Happy Halloween!

Day 181 ~ Finding each other...

As I was assembling the pictures for the scrapbook yesterday, it was easy to see why Jacquie and Dan are so well suited for each other. As they grew up, they mirrored one another's lives in so many ways. Similarities appeared in many places and it was fun to match up photos of the two of them as they eventually found each other in a little college in Colorado. The very first picture Jacquie sent to me of Dan is this one: They were still only "friends" but it was apparent they were very happy to be together...and were meant to be together...

Day 182 ~ Reprints

I want to get to Sam's Club this morning early so I don't have to wait in line at the photo reprint machine. I have a bunch of picture to copy and I want to get in and out without waiting for someone who doesn't have a clue how to use the machine! Also, I'll be dropping off the order for the engagement announcement cards with the photo of the kids at the falls...gotta run!

Day 183 ~ Shopping with Steve!

No, he didn't go golfing today so we spend the entire afternoon at the mall (he needed new pants for work), at A.C. Moore (to pick up another pack of rub-on alphabets), at Sam's Club (lemons, chunky PB & free samples!), at Walmart (shampoo, etc.), at an auto supply store (my headlight blew out), and the grocery store (Juicy Juice for Caleb). We split a hot dog for dinner - and then came home to fall asleep in front of the TV. My kind of day (seriously!!!).

Day 184 ~ A very pleasant visit!

The minute Norma and Anna arrived yesterday, we started talking about the wedding and we didn't stop (literally!) until we went to bed around 11 pm. So little time and so much to share! During this marathon discussion, Rachael stopped in with Andrea and Shenai (Steve calls them Rachael's posse!), we had dinner, the girls were transported to the bonfire at school, and we checked out photos of young Dan that will be incorporated into a scrapbook. Up early this morning for another busy day - saying goodbye to Anna & Norma and off to work! Later today I will stop and get the fabric for Stacey's dress (before it disappears from the shelf!) and put a special order in for the embroidered organza in white...hopefully, it can be found in some Joanne Fabric store...somewhere!

Day 185

Anticipating the arrival of Norma and Anna...they are driving in from Ohio today for a stop here overnight. After their weekend of family reunions in Connecticut, and a swing up north to see Jacquie & Dan, they will be stopping here again for another overnight stay on their way home. (Note to self: After a week of surprise visits, a super-busy few days at work, and meeting the new in-laws, I think I need some 'down' time this weekend. Steve is going golfing..maybe I can spend some time scrapping or reading... hmmm...what shall it be?)

The paper from Cairo

Stacey has successfully ventured back to Cairo's "Garbage City" for the handmade paper that we will be using for the invitations. She emailed me this photo...I can't wait to actually see and feel the paper! I have some ideas how we can use it but we'll have to wait and see what we can do to make it work! The paper works so well with the overall 'natural' theme...it almost looks like white birch bark, doesn't it?

Day 186 ~ Safe in NH

They made it safely back by 11:30 last night, although they did hit some snow in Vermont & western NH. And now on to today's adventures! My mission today is to purchase the celadon fabric for Anna's & Stacey's dresses. Jacquie found a pattern in the style she wanted for their dresses, which is pictured here. Tomorrow, Norma & Anna are expected to arrive early afternoon...lots to do before then!

Dear Jacquie & Dan:

What a wonderful visit! Thank you so much for jumping in the car and driving down! As you are driving north - through the cold rain and (I hope not too much) snow, I still feel your presence here, your excitement, your anticipation of the big day! Thank you for allowing me (and Steve and Rachael and all of my friends at work and back in Connecticut, too!) to be a part of your excitement. You are being careful and making thoughtful decisions. We all wish you a wonderful beginning to your life together.
Love,
Mom
(PS - And yes, Dan, May 1st will be the most beautiful day in New Hampshire!)

Day 187 ~ They're on their way back to NH . . .

After a long, hard day of making decisions...

... it's time to get into those Strawberry Shortcake PJs!

The fabric has been chosen...

