Low Expectations = Great Weekend

This was a very special weekend. Heidie my youngest sister was married to her long time friend Shu Tosaka. The days proceeding up to the event were rainy and cold. ...


Then the rain stopped, the sun came out and the temps warmed up. Their wedding was at the "Fountain's" in Glenwood, Iowa where the ceremony was outside and the reception inside a lovely ballroom on site. The ceremony was personal and captured the feelings of the couple.


The attendance from friends far and near was special. The best thing about your wedding day is that you are surrounded by all your favorite people on the same day who have laced in and out of your entire life.

Heidie's friends, Christie and I gave them their scrap book. You know what Heidie said..... Tiff, I read your blog, so I knew you were making us the scrap book. Can you believe that. Ha Ha!

It was a perfect weekend. Heidie and Shu looked beautiful and I am sure they are relieved their weekend has come to an end. In fact, I am sure my parents are glad as well. Last Grove girl to get married. Enjoy the photos below.

The Grove Family got the opportunity to talk with Jerry. Curtis (my brother in law married to Christie) told Jerry he was sending a care packet of Porn and Beer. Jerry really did not get the joke. Dad talked to Jerry about the weather, Sister Christie described Sophia to him. He got an ear full. His presence was really missed by everyone, especially me.

Dad, Heidie & Mom
Long time family friend Donald, who flew from Lancaster, Penn with wife Judy.

Heidie with BFF"s Brandee, Jamie & Jenny

Our flowers.

Dad, having fun at the reception.

Shu's Mom and Sister who flew in from Tokoyo, Japan for the wedding.

Shu's boutonniere.

Heidie & Shu cutting the cake.

Long Time

Family Readiness Group Easter Egg Hunt. Sophia is with her Aunt Sylvia.
Sophia's favorite spot at the front stairs

Sophia reading the Sunday paper.

You may wonder why I haven't issued an update in the blog for some time. Well, there are two reasons.

The first reason is my work is very intense. My co-worker and I have been managing around 250 styles which include sweaters and accessories. Let me tell you.... when you work until 11pm building tech packs for mittens with popcorn ball stitches and trying to determine the thumb placement from the mitten opening you start to think.... Is this really worth it? Is this why my parents sent me to college? Is this my calling? And last but not least.... What else can I do for a living?

The second reason is I lost steam after our weekend away in Texas. It's not that I had a fantasy weekend planned in my mind where there would be no complications, my hair would be perfect, Sophia would remember and reunite with her daddy........... I just was in total shock and amazement of why this weekend happened the way it did. I have needed some time to digest the sadness that I felt. In fact, I am still dealing with the feelings. Even though their have been many wonderful gestures by friends, neighbors and family I could not bring my self to talk about their kindness. (Now how selfish is that?)

So let's move on.... Sophia is crawling. I LOVE IT! She is totally happy, gets where she wants and is more independent. Thankfully she is not very fast, so it's fun to keep an eye on her. Every once in a while she will sneak to the cat food bowl and spill their water everywhere and have a fist full of cat food in her hand and mouth. Not only is Sophia crawling, she is pulling herself up on anyone and anything.

This past weekend, I got something off my plate that has been on my mind since February. I have been organizing a Family Readiness Easter Egg Hunt and Pot Luck Lunch. The hunt was to happen in early March, but then the blizzard arrived and the event was postponed. I have had those filled Easter Eggs in my home since late February. I can't tell you how much better I feel to have what seemed like and endless to do list finished.

This next weekend, Sophia and I are heading to Iowa for my younger sister Heidie wedding. I am looking forward to seeing family, friends and be a witness to this special day.....

Jerry is doing okay. He has a 3rd roommate and mentioned he walks outside to take a shower. He said when he walks back to his room to get dressed his feet are covered with sand. Jerry is still taking an on-line course for his masters and works out in the nice gym as much as possible. He has advised that the PX was not ready for the influx of men and so there is no razors, tooth paste, personal items to be bought. He is already working on the schedule 2 week leave for everyone. His computer/phone line has a great connection but the problem is the time difference. It's hard to communicate with the 7 hour time difference. If you would like his address or phone number please let me know.