Hi friends. I am finding myself at a loss for words these days. This last week has been the weirdest and most difficult week of my life. I wish I could say otherwise, but it is true.
However, I have realized that I as I write and talk about this (as awkward as that is sometimes), I must look at this through a lens of humor. I have to, it is just how I operate. And my dad is the same way. He is one funny dude.
So, if I write things about my dad's imprisonment and the trial that my family and I are enduring in a way that seems comical, flippant, or less than sincere, please know that it is not my intent. It is just how I cope.
Because believe me, this is the most serious thing I can imagine right now.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Limbo Land
You bless me with your words. Truly. They are food for my tender soul. And they encourage my family more than you can imagine.
They moved my dad today. He was in the county jail and now he is in Alamosa at a minimum security facility. He called and said he was doing fine and was wearing his suit, the suit he wore to court on Monday. For some reason this makes me smile, I love that mental image. I guarantee he is the best dressed inmate there...at least until they give him a new wardrobe.
Tonight my mom and I watched his favorite show and we are hoping that at some point he will have access to TV. We also have stack of hilarious cards that are ready to be sent. Tomorrow we should have his new address.
My mom told me that this is not going to become her "new normal." Instead, this is just the limbo period until she gets her old normal back. I am thinking I agree with this. I find myself clinging to whatever sounds normal.
The saints continue to amaze us with anonymous gifts and love. Someone brought over the best potato soup ever and I am pretty sure I could eat it everyday for a month. Who knew the potato was so delicious?
Oh that's right, the Irish. Well that makes sense.
And I have discovered that my manicure of two weeks is officially gone. It left yesterday when I realized that transparency was needed on this blog. Being vulnerable on the world wide web is new for me and it makes me nervous and scared. But I admit, it also comes with a lot of freedom. Thanks for hanging in there with me.
87 more days until the appeal.
They moved my dad today. He was in the county jail and now he is in Alamosa at a minimum security facility. He called and said he was doing fine and was wearing his suit, the suit he wore to court on Monday. For some reason this makes me smile, I love that mental image. I guarantee he is the best dressed inmate there...at least until they give him a new wardrobe.
Tonight my mom and I watched his favorite show and we are hoping that at some point he will have access to TV. We also have stack of hilarious cards that are ready to be sent. Tomorrow we should have his new address.
My mom told me that this is not going to become her "new normal." Instead, this is just the limbo period until she gets her old normal back. I am thinking I agree with this. I find myself clinging to whatever sounds normal.
The saints continue to amaze us with anonymous gifts and love. Someone brought over the best potato soup ever and I am pretty sure I could eat it everyday for a month. Who knew the potato was so delicious?
Oh that's right, the Irish. Well that makes sense.
And I have discovered that my manicure of two weeks is officially gone. It left yesterday when I realized that transparency was needed on this blog. Being vulnerable on the world wide web is new for me and it makes me nervous and scared. But I admit, it also comes with a lot of freedom. Thanks for hanging in there with me.
87 more days until the appeal.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Monday
It is time for me to be more authentic with you.
By nature, I am a glass half-full kind of gal so most of my posts are usually lighthearted and fun. But as we all know, life is not always that way. Trials face us from every angle and suffering of some kind is usually around the next corner. I have always wanted this blog to about the fun things in life because I know each of you face trials and suffering of your own. I wanted this blog to be a place of entertainment and escape.
However, a life without suffering and trials is not an authentic one and it is time for me to share my life with you.
On Monday, my dad was sentenced to 10 years in jail for a crime he did not commit.
10 years.
My brain is having a hard time believing this even as the shock has worn off. Or maybe the shock hasn't worn off, I am not sure. And I know this must be a surprise to many of you, especially if you know my dad.
My kind, gentle, hard-working, amazing dad.
This trial has been going on for years. So many times I wanted to write about it, to talk about it and to share my ups and down with you, but this was a confidential case between my dad and one of his clients. A client that accused my dad of stealing more than $200,000. But I had to honor my dad in his wishes to treat this as a business matter. My dad is a great business man and all along he thought this lawsuit would resolve itself.
But after five years, a plea bargain, a month in jail, my dad's law license being revoked, loss of employment, and a judge who did not once decide in his favor, this process had finally led us to a sentencing hearing on Monday.
On Monday, our friends (saints, actually) packed the courthouse. It was a magnificent sight to behold and brought so much encouragement to my dad and the rest of my family. And these same friends, while offering powerful praises and petitions to God, also offered more than $200,000 of financial restitution on behalf of my dad. It was an example of the body of Christ in motion. Unbelievable. Completely humbling. There are no words for this. None. I truly believe this is what the church was meant to look like, just like in Acts.
