Calm, storm, calm

Seems like things are in the 'calm' phase right now. There was a 'storm' awhile ago, we got the backyard landscaped for the 'Big Happy Fun Day', caused some tension in the house until it was done....money well spent! Spaces did a fantastic job, couldn't be happier! Sad note, my husband's father suddenly passed away, it will be strange not seeing him again, and sad that he wasn't able to attend his oldest grandaughter's wedding. But like my father, will be there in spirit.

Here Come the Brides!

I am now mother to TWO engaged daughters! Our youngest became engaged a few days ago, thankfully she is fully aware that planning her wedding before her sister's has even happened would cause stress that needn't be. She and her intended have decided to hold off date picking, at least for awhile.
I am grateful, although we have hit kind of a lull with the wedding that's in the works, I don't know how I could keep two going....
I think I may need a second job....

Temporary ADD

I think I may have ADD, but only temporarily. It seems like my mind is constantly on 'simmer' concerning the wedding, random wedding plans run through my head at all times, day or night. Still not sleeping long enough, or feels like it's not long enough. If I wake up, whatever the time, it is not too long before wedding thoughts bubble to the surface. Mostly, they are excited thoughts, but not always. The not always ones are the ones that keep me up. I wonder if my yard is going to be nice enough, or ready on time, can I afford it.....things like that seem to be the most current.
Another interesting thing is this is really the first wedding I've planned, and I am learning a lot. My wedding was so much of a whirlwind, and my mother-in-law did a lot of the gathering of stuff, never had to make any decisions with time to second guess myself. I don't know if that's the way I'd advise going, but changing direction three, four times is exhausting!
That's all for now....

Birch trees

J asked me long ago if B and I wanted to get some birch tree seedlings, as T could only order in groups of 10, and only needed five. Of course I said yes....the trees came yesterday, and J told me that they HAVE to be planted in the next two days or they would die......
Why isn't cloning on a temporary basis possible? I need two of me to get all of this accomplished! I promise to return the clone when I no longer need the extra help!
We may have birch tree funerals to attend later....

No dress, but more progress

So, we didn't pick up the dress, the alteration person had a family emergency and was out of town. Since J had changed phones and phone number, the wedding shop couldn't get hold of her, so she and K made the trek to Mom's before finding out there would be no dress today.
However, all was not lost. J is gaining footing on what she wants/doesn't want for her wedding, and we scoured thrift stores for old bottles and mason jars. We had pretty good success at the four we visited, but more need to be searched.  Now that I know what she wants, it will be a little easier for me to 'get stuff'.  We went back to K's house and opened a bottle of port. I had never had port, and J said she had never had one she liked. The port we had tasted a lot like raisin juice, it was different, not something I'd go out of my way to drink, but if it was offered, I would be polite and take some. Getting to spend time with my daughters and make progress on the wedding is all good.
The landscape guy is coming next Tuesday, and that is also dress pick up day, J will be hanging around to meet with the landscape designer. This will be interesting.
As to the anxiety attacks, they have dissipated, which is good, but I am aware they are lurking in the shadows, ready to strike.

2nd place is the first loser

She chose our backyard, but is not thrilled with her choice, we are the 'settle for' option.  This does NOT sit well with me, I want her to WANT  to get married in our yard!  I've told her not to use our yard if she doesn't really want it, but she doesn't seem to want to look anywhere else. So, I'm faced with spending a lot of money fixing up my yard for me, yes, but also for someone who really is just settling, how do I justify the expense?  I want my backyard to be beautiful, but wouldn't go through the added expense of finding more mature plants to make it a showplace by August. This is making me a little crazy, I want her to want to use our yard, I'm willing to spend money to make it beautiful, but don't want to go through the hassle to be the runner up who gets the crown because the winner dropped out.
We talked today about what to do in the yard, she was less than enthused, I think it's because she is sure it won't look nice enough for her wedding.  I just wonder what she is expecting exactly? I think that she wants a park-like setting, and I am ready and willing to do whatever I can to make it as close to what her dream is. I just don't think she even knows for sure what she wants, which means no matter what I do, it won't be good enough. Yay.

Anxiety attack

Been having anxiety attacks ever since my daughter started changing her mind about almost everything. My younger daughter and I spent about 3 hours going over what needed to be done, in what order, and listing what had been decided. We told her then not to revisit the already decided on stuff, but she did, and everything but the dress and shoes was up in the air!
Date, time, shoes and dress remain. As does the groom. Oh and the photographer.
Colors, venue, invitations, guest list, music, decor all still up in the air, and I feel like I am tap dancing on flaming coals every time I talk to her. Mustn't 'tell' her what to do, must encourage decisions, stay neutral. For those of you who know me, staying neutral and keeping my mouth shut is not my strong suit! I have spoken for this girl since she was small, she would panic if someone asked her a question and would look at me with her huge eyes until I answered for her.  Now I have to stop and let her speak for herself, no matter how much I want to spare her the stress. So, I guess anxiety will be my friend for the next little while....I now see the Rolling Stone's song 'Mother's Little Helper', in a whole new light!!