Hi Everyone!

[gja1000]

You know how all things happen for a reason............ well, it's a good thing we didn't make it to Arkansas because one of Gary's uncles died yesterday, so we'd be heading to Oklahoma........

His uncle was elderly and had lots of health problems, so it wasn't unexpected. I am hoping they don't ask Gary to be a pall bearer - since he'll have to wear a suit and tie if they do. I'd rather he wear a nice shirt and slacks, so he won't be so hot at the graveside services. I've dug out his suit and will get it pressed, just in case.

I'll be cooking today! I'm making an Italian cream cake and a cinnamon roll recipe that looks something like my grandma made years and years ago. The distinctive part to her recipe is that you pour heavy cream over the rolls, just before you put them in the oven. It's safe to say that I won't be eating any of them! LOL! Unlike my grandma's recipe though, you use frozen bread dough - so we'll see how they go. I made a peach cobbler last night - with fresh Texas peaches. Gary will be smoking a brisket and ribs tomorrow - so we'll have to go shopping for them today.

We don't leave for OK till Saturday, so we've got plenty of time - it is nice not to have to rush around getting ready to go somewhere!

[judy]

I am sorry for your loss Gayle. I guess it was preordained that you didn't get to Arkansas.

Have a safe trip to Oklahoma. How much time between that trip and Alaska?

[paula1961]

I'm sorry to hear of Gary's uncles passing.
Hopefully Gary won't have to wear a suit. Like you said..a shirt and slacks would be much cooler. Have a safe trip.

Everything you're making sounds so good Gayle. I love italian cream cake but haven't had any for years.

[DianaB]

Give Gary my sympathy for the passing of his uncle. It is a good thing that you didn't make it to Arkansas but I'm sorry that you had all bad things keep you home. The food you're taking sounds wonderful!!! The weather will probably be hot so it would be nice if Gary didn't have to wear a suit. Hugs!!

[Janet]

Gayle...I'm so sorry for the loss of the man. Please give Gary my deepest condolences.

I sure wish I lived closer to you all who like to cook such wonderful dishes. I'd be inviting myself over....LOLOL

[DianaB]

Wedding plans seem to be coming along pretty good so far.......however we're all starting to feel panicky about things. Jaci's starting to realize that she needs to have all of the little details taken care of as well.

In the pictures I posted of my MIL's yard there was a fountain that hasn't ever worked that I know of. My husband figured out a way to make it hold water and get the fountain running!!! I can't believe the things that he'll do for his kids!!! I was there when he got it running and it is going to be such a wonderful addition to the yard!!!

Just NINE days!!!!!

[Blueyes]

What an exciting time for you Diana! You'll probably feel like you're a free woman after this wedding, lol!

[DianaB]

I am definitely looking forward to the following week!!! The stress is starting to build to make sure all the little details are done. Jaci's been making phone calls, getting her room cleaned out and taking things to their new home, and carrying around lists and lists of things to remember!!! I've never seen this side of her......but she's doing a good job!!!

I have to take care of the punch. We're having the shebert/Sprite punch and I think that I'll add sliced oranges, limes and strawberries to match her colors!!! Plus it's very easy to make!!!

[DianaB]

Ok....the stress is building!!! Everyone is getting really grumpy!!! It seems like Jaci is never in the right place when we need her.....she kinda' has her own agenda on things and it's driving me nuts!!! Every idea I have come up with she's vetoed so I've talked to Amy and Amy is going to work with her because she agreed with my suggestions.

Nate's Mom, Jan, came today and was asking questions about seating and other things and I had to tell her that I really didn't know much. Jaci has changed her mind about so many things that we all know something different and none of it matches!!! The good news is that it's going to HAVE to start coming together!!

The weather is a big concern because it's suppose to be almost 100* and the wedding starts at 4:00 (another suggestion I had was to have it later) so it's going to be the hottest part of the day. My MIL isn't going to be happy with people coming in to cool off and having them see her messy house. Oh, well......everything is going to turn out alright.....I just have to keep telling myself that!!!

We checked our list and we've counted 160 are coming and that doesn't include our open invitation to the church. We've had to up our food to 180 now!!! This is all going to be interesting.......wish ya'll were coming!!!

[lynne b]

Awww Diana I'm sorry things are so stressful right now, just take deep breaths, it will be over before you know it and it will all come together and be such a beautiful day in the end. I do hope the weather cooperates for you, thats about the only thing you have no control over.

[Blueyes]

At least with Jaci in control of everything, she can't blame you if something goes wrong But everything will be fine! Have plenty of bottled water

[judy]

It's so soon! Before you turn around, the wedding will be over and everything will have worked out, one way or the other.

I'm sure it will be just beautiful, and a wonderful day! Jaci and Nate sound like they are very much in love, which is all that really matters. (Well...that, and that your side of the family enjoys themselves!)

Jaci sounds like Jessie., She wants to run her own show. At some point, I just took a back seat. I must say that I like it a lot. I really don't have to be responsible for her life. Of course, she is 37, and Jaci is 18.

Take a deep breath, and take lots of pictures!!!

PS It will serve your mil right if people see her mess. She has not been nice to you and yours.

[paula1961]

I'm sure the wedding will be beautiful Diana!! I can only imagine all the stress that you all are under right now. It will turn out lovely. Can't wait to see pix!!

[Janet]

I wish I was there to help relieve some of your stress Diana. It's going to be beautiful and I can't wait to see a picture of the working fountain. They are right that with Jaci in charge...if something were to happen, she can't blame anyone else.

I know it will be a beautiful wedding and then you will be able to relax and do your own thing.

[DianaB]

Everyone is getting pretty upset with Jaci. She wants things her way but isn't around so we can get any thing done. She zigs when everyone else zags. She's doing inside things when outside things can be done. I just keep telling myself....three more days......three more days!!!!