Holly's wedding -45 days away!

Someone recently told me that Bloggers are supposed to write a BLOG a day! My response was, “Seriously!” How could any Mother of the Bride have time for that? Oh what fun it is to ride in my MDX all over Houston -or wherever the appointment is on that particular day. Oh wait...that's a Christmas song! Goodness! See. I can barely remember the date, other than I have 45 days from today to plan the wedding of my daughter’s dreams! There have been times recently I’ve had a funny, good or interesting thought I’d love to share on my BLOG. I’ve imagined how convenient it would be to have a built in recorder that would send my thoughts directly to my BOLG. Then I instantly thought, be careful what you wish for Chandra!    



Oh… I’ve been busy writing- a book! New Hope Publisher and I finished all the details on my first Inspirational book for women titled, Church Lady-Freed to be a Woman of God to be released March the 6^th! Mini sales pitch-Life Way Christian stores will spot light the book April 9th-May 2^nd.  The book will be a great Mother’s Day gift for your moms, sisters and friends! I’ve also just finished writing Joy(Full), a Bible Study for teen girls based on the book of Philippians (in the Bible). The deadline for the finished manuscript was December 30^th.  Praise the Lord…I met the deadline!



Somewhere in the middle of all that was Christmas. With Lindsey being married now, we had Christmas Day without her. When I realized she wouldn’t be with us on Christmas Day for the first time since she was born…I cried and that’s when I realized this is only the beginning of coordinating; trying to please everyone during the holidays for the rest of my life! Ha! I’m happy to report, everyone was happy this year.



Now here we are 45 days from Holly and Caleb’s Big Day. Let me catch you up. The Tuesday after Lindsey’s wedding, (Yes, there was no rest for this MOB!), Holly and I got busy finding a venue and deciding a date. You can’t do much until you have these two decisions confirmed. The next most important item on the list is “the dress”. We didn’t want to take anything away from Lindsey so without her knowledge, Holly and I went wedding dress shopping the week before Lindsey’s wedding.  It can take up to three months to get a wedding dress in and although Houston Bridal gave us a February 1st arrival date I am happy to report Holly’s dress came in last Thursday! We went into Houston Bridal to try on veils (one of my favorite moments as the MOB), and when we arrived they told Holly they had a surprise for her. When we walked into the dressing room expecting to try on the sample dress, much to our surprise HOLLY’s DRESS was there! Another wonderful surprise was that Jenny, the seamstress, was actually at the store and without having an appointment she had time to pin the dress! Believe me, when you can get two things checked off the list at once…it’s a great thing!



Holly looks like an angel in her dress! It’s absolutely perfect for her. Seeing my Holly dolly in a wedding dress and veil…well, it just seems like a dream BUT IT’s NOT! My baby girl, my Holly dolly is getting married and she, like Lindsey, will be a beautiful bride! The girls have such different taste in style which makes the whole planning process challenging but fun; exciting for sure.



Holly’s wedding will be an outdoor wedding with a vintage flare. Think blush pastels and romantic chic with a natural setting surrounded by one hundred year old oak trees.  I don’t want to give it all away for our guest but there will be personal touches that will make Holly and Caleb’s wedding absolutely Holly Style! It’s so fun and I’m enjoying every minute.



However…last week I have to admit I had a day of anxiety. My chest hurt and I had to breathe into a paper bag! One of my best girlfriends called that day and I unloaded on her. (Thanks Lenise!) I had become overwhelmed with all the details, finances, and wanted desperately to understand Holly’s vision.  She’s creative and knows what she wants. The key will be for me to know her vision so I can make it happen.



 Lindsey say’s often, “Mom, my wedding was more than I ever hoped it would be! I loved it! It was so beautiful and fun! You and dad are the best and I appreciate you so much. Thank you!” Well of course, I want Holly to say the same thing after her wedding.  But two within 4 months…perhaps you can understand the reason behind my anxiety attack!



I’m happy to report the next day I got my focus back and had a come to Jesus moment. When we keep the Lord the center of our thoughts and our life He does what nothing or no one else can…He settled me; calmed me and gave me peace through His Word.



Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 4-7



We praise our Father for He has and continues to answer our prayers. This week we found the instrumentalist, (so happy to have them from 2^nd, our church family!), got the vintage lights and many of the other little details have come together. Whew! I feel much better now.



Today we are going to pick out the table linens and then we can take a mini break next week while I prepare to speak at a ladies retreat January 27-28. God is good!



Sorry this is such a long BLOG! Remember, I’m use to writing books!



Much Joy!
The Mother of the Bride