A slideshow of the Wedding book

Can't wait to get the book! We LOVED our photographer, Kimberley of LIGHTSTROKES Photography in Salt Lake City! LOVED her!

The Wedding 08--finally some more pics!

Okay so here's the best ones I have right now. The rumor is that Dani finally picked her professional photos out and we'll be getting the cd of those anyday now. I have no idea who took these--probably Nana.






















The Dad's...Mr Wonderful and Mr. Idaho's Dad aka The Bishop. FYI--they both hated the ties. Mr W teased, "We're pimped out."












Out of order, but o well.



















Mr. Idaho's very sweet Mom and Dad.














Us.












Mr W and the Caboose.
















the happy couple

Keep in mind, this was RECEPTION #3...She wanted only a small whipped topping cake for them...we also had 3 or 4 sheetcakes.

Yeah, Brad got her!

...dancing with her new Father in law.





Dara & good friend, Matthew...goofing off as usual.

So, someday, I will post the professional pics...hopefully soon.

A Sneak Peek

Unbeknownst to me, there are interested parties who keep checkin' my blog for pics of THE WEDDING....this is a sneak peek of what's to come soon....
It was a beautiful wedding of a cuter-than-is-legal-in-some-countries couple. And it was over before we knew it!
We left Wednesday, December 17th, for Salt Lake City Utah. It was a long 10 hour drive, but we got there without a hitch and spent the evening with Mr. Idaho's family on Temple Square, looking at lights and each other...it's hard to keep up with 15 other individuals all the time. My favorite time came when we all sat around in the Hotel lobby, watching the little kids play with the Wii that Big Josh brought with him. He asked the conceirge if we could use one of the lobby rooms' TV's and with their approval, we all relaxed and had a good visit and a lot of laughs.
The next day, was THE DAY!!! YEA!!!! We got up early, got dressed...oh wait, I just wanna put in here a small detail...the Caboose had too many goodies the previous night and barfed her guts out until 2am. We had to strip the hotel bed, put her in the shower, and I slept at the foot of the bed, ready to carry her back to the bathroom just in case.
Okay, so that's more realistic. I didn't want you to think it was all Fun N Games!
So, we got to the Temple in plenty of time. I went with Dani to the beautiful Brides' Room...think lovely mirrors, dressing gowns, chandeliers and flowers with other brides and mothers tending to them all around. It was a sweet experience. Dani had been a little anxious before, but once she got in there and dressed, a calm came over her and all was well.
Then she went one way, to meet up with Mr. Idaho for a few minutes, and I went to a waiting room to greet other guests. We waited and waited for David Scott and Tenesha to arrive, but unbeknownst to us, he had misplaced his recommend ( a must to gain entry to the temple--he later found it in his sister-in-laws' dryer), and so he was with a temple worker making important phone calls to get approval to enter. They arrived about 3 minutes before the ceremony. So like David Scott. Only then could I relax. We were all there. Me, Mr. Wonderful, David Scott, Tenesha, Dani and Brad and his family...oh and the other 45 guests. We were set to go!
It was a beautiful ceremony and once I have more pics to share, I'll elaborate more! That's it for now!
Then Christmas came and went in a blur of activity....all of these kids...yeah they willingly showed up at my house on Christmas day.
From Left to Right: Deano, Dani, Mr. Idaho, Diana, Taylor, the Caboose, David Scott, Tenesha, Daisie, and the Boofus. At Garden of the Gods, Christmas day where it was a lovely but gusty 50o. It was great to get out, get some fresh air and sunshine.
At the Reception in Woods Cross, Utah.
Related by marriage...Daisie and Jen, Mr. Idaho's ever-inquisitive baby sister. She sorely misses her big brother, and if she could, I think she'd move in with he and Dani.
The Caboose and Taylor. When should we tell the Caboose she is 7 years old and too big to be picked up?
There's one more reception tomorrow night. Then there will be no more WEDDING CHANNEL. What ever will I do???

Jack Frost is nippin', NO make that CHOMPIN'!

