Mother of the Groom

These pics are just-out-of-the camera, unedited pics taken by Ben.  We were posing for Cassie (thus not looking at Ben's camera).  But, Cassie will not be back to her computer in Minnesota, for editing, for another 10 days or so, as she is in Colorado with Dean's family for Christmas.  So, you will just have to wait for the Professional Wedding Photos.


Since so many of you commented on my outfit in the Proud Parents picture, I thought I'd show you the rest of the Mother of the Groom attire.  My skirt was just-above-the-ankle length, complimented by black pumps.

The up-do for the hair was done by Cassie.  (Yes, she is not only an amazing photographer, but a wonderful hairstylist, as well.)  I got my hair done a couple of weeks ago by my stylist at home ... had my stylist take pics with my camera ... showed Cassie the pics ... and she created this style in less than 30 minutes.  I LOVED it!  

(Pics taken before my quarterly cut & color.) 

When I was in high school, my friends would all get fancy hairstyles for all of the dances and proms, but I could never afford to go to a stylist.  So, at almost 49 years old, this was Mama's very first "up-do".  It was ... Oh. So. Fun. ... to feel just a little bit stylish for the day.  (Just ignore the pool slide growing out of my head.)

Thank you for all of the compliments!  You have no idea how they made my day.  It has been many years since Mama felt anything close to beautiful.  And, while I did not lose anywhere near the weight that I had hoped to lose before the wedding, I did feel beautiful on the day of the wedding.  I did not feel that my husband nor my children were embarrassed of their wife/mother on such a special family day.  (That was truly my fear, last summer, when I began my Takin' Care of Mama Challenge.)


I have to admit, though, that when I saw the pictures, I was crushed.  All I can still see is "fat mama" ... except for the beautiful outfit and the Cassie-created Up-Do.  (Sorry for the gut-truth honesty, but that's what the Takin' Care of Mama Challenge is all about.)  I have not lost hope, though.  I am continuing to focus on eating healthy.  I am excited to get back to my treadmill.  I actually think that I have lost more weight the past 2 weeks as we have traveled and been in TX.  And ... I have 6 months before I need to buy another Mother of the Groom dress.  I hope to buy it many sizes smaller than this one.