Who Knew? Now I Do!

Our oldest daughter is getting married this week, and yes, we are very excited, but since this will be our first daughter to marry, this wedding is a trial run for us and we have learned many things.
But first, who knew it would be so expensive for the bride to say I do?
We didn't!
However, when it is all over, we know the expense will definitely be worth it.
Now, back to the lesson learned. If you want to do a reception on no budget (yes, you read it right) I have just the plan for you. Now mind you, I ran this plan by our daughter, and um . . . well . . . it didn't go over too well. Anyway, here it is.

The Low-Cost, No Cost Reception/Open House For 50 Guests or More


On the invitation, you should have informed the guests they would need to bring $2-3.00, or even more depending on their appetite.

*Reserve a spot at your local McDonald's. This can be done by sending in a group of 10 an hour before the reception. Have those ten people spread out over one side of the restaurant.

* Have those same 10 people request a couple of balloons and tie those balloons to their chairs.

* Inform the employees that there will be a large party coming in so they are prepared.

* Have someone bring in dandelions about 10 minutes before and place some on each table in a McDonald's courtesy water cup. (Scrapbooking stickers on the cups are optional.)

* Have an aunt, uncle, distant cousin out on bail for robbing a Photo-mart, etc. waiting at McDonald's with a couple of disposable cameras to take snapshots of the bride and groom as they enter. Inform the other patrons who are not wedding guests that they may be in some of the shots and to smile big. (A signed consent form may be necessary to avoid lawsuit, so have your 'photographer' come prepared.)

* Have the guests begin ordering as soon as they arrive. Since it is an open house, they can eat, wish the bride and groom well, leave their gift, and go so others can use the seats.

* If the McDonald's is one with televisions, ask if a music channel is available and switch the televisions to that station or mode. If one is not available, ask the management if they will allow your uncle Harvey to play his accordion for a little soft background music. If not, have your younger son smuggle in a small boom-box and play it without the bass.

* Limit dancing to the section where the bride and groom are seated only, and don't block the restroom entrances.

* Make sure your guests empty their trays and place them on top of the garbage containers. You'll want to leave the restaurant as tidy as you find it (with the exception of the mashed French fries on the floor) and make this a memorable experience for the newlyweds, the guests, and the restaurant staff.

Note to the parents: After the newlyweds and guests are gone, be sure to fill out a comment card and maybe even bring a thank you card with you to give to the management and let them know how much you appreciate the use of their establishment.

If you follow these simple tips and stick with the plan, your daughter's wedding reception is sure to go smoothly and the experience will be remembered and shared with family for generations to come!
Happy Planning!

Suggested Reading

Book: Scottish Legend
Author: Sherry Ann Miller
The Book
When legendary Scottish Lord, Robert Roy McLennan, meets FBI undercover agent, Jacey Munroe, disguised as Katie Chester (spoiled, wealthy daughter of a man standing trial in America for treason and murder), he suspects there is more to Katie than meets the eye. To complicate matters, Jacey and Rob are drawn to each other like a flame toward oxygen . . . a situation Jacey cannot allow. Falling in love with someone you are deceiving while working undercover is not permitted in the FBI, regardless of what your heart tell you.

This book was a great read. Very entertaining.
Get your copy of Scottish Legend today!

Be sure and request your free copy of The Journey ebook!
Click on either link to the right.

Coming In July: Place In This World Ebook!

I'm really excited about my July release of Place In This World, the sequel to The Journey. I'm still giving away free copies of The Journey ebook to anyone who requests one. I will also be giving away copies of Place In This World when it is released, so if you haven't read the first one, click on either link to the right and request a copy now, and get busy reading!

About the Book

Beautiful, strong Elina is forced to flee for her life and wonders if she will live to see another day.
Nilan, an Inchant warrior, is leaving a kingdom, convinced there is no hope for the citizens there.
Then Nilan discovers the battered human woman lying in the snow and is given a reason to hope once more.

In a kingdom where good has been driven away by evil, and right is made to look wrong and wrong made to look good, these two souls find their destiny in each other-and are chosen for a calling only they can fulfill.