But at the end of the hearing, after the judge had heard from countless others who defended his integrity, trustworthiness and character, he still ruled against my dad, even with the full financial restitution being offered. The judge, knowing an innocent man was before him, still chose to send him away. The judge chose revenge over restitution. And my family, friends and I watched my dad be taken into custody and led away. This is not something I would wish on anyone. Ever.
I know this is shocking. I apologize for the abruptness of it. And I am sure you have questions. Honestly, the case is so complicated that I will be the first to admit that I do not have all the answers. But I wanted you to know. I needed you to know because I couldn't keep writing without being honest with you. It would have been a lie to let you believe my life is all about cupcakes and trips around the world.
In reality, my life is about believing and trusting in a God whose ways are not our ways, whose thoughts are not our thoughts. Believing and trusting in a God who defends the innocent and weak, only in His perfect timing, not our own. These last few days have been so very difficult yet so very comforting at the same time. But for the grace of God I would be in a padded room right now, I guarantee.
As we look ahead, my dad's attorney is doing everything he can to get this sentence reversed. In 88 days, this appeal can be presented before the court and with the financial restitution in hand, we are praying that his sentence will be greatly reduced or reversed completely.
In the meantime, we are experiencing an outpouring of love like we have never seen before. It is overwhelming, to say the least. My gratitude knows no end. It makes me want to love and serve others in the same exact way: radically, without reservations or hesitation.
And I will keep you posted on my sweet, amazing dad. I spoke with him yesterday and he sounds good, just tired. And I reassured him that his character and integrity speaks for itself, no one has ever doubted his innocence. If he comes to mind, please pray for his safety and peace of mind. Pray that he leans on the Lord for understanding and wisdom. And pray that my family can continue to seek God's face in the midst of this.
I cannot comprehend what it must be like to be imprisoned for something you didn't do, but we know from history that God has used this situation mightily. I look to Joseph, Daniel, Paul and Peter as my constant reminders.
"For do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10
By nature, I am a glass half-full kind of gal so most of my posts are usually lighthearted and fun. But as we all know, life is not always that way. Trials face us from every angle and suffering of some kind is usually around the next corner. I have always wanted this blog to about the fun things in life because I know each of you face trials and suffering of your own. I wanted this blog to be a place of entertainment and escape.
However, a life without suffering and trials is not an authentic one and it is time for me to share my life with you.
On Monday, my dad was sentenced to 10 years in jail for a crime he did not commit.
10 years.
My brain is having a hard time believing this even as the shock has worn off. Or maybe the shock hasn't worn off, I am not sure. And I know this must be a surprise to many of you, especially if you know my dad.
My kind, gentle, hard-working, amazing dad.
This trial has been going on for years. So many times I wanted to write about it, to talk about it and to share my ups and down with you, but this was a confidential case between my dad and one of his clients. A client that accused my dad of stealing more than $200,000. But I had to honor my dad in his wishes to treat this as a business matter. My dad is a great business man and all along he thought this lawsuit would resolve itself.
But after five years, a plea bargain, a month in jail, my dad's law license being revoked, loss of employment, and a judge who did not once decide in his favor, this process had finally led us to a sentencing hearing on Monday.
On Monday, our friends (saints, actually) packed the courthouse. It was a magnificent sight to behold and brought so much encouragement to my dad and the rest of my family. And these same friends, while offering powerful praises and petitions to God, also offered more than $200,000 of financial restitution on behalf of my dad. It was an example of the body of Christ in motion. Unbelievable. Completely humbling. There are no words for this. None. I truly believe this is what the church was meant to look like, just like in Acts.
But at the end of the hearing, after the judge had heard from countless others who defended his integrity, trustworthiness and character, he still ruled against my dad, even with the full financial restitution being offered. The judge, knowing an innocent man was before him, still chose to send him away. The judge chose revenge over restitution. And my family, friends and I watched my dad be taken into custody and led away. This is not something I would wish on anyone. Ever.
I know this is shocking. I apologize for the abruptness of it. And I am sure you have questions. Honestly, the case is so complicated that I will be the first to admit that I do not have all the answers. But I wanted you to know. I needed you to know because I couldn't keep writing without being honest with you. It would have been a lie to let you believe my life is all about cupcakes and trips around the world.