Jack Frost is camping out in the Rocky Mountains!
It was -25o here this morning! It's like -9 right now in the Springs...and I am lovin' it! Thank goodness for central heat--otherwise it'd be awful. But I am toasty warm inside as we get things together for the final days before the Wedding.
The weekend was busier than usual. Friday night was our Wards' Christmas Party. I baked a turkey that they didn't need and got to bring it right back home--so I didn't have to cook dinner all weekend! Then the Missionaries came over Saturday morning for breakfast. Dani made crepes and that was yummy. One of our new elders' is from Quebec, Canada. My eldest son served in his area of Laval when he was there 2 years ago--so that was a treat to have him in our home --paying it forward! I love the Elders...so do my kids. They are genuinely good young men.
Then, Dani had her final dress fitting Saturday...it is so pretty.
We'll pick up the dress today. Then Saturday night, I went with Mr. Wonderful to his work Christmas party in Denver. It was really nice to get dressed up and spend an evening with him, eat food I did not have to cook or clean up after! And it was Yummy! Then the Company had random drawings for special gifts like cameras, tv's, ipods, and gps's. There were over 600 people there and only 10 giveaways. Mr. Wonderful and I are not "lucky" in things like giveaways, generally. But get this! When I saw the gift table with the GPS on it, I said, "I need that, I'm always lost!" (Just ask my kids or Nannette-- I always seem to take the "scenic route" when I drive--no kidding!) So we sat at the table, had dinner, watched a ridiculous employee "talent show" (my 7 year old is more entertaining, really)...then came the Drawings...the CEO read the names off of a "previously name drawn list", then that person would come and pick a number out of a hat...the number corresponding with a gift.
I was pretty surprised when they called out Mr. Wonderful's name. Then the number he picked was for a TomTom GPS!!! YEA!!! Now I will never be lost again. At least not on the road!
How cool is that?! So that was my Saturday.
Yesterday we had interveiws with the Stake for Temple Recs. I met with our former Bishop who is now a Counsellor. I love that he is familiar with me and my family. Of course, he was aware that I am a big bawl-baby when we talk of sacred things...he had the tissue out and ready for me. I can't help it and I'm too old to care if I shed a few tears in public. {Shrug} That's just who I am.
Then yesterday afternoon, I drove up to Loveland, Colorado to see Dean perform with the Special Community Orchestra. He played the violin. And it was the most awful sounding beautiful experience! He has ALWAYS wanted to play the violin--how grateful I am that someone finally let him! He even had a solo that was terrible and perfect all at once. The smile on his face brought tears to my eyes. (I make no apologies for tears, I told you). I loved it.
It was a 2 hour drive for a 20 minute performance, and I would do it again. The other performers were delightful, gracious & their smiles said it all. We are blessed by their goodness.

So after that, Dani & I took Mr. Idaho around to some friends' homes we know from when we lived in Fort Collins 2005-2006. Only a year, but we sure made some great friends there--they fed us dinner and sent us on our way. (Love to you Ray & Barb and Linda! We'll see you at the reception!)
So while Jack Frost is "nippin' on your nose" make sure you enjoy these days leading up to Christmas! It'll be over before we know it!
If I don't blog the next few days, just know I am busy with the wedding. We leave Wednesday morning for Utah and return on Friday. Can't wait!!!

Last Friday before the Wedding!

Ack! The time has flown by...the wedding is Less than a Week! Can you believe it? I have resigned myself to the fact that I will FO SHO forget something...I will either leave that "something" at home, or forget to do that "something" before we leave...either way, there will be a moment of "Dang it! I forgot!" And you know what? I hope it's something that I can go "meh--no big deal" about, and not panic or let it get me down.

Lists--I've made to-do lists, to-pack lists, to-take-with lists...'cept right now, I don't see those lists. Hmmmm.

Well, we had another dress-fitting last night. And for the record, those are not fun--not for Dani and not for me. The beautiful bride stands there, with huge floor-to-ceiling mirrors all around here, scrutinizing every seem, every puff of fabric, every line of the dress on her body. It's about as awful as trying on swimsuits! But the seamstress, Dianne, is amazing. Last night she measured some tulle for the viel she is custom-making for Dani...once she placed the veil on--my throat clamped up, tears welled, and yes, I was a mess. My girl is getting married.

That veil was magical. Sure the dress is gorgeous...but until the veil went on, it was just a "dress"...the veil made it a "wedding dress"...the whole mood lifted. Dani smiled. Awww. that's what we were hoping for...a smile from the Bride.

Okay, so I have to go find some lists, and a hairbrush!

