Well, if you look at the title of this post, you will see that is it something that I have not mentioned. We actually had a wedding. So yes, I have missed a whole lot over the past year once again I really should get better, but life passes by so quickly.
Cortnie was asked to marry the love of her life in October of last year. I will be honest, it was hard to get excited about her engagement. Jonathan is a great guy and I know he loves her, but he is not a member of the church and it was so hard to get to know him since the both live in Florida. They met five years ago while Cortnie was working for Disneyworld. They started to date and soon fell in love. Cortnie left to go to graduate school three years ago in Boston, but there love survived a long distance relationship. We have met Jonathan many times, but he was so quiet and we had a hard time getting to know him. He seems super friendly, and we tried to so hard, but honestly it felt like he wanted nothing to do with us. I also knew that marrying him meant that I would not see my daughter very often and she would be like me - missing out on so many family things living so far away.
However, my heart has changed. The day of their wedding was magical. I felt a deep peace and love for Jonathan like I have not felt before. As they said their vows to each other, I knew in my heart that it was meant to be. I know that Cortnie took the matter to prayer and found that our for herself too. They have talked about how they will have the church in their lives and for now, she will go by herself. He has said when they have children she can take them, and that he will support her. I just pray that one day he will want to see what the church is all about and want to join them. I hope it is not the opposite where he pulls her away.
Her wedding was magical. The weather was absolute gorgeous, (the wedding was outside) and the day was so fun. I won't lie, it was stressful getting to that point, but we had eight months to get it ready. Rob had so many projects that he built for her; we hosted parties and dinners; we ordered donuts and cookies and bought so much soda; we laughed and cried; we got a little bit anxious when the wedding was supposed to start in 20 minutes and Cort and I were still needing our hair done. But, it was all perfect. Once the music started and I was escorted to my seat by my two sons, it was amazing. I was so proud. I felt so pretty and so loved by so many people who came. Watching her walk down the aisle with her father was so touching - but I did not cry. I was just so proud of the beautiful woman that she was. After the ceremony, we ate, laughed, danced, ate some more, talked with friends, ate even more and then kissed them goodbye. I honestly could not have asked for a more perfect day for my perfect daughter and her husband. I was the happiest I have been in a long time.
I still worry that I won't see them much; that I will lose the closeness I have with her; that the bound we have with Jonathan will wither away, but I am putting my faith and trust in them and in my Heavenly Father. I know this is right and I am so excited to see where their future holds them.
As for the rest of the family, they endured the wedding. Her brothers both wore white shirts and ties (and yes, brown shoes), her dad put on a suit and her sister was her Maid of Honor. They were there for her the day she needed them most. However, now that life is back to normal, we have sons without jobs, a garden growing, hard times at work and other everyday adventures.
I worry about Skyler a lot as he was doing so well with his job, had enrolled in a trade school and he seemed so happy. Then one day they let him go. Now he sits in his room alone all day long waiting for school to start in two weeks and applies for jobs everyday. He had four interviews but nothing came of them and nothing more has come up. We are paying his rent and truck which causes some pressure on us, but it is all good. We will make it through.
Boyd has decided to leave his job after this school year. I worry that he will just sit around everyday, but he promised he will not. He is trying to create a project that hopefully will get him some attention in the work force and will find another job. Britt continues to work in benefits and seems to enjoy it. She misses Alaska and I miss it for her. I try to do things with her but so wish she had a friend. I wish so much more for all my kids.
Rob is doing so much better health wise. He no longer has diabetes but continues to monitor what he eats. We still have our struggles, but I feel like we are getting better. I so wish I could run away to Hawaii or a beach with him for just a few days, We do have a Mediterranean Cruise in the fall which I can hardly wait for,
As for me, I try to be happy. Some days it is really hard with my job. I so wish I could work from home. I love working in the temple still and love my little nursery friends I get to play with hand teach each week. I am so grateful for all that I have and that life is good.