In reality, my life is about believing and trusting in a God whose ways are not our ways, whose thoughts are not our thoughts. Believing and trusting in a God who defends the innocent and weak, only in His perfect timing, not our own. These last few days have been so very difficult yet so very comforting at the same time. But for the grace of God I would be in a padded room right now, I guarantee.
As we look ahead, my dad's attorney is doing everything he can to get this sentence reversed. In 88 days, this appeal can be presented before the court and with the financial restitution in hand, we are praying that his sentence will be greatly reduced or reversed completely.
In the meantime, we are experiencing an outpouring of love like we have never seen before. It is overwhelming, to say the least. My gratitude knows no end. It makes me want to love and serve others in the same exact way: radically, without reservations or hesitation.
And I will keep you posted on my sweet, amazing dad. I spoke with him yesterday and he sounds good, just tired. And I reassured him that his character and integrity speaks for itself, no one has ever doubted his innocence. If he comes to mind, please pray for his safety and peace of mind. Pray that he leans on the Lord for understanding and wisdom. And pray that my family can continue to seek God's face in the midst of this.
I cannot comprehend what it must be like to be imprisoned for something you didn't do, but we know from history that God has used this situation mightily. I look to Joseph, Daniel, Paul and Peter as my constant reminders.
"For do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10
Friday, October 21, 2011
Top Ten: Things I Learned About Planning a Wedding
Okay, so this may be the last of my posts about weddings for a little while. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE weddings, but I am bit on overload, if you know what I mean. I am still dreaming about tulle and place cards. That is just not normal.
But before I depart from this blissful topic, I thought I would share with you some of the crucial things I learned while helping Claire plan her big day. And please keep in mind that I have not planned my own wedding which may make all of these suggestions null and void when that happy day comes.
Are you ready for this? Here we go.
1. Flowers die. Therefore, don't spend a lot of money on flowers. For Rachel's wedding, she ordered hers from Costco and they were stunning. They were also extremely affordable. The day before her wedding we all sat around and made our bouquets. It was perfect.
2. Don't stress over invitations. Since Claire only had 10 days to plan her wedding, she just called people instead of sending an invite. However, if you have longer than 10 days, I would encourage you to not fret over those puppies. They are pieces of paper that will be thrown away and no one will remember if you used crimson instead of burgundy. I promise.
3. Having a restaurant do your reception is the way to go. Maggiano's did an amazing job. Claire and Carr picked their faves from the menu and they were steaming hot when we arrived. And she didn't have to worry about decorating or cleaning up...which meant that I didn't have to worry about decorating or cleaning up.
4. If a wedding planner is in your budget, I would encourage you to get one. You can control the price by determining how much you want them to do. But they are oh-so helpful when you can't be in two places at once. And they are even more helpful if you have less that two weeks to plan your big day.
5. Favors, although thoughtful and always appreciated, are not essential. Your guests are just happy to be with you and if there is free food, total bonus.
6. Manicures and pedicures are a must. I am now addicted and I don't even have fingernails.
7. Take time to enjoy the day. Claire was so calm and collected and that made everyone enjoy the process of getting ready. The bridesmaids hung out and chatted, the make-up artist took her time to make us each look fabulous, the moms sat around and talked and everyone came and went, grabbing food on their way. It was totally relaxing and enjoyable.
8. Less is more. Right before Claire went outside to take her first set of pictures, she was covered head to toe in pearls and lace and tulle and sparkles. At the last minute, she took off her pearl necklace and her birdcage veil (she wore it for the ceremony). All of sudden you could see her face! And it was like she wore the dress, not the other way around. De-cluttering made a huge difference.
9. Wear false eyelashes. Trust me on this, you won't be sorry.
10. If possible, don't have a long engagement. When Claire first told me that they had 10 days to plan their wedding, I almost went into cardiac arrest. But throughout those crazy 10 days, I realized that being with the one you love should not wait. Marriage is what is sacred, not the planning. Once you are engaged, run as fast as you can to the altar and don't look back.
So there you go, that's all I have to say about that...at least for today. And someday, if I am ever engaged, and I am suffering from a severe case of bridezilla, please remind of these things so I can focus on what's really important, like the manicures and false eyelashes.
And happy Friday to you!
But before I depart from this blissful topic, I thought I would share with you some of the crucial things I learned while helping Claire plan her big day. And please keep in mind that I have not planned my own wedding which may make all of these suggestions null and void when that happy day comes.
Are you ready for this? Here we go.
1. Flowers die. Therefore, don't spend a lot of money on flowers. For Rachel's wedding, she ordered hers from Costco and they were stunning. They were also extremely affordable. The day before her wedding we all sat around and made our bouquets. It was perfect.
