Special Olympics

I'm proud of my daughter every day, and today is no exception. Bailey missed her middle school orientation to volunteer for Special Olympics. Her dream is to work with special needs children one day.

God bless her and bless all the lives that she will touch with kindness, respect, and love.

Bailey was paired with her good buddy, Matthew. He typically isn't in a wheelchair, but he fell a couple of weeks ago and broke his leg, requiring surgery and a metal rod or two. Poor little dude. He's a busy kid, so he didn't like the idea of sitting down all day. Bailey tried to keep moving so he wouldn't get bored or feel left out.

He wanted to run and wasn't too excited about his "wheelchair race", so Bailey promised that she would try for first. He probably weighs as much as she does, but that didn't stop her from pushing as hard as she could.

And guess what? First place. BOOM. Matthew was so proud of his first place ribbon, and I think Bailey was pretty proud of it, too.

I was only able to stay for about an hour, which was probably a good thing since I was a blubbering idiot. The emotion was overwhelming.

I saw hundreds of athletes competing in races, playing games, eating hot dogs, and getting their face painted. Their smiles were worth all the gold in Fort Knox and then some. It was so awesome to see.

Then I looked at the volunteers. For every special needs child, there were several others who were trying to make their day even better. The smiles on their faces were just as big. I saw kids and adults helping athletes and encouraging them every step of the way.

If that's not inspiring, then I don't know what is.

I found this little gem on my phone after I got back from Special Olympics. I don't know the teenagers in this photograph, but I know their smiles made me feel all ooey-gooey inside. That is what Special Olympics is all about.

I hate to sound older than I am, but isn't it refreshing to see young people caring about the well-being of others? I didn't see one single text being sent or YouTube video being watched. Everybody was just happy being together. It was such an amazing experience for all involved.

I also saw plenty of parents there, like me, beaming with pride. Some were parents of athletes, some of volunteers, some of family or friends, but we all shared the same emotion: love.

And love is a beautiful thing.

I may not look like Cinderella, but I had a fairytale wedding

Six years ago today, about this time of morning, Brian proposed while we were on vacation in Destin, Florida.

Bailey was so proud when she presented the ring to me. I still remember her tiny, six-year-old hands holding that suede ring box. She was facing me, but her eyes were cut toward Brian, waiting for him to say the words, "Will you marry me?" Then, like she'd been rehearsing her entire life, she looked into my eyes, smiled the sweetest smile, and opened the ring box. What a cutie. We were all so happy!

Then Brian said that he had an entire ceremony planned for us on the beach at sunset - minister, photographer, dresses for me and Bailey, hair and makeup appointments at the Hilton spa, dinner reservations - the whole nine. Whoa, didn't see that one coming.

I don't mean to toot Brian's horn here, ladies, but BEEP FREAKIN' BEEP. My wedding is my favorite fairytale. Disney is thinking about picking it up.

Less than eight hours later, we had the most perfect, beautiful ceremony on the beach. If there was an award for the shortest engagement, Brian and I would be clearing a spot on the mantel now. We didn't waste any time on wedding showers, barbecues and bachelor parties, no sir. We got right down to being a family.

The three of us stood there, barefoot on the beach, and spoke vows straight from the heart. Later, Bailey said that some teenagers stopped to watch us, but I never saw them. It felt like the rest of the world completely disappeared, and for just a few moments, the entire Gulf Coast belonged to us.

The best part about this story is that the love and romance we feel for each other didn't reach its pinnacle during that perfect, beautiful ceremony. Nope, we were just getting started. He is so generous and kind, and takes such good care of me, Bailey, and Drew. Loving him is easy like Sunday morning.

So here's the thing about having a surprise wedding: everybody is surprised. This is a dramatic reenactment of the phone call between me and my Mom that day:

Hey, Mom! Yeah, we're having a great time at the beach.... I called to tell you something - w'ere engaged!

Yes, thank you! We're so excited! And... well, there's more. Brian has a little ceremony planned on the beach today. You know, we'll just get dressed up and take some pictures and stuff.

No, Mom, it's not... well, yeah, I guess it kind of is a wedding.

Awww! Don't cry, Mom! We can have another ceremony when we get back.

At 6 o'clock today. No, I don't think you could drive it in time.

You probably couldn't get a flight in time, either.

Awww! Don't cry, Mom!

Were you able to fill in the blanks on what my mom was saying on the other end? (Sorry, Mom.)

