Another year has come to an end and Simon is now back in Lillehammer. You would think after all of these years I would be getting used to this, but I never do. Simon has called this year challenging and I say it's been a year like no other, but not for reasons you may think. As with any family, natural or exchange, there are always ups and down. What I credit Simon with, is that he did talk to me about this and not keep it all inside, as most do. I know some of the topics weren't easy for him but because of this, we have both grown. I can never understand how these exchange students come to a strange country and to live with a family they have never met. If I could, I would go back and change somethings for Simon. I wished he would have never have come down with the appendicitis and ended up having to have surgery. And of course, I would have changed the MSU football game. Simon is a good kid and yes he did something that wasn't right, but bad enough to warrant what he went through, I don't think so. But through it all, he was honest and never complained about the consequences. I think because of that, is why it did turn out so favorable for him. Simon is a very thoughtful young man and as I told him, I'm glad he was here with us. I loved watching him play soccer and enjoyed seeing his love of soccer. Simon and I did have one thing in common, and that is neither of us likes to make decisions. You should have been around when we were out and going to get something to eat. There were always a lot of, "I don't care." :-) He never complained once about my cooking, late night meals or running out of laundry. And he was also very patient with me, which I know at times, wasn't easy. Simon has sure seen a lot while he was here, going to Niagara Falls, Toronto,New York, Myrtle Beach, Chicago, Cancun, Boston, Los Angeles, the Grand Canyon, and Las Vegas. Both of his parents were able to visit him while he was here also and I know he really enjoyed that. In the winter he played a lot of indoor soccer, usually being on 3 teams and going to drop in. I will always remember our soccer schedule and checking out every day where we were going to be. Good thing there was Tivo in case I missed any shows, like American Idol. I had asked Simon what was his favorite part of the year and for some reason he picked Cancun. As like that is some big surprise. I'm sure the other boys that went to Cancun also would agree with him. I have so many good memories of the year but I think my favorite is beating him at poker on his birthday. This is Saturday morning and it seems odd not to be waiting for Simon to get up and sit in his chair so he can see the soccer game and have his fruit and bagels. And me always asking him which is the home team because I can never remember if the home team is first or last on the scoreboard. And not making plans to go to his soccer game and if he has a clean uniform or not. And I'm sure on this Saturday morning he is not missing Floyd watching TV loudly or me listening to my music countdown. I told Simon I was never going to give up on him and in the end, he didn't either.I sure miss him and I can't wait to see him and his smile again.
After all the months of preparation the wedding did happen and Stacy was beautiful. I haven't had much time to see Stacy and Graham to talk to them, but I think they both enjoyed themselves. I'm sure they would both agree that all of the hard work was worth it as it was a wonderful and memorable day. Friday night started with the rehearsal which was going to be held at Flushing Park but a storm came up and it was moved to Clayton and Melissa's house. How nice of them to open up their house to all of the many people Stacy and Graham had in the wedding party. Under the circumstances, it all turned out well and then Graham's mom, Gail, hosted everyone at Sorrento's for a good meal and for a time of fellowship. The night wasn't over yet though, Kim, Debbie and Stacy came over so we could finish up the programs. But it did go a lot faster than we thought and now we could all get some rest. Saturday morning, most of us took over Changes in Durand to get our hair done. Deb Love brought in all kinds of muffins, orange juice and Mimosas. We had a lot of fun and how nice of Changes to let us take over most of the salon. After getting everything loaded in the suburban, Floyd took Debbie and I over to the country club so we could start setting up for the reception. With a lot of help from Stacy's friend Sherry, Ann, Beth Park and her friend Adam, I was able to get Stacy's simple but pretty room set up. We had flowers on the table and Stacy chose M&M's and Hershey's candy bars with pictures of Stacy and Graham on the wrappers for favors for the guests. There was also a beautiful chocolate fountain for the night, and all from the girl who really doesn't like chocolate. Of course, there were a minor glitches, but nothing that caused any problems. After Floyd dropped me off, he went to pick up the sound system that was rented and when he came back to set it up, the chairs out side still weren't out so he didn't know where to put the speakers so he went home to shower and to get Simon. After getting the room set up and dressed, I went outside to check that out and the guys thought they were getting done setting the chairs and arbor up and I said that Floyd would be there in a few minutes to set up the speakers. I thought he could use some help unloading it. Well, I think it was Clayton who asked me where we were going to plug in the sound system. Plug it in, I had never thought of that. So, I call Floyd and he had all ready left, so who do I always call first, Carol and Floyd Seder. They were going to try and find us enough extension cords to plug into the nearby building (about 200 feet away). That's when the confusion started. While Floyd Joe was waiting for Floyd and Carol, we were told that everything was set so we told our friends to never mind. Well, Floyd Joe went out and the cords were plugged in a socket that didn't work so he tried to them to reach to another outlet and the cords were too short so Floyd and Carol were back on. After they arrived and we got it all set up, we were ready to go and the wedding started about 10 minutes late. Stacy was beautiful and I think it turned out just as she wanted. She had a harpist and violinist to play music and Kara Kimmer sang. Braxton, who is 2, tried to steal the show though. He knew he was the ring bearer and there was a play ring tied to his pillow so when the minister asked for the rings and Graham got them from the best man, Braxton tried to get Graham's attention because he had the rings. It was so cute. I can't wait to see the video of that. After pictures, the reception and party could start. The food was delicious and the chocolate fountain was unbelievable. All of the staff at the Flushing Country Club were outstanding and they couldn't do enough for us. The party was a lot of fun and Stacy sure enjoyed herself. When I talked with Graham all he wanted was for Stacy to be happy. Now, I am so thrilled that she has someone that cares for her this much but I keep telling him that he needs to stop spoiling her so much. I'm hoping that it was also the day he wanted, too. On Sunday, the kid's family and some friends came over for lunch and then they opened their presents. It all went well and shortly after everyone left, we lost power. I'm so glad it didn't happen while they were here. Later that day, Graham and Stacy came back to copy their marriage license (but didn't get to because of no power) and they opened their cards by candlelight. Graham and Stacy are due back tonight from their honeymoon in Cancun and back to reality. They are in the process of buying a house in Byron so that will keep them busy for a while. I'm sure this will be a very memorable week end for them, full of fun and a lot of love for them and also, from their family and friends.
Please check out the pictures under my photos.
