When Senior Citizens Embrace Technology

Last night, John and I enjoyed an unexpected dinner out alone.  As she was in the middle of some serious closet cleaning and re-organization, Ren decided to stay behind.  Not too far down the road - but far enough to not turn around - we realized we had left the cell phone behind.  Now, I am not someone who is perpetually attached to my cell, but I do want one with me when I am away from the house and either or both of my children are not with me.  Luckily, my parents live in the direction we were headed and provided the quick solution to our phone situation - I would just borrow my dad's for our evening out and return it on our way back home.  This also provided the previously mentioned evening out alone, as John-Heath quickly finagled permission to stay with the grandparents.

My dad, who will be 82 this October and is a fan of gadgets, managed to live 80 of his years without the use of a mobile phone.  I must say I am glad they finally have one.  If they have car trouble, they can call for help.  If they are out and one of them gets sick, they can call for help.  If I have a question about how to cook something and they are out for a  weekly shopping excursion, I can reach my mother. 

So, last night as John and I were making our way to Kabutos for dinner I happened to be snooping through my dad's phone when I decided to look through his pics.  I was pretty certain I would find several taken by John-Heath (John-Heath would take more pictures than anyone in the family if given the chance).  What I did not expect was this...

Now, I can't say for certain that he even meant to take a self-pic, but with a little practice, my daddy will be able to give every self-adoring teen and young adult a run for their money.

Seriously, though, "Happy Father's Day" to two of the best ones I know...

My hubby John and my cell phone rookie Gene

P.S.  It wouldn't be right to leave my mom out of all the fun.  Today, when I arrived at my sister's for lunch she asks, "Why didn't you bring your Facebook, Tyla?  I wanted to look at those pictures." 

Megan Gets Hitched...

...tied the knot, was able to go to the chapel, dropped anchor, was led to the altar, and if she were AA I'm sure there would have been some broom jumping.  Okay, she was married outside so there was actually never any going to the chapel, but you get my drift.

Well, friends, we had hoped that the day would be without rain for my niece's wedding and we were blessed with that and more.  It had been a little dreary and rained a bit just prior to the rehearsal, but then the sun popped out on Saturday and was nearly cloudless for the ceremony.

Megan and "her man" Jacob were married in Gallatin, Tennessee at The Grand Inheritance, a private home built circa 1790 that also now serves as an event venue.  I use "her man" sarcastically, yet with love.  Jacob's a terrific guy and Megan knows how much I hate to hear women refer to their boyfriends, husbands, etc. in that way so I couldn't pass up the chance to poke a little fun at it in this post.

The happy couple are returning today from a cruise to the Bahamas.  I know my sister will be glad she's home.  She has been going through daughter-withdrawal this past week, so much so she even asked Ren to come hang out and watch Hallmark movies with her.  Ren, of course, hates Hallmark movies so she'll have to offer more than that if she expects her to come visit. 

As promised, here are a few pics from the wedding.  Some I took, some I stole.  Megan had an awesome photographer for her wedding and I can't wait to see the rest of the ones he shot. 

Getting ready in the Bride's Bedroom at the Grand Inheritance

Megan's "something blue".

For her "something old" she carried her great-grandmother's handkerchief.  Mammy Sophie passed away six days before Megan was born.

Megan wanted a simple cross to be the focal point of the ceremony, so her Pa Gene (my daddy) made her one out of old barn lumber.  They considered painting it and I'm so glad they didn't.  I think it turned out beautiful.

"They boys" and John-Heath.  Dylan (l) and Weston (r) served as their Aunt Megan's honorary ushers and also played some musical selections on the piano for the ceremony, including "Canon in D" played by Weston as Megan came down the aisle.

John-Heath was the sign-bearer.  The heart-shaped sign was fastened to a floral, metal frame and read "Jacob, here comes your bride" on one side and "The H****...Est. June 8, 2013" on the other.  It was John-Heath's job to make sure the correct side of the sign was showing on the way in and on the way out.  He did this with perfection and eagerness.  My ever-talented and ever-thoughtful neighbor Angie gifted her calligraphy skills to make the sign. 

Megan's grandfather (my daddy) beginning the ceremony

with scripture reading and prayer

The soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs. H

Pa Gene praying for the couple

A shot inside the reception pavillion.  An open-air tent was set up just beyond those doors with another eleven tables.

More reception.  You would think I would have taken a picture of the cake.  You can see it waaayyyy over there in the background.

My hubby and our beautiful daughter Ren, who was Miss Maid of Honor 2013

Once Megan's official photos are in I'll post some of those.  Have a great Father's Day weekend, my friends!

John-Heath Turns 8

My little boy turned 8 today, but other than a trip to the local Sonic for a grape slushy at lunch, there was no celebration held.  To be honest, we are just about partied out around here, what with Ren's graduation a few weeks back and Megan's wedding this past weekend.  John-Heath said he would be fine with a day at the movies with "the boys" (his cousins) and a family dinner after that...as long as he gets a chocolate cake and some presents he is most agreeable.  So, that's what we have planned for tomorrow...Iron Man 3, "the boys", fried chicken, chocolate cake and gifts.

BTW...Megan's wedding was a success.  The weather ended up being beautiful, Ren's dress fit, and I am still walking upright (but I did change out of those heels just as soon as was possible after the ceremony).  I'll share pictures soon. 

Goodnight, friends.

A Bridal Tea for Megan

Later tonight, my only niece Megan will be getting married.  I'll be sure to post some pics next week.  The wedding is planned for outdoors at The Grand Inheritance in Gallatin, so keep your fingers crossed and say a little prayer that the weather will be good.  So far, the forecasts have called for the day to be sunny...BUT...this is Tennessee, you know, so nothing is ever certain concerning the weather.

Allow me to share with you some of the pictures taken from the tea I helped host back in April.  It was a lovely, if a wee bit chilly, day.  We showered Megan with gifts, food, recipes and well wishes, and I think she is just about set on her Fiesta dinnerware. 

Megan and Jacob

The entry - with a little arrangement I whipped together at the last minute.  This will also be used at the wedding on the table with the guest book.

Some of our guests.

The menu:

Chicken salad and crackers

spinach dip and bread

meatballs

Texas caviar and chips

fresh fruit and vegetables

chocolate covered strawberries

assorted cheeses

nuts and mints

cakes

banana punch

tea

lemon water

Yummy cakes

and yummy cc strawberries

The bridesmaids

(L-R) Kayla, Sloan, Ren and Jessie

Some family

(L-R) Me, my sister Shelia (mother of the bride), our mother Betty and Ren

Opening gifts

A memory jar for Megan.  Guests wrote recipes, advice and well-wishes on assorted pieces of scrapbooking paper and left them for her in the jar.

The decorations for the day included the wreath on the door, small vases of fresh flowers here and there, white poms and chinese lanterns hung about and this mantel.  I made the name banners from construction paper, scrapbooking paper, paper doilies and ribbon.  The "I Do" frames are made from 8x10 wood frames painted white, wedding themed scrapbooking paper underneath the glass and white wooden letter glued on top of the glass. 

Well, that's all for now.  I'm headed to bed.  The day will be getting started soon enough and I need some sleep.



P.S.  Don't forget...pray for sunshine.  And while you're at it, pray that Ren's dress won't be too short, John-Heath will remember to turn the sign around at the right time (he's the sign-bearer), and I won't fall and break my neck in my heels (I'm a flip-flops kinda girl).