But getting married was so much fun, we decided to do it again! So we had a "re-wedding" at my parents' church a few months later for immediate family and close friends.

Complete with a reception back at our house. It was electric... boogie, woogie, woogie.

Six years ago, when Brian said, "For better or worse, in sickness and in health", he really meant it. During this past year, when I was facing cancer and thought I might lose my mind once or twice, he always found a way to calm me down, encourage my faith, and be my strength when I didn't have any. I think that's what it means to really love somebody - to be everything they need, exactly when they need it. And I'm so thankful that Brian is the person who chose to love me.

When God was handing out husbands, I won the Mega Millions!

This morning, I told our four-year-old son, Drew, that it was our wedding anniversary and showed him some pictures from the wedding. He seemed a little upset that Bailey got to be there and he didn't, so we might have to have a wedding reenactment tonight to celebrate. Maybe the third time is a charm?

Love is a beautiful thing. I can't wait to see where life takes us.

Valentine's Day

This year, I decided to make valentines for Drew's class from an idea that I snagged off Pinterest.  Check out the valentines awesomeness below.  "I'm glad we go to school together" fish bowls with gummy fish.  Yay!

I uploaded this to Facebook, Twitter and Instragram, but I didn't (just) spend all that time and money to post braggy pics online, no sir.  It was a Valentine's Day REDEMPTION.  Read all about my Valentine's Fail from last year HERE when I almost got Drew kicked out of Montessori school because I was so so cheap and un-Pinterest-y.  Oh, the pressure!

Bailey said that she was "too old for me to make valentines" (insert tear), so she made some herself with motivational quotes and Laffy Taffy candy.  But unfortunately, every time I see Laffy Taffys, I start singing that D4L song, "shake that laffy taffy, that laffy taffy, girl", and then I generally (ahem) shake my "laffy taffy".

Does that happen to you?  No, just me?  Oh....  Poor Bay.

I walked into work on Valentine's Day and my Dad (who is also my boss) met me in the hallway and said, "Go look at your desk".  I walked into my office and saw this:

So I said, "Who are these from?" because I wasn't sure if they were from Dad or Brian.  And Dad said, "Who do you think they're from?  YOUR HUSBAND."

Uhmmm, just for the record, I don't have a secret boyfriend or crazy stalker who I thought might have possibly sent me flowers on Valentine's Day.  But it was kind of hard to convince Dad after I clearly didn't know who sent me flowers on Valentine's Day.  And you think gossip is bad at your job/ family reunion?

Every rose has it's thorn, y'all.

But seriously, what a sweet husband, huh?  He had to make a big detour to drop by my office.  The extra effort was so sweet because it wasn't like I wouldn't see him later anyway.  He knows where I live, if you know what I mean.  

After work, Brian suggested that we go to dinner at a local sushi restaurant.  I knew it would be packed, and I was starving!, so I was leaning more toward a romantic peanut butter and jelly instead.

But when we walked in, the place was dead.  And that concerned me a little, as in, a lot.  What kind of restaurant is empty on Valentine's Day?  The bad kind, that's what.  But nobody puked, so I think we dodged a bullet.

I saw two people eating dinner by themselves at the bar.  And it just broke my heart.

Why do we feel sorry for people who are alone on Valentine's Day?  When I was single, I loved eating alone - okay, maybe not on Valentine's day per se - but the other 364 days of the year, I was totally fine with it.  But then again, I'm the person who didn't know my husband sent me flowers on Valentine's Day, so obviously, I can't be trusted.

There was one girl and one guy sitting at opposite ends of the bar, both alone, both in their twenties... I think.  I can't be sure anymore because I've reached the age when teenage girls looks like a 25-year-old bar flies.  I think it's all the milk hormones.

I really wanted to play match-maker and say, "Excuse me, sir, I see that you're alone... and, ma'am, I see that you're also alone... so, HEY, why not be alone together?"

But that would have been weird.  And my cupid costume was at the cleaners.  And five-minutes later, that lady's boyfriend/ husband/ friend/ brother/ cousin/ someonewhodidn'twanthertobealoneonvalentinesday joined her for dinner.  And that would have been uncomfortable if she was already dining with a handsome stranger in a Steelers hat.

For those of you keeping score at home, that's two bullets I dodged on Valentine's.

I absolutely love Valentine's Day!  It's a time for us to stop and give to others.  Some people do it by buying nice gifts... or making sweet cards... or giving shoulder massages... or going out to dinner.... or trying to set up total strangers.

