Valentine's Day Plans?

[DCJenn]

My husband actually has the entire weekend off. Of course, we all know that off doesn't always mean "not going to the hospital" so- he'll go in and do his thing in the mornings and I'll sleep in.

I went through Washingtonian Magazine and the Washington Post's restaurant guide and found an inexpensive, casual, highly rated French bistro in Alexandria, Virginia. Needless to say I immediately made reservations. I love Alexandria- and we considered moving there but it's too far away from Walter Reed.

Sunday, we're going to my mom and dads for Official Family Sunday Dinner.

Unfortunately, next week I'll be leaving for a very long trip for work so it's nice that we'll be able to spend some time together. But then when I get back we leave for 4 days in Chicago with our friends from San Antonio!

Jenn

Valentine's Day ... Put me on the in-law bus, as well. I find it odd that so many of us will be sharing our time with our in-laws! However, my husband and I will make time to make turffles together -- a tradition. Last year, I did a week-long Valentine's Day celebration for him. Every day he received lamenated cards with meaningful quotes on them-- taken from songs, poetry, etc. -- he keeps them on a large key ring beside his bed. He received a full body massage as a surprise one afternoon (by a professional -- nota 6 months pregnant wife!) and other little treasures. He loved it. When I have the time and energy, I love doing that kind of thing.

Julie: Do, do, do, do keep us in the loop with your wedding plans! I LOVE IT! If you are looking for reading ideas, I have two gorgeous readings that we had at our wedding. Have you located a book to help sort of guide you through the ceremony? I used one and can find it again, if you would like. It was a tremendous help.

[SueC]

Lorri-Are you expecting as well?

[Auspicious]

If you are looking for reading ideas, I have two gorgeous readings that we had at our wedding.

Yes, please!

I do have various books and information sources--it's almost overwhelming, espeically when they don't agree or contradict themselves, even.

I love the idea of making truffles as a Valentine's tradition--that's cool.

[Auspicious]

Lorri-Are you expecting as well?

I think she meant she was pregnant last Valentine's Day.

[SueC]

Thanks Julie,
I re-read her post and she was talking about last year. That makes much more sense, since she mentioned she has an 8 month old!

Sorry to confuse you! I type when I have a chance and sometimes that means I do it piecemeal.
Julie: 2 readings --
First one was taken from Wendell Berry's Poetry and Marriage. It begins, "The meaning of marriage begins in the giving of words ..."
Second one was taken from Anne Morrow Lindbergh's Gift From the Sea -- a personal favorite! It begins, "Marriage, which is always spoken of as a bond, becomes actually, many bonds, many strands, of different texture and strength, making up a web that is taut and firm ..." If you are interested, I can send you what I pieced together from each because both readings are taken from much longer books ...
I LOVE WEDDINGS!! I can't remember who commented before about being a wedding planner, but I am right there with you!! Such a joy.

[Auspicious]

I'm familiar with both of those, and actually the Wendell Berry is already on my short list of possiblities! I like how it acknowledges that marriage is always leap of faith, and that what you're committing yourself to is not the result but the journey. It's very good.

Julie I think you are really smart to write your own ceremony and have your friend officiate. My husband and I got married in the church that I grew up going to, but we had to follow a lot of rules. All the songs had to have 'Jesus' or 'God' somewhere in them, there were only about five possible readings to choose from, and the whole ceremony went according to either plan A or plan B. At the time I was thankful to have such limited options, there are so many things in a wedding that you have to make a decision about, I was glad to have that field narrowed down a bit. Now of course I can't even remember the readings or songs and wish they meant a little more to me. But I did really want to be married in that church. Give and take, I guess.

It is such fun to plan a wedding! Please do keep updating!