2. Don't stress over invitations. Since Claire only had 10 days to plan her wedding, she just called people instead of sending an invite. However, if you have longer than 10 days, I would encourage you to not fret over those puppies. They are pieces of paper that will be thrown away and no one will remember if you used crimson instead of burgundy. I promise.
3. Having a restaurant do your reception is the way to go. Maggiano's did an amazing job. Claire and Carr picked their faves from the menu and they were steaming hot when we arrived. And she didn't have to worry about decorating or cleaning up...which meant that I didn't have to worry about decorating or cleaning up.
4. If a wedding planner is in your budget, I would encourage you to get one. You can control the price by determining how much you want them to do. But they are oh-so helpful when you can't be in two places at once. And they are even more helpful if you have less that two weeks to plan your big day.
5. Favors, although thoughtful and always appreciated, are not essential. Your guests are just happy to be with you and if there is free food, total bonus.
6. Manicures and pedicures are a must. I am now addicted and I don't even have fingernails.
7. Take time to enjoy the day. Claire was so calm and collected and that made everyone enjoy the process of getting ready. The bridesmaids hung out and chatted, the make-up artist took her time to make us each look fabulous, the moms sat around and talked and everyone came and went, grabbing food on their way. It was totally relaxing and enjoyable.
8. Less is more. Right before Claire went outside to take her first set of pictures, she was covered head to toe in pearls and lace and tulle and sparkles. At the last minute, she took off her pearl necklace and her birdcage veil (she wore it for the ceremony). All of sudden you could see her face! And it was like she wore the dress, not the other way around. De-cluttering made a huge difference.
9. Wear false eyelashes. Trust me on this, you won't be sorry.
10. If possible, don't have a long engagement. When Claire first told me that they had 10 days to plan their wedding, I almost went into cardiac arrest. But throughout those crazy 10 days, I realized that being with the one you love should not wait. Marriage is what is sacred, not the planning. Once you are engaged, run as fast as you can to the altar and don't look back.
So there you go, that's all I have to say about that...at least for today. And someday, if I am ever engaged, and I am suffering from a severe case of bridezilla, please remind of these things so I can focus on what's really important, like the manicures and false eyelashes.
And happy Friday to you!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Paparazzi
During our photo shoot on Friday with the lovely bride, I left my camera under a nearby tree along with my flip flops and hairspray.
However, once the pictures were over, I turned around to see that my camera was no longer where I left it; instead it was around the neck of my six year-old nephew.
Case in point:
For the next hour, while Claire and Carr were busy posing, Noah followed the photographer around and took every shot he did. In fact, once I was able to retrieve my camera, I saw that Noah had taken over 200 pictures.
Here are a few of him I took on my phone:
Oh my gosh, he kills me. And by the way, doesn't Claire look stunning? I mean seriously.
I began going through the 200 shots he took and I came across some amazing photos. Take a look:
However, once the pictures were over, I turned around to see that my camera was no longer where I left it; instead it was around the neck of my six year-old nephew.
Case in point:
For the next hour, while Claire and Carr were busy posing, Noah followed the photographer around and took every shot he did. In fact, once I was able to retrieve my camera, I saw that Noah had taken over 200 pictures.
Here are a few of him I took on my phone:
Oh my gosh, he kills me. And by the way, doesn't Claire look stunning? I mean seriously.
I began going through the 200 shots he took and I came across some amazing photos. Take a look:
That kid is a genius, I tell you. A genius.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
The Wedding
And I'm back.
I have been lying on the couch for almost two days and I am thinking I could use another two to fully recover. But let me tell you, it was completely worth it. In every way, the day was perfect. And Claire and Carr couldn't be happier.
Friday morning, just as my parents house was beginning to buzz, a sweet friend brought Chick-Fil-A breakfast and lunch for the entire wedding party. It was incredible and a very delicious way to start the day.
Soon after, the bridesmaids, Carr's parents and the groomsmen arrived and the house was packed full of happy, chicken-eating people. In the meantime, Claire was busy packing for her mini-moon and then had her hair appointment. By the time she got home, the make-up artist had finished on all of us and we were ready to help Claire get bride-ified.
Or whatever that word should be.
When we arrived at the DU campus, the boys were dressed and ready to go. Once again I am faced with the reality that boys have it SO EASY! One of the groomsmen said that he was able to get a nap and watch an episode of Friday Night Lights. Meanwhile us girls were gluing fake eyelashes to our eyeballs and trying to make sure we had enough hairspray on our hair to withstand the next twelve hours of pictures. Not. Fair. At. All.