Excerpt

Elina sat wrapped in a fur blanket while Nilan put out the fire and packed a leather bag with the few belongings he'd brought with him. As she watched him, she thought about what he told her about Inchants traveling lightly because they live off the land. Looking at the small bag and the long leather one propped against the cave wall that held his bow, a quiver of arrows, blow gun, and darts, she realized how true the stories she'd heard really were. Not only were Inchants beautiful and ageless but resourceful as well. They were strong and fearless, yet their compassion and courage was unmatched. They truly were a perfect race of people.

The only light that surrounded them now came from a small candle near the wall and the cave entrance. Though the shelter looked different without the fire, it still gave Elina a feeling a safety. Leaving the cave made her both anxious and melancholy at the same time.

Nilan's deep voice softly interrupted her thoughts.

“We should leave now.” He pulled the straps of both bags over his arms and swung them round his back.

Elina nodded, dreading leaving the warmth of the cave and having to again face the cold. She stood and pulled the fur tightly around her.

Nilan smiled, seeming to read her thoughts. “Do not worry, Sashana. My body heat is considerably higher than that of humans. You will be warm enough.”

Elina's cheeks immediately colored. She smiled shyly and looked away. She followed him to the cave entrance, a bout of nervousness quickly coming over her when she contemplated their mode of travel. Having her feet not touching the ground would be new to her and she couldn't help feeling a little afraid.

“Are you ready then?” Not waiting for a reply, Nilan swept her up in his arms.

She blushed deeply as she placed her arms around his neck, and though the warmth radiating from him was comforting, she tensed when he began to extend his wings.

“It is all right,” he softly crooned, sensing her fear. “I will not let you fall.” He held her eyes with his. “Will you trust me?”

The question was a simple one, yet for Elina, it wasn't. Before being rescued by Nilan, she promised herself that she would never trust anyone again. She had not thought she could. After all, trusting in Dominae was a detriment, and very dangerous to one's health. The slightest lapse of one's guard would seal their fate in seconds, an unbidden fate with no escape. Of course, she had been a fortunate one.

She sighed. She could not let herself continue on in this mode of thinking. Nilan was not like the others. He was pure and all that was good.

Willing her fear away, Elina nodded and forced herself to relax. Nilan continued to hold her gaze with his and before she knew what happened, they were in the air.

Place In This World will be available on my website on July 10th.

Catholic Roots, Mormon Harvest & Agent In Old Lace

Thought For The Day

"Happiness does not consist in pastimes and amusements
but in virtuous activities."
Aristotle

Suggested Reading

Book: Catholic Roots, Mormon Harvest
Author: Eric Shuster

Catholic Roots, Mormon Harvest is the captivating story of Mr. and Mrs. Shuster’s conversion from Catholicism to Mormonism with comparisons of 40 key doctrines between both religions that drove their life-changing decision. The book delivers a unique journey of how they were able to retain the spiritual roots from their Catholic upbringing, while enriching their lives with a harvest of peace and joy that comes from a closer relationship with Jesus Christ as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—hence the title of the book.

I enjoyed this book very much. Mr. and Mrs. Shuster have an amazing testimony of God's love for us and his mindfulness of our hearts, and I could feel their strength and conviction of the truthfulness of the Lord's gospel throughout the book. I love reading about their Catholic background and how they met. They both have a great sense of humor and it comes out in their story. This work is very informative and I found the scriptural cross-referencing pretty neat. It's not a book to be read quickly. You'll want to take the time to study and ponder the wealth of information there.

Get your copy of Catholic Roots, Mormon Harvest today!

Author and friend, Tristi Pinkston's new novel Agent In Old Lace is available for preorder on Amazon.com She is running a great contest on her blog. Log onto http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com/2009/03/very-tristi-contest.html

About Tristi's Book
Shannon Tanner s perfect life is turned on end when she discovers her boyfriend, Mark, is not what he seems. Fearing for her safety, she enlists the FBI, who puts its best man on the job Rick Holden, who dons a dress and goes undercover as Shannon s roommate. For a while it seems that life is safe again, until Mark kidnaps Shannon s best friend. Shannon realizes the only way to save her friend and herself is to send Rick, her only protection, away. Agent in Old Lace is a thrilling combination of action, suspense, and romance that will keep you turning the pages until the end.
Preorder your copy of Agent In Old Lace by clicking on the link below.
http://www.amazon.com/Agent-Old-Lace-Tristi-Pinkston