It's official: Jason is Married!

MY BROTHER IS A MARRIED MAN!!! As our family is slowly decompressing from the chaos and flutter of this wedding, we occasionally will stop, look at each other and say 'Jason is MARRIED!!' Not sure how long it will take us to get used to that reality. We all witnessed him walking down the aisle, holding the candle, exchanging rings, wearing the crown, and the final kiss. But still, did that really just happen?? Seeing that massive and impressive ring on his finger will also take some getting used to, and is a constant reminder of this 'new man' he has become.

The wedding was a howling success. If there is something the Clausings know how to do well, it's parties, and this was no exception! We estimate that over 450 smiling faces were in attendance. Wow! That's a lot of people! What a marker of Jason and Sarah's impact on this little valley, that that many people were pushing to show up to this event! The yard got a face-lift in preparation, which is also pretty standard around here. Nothing like a wedding, party, visitors, or event to get us into gear and get things done! Rock walls, twinkle lights galore, a bar made from a 20 foot long beam, resurfaced tennis court, newly painted court fencing, and many other little details. Due to a surprising amount of perfectionist tendencies in this family, much time and thought went into even the smallest detail. We have a hard time settling for anything less than the highest standard, and even when time is running out, the phrase, 'that's good enough' is hard to swallow. As a result, it shows and people were astonished. Family and friends from out of town were blown away at the magnitude and beauty of it all.

But come monday morning, this house was dead. We mustered enough energy to take down the tables, chairs, table cloths, and everything else left behind. And Jason, in fine form and not to be out-done, showed up to help clean-up his own wedding. What a show-off! But when all was finished, we rested, ALL DAY! After a nap, we sat out on the porch couch. Then we came in for a some wedding leftovers (hint: always overshoot the expected number of people, and reap the benefit of leftovers!). Then it was back to the porch couch. Family members showed up, and joined us on the porch couch. Then into the house for more food. More sitting around. We didn't leave the property and hardly left the couch! With an event like that, I think it will take us a week to fully recover. It was all worth it. Especially to see the never-ending smiles on the bride and groom's faces!

Now, if only I could get used to the fact that Jason has a wife named Mrs. Clausing!!!