The Saga of the Dresses Resolved

Sarah Delamarter Benson 4-26-08
Black Dresses Looking Smart
The Official Adults in the Party

Since my last blog was about the dresses, I'll start there!! As you can see there are 10 on the grooms side, 10 on the brides side, and the 2 flower girls out of the 10 children in the wedding.
The black dresses all came in and the girls chose what they felt most comfortable in and wore that style. Quite stunning don't you think? The shoes, of course, hurt everyone's feet but were red. And were removed early in the reception!!!
The Bridesmaids and 1 bridesman proceeded down the aisle to a gospel choir singing a lively rendition of "Joyful, Joyful We adore Thee, God of Glory Lord of light....." I can still feel the beat as I write.
As Sarah approached the head of the aisle , to the traditional wedding march, Daren saw her for the first time. He mouthed "O MY Gosh" and began to cry. He could not take his eyes off her.
She , in this mother's opinion, was the most beautiful bride.
The pastor stood with his back to the guests, and the bride and groom facing us. We were able to watch their joyful expressions as the ceremony took place.

The couple left the ceremony to the Choir singing " Signed, Sealed Delivered--------I'm Yours!!!"
This time the guests clapped along.

My daughter has always marched to her own wonderful beat. Creative, decisive, with great imagination and especially laughter. When They were looking at venues for the service they really wanted a downtown church but were unable to find one suitable. When the walked into the Portland Art Museum, Sarah said, "This is it"; Daren said "It's a little over the top don't you think?" Sarah's response true to form. "Daren, I'M over the top!!!!!!"
So it was settled and their presence really did fill the place.
So they are married and off to Tahiti
( one bit of advice from the brides Mom. don't take presents to the wedding if you can help it, but a little red wagon helps)

Next time I have learned what the "Prop" man does and what to do with 8 ring bearers.

Now onto my 60's Chicks Cruise Planning

The Saga of the Dresses

Ten---- that's the number of attendants my daughter chose to stand up with her at her wedding next week. Nine bridesmaids and one bridesman!!! The brides man clothing was easy to decide on as he will wear whatever tux the groomsmen wear. The girls however are a different story. One now lives in Virginia, one in Nashville, one in Spokane the rest in our area.
One is a model, one is a Mother of 3, one is 8 weeks pregnant and one is 8 months pregnant!!!So the choosing of the dresses is vitally important.
The shoes were chosen first. Red of course, Sarah's favorite. Even she, as the bride is wearing red shoes.
The dresses----- style, length, color. 2 redheads, 3 blonds, 4 brunettes of various shades.hmmm
It was settled. The wedding would be somewhat ethereal with neutral colors and small touches of red. The reception following is to be a "big red party"
Champagne color for the dresses, order 15 weeks out from a reputable formal shop. We are all set. Rest easy!!!!!
Fast forward 14 weeks--------
Did you know dyeable shoes are hard to find and it takes 3 weeks to get them dyed?
Shoes not here in time . Thank God for Zappos 9 pair red heels ordered!
The dresses arrive in Seattle, friends pick them up and bring them to us; they are distributed; bridesmaids try them on------
The girls begin talking about really needing a tan, of needing to have the dresses altered to fit, one of my sons makes unflatering comments about the dress to his wife. It really can't be that bad!!!
One of my daughters inlaw cannot get the dress altered as she is now pregnant and it can't be let out.
I take the dress home to contemplate. Try it with the red shoes I have THE DRESS IS PEACH!!
black shoe, white shoes-- nothing really works. I decide to try the dress on. Great decision-- It is absolutely not acceptable. 12 days until the wedding.
Thank God for Nordstoms ----overnight delivery of The Little Black Dress but wait-- are you aware that even though they list all these sizes they may not have them all ready to ship? Well consider yourself warned.
That was Tuesday. Today is Thursday one more Thursday before the wedding.
All 9 girls have at least one black dress , some have 2, one has 4 and the 8 months pregnant girl has 5. Nordstroms has a really great return policy.
We have gone from ethereal to elegant in black. It really WILL make the gorgeous Bride stand out. Still all in red shoes.
2 flower girls in red
8 ring bearers and a red wagon.
9 days to go until the big day.
It will be a great day------ gorgeous bride,------ wonderful groom.
A real WHOO HOO day!!
P.S. I think I'll wear red shoes

10 Years Old Again

Yesterday I had the priviledge of providing the venue for our oldest grandson's 10th birthday by virtue of Grandma having a Wii game system. And a new covered outdoor area to handle 14 other 10 year olds. Caleb is the boy that made me a Grandma. He is the one who, at 10, is almost as tall as me. The one who taught me to look at life with new vigor. The one who loved me to sing the same songs to him as I sang to his Father. Caleb is an abidextrous athlete whose heart is truly an artist. Caleb is the one who , when I pick he and his brother up from school will be diplomatic and say " We really want to see you , Grandma, AND play the Wii" When his wonderful brother just blurts it out......." "We want to play the Wii".
Yesterday as I walked downstairs to the family room, I heard cheering, and peals of laughter.10 year old boys filling the room with their energy. With their competiveness. With their joy.
I heard my son's voice giving direction and organizing their games.............
Flashback 25 years to another 10 year old's birthday party. Jason had friends over, in another house but also in the family room in the basement. As I walked down those stairs in 1983, I then heard the laughing, hollaring and energy of those boys. They were having a pillow fight!!!!
The wonderful sounds were the same. The boys were different boys. But being 10 years old is the same.!!!!!
Some things change but some things stay the same.
How blessed I am to have shared 2 generations of 10 year old's birthdays.
How blessed I am to have 60's Chicks with whom I continue to share.
Looking forward to many days of sharing with my friends.