Here are a few well-dressed gents:
I can never resist a six year-old in a tux.
Claire finished getting ready and took a few pictures with us girls. But then came the moment they had waited for: it was time for Claire and Carr to see each other. She stood in a small grassy area partly shaded by trees and had her back to him. He walked up to her, fully dressed in his dressed whites, and tapped her on the shoulder. At that moment the rest of the world melted away. It was really very sweet and beautiful
Sigh.
And then it was time for a billion pictures, which should be ready for viewing in 6-8 weeks. But here is a candid shot of the happy couple, a few attendants and me.
I think I was fluffing. Or maybe one of my eyelashes fell off, I don't remember.
After the pictures came the most serene, meaningful ceremony I have ever seen. My dad walked her down the aisle perfectly, I stood in my spot without falling over and Noah was flawless as the ring boy. And Claire and Carr were calm and happy the entire time.
When the ceremony was over, a 1930 Chrysler Imperial with a chauffeur named Kirk, whisked them away to Maggiano's downtown. Here's a picture of the car, isn't it fabulous?
By the time we arrived at the restaurant, I was more than ready for some serious carbohydrates. The wait staff had prepared a private room with hot appetizers waiting for us. Sweet Noah fell asleep before the salad was ever served while the rest of us made our way through four courses of cheesy goodness. Next came the toasts and I was able to give mine with only tearing up once.
And then we danced like our feet didn't hurt. It was such a wonderful way to not only finish the day, but to finish the marathon we had been on for the last 10 days. Like I said before, it was perfect.
Thank you for all of your well wishes and encouragement these past few days! You have been fantastic! I promise to post more pictures soon but I wanted to give you a glimpse into Claire's special day.
And feel free to congratulate Mr. And Mrs. Lewis when you see them again. They'll be the ones smiling. A lot.
I have been lying on the couch for almost two days and I am thinking I could use another two to fully recover. But let me tell you, it was completely worth it. In every way, the day was perfect. And Claire and Carr couldn't be happier.
Friday morning, just as my parents house was beginning to buzz, a sweet friend brought Chick-Fil-A breakfast and lunch for the entire wedding party. It was incredible and a very delicious way to start the day.
Soon after, the bridesmaids, Carr's parents and the groomsmen arrived and the house was packed full of happy, chicken-eating people. In the meantime, Claire was busy packing for her mini-moon and then had her hair appointment. By the time she got home, the make-up artist had finished on all of us and we were ready to help Claire get bride-ified.
Or whatever that word should be.
When we arrived at the DU campus, the boys were dressed and ready to go. Once again I am faced with the reality that boys have it SO EASY! One of the groomsmen said that he was able to get a nap and watch an episode of Friday Night Lights. Meanwhile us girls were gluing fake eyelashes to our eyeballs and trying to make sure we had enough hairspray on our hair to withstand the next twelve hours of pictures. Not. Fair. At. All.
Here are a few well-dressed gents:
I can never resist a six year-old in a tux.
Claire finished getting ready and took a few pictures with us girls. But then came the moment they had waited for: it was time for Claire and Carr to see each other. She stood in a small grassy area partly shaded by trees and had her back to him. He walked up to her, fully dressed in his dressed whites, and tapped her on the shoulder. At that moment the rest of the world melted away. It was really very sweet and beautiful
Sigh.
And then it was time for a billion pictures, which should be ready for viewing in 6-8 weeks. But here is a candid shot of the happy couple, a few attendants and me.
I think I was fluffing. Or maybe one of my eyelashes fell off, I don't remember.
After the pictures came the most serene, meaningful ceremony I have ever seen. My dad walked her down the aisle perfectly, I stood in my spot without falling over and Noah was flawless as the ring boy. And Claire and Carr were calm and happy the entire time.
When the ceremony was over, a 1930 Chrysler Imperial with a chauffeur named Kirk, whisked them away to Maggiano's downtown. Here's a picture of the car, isn't it fabulous?
By the time we arrived at the restaurant, I was more than ready for some serious carbohydrates. The wait staff had prepared a private room with hot appetizers waiting for us. Sweet Noah fell asleep before the salad was ever served while the rest of us made our way through four courses of cheesy goodness. Next came the toasts and I was able to give mine with only tearing up once.
And then we danced like our feet didn't hurt. It was such a wonderful way to not only finish the day, but to finish the marathon we had been on for the last 10 days. Like I said before, it was perfect.
