I better be careful! I have gained so much weight and since I have blonde hair, if I wear a silver dress, I will look like a baked potato!
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I better be careful! I have gained so much weight and since I have blonde hair, if I wear a silver dress, I will look like a baked potato!
My dress is light ivory. It's such a light ivory that it essentially looks like a dirty white.
I purchased my tickets on-line today! WOO WOO!!! But I didn't see anything about a discount for members anywhere except for one of the posts here.
PLEASE PRAY that my health allows me to attend! Thanks!
Also, I see that we have to make our reservations at the hotel before the 30th of this month in order to receive the discount. Do you have to pay the full amount at the time of the booking or just give a credit card number?
I bouught my dress about a month ago! I hope it's going to be ok since it's not a wedding dress or prom dress. I'm almost 50, never married (although engaged three times before the age of 26 - though never long enough to even make wedding plans, let alone trying on dresses). I've also got a huge problem with my weight - I lost 3 inches in height and am now 5'4 and I've balloned to let's say the 250 range due to medications, cortisone, being bed-bound a lot barely able to move - let alone trying to do a sit-up or push-up or walk, let alone run a half mile these days! I'm disgusted with my body from what it used to be like.
Anyhow, I saw a picture of a friend of mine who recently renewed her vows on her 50th anniversary in an outfit that I fell in love with. When I asked her where she got her dress, she told me Ross and that she paid $39.95 for it! I was doing errands one day when I actually felt good and decided to stop in at Ross on my way doing errands. I actually found this beautiful outfit, similar to Rita's, in my size. I hope it's ok to wear to the Ball since I think I'm getting to be too old (almost 50) to be looking for a wedding dress that I probably would look like a Michelline Tire Ballonman or Overstuffed Marshmallow Fluff person in, let alone a prom dress. I think it's more "age" appropriate, let alone "budget" appropriate.
The outfit is a 3 piece white suit. Long mid-knee length skirt, back zipper with elastic on both sides of the zipper (YEAH!!!!) . It has a sleeveless blouse (YEAH - for my excessive sweating) that has beautiful clear, but shimmering light pastel sequins in a beautiful design along the neckline. The jacket is hip length with long sleeves and absolutely beautiful with the same sequins in a beautiful design on both sides of the front of the jacket and also a smaller sequined design from 2 inches from the bottom of sleeves to about 6-7 inches in the outside area and it's surronds the whole sleeve. I thought that that was more "age" and "size" appropriate than trying to fit into an expensive wedding or prom dress that I probably would never wear again, let alone fit into. Oh, and the price was absolutely fabulous! $34.95!!!!!!!!! Hopefully, I won't put on more weight, even though I'm on such a strict diet - diabetic, renal and coumadin diets, but still putting on weight!!! URGH!!!
What is ya'll's opinion? Or should I look for a floor length dress?
Also, Dawn is there going to be a cake at the ball? If you haven't found a bakery that's willing to donate one, I'd be willing to donate the price for a wedding cake style cake decorated with angels from one of the local bakery's. Let me know and I can start finding a bakery in the Durham area that would be willing to do one at a discounted rate and have it delivered to the Ball location. If something happens and I can't make it, I'd at least like to have something that everyone can enjoy from me in Christopher's memory.
That's it for now. I've got to make something quick to eat and then take my afternoon meds and take a nap. I'm having a rough day with my back & hips today and have been flat on back today. Had cortisone shots in my hips yesterday and the sites are a bit sore today. Had so much planned for today before leaving for Walter Reed in the morning that I haven't even started. UGHHH!!! What I wouldn't give to be pain-free for just one day! Life sucks, but at least I have beautiful things that I can dream about attending and doing something about it! And like I said, even if I can't make it, if I can order the cake, it would still be giving me something beautiful that I can plan and execute for everyone to enjoy!
Do we have an approximate number of people attending yet? Are ALL the ladies wearing gowns? Is there a seamstress amongst us that can make all those togas that so many have mentioned? Maybe I could get one of those made out of Satin White King-sized sheets? LOL
Sending my love and prayers to everyone! xxoo Judi
Woo hoo, Judi for purchasing your tickets! Duh - that's something that I totally haven't even thought of doing. I'm so blond sometimes. But hey, at least I did book a hotel room. Which by the way, you just give a credit card number to hold the room.
Judi, I think your dress sounds just FAB, darling! You'll be stunning, simply stunning! I almost went for a tea length dress, so you're not the only one thinking that direction. Course I ended up with a full length one.
Oh my Judi! That's so generous and kind of you to offer a cake!
