Awful Wedding Preparations!!

I can hardly STAND IT!!

First, I have to get a facial WITH a lash dye and eyebrow wax.
THEN, I have to watch Matt pay for the venue.
AFTER THAT, It's off to get a marriage license. (Is it me or every time I hear the word Marriage - I think of that guy in Princess Bride - MAAWWIGE) Also, there is a handy take home pamphlet to help you recognize and avoid the pitfalls of a failing marriage, i.e. stonewalling.

I digress,
THE FINAL STRAW - was a great night with my fiance at the Kura Door spa!!!
A glass of red wine, some deli food..........damn my life sucks!! hehehe
Now I'm going to have to go cuddle with the ole' man.

Ball and Chain........

Blogon friends!!

The face of Selfishness.

About 4 years ago, I had a best friend, Chris, marry another friend of mine. They moved away, had a baby boy and then divorced.

My friend Chris is the father of these wonderful children. He raised Lyndsi alone from a very young age - I'm thinking it was 5. I met them both when Lyndsi was about 9. We have spent the last 10 years being best friends and Lyndsi is like a daughter to me. I try to have her at my house for at least a week or two a year. When Hunter was born, Chris was already living away from Hunter's mom and Chris spent many weekends being with his son and his daughter. Even as Hunter was a tiny baby, he was very hands on. Although I wasn't near him (He lives in Colorado) I was sent pics ALL the time. About the time Hunter turned 9 months old, Chris's ex-wife decided to make things difficult.

I am not privy to the details and I don't know how or why it happened. I do know that if she was thinking of her son and his relationship with his father, Hunter would still be spending many weekends with him and Lyndsi. Through the courts she prevented Lyndsi from seeing him and Chris was only allowed supervised visits.

Most people are going to think, "He had to have done something horrible for her to be able to do that". I know Chris pretty well and know he isn't perfect. There is one thing I do know for an absolute fact. I know that for about 5 years he spent almost every weekend making sure all his friends and their kids had a great time camping and boating. I know that when I was dirt broke in nursing school - he would pay my camping fee and not take any gas money from me. I KNOW that for YEARS he was on the sidelines of EVERY SINGLE ONE of my boys football games. He was more dedicated then some of the dad's!!! He loved kids and made sure that every kid had the opportunity to go in the boat and be pulled around on the tube. He watched my kids a couple of nights when I was working a night shift in school. I also know that for the last 2 years Chris has always gone to his weekly visit, even when it is only two hours.

I have strong feelings - obviously. I don't want to judge, I just want to see that picture on my blog. Tonight was the first time Lyndsi and Hunter have seen each other in almost two years!! It makes me delighted and heartbroken at the same time.

I have been divorced and it is SO tempting to use the kids to hurt each other. It's almost impossible to not let something negative slip out once in a while. I am glad that I was smart enough to know that the only thing it would hurt was my kids and I am glad that Bill felt the same.

Treat people how you would want to be treated. Karma. Do not tell a lie.

Find peace within yourself.

Everything will catch up and soon Hunter will be able to go to his dad's house, ride in dad's boat and just be with his dad and his sister.

Wedding Day Countdown

Well, It's finally here. The last week of my freedom.

Just kidding!! The wedding is still on and I am so excited!! Just having a reason to have all my friends and family get together is exciting, but top that off with marrying Matt - could it get any better??

Just about everything is done. Thankfully my sister-in-law's Melissa and Christie have got the flowers and cake stuff together and my sister Cari is working her magic for me on programs, place settings, table numbers etc. What a talented bunch!! About the only thing I know how to do it organize and delegate. I am forever grateful that they were willing to help. Dave (my brother) is going to rock the reception with his DJ skills. It's the wedding I always thought would be the best. Luckily Matt thinks it is going to be great too. Not too fancy just good food, good company and good times.

Now, I'm off for some well deserved bridal pampering!!

Tootaloo!

Bob and Marcene

Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending a shareholder's meeting for Brighton Bank. I own a small fraction of stock. It was awesome. The content of the meeting was interesting, but seeing my Dad and how hard he has worked and how far he has come in life was fabulous! The meeting was held at the new CCI Mechanical Education Center in the Robert E. Taylor meeting room. How cool is that?? My dad started CCI before I was even born and with his partner made it into a great company. Now he is involved with Brighton Bank and continues to be very successful. How lucky am I to have a dad that has such a great work ethic and is also a honest, kind man.

Of course, behind every successful man is a great woman. That is very true with my Mom. She has defied all odds and walked when she was told she wouldn't, had kids when she was told she wouldn't (8 in fact) and continued to lead a long successful life. My mom stayed home and took excellent care of us and managed a household in such a way to contribute to my parents success.

So if you didn't know before - I thought I'd just mention that I think my parents are WONDERFUL!!

The company my dad started: CCI Mechanical.

Yeah, That's my dad!!


Little happy smiley face!!
He's smiling because Brighton Bank is a great SAFE bank to put your money in.

My dad conducting business. Making a point with his left hand - since the right is in a sling.

(See skiing blog)

More Business.

Yeah, I'm braggin...

Blog on..