After lunch today with some friends, Jacquie, Dan & I went fabric shopping - a very successful venture! The sage green is now officially been replaced with the color 'celadon', which Dan is telling us that he can see as green, not gray, not beige...green! Success! So this fabric was chosen for the bridesmaids' dresses, with a skirt of sheer organza with embroidered flowers and a scalloped hem edge. We are waiting to find out if the organza is made in white (this is ivory). If it is, then we will get the same embroidered organza for Jacquie's skirt; if not, it will be a plain organza over a white satin gown.
We also stopped at a linen and party rental supplier and checked out the colors of the table linens, napkins and chair covers. After much discussion, the decision was made to go with white chair covers, white napkins and green (they call the color 'light olive') table covers...which will complement the stones, the birch log votives, the lily of the valley sprigs...I think Jacquie is starting to "see" the whole picture now. And Dan is very supportive...(and he does the dishes, too! What a guy!)

Day 188

Just a quick note to report that Jacquie & Dan arrived sometime after 1:00 AM this morning. They are both sleeping in and will meet me today for lunch and then for a little shopping at Joanne Fabric. (But before I leave for work, I'll sneak in to see Jacquie's ring!) Do you think it looks like this? I'll let you know!
UPDATE: Her ring is similar, but not the same (after all, it is custom-made!)...

Before the clock strikes twelve...

Jacquie and Dan should be arriving tonight by midnight...they want some "alone" time (and have two days off) so they thought an 8-hour road trip would be just the ticket...SO! As you can imagine, I have a few things to do today (like changing sheets and cleaning the tub!). They are planning on staying until Tuesday so check back...I will certainly have updates and pictures! Can't wait to see them!

Update from Stacey...

Just got an email from Stacey...she's updated her webshots site - you can see photos of her latest adventures in Cairo at: http://community.webshots.com/user/bluemist38
She is pictured here with a trio of admirers from the preschool where she is doing her service project.
We miss you, Stacey!

Day 189 ~ "You've got voicemail..."

This morning, I venture downstairs to make Steve's pre-golf breakfast of English muffin & peanut butter when I check my cell phone. Last night, I had noticed that it needed to be charged and I forgot to plug it in...
Hmmm...what's this? I have a voicemail? Who is it from? Jacquie! My - she's up early! So I listen....
"Mom - would it be ok if Dan & I come down to visit...for the next 2 days?" What?!?!? Sure! I call her...but she doesn't have her phone with her...(she has told me that she leaves her phone in her bed...she uses it as an alarm clock...) I leave a message..."Sure, Jacquie - come anytime..." I am waiting for her call to let me know when...

Homecoming Dance

10:20 PM
Rachael (on the right) & her friend Andrea have returned from the dance...it's time to change into sweats & heat up hot wings from dinner...(and watch "Dawn of the Dead" or some other Halloween "classic" on cable!)...

Day 190 ~ Looking to hire...

Question: How do you locate a piano player in New Hampshire?
Answer: Send an email to every college music department in the state!
When I spoke to Jacquie yesterday, she mentioned that she didn't know how to locate a pianist for the reception. Since I was still at work at the church, I asked the pastor if he had any "connections" in New Hampshire (he's got musically-inclined friends all over the place...). He said that he did not but suggested that I contact area colleges...what a clever idea! I came home and emailed every New Hampshire college that had a music department...I already have a few responses...I imagine I will get more on Monday. Another question to answer: How do we audition? Probably the best thing to do is to have those interested in the job send a tape recording to Jacquie & Dan. This could get interesting!

Day 191

I am happy to report that the boning has straightened itself out...(that seems like such a minor detail but when lots of little details go wrong...it becomes a major issue!).
Another minor detail - and a growing obsession I have is regarding birch trees. Eventually, I will be doing the sketch for the cover of the invitation. Jacquie suggested a birch tree with a view of the lake where she & Dan are having the ceremony. So...I am obsessing over birch trees. I am on the lookout for the perfect tree as I drive to and from work. I carry my digital camera in the car now - just in case I see the one! Did you know that many birch trees grow in clusters of three? I took this picture at a local church recently - I need to capture on film the leaves on the trees before they fall! Then I will have something to refer to when I actually start sketching in earnest (that will be another stress point!). Anyway...these are my thoughts for the day. The weekend is almost here...Rachael will be coming over; Caleb is coming home...and it's homecoming in Montgomery. You all should experience a "small town" homecoming - it's a treat!

Day 192 ~ Taking shape...

If I squint really hard, I can actually see Jacquie wearing this, can't you? Well, not this one! This is the muslin pattern I will use to measure the satin and organza! Here is the beginning of the assembly...and I am relieved (so relieved) that Jacquie chose a simple design. I finished cutting out the pattern this afternoon and stitched together the skirt, the bodice and the bodice lining in a couple of hours. The zipper is not yet sewn in but, with Dee Dee standing in, I can pin the dress to her and see that the fitting is pretty accurate! Hopefully, Jacquie measured herself pretty well and this will fit her, too! I could not put the boning in tonight because I have to get it straightened out! It was coiled in a circle and was curved that way...so I coiled it in the opposite way and pinned it with a clothes pin.
Time to spend some time with my sweetie...(and CSI). Check in tomorrow!

Day 193 ~ click, click, click

All MOBs should address this issue immediately with their bosses, their husbands, their families...we need to officially submit a request for a leave of absence...from our jobs, from our day-to-day responsibilities, from our lives in general! Why, you ask? I can only speak from personal experience, of course, but I feel that my sanity has left me. I am constantly thinking of something that relates to the wedding! I think of things in the shower, on the way to work...I even DREAM about it! And when I talk to friends, they come up with the greatest ideas...but that gets me going even more! I jump on the internet to find pashmina shawls, chair covers, tiaras - you name it, I have googled it! Steve has mentioned that he thinks I am becoming obsessed with searching for things on the internet! "Click, click, click," he says, "That's all I hear anymore...!" OK - I admit it. I am obsessed! So I apologize to everyone who endures my ramblings about 'the wedding'...Just take my hand and tell me to relax...and that will be my cue...

The moms will meet!

And - by the way - I think I failed to mention that Dan's mom and sister are stopping in for an overnight visit next week on their way to Connecticut for a family reunion. And, yes, this is the first time I am meeting Norma. Nervous? A bit. But anxious to meet her and pow-wow on the wedding! That should be fun! Oh! And she's bringing snapshots of young Dan in diapers and riding his first bike! We are going to be assembling a scrapbook at the reception - and the beginning of it will be a montage of photos of the two kids when they were kids! Lotsa fun!!

Day 194 ~ Introducing Dee Dee!

She has arrived! I'd like you all to meet Dee Dee (as in "Dressmaker's Dummy"). She'll be living with us for the next few months...first as a proxy for Jacquie and then, later, for Stacey. Dee Dee's size can easily be adjusted (by use of screws and wing nuts) - which is quite handy since my two girls are proportioned quite differently!
Over the next days and months, you will see her in various stages of dress...as I endeavor to fashion this gown for Jacquie...

I have adjusted Dee Dee's height to match Jacquie's diminutive stature and see that the 'undergarment' is quite long (I had to tuck it under at the waist a few times...). That will need adjustment...but this is a minor detail at this point! We are moving along on schedule and attending to things as they present themselves. That's the only way I know to keep my sanity!
[And thanks again to my friend, Bernadette, for allowing me to borrow Dee Dee. I will be eternally grateful!]

Day 195 ~ The first cut is the deepest...

Cat Stevens wrote it, Rod Stewart and Sheryl Crowe sang it, but I did it! I made the first cut today...and, gee whiz, you'd think I was cutting satin or organza! It was just muslin - plain, old cotton muslin...but it will serve as the pattern for the real thing! I didn't get much done, though. It's going to be a slow, slow process...
Good thing I have (what is it now?) 195 days!

The Foundation

Yes, that's what they used to call underwear 50 years ago...and it really was back then! Weddings are all about tradition so it's only fitting that the wedding gown's most important feature - its foundation, you might say - has been around forever. Hoop skirts and bustles...yep - that's what we have here. But it wouldn't be a wedding gown if the skirt didn't swish and swing! And thanks to my friend, Stefanie, who I worked with in CT, I don't have to make or buy one! So THANK YOU STEFANIE for this - the most important part of the dress!

