Unbelievably Beautiful Wedding Week

We looked forward to, dreamed about, and dreaded this week…wedding week! So many plans coming together as only God could have designed. We spent the week creating and decorating. Greenery was clipped and brought by the bucket loads and dumped for a stocked inventory to decorate from. Lights and ladders occupied us for a couple of long days. The tent arrived and the scurrying began. Where to place the tables, the lights, the fabric, the candles, the greenery… It’s hard to even articulate what all went in to this effort. It truly only came together out of love for these two children. There were several times I looked around at the people there helping and was quite simply struck with an appreciation beyond words. Hours and hours AND HOURS of laborious work all to make their day as perfect as it could be. John and Julie Ballard’s beautiful farm was the original setting for the reception and now it was to be the place for the wedding AND reception. It couldn’t have been more perfect. Vicki Patterson, you are an angel walking on this earth. Between phone calls and multiple trips to Alex City, I don’t know what we would have done without you. You listened and dreamed with us. You offered your vast knowledge and abilities all along the way. How do I thank you for being you? You continually amaze me.

I can honestly say when I left Thursday night before the Saturday wedding, we had created what I might be tempted to call a mess. Knowing Friday was a full day with my girl, my total and complete faith, confidence, and prayers were with my little tribe of people to pull this off and know what our vision and dream was for her day. All much more capable and talented than I in the decorating realm, I trusted it would all be perfect. And, it was. They worked tirelessly Friday and Saturday pulling together what ended up being a magical setting for my baby girl. Catie Radney, your energy and devotion to every detail being perfect warms my heart again and again. Leanne & Laurie, the peace I had once you were there can’t be described. You are the voices in my head telling me, imploring me not to miss a minute. Connie Forehand, you are the reason the rehearsal and ceremony went off without a hitch. Once you were on board the wedding train with us, my worries about the actual day were over. It was go-time and every minute counted and Colin’s aunt Lisa arrives to see to any and every detail needed. Connie and James Majors, like me, you had a full week with Colin and yet you were here for every detail. I think we make a good team!

Jeffrey Long was our wedding florist and from the first meeting, he breathed calm and assurance into an area of this wedding world I knew the least about. After meeting and talking, I didn’t need to know anything. He does. Good grief his talent! He suggested we create a lighted lantern wall and I thought he was crazy – it was beautiful! Jeff – thank you for all you did before the wedding and then your presence during the wedding and the reception was icing on the proverbial cake. Hugs!

Elizabeth, Monica, Harriett, Coco, Connie – our dessert table was only possible because of your labor of love making our most favorite desserts!

I’ll never, ever be able to thank everyone enough. Never.

The Truth Is…

I don’t know that every little girl pines and dreams about her wedding day her entire life. Maybe some do, but I didn’t. Regardless, even if she only started thinking and dreaming about her special day a year or two years ago…or even five years ago, it’s still an awful thing to have those dreams dashed. Yes, I am praying prayers of thanksgiving every single day for our health so far in this pandemic. But the truth is, I’m mad. I’m sad. I’m frustrated to the point of tears several times a day. I want to scream and throw things. This pandemic and it’s dangerous contagiousness is robbing my precious girl of her most perfect wedding day. Tears as I type because I know that no matter how we try to spin this, piece by piece, plan by plan, the day she wanted and dreamed of is being peeled away. (I’ll get to the silver-lining, pie-in-the-sky truth…I just need a minute.)

Eight months ago, we fully believed this pandemic would have subsided, and she would stand in the church with 350+ of her community watching as she walked down the aisle. Before she and her daddy made their appearance, 11 bridesmaids and two little bridesmaids, with flower wreaths in their hair, 14 groomsmen, and two of the most handsome ring-bearers, would have paved her path in love to the front of the church. This child, our Anne-Marie, grew up in this city that has loved her from the beginning of her life. She has literally grown up in our church as I’ve worked there, almost her entire life. Of course, she wanted to stand before this village of love and take her vows. We picked out music and the most perfect song for her and Colin to take communion together. The flowers were simply elegant, like her. Vows are planned. Tissues in the pews. The CoVid pandemic has robbed her of this opportunity, and I’m mad at something invisible that has no soul, and it’s incredibly frustrating.

They picked out an awesome nine person band that needed a big ol’ stage and encouraged us to have a nice size dance floor because people would want to cut-a-rug. The diagrams are done. The dance floor planned. We even know how many people to expect on said dance-floor. Co-Vid says no dancing and a band isn’t recommended.

So many young brides have had to alter their plans for dream weddings. With maturity far beyond their years, these brides have acknowledged a beautiful truth of what it is that’s important about the wedding day. Maybe weddings have become too much of an event anyway and this is an opportunity to get back to what matters most.

