The BIG day

Friday, May 4th 10:00 am

I had to go pick up ice cream for the reception.  A quick 30 minute errand.  Or so I thought.  I decided that I better stop and pick up a white bra.  Since I don't own one.  Gateway mall was on the way so I decided to just make a quick stop.  Just before I got there my car overheated.  I pulled into the parking garage, and called my husband who then had to call the shop and figure out how we were going to get the car to the shop, pick up the ice cream, and get home and ready for our big day.  Not fun.  What should have taken me 30 minutes, took me over 2 hours.  By the time I got home I had already cried a few stressed out tears.  I got home about 12:15, threw hot curlers in Pajha's hair, touched up my makeup and waited for my niece to arrive to do my hair.

2:15 pm

We arrived at the Temple, got all checked in, took the kids where they were supposed to go and started getting ready for the sealing which was at 3:15.  I felt... nervous???  I had serious butterflies going on.  When it was time we were taken into a room filled with family, friends and loved ones.  It was AMAZING to see so many familiar, faces.  Some I hadn't seen in YEARS even. I made a pact with myself that I was not going to cry.  There is nothing about me crying that is pretty.  I did pretty good too, I was amazing that I somehow kept my "cool" even when the kids were brought into us.  Although that could have been because I have a comedian for a daughter who lightens the mood and has everyone laughing in any situation.  This day was no different.  She is a riot.  My friend told her "You look so beautiful!" and her response was "yeah, I get that a lot".  sigh.  What managed to break me?  Grandma.  I blame her for getting me started.  Something she said to me just got the tears started and then the next person I got to hug was my Uncle Jim who I haven't seen in I don't even know how long.  Then the ugly cry came (sorry Uncle Jim!!!).

4:30 pm

I got in my wedding dress, and somehow managed to be ready before my husband (????).  After standing in the hallway waiting for a bit for him to come out I decided to go check on the kids and see if they were ready to go outside for pictures, I mean honestly... I was expecting this grand entrance.  My husband standing there seeing me for the first time in my dress....  smiling, eye contact, a big smooch... it didn't quite happen that way, ha ha!  Once we were all ready, we held hands and walked outside the Temple to our families and friends who were waiting for us.  The photographer was snapping photos... my daughters response was "oh wow, paparazzi".... honestly, I don't know where this child came from.  My friend Amy and her husband Brandon took our photos that day.  I have to say, they turned out absolutely gorgeous!  I loved them all.  We got quite a few taken at the Temple (thankfully it was a beautiful warm day) and headed over to the church at around 5:30 to eat and get set up for the reception.

Here we are coming out of the Temple....

My side of the family that was at the Temple

My pretty girl

 Everyone that came, both families... this was our silly pose!

 BJay and his mom

My precious Angels

 Handsome little man!

Bjay's parents

BJay's family that came to the Temple

Me and one of my dearest friends from high school.  I haven't seen her in too long

Love you Tam!

Me and my bestie, Teresa... don't know what I'd do without her!

 Pajha and my daddy!

7:00 pm

People were arriving, and honestly it could not have gone more smoothly or perfectly.  It was so nice to have the support from family and friends, though a lot of my family didn't show, we had a really great turnout.  The kids disappeared with their cousins the majority of the night.  I later learned that my daughter was outside directing people into the church.  She told them where the bathrooms were, and welcomed them to the "Resurrection".  Ha ha.  She kills me.  At one point I almost had myself talked out of doing a reception.  I figured people would think I was stupid or it was just too much work but now that we did it I am SO glad we did.  We never got that first experience.  We never got to cut cake and shove it in each others faces.  We never got the support from everyone and honestly this meant the world to me.  I FINALLY got my wedding ;)

Amy and I

Cutting the cake.......

Grandma & Grandpa Waite

My friend Amanda & I