Scenes from a Temple Wedding

This is where our family is going a week from today, as Danielle & Brad make sacred promises to one another. As Latter-Day Saints, we believe in Eternal Marriage. And the Temple is where that begins. To learn more, visit www.mormon.org.
Families Can Be Together Forever.

10 Days To Go...

And now, back to our regularly-scheduled program: THE WEDDING. I know, I know. Countdown is TEN days. Ten. Nine actually, before we leave for Utah, where these two will make promises to one another and the Lord in the LDS Salt Lake Temple there.
Things are falling into place and stuff is getting done. And before I know it, my oldest daughter will be married. And have a different last name. That's kind of a weird thought. But hey, she is over the moon about Mr. Idaho. And he is as smitten as possible with her. Harmony.com couldn't have put together a better couple to begin a marriage together.
I love her choice. Mr. Idaho is Good with a capital "G". He puts up with alot of guff from the other girls in the house--Nana, Daisie and Bee give him a run for his money. Boofus makes him look over his shoulder most of the time too. Which says alot about Mr. Idaho. If he weren't so good, we'd probably just keep our distance or act weird. But we don't have to--he is a very sincere young man who has opened his heart and given it to our girl. His folks could write a book on how to raise good kids, as Mr. Idaho and all of his siblings are truly good kids. (Kudos to Ted & Tracy!)
This is where life gets more depth and interest. When you see your kids fall in love with people you could not have chosen better for them, it makes it so much sweeter.

The Bad News is...

We got the dress. It's not the same dress we wanted. And it's too small. And there's purple blotches on the front--tailors' ink maybe? And it's not temple ready--it's too low in the back.
{SIGH} I feel let down, sad, stumped. It is a knock-off of the original. It IS a pretty gown, but it won't work for us. Wahhhhh.
We'll list it on Craiglist to recoup the mula on it hopefully.
You know that saying, "if it seems too good to be true it is" yeah, it is.
So I got on the horn and called Eternity Gowns in Utah. They're aware there are knock-offs around but didn't know about this manufacturer using their catalog pics to sell their own gowns.
The gal I spoke to said they have the gown we want in the size we want--only in Silk--and it's on clearance for $500.00 With shipping it'll be $547.00. I did call the local dealer/dress shop here, and they have the actual gown Dani tried on, but it's a couple sizes too big, but it's also on Clearance for $500.00 +tax and we'll have to alter it which can go up to $150.00...making it more expensive to buy it locally. (are you following me? isn't this ridiculous?!)
Poor Dani. She left for work in a funk. I don't blame her, I feel the same way.
So we're gonna go look at more dresses tomorrow. We have 5 weeks left. And this. bites.

Engagement Pics

Are they not the Cutest Couple? We went out to Garden of the Gods and took these--plus a bazillion more...one of which they'll decide to use in their announcement.

The Wedding Channel

It's Channel 1: The Wedding. All things pertaining to the Wedding that is happening in just 5 more weekends!

Weekend Update: The Ring. That's it right there.

She loves it.

Money-saving Tips for Weddings

We have 5 and a half weeks left til the wedding. The best thing about having a short engagement--financially--is that you don't have alot of time to think about the "extras" so you save money! I'm not kidding! And sheer panic makes you look long and hard at what is really essential...and how to get the "look" you want for Less. I sound like a TJ Maxx commercial. "The look you want for less".

Anywho, I wrote about the deal we got on the dress. If you ever pay full retail again for a wedding dress, shame on you. SHAME ON YOU! Don't do it!

As we have been planning the rest of the wedding, we've dug deep on the internet, asked friends for suggestions, directions, and flat-out help along the way.

1- The Colorado Springs reception: Old friends directed me to another gal in the Stake who does wedding receptions, so I called her for suggestions. I told her the colors Dani has chosen: magenta, black and white AND our budget. She did a holiday wedding last year in those colors, and let me BUY from her all the magenta ornaments at 30% of her original cost! We're renting the table-toppers and little things from her with a discount too.

2- The Photographer: We're using the same photographer we used for a previous family picture in Salt Lake. I was thrilled to find her available and asked for her help in customizing a package that fit our needs: www.lightstrokes.com . She'll take the formal pics at the Temple, but for the receptions, we'll have family members take pics--every family has their own papparazzi-esque member, so use them! Also, if you want a professional printer instead of say, Walmart, check out this site: http://www.mpix.com/.

