 |
| From Washington DC |
Friday, December 29, 2006
Julie's Terrible, No Good, Awful Day
This may be a blog about Julie's bad day. But I think mostly its about the slow realization that children grow up and sometimes you cannot take their pain, only be there with them while they experience it.
First I should start by saying Julie is just fine today and is having a grand adventure sleeping over Mary's.
As for how it started... When Julie was a very little girl we had a colorful children's story book about the Nutcracker, which Julie adored. When she found out it was a ballet she was intrigued and every winter wished she could experience it.
Mary's friend Holly also wished to see it and so Mary bought three tickets, to surprise her sister and her friend. For Julie, the ticket was an early sweet sixteen birthday present. (When Mary was a little girl Aunty Joanne took her and Kate Daly in to see the Nutcracker!)
The plan was for Julie to take the train in to south station where she would meet up with Mary (in from Billerica) and Holly (over from her apartment at Northeastern). Now Julie was nervous about taking the train alone. So I helped her buy the ticket and gave her my cellphone. I promised her that Mary would meet her on the platform in south station and she would be all set.
We decided to put her on the train in Hanson as it was a station we are all familiar with. So far so good. But.... when we got to the station the warning sign was flashing that due to unexpected switch failure (?) the trains were running 10-20 minutes behind.
"You will wait with me Momma, right?" asked my 6 foot almost 16 year old? Naturally we would wait.
After about twenty minutes another sign flashed that trains were 30-40 minutes late. Then a short time later the sign said inbound trains were an hour late and three train numbers flashed up that they were canceled. Julie looked at me very worried. "Mom, what if you weren't here and I was just waiting? I would be having a heart attack."
"But Julie, this is Hanson. You are in a safe place. Look, you can see Nenna's house from the train station."
"Ya but I wouldn't know what to do."
" If you had a problem or didn't know what to do about the train you could use the cell phone. Or just WALK over to Nenna's."
Julie pushed the frame of her glasses back up the bridge of her nose and just looked at me. In her lap was her sketch book that she had been feverishly working in. Thank goodness south station is the last stop or she would surely miss her exit point while she sketched away.
Finally the train came. I walked her right up to the conductor, a frazzled looking man, clearly having a bad day. (The train at this point was an hour and ten minutes later than normal.) "This is Julie's first train ride and she is a bit nervous. She is to get off at south station where her sister will be waiting. I know she seems like a big girl, but can you just keep an eye on her for me?"
The conductor looked up at her (she was about a head taller than he) and started to laugh. "You picked a hell of a day for your first train ride dear."
Julie tried to smile but she was clearly nervous. "Don't worry, it will be fun. Now her sister in Boston knows the trains are really late right?"
"Yes and they both have cell phones." The conductor nodded and then showed Julie where to sit. I waited until the train began to pull from the station then headed home.
After touching base at the house Don and I headed out to drive the Carpentieri girls back to Brockton (the girls had a sleepover.) Just as we were going through Whitman, we got a worried phone call from Mary. An hour and a half after Julie pulled out of the Hanson station she still had yet to arrive in Boston.
The officials at south station were not giving out information except to say that eventually the train would arrive. Julie thought they were in the woods, pulled over on a side track just outside the Hanson station but she could not be sure.
Donnie turned around and headed for the Whitman station. I got Julie on the phone and as we were talking her train finally started to move. We waited over fifteen minutes at the Whitman station (a normally five minute train ride from Hanson.) Still no Julie. It was now almost seven o'clock and the curtain for the Nutcracker was going up at seven thirty.
We figured Julie must've not noticed that the train had moved earlier. Surely they were well past the Whitman station. As we finally began to pull away however we heard the train.
Now Julie had a 'Lady or the Tiger' choice to make. She could let me get her off the train, ruining her chances of any fun but at least Mary and Holly could see the performance. Or she could stay on the train and get into Boston late and Mary and Holly would wait for her and at least she could still sleep over with Mamie.
Julie never hesitated. "Momma help me off the train. Mary and Holly shouldn't miss out." I stood on the platform and waited for her, after speaking briefly with the engineer. He still had no idea if the switch trouble was fixed or when they would get into town. "We will get there eventually. Keep her on the train, we will take good care of her."
But she came off, looking exhausted and hungry three hours after she was suppose to board the train.
When we got in the van the tears finally came. "I really wanted to go to Mamie's but then she wouldn't be able to see the ballet. I didn't know where we were, it was so dark. It looked the like woods near Nenna's but it was too dark to tell. I kept thinking what do I do if they let us out here? I am never going on a train again. I am so hungry. I have a headache.Momma I am so glad you helped me. What would I have done without you? I just wanted you to come and fix things."
Poor thing cried and cried. We headed to Carpentierie's where Aunty Eileen gave her lots of sympathy and a couple of motrin. When we got back into the van Don (who had to go in to work very early the next morning) decided to salvage something of his poor darling's night. So he called Mary and Matt and drove all the way to Billerica so at least Julie could have her sleepover.
( Now this was Matt's first time in the apartment all to himself since his marriage. But good sport that he is, he made Julie feel welcome.)
My adrenaline took a while to settle down. We had set everything up to make Julie's first solo train ride go smoothly. But who can count on the whims of the MBTA? I kept having to remind myself, when we weren't quite certain where the train was, that OF COURSE she was safe, of course the conductor and engineer would keep watch over the passengers.
