Tag: wedding

Less Than Thirty (30) Days – Fifty Plus Going On Fifteen

I am en-route to Denver for client meetings, and I have put together most of what I need to blog while traveling since there is no way to open and use a laptop. I do love my Fire tablet since it is faster and more flexible than my old Android. What is on today’s list to blog?

Less than thirty (30) days to go before my little girl becomes a bride and many emotions and memories hit me as the big day comes closer. It only seems like yesterday when I held her for the first time in my arms, taught her how to ride a bike, took her to the emergency room, coached her first softball team, and the list goes on and on.

My children had to grow up as part of a military family, and once I retired from the military, I have traveled much of my career. In many ways, I feel I shortchanged my kids, but at the same time, we were able to keep my bride of thirty plus years home for much of that time. These were the cards dealt.

Since my kids were born we have lived in Georgia, South Dakota, Iowa, and for the past 12 years in Missouri. I always thought that this would make them more socially outgoing since with relocation comes the need to make new friends when you relocate. I was wrong in some aspects but accurate in others.

We relocated to Missouri 12 years ago since my daughter was going to Missouri State University and my employer wanted me to take over corporate management responsibilities. I believe this was the best decision we could make since the area we lived in was transitioning into a retail sector which would limit our kid’s futures.

My daughter worked with and for me at my prior employer as she went to college, and after she graduated, she ran our equipment purchasing, installations and sales support areas since she could not find an opportunity in her field of study. She moved on to use her skills with a local company after an investment group bought our company.

For years I heard how she could not find a guy that met her expectations, etc. and guess what, she did about the same time she transitioned into her new position. Of course, mom and dad told her that would happen but what would we know.
They have selected a beautiful venue near Brandon Missouri where the get married in a giant treehouse, and they have a winery and brewery on site. The package negotiated includes reception, meal, drink to a set limit, DJ, and a skinny road that allows only one car at a time.

The wedding is in mid-September so the trees will be full but not turned, and we do have the option to use the outdoor wedding area of need. Decisions, decisions.

The plane landed in Denver without incident and after a broken luggage carousel and eating for the Hertz bus, I picked up the rental and checked in early. My first client meeting went well so now I need to dig into training after dinner.

My daughter called, and it looks like we are canceling the appetizer for the wedding since we Re under the reception meal attendee max, and we are still trying to figure out motels, vans, and who knows what else.

Under 30 days and all seems to be going as well as possible. We are all excited for the day and to get the day over. The honeymoon location is Hawaii since the hurricane wiped out St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands and today there is a hurricane heading for Hawaii. The lava flow has already impacted where they are staying so I hope the storm misses the islands.

Thanks for listening to me ramble on about my daughter and her wedding.

Do you have any new wedding or honeymoon comments?

Just finished dinner at the hotel and had some excellent trout and tasty mushroom soup. Best head up to the room and get some work done. I love being fifty plus going on fifteen.

Have a great one. J

My Little Girl Is Getting Married – Fifty Plus Going On Fifteen

Oh My, A Wedding

Sooner or later it was going to happen, and I am happy to say that my daughter accepted a proposed to in early December. We were unable to inform anyone until after Christmas, but I am quite pleased.

The gentleman that proposed to her is an active Army Reservist, Police Officer in a large metropolitan area, and a mature adult. My daughter is a responsible professional at a local business that travels for work.

We have discussed the how both are not only marrying each other, but they are also joining families and professions. Marriage is always a challenge requiring much work, and I believe they have what it takes.

My daughter and bride have been busy as bees planning since the initial announcement, and the goal is to schedule the wedding before the end of 2018.

Planning and scheduling a wedding in less than twelve (12) months is a significant endeavor but I believe they will be successful since we have had tighter challenges.

  • To date, the search for a wedding venue has been successful, and although there were numerous options available supporting the schedule they have decided to use a small lodge in the Ozarks.
  • The lodge is quite reasonable and includes many of the side expenses associated with a wedding including the preacher, reception, etc.
  • I was asked to take pre-engagement pictures at a local park so they could purchase the “Save The Date” cards and make a selective Facebook announcement.
  • This weekend my daughter and I are going to the lodge to check out the winery since I have been a spectator at this point allowing them to do what they want because I do not have a clue.
  • During the past few days, the bridesmaids have verified participation, and it appears as though they have selected a bridesmaid dress that is not ugly.
  • I am not sure what the wedding dress status is, but I am sure that will be wrapped up in short order and within budget. We will see how this progresses.
  • Today the question of the day was in regards to the father of the bride dance and my choice was the Warp Dance from Rockey Horror. This selection would be fitting and fun I believe, but we will see.

I Hope The Rings Are Not Misplaced!!

The guest list is in progress, and we are many hours away from our immediate family, so we are not sure how many family members will attend. This number will be firmed up in time.

  • We are lucky that our daughter’s grandparents met he fiance although my mother met him during her final hours. My mom would have been happy with the pending nuptials.
  • I doubt my father or sister will come to the wedding since they don’t travel but I am confident my wife’s parents will be here. Unluckily, my wife’s siblings probably won’t attend.

We have come along way since my daughter learned to ride a bike in Georgia, played her first slow-pitch softball game in South Dakota, went on her first date in Iowa, and attended her first day of college in Missouri.

There are so many fond memories that are ingrained in my head and heart. The pets, band-aids, sour kids, VHS rentals, roller blades, laying in the grass watching the stars, and the list goes on.

With nine (9) months before the wedding, we have an extensive to-do list, and I am sure we will experience much emotion. I am confident we will make it through this challenge like we have many before.

What Will The Grandkittens Think?

Many of you have gone through the process of your daughter getting married, and I am somewhat at a loss on what to expect.

  • Will our relationship change with our daughter getting married?
  • Is it more fun to have grandchildren than children?

Please provide comments, and I wish you health, safety, and success. It sure is great being fifty plus going on fifteen.

Jay Patterson