Thank you for all of your well wishes and encouragement these past few days! You have been fantastic! I promise to post more pictures soon but I wanted to give you a glimpse into Claire's special day.
And feel free to congratulate Mr. And Mrs. Lewis when you see them again. They'll be the ones smiling. A lot.
Friday, October 14, 2011
How To Pull Of A Wedding in 10 Days - Day 10
WE MADE IT!!
We have arrived. I don't know whether to cry or sleep. I'm thinking both. Granted we still have the big day to get through, but I already feel triumphant. By the sweet grace of God we have made it through the last ten days. The dress is bought and ready to be bustled, the venue is perfect, the restaurant reserved, the tuxes rented, flowers arranged and the cake baked by a sweet Peruvian woman.
It is time to get jiggy with it.
Day 10 was a culmination of everything you need to have done but still have yet to do. My aunt Patricia flew out from California and ran errands with my mom. Claire also ran last minute errands and I drove around trying to find earrings and a wedding gift. By 3:00 Claire and I were squeezed into a dressing room wrestling with her dress for its final fitting. And let me tell you something: she looks breathtaking. I can't wait for you to see her.
I must also take this time to tell you about Rosie and Mandy. Rosie is reading Scripture in the wedding and is a close friend of Claire's. She spent the entire day housesitting our apartment. She unloaded our dishwasher, hung up Claire's clean clothes, answered the door for deliveries and just made our place so calm and peaceful. She was a true gift and I highly recommend a house sitter the day before any wedding.
Mandy is a new friend of mine and she printed off all of the programs, cut them to size and folded them. She is delivering them to my parents house all ready to go. This was so extremely helpful. She's definitely a keeper.
It takes a village, people. A village.
The rehearsal was fabulous. It went smoothy and everyone hopefully knows their parts. Even Noah has become an expert at carrying a teeny tiny pillow.
Afterward, we had dinner at Elway's. And let me just tell you that their steak will change your life. I KID YOU NOT. I could have cut it with a spoon.
Carr's parents are fabulous and came ready to celebrate. They have set the bar high for in-laws. Claire always has been perfect so it is fitting that she has wonderful in-laws. Punk.
Here are a few pics for you:
So here we are.
Today, after the hair appointment and the make-up artist, the photographer and the guests, Claire and Carr will officially be married. And to think that six months ago they had just gone on their first date.
It's amazing what God can do in six months. And it is even more amazing at what He can do in 10 days.
We have arrived. I don't know whether to cry or sleep. I'm thinking both. Granted we still have the big day to get through, but I already feel triumphant. By the sweet grace of God we have made it through the last ten days. The dress is bought and ready to be bustled, the venue is perfect, the restaurant reserved, the tuxes rented, flowers arranged and the cake baked by a sweet Peruvian woman.
It is time to get jiggy with it.
Day 10 was a culmination of everything you need to have done but still have yet to do. My aunt Patricia flew out from California and ran errands with my mom. Claire also ran last minute errands and I drove around trying to find earrings and a wedding gift. By 3:00 Claire and I were squeezed into a dressing room wrestling with her dress for its final fitting. And let me tell you something: she looks breathtaking. I can't wait for you to see her.
I must also take this time to tell you about Rosie and Mandy. Rosie is reading Scripture in the wedding and is a close friend of Claire's. She spent the entire day housesitting our apartment. She unloaded our dishwasher, hung up Claire's clean clothes, answered the door for deliveries and just made our place so calm and peaceful. She was a true gift and I highly recommend a house sitter the day before any wedding.
Mandy is a new friend of mine and she printed off all of the programs, cut them to size and folded them. She is delivering them to my parents house all ready to go. This was so extremely helpful. She's definitely a keeper.
It takes a village, people. A village.
The rehearsal was fabulous. It went smoothy and everyone hopefully knows their parts. Even Noah has become an expert at carrying a teeny tiny pillow.
Afterward, we had dinner at Elway's. And let me just tell you that their steak will change your life. I KID YOU NOT. I could have cut it with a spoon.
Carr's parents are fabulous and came ready to celebrate. They have set the bar high for in-laws. Claire always has been perfect so it is fitting that she has wonderful in-laws. Punk.
Here are a few pics for you:
So here we are.
Today, after the hair appointment and the make-up artist, the photographer and the guests, Claire and Carr will officially be married. And to think that six months ago they had just gone on their first date.
It's amazing what God can do in six months. And it is even more amazing at what He can do in 10 days.
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