Whatever way you chose to show it, thank you for spreading some love.  Because the world could use a little more of it.

Empty Nest Anniversary Dinner

Once a year, Brian and I go out for an anniversary dinner at a fancy restaurant that doesn't have kid's menus or booster seats.  And even though we have to dip into our 401(k) to pay for it, man! - it sure feels nice to eat something other than chicken fingers and macaroni and cheese for a change.

The older I get, the more I understand the "empty nest syndrome" that couples experience.  The car ride down was eerily quiet without the sounds of Cars 2 or Fruit Ninja blaring from the backseat, which is usually only slightly louder than me shouting, "CAN YOU TURN THAT THING DOWN?"  The lack of giggles, questions or complaints created an awkward silence at first.

What did we talk about before?  Because the only thing that I could think of was Drew pooping in the potty or Bailey's Social Studies project.  And neither of those topics really say "romance", ya know?

Dressed to impress, we ordered steak and wine that's been aged for longer than I have.  And let me tell you, not being the oldest one at the table was a well-deserved improvement.

We dined with no regard to Montessori school tuition or private softball lessons.  Would you like an appetizer?  Yes, I would.  Another glass of wine, ma'am?  Oh, that would be lovely.  Thank you.

It felt like a costume party - except this time - I wasn't dressed up like a naughty nurse or a giant whoopee cushion.  This time, I was disguised as someone who thought that dropping 250 bucks on dinner actually sounded like a good idea.

I scanned the restaurant and wondered how many other people were attending my costume party.  If somebody would just turn off this lame elevator music and crank up some Whomp! There It Is!, then I could spot my peeps IN NO TIME FLAT.  But instead, I became an amateur private detective trying to determine who there was "Brunello Cucinelli" and who there was "Tarjay".

The fauxs were pretty easy to spot.  We smiled a little too big.  We listened to the waiter a little too attentively.  And we said "thank you" a little too politely when some hard-working college student wiped the bread crumbs off our table with a shoe-horn.

I guess this goes without saying, but if I wasn't a faux, then I could probably tell you what that bread crumb scooping shoe-horn is actually called.

Now - let's talk about the people taking pics with their iPhones for a minute, shall we?  JUST WEAR A NEON SIGN, WHY DON'TCHA.  Nobody who can afford this meal needs to take photos of themselves to remember it.  You might as well fan out your food stamps like you're playing a hand of poker because that maneuver is called a royal flush.

The people who belonged there were equally easy to spot.  Unattractive older men with skinny blonde wives who were half their age.  Businessmen.  Career Women.  The only thing that smelled stronger than the jalapeno cheese grits was the smell of success.

Armani. Versace. Prada. Gucci. Dior. Cavalli.

Ahem.  And then there was me.  I think I was wearing Charlotte Russe.  Maybe Kohl's.

I was instantly whipped back in time to a moment when a younger me was standing in my bathroom thinking, 'You know - maybe I won't go off the pill after all.  Maybe I'll just live my life THIN and RICH and RELAXED.  I'll enjoy summers in Europe, winters in the Caribbean and fancy dinners every night of the week.'

I blame it on the wine.

When we got back to my parents' house, Drew ran over to me like he was going for the gold in the 100-yard dash.  I scooped him up and gave him a big kiss.  He said, " I missed you, Mama.  I looked for you everywhere, but I couldn't find you."

Now if that doesn't melt your heart, you need to ask somebody to check your pulse.

Bailey ran over to Brian and gave him a big hug.  She said, "Yeah.  Drew missed you guys, but me, Granna and Papa kept him happy."  Brian told her what a good big sister she was.

After thanking my parents for babysitting, we pulled out of their driveway with Cars 2 and Fruit Ninja blaring as loud as they possibly could.  But this time, it sounded just as beautiful as elevator music.  Or in my case, Whomp! There It Is!

I turned my head just to watch them for a minute.  Drew didn't look up from the DVD player and Bailey didn't look up from the iPod Touch, but in a calm, monotone voice,  I heard them say to each other,

Hey, Bay.  Did you burp?
No, Drew.  That was you.
It was me.  Was it funny?
Yeah, Drew.  It was funny.

I'm not sure if tears filled my eyes from laughing so hard or if it was from the overwhelming love that I feel for those two knuckleheads, but this conversation about a burp brought more joy to my heart than an entire aged vineyard in Napa Valley.

And then I thought, THAT'S why we have children.

It's not because it's a easy job.  It's certainly not because parenthood will keep you thin, rich and relaxed.  It's because of a love that's bigger than us.  It's because of a love that somebody's blog could never accurately describe in a few poetic words.  

The love that we feel for our children is worth every single sacrifice that we make.  And then some.

I wouldn't trade my family for all the overpriced Wednesday night dinners in the world.  You can write that one down.

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Wedding Anniversary

Five years ago, I received the best surprise and I became my husband's wife.

We took Bailey to Destin, Florida for a Spring Break vacation.  Truth be told, I sort of thought that a proposal might be coming my way.  Translation: "We've been dating for years and I'm not getting any younger, buddy!"

Then on Wednesday morning, it happened.  Over room service breakfast and Nick Jr. cartoons, Brian proposed.  Bailey was so proud when she presented the ring to me.  We were overjoyed!

Then Brian told us that he had an entire ceremony planned on the beach at sunset - minister, photographer, dresses for me and Bailey, hair and makeup appointments in the hotel spa, dinner reservations - the whole nine.

Wow.  Didn't see that one coming.

I hate to toot Brian's horn here, but BEEP FREAKING BEEEEEP!

Then he said, "You know... if you want to."

IF I WANT TO?  That's like Cinderella saying, "Well, that dress is pretty and I think it's cool that you turned a pumpkin into a carriage and all, but I'll just stay in tonight and scrub floors instead.  Thanks anyway."

OF COURSE I WANTED TO.  I was able to enjoy my wedding day without any stress.  Flowers?  They'll be there.  Music?  Whatever they play.  Dress?   Pressed and ready to go, ma'am.  Sounds pretty perfect to me.

My wedding is my favorite fairytale.  Disney is thinking about picking it up.

Feeling nauseous yet?   On a scale of 1 to Needing a Zofran Prescription, what are you?  An 11?   I KNOW, I KNOW.  It happened to me and it still makes me feel queezy sometimes, but no worries.  Barf bags will be handed out at the end of this post.

So in just a few hours, we had the most beautiful ceremony on the beach.  Outside of the state of Nevada, I don't think that there's ever been a shorter engagement.  If there was an award for that, Brian and I would proudly be clearing a spot on a mantel now.

We stood there, barefoot in the sand, and spoke vows straight from the heart.  Bailey said that some teenagers stopped to watch us, but I never saw them.  It felt like the whole world disappeared, and for just a moment, the entire ocean belonged to us.

Need that barf bag yet?  Yeah.  I thought so.

We learned something about romantic elopements, though: Some people were actually pretty upset that they missed our wedding.

Hey, Mom! Yeah, we're having a great time at the beach.
I called to tell you something.  I'm engaged!
Yes!  Thanks!  We're very excited!
And... well, there's more.  Brian has a little ceremony planned on the beach today.  You know - we'll just get dressed up and take some pictures and stuff.
No, Mom.  It's not... well, yeah, actually I guess it is a - you know - wedding.
Awww!  Mom, don't cry.  We'll have another ceremony when we get back.
At 6 o'clock today.  No, I don't think you can drive it in that amount of time.
Well, probably not.  I doubt you could get a flight here in time, either.
Awww.... Mom, please don't cry.

Were you able to fill in the blanks on what my Mom was saying during that conversation?

So, Mom.  About that....  Uh, sorry?

But getting married was so much fun, we figured - why not do it again?  So we had a "re-wedding" when we got back at my parent's church.

Complete with a reception at our house.  It was electric... boogie, woogie, woogie!

I love you, Brian.  Thank you for giving me the perfect wedding day, the perfect love and the perfect life.  I would marry you a thousand times.

Oh, and here's that barf bag I promised you...

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Romance Lives (Even After Kids)

Disclaimer:  YOU CANNOT READ THIS POST if you are my parents, family, close friends, neighbors, acquaintances, if you taught me in kindergarten, if you are my pastor, if you go to church with me, if you go to church anywhere, if you have taught my children, if you will teach my children, if you know my children, if you are my doctor, dentist, mailman, and especially my florist.  Basically - if there is any chance that I might bump into you at Target - STOP READING NOW.

Okay.  For the two of you who are left....

I knew that I had to pick up Bailey on Valentine's night, so our family celebrated on Sunday.  Translation: We went to Golden Corral to park ourselves beside that huge chocolate fountain.  Because nothing says "romance" like consuming 4,500 calories for $9.99 a person.

