Final Preparations

Our out of town guests will begin arriving today.  We are so excited and know that with this happening time is going to fly by!

Chelsea and Chadd have been dealing with disappointment that it is going to rain and be quite chilly for their special day.  We have been scrambling to change up the location, seating and even appetizer areas to keep our guests warm and dry.  I don't understand why there must be so many disappointments for these two. 

 Chelsea said that of all of the things on her wish list, 

getting married outside was at the top.

But temps in the 50's and rain make it a very bad idea.

Should the forecast change in the next 48 hours we shift back to an outdoor set up but 

until then we are busily painting furniture, making more candles and figuring out how to do 

some pretty cool things.

The flowers were delivered to our floral designer yesterday.  Most of them are fantastic.

A few were less than perfect.  But that is where a true talent shines.

Susan is making some amazing adjustments and we are very, very excited!

Did you know you can paint flowers and no one would ever know it?

Well, when you can't get soft pink hydrangea you can get white ones and create pink ones.

By the photos Susan sent over you can't tell which is which.

Pretty crafty and sweet!

I think this is going to be one very special wedding.  

Two young people who have proven their commitment to each other and the Lord

are going to say vows that bind them to each other for life.

It takes me back to the day in the hospital when Chadd was being brought out of his coma.

As the medication lightened a little he would struggle to raise his head off the pillow

and search the room with his eyes for his sweetheart.

When he saw her he would visibly relax and go back to sleep.

Over and over he sought her out until finally he was fully awake and could just stare 

at her and then signal her to come stand by his side.

He couldn't speak at that point since he was still on the respirator.

As a mom this was when I knew, for sure, that it was meant to be.

His love and commitment to Chelsea was so pure and sweet in those moments

when he wasn't even really conscious.

They have been through so much that they are starting their marriage in 

a more mature place than many.

There is much yet to come that has potential to be very hard.

But we are sure, very sure, that they are up to the challenge in the 

same way they have gotten through up until this point.

The help of the Lord and the support of so many friends.

And so, we look forward to the marriage of Chadd and Chelsea on Sunday.

I'll be the one crying her eyes out.  

Not from sadness....but from joy of the depth of knowledge of 

ALL the Lord has brought them through and the hope of what 

He will do in the future.

And the tears will be reflective of thankfulness that God brought

this God-loving, special, thoughtful, tender and caring young man

into our daughter's life.

God is so good!