Peanut Butter & Jelly: Summer rain

Last Sunday as we left from our Maryon Family Home Evening, we watched the storm clouds roll in as the sun went down, dark and low but colored with a peach glow from the sunset. They were huge clouds, thick and puffy, and the sky was gorgeous even with the threat of impending rain. It was exactly the way the storm clouds looked on June 26th of last year when they rolled over our reception and rained us out. All this week, as the clouds have come and rained and cooled us even though we're almost halfway through June, I've been reminded of that evening and I can't help but smile at the June rain.

If we'd had our reception an hour earlier, we probably would have avoided the rain. We had everything set up and tents ready to throw over things if needed. The stereos lining the side of the house were covered with plastic, and we gave out assignments to all our brothers and sisters to grab the pictures, flowers, games, etc. in case it started to rain. We were ready, and Tim and I were deliriously happy anyway, so rain or no rain, we were ready to celebrate.

We'd been partying for almost an hour when the storm hit. For twenty minutes, we had watched it come closer, hoping that it would miss us, fearing it wouldn't. Tim and I were just getting ready to cut the cake and were moving down the line of guests when the wind picked up. Jen and Dominique (the creator of the cake) rushed it indoors, and as soon as the first raindrops fell, Tim yelled out, "Battle stations!" His brother Christian heard him and spread the word. Thirty seconds later, the tables were cleared of decorations, the electronic equipment was inside, the gifts had been rescued, and Tim and I stood outside in the rain laughing.

Sometimes when I think back on our reception, I get sad that we didn't get to have our first dance outside under the twinkling lights and have a "dance minute" with our friends and siblings. I'm sad that we don't have any pictures from the second half of the reception, which kept going inside. I'm sad that things got crazy and the beautiful backyard couldn't be enjoyed more. Somedays I walk a fine line between loving those moments and feeling like our reception was ruined by the rain.

But this week and today, I have been so happy remembering the way the photographer didn't have time to take any pictures of everything going inside because it happened too fast; the way Tim and I found a way to have our first dance anyway, wet and crowded in the living room; how I still got to greet friends and family; how my family (both old and new) pulled together to make everything work; how the sunset as Tim and I drove over the hill into Salt Lake was the most breathtakingly gorgeous colors I have ever seen. Rain or no rain, it was a great day.

Some pictures to enjoy: