Marriage is a beautiful commitment- the ceremony was flawless, the reception was great (including food and drink!) It was all I envisioned it to be...
I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to share our special day with both sets of parents, my boys, and other family members. It was truly a day I will never forget.
My heart was touched that day, and will remain that way forever-

Christmas is only 3 weeks away-so I must go and tend to the tree. I have only a few hours until son #2's hockey game calls us away into the cold.

I am hoping to bake as much as last year- but with this hectic schedule going-it may be tough.
Grandma's shawl is almost done-she is 96! I will hope to get it to her this week!!

With all these randome thoughts-
I wish thee some tea!! LOL
E-

Big Day

In less than 48 hours, I will be someone's wife. I feel like the luckiest person to have found such a special and most perfect person to share the rest of my life with. When I think of "the rest of my life", I think of spending the winding down years with the one I love and learning and doing a whole bunch of new things with him.
The best thing is that we have many common interests, but at this time we have little time to explore them together- but in the years to come, it will happen. I am looking forward to traveling, new adventures, making the house our home, eventually becoming grandparents (hopefully not too soon!), and enjoying the company of each other and the one's we love.
Our families are coming together this weekend to share our day of commitment to each other-and I love the fact that everyone is so supportive and loving. I haven't seen or heard anything I haven't liked...that says so much.
I have completely given my life and love to him-
I hope he can see that, and know that our days left on this earth together are going to be wonderful because we have each other now.
I love you-
E-

It's Time

Today I woke up and realized that we  only have a few days left before the wedding. I got a text from one friend reminding me "Only 4 days left!" and another friend calling me on my way into work to see if there is anything she can do for me at work while I am gone on my honeymoon. I have secretaries teasing me about taking a half day off the day before the wedding-wondering, "why would you do that?"  I have students trying to get used to calling me by my new last name, even though it's a little early...but it's all good.
I have been running for the last 3 weeks every day after school trying to get everything delivered, paid for, picked up, ordered and ok'd and reminders going out- on top of hockey tournaments, games, grades due, papers to check, and lesson plans to create and post on line, and assessments to administer. I feel that some of my endeavors are half hearted efforts, especially at work. I am so loaded-but who isn't?
I think every one of us is feeling the pressure, whether there are wedding plans or not! Our society is working us harder with very little perks to keep us going. It can be difficult to want to keep going at the rate we are, and be satisfied and happy.
I feel that this wedding is a new beginning-I believe I have said as such in past blogs...but it's true. I believe that we are on a new road, and our needs and wants are gong to be met, but in a way we might not have thought of all along...
My hopes and dreams of the Tea House is still on my mind for retirement, but I would like to wet my feet with starting up the catering idea, and my man is also looking forward to some changes in his life too. I feel with the kids being older, there is more opportunity for all of this.
We shall see!
November 5th, here we come!
I love you honey-

With that in mind-
Time for tea-
E-

Anticipation

Among all the hustle and bustle of the new school year, planning and making a wonderful wedding happen, and getting the boys settled with school and college/job/car issues/sports (the list goes on...) I long for the day to sit and enjoy a nice pot of tea and some delicious scones and tarts to go with it. I have to say that my classes are going rather well for the 23rd year in this school district, even though my original thoughts for this year were regretably negative. The things we listen to in the teacher's lounge! It should be banned! LOL
My own kids are doing well, even though they got to a slow start-but things are picking up for them.
Wedding plans are coming along rather nicely. The tuxes were fitted the other day, my dress is being altered as I type, the flowers are beautiful as can be, ready to be arranged, and the cake is exquisite! Responses are coming in at a good pace-with beef tenderloin coming in as the most popular choice. Second is the salmon and third, the chicken marsala.
The chocolate fountain is here as well as the chocolate-caterers are supplying the goodies for it! Canolies and angel wings are being made by local bakers, so I believe they will be delicious!
Linda has her final fitting this week, and she looks so beautiful in her long black gown. What a lady!!
With four weeks to go for this long awaited occasion to finally happen, I am anticipating a wonderful day! How could it not be when all the people you love are in the same place, celebrating the one you love??

With that in mind-
Time for TEA!
E-

Time Management

"Where Does Time Go?"

We hear that phrase so many times in our lives that it has become one of the world's wonders to me.

