Exciting Night...Whatever...

I guess that the entire world has its familiies gathered round their TVs tonight watching the DWTS finale! So, we are gathered round the TV, eating fajitas, sort of a community meal, that I KNOW we will enjoy, and getting ready to watch Nicole win (even though Bekka has voted all her votes for Evan).

Today, she was run all over the place by the MOB getting wedding stuff done, and we did have a very successful day. We did get the wedding flutes, beautiful crystal flutes, hand-cut from Scotland. We finished the shopping for everything for the unity sand ceremony. We accomplished the task of finding what Bekka really liked for the wedding book, and the sign-in book (and they are beautiful). We also found the flower girl baskets.

The best part of the day was the experimentation that we got to do at Water 2 Wine, the WONDERFUL wine-making bar on Seguin St. You can make your own wine, label it yourself, and believe me, everything we sampled, was delicious! Then, we went futher downtown to Henne Hardware. If you haven't been there in a long time, you should really go. It is so very interesting. You should just walk around the store and look at everything. It is a history lesson in real life. When I was in middle school Brides actually registered there. So we were just checking everything out. The man said that we really could register if we wanted to...Bekka said that she would rather have Roy with her. I don't blame her, but I would encourage them to go back!

So, we got to put a lot of checks on our "to-do" list today. Yay!!!!

Going to the Creek

Roy FINALLY gets to go to the CREEK! We have been wanting for the longest time to take him out to the creek, but it's been so very busy for all of us, getting every-thing organized here at the beginning of their engagement that we just haven't had time! Whew, evem that was a long sentence!

Anyway, we made it out to the creek! WE, being just Weldon and I, Mindee and Kevin, and Bekka and Roy; so it was nice that we got to spend a few hours running around the pasture; cruising by the creek; cooking some sausage on the pit and having sausage wraps, and enjoying the cool evening. The water is really beautiful and ALL the springs are running! So, it was a great time for Roy to get to see it. We really were sad that we missed the Conns and Mammaw coming, cause it's just more fun with them around.

We'll plan a party for everyone next time.

Another Week Gone By (or is it bygone?)

The weeks are just whizzing by for me, I don't know about Roy and Rebekka. When I ask Roy, he says that he stays REALLY busy at work. And I know that he does, even on weekends, he is working until 7:00 PM!!! And for Rebekka, things are just about ready to get wild with Memorial Day approaching. Hours will get looooooonger at Natural Bridge Caverns, with summer hours going into effect.

So, getting the two of them together to talk to the cake lady, talk to the caterer, decide on table decorations is just next to impossible. So, they will only have to do the VERY necessary things like eat cake, and decide on what to eat at their reception, and I will work with Paige, Mindee and Shirley on the table decorations (and probably Jessie, too). We'll get that part done.

The bridesmaids need to get to Celebrations to take care of their gown situation by next Monday, or give them a call "Muy Pronto."

I am getting more organized because Adriana gave me two books--one called "The EVERYTHING Wedding Organizer" and another one called "The EVERYTHING Mother of the Bride Book." Now, I have no excuse for not doing EVERYTHING that needs to be done. Thank God, Terri is such a wonderful influence on me, because she is a great organizer and planner (we've got to get together again soon, Terri, but I know you have been very busy).

Needless to say, I think that Roy and Bekka are doing great, and love each other very, very much. I am very happy for them. You should see how the other member of the family has accepted Roy. I bet you didn't know about him. Mr. Knightley, the little Shihtzu pound puppy that Bekka adopted from her neighbor will become Roy's, too, after their marriage. Actually, Knightley had already accepted him and loves him very much. So, no problem there...WHEW...didn't want a problem with that!!! Knightley will bark and sound tough at first, but will lick you to death as soon as you pet him.

I hope that all of you received your "Save the Dates." Thank you, Adriana for the great photography, and Terri, for getting the printing done. They did turn out really nice. Make sure that all of you "save the date!"

The Most Beautiful Venue in the World

Today, we met our caterer at the reception venue, which happens to be the most beautiful location in the world, and is right here in Comal County! This place has so much meaning to our family and to Rebekka and Roy, so it is just perfect!

Natural Bridge Caverns celebrated 50 years since its discovery this March, and as we all gathered, it was so beautiful, and so accommodating. It just made sense to use the Caverns when Roy proposed in April! October would still be nice weather and Rebekka and Roy met there at Adriana's baby shower!

All things set, we met with Kathy Meurin this morning, along with EVERYONE! Roy, Rebekka, Weldon, Roy (Roy's Dad), Terri, Jessie and Erin, and myself walked along the whole property, and everything just works perfectly. Kathy is a mastermind, and she makes all the tables look beautiful; the food taste incredible; and everything run smoothly. She prides herself on keeping her customers happy and making such memorable events.

Then we headed back to NB...Roy, back to work; Bekka and I, met with Mammaw at the Fork and Spoon for lunch after which Rebekka donated blood (the blood bank loves her O neg blood) and Mammaw and I signed up at the Fork and Spoon for the Bridesmaids Brunch on Oct. 23rd. One more thing off the list-----check!!!

Thank you, Lord, for providing a beautiful venue, and a blessed day to make plans!

Registry: The Beginning

Today was the beginning...and it started early, believe me. It was a beautiful Sabbath morning, and we started it with 8:30 AM church. After a stirring sermon from Pastor Rich, we headed out to get into comfortable clothing, and then piled into the Explorer and went north to Town Creek to Target. Rebekka and Roy began the electronic process of gift registry while I circled the Dollar Spot until the cart was half-filled. Then, I told them they had to finish, or I would have to get a second cart, so they got in line to turn in their information (ha, ha--they really were finished, and I really hadn't filled up the WHOLE cart).

Roy always has a smile on his face, and we head down the aisle toward the appliances in the front of the store ("Let's Start at the Very Beginning"). They made very sensible choices, considering what they already had between their two households, and what needed to be replaced and what could still be used. They were very conservative, but they did realize that there would be many well-wishers that would be looking for ways to celebrate with them.

Kevin and Mindee (Roy's future brother- and sister-in-law)(Bekka's sister and brother-in-law) joined us close to 12:00 noon, and then we went over to Ord'S for lunch (which stands for extraORDinary Sandwiches). Then, it was off to SAT for the second registry of the day at Bath, Bed and Beyond, or something like that. By the time, we reached this store, everyone's lunch drink had hit bottom, and after all of us taking turns running to the bathroom, Roy and Bekka finally finished registering, and we started shopping (hurray!!!)!!! This store could be the cause of serious shopper overload, in my estimation. The place has 300-ft ceilings(at least) and from floor to ceiling, there are shelves FULL of perfectly lined kitchen utensils, kitchen towels, kitchen gadgets, bowls, colanders, bamboo trays, salad bowls, tongs, ice cream makers, muffin pans, etc, etc, etc. And this is in the "Beyond" part of the store. We aren't even in the Bed or Bath part!!! And Roy and Bekka really need Bed things (they are getting a new bed (a new size)-a queen-sized bed, and will need all new bedding, which they did find here. Then in the bath part, they did find some nice linens and they did register for them as well. After a few more miscellaneous items, and browsing, and thank you's to the store people, we said our good-byes, and left for Dillards.

Entering Dilliards, we had to stop in the shoe department to give Bekka some relief from her aching feet. After a quick stop and finding her some really soft sort of sandal shoes that looked like flip-flops to me (but she says they felt like walking on thick cushions). At least she was comfortable, and we could continue! So, we took the escalator to the lower level to the Bridal Registry Salon...and Elizabeth was our consultant. She helped Roy and Rebekka, and before I could get back from the restroom, they were ready to start zap skew numbers (Roy was really getting good with that gun!) So they decided on Fiesta for their everyday pottery along with a really great pottery that is so colorful. They registered for China, Crystal, and Flatware, along with a few other pieces. They do know that they will have to continue, but they just ran out of time. It was 6:00 PM and all the sales ladies had their shoes off and were ready to go home...actually we were ready for a break, too...

So, we gladly hit the road north! Too bad, that Roy and Rebekka couldn't have stayed in Schertz, but I know they didn't mind coming back to visit...it had been a great day, and I know they wanted to share it all.

Now, they are registered at Target, Bed, Bath and Beyond, and Dilliards. They will soon be registered in two more shops in Pleasonton and we will be posting those stores as soon as they have finished their registry there.

I know they'll think of other things. I'll encourage them to keep a list of anything else they think of that they've seen or thought of...you do the same, and give them a call, or you could call Terri or myself, or even Mammaw, or Grandmother.

We'll be in touch!

Tum-Ta-Da-Da! Invitations!

Hey! We are getting really official now! The "Save the Dates" are in the mail, and the invitations are ordered (as of yesterday). Roy was such a trooper, after looking at the GIANT wedding stationery book (which is not only scary to me(!), but also has to be brought home in the back of a pick-up truck--that sucker is HUGE!!! I am only teasing, you know. Actually, Terri sent out her (Roy's) Save the Dates this week and mine (Bekka Jaye's) will go out Monday. But, I am NOT kidding about the wedding invitation book.

Anyway, Roy and Bekka initially were struck by a really neat invitation with a different style that really caught your eye, that I really liked, too. We were concerned about the layout of the invitation though, so Roy and Rebekka also had chosen a second invitation. They really worked hard with this card and so when we went to Celebrations on Thursday evening, they were all set, with colors, fonts, note cards, and all done, and a big sigh of relief. Lucky for them that they had worked on their second choice, because the really far-out invitation (sorry, you won't get to see it) could not accommodate the parents' names, who are the ones responsible for these young ones anyway...and a for a little bit more, or for a least a little bit, we'd like to think, since they are all grown up anyway...don't worry, we will have plenty more chances to embarrass you, yet!

A Whiz of a Weekend

With Bekka and Roy (that's Rebekka Jaye and Roy Anthony) going down to Schertz on Friday evening to have Jack's birthday dinner with Becca, Roy's (Tony, to all of the Guzman's, Roy to all of New Braunfels) sister (not to be confused with his fiance, Bekka) and his parents Terri, and Roy (his father, ROY's--as we know him--father), we took some time off and spend a quiet evening with my mom, Virginia Kuykendall (now there's a name that's new into the mix--it's my maiden name). My mother is a wonderful cook, and she frequently surprises us, by calling up and saying, "Have you fixed supper yet? Well, I have ___________ and you can come on over!" What a great Mom (she lives next door)! Anyway, to make a short story long, we had Friday night free, so we (Weldon & I) were at my Mom's (aka Mammaw) for a quiet Friday night.

Then comes the fun on Saturday morning! Roy (Tony) and I leave NB early and head for Schertz to meet up with his Mom and Becca, his sister. We are going to have the Save the Dates made, or at least a proto-type or copy made to be pre-viewed by Bekka [Roy's (Tony's)fiance], and then taken back to be printed. While they were being printed, I managed to make the trip over to Rolling Oaks Mall to meet up with Adriana, Sophia, and Charlie for Sophia's flower girl gown measurements at Bridal Connection. So, now we are all a "go" on our flower girls, we just need to get our carriage for our cherub, Charlie.

Then, it's back to meet up with Terri and Roy (her Roy) to pick up our half of the Save the Dates and head back to New Braunfels to get ready to head to Austin for a celebration of birthdays on my side of the family (my nephew, Brant's on Sat. the 8th, and my daughter, Mindee's on Mon. the 10th)--we're loaded with May birthdays, now aren't we? In Austin, we got to visit my brother from Beaumont and his wife, Megan, who were up for the weekend, working on their son, Brant's new home, so we got to see his new house also. It's busy lives for all of us, isn't it? And soon to be even busier for Bekka and Roy!!!!

So, I guess that everyone spent Saturday, and part of Sunday addressing what you will soon be getting, those "Save the Dates" and hopefully having a wonderful Mother's Day. We did have a wonderful Mother's Day Lunch after church with all my family at Kevin and Mindee's home with his parents there, also. Roy spent the day in Pleasanton with his Mom and family, and then had to do some work late in the afternoon. He came over later, and had received a big surprise from his Mom, a really nice triple framing of pictures from the engagement shots taken by Adriana. They are matted and framed so beautifully. I know that he is just so happy with it! Bekka loved it, too.

Now, God bless all of you, as this week begins, and I pray that He will be with you in all you do.

A Busy Week

Well, as the MOB, I find the weeks passing by sooooo quickly, and this one was no exception!!! I feel like I must accomplish something each day or it won't all get done by their wedding day! And let's face it, if it's not done by the week before the wedding, it's probably not going to get done, so you really have less time than you think. And while I have been writing this, I have lost some more time. Oh well, you might be interested in what happened this week.

With Bekka and Roy both very busy in their jobs, I have been looking at table decorations, and compiling photographer's photo shot lists.

Bekka and Roy did meet with Pastor this week on Wednesday. Roy said that he likes Pastor Rich a lot, and was laughing with Bekka when he came out of his office, so that is good. He said that they had "homework" for their next meeting, but that won't be until August...since their wedding is in the fall. This meeting was mainly to get their date on the books, but I am glad that Roy had the opportunity to spend a good length of time with Pastor and Bekka. He has been to church and heard him a few times, but it's nice to sit down and start to get to know him...

Then we went to order Mady's flower girl's dress on Thursday in San Antonio at the Bridal Connection. That was the first time that she got to see the dress, so she was pretty excited. She was measured and estimated for growth between now and the wedding, so we're all set for her. One more thing off the list, check.

Since we have the engagement photos done, I've worked a little on the wording for the Save the Dates (looked on line and used some of their wording). Tomorrow, Roy and I will go down and meet with his mom in Schertz and have them made, so watch for them soon!

Today, Hobby Lobby was my dwelling place for a while. I had to look for table decorations. Candles and ribbon were on sale for half price---Weldon doesn't understand 50% off. He says but you could have saved 100% if you hadn't bought it at all! He will appreciate any percent off when he gets the caterer's bill, believe me!

So, pray for us, that we can keep checking things off our lists, so the MOB won't be craz-y!

Engagement Photos

Well, today, Roy and Rebekka had their engagement photos taken. We started after church, with Adriana and Mindee working on Bekka's hair and make-up at home; we loaded up with some soft drinks, Sophia, Charli, the guys (Roy, Kev, & Jim), the gals (Bekka, Mindee, Adriana, and me), and odds and ends and headed out.

Our first stop was the Prince Solms Inn. We actually took pictures on the patio and the stairway down into the Piano Bar, which is a favorite haunt for Roy and Bekka. The pictures really looked great! Adriana, capably assisted by so many (with Jim and Kev texting us from the car--How much longer?--little did they know, that this was just the beginning of a 3-hour tour (a 3-hour tour).

Then we took a slow drive through Landa Park, but did not stop at any of the picturesque sites, due to the over-crowded conditions (we had not planned on stopping), thank heavens! But, Kev and Mindee had nice pictures taken there.

We had a different location in mind. Loop 337 had sooooo many beautiful yellow flowers, especially Gallardia, so we, mainly me, thought this would be a pretty place to go. And we did find a nice place, and Roy and Rebekka make great subjects, so it was beautiful, minus the nettle that Mindee got into. We discovered that the windshield sun cover from my car made a great shader for the pictures. Aha! Masters of Improvisation!!!

After at least a ten-minute discussion of who, how, when, and who was going where and when, we left for Natural Bridge Caverns. With an interesting dialogue on the twenty-minute drive out, we solved the problem of the kiss at the altar (tongue, no tongue, or church tongue). Interesting discussion in mixed company (I mean the Bride, the Groom, the MOB, and the MOH, who is also the SOB), got that?

Arriving at the Caverns, the guys happily piled out of the car, knowing that Weldon would soon appear. We headed to the front lawn, which was immaculate, and perfectly edged with begonias and snapdragons (Mindee taught Adriana how to play with them), and gorgeous trees, with a large staghorns hanging in them. We threw down our gypsy blanket that we used all the years of the kids growing up, and told Roy and Bekka to lie down (now they were kinda shy about that, but they did comply). They had some really cute poses. After we choose the one for the "Save the Date" and the newspapers, we'll post some here for you to see.

We also went down into the sinkhole and took some wonderful shots of the betrothed (that's such a medieval-sounding word, I just love it!) couple together, and also some individual shots. We took some other pics by the butterfly garden, broke a flower vase, and almost lifted off like a huge kite with the windshield cover when the wind picked up...all of us got the giggles, even Bekka, who had the sneezes the whole time (bless her heart.)

Well, I will sign off for now, but stay tuned in for more on my daughter's big fat German-Mexican Wedding. There's sure to be more fun to be had in the future...