3- The invitations. This can be a huge expense, and it does help set the tone for the wedding but there are bargains to be found! By doing this, we'll spend HALF of what is considered "average" on announcements. You can go to http://www.formalinvitations.com/. And I am doing the calligraphy for them.

4- Flowers. I love Flowers...the same gal we bought the ornaments from is doing the flowers for us, at a considerably less price than a retail shop. Again, ask around. Make sure the flowers you want are "in season". If they aren't it's more expensive to ship them in to your florist.

5- The Cake. Talk to the Bakery gal at your local King Soopers, Albertsons or favorite market. We found out that while "fondant" cakes are great at presentation--noone actually eats the fondant. I didn't know that. Eww. (If you've experienced otherwise, let me know!). There are ways for "buttercream" to look very smooth for an elegant look, which is what Dani is going for: simple but elegant.

6- THE DJ for the reception is a long-time friend who actually does this for dances. (Thx Matt!)

7- The Bridal Shower. We're using the "Firsts" theme. First date night, first movie night, first firght, first illness, first Christmas, first Italian meal, first mexican meal, first family home evening, first road trip, first picture framing, etc. We came up with about 30 "Firsts". We printed our own invitations, and again, I calligraphed them. But you can save money by asking someone you know who has lovely handwriting to do that too, instead of buying labels and printing them. It may be quicker, but handwriting is more personal.

And that's all I got for now. One other bit of advice to the Mothers/Wedding Planners out there: Be sure to take a break from it all every day. Otherwise your brain will shrivel up and die. SO be sure to include your friends and your friends' friends. You'll be glad you did! (I love you Nannette & Kelly!)

The Wedding Planner

This Wedding Planner looks nothing like J-Lo.

Would it be wrong of me to say I don't want this job anymore? Can I, as the Mother of the Bride, just step down and get back to my own life? My "vision" for my daughter's big day is not in anyway similar to hers....thus I am unqualified for this position. Would that work?

Because the inherent chaos that surrounds planning an emotional event like a wedding is stressing me out...I think my hair is thinning...I'm having nightmares about wedding cake...and being late to the wedding...this is totally harshing my mellow, dude.

Chocolate & Wedding Planning

I need an aspirin. Or a nap. Maybe an aspirin AND a nap. We have 7 weeks to get a wedding organized. I think I can I think I can I think...I th-th-th..what is it I'm doing? Hunh?

Ok, we ordered the dress. Check. Secured the reception sites. (One luncheon, 2 receptions--one in Idaho and one in Colorado)-Check. Reserved the Temple date in Salt Lake. Check. Set the date for the Bridal shower and print the invitations. Check. What's left? Ohhhh just a gazillion quadrillion things...flowers, cake, photographer, wedding announcements, register for the wedding, his ring, transportation to Utah, Idaho and back, I can't remember what else.

I have been online looking this stuff up until my bum is nearly as numb as my brain. I just wanted to show up in a pretty dress...that was my plan. Suddenly, I am becoming a wedding planner. I cry FOUL. This was so much easier being the groom's Mom last year. I can do this, I can I can I can...I WILL do this...and it will be Fabulous. Me, and a little help from my friends!!!

Aspirin isn't gonna touch THIS, we're gonna need chocolate.

Second Verse Same as the First!

Can you think of a more beautiful place to spend a few days at Christmas??

Last December 22nd, our family was blessed to share David Scott and Tisha's special wedding day with them in the Salt Lake Temple. It was a wonderful experience!

Now, it is looking like we may be there again this December. Dani and Brad were talking about a Spring wedding--but now it may be in December.

Thanks to Sister Ramsay (my DIL Tisha's wonderful Mom), I can do this! She was so calm and Calming to me last year, I think I can do this! I think I can, I think I can...

I love being a Mom.

The Dress & the Deal!

Dani and I found her dress today. It's advertised online at the Eternity Store, so we hunted down a store here in Colorado Springs, tried it on, fell in love with it and then got very nauseas at the pricetag of 560.00 plus 12 weeks to order it....THEN, I came home, poked around online until I found it on EBAY for $99.00 (delivery is shorter too)!!!! Brand-new from the manufacturer!

Talk about a DEAL!