Shower-in-a-box
My sister-in-law, Linda, is always doing something for others. When we were in Madison, J.D. related a story about a conversation in which Reed was asked if Linda was highly-regarded. He responded, "That's like asking people if they like candy." Linda knew it would be impossible for most family members to travel to Kentucky for a shower so she put together a "shower in a box." When we were visiting them at the lake, she gave us several paper sacks. Each had an envelope stapled to it and someone's name printed on it; inside were directions for a particular "activity."
Mollie's parents, Terry and Jeannie, met us at Reed and Mollie's condo on Thursday night for the shower. The first sack we opened contained decorations so we set to work.
One of the first activities involved a questionnaire we all filled out testing our knowledge about Reed and Mollie's likes and more. Mere and Jeannie whupped the rest of us. Another activity involved my singing, "Let Me Call You Sweetheart," an old barbershop standard, to the soon-to-be-wedded couple. Then Meredith was called upon to fill some pretty big shoes. Linda is well-known for her bag lady routine. But since she could not attend in person, Mere was designated her proxy. Of course, Reed and Mollie did not know what was coming when Mere opened her envelope, read the instructions, and left the room. She returned a few minutes later dressed like this.
Our seemingly shy daughter stepped into the role, and with some flair, read a poem to Reed and Mollie, much to our amusement and delight.
Before the couple opened the many gifts from relatives, there was one small detail needing attention--their attire. Linda prepared two sacks, each filled with items to be used in "dressing" the bride and groom. Terry and I were to dress Reed while Pam, Jeannie, and Mere prepared Mollie. For reasons only he can tell you, Reed decided to swap the sacks. As Terry and I set to our task I laughed so hard my sides hurt. Here are the fruits of our labor.
Jeannie tapes together Mollie's shoe. The dress was fashioned out of camouflage fabric. Note the fancy corsage, garter, and bandana. Meanwhile, the men were in the kitchen, hard at work.
I can take little credit for the innovations save the piece of duct tape holding Reed's left earring in place. Darned thing didn't want to clasp right. Terry came up with the criss-crossed bodice and empire waist design. Fetching, don't you think?
Mollie holds the train of Reed's wedding dress [another of Terry's great ideas].