Sunday, December 14, 2008

52 Blessings—Ta Dah!

Ray, Cali’s fiancé, says a quick and simple "ta-dah" when he succeeds. Considering his abilities, ta-dah is such an understatement and yet . . . it says it all.

We had a ta-dah weekend dress shopping. Due to a shortage of dresses with sleeves or bodices in our state, we flew to Salt Lake City, Utah to shop. Thanks to Ray’s planning, our flights landed close to each other and we were able to get to the first dress shop before it even opened. First shop, first dress—perfect fit in body and personality. Ta-dah. Though we went to more shops and Cali tried on more dresses, the first was the choice and that relief made the rest of the shopping very carefree. Helping Cali try on wedding dresses reminded me of playing Barbies with my sister, Janet. My doll had bobbed, brown hair and wore a blue P.E. suit with white keds. Janet’s doll had long, blonde hair and a tight pink dress that flared at the knees. Janet didn’t share her doll much and my doll’s hips couldn’t fit in Janet’s doll’s dress. As I helped Cali try on dress after dress that fit her perfectly, I kept thinking of Janet’s Barbie and was so glad to finally have a doll that could fit into any dress.

an old roommate of Cali’s drove several hours to come and spend the day with us

I bid a room on Priceline and was a bit disappointed when they didn’t assign us the motel they usually do. I wanted it to be a special weekend for Cali and didn’t know anything about the hotel in which we’d be staying. However, after being met by five valet attendants and walking through the luxurious lobby I told Cali, “Ooops. I don't think this is where we're staying. Let me check the reservations again.” But no, it was our hotel and it did make the weekend that much more fun.


In fact, after Cali sniffed the towels she said, “Nothing makes you feel safer than a public towel that smells of Clorox.” Ta-dah.


The full moon was spectacular and like a spotlight on the temple. The beautifully lit temple grounds, the large nativity and the street musicians created a spirit of merriment and celebration that stretched for blocks. Cali and I just walked around arm in arm and soaked it all in. Ta-dah.


having awakened before 3:00 am to catch our flights, things were a bit blurry by the evening

We went out to dinner and as we stood visiting and waiting for our table, Cali stuttered excitedly. “It’s . . . Ch . . . it’s Ch . . .”. Finally she exclaimed, “It’s Cherise!” Old friends from Idaho, Cherise was in Cali’s grade. Cherise had a severe brain injury as a result of a horse accident and we had moved shortly after the accident. It was fun to see Cherise and her family and to watch Cali reacquaint Cherise with who she was. Ta-dah.



The next morning we awoke to beautiful snow. Here, as we’re waiting for the light to turn green, Cali noticed all the pigeons huddling under the ledge trying to stay dry. The snow stayed long enough to be beautiful, but not too long to be a travel nuisance. Ta-dah.

Another ta-dah moment included finding the wedding ring Cali wanted for Ray. With only a five week engagement, there isn’t a lot of room for indecisiveness or empty shelves. Thankfully Cali is decisive and the stores had what she was looking for so not only did she get Ray’s ring, but she found shoes for her dress, flowers in perfect hues and shapes, attendant gifts and even squeezed in some of her Christmas shopping.

It was one ta-dah after another for both days, but the biggest ta-dah was the wonderful time that we had and the special memories made.

22 comments:

Darla said...

Oh Jane & Cali,
As I sit and read this post I have tears streaming down my face. TA-DA... What a great weekend !!! Jane, I look at you with both of your girls and I'm so envious. I'm so close with the boys but these past few months has put quite a strain on me and Jenn. I know things will get better with time but can't help wish I would have what you have. As stressed as this time may be for you , you still have managed to make it so memorable for her.. You are the best!!!

Leslie said...

