It's our turn. Our second oldest daughter got engaged on Christmas Eve. We've been expecting it because her intended, Jimmy, asked for our permission on October.
The old saying, "When you least expect it, expect it" held true. Because I knew he was going to pop the question, I kept an eye on Caitlyn's left ring finger. Every time Jimmy came over, and they went out, I would check her finger when she got home.
Then, Christmas Eve when I was busy, in she walks with a lovely engagement ring and surprised me.
Once the ring was on the planning started in earnest.
They had to figure out a date and then had to check if the church was available for that date. It is.
I put together a guest list for our side of the family and some friends and was close to 100 so I quit because I had no idea what their desired reception size was. Jimmy's mom and dad put together lists and came up with over 100 more. We are going to have some fun!
Next came the hall shopping. So glad I did not have to participate as they visited 6 or 7. Exhausting.
The dress was purchased three years ago so all we have to do it get it fitted and steamed.
---The dress story: Caitlyn was asked to be in a friend's wedding and the friend wanted the bridesmaids to wear dresses from bygone days. As Caitlyn was searching the internet for such an item, she happened upon a lovely dress that she decided she wanted to wear for her own wedding . I had the fun of going to see it in person because the shop that had it for sale was in Los Angeles. I stopped in the store during a visit to my brother and sister-in-law's. I took photos for her and we chatted on the phone and she decided she wanted it. So I paid for it and had it shipped home. I still haven't seen her in it because I was not ready for this moment at that time. So I have that to look forward to. (And, it was the same price as my dress was 30 years ago, so she got a deal!)
The shower is creating itself in my head these days and I guess I'll just have to have lunch with my sisters a couple of times for some shower planning. Yippee!
Caitlyn and Jimmy have several friends that had gotten married in the last few years. They have taken mental notes of what they liked and thus have a photographer, DJ and cake ideas all worked out.
School has started again for the last semester of undergrad for both of them. Planning and studying will have to happen together. They are very peaceful though, and it is fun to watch them work together as a team to make their dreams come true.