Even amid all the disappointments, our quiet princess is clear she will marry the man of her dreams in three weeks. I’m thankful for that. Their wedding day will be absolutely beautiful, and everything God intended it to be as two people who love each other stand at His altar and enter into a covenant of love. The truth is, that’s what matters, and I’d do well to remember it.

Her Big Day Approaches

December 5th is barreling toward us and we’re so very excited and filled with every emotion under the sun. We’ve dreamed, planned, then re-planned and exhausted every version of the original plan. Still, she smiles and counts the days until she becomes Mrs. Nease. Planning a wedding during a pandemic is like chasing a moving target and not for the faint of heart. Even in the midst of my most knee-buckling aggravations, she takes it in stride, perhaps quietly sad, but knows in the end, they will walk off into the sunset together. Ultimately, they’ve understood the end game and kept it all in perspective, more-so than myself perhaps.

We’ve been extra blessed to have her home to dream and plan with her daily. Having the sisters close by and in the thick of it with her has made it even more special. I hope they one day look back and cherish this special time they’ve had together. SB and Kee have loved standing beside their big sister and have done their best to support, prop, hug, cry, and laugh along with her. Adam and Brittany have offered council and a shoulder when needed and I know will always be only a call away if she needs them.There are days I simply give thanks to God they have each other.

Bridesmaid dresses are chosen. The cake, band, flowers, venues, music, and every other known decision has been made. The bachelorette weekend was a huge success and all that she could have hoped for. Parties are underway and friends are showing up for her in ways we couldn’t have imagined. For our quiet little princess, the spotlight has been more welcoming than I think she imagined it would be.

We are in the final weeks and feeling incredibly mixed emotions. We’re excited and joy-filled and yet, I could be physically ill at any given moment. While there’s no doubt, she will forever and always be my heart and never far away, I also know life will change drastically for us. She’s been home and working for the last year, it will be lonely without her. Without her quiet talks, a glass of wine between us, discussing the day, I will miss her. We’ve laughed about me getting up early and making her breakfast and packing her lunch each day. I knew we were on limited time when she came back home last year. It’s been my joy to have another opportunity to do something for her, to wash her clothes, and say good morning as the sun rises each day. I will miss her. Many nights coming home from work and opening the door, she’s cooked dinner and the house is alive with her love and spirit. Her laughter, her smile, her hugs, her smell…I will miss her.

But…I have learned to appreciate every season of our life and this will be no different. After a few tears, I will adjust and look forward to our time together, whenever and how ever often it comes. It’s as it should be and truly I thank God every day for sending Colin to our Anne-Marie. They are precious together and she literally glows when she’s with him. How blessed is she…how blessed are we?

32 Circles

Looking back over the last twelve years of blog postings and I’ve never once penned a Happy Anniversary to my best friend and love of my life. That’s crazy and a bit ridiculous. Most likely it’s due to the challenge I face when I sit down to actually try to put into words what our life together has meant. It’s too much. It’s too big and I can’t adequately explain it. I can share that with each passing day and ultimately, the years, we have walked many roads of life together. We’ve shared some amazingly beautiful times and been challenged along the way. I have faith our children will carry on the commitment, love, and loyalty we’ve carefully cultivated in our home. We’ve traveled around the sun officially 32 times. Doesn’t seem like all that long, really (until you count the days – 11,680). I’ll happily continue circling with you as long as the good Lord allows my dear Chadwick. I love you greatly. Like, really greatly. 😉

And She’s Off to Kindergarten

 

Dear Bailey,

Oh my sissy girl! How in the world are you already going to Kindergarten? I can’t even believe it! You have so many new and fun adventures ahead as you head off to big-girl school!

You’ve spent this past year making new friends in a brand new school. Of course, you love everyone and in turn, everyone loves you right back. I know all of your teachers and friends have great big heart smiles with all the hugs and love you share with everyone you know…and even those that you don’t know. 😉

Sweet girl, your school world begins soon as you walk through the doors on your way to Kindergarten and we couldn’t be more excited, happy, scared, sad, and proud at the same time. We know you’re going to change the world with your sweet AND sassy spirit. Your family will be the ones cheering and supporting you every minute of every day and every adventure.

You go Bailey Jane…head on to Kindergarten and spread your infectious love. The world needs it!

Much, , much love!