As the mom you want to be right there to make everything ok. But I knew she was scared and unsure of herself and it just broke my heart not to be there. I can still remember each of my kids first "booboos" and how I cried as hard as they did, to think I wasn't there to break their fall.
But you don't have children for them to be dependent upon you. You raise them to be independent. Although she was nervous she remained calm. And her sister Mary waiting at the other end of the line also stayed calm. She was worried for her sister and kept in phone contact with her, all the while trying to get further information from the authorities, and of course she reached us.
At 22 she is an indepenent, competent married woman. Mary is what Julie is growing into. We are doing a good job, their Dad and I.
Still I had the resist the urge to race off down the tracks into the night to pull my Jubee off the train and into my arms. I had to let her cry (because really what an awful way to spend your evening, knowing that you are missing your birthday present!)
Being the MOM I did inform her that OF COURSE she would go on the train alone, some other day and meet up with Mary. You know what happens when you fall off a horse...
I am the mom and I know what my job is, to raise independent people. But as we drove in the dark we held hands and sang to the radio. And I am glad, that for a short while longer, I can still think of her as my little girl.
First I should start by saying Julie is just fine today and is having a grand adventure sleeping over Mary's.
As for how it started... When Julie was a very little girl we had a colorful children's story book about the Nutcracker, which Julie adored. When she found out it was a ballet she was intrigued and every winter wished she could experience it.
Mary's friend Holly also wished to see it and so Mary bought three tickets, to surprise her sister and her friend. For Julie, the ticket was an early sweet sixteen birthday present. (When Mary was a little girl Aunty Joanne took her and Kate Daly in to see the Nutcracker!)
The plan was for Julie to take the train in to south station where she would meet up with Mary (in from Billerica) and Holly (over from her apartment at Northeastern). Now Julie was nervous about taking the train alone. So I helped her buy the ticket and gave her my cellphone. I promised her that Mary would meet her on the platform in south station and she would be all set.
We decided to put her on the train in Hanson as it was a station we are all familiar with. So far so good. But.... when we got to the station the warning sign was flashing that due to unexpected switch failure (?) the trains were running 10-20 minutes behind.
"You will wait with me Momma, right?" asked my 6 foot almost 16 year old? Naturally we would wait.
After about twenty minutes another sign flashed that trains were 30-40 minutes late. Then a short time later the sign said inbound trains were an hour late and three train numbers flashed up that they were canceled. Julie looked at me very worried. "Mom, what if you weren't here and I was just waiting? I would be having a heart attack."
"But Julie, this is Hanson. You are in a safe place. Look, you can see Nenna's house from the train station."
"Ya but I wouldn't know what to do."
" If you had a problem or didn't know what to do about the train you could use the cell phone. Or just WALK over to Nenna's."
Julie pushed the frame of her glasses back up the bridge of her nose and just looked at me. In her lap was her sketch book that she had been feverishly working in. Thank goodness south station is the last stop or she would surely miss her exit point while she sketched away.
Finally the train came. I walked her right up to the conductor, a frazzled looking man, clearly having a bad day. (The train at this point was an hour and ten minutes later than normal.) "This is Julie's first train ride and she is a bit nervous. She is to get off at south station where her sister will be waiting. I know she seems like a big girl, but can you just keep an eye on her for me?"
The conductor looked up at her (she was about a head taller than he) and started to laugh. "You picked a hell of a day for your first train ride dear."
Julie tried to smile but she was clearly nervous. "Don't worry, it will be fun. Now her sister in Boston knows the trains are really late right?"
"Yes and they both have cell phones." The conductor nodded and then showed Julie where to sit. I waited until the train began to pull from the station then headed home.
After touching base at the house Don and I headed out to drive the Carpentieri girls back to Brockton (the girls had a sleepover.) Just as we were going through Whitman, we got a worried phone call from Mary. An hour and a half after Julie pulled out of the Hanson station she still had yet to arrive in Boston.
The officials at south station were not giving out information except to say that eventually the train would arrive. Julie thought they were in the woods, pulled over on a side track just outside the Hanson station but she could not be sure.
Donnie turned around and headed for the Whitman station. I got Julie on the phone and as we were talking her train finally started to move. We waited over fifteen minutes at the Whitman station (a normally five minute train ride from Hanson.) Still no Julie. It was now almost seven o'clock and the curtain for the Nutcracker was going up at seven thirty.
We figured Julie must've not noticed that the train had moved earlier. Surely they were well past the Whitman station. As we finally began to pull away however we heard the train.
Now Julie had a 'Lady or the Tiger' choice to make. She could let me get her off the train, ruining her chances of any fun but at least Mary and Holly could see the performance. Or she could stay on the train and get into Boston late and Mary and Holly would wait for her and at least she could still sleep over with Mamie.
Julie never hesitated. "Momma help me off the train. Mary and Holly shouldn't miss out." I stood on the platform and waited for her, after speaking briefly with the engineer. He still had no idea if the switch trouble was fixed or when they would get into town. "We will get there eventually. Keep her on the train, we will take good care of her."
But she came off, looking exhausted and hungry three hours after she was suppose to board the train.