Holding true to my procrastinator reputation, I stopped by the mall ON VALENTINE'S DAY to buy gifts for my husband and children.  I'm not very romantic - I know.  Keep reading and you'll see that I'm basically the dude in this scenario.

I was scurrying around the mall about 7:30 pm, still trying to find the perfect gifts, which taught me a very valuable lesson.  And it's not the one that you think.  I'm still a procrastinator.

It taught me that after a certain time on Valentine's Day, you are no longer a "last minute shopper" and now you are a "lonely soul".

You obviously have nobody to watch that new Rachel McAdams movie with - so you're here, at the mall - drowning your sorrow in Michael Kors and Haagen Dazs.  TOTAL MEAT MARKET.  Every guy looked at me like I was available and every girl looked at me with sad eyes that silently said, Being alone on Valentine's Day sucks, doesn't it?  Facebook me and we'll chat about it.  

FYI: If you're still wasting your time in the club scene, forget it.  Wear your stilettos and short shirt to the mall at sundown on Valentine's Day.  You'll find a new honey in no time flat!

Thanks for being patient.  Here comes the good part.

Later, just before bed, Bailey went into my room looking for her lost shoes and shouted, "MAMA!  Brian decorated your bedroom and bathroom for Valentine's Day!"

Then I saw all the color disappear from Brian's face.  If Cupid and Casper had a love child, at that moment, it looked exactly like my husband.

I walked in and saw the most amazing surprise!  Rose pedals were scattered all across the floor.  Chocolate covered strawberries were displayed in a heart-shaped container on the bedside table.  There were at least 40 lit candles providing the only light in the room.  New bubble bath was carefully placed beside the whirlpool tub.  There were gifts and a sweet card.  It was beautiful!

But, uh, not meant for children to see.  Ahem.  Or you - if you know me.  DO YOU KNOW ME?  ARE YOU BREAKING THE RULES?  If so, don't be shocked if I walk the other way when I see you at Target.

Embarrassing, huh?  But don't worry.  It gets worse.  Then Bailey said, "Hey, Mama!  There's a video camera in here!  Are you making a movie?"

Now before you start whispering,  Pfft.  I never took her for that type of girl,  PLEASE LET ME CLEAR SOMETHING UP.

You know how my "Momday Mornings Vlog" tab has said "Coming Soon" since I started my blog?  Well, it's actually coming soon!  Over the weekend, I filmed my friend Laura talking about pregnancy and whatnot in my room so that we could use the green backdrop.  ASK HER.  She'll back me up.  And it's not just because I threatened her life is she didn't.  I just hadn't gotten around to putting up the camera yet.

Can you imagine Bailey telling her friends and teacher all about our "Valentine's decorations" and "movie making"?  We'll probably be forced to change schools.

And think about poor Bay.  There's going to be a moment in the future when she puts everything together.  She'll be all like, "HEY.  I remember one Valentine's Day when my..... Huh?  EWWWWWWWW!"

Bless her heart.

So click on the link below if you'd like to donate to Bailey's therapy fund.  Because you know that she's going to need therapy.  And a lot of it.

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The Girlfriend's Mom

I recently made my annual appearance at the elementary school PTA meeting because the 5th grade was singing.  Otherwise, I wouldn't waste my time at that lame meeting. Sorry but I've got really important stuff to do like fold laundry and watch The Bachelor.

After the performance, the PTA officers started in with their official business crap.  That's when I pulled out my iPhone and appeared to be very busy.  These people need to understand that Facebook is practically a job these days.

Just before hitting the post button, a parent walked up to me and said, "Hi!  I'm Lisa.  I'm the boyfriend's Mom!"

And I said,  "Huh.  That's funny because my daughter doesn't have a boyfriend."

Oh, sure.  I laughed that "ha ha ha" fake laugh and nudged her arm, but I didn't think it was funny in the least.  THIS IS MY DAUGHTER YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT.

Then she said, "I was hoping that we could get the two love birds together for a movie date sometime."

To which I replied,  "We'll see."

Just for clarification purposes: "We'll see" actually means HELL NO when coming from the girlfriend's Mom.

I know my daughter will date some day YEARS FROM NOW.  But she seems a little young to start the natural progression of dating.  If she goes to the movies now, soon she'll be holding hands, then she'll be kissing - and before you know it - I'm raising a grandbaby when I'm 42-years-old.


Yeah, I've flipped through your brochure, and I think we'll vacation elsewhere.