Well, we managed the service without me crying this week and instead of exclaiming 'Oh how lovely!' this time, I found myself patting people's hands a lot. This church business is having a very peculiar effect on me!

The first Church Service we attended saw me in tears three times. Having chosen the church because of Nik's family connections, I had not yet seen inside. The first lot of tears came from seeing just how beautiful it is, I had no idea that it would be so stunning. The second set of tears came from the choir singing in such beautiful harmonies, the noise filling the whole church. Then finally, the children coming out and sharing their Sunday School work, even after all the years in my job, small children looking proud of themselves makes me cry.

Having embarrassingly managed to lock ourselves in the porch, we drove back from Dad's at stupid o'clock Sunday morning in order to attend. As they are no closer to letting us know if we are to be able to use the church, what with us living all of half a mile outside the Parish, it is important that we show commitment. So even after a late night we drove back and took our place. I desperately wanted to point out the fact that we had come so far, so early in the morning as it may have helped our case, but it didn't seem appropriate somehow! When we arrived this week, it was hard not to giggle at the archdeacon (I think that is who he was) who had come to take the service in the absence of a vicar there at the moment. He was wearing the most fabulous outfit! Lovely colours, elaborate pattern, even sparkles in the stitching when we got close! Then for him to turn around and us to notice that he matched his tablecloth was wonderful! I try to coordinate shoes and handbags, but to coordinate with the tablecloth too is just fantastic! I loved it!

So, we shall return next Sunday, same time and place and hope upon hope, that this time they think us worthy of the application form. Keep those fingers crossed!

In other news...
We chose our bridesmaids dresses for the upcoming wedding of Matt and Mary at the weekend. They are lovely and we felt like swooshy princesses! Thank-you M&M x

Happy Birthday to my dad, who was 60 (yes 60!) this week. A very fine evening out was had even if the waiter was a little scarily like Charles Bronson. Thanks to Dad x

And...
The insurance company say they probably wont pay for a new conservatory roof, after the wind removed a huge section of it last week. Thanks to Ozzy and Mrs Ozzy for their wise, inexpensive choice on Buildings Insurance. No, really, thanks.

And so to end on a more cheery note... Nik is returned!

Posted by kary at 11:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So, we are determined not to let wedding talk take over our lives but my goodness there is so much to do! I did not realise it would be so difficult! Every day someone asks if we have sorted the x or y yet and we think 'I didn't know about that bit!'

I finally managed to find a phone number for the church today, as they are between vicars it was not an easy task! I phoned to discuss the possibility of us holding the service there and spoke with a very nice man indeed. He was extremely helpful and cheery and I imagined him with lovely rosy cheeks and a big wide smile. I also pictured him supping on a cup of tea from the very finest white china teacup. He was so friendly, even showing excitement when we discovered we share the same house number! When faced with speaking to such a nice rosy, cheery, excitable man I found myself saying 'Oh how lovely!' more than once. It was very odd as this is not something I would usually say. Thankfully it was in context, I do not think he would recommend us for using the church had it been randomly placed in the conversation. 'Can I take your name and address please?' 'Oh how lovely, yes let's do that!' for example. Was something in my subconscious thinking this made me sound more Christian and therefore more eligible to use his church? Perhaps my inner voice thought I sounded nice, rosy and wide smiling too? I shall be on the lookout for other peculiar exclamations as the wedding plans progress. Maybe 'jolly good', 'Gracious!' or 'Tally Ho!' will creep in next?

But at least it is not to the level of 'Yoo-hoo!' eh Mary ;)

Posted by kary at 06:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Now that everyone who should know first, does know first, I am extremely proud and excited to tell you all that my beautiful Nik asked me to marry him last night and so we spend the first day of the new year drinking champagne, showing of sparkly things and feeling generally quite chuffed. Thank-you to everyone who made last night just perfect, especially my lovely Mum and of course, my most wonderful Nik.

A very happy New Year to you all :)

Posted by kary at 07:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)