The eldest son married the love of his life last weekend. And of course, I can’t go without at least commenting on the lessons learned from this rustic West Texas affair…

1. Supposedly, the “groom’s side” is easier to plan and execute. However, that is probably based on the premise that you don’t house the wedding guests in the same town as Texas Tech in May. How do you feel about red and black wedding colors, really?
2. Apparently, the cost of renting a rehearsal luncheon space for about 3 hours requires a student loan from the government. I am in the wrong business.
3. It only takes a weekend at the Reserve, a chainsaw, grubby clothing, an Amish Hardware Store in Ohio, Oriental Trading, and 7 more mason jars to create rehearsal luncheon centerpieces. Oh, and 2 willing-to-be-slaves sister-in-laws and an equally willing niece.
4. They don’t sell Mason jars in packs of 7 or singly…only in dozens. Grr…
5. Bring insect repellent, ear protection, work gloves and safety glasses to get the wedding guest book. Let’s just say the hubby and I used muscles we’ve never used before.
6. Even though the attire is casual for the rehearsal and ensuing luncheon, please advise the groom that gym shorts are not part of “casual” even in Texas.
7. Be on the lookout for wild prairie dogs and pesky tumbleweeds on your way to the venue.
8. A smart mother of the groom would confirm the time of delivery for the rehearsal luncheon.
9. I never said I was smart. Okay…so I haven’t said it in the last 5 minutes.
10. Your decorating “slaves” are far more creative than your “vision.” Pay them extra next time.
11. Catering dollars in the country go farther than in the big city.  Closer to the food source?
12. The “slaves” will gladly pack up your decor leftovers for a slightly higher fee. They take hugs as a form of payment. There is a God in Heaven.
13. Only trust your fancy wedding purse with your brother. It matches his belt buckle.
14. The brother, because he knows you, will inquire if he should bring a dolly for your purse.
15. Allow extra room in the wedding budget for physical therapy for your brother post-wedding.
16. The youngest son will actually shave and get a haircut if it’s for a wedding.
17. I plan to have family weddings every six months from now until he’s 30. I have plenty of adopteds “in the pipeline.” See # 16.
18. Even if you have 3 hours to get dressed for the wedding, you won’t get time for a nap.
19. They need to make SUVs in wedding dress size.
20. Your best opportunity to get to know the mother of the bride will be in the car on the way to the wedding, provided you don’t hit any prairie dogs on the way.
21. Just because the bride’s dressing room says that it has air conditioning does not mean it will work while housing 7 bridesmaids, 2 flower girls, 2 mothers, 2 photographers, 1 videographer, 1 bride and a partridge in a pear tree.
22. You REALLY get to know each other when it’s 81 degrees in the bride’s dressing room.
23. Renting a new car doesn’t mean it’s reliable wedding transportation. Ask the groom.
24. Even if the rental car comes with a jack, that doesn’t mean the jack works.
25. Superman status goes to the father of the groom for getting the car back on the jack, changing the tire, getting tire replaced, and doing a wardrobe change in the tire store restroom and still managing to look dashing.
26. Relatives from far-off Midwestern states who went to great lengths to not miss another family wedding will miss it because THEIR rental car tire is being replaced.
27. We need better roads in West Texas. Or maybe better rental cars. Or tires.
28. Just because there is a PA system at the venue, does not mean it works well with West Texas wind. Even the Chicago wedding guests were impressed with the “windage.”
29. Even if the venue is in the middle of nowhere, two duallys will go right by the “altar” while the vows are being said. I’m pretty sure their mufflers need replacing.
30. It’s easier to say your wedding vows if your veil is not being blown into your mouth.
31. Beware of the flower girls. They may look harmless, but they can pelt you with rose petals.
32. Bring sunglasses to all outdoor sunset weddings in West Texas.
33. Leave your wedding gift in the back of the red pickup. No. Not kidding.
34. Sign the guest log. Seriously. It’s a log….slice. See # 5: 
35. Enjoy the reception in the barn. Yes, the barn.
36. Barns can be really pretty in Texas.
37. The best dancer at the wedding will be your two-year-old great nephew. He’s my favorite dance partner. Shhh. Don’t tell the hubby.
38. The next best dancer at the wedding will be your twenty-two year old son. Unfortunately, without the facial hair and longer hairstyle, everyone will mistake him for the groom.
39. The groom hates dancing in front of people, but he tells great jokes while doing so.
40. The mother of the bride will tear up when she hears she is doing her mother-daughter dance to the tune, “You Are the Wind Beneath My Wings.” Okay…so everyone teared up.
41. Your family pics will be taken in front of a train freight car. Yes, a train freight car.
42. You will be forever proud with your eldest son who breaks from his normal, practical tradition and sends two beautiful cards to the bride and her mother before the ceremony.
43. You will be even more impressed that you didn’t have to tell him to do that.
44. You will marvel at your daughter and son-in-law for balancing bridesmaid and groomsman duties with nursing a baby, changing diapers, soothing said baby and helping the mother and father of the groom. Do they take hugs as a form of payment???
45. You will be astounded by the maturity of your youngest who graciously and quietly did all that was asked of him and more!
46. You will be even more impressed that you didn’t have to tell him to do that.
47. This wedding must have been a big deal, because the week after Blue Bell did this: 
48. The sober end of the crowd will dance more than the drinking end. Surreal, but true.
49. Praise God for choosing to let you be a mom when you didn’t think that was possible.
50. Forget May 14th…this was MY Mother’s Day this year.

To my beautiful, new daughter-in-law, I am so happy to officially make you a part of our family! You have already endeared yourself to all of us. To my son, the longer I am your mother, the more I am proud of all you have become. Best Wishes and Congratulations!