When we got in the van the tears finally came. "I really wanted to go to Mamie's but then she wouldn't be able to see the ballet. I didn't know where we were, it was so dark. It looked the like woods near Nenna's but it was too dark to tell. I kept thinking what do I do if they let us out here? I am never going on a train again. I am so hungry. I have a headache.Momma I am so glad you helped me. What would I have done without you? I just wanted you to come and fix things."
Poor thing cried and cried. We headed to Carpentierie's where Aunty Eileen gave her lots of sympathy and a couple of motrin. When we got back into the van Don (who had to go in to work very early the next morning) decided to salvage something of his poor darling's night. So he called Mary and Matt and drove all the way to Billerica so at least Julie could have her sleepover.
( Now this was Matt's first time in the apartment all to himself since his marriage. But good sport that he is, he made Julie feel welcome.)
My adrenaline took a while to settle down. We had set everything up to make Julie's first solo train ride go smoothly. But who can count on the whims of the MBTA? I kept having to remind myself, when we weren't quite certain where the train was, that OF COURSE she was safe, of course the conductor and engineer would keep watch over the passengers.
As the mom you want to be right there to make everything ok. But I knew she was scared and unsure of herself and it just broke my heart not to be there. I can still remember each of my kids first "booboos" and how I cried as hard as they did, to think I wasn't there to break their fall.
But you don't have children for them to be dependent upon you. You raise them to be independent. Although she was nervous she remained calm. And her sister Mary waiting at the other end of the line also stayed calm. She was worried for her sister and kept in phone contact with her, all the while trying to get further information from the authorities, and of course she reached us.
At 22 she is an indepenent, competent married woman. Mary is what Julie is growing into. We are doing a good job, their Dad and I.
Still I had the resist the urge to race off down the tracks into the night to pull my Jubee off the train and into my arms. I had to let her cry (because really what an awful way to spend your evening, knowing that you are missing your birthday present!)
Being the MOM I did inform her that OF COURSE she would go on the train alone, some other day and meet up with Mary. You know what happens when you fall off a horse...
I am the mom and I know what my job is, to raise independent people. But as we drove in the dark we held hands and sang to the radio. And I am glad, that for a short while longer, I can still think of her as my little girl.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Visions of Sugar Plums
Perhaps last night they slept and dreamt with visions of sugar plums, but tonight they dream like pirates- they dream of all the loot they raked in!
The three youngest have just been put to bed. Nikki chose to lay all her gifts on the floor at the foot of her bed. Jamie has neatly put his back under the tree. Joe meanwhile has his loot piled up all around him on his bed. If it doesn't tip over and smother him during the night he shall be up with the birds, giggling over Sponge Bob and working on his dinosaur model.
The rest of us drift into our evening routine. Corey is huddled on the cell phone sharing his day with his long-distance girlfriend. (For a boy with no license, Brockton is a world away.) Julie is watching Scrubs reruns and drawing in her new sketch book. Tim and Yon are teasing each other while one plays Sudoku and the other Nintendo.
Don has headed for the shower. He has to be up early to referee tournament games then straight into work. I am typing and sitting amid the debris that is left behind on a Blauss Christmas night.
Someday we shall go on a cruise for Christmas. Just me and Don. It will be peaceful and romantic. But really, what is better than Christmas with seven kids?
The noise, and the mess, and the toys every where... Joe snickering at the naked baby Jesus... Corey and Julie and a sign of peace hand squeezing contest- in the middle of Mass...
We sat in church this morning while Father spoke of Joseph and the meaning of being a true Father and the importance of family. The father in this house went to the store three times today to get batteries. He found screw drivers and extension cords. He carried out boxes and tried his hand at making the Trifle. "Dad, watch this! Dad where did my ---- go? Dad, I need help? Dad why doesn't this work?"
Perhaps God was wise to have someone else raise his son;>)
Its been a good year all things considered. We did lose Don's step father Henry which was sad. And of course the early months of 06 were in a stressful daze over Corey and his collapsing lung. Margie's house flood was a hassle. And the bills grow larger.
But Baby Jessica joined our extended family. And we had the Ohio girls out here for a few weeks. Corey, Tim, and I all started our Senior years. And we did have the wonderful wedding! Oh and who could forget the Washington DC trip in the Blaussmobile?
Not bad for a year, not bad at all. Bring it on 07 we are raring to go!
The three youngest have just been put to bed. Nikki chose to lay all her gifts on the floor at the foot of her bed. Jamie has neatly put his back under the tree. Joe meanwhile has his loot piled up all around him on his bed. If it doesn't tip over and smother him during the night he shall be up with the birds, giggling over Sponge Bob and working on his dinosaur model.
The rest of us drift into our evening routine. Corey is huddled on the cell phone sharing his day with his long-distance girlfriend. (For a boy with no license, Brockton is a world away.) Julie is watching Scrubs reruns and drawing in her new sketch book. Tim and Yon are teasing each other while one plays Sudoku and the other Nintendo.
Don has headed for the shower. He has to be up early to referee tournament games then straight into work. I am typing and sitting amid the debris that is left behind on a Blauss Christmas night.
Someday we shall go on a cruise for Christmas. Just me and Don. It will be peaceful and romantic. But really, what is better than Christmas with seven kids?