Mimi

Kindergarten Graduation

Dear Coleson,

Today is a very special day as you are graduating from Kindergarten. Can you even believe you’re already finished with your first year in school? I can’t! This school year has been filled with exciting adventures and challenges. You started at a new school with lots of new things to learn and rules to follow. You made new friends and shared lots of laughs along the way. You’ve also seen an unexpected end to your Kindergarten school year when the Co-Vid 19 pandemic showed up. Oh well, you plowed ahead living your best life at home with mommy, daddy, and Bailey. I think you even said a prayer of thanks to Jesus for the virus and being able to stay home…good stuff, little buddy!

In addition to all the school adventures, you played soccer, basketball, and were beginning baseball practice. We love watching you do the things you love!

Coleson, you are loved so very much by a great big family and we can’t wait to watch you march into first grade next year and all the wonderful adventures that await. We will be there as your biggest fans and cheerleaders every step of the way.

Lots and lots of love!

Mimi

Birthday Perfection

It’s late and I’m pooped but I cannot go to bed without somehow sharing the emotion from today. I’m beyond blessed with the most loving family. When you begin to tick off the 50’s, birthdays are blessings but hardly monumental, unless you are the momma to the Wendling children. I truly had the most wonderful day.

After working until after lunch, I was told to be ready to leave for an unknown destination. Vague and broad suggestions on what to wear and the schedule, and I was game for anything. After all, this is my playbook. I have planned the “Destination Unknown” trips for lots of children and families, LOTS of people. I’m totally game for the adventure! We piled in one car with nothing more than bottled water and less than 1/2 of a tank of gas. Heading out of town to tunes from MY playlist (major honor) brought back lots of memories. Let it be known, no one in our car cared one wit about pitch, tone, or being on key – singing loud and proud. From “We Are the Body” to “J is for Jesus”, on to Ed Sheeran and John Denver, we are a family of diverse musical tastes. Traveling the backroads where there is little to no cell service, it only briefly crossed my mind that likely no one knew where we were. Oh well, Lord, you’ve got this! Sing on!

After quite the journey, we ended up pulling in to a dirt parking lot where the sign says, U-Pick Strawberries! Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’ve been talking about picking fresh strawberries for weeks and actually figured we had missed the peak of the season. Nope. We walked to a sea of strawberry fields. From the left and to the right, rows and rows of strawberries were juicy ripe for the picking. Fun! Bucket in hand, we fanned out to find as many ripe, juicy, perfectly sweet strawberries. Before I had moved 20 yards, my bucket was full. Unbelievable! It was true will power not to sample the succulent product. Now, “some” people, (Colin), took a little longer, enjoying the on-going search for each perfect piece of fruit. No worries, warm breezes, blue skies, sweet smell of strawberries and we can wait as long as it takes. Five buckets later we leave the patch with overloaded strawberry buckets ready to be eaten.

As if that wasn’t enough, on the way home, we receive word that stopping at Peach Park is an absolute necessity. Sooo, off we go to indulge in homemade ice cream, peach cobbler, and a fabulous family environment. Diet? What’s that? Geez, birthdays are such a good excuse. Yeah, tomorrow won’t be my birthday when I step on the scale. Oh well, my children were happily eating ice cream cones and thrilled to be sitting, in the middle of nowhere, taking in all their surroundings. We trekked back home and truly I was happy and thinking the day was done. Oh no…not to be.

Back in the car at 6pm, we set off for a surprise sunset dinner picnic. We walked up to a fabulous spread of charcuterie. Seriously, between the food and outside spread, in the waning sun, on a beautiful hill was truly beautiful. A bite of this, a bite of that, and I’m thinking my pretty perfect day is set. And then…and then…the birthday icing appears as little bobbing heads coming over the crest of the hill. Coleson and Bailey are running as fast as their little feet will carry them. As always when in their presence, my breath catches and I cannot believe every.single.soul. I love most in the entire universe is here with me as I celebrate 52.

How has my life turned out like this? Without the Lord’s blessings, I can’t explain it. Seriously. I can’t. When I looked around tonight and took in how full my day was and how the ones I love most were surrounding me, it’s hard to express how thankful I am.

To each of my precious children, I thank you. Somehow, those words don’t express how absolutely perfect today was for me. I’m going to bed thanking God for each of you.

Teamwork Makes Wedding Dreamwork

Little girl dreams are slowly taking shape as reality. Since the moment she said yes, we’ve had a fantastic time brainstorming and dreaming about all “the things” she wants to make her day the mostest special. We’ve gone from busy chatter of what-ifs to solid planning and action. Date and wedding party has been decided upon, and Save-the-Date cards have been mailed, which also means we have a wedding invitation list! Incredibly thankful to have creative and willing daughters ready to jump in and put their talents to the task at hand. It helps to have an easy-going and happy bride-to-be. Now on to the rest of the pages of lists of things to do. Most of the big decisions are made and solidified. I’m ready for the fun stuff like cake tasting, picking out music and flowers.

