Several people have called to let me know that they cannot attend the wedding...but they always sound like they expect me to be angry, so I just wanted to write here exactly how I'm feeling. This wedding is something that I am doing for for Curtis, for my kids, and for myself. Yes, I would love for everyone to be able to come to the wedding, but I am mature enough to realize that sometimes life interferes! For instance: (brag alert) my brother, Scott, is not going to be able to come to the wedding because he will be in the Czech Republic to record a soon-to-be-released cd of his violin concerto! And his daughter will be in Japan for a year as an exchange student. Not only that, but Pharr, Texas is a very long ways away from everywhere, and we are getting married during the school year. I get that people have work and school and other things that are a much higher priority. It really is ok! The reality is, when it is all said and done, my ultimate goal will be realized. I will be married to a terrific man who loves me and loves our children. Even if no one came to the wedding, the ultimate result would be the same. So if you can come, please do - it will be a beautiful day and a beautiful event. If you can't come, it really is okay with both Curtis and myself. We love you all, and will continue to do so. If you received an invitation to our wedding it is because we love you and want you to know that you are special to us.

Wow. OK...so the wedding planning got a little more complicated. But it has still been relatively simple. We have now decided to go with silk flowers for the reception venue which I can arrange myself. Somehow I think it might just make the reception a little more personal. Not only that, but I have already bought the flowers and the vases, and just have to put them together...which I can do now instead of waiting until the night before the wedding! The flowers are ordered, the caterer is chosen, the reception hall is chosen, the invitations are sent (mostly)....I think I have a handle on it all! You know, I think it is a good thing that Kirk (Curtis) and I have had some challenges to face in this process. So many couples get married with the misconception that everything is hunky dorey and easy, but that is just not true. Because we have had to face challenges and overcome adversity - AND because we've managed to do so without resorting to being mean or hurtful to one another, but rather we've done so with grace and dignity - says a great deal about our relationship. Every day I am more sure that he is exactly who I need to have in my life and in the life of the boys.

I just can't believe how easily things are coming together. I have purchased my gown, bought shoes, jewelry, and all of the other accoutrements necessary for brides. I have picked out wedding florals (though I need to meet with the florist), a cake (ditto for baker), invitations, thank you cards, and even decorations! It has been so much fun sharing my ideas with Curtis, and having him be truly interested in participating in the decision-making process. It really feels like "our" wedding instead of "my" wedding. I suppose part of the reason things are going so smoothly is because Curtis and I have similar tastes in just about everything, AND he is bound and determined to make me happy, so he hasn't actually contradicted any of my ideas. (smile) My next task is to tackle the tux vs. suit decision. Stay tuned for further meanderings of the mind...