Designing the Dress

Looks simple, doesn't it? Yes, it does! Well, I certainly hope it is simple! It is described as a strapless A-line gown with three bands of ribbon at the waist and a sheer organza overlay skirt. My first step in the creation of Jacquie's gown is making the test bodice with a white muslin fabric, including the zipper, the lining, and even the "boning" to hold it all up! I will be starting tomorrow. My friend will be bringing in her "dress form" that I can borrow...and I am so grateful! I can adjust it to Jacquie's measurements so it can "try on" the gown, and it won't be just hanging on a hanger for months. I have to warn Caleb when he comes home about the "woman" standing in his room! : )

Adventures in Cairo

Top: Stacey driving a camel past the pyramids
Left: Stacey with Nile River sightseeing boat captain
(You can click on the pictures for a close-up view)


Last night, I emailed Stacey in Cairo. And she emailed back! She said, "Let me call you!" I said, "OK!" She was emailing me from an internet cafe a couple blocks from her apartment so she had to run home first to get her headphones. Why? Because she calls me through a hook-up with the internet! Finally, the phone rings and I hear Stacey say, "Mom?! It's Stacey!" I have not actually talked to her since August...it was wonderful to hear the excitement in her voice...(and Egyptian men in the background speaking Arabic!). She starts telling me about her experiences in Cairo (her week-long visit with a Bedouin family, her donkey-cart ride, her camp-out in the Sahara, her relief that Egyptian men aren't attracted to her body type ["No one has touched my butt!"], her upcoming cruise down the Nile River, and her month-long travel itinery - Syria, Lebanon, and "hopefully" Israel) in November, and - of course - her classes. Yes, she IS taking classes... OK - so the reason we wanted to talk was to discuss the "paper chase." When Stacey first arrived in Egypt, she discovered a section of Cairo called "Garbage City" (which is another story!) where they recycle trash (makes sense!) and produce handmade paper products: cards, sheets of paper, etc. She purchased a pack of blank notecards and then mentioned to Jacquie that she thought they would be cool to use for the wedding invitations. So, last night, I detailed for Stacey the number, size, and other requirements of the aforementioned cards. Today, Stacey will be taking a 20 pound taxi ride (it will cost 20 pounds!) and a 15 minute walk to get to "Garbage City" to get the cards we will be using for the invitations. Pretty cool, huh? Better than the cards for sale at AC Moore, that's for sure!

Day 196 ~ Shades of Green...& Gray

Who would have imagined...that a single color would involve so much attention...and concern?! When Jacquie told me that she was hoping to find a fabric in sage green for her attendants' dresses, I thought, "OK - that should be easy to do..." She never did like pastel colors that much - but she wants to have a color that would look nice in the outdoor, natural setting of the camp and the lake and the woods...but she also wanted something "spring-like" since the wedding is on May 1st - May Day - the day you traditionally give lily of the valley flowers to your loved ones (did you know that?). Sage green seemed to be a nice choice...
But Jacquie soon discovered during a shopping trip with Dan to Concord to register for gifts (at Target, Bed & Bath, and REI) that Dan saw things a little differently. There were no major conflicts in determining the thread-count of sheets or the style of the cookware, however. It was the color green...sage green, in particular! Unfortunately, Dan is color blind (we already knew that!) but he seems to see most shades of sage green as gray. Gray. Oh my! We can't have the groom see Stacey and Anna in gray dresses! And who knows how many other men (it's a scientific fact that more men than women are color blind...) at the wedding will wonder why we chose gray dresses for the bridemaids!! Hmmm...what shall we do about this?
Hopefully, we will be able to find a color (still in the family of sage green) that Dan can see...The solution? - we MUST have Dan accompany us in our fabric search. He MUST be with us to let us know...poor guy...I'm sure he is looking forward to that!
Who would have imagined...that a single color would involve so much attention...and concern? Not me! But it makes you wonder about how any of us - all of us - really perceive colors - and whether we see what other people see...or do we live in our own little world of colors and shades thereof - and none of us see anything the same as anyone else. Steve often says that I live in my own little world...I'm just glad that I am the queen there... ; )

Day 197 ~ Sites to See

Jacquie and Dan have chosen their photographer for the wedding - his name is Mike Sakas. His brother is Joe, their friend from college in Colorado. Mike has a great Web site that features his work (although his wedding portfolio is not yet posted...). Check it out at: http://www.usefortelling.com

Also, Camp Berea (the site of the wedding, itself!) has a site that shows the beauty of the New Hampshire wilderness: http://www.campberea.com (and...yes, that's really Newfound Lake in the photo!)

