Going to the Chapel

Last weekend family and friends gathered in Piegon Forge, TN to celebrate the wedding of my sister, Josette and my new brother-in-law, Robbie. We stayed in a beautiful log cabin over looking the Great Smokey Mountains. It was absolutely breathe-taking. Waiting on top of our luxurious beds was a lovely gift of toiletries, along with a picture framed photo, a bag of goodies for the kids and a sweet thank you card. I should have been the one thanking them because the cabin was so beautiful! Each floor had a wrap around porch, a hot tub, and endless ammenities . We stayed on the third floor which was all about fun and games with a pool table, air hockey, foosball, and a tv perfect for some Guitar Hero action.

The fun didn't end there! We even had a theater room to enjoy and an elevator to take us back and forth! The place was pretty amazing! I now know why they call it, It Has It All. It truly did have it all. As I was making my rounds checking the place out, I stumbled upon something totally unexpected and very scary - A BLACK BEAR! I was on the ground level enjoying the view when I saw something moving underneath the deck of the neighboring house.

I literally did a double take. I thought to myself, "Am I seeing what I think I'm seeing?!!!" YES I WAS!!! I couldn't believe my eyes! It started getting a little closer and closer. Knowing that the deck I was standing on was just a few steps away from a possible bear invasion, I RAN as fast as I could to higher ground, screaming and hollering "A BEAR! A BEAR!". No one believed me until they took a look for themselves. By that time it was fading away into the wilderness. If ever I wished I had a camera, it would have been that exact moment I encountered a bear and lived to tell about it. Just think what could have happened if that bear would have taken a detour towards our cabin. It's certainly a memory I will always remember. Luckily for everyone, the men decided to go on a charcoal run at the time and were not in the middle of grilling when the bear came along. It surely would have come straight towards them. Fortunately, the bear never returned and the men were able to fire up the grill without any WILD interruptions. It was smooth sailing the rest of the evening. We ate. We played. And we relaxed, or at least I tried to relax, in the hot tub. My sister Annette convinced me that it would be totally safe to let our little guys try it out. Honestly, I was so worried and tensed about Mason being in there that I did more stressing than relaxing. But, just like she said, he survived. Morning came and we had a BIG day ahead of us. We were finally going to the chapel. First, we had to make lots of preparations. Of course, I brought along the cake for the great occasion. Thankfully, it made the 3 hr. trip safe and sound. All that was left to do was to stack the tiers and put some final finishing touches and VIOLA, a little bit of batter and icing turned into a wedding cake.

I was so honored that they included me in such a special part of the preparations. Then, as things got marked off the list, we all headed to our rooms and g0t all guzzied up, the women in little black dresses and the men in suits and ties.

But no one looked as beautiful nor more handsome than the bride and groom. They were a site for sore eyes. Off to the chapel we went.

It was a beautiful ceremony followed by a reception at the cabin.

The caterers set out a feast for our eyes.

I know things didn't turn out exactly how my sister had hoped for because of complications, but I hope it gives her comfort to know that as the years go by, those complications seem to fade away and what you will always remember is that moment when the two of you say "I Do".

Congratulations
Josette & Robbie!

Always remember to hold on to the love and respect you share today and you will truly live happily ever after.

Love you both!