friends, and simplicity. Mission accomplished. It all started with a surprise engagement ring from Garrett in early December. We discussed getting married in a quiet ceremony on the Vail mountains sometime afte...

Pix with Robbie after my wedding debacle There are tasks in life that I have always thought to be automatic; like driving a car or cooking a meal.   After watching a repetitive task performed weekly for 40+ years, one would believe this a cinch to duplicate for the steadfast onlooker.    Unfortunately I found out in front of a full church that this is not always the case. My designated role was Eucharistic Minister for a cousin’s wedding. But even with confidence going in that Fourth of July day, this function did not come automatic to me. My typical success strategy of “winging it” was a fail. I was asked by cousin Jennifer to serve as EM at her wedding. Excited for this role, but not having the required credentials, I called my parish priest, Fr. Mel.   Father quickly apprised me that the process with a length that surpassed the wedding date. But w ith my position as Church Trustee, he granted me a dispensation of sorts and communicated the same to th...

Kori and Robbie in the days of big glasses and big hair Deep in my basement is a classic VHS video clip of Robbie and Kori singing their best Def Leppard rendition of "Pour Some Sugar on Me". With big glasses and big hair these sister-in-laws-in-crime put on a great show. And twenty-plus years later, it is brought up at every family wedding reception. I now know why my sixteen year-old sent a text a couple days past, asking for a viewing. It is a cult classic. One that was obviously brought up at the rehearsal dinner among the twenty-something age group. I wish I had the actual clip to share or a picture of that moment of time. The best I can do today are the pictures of Robbie and Kori above taking during that same era. I can also provide a descriptive that may help with your visual. Picture a video camera the size of a small shoe box, propped on a tri-pod. Picture a very young Robbie in her "Sally Jesse Rapheal" glasses and a peach lace bridesmaid's ...

Lisa with her Baby Benny In another distinct case of "where did the time go", our little Lisa is going to tie the knot. Lisa Fey and Adam Eisenmenger will be exchanging their vows this Saturday. My boys, who have enjoyed her cuddling and love since they were babies, will be a part of her big day. We are all thrilled. Ms. Lisa was a toddler when I joined the family. Always the responsible one of her siblings (sorry Bud and Linds), Lisa was the rule-follower. She brought cheer to our world with her bright smile. As I added boys to my brood, Lisa played our ever-functional babysitter. Although a little girl herself, she loved the boys up while showing the aptitude of a teenager. We watched her grow up. There were recitals and later proms. Friends were always abound and Adam was introduced as her high school sweetheart. And we liked him. A nice boy for Lisa. We were thrilled. Graduation passed. Lisa then entertained my boys with the allure of her pretty teenage girlfr...