Oh I wish I lived closer to NC-I would have so much fun designing an angel themed cake.... somehow I don't think one would travel the 700 miles in the heat very well :)
Oh Corin,
How I wish we lived closer to each other and then we could both work on the cake together, you leading & teaching, of course!! I've seen Duff travel all over the country, even LA, delivering cakes, but then again without all the baggage we'd be carrying! LOL
I have a vision of a beautifully teired white cake with angels floating all over the cake made out of sugar (no not the kind you'd find in the candy stores, but the handmade ones that you can see some of the cake designers doing on Food Network). With a beautiiul angel as the cake topper!
And I'd have each of the tiers/layers made out of different flavors/fillings. Yummy!
Can you tell that I've been watching too much of the Food Network, Duff, and their cake challenges? LOL
Let me know as soon as you can Dawn about the cake idea, so that I can start researching bakeries in the Durham area that can make this cake for us. It sometimes takes a couple of months to order of cake like this. Thanks!
Everyone have a wonderful day in the neighborhood! I'm off to Walter Reed in the next couple of hours and since I only have 1 doctor appt today and one tomorrow, hopefully I can catch up a little on emails in the hotel. xxoo Judi
Yesh! I got my dress!! Doing a happy dance!! LOL and Tara.....Shane does not wanna burn it..........or wear it.....woohoo 2 for 2 on that one! ROFL It is not puffy or floor length (but almost cuz I am so short lol) but I really like it and it has sleeves which "hide" my insuling pump.....well ok the sleeves are lace so it really just covers/conceals but I am HAPPY with that! See Dawn you were right....I shoulda listened.....u said that I would find something! LOL
Judi- There is so many things you can do with sugar! thats why I love pastry arts! I have so much fun playing with cake! Some day I will have my own cake shop. Duff is my hero! :)
Do you have any pictures of the dress, Barb? Where did you find it?
I got curious the other day about what the consignment shops had in the way of formal white gowns, so I went to a couple of them. I was absolutely astonished to find that they were selling used white formal gowns for $175!!!! That's no bargain!
Corin - I agree totally!
I've been doing some on-line researching for a bakery, I've got to get a little more input from Dawn as far as for closeness to location, etc.
I'd love to get about a 3-4 tiered cake (depending on how many people attend) with the Angel Ball Angel logo in crystalize candy on top or around the layers. I'd also love to have a different flavor for each tier.
When I do finally locate a bakery (that will hopefully give us a nice discount for it being for a charity) I'll have to BEG Dawn to do the nasty, gritty, grimmy volunteer job of going to the bakery to do the taste testing! LOL Think she'll mind the really nasty job of tasting all the different flavors of cakes & fillings? ROFL!
Geez, if I was only closer!
BTW - Barb, your dress sounds beautiful! I'd love to see a picture of it! I'd love to post a picture of mine, but I don't have anyone around here that can take a picture of me in it. Same with yours Kara, it sounds beautiful.
Has anyone tried going onto E-Bay or Craig's list to find a "wedding" type dress? I get a TON of catalogs sent to me and although I pitch most of them at the PO so I don't have to schlep it out myself to the bin, I have taken a look through some of them and if you're thin enough (not plus size, like me) there are some really georgous white romantic dresses in them. If I find any links, I'll post them here for you to review if you want. xxoo Moi
Corin - I agree totally!
I've been doing some on-line researching for a bakery, I've got to get a little more input from Dawn as far as for closeness to location, etc.
I'd love to get about a 3-4 tiered cake (depending on how many people attend) with the Angel Ball Angel logo in crystalize candy on top or around the layers. I'd also love to have a different flavor for each tier.
When I do finally locate a bakery (that will hopefully give us a nice discount for it being for a charity) I'll have to BEG Dawn to do the nasty, gritty, grimmy volunteer job of going to the bakery to do the taste testing! LOL Think she'll mind the really nasty job of tasting all the different flavors of cakes & fillings? ROFL!
Geez, if I was only closer!
BTW - Barb, your dress sounds beautiful! I'd love to see a picture of it! I'd love to post a picture of mine, but I don't have anyone around here that can take a picture of me in it. Same with yours Kara, it sounds beautiful.
Has anyone tried going onto E-Bay or Craig's list to find a "wedding" type dress? I get a TON of catalogs sent to me and although I pitch most of them at the PO so I don't have to schlep it out myself to the bin, I have taken a look through some of them and if you're thin enough (not plus size, like me) there are some really georgous white romantic dresses in them. If I find any links, I'll post them here for you to review if you want. xxoo Moi
Hi All,
Bear with me please, crazy week around here and I'm behind on responding to posts. Between all this event stuff and the boys having 5 baseball games this week (was 3 but they made it into the championship) and Craig in a golf tournament, not to mention several work projects and regular CHERUBS stuff.... it's a zoo here. I need to take some vacation days just to catch up on CHERUBS regular stuff.