Yesterday was a day we will remember forever as my three girls and I were able to share in Anne-Marie finding her one and only wedding dress. She was absolutely gushing when she walked out with the dress on, and while she couldn’t stop smiling, the rest of us were teary with joy for her… I felt truly blessed to be sitting in a beautiful boutique with my girls sharing such overwhelming happiness. The dress was stunning on her but the awe-inspiring, breath-taking moments were watching her realize THIS was her dress. Suddenly, getting married to a man she loves with her whole heart is really happening. Oh, words don’t express how perfect this day was, and to me, all the more perfect on Mother’s Day weekend.

A note to remember in the years to come about yesterday and where we found Anne-Marie’s dress. We walked into the shop and were immediately awe-struck with the decor and ambiance of the boutique ( I guess that’s what you call it). The owner and another lady came to greet us, and introductions led to how she came to be in little Sylacauga, Alabama. As it turned out, she was from Sylacauga. Conversation turned to who knows who, and we were tickled to find out that the owner had been good friends with Chad’s mom and dad, Coco and Papa Tony. They had spent a season of their lives working for Avondale Mills, traveling on vacations together, etc. The owner, Kim, was beyond thrilled to make the connection, and I was immediately a little sentimental at how so many family connections were all tied to this wedding. I, nor my children, ever met Papa Tony and don’t often hear about life stuff before they were born. It was extra special when Anne-Marie actually found the dress connected to so much family history.

She Said “Yes” and So Did We!

Thursday, March 26, 2020 was a picture perfect day on so many levels. Even in the midst of the frustrating pandemic, nothing could damper this day.

Back-up three weeks or there abouts….

While Anne-Marie is living at home, we enjoy occasional visits from her special guy during the week. He drives up from Auburn, where he’s in school, and pops in for dinner.  This particular week wasn’t any different than others since last August. Rie tells me Colin is coming to dinner – great! Then, I get a text from him. “Hey, are you and Mr. Chad going to be home? I’d like to come talk to you before Anne-Marie gets home from work.” Heartbeat in overdrive…he’s either coming to talk about “the question” or something much less happy. Somewhere between excited and nauseous, we set it all up. He comes in and gets straight to the point – he intends to ask our Anne-Marie to marry him. Of course I cried and we assured him we couldn’t be happier. These two have dated almost four years and he already seems part of the family. Over the course of the time they’ve been together, I continually thank God for their paths crossing. They are “easy” together and it’s quite common to see and hear them laughing, talking quietly, adventuring… a good match. Thank you Lord.

Okay so the time table for the proposal was not exactly known. Colin suggested it would be soon as he graduates December, 2020 and wants her to be with him when he starts his career. Fast forward about three weeks and we get the text on Tuesday, March 24th. It’s going to be in two days, on Thursday afternoon. He has it all planned and it sounded absolutely precious and perfect for the two of them. Two days – oh.my.mercy! I don’t have much time to think about, plan, order, make – anything! We’re in a recommended social isolation and most businesses are closed. Okay, we got this. We’re a little crafty. We can make a sign, blow up some balloons. Luckily the two sisters are home for the unforseen future and able to help with the covert plans.

Back to THE day, March 26, 2020 when a fine young man asked our precious Anne-Marie to marry him. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect with blue skies and bright sunshine. Colin successfully surprised Anne Marie by taking her fishing on Lake Harding. She obviously knew nothing of the plans as she was dressed for tanning on a fishing boat where she may or may not cast a line. He took her to a little island with a beautifully simple cross, got down on one knee, and asked her a question she will likely forever remember as the most important of her life. She is absolutely glowing with joy. It’s more than happiness, she’s consumed with sheer joy and excitement!

Both families were able to come together to celebrate the official beginning of a lifetime together. Because as these two children join in marriage, our families will forever be connected and Colin has a beautiful and loving family. Our grandchildren will be so very lucky! (Too soon, I know but it’s true!) It’s time to plan a wedding!

Two Weeks in…many more to go

The Co-Vid19 pandemic continues and numbers of people infected and dying are growing daily, at alarming rates. We’re home, still. It’s surreal to start each day with the realization, there’s nowhere to go and no one to see. We are truly trying to adhere to the guidelines set by the CDC, federal and state governments, and our local leaders. Just this week, the governor closed schools for the remainder of the school year. Most children left their classrooms for Spring Break and will not be returning. Two days ago, the governor mandated that all non-essential businesses be closed. It’s just sad…and hard.

So, we continue to try and work from home writing lessons, meeting with children and adults via Zoom, planning for the day when this dang virus goes away. It’s likely months away and after only two weeks, that seems like a very, very long time. I miss people.