What a wonderful time for a a mother & daughter! I hope to have a special trip like that with my daughters one day. I'm so happy for Cali that she found the perfect dress. Salt Lake is probably an awesome place to look (especially since you were aiming for modesty I'm sure). How nice to go to Temple Square this time of year, too! (If you met a senior missionary couple called the Millets, they are my hubby's mom & step-dad). Thanks for sharing some of the fun wedding plans with us. I love hearing about it!

Cassidy said...

Oh fun! I'm glad everything is working out! I think short engagements are the BEST. ;) I'm sooo excited for Cali!

melanie said...

I'm so glad it was a success!! I can't wait to catch up with you. I fear our appointment will fly by as usual. We'll have to talk fast.

Julie said...

It sounds like the perfect weekend! I hope that one day Becka and I (and Claire and I) will get to do the same thing and it will be as wonderful as your weekend. I'm so happy for Cali! She deserves all the happiness she has and more. Good luck with everything!

Jill said...

I love how ta-dah filled your wedding shopping weekend was. What a blessing to have that quality time together and to find everything she was looking for. Seriously, the first dress in the first store?! How great is that?


We really must meet one of these times you're in Utah.

Deidra said...

Sounds like the perfect dress shopping excursion. We loved that snow, too!

That hotel room looks pretty fancy! The joys (and fears) of Priceline!

Barb said...

Ah, sweet success! Sounds like things are falling into place.

Liza said...

So glad your shopping went so well!
It sounds like it was a perfect weekend of memories.

hennchix said...

What a fabulous weekend! I am looking forward to that with Joss. You are a mom extrodinaire!

Becky said...

Wow--what a weekend full of blessings...sounds like you squeezed all 52 blessings into a few days! :)

Hurray for everything falling into place quickly...be sure and tell Cali how blessed she is to have you...I had an 11-week engagement and I got to do all the wedding planning/buying all by myself with no help in sight. In hindsight it was OK but your weekend with Cali sure does sound ideal :)

Anonymous said...

So sweet Jane. SO sweet.

Cali said...

Mom,

I cried on the flight home afterwards... because that had been such a perfect weekend. I needed it and not just so I could get a dress. Thank you for being my best friend. Thank you for being my coach. Thank you for preparing me so well for this next phase of life. I appreciate you and all your wisdom.

Ande, NOW we know that we should have found a way to get you there. There's NO WAY I'm missing "your weekend." I love you and missed you dearly.

Cali

Amy said...

Okay, I loved this post in & of itself. But then I just read your Cali's comment and it made me teary. I'm loving reading about your relationship. And all of the wedding Ta-Dah will be so fun too keep up on via your blog.

Unknown said...

The perfect weekend - TA DAH!! Way to go, girls! Cali, you will be an absolutely beautiful bride, inside and out.

I did have to squelch a tad bit of envy that, being the mom of boys, I will miss this bonding. I suppose I will also squeak out better on the expense side, though. It just doesn't seem the same, in the scheme of things.

Lucy said...

What a fantastic mother-daughter weekend. The memories are priceless and both Cali and Ray seem to be wedding planning champs. I'm glad you're home safe and can't wait to see the dress!

Kim Sue said...

yeah for a fabulously ta-dah weekend and the comment by Cali made my eyes water

Anonymous said...

What a FABULOUS weekend! How great that you gals found what you were looking for with ease! Fun memories indeed!

Marie said...

Wonderful weekend! I thought of you both and the wedding dress search. I am so glad you found THE dress easily and that everything was so perfect all weekend. That is the way to plan a wedding!

jenny said...

So exciting Jane!! I am thrilled for Cali and you being a mother of the bride. Sounds like a grand weekend and don't you love when surprise things happen?

Whidget said...

How exciting!!! Wish I could have gone. I love dress shopping!!! Congrats to Cali!

Bridget

michelle said...

Wonderful! The first dress in the first shop?? Ta-da, indeed!

I am thrilled that your hotel exceeded your expectations and loved Cali's observation about public towels. You even got to see Temple Square with all its Christmas regalia -- what a perfect weekend.