Family is Everything!: 2009

I would have never thought of it. I couldn't have expected it. I am really happy that my friend Rosemary took a family picture of my sister's family at the wedding BBQ in my backyard. It is their last family picture which will include their youngest son Jordan.

So, on April 18, 2009 my whole family gets together to celebrate Cami's wedding and we take the family picture and on July 3, 2009 we are all together again only this time it is to bury my 18 year old nephew Jordan. I still find it hard to believe and it still makes me sad.

I like to think of it as a series of wrong turns and bad choices which led him to believe that he was in a trapped situation. Because of that situation, he thought it would be best for him to take his life. That thought right there shows his youth and inexperience. Nothing he did was bad enough to make that choice the best choice. Now, he doesn't get the chance to find that out and family members and friends are not able to help him.

I was so happy once again to see my family come together. It feels good to know that when it matters we will be there for each other. Even though in so many ways there wasn't anything we could do to ease the pain, we were there and each were willing to do whatever was needed to help the days go smoothly.

WOW! Cami is married and I loved her wedding. It was perfect. The best part --- family and friends who show they are there for you. Especially when it seems they are going way above and beyond what could even be asked. So, I have to say I have the best people in my life ever. I am very blessed.
Just one moment to send Kudos to the Banks' kids. I sent out the email newsletter asking for RSVPs and requests for help and they were where they needed to be to help us have the day run smoothly. It was such a relief. Today I appreciate my family more than ever before in my life. They really can come together and be a great support. Even though we are large in numbers because they each did their part it was all good. It was fun to have them together all day long. They even came to my house after and after unloading we raided the food and visited some more.
The Strassers put on a big bbq for our family. Good food. Way too much to be sure. And if it wasn't for the Kirtley family I don't think we would've even been able to start a half an hour late according to my plan. The food was so delicious and that was a good thing because I didn't eat anything at the reception. Then, when I came home from setting up the reception, the backyard was all taken down too. That was a big help and relief and I don't even know who to thank for that.
My brothers wives, Clare, Tina, and Jean along with Stacy and Kelle and Les Plotner (oh - and Nancy Murphy and Rosemary Kirkland) helped me set up the reception. The breeze was a little strong and blew over a centerpiece, made us tape down tablecloths and toppers, and made it so the flower seed packets couldn't be scattered on the tables, but it sure felt nice on an otherwise very warm day.
Sharon Dalton did the hard work. She provided all the flowers. She took care of the food and the food table and the drinks table. I totally loved the flowers. I mean totally LOVED the flowers. They were so bright and cheerful. They made everyone look happier and more beautiful.
Karen Long made a gorgeous cake according to Cami's specifications. --- just simple and white. Mindy Long made baskets to have them on different heights. I can't believe I didn't get a piece of cake. She did all this on her own birthday. She is amazing. I have frozen the top layer. I hope I did it right enough that it is good to eat for Cami and Justin later. I"m not sure about that tradition.
Talking about breaking traditions - well not breaking them, but we definitely picked and chose from them. We did the cake feeding thing - for the photo op. We did the bouquet toss and garter toss - which was so much fun. I'm so glad we did that. Cami didn't seem to feel the need to keep up with what anyone else thought and that was so nice. Who says weddings have to be formal dress up affairs? I loved the picnic. I think they did a good job of seeing their guests even without a line. Probably better than I did. Near the end I think a bunch of people came that I never had a chance to say hello to. It was a whirlwind. I was distracted by trying to see that everything was going OK and wanting to say hello and visit and knowing there wasn't much time for any one. (do the math - 120 minutes in a 2 hour reception --- 120 guests - each guest gets 1 minute) Crazy.
I loved seeing Cami with her bridesmaids. I thought she did a great job choosing friends who have meant the most to her in her life. Each for different reasons and at different times and all such good friends. Kudos to Brittany and Suzette who had to make a quick weekend trip the weekend before finals. Now that is being a good friend. Plus, all the bridesmaids had the cutest dresses - each their own style and bright and beautiful and together with Cami they were picture perfect. I loved it.
Did i mention that Mark, Ray and Glenn set up all the chairs for the reception by themselves? They were dropped off at the church inside the church and they had to take them out to the field and set them up. They did and because they did that in the morning we didn't need to later when it was warmer and we were on a tighter time schedule. That was a big help.
Karen and Glenn came from Houston. I was so glad they came. We were able to have my whole family (siblings) there because they came.
Kenny's family came from Moreno Valley. Both his kids and their families came. Ken brought his camera and was the unofficial family photographer for our family. I can't wait to see his pictures. They always turn out really nice.
Bryce's family came from St. George, Utah. They stayed at my house and made it like a big slumber party - not even complaining about their sleeping arrangements. Lia helped out big time by watching the kids while we were at the temple Saturday morning.
Jay and Jean came from Orange, CA. They brought WaWa who seems to entertain the kids and took care of him so he didn't cause any problems. It was all good.
Kathryn and Steve had their whole family come. They were a huge help at the end when everyone else was tired. Steve's truck was very helpful as we brought tables back into the church.
Brittany and Nathan Christensen watched the sign in table and gifts. That was huge because the table wasn't in the shade. Then, in the end they and the Freestones helped load up the gifts into Justin and Cami's truck. It is so nice to have people jump right in and help where they see a need and not need to be asked.
So, once again, I went to see Cami off and it took a long time because of loading the gifts and fixing the car and when I came back to the reception site the whole thing was taken down. I have no idea who all helped with that, but it was taken down quickly and that was sooo nice.
Rosemary Kirkland, Stacy Heath, and Lisa Kirtley were all taking pictures where I didn't have a professional photographer. I often like those best. Capturing moments as they happen.
I can't leave out Scott, Levi, Zac and Mark. They set up the lattices, tables and sound system. Zac worked all week- doing something each day to help us be ready. We had a huge to do list and I think by Saturday it was finally complete. Then, they helped take it all down too.
It was fun to see the boys be happy for their sister.
It was fun to see Cami and Justin sooooo very happy.
I was happy.
I am happy.
I am blessed.