many vows

Today is the first real break I've had in many Saturdays. My best friend's kids were here overnight, and were so great at entertaining each other and A, I got so much done. I'm tired, but only because I went to bed late and they get up at the crack-o-dawn. Yipes.The past two weekends have been full of weddings. Three for us, and more for others. A was ringbearer in one, I sang a very difficult song (pretty well, considering) in another, and the third was likely the most beautiful and extravagant and tasteful wedding reception I've ever attended. And the food! Woo. After the second wedding, my voice left me, I got a cold (probably from exhaustion), and sounded like Joan Rivers after 2 packs of cigarettes and a bottle of gin. It's really hard to whisper all day when you have a very talkative little boy.Another very special event this weekend is the ordination of my dear friend and mentor, D. He gave the sermon at our wedding, and has been a pastor to me ever since he was my high school religion teacher. Now it's official. So for the occasion, I made a special prayer bowl for him. Check it out. He lives in Michigan, so we just couldn't take another weekend or I'd collapse. I wish we could go though.

Pictures are of A in his third ringbearer role, at Patapsco State Park in MD, for an outdoor autumn wedding which was beautiful. The bride chose peacock colors as the inspiration, and I finished beading the shawl just in time! The weather cleared up just before the ceremony, and there was a lovely fire in the pavilion fireplace. Woodsmoke on a chilly autumn day is one of my favorite smells, especially the olive-scented wood some people in my neighborhood use. One day I'll find out what they're burning and get some for myself! Anyhow, there's also some pics of the beautiful bride. She and the groom got A some terrific legos as a thank-you, which was so thoughtful and fun. Best of luck to all the brides and grooms in their new lives together!