The noise, and the mess, and the toys every where... Joe snickering at the naked baby Jesus... Corey and Julie and a sign of peace hand squeezing contest- in the middle of Mass...
We sat in church this morning while Father spoke of Joseph and the meaning of being a true Father and the importance of family. The father in this house went to the store three times today to get batteries. He found screw drivers and extension cords. He carried out boxes and tried his hand at making the Trifle. "Dad, watch this! Dad where did my ---- go? Dad, I need help? Dad why doesn't this work?"
Perhaps God was wise to have someone else raise his son;>)
Its been a good year all things considered. We did lose Don's step father Henry which was sad. And of course the early months of 06 were in a stressful daze over Corey and his collapsing lung. Margie's house flood was a hassle. And the bills grow larger.
But Baby Jessica joined our extended family. And we had the Ohio girls out here for a few weeks. Corey, Tim, and I all started our Senior years. And we did have the wonderful wedding! Oh and who could forget the Washington DC trip in the Blaussmobile?
Not bad for a year, not bad at all. Bring it on 07 we are raring to go!
Joe's spy camera 2
Joe caught a picture of our Bearded Collie Lily. Of the 18 pictures Joe took, only two actually came out. But remember, he is not only a photographer, he is also a spy.
This present is causing Joe a dilemma. Until now he was sure he wanted to be a Digger of Dinosaur bones when he grew up. But he is really liking the world of Spys.
So does he become a Paleantologist when he grows up? Or should he work for the CIA?
joe got a spy camera
I do not know why people spend hundred's on a digital camera. For thirty dollars, Santa's elves made (or possibly bought from Target) a secret spy camera. The camera looks like a cool pair of sunglasses. But it contains a secret digital camera that holds up to 18 pictures.
Joe and Donnie took this photo. Now perhaps its not as crystal clear as a Canon PowerShot A540. But just think its both a spy camera AND a cool pair of shades! Santa is amazing! Merry Christmas.
The whole gang
Mary knows how to get the digital timer to work and we balanced the camera on a candy box and coffee tin to achieve the close family effect!
Friday, December 22, 2006
THE Wedding photos are available
If you go to weddingprints.com and select the Blauss wedding, the password it "love".
There are over 800 pictures, something for everyone!!!!!
Amy Braga, the photographer really captured the light and joy of the day.
There are over 800 pictures, something for everyone!!!!!
Amy Braga, the photographer really captured the light and joy of the day.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Finals: Or What Was I Thinking?
Its been a few weeks since I have last blogged. Why do you ask? Because last winter as I was filling out FAFSA forms for the college kids' Financial Aid I had a wistful thought AGAIN about going back to school.
February is a dangerous month for me. The days are cold and I feel trapped in the house. My mind gets distracted and suddenly I am coming up with new adventures or new hobbies.
This is how I got on my bunny kick and ended up with 100s of rabbits. Its also how I started gardening. Come to think of it I became a foster parent in the winter and you know what trouble that got me into! Those ventures have at least been successful. Others have had a more mixed reaction. Yes indeed I did finish my first novel but I still do not have it published. And yes I have begun numerous exercise and diet ventures in mid winter and although I haven't gained ALL the weight back, if I keep it up I certainly will, sigh.
I am not even going to mention the dead of winter failures as its not healthy to dwell on them, and too embarrassing to admit some of them in sober company.
So last winter as I trudged my way through FAFSA paperwork hell I conceived the notion that I should go back to school. That it would be fun. That it was my turn. That I DESERVED it.
As no good deed goes unpunished and we are all destined to EAT every word we have ever uttered, tadaaaa here I am in finals week, sweating and swearing and wondering WHAT THE HELL WAS I THINKING?
Where is the fun? Why my turn? What did I do to deserve this?
I have written two 7 page papers. I will be taking three multiple choice tests, and my final in Statistics is cumulative. (That means its information from the first to the last class.) Oh brother. I could be decking the halls, and watching soaps, and basking in the silence of a house empty of children during school hours. Instead I am
flashcard making, and highlighting, and rereading, and re memorizing, and hitting my self soundly upside the head for ever, ever thinking that this whole back-to-school thing was a fun adventure.
Talk to me Thursday after finals are done and see what I think!
February is a dangerous month for me. The days are cold and I feel trapped in the house. My mind gets distracted and suddenly I am coming up with new adventures or new hobbies.
This is how I got on my bunny kick and ended up with 100s of rabbits. Its also how I started gardening. Come to think of it I became a foster parent in the winter and you know what trouble that got me into! Those ventures have at least been successful. Others have had a more mixed reaction. Yes indeed I did finish my first novel but I still do not have it published. And yes I have begun numerous exercise and diet ventures in mid winter and although I haven't gained ALL the weight back, if I keep it up I certainly will, sigh.
I am not even going to mention the dead of winter failures as its not healthy to dwell on them, and too embarrassing to admit some of them in sober company.
So last winter as I trudged my way through FAFSA paperwork hell I conceived the notion that I should go back to school. That it would be fun. That it was my turn. That I DESERVED it.
As no good deed goes unpunished and we are all destined to EAT every word we have ever uttered, tadaaaa here I am in finals week, sweating and swearing and wondering WHAT THE HELL WAS I THINKING?
Where is the fun? Why my turn? What did I do to deserve this?