Ok.... let's see... so much to respond to!!
Judi and Barb - your dresses sound beautiful, I can't wait to see you in them!
Judi - we have a bakery donating a cake for the Angel Ball and I think Penny's found one for the conference... but thank you so much anyway! I wouldn't mind doing the tasting errands... already have 20 places to run to for event stuff, what's one more?
Penny (and anyone local) - are you available to meet in Durham a week from Monday?
I haven't tried Craigslist but have looked at Ebay. Had to get a new Ebay identity since I was stalked there too and now I can't remember what it was so have to figure that out before I buy anything there again. But I looked a few months ago and they had some really nice dresses for good prices there.
I'm sure I'm missing a response to something???
Dawn,
What a bummer about the cake on my end! I've had so much fun looking at bakeries in the R-D area and had such a beautiful cake idea in my mind. But I'm thrilled to hear that there are not only one, but two cakes donated!
For those of you still looking for dresses, I found 3 of my favorite websites (yes, I have ordered from them all with great results) and checked out some of their white dresses. I looked at them all today and there are some really beautiful dresses out there. I'm started to think I may change my mind and get one from one of the sites and surprise everyone, but have to wait until I'm closer to the date and see what size I am then.
Anyhow, here are those sites to check out:
www.seventhavenue.com (Will let you set up an account with them)
www.midnightvelvet.com (Will let you set up an account with them)
www.victoriantradingco.com (Have to pay up-front but has excahnge/refund policy)
Going to get on the phone later (after 7 due to Sprint cell only) and make my hotel reservation. I'm going to make my reservations from Thursday to Monday. I know I'm going to need rest once I get there, and rest in-between. I can't do what we did during the last conference (those that went knew, those that didn't - I'm keeping quiet! LOL)
Any count yet on how many are attending yet, Dawn?
Once there, depending on how I feel, Dawn, I'll help out with whatever I can. Running back & forth to get things from one room to another should be my job - I'll have my scooter with me and I can be back & forth in a jiffy! LOL
Outta here for now. Time for my lunch and meds. Can't wait to see everyone in their dresses!
Everyone, just keep saying your prayers that I can actually make it! I know prayers make a HUGE difference and I'm really trying to be so positive about everything. I just don't need any new health issues popping up! Thanks and love you all. xxoo Moi
PS - Love your new picture Dawn! xxoo Moi
Judi, I think you should bring your mom if possible! Both because it would help you not driving so far alone but also because then I can finally meet her after 10 years! I know she's not been feeling well so I'll add extra prayers for her too (and you're always in my prayers).
No head count yet... estimate 40 to 60 right now at the conference but a lot of people will wait until the last month or two to decide (vacation time, school, etc). I expect to see about 100 there.
Head count here of how many of you are going to the Angel Ball? And how many of you are staying at the hotel? We need a car pool / designated driver set up going on here. If I can get a limo company to give a discount would you all be interested in splitting the cost for that and you'll be rolling up to the Angel Ball in style and won't need to worry about drinking and driving? Just a thought.
Nate, Kim, and I are coming to the Angel Ball, my MIL is staying at the hotel with Ayla. I would be interested in transportation....but it would depend on how much $, I need to budget! :)
Corin are you driving or flying to NC? Steve and I are driving down. I don't want to be a taxi service, but would be willing to drive a few people back to their hotels. I think that we will stay at the hotel the night of the ball and find somewhere else to stay the rest of the time that costs less money.
Dawn I love your new picture!
Dawn,
I'm hoping that Mom gets to come also. We talked a lot about it when she visited and she's excited about it. But it all really depends A LOT on her health also. She went to the dr's today and it looks like she might have had a slight stroke about a month or so ago. She's going to undergo more testing Friday to find out. She's been so depressed lately and I know that IF I were able to get her down there, that she'd have a wonderful time. I know that she desperately wants to meet you, Tara, and a few others. She met Corin around New Year's Eve timeframe and she just fell in love with her and is always asking about her and Makayla. She asks about you, Tara & Brandon about once a week. So I know it would be such a blessing if she could attend.