Down on the Farm...

(Click photos for close-ups)

This was the first time I met Dan - just a few months ago in May. Steve & I took them to PA's Amish Country in Lancaster for an afternoon of touring and tasting. We even learned how to twist a pretzel! Dan has a wonderful, quirky sense of humor...it reminds me a lot of Steve's! We had a fun day together...

Day 198

I know....I know...I am going to drive myself crazy with the countdown but that's ok. I finally got Jacquie's measure-
ments from her last night after she ran to Walmart to buy a 97 cent tape measure...and instructing her how to figure out where her waist is ("ok - find your belly button..."). Also, the save-the-date first draft is in the mail to her and I have access to the guest list (but there are no addresses!!!).
I got her ok to continue making the stones for the reception (see picture/click for close-up). A Word to the Wise: Not all rub-on transfers are equal! Some rub off very easily while others absolutely refuse to "become one" with the stone! Argh!!

Dan & his princess

Day 199

I am thinking that Jacquie & I may have to get together at Thanksgiving time (although she doesn't want to use any more days off than she has to...) - perhaps I can drive up to CT & she can drive down...so we can hit Joanne Fabric in Manchester and, hopefully, pick out the fabric for her gown. By then, I will have made the muslin pattern & she can try it on...and then I can start on the real thing before Christmas. I'd really like to have her be able to try it on at Christmastime....
That's what I'm thinking...
It's day 199....

200 days to go...

Yes, the date of the wedding is in 200 days. In 200 days, I WILL have made an unforgettable wedding gown, an equally beautiful dress for Stacey, original invitations using cards that were made in Egypt (thank you, Stacey!), coordinated the decorating for the reception - the tables, the tulle, the twinkling lights, helped with the seating arrangements...I WILL have completed all of my assigned tasks...including making myself a dress. I will do this all in 200 days....yes, I will!

...and so it begins

The Proposal
It has been a little over a month since Jacquie called to tell me that Dan had asked her to marry him. Actually, I already knew he was going to ask her since he called me the weekend before to ask my "permission". Very sweet, don't you think? I already knew that he was going to take her to a waterfall he had found in the area. I already knew that he had kept the ring in a safe place all summer, just waiting for the perfect time and place. And finally, the time & place was on September 6th at Arethusa Falls. He asked her if she would continue going on adventures with him. And she said "yes." They have gone on so many adventures...rock climbing in Colorado, camping on the beaches of Mexico, snowboarding the Rockies, driving cross-country from the mountains of Colorado to the mountains of New Hampshire, and now, they are embarking on the most exciting adventure of all - marriage.
The Planning - Part I
The wedding. I imagine such a wonderful day - and I pray every day that it will be perfect: Perfect weather (it's outside), perfect dress (I am making it), and perfect memories. With all of the things that might happen, and probably will happen, I pray that our memories will reveal only the most touching, most tender moments. Planning is going to be a challenge. Jacquie & Dan are in New Hampshire. I am in Pennsylvania. So many miles between us. I need measurements! I need the guest list! I need the Jacquie to be here with me! But she is not and we leave phone messages...send emails. During the first few weeks, I was literally calling her every day with dress pattern numbers, ideas for favors, etc., etc. I was going overboard...but it was so easy to get caught up in the excitement...to search every Web site for the latest idea...I had to slow down...
Things are starting to fall into place. Jacquie decided on the style for her dress and the patterns have been purchased along with the lining, which was on sale last weekend at Joann Fabric. My sewing machine, however, is being held hostage at the shop where it has been tuned up and cleaned. Steve will be picking it up this week so I can get started on the "practice" dress. This will be quite an undertaking...but I am determined to produce the perfect dress...as well as one for Stacey, who is going to be the maid of honor for her sister. Yes, this will all be quite an undertaking!