I have written two 7 page papers. I will be taking three multiple choice tests, and my final in Statistics is cumulative. (That means its information from the first to the last class.) Oh brother. I could be decking the halls, and watching soaps, and basking in the silence of a house empty of children during school hours. Instead I am
flashcard making, and highlighting, and rereading, and re memorizing, and hitting my self soundly upside the head for ever, ever thinking that this whole back-to-school thing was a fun adventure.
Talk to me Thursday after finals are done and see what I think!
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
A Daughter's a Daughter For Life
So SHE called me from her Honeymoon, my darling dutiful daughter. Its springlike weather and she was speaking to me from the patio of the cottage they are staying in. It overlooks the ocean and lighthouse, and there are signs everywhere that warn not to feed the ALLIGATORS.
They are having a wonderful and relaxing time, exploring the nature paths, checking out the little shops, climbing the lighthouse. They even discovered an old slave cemetery- and you know how Mamie likes her moldy gravestones!
Matt discovered a restaurant that looks just like Spongebob's Crusty Crab and they took lots of pictures for Joe. They are going through internet and computer withdrawal and she is eager to get home and check out the wedding gifts and set up her new apartment and their new life. But for now they are having a fun vacation.
And just so you know, the first thing she said to Matt when they arrived at their honeymoon retreat and saw the little spare bedroom attached, "Look I could have brought my MOTHER."
She always was my favorite child;>)
They are having a wonderful and relaxing time, exploring the nature paths, checking out the little shops, climbing the lighthouse. They even discovered an old slave cemetery- and you know how Mamie likes her moldy gravestones!
Matt discovered a restaurant that looks just like Spongebob's Crusty Crab and they took lots of pictures for Joe. They are going through internet and computer withdrawal and she is eager to get home and check out the wedding gifts and set up her new apartment and their new life. But for now they are having a fun vacation.
And just so you know, the first thing she said to Matt when they arrived at their honeymoon retreat and saw the little spare bedroom attached, "Look I could have brought my MOTHER."
She always was my favorite child;>)
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Sundry Wedding Thoughts
1. Toothy did NOT drop the ring pillow.
2. Joe at one point was under the table crying in the Reception Hall. I thought maybe
one of the other kids had been fresh. But when I finally got Joe to speak he said,
"What is there for a guy to do at a Wedding if he doesn't dance?"
3. I LOVE groomsman. They lifted and carried and helped and joked and were absolutely
adorable! I gotta get me some of those.
4. Matt's neighbors were so gracious and so happy to be there and watch this young
man get his happily ever after.
5. Mary's mother and father-in-law are the most wonderful people. They make my Mary
feel treasured and I love them for it.
6. Matt's brother Tim is like an equal mix of Matt and Chris. He is so sweet.
7. Reenie and Eileen always there, since the second grade. My bestest friends.
8. And Maureen and Lil my night shift nurses who wouldnt miss sharing in Mary's day
for anything.
9. Heather, want to sit at the cool table? Next time name a baby after me;>)
10. Cousin Margaret and Frank love and memories.
11. When the bridesmaids had to leave their enclosed checker cab for the convertable
Kate worried about her hairdo. cousin Katie almost knocked the bride down to
get in the car with all those groovy groomsman.
12. Mary and Matt have great friends.
13. What a wonderful day so full of memories and great fun.
PS: I could twist lower to the ground than the professional dancer. I am just sayin.'
2. Joe at one point was under the table crying in the Reception Hall. I thought maybe
one of the other kids had been fresh. But when I finally got Joe to speak he said,
"What is there for a guy to do at a Wedding if he doesn't dance?"
3. I LOVE groomsman. They lifted and carried and helped and joked and were absolutely
adorable! I gotta get me some of those.
4. Matt's neighbors were so gracious and so happy to be there and watch this young
man get his happily ever after.
5. Mary's mother and father-in-law are the most wonderful people. They make my Mary
feel treasured and I love them for it.
6. Matt's brother Tim is like an equal mix of Matt and Chris. He is so sweet.
7. Reenie and Eileen always there, since the second grade. My bestest friends.
8. And Maureen and Lil my night shift nurses who wouldnt miss sharing in Mary's day
for anything.
9. Heather, want to sit at the cool table? Next time name a baby after me;>)
10. Cousin Margaret and Frank love and memories.
11. When the bridesmaids had to leave their enclosed checker cab for the convertable
Kate worried about her hairdo. cousin Katie almost knocked the bride down to
get in the car with all those groovy groomsman.
12. Mary and Matt have great friends.
13. What a wonderful day so full of memories and great fun.
PS: I could twist lower to the ground than the professional dancer. I am just sayin.'
Reception
Matt had two requests for the entire Wedding plan. Other than these requests he was ready and willing to do anything. Number one was no garter display. Mary could wear it if she wanted. But he was not going to publicly go up that gown searching for it and removing it. The other was that he wanted to be sure to have something to eat during pictures. He was concerned that all the hors devourers would be gone while he grinned like a monkey at the camera.
So Mary threw the bouquet but kept her garter hidden from view. And I made sure Matt had his own personal waitress.