If I do attend (with or without Mom) I'll have my car with me since it has my scooter lift on it. Although I doubt I'll be taking the scooter to the Ball and just use my cane. So if anyone wanted to leave to go back to the hotel when I go back, I'll have room in my car. And since I don't drink, I can be a designated driver.
How far is the Ball location from the hotel? How about the Golf Course from the Hotel? Can someone just be a spectator at the Tournament?
xxoo Moi
Amy-we are driving down. Now I'm not sure if we are going to be able to take one car or if we are going to have to take two... its going to be 4 adults and Makayla with the stroller and all our stuff so its going to be a tight squeeze even in the SUV. Anyway, we could always drive our own car to the angel ball which is probably what we will end up doing, but it would be nice not to have to worry about having a designated driver.
Judi- Tell your mom that I am praying for her health! I hope everything is ok. I really enjoyed meeting you all when you came up a few months ago and really hope you both can make it! :)
We are coming. So far it is the four of us. Jeff isn't to keen on it by I will drag him kicking and screaming if I have to. We just have a lot going on with a lot of mini vacations this year. I think we will be driving the van but not sure, otherwise it will be the 4 Runner. I just thought of something, is there going to be childcare for the Angel Ball? How far from the hotel is it? Brandon will be 12 and Jonathon almost 15 and we have left them together before but that has been at home so my overprotectiveness is coming out LOL.
Judi, tell your mom I said hello and I think of her often and would love to meet her. She doesn't want to meet Brandon, he's a hellion. I swear it is all the drugs he was on. He is Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde!
Tara
Tara, tell Jeff that I'll be personally insulted if he doesn't show up with a huge smile on his face! :D Brandon was an angel last year at the picnic... I can't believe he could be a hellion. Brandon will be good for me. :) Looking forward to finally meeting Johnathan!
Judi, try and talk Alyssa into coming with you! She needs some time with her CHERUBS friends, we all miss her.
The Angel Ball location is about 15 to 20 minutes from the hotel. I'm working on childcare but honestly, childcare for the conference is my childcare priority right now so can't guarantee it for the Angel Ball just yet.
Golf Tournament spectators... hadn't really thought of it. I guess but since they are all moving around to different holes, not sure how much fun that would be to watch.
My computer is being a royal pain this week, my e-mail keeps freezing on me. I think I may have a virus. :(
I understand about the conference being the priority. I think the boys would be fine anyway. I'll just make sure there are no cute teenage girls around. Jonathon's hormones are raging LOL. He has a little girlfriend now that he "loves" Heaven help me, puberty and a girlfriend I will be insane by the time you guys see me. :)
Tara
Corin-LOVE the new picture of Miss Makayla.
Judi--thinking of you and your mom. Keeping you both in my prayers.
Have you booked any entertainment for the conference Dawn?
Can you believe that the conference is only less then 3 months away???
WOW!
Tara- hang in there! Oh the joys of puberty and on top of that--a girlfriend!
I can't imagine what it will be like with four girls.
I am So excited---I found a dress today. I wasn't even dress shopping and happened to stop at a bridal store I had been to before and there my dress was.
It is silver and on the bottom has these ruffle like things--kinda reminds me of the 20's flapper dresses (just the bottom). Has some beads on it and I can say that I am now really excited about the ball.
I was afriad I may not find a dress and was going to skip the ball--but it was like the dress was meant for me to find today.
What color are your dresses--for the ones that have gotten them already?
Dawn--I hope you don't have a virus on your computer.
Stephanie I am so jealous! I just can't seem to find that dress that says MINE LOL. I am happy for you though. Take a pic when you can. From what I have heard everyone that I know is going with white, ivory, or a silver so far. One I tried on was a sort of soft brownish/light mocha can't even describe it color LOL. I'm afraid if I got that I would be the only one wearing anything with a color though so I didn't get that one. I am still on the hunt though. I have been looking online like crazy. Ebay actually had a ton of stuff but I have no clue what size I would need so need to do some measuring, UGH!
Tara
Tara I have a dress that if I can lose weight, is champaign with black trim that I would love to be able to wear again. All that money for a bride's maid dress that I wore once. If you were that one, then I may just wear what I have. Either way I gotta stop eating or start smoking crack! I do not want to look like and igloo! I have a brown dress too but I will look like a UPS truck in it
Oh Lynne stop! I have been trying to do sit ups but not often. I was wondering if I could heal from lipo in time LOL. I emailed Kara a picture of what we have dubbed the "Big Bird" dress, bright canary yellow with some kind of ruffle that was just hideous. I have my eye on a black dress that has white trim too, need to go back and try it on. I need to stop stressing :)
Tara
You will look great no matter what you wear. The important thing is that we all get to be together. I have a son three months younger than Brandon and I hear ya on the girl issue. He has a stalker as we call her.
