Stephenson Family Ties

I awoke this morning with devout
thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new.
- Emerson

I've been compiling a long, long list in my mind. Which is a risky thing...for the mind is slipping, creaking, resisting and rebelling.
But I have this list.

This list of angels sent to make my life a blissful, happy exsistance. (for the most part)

I take a huge risk...beginning a list...for Im likely to leave someone out.
But Im going to try anyway...for a grateful heart is a happy heart.

The wedding was amazing.
People asked me how I fared.
I answer that I fared really, really well. Surprisingly, shockingly well.
I expected so much more stress and worry and anxiety. There really wasnt too much.
I had my emotional break-downs, to be sure.
Loosing my daughter/best friend is a blow. Gaining another handsome, talented and worthy son- in- law is a gift.
The wedding went off without a hitch.
And this is so because of a wealth of amazing family and friends and loved ones who held my hand and shouted encouragement all along the way. I felt the prayers....every single day. I counted miracles every single day. I appreciated the phone calls offering assistance. I have my Builder...who is the rock and a wise, wise soul. I have my youngest son...who is a work horse and a delight. The older boys are warming up slowly but surely to the addition of another male to the mix. These top the list of people I am so grateful for. Then there's my daughter who is easy going and quite the opposite of a high maintenance girl. She is easy and fun to please.


I have talented, talented sister in laws...some of whom have done this kind of thing before, and have lots of experience. They have loving and supportive spouses. Sharon and Cathy pay attention to detail. (detail...whats that!!!??) For example... a few hours before the reception they were assisting me in getting the hall ready. They were looking at last years crumpled ribbon in a box. I was thinking of putting it outside on the lanterns to blow in the wind. Nobody would notice that the ribbon wasnt perfect. They took it home to iron. There was to be no crumpled ribbon for them!!! Bless them!!! (that is just one very small example of their great talent and eye for detail...which Im sure makes all the difference.) They are always here for me...including throwing a lovely shower for Anna in Salt Lake for Annas friend up north and including being a talented camera woman and videographer!!! And the list goes on and on. Food and refreshments were provided by generous hands at every turn.
Then there are the amazing my daughter in laws who lend support and encouragement and ideas all along the way. Anna may have missed having sisters growing up....but not any more!! She now has two of the most lovely sisters that any girl could ask for.
And then there are dear friends who help out behind the scenes. True friends who offer to do the dirty work behind the scenes, doing the unglamorous work, with the rest of us not even knowing they are are there. The kitchen was humming on the night of the big shin-dig. How fortuniate I am to have dear friends well connected with amazing resources...who worked to gather decorating items together at no cost to me. Volunteering their time and energy to make this event all that it could be and more.
I am so blessed with wonderful neighbors who gave what they could to help. Lemon bars and patio chairs, marvelous catering services at discount prices just cause they're generous and loving and kind. Guest homes were offered for friends and family coming in from out of town.

Picture taking and baby sitting and uplifting phone calls were offered; wooden boxes were built and painted, and tracking down 8 matching yellow ties... it really is about the little things. Salads made, shopping for rocks, counters cleaned, wheat grass sprouting, wedding dress drama... cold water and chairs waiting for the weary and hot at the temple....all of these good... no great... tender acts of service for one and all!!!

And how does the mileage factor weigh in on all this?
Hundreds and hundreds of miles have been added to the odometers of dozens of cars...so many came from near and far to celebrate with Anna and David.
All these little and big things lead to a wonderful wedding!! Trust me...I know this now!!!

Thank you friends and family!!!!
I love you all!!!


pictures by chelsea!!!