Mary had her wedding display set up at the reception room entrance. Each wedding guest was asked to send up a photo of their own wedding or one of their friends or relatives. Miss Museum Studies Bride carefully labeled each photo. Aunty Reenie's wedding picture was there, with Mary as the 7 year old flower girl. Aunty Heather's too, with Moi on the floor dancing before the bride lol.
Some of the pictures were in black and white. Some like the 70s era weddings were displayed in all their gaudy color. Others revealed loved ones who have left us. It was nice to have their photos there as a reminder. I had Chris from Hanson Florist make up my cranberry scoop into a beautiful floral display to honor my Momma, and we put that on the wedding photo table.
Mary had little cranberry scoops as favors and we made bowls of floating cranberries as the centerpieces.
After some quick outdoor photos and an emergency pit stop in the private bridal bathroom to fix Julie's bridesmaid dress we were introduced to the adoring crowd. Cindy from England said she liked the introductions as they do not do that over in England.
We ate and in between courses Mary et al performed their wedding tasks. She danced with her Dad to Louis Armstrong's Wonderful World. She and Matt danced to Nat and Natalie's Unforgettable. She was gloriously happy, he bashful and proud. He even took a turn around the floor with his Mom to Five for Fighting's The Riddle.
After that I am not sure what else everyone else did. As soon as the dancing started I kicked off my shoes and just DANCED. I know as MOB I was suppose to make sure my guests were satisfied. But all I could do was dance in rejoicing of the day.
I believe everyone could feel the magic in the air. All her brothers and sisters shared in Mary's happiness. Corey and Julie and Nikki never left the dance floor. Tim and Jamie even made it out there a few times.
Miss Julie even managed to drag her Dad out for a dance. She also caught the bouquet. Her wingspan was such that no other single lady stood a chance of catching those flowers. Donnie groaned at the thought of ANOTHER daughter getting married off.Jubee generously gave the flowers to one of the little England girls so I think Don is safe for a while.
The Bride never did change into her going home outfit. She was having too much fun dancing for joy.
So Mary threw the bouquet but kept her garter hidden from view. And I made sure Matt had his own personal waitress.
Mary had her wedding display set up at the reception room entrance. Each wedding guest was asked to send up a photo of their own wedding or one of their friends or relatives. Miss Museum Studies Bride carefully labeled each photo. Aunty Reenie's wedding picture was there, with Mary as the 7 year old flower girl. Aunty Heather's too, with Moi on the floor dancing before the bride lol.
Some of the pictures were in black and white. Some like the 70s era weddings were displayed in all their gaudy color. Others revealed loved ones who have left us. It was nice to have their photos there as a reminder. I had Chris from Hanson Florist make up my cranberry scoop into a beautiful floral display to honor my Momma, and we put that on the wedding photo table.
Mary had little cranberry scoops as favors and we made bowls of floating cranberries as the centerpieces.
After some quick outdoor photos and an emergency pit stop in the private bridal bathroom to fix Julie's bridesmaid dress we were introduced to the adoring crowd. Cindy from England said she liked the introductions as they do not do that over in England.
We ate and in between courses Mary et al performed their wedding tasks. She danced with her Dad to Louis Armstrong's Wonderful World. She and Matt danced to Nat and Natalie's Unforgettable. She was gloriously happy, he bashful and proud. He even took a turn around the floor with his Mom to Five for Fighting's The Riddle.
After that I am not sure what else everyone else did. As soon as the dancing started I kicked off my shoes and just DANCED. I know as MOB I was suppose to make sure my guests were satisfied. But all I could do was dance in rejoicing of the day.
I believe everyone could feel the magic in the air. All her brothers and sisters shared in Mary's happiness. Corey and Julie and Nikki never left the dance floor. Tim and Jamie even made it out there a few times.
Miss Julie even managed to drag her Dad out for a dance. She also caught the bouquet. Her wingspan was such that no other single lady stood a chance of catching those flowers. Donnie groaned at the thought of ANOTHER daughter getting married off.Jubee generously gave the flowers to one of the little England girls so I think Don is safe for a while.
The Bride never did change into her going home outfit. She was having too much fun dancing for joy.
Monday, November 27, 2006
The Mass
When some of the early guests arrived at St Joseph the Worker church in Hanson for the wedding they had to wait outside. It seems the other service wasn't quite finished yet.
Yup, the hearse hadn't yet removed the body.
I was picturing Mary and her Dad arriving in the Model -A and having it breakdown and block the hearse from leaving (I was prophetic btw). I tried to pull myself together to present to the world a picture of dignified grace. Mothers of the Bride should be dignified and classy and elegant, at least until the dancing starts. I had promised Mary no cleavage or Tiara. I wore a long plumb colored sheath dress with a black lace overlay that sparkled with beading (and very loose glitter that left a trail behind whenever I sat!)
Tim, Corey and the other groomsman had all practiced their ushering skills the night before at the rehearsal. But none of the guests were in a hurry to go in. They all lingered, first in parking lot, and then, after the funeral left, the guests moved to the inner foyer, right outside the church, talking and hugging and laughing.
Father Mark had to shoe us all in when the Bride arrived! In a few frantic moments everyone was in place and Mary came into the little bride room (ok its the confessional!)
I tucked her vail into place and stepped back to admire her. Don caught my eye and we both remembered the very first second we saw her on the day she was born (she showed up in this world 14 days late after 44 hours of labor, she managed to arrive at her wedding right on time however, Godbless Aunty Maria!)
