WEEKEND, WEDDIN', WORKIN', COOKIES

 We're solidly into the years when our kids' friends are getting married. Friday night was a special one, as we saw one of Ben's dear childhood buddies, Taylor Sullivan, tie the knot with his bride, Tara, the girl he met at Purdue and the one who knew early freshman year that she would marry the boy.

Not only were Taylor and Ben close during all their childhood, but his folks, Jim and Marilyn, were and are special friends to Brian and me as well. I'm so glad I got this photo of Marilyn and Taylor during the mother-son dance.

Seeing the pure delight and radiance on Marilyn's face took me back six years this month when I found myself utterly surprised at how magical and emotional it felt to dance with Sam at he and Allison's reception to "I Hope You Dance."

Here's Ben and Taylor. Ben congratulates Taylor on marrying Tara, his bride.

And of course, below, newlyweds Tara and Taylor.

After a beautiful evening at The Ritz-Charles, it was home to bed and then up to help my friend Patti prepare for another wedding. This time, it was for her brother. Patti promised to contribute her signature Sugar Cookies, her Aunt Martha's recipe.

Sunflowers and Ball jars were the theme and we decorated for close to three hours, discussing politics (being able to both agree on some things and disagree on others without getting mad; it's called civil discourse). We discussed a lot of things and the morning went fast.

We've done this for years. She bakes them. I help decorate them. I heard the cookies were a hit

This morning was our church's annual Labor for Your Neighbor. You sign up for a community site where you go help out. My team painted two sheds and weeded a couple's property. It felt so good and fulfilling to see the tasks complete when we pulled away!

Brian and I skipped the pizza party that followed. We're both watching our diets. He had a big reward Friday night when he got dressed for the wedding. He decided to try on an old sport jacket he hadn't worn in years, thinking it would still be too small. But no, it fit perfectly! So he wore it.

Here's a typical meal for me right now until I get over it. Gotta keep at this weight-loss thing.  I think I can, I think I can ...

Have a great October week everyone.