Tara--You know what--you will find a dress. DON"T STRESS!!
I was totally stressed and today there my dress was. The same will happen to you. Lynne's right--you will look great in whatever you wear.
I can tell you I can't remember the last time Shane and I have gone to a formal affair. In Indiana--you can wear jeans everywhere.
I can't wait to see everyone's dress and just the whole Angel Ball has the sense of romance.
I am wondering---will there be tables set up? Standing only? With the public being invited--I wonder if we should save tables for CHERUBS members, so we can all be together when we are sitting?
Tara - I know you'll find "your" dress - you just have to stop stressing about it so much. Since you've been out on e-bay looking, have you tried Craig's list or Overstock.com? Just a couple of other suggestions.
Dawn, a while back when the Ball was just in the talks, you had mentioned something jokingly about having a "bachelor auction" or something similiar. Do you know if there are any bachelor's attending? LOL HINT HINT for those of us that are single?
Lynne, I'm sure if you put your mind to it, you can lose the weight. Just by cutting out things with sugar, pasta, rice and potatoes for a month or two (I know - shear hell - but I had to give them up on all my health-related diets) but I took off 32 lbs in 2 months. Everyone cracks me up with all their funny remarks about dieting and looking like UPS brown trucks! I'll be the one looking like a stuffed marshmallow since I am at the heaviest I've ever been at in my life and can't do anything about it due to all the meds and cortisone I'm on now.
If I can't fit into the dress I bought, I'll just look for another one. Maybe I might go back to Ross and find another similiar dress for $34.95 again! For me, I just look at it as a small loss and hopefully not have to spend a fortune on another new dress if the one I bought a couple of months ago doesn't fit! I guess I'll try the dress on again about 2 weeks before the conference and if it doesn't fit - THEN I'll stress out! lol
I have a feeling that everything will work out beautifully with everyone looking "heavenly" in their white dresses!
Oh, I just had a thought. If so many people have so many white dresses that they can't fit into, maybe they can bring those dresses with them and see if anyone else can fit into it there? Sorta like a "borrowing" or "dress exchange" kind of thing. Know what I mean? I'm sure someone out there will likely purchase a dress and not really like it and if they see one that someone else has brought with them and it fits them, it would work out perfectly. Maybe we could even have the dresses in a room on a rack or closet that people can go through and someone may find something they like and then return it to the owner. All they'd have to do is agree to pay to have it cleaned afterwards. Just a thought - I know I have several white dresses and a beautiful white & black bridesmaid dress that I wouldn't mind letting someone use, but unfortunately, they are all in my main storage unit and I'm totally unable to get to them. But others may have a dress or two to bring along with them that they wouldn't mind sharing. Like I said, just a thought. xxoo Moi
Judi, I promise I"m going to call you , you must think I'm awful!
You guys at the dresses LOL
I know all of you will look amazing !
Lynne, It is our 14 yr old nephew who has the girlfriend. So far Brandon hasn't shown any major interest. I keep telling him he will marry the girl I babysit who is two years younger than him. They are so cute together and would make really pretty grandbabies :). Both have brown hair and big brown eyes. I have watched her since she was 7 wks old and she will be 10 in June so she is like my own. He can't stand her though LOL
Tara
Jake went to the dance after school today(6th grade). He did not want to talk to me about it, only dad! He put on about a ton of body spray. I could smell it all morning. That's how I knew he was going some where 'special"
Lynne
Oh BOYS!
I see what I have to look forward to ....
I am more worried about my sons than my daughters. Let daddy worry about them. They are 17 and 16 and talk to me about everything. Some times too much! My boys are mama's boys! And when guys get wrapped up with girls and women, they loose their minds! I can't stand the thought of some other female being #1 in my boys lives. Everyone used to call Jake the MLB, for mama's little baby! He would say, "so, I know where my bread is buttered"
That is a good one lynne !
i know, i hope i'm not a mother in law from hell if/when i become one
a hhhhhhhhhhh
i just cant think about it
YOu'll do fine! But I can see already that Cole is mama's boy too!
Oh yes .. i'll have to remember the butter and bread thing ! LOL!
My wedding dress is coming today. I think it might be too poofy to wear. Otherwise I need to look for a dress and soon, prom season is almost over.
What are you all doing for your hair?
I'm getting an appointment somewhere to have it done. I'm a short hair girl, but the past 6 months I've been growing it out for the ball. I've gotten it down to just below the chin.