The Ave Maria began and Louise and I had to take our places. Now I originally wanted them to play How Great Though Art when I walked down the aisle. But of course you cannot have too many in-jokes at the wedding. Then the bridesmaids and grooms began their walk.
My Julie was smiling and a little giddy. She stood about a foot and a half taller from her groomsman! Her hair was pulled back from her face and held by a pretty butterfly clip. Although she towered over all the bridesmaids (and all but the best man) she was the youngest bridesmaid. The other girls had their hair carefully styled and pulled up. But Julie's hair hung freely half way down her back. She wore no makeup. (Lucky for her as she cried every second of the church service from the moment Mary entered).
The two Kate's came next with their groomsmen. Cousin Kate with her stunning hairstyle and her stunning cleavage! (It didn't seem fair to me that she got to bring hers and I had to leave mine at home!) She had missed all the shower preparations because of college and had felt she wasn't doing enough. But her help in the morning at the house made her one of the most valuable players!
Kate Harding had her hair done in curls like the other girls. But her hair was a little bit darker and just a little dramatic. Oh my sweet shy Katie, really another daughter to me! She and I had more fun slaving away over the shower prep!
Miss Nikki escorted by Joe and Toothy rushed down the aisle after the big kids. (There were many pretty girls at the wedding and a ton of cute ones. But there were only two elegant ladies there. One was Matt's friend Lindsey who is a ballerina and has legs that are about a mile long!) The other elegant lady was 11 years old. Nikki had her hair braided and curled atop her head and she looked like a princess. Not a cute little girl playing princess. But real honest to goodness royalty!
Holly walked alone ahead of the bride. Our maid of honor was so lovely. She looked calm cool and collected. But she was the one stuck remembering every little detail and had totally rescued us with her emergency kit of needle and thread and pads and dental floss and tylenol!
We all then arose. And there SHE stood, radiant, at the entrance to the church. Donnie held out his arm to her, looked down, said ready -and then they came.
I wept.
Donnie cried a bit as he lifted her vail and kissed her. (I adjusted the vail in back) he took her hand and turned to Matt and placed it in his.
'It's going too fast' I thought.
Mass began. Corey read the first reading. Mary never took her eyes off him. She smiled the whole time. And cried a moment too.
I went forward to read the second reading. You know the one. The letter from Paul to the Corinthians. I know it by heart so I got to spend a lot of time saying the words to Mary and Matt. She kept on smiling, and sniffling!
Aunty Reenie read the Prayers of the Faithful that Mary wrote. We all cried thinking of Nannie and Grampie and Grandpa and Nana.
We sung the Prayer of St Francis, my song, and Whom Shall I send, Julie's song. The music lady sang the Irish Wedding prayer for Mary and Matt.Donnie played and sang his song for Mary.
We all got a kick out of the wedding rings. Mary's was tooooooooo big. Matts was tooooooooooo small. Father Mark eventually figured out he gave the wrong ring to each
spouse. Jeff the poor Best Man almost couldn't even get the rings. They had been protectively wrapped in enough tissue to cushion a fall from an airplane.
Jamie had the best view in the church as he got to serve as alter boy. I tried to take everything in at once. My Tim so proud to escort his grandmother down the aisle. Poor Nena, her first big event to attend without Henry. Eileen and Reenie, my bestest friends since childhood. They have been at every major event...
Marge and Dave made it. The sweet little girls from England. Jason and Yong. Louise and Chris looking both so lovely and so happy. (They had given the rehearsal dinner the night before at the Hitchingpost. It was relaxing and fun even if I did have to sit with the priest and correct Joe when he began to discuss his underwear at the table, Father pretended not to hear but he began choking on his roll))
I felt my parents presence especially while I read. Daddy taught all the Lectors in Hanson, myself included. The priest said "Susie" did a nice job reading. Of course he doesn't know me as Susie, only a few bunny friends and Donnie still call me that. But Daddy always did...
The bride and groom kissed and oh no it was all over. Mass can seem endless on a Sunday. Why did this one fly by so fast?
After a quick receiving line the Bride and Groom climbed into the Model-A. And then Maria, famous for her perfect timing, gracefully and definitely BROKE DOWN just as she pulled from the church parking lot, successfully blocking traffic from both routes 27 and 58.
And like a Chinese fire drill bride and groom hopped out of Model-A and into checker cab. The two Kates hopped out of the cab into the groomsman's convertible. Doug pushed the Model-A down the hill and we were off.
Yup, the hearse hadn't yet removed the body.
I was picturing Mary and her Dad arriving in the Model -A and having it breakdown and block the hearse from leaving (I was prophetic btw). I tried to pull myself together to present to the world a picture of dignified grace. Mothers of the Bride should be dignified and classy and elegant, at least until the dancing starts. I had promised Mary no cleavage or Tiara. I wore a long plumb colored sheath dress with a black lace overlay that sparkled with beading (and very loose glitter that left a trail behind whenever I sat!)
Tim, Corey and the other groomsman had all practiced their ushering skills the night before at the rehearsal. But none of the guests were in a hurry to go in. They all lingered, first in parking lot, and then, after the funeral left, the guests moved to the inner foyer, right outside the church, talking and hugging and laughing.
Father Mark had to shoe us all in when the Bride arrived! In a few frantic moments everyone was in place and Mary came into the little bride room (ok its the confessional!)
I tucked her vail into place and stepped back to admire her. Don caught my eye and we both remembered the very first second we saw her on the day she was born (she showed up in this world 14 days late after 44 hours of labor, she managed to arrive at her wedding right on time however, Godbless Aunty Maria!)
The Ave Maria began and Louise and I had to take our places. Now I originally wanted them to play How Great Though Art when I walked down the aisle. But of course you cannot have too many in-jokes at the wedding. Then the bridesmaids and grooms began their walk.
My Julie was smiling and a little giddy. She stood about a foot and a half taller from her groomsman! Her hair was pulled back from her face and held by a pretty butterfly clip. Although she towered over all the bridesmaids (and all but the best man) she was the youngest bridesmaid. The other girls had their hair carefully styled and pulled up. But Julie's hair hung freely half way down her back. She wore no makeup. (Lucky for her as she cried every second of the church service from the moment Mary entered).
The two Kate's came next with their groomsmen. Cousin Kate with her stunning hairstyle and her stunning cleavage! (It didn't seem fair to me that she got to bring hers and I had to leave mine at home!) She had missed all the shower preparations because of college and had felt she wasn't doing enough. But her help in the morning at the house made her one of the most valuable players!
Kate Harding had her hair done in curls like the other girls. But her hair was a little bit darker and just a little dramatic. Oh my sweet shy Katie, really another daughter to me! She and I had more fun slaving away over the shower prep!
Miss Nikki escorted by Joe and Toothy rushed down the aisle after the big kids. (There were many pretty girls at the wedding and a ton of cute ones. But there were only two elegant ladies there. One was Matt's friend Lindsey who is a ballerina and has legs that are about a mile long!) The other elegant lady was 11 years old. Nikki had her hair braided and curled atop her head and she looked like a princess. Not a cute little girl playing princess. But real honest to goodness royalty!
Holly walked alone ahead of the bride. Our maid of honor was so lovely. She looked calm cool and collected. But she was the one stuck remembering every little detail and had totally rescued us with her emergency kit of needle and thread and pads and dental floss and tylenol!
We all then arose. And there SHE stood, radiant, at the entrance to the church. Donnie held out his arm to her, looked down, said ready -and then they came.
I wept.
Donnie cried a bit as he lifted her vail and kissed her. (I adjusted the vail in back) he took her hand and turned to Matt and placed it in his.
'It's going too fast' I thought.
Mass began. Corey read the first reading. Mary never took her eyes off him. She smiled the whole time. And cried a moment too.
I went forward to read the second reading. You know the one. The letter from Paul to the Corinthians. I know it by heart so I got to spend a lot of time saying the words to Mary and Matt. She kept on smiling, and sniffling!
Aunty Reenie read the Prayers of the Faithful that Mary wrote. We all cried thinking of Nannie and Grampie and Grandpa and Nana.
We sung the Prayer of St Francis, my song, and Whom Shall I send, Julie's song. The music lady sang the Irish Wedding prayer for Mary and Matt.Donnie played and sang his song for Mary.
We all got a kick out of the wedding rings. Mary's was tooooooooo big. Matts was tooooooooooo small. Father Mark eventually figured out he gave the wrong ring to each
spouse. Jeff the poor Best Man almost couldn't even get the rings. They had been protectively wrapped in enough tissue to cushion a fall from an airplane.
Jamie had the best view in the church as he got to serve as alter boy. I tried to take everything in at once. My Tim so proud to escort his grandmother down the aisle. Poor Nena, her first big event to attend without Henry. Eileen and Reenie, my bestest friends since childhood. They have been at every major event...
Marge and Dave made it. The sweet little girls from England. Jason and Yong. Louise and Chris looking both so lovely and so happy. (They had given the rehearsal dinner the night before at the Hitchingpost. It was relaxing and fun even if I did have to sit with the priest and correct Joe when he began to discuss his underwear at the table, Father pretended not to hear but he began choking on his roll))
I felt my parents presence especially while I read. Daddy taught all the Lectors in Hanson, myself included. The priest said "Susie" did a nice job reading. Of course he doesn't know me as Susie, only a few bunny friends and Donnie still call me that. But Daddy always did...
The bride and groom kissed and oh no it was all over. Mass can seem endless on a Sunday. Why did this one fly by so fast?
After a quick receiving line the Bride and Groom climbed into the Model-A. And then Maria, famous for her perfect timing, gracefully and definitely BROKE DOWN just as she pulled from the church parking lot, successfully blocking traffic from both routes 27 and 58.
And like a Chinese fire drill bride and groom hopped out of Model-A and into checker cab. The two Kates hopped out of the cab into the groomsman's convertible. Doug pushed the Model-A down the hill and we were off.
Pictures
Ok it is difficult for me to figure out how to get photos from camera to disc, from disc to Picassa, from Picassa to Blog without Mary. She should be calling me every day from her Honeymoon. Doesn't she know I may need her advice? Hmmmmmphhhhh.
I wonder how long the prof. photographer takes to have her pictures ready?
I wonder how long the prof. photographer takes to have her pictures ready?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)