This summer I did not have the opportunity to work in the schools as I did in the past. I really didn't think it would bother me so much since there was so much to be done with David's graduation, travel baseball (X 2 boys), and beginning to do the footwork for our November wedding. I also had plans to crochet a lot, garden, read and walk.

As the summer days progressed, I found myself writing "to do" lists every day. (This was after a great stay with my brother, who lives in Florida!)

There was a whole menu to plan for the graduation party, grocery shopping, and actually cooking and preparing the food for the party. I enjoyed it, but was constantly worried about volume- would there be enough food?? LOL

Baseball went quickly-one son's team was up and down with victories, the other son rarely played due to lack of organization of tournaments by the coach. Sad for both sons, yet it was a little break for us!

Wedding plans are going well- all we need to decide now is flowers and honeymoon (if we have one). The cake will be ordered next week, the invitations are in the making and the dress is almost paid off. The guys still need to select tuxes, but that doesn't take much time-

I did crochet a shrug sweater in a beige pearl color, and a couple of change purses in cool summer hues and I took a knitting class. I prefer crochet-LOL!

I read a few Debbie Macomber books which were excellent, and gardened here and there, but mostly maintanance work.

I have been taking early morning walks every day that fall between the 3 and 4 mile distance. I have enjoyed waking around the island and discovering new things I hadn't noticed before.

It is almost time for me to go back to school- I should be sad, but I feel that urge to organize the classroom, dust off the books, and get going again.

I am glad I love my job, but that's not too say that summer didn't go by too fast- It DID! I will miss my walks-and I will try to envision them in the winter months to get me through...

I will miss the alone time I have had with my man- it is time worth "saving in a bottle"! I love him with all my heart-

With that in mind-

Time for Tea! (And a snack to go with it!)

E-

Strength in Numbers

                                                                               Steven

Our youngest son is entering high school this fall as the eldest enters college. What a time for all of us! We have always believed the boys will do well in life, and the struggles we encounter in order to get them there have been trying at times. This is not anything new to any family with children, I know- but it feels good to be able to say that even though we all struggle, we pull through one way or another.
Steven is a kid who is very smart, creative and active. He is humorous and well liked. He also has come a long way over the past 7 years since I was a single parent. With the encouragement from every adult in his life, Steven proves to us over and over again that he can do almost anything if he sets his mind to it! Whether it be sports, friendships, "dating", or academics...when Steven wants something- if he works hard enough- he'll get it!
He is a work in progress- as all kids are...and I can only believe that if he continues in this path of struggle, try, succeed, he will do just fine. I worry, as all parents do, about both of our boys- so learning to breathe and deal with these struggles can be very stressful. Luckily, I have a great partner who feels as I do, and we talk and sort things the best we can together...
Steven is a lucky kid as is his brother, to have the courage and strength to wade through rough waters with the support of his family.
I love you Steven!

With that in mind-
Time for Tea!
E-

Beginnings

I have been with my significant other for almost 5 years now. We have decided that after 1 1/2 years of being engaged, it's time to make our marriage vows. I have to say that I had feelings of doubt about marriage- we seem too good to be true as it is! Why change things? I am very comfortable with our living situation (together) and our relationship, and our love. I am actually more than comfortable, I am in love with it all-

When we decided on a date for our wedding, we gave ourselves 5 months in which to prepare. We just had one son graduate from high school, so why not add another huge event to our lives? Right? LOL

No, there is no complaining or regrets...

I have just found my dress-

I wasn't exactly thrilled about being 47 and a bride... but I decided to do my best. I wanted classy, eye-catching and champagne. I thought to myself that I am marrying the most perfect person in the world, I want him to be bug-eyed when I walk down the chapel aisle. I want him to be happy and excited, the way I feel now! I was surprised when I tried on my first dress, and bought it! That's what happens when you cry the minute you see yourself in the right dress! It is just what I wanted, and what I think he would like to see me in. I hope so...

We have many things on the go already for the big day- now we just need to hone the list of guests, and find a restaurant to accomodate 50 - 60 people. I think we can do it! It won't take much doing once we get out there and ask around.

I am officially an extatic bride, and am happier, and more enthusiastic than I ever thought I'd be-

What a wonderful feeling- I hope you feel it too, hon!

xxxooo Me

With that in mind- Time for Tea!

E-