We recently attended the decidedly personal wedding of Carol and Bill’s daughter Nancy to Dan.  You could tell by their invitation that this was not going to be a stuffy wedding.  The invitations arrived and the colors and design let you know the fun was about to begin.  The invitation colors were orange and purple with a hint that the theme was to be Carribean.  And it was. 

At first glance it seemed to be a traditional wedding, you know the gown, the dresses.  The next hint was no tuxes.  The groom and groomsmen were in kakai colored suits with groomsmen in orange ties and the groom in an purple tie.  The ceremony was traditional and personal.  The groom went in for two kisses which delighted the audience.  What I didn’t know until later that their last kiss had been on Valentines Day!  It was now June 27th!!!  Dan gave her the exact number of Hersheys Kisses for the number of days from Valentines Day to their wedding.  That was her ‘kiss’ each day.   Now I will say that took commitment and perseverance for both them.  Just imagine how special that first kiss was with all that anticipation. 

Okay back to the next hint that the fun was about to begin.  The bride and groom were introduced and the recessional began.  Nothing new there until the best man met the maid of honor and they stopped at the first pew and did a dance move to the recessional music which was  This Will Be An Everlasting Love .   Then each groomsman and bridesmaid did their own dance move to the delight and laughter of the wedding guests. 

Bride and Groom HeadsThe reception was no different.  A Caribbean theme in decorations and food that was delectable, and you know I wouldn’t say it was. if it wasn’t!  Yum!   They had roasted two pigs for the reception.  The caterer told me that the did not roast the heads, instead they glazed them with molasses and baked them in the oven so they wouldn’t shrivel.  Then she got creative … Sunglasses for the groom and eyelashes, earrings and a veil for the bride. 

Krispy Kreme Castle CakeNow for the cake.  Traditional Brides cake and not so much with the grooms cake … rather castle!   I found out that the groom and his groomsman had put the Krispy Kreme Kastle Kake ;-) together themselves that morning!  Using donuts, Little Debbie’s and ice cream cones!   I must say well done and was caught eating my second donut by the mother of the bride!

The most interesting item of the evening for both Vic and I was that the band played lots of older dance music to which everyone young and older danced to all night long.  Their wedding and reception truly was a reflection of who this young couple was and what they stood for, which was very special for all the guests to experience as another girl and boy become man and wife. 

Congratulations  Nancy and Dan!

Note:  You can click on the picture to enlarge it to see some details.  The pictures were taken with my iPhone.

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Today is my birthday.  The only gift I really REALLY wanted was to know where my dear friend Cynthia Ray is.  That didn’t happen.  She is still missing.  No leads.  No clues.  Vanished.

Last night I cried myself to sleep … literally with Vic holding me close.  That meant alot.

As bad as the realization was that I would not have an answer, tomorrow will be harder for her husband Allen.  It will be their 25th Wedding Anniversary.  Keep him in your thoughts and prayers for strength. 

The surprising gift this morning was sleeping in so long.  I haven’t been able to do that for days.  It seemed like the nights got shorter and shorter.  So when I wandered out to the kitchen, Victoria had come in and left some gorgeous flowers from Drew and the family for my birthday and she drew a little note with stars and balloons on a orange post it note with birthday wishes.  I admit I was teary eyed.

Next I checked my phone and dearest son Joseph had left me a voice mail early wishing me my first Happy Birthday.  Now that was a gift since he is in California.  I am sure he went back to sleep after I called him back. 

Then… I started to check email and found a ton of Facebook messages.  When I went to my wall, I could not believe how many had left me heartfelt wishes.  This continue throughout the day. 

Many wishes stood out … here are a few …

Charlotte:  I send you a Happy Birthday greeting with all my heart even though I understand this must be one of the saddest birthdays in your life.

Brenda:   Happy Birthday Lisa. I know it is hard to keep your spirits up.

Michel:  You birthday is your day.  No one but you can take the joy our of your day.  Go and enjoy.

Tyler and Savannah:  The ultimate birthday duet and the Baby Girls due date… Dec 21st!.  Okay they don’t know what the sex is but I am claiming PINK!

Emma and James:  HAPPPPPPPYYYYYYYYY HIIIPPPPPPYYYYYYYY FANTASTICCCCYYYYYYY BIRTHDAYYYYYEEEEEEEE Aunty Lisa! We can’t wait to be featured on “Living it with Lisa” when it hits reality T.V. as special guest stars chatting about our genius idea for the name and James is just going to chat along and drop in his latest title… “Eating it with Edward” ;)   Hope you had a wonderful birthday!!!!

Love Emma and James
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Carter:  Happy Birthday Woman!

Allen: and his amazing rendition of Happy Birthday on my voice mail. 

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Yes today was not the outcome I wanted regarding Cynthia, but when I realized that I still was the one in charge of my life.  Only ME, could take the joy out of it.  I began to move thru that pain and find the joy in my day. 

I got the note from Emma and James when I returned from my spa day with Vic and dinner. What a smile and laughter to end my birthday with.  If you are not sure exactly what they were referring to… you will find the story in ABOUT ME on the blog. 

So THANK YOUALL my friends and family who sent their abundant love to me today.

It was glorious! 
PS… Vic decided that we should do a spa day every month and then have a dinner date night in town.  WOO HOO … see it was worth not traveling to the Chocolate Spa in Hershey.  Besides he gave me a Hershey Chocolate Kiss when we finished at the spa here at home …. AHHHHH!  

I am blessed!

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