One Wedding Request

A year ago, when Brooke & Alex chose their wedding date and that was shared with me, there was one more thing. Brooke said, "I have one request for my wedding [I'm thinking wedding detail requests], you have to come with a date." 

There it was, spoken into the universe.

"Brooke, I will handle all the details of your wedding and I want to be Mother of the Bride your wedding day, not worrying if a date is having a nice time." 

I'm pretty sure I remember her smiling saying, "find a date." 

Not ready to date, I zipped through my mental checklist of guy friends who would make a nice date. A date to my daughter's wedding is more significant than a dinner date. It also crosses over into my professional life. 

Fast forward one year ... 

I'm a private person. I keep what I want under lock and key until I am ready and a lot isn't necessarily shared in this blog.

Yesterday, Brooke text me she locked her keys in the car and I had her spare key. We stopped by my storage unit and I text her back, "Found it! We'll be there in 10 minutes."

I knew she didn't think a single thing of that.

When she walked out her door to come outside, there I sat in his fabulous Jeep with the doors and top off. It was fun to see the registration on her face and she acknowledge her shock with some sort of funny comment, because she is funny and I introduced them.

"Brooke this is Brian, Brian this is Brooke. Brian is going to be my date to your wedding." 

This wasn't the way I was going to introduce him to family, but the opportunity presented itself. Brooke should be the first to know, it's been really important to her. 

We've been dating. 

Engagement Photos

Brooke & Alex

One month until their wedding ... 

Last Sail Before the Veil

Brooke's bridal shower, the last sail before the veil, was FABULOUS!!

We took a Victorian Tea cruise on a boat fully decorated in linens and Victorian Tea decor on a hot summer day, perfect for being on the water. When I stepped onto the boat, I was stunned looking around and taking in the detail. Impressed the special touches taken for this theme cruise. 

A harp and harpist, fresh flowers on every table, linens, hats & boa's, cookies and specialty treats, and a delicious light lunch, the setting was uniquely perfect for Brooke's bridal shower.

Laughter and conversation, we played a couple of cute shower games with nice prizes, and Brooke opened thoughtful and generous gifts.

Everything was absolutely perfect and Brooke beaming with delight. It was everything I could want for her. 

My beautiful daughters. The pride and relief I have as a mom for both of them being in good places in their lives as independent young women and both happy with the ones they love. What more can you want for your kids, but their happiness and their hearts. That's what truly matters. 

In less than one month is the wedding and I am just now remembering, I never posted Brooke & Alex's engagement photos. Life has been extremely busy. 

Her bridal shower down, the Bachelorette party to go, and her wedding in less than one month and this little Miss is about to be a Mrs. 

"Mom-mom"

In my shoes, in my purse, I love that she knows the routine. Opening my wallet and pulling out my cards, she held my drivers license, tilted her head slightly smiling and said, "Mom-mom" in an endearing way. 

I love the names she calls me. Each name I would have never guessed, but I love it most she has her own for me:  Ma, Mamma, Mom-mom. 

Rowan patiently waits his turn, then smiles and coo's and does his best to want to talk, too. 

What a wonderful season in life.

Two, Two, Too Cute

Sofia is 2 years, Rowan is 2 months, and they are simply too cute, these littlest loves of my life. 

Two years went by in a blur of thousands of photos and memories that have made us best of friends. 

She is beautiful and perfect in every way. Fiercely passionate and headstrong, yet smothers brother in hugs and kisses. You can tell early on what their love languages are. I am extremely affectionate, her momma is and Sofia is as well. She wants to hold and love all over Rowan, then you see her teeth grit and you know she wants to squeeze him with love. 

Little Rowan is as sweet as he can be and adores his big sister. He's a good baby and solid as a tank. It still feels unreal I have one of each. 

Happy 2nd birthday, Sofia, I love sharing life with you! <3

Chapter 49

Each of my chapters in life begin in the warmth of summer and end in the warmth of summer. Good stories just always do and so does chapter 49.

Life shifts quickly. I am packing and moving this week and while it isn't into my pretty new condo, I am going to be even farther ahead than I was last year selling my home and moving into my luxury apartment community. 

Making a fraction of a monthly payment for apartment rent (10 days only) in August, financial freedom brings peace of mind, a fresh perspective on where to go and what shall I do, lots vacation getaways and play day plans. 

It's all in your perspective.

It always feels like vacation at my apartment community with the pool, activities, and clubhouse amenities, but now I have a cook, housekeeper and butler. ha ha

I babysat my sweet grandbabies, Rowan for the 1st time. It's literally been decades since I've had two babies and it was easy. Busy, but easy. Rowan is happy and passive and did far better than I imagined 8 hours without his momma.

Smiling and coo'ing, he loves to hear how handsome he is and how much I love him.

Sofia is crazy about her brother. She tends to him and loves to hold and give lots of kisses. She is still my baby, too, and reminds me of how Brooke used to be, happiest when she was in my arms. That's Sofia. She is as affectionate as me and happiest be held, snuggled, and with my constant attention.

Sofia turns 2 years old this weekend. 2. She is 2 years of absolute joy! 

She sucks in her breath, "Oh, wow!" when she looks at my dangling earrings. I remember being a little girl and liking that my grandmother was fancy. Sofia likes dangling, blinging jewelry and I find no matter what I wear to see here, I wear earrings she enjoys.

I always tell her one day when her ears are pieced I will buy her fancy earrings, too. Let's be honest, I will buy her diamonds, I know she likes fancy things already.

I'm ready to move. Ready to make the most of chapter 49 in my life and enjoy the benefits of the twists and turns that life always brings.

Welcome August! I love August, September, and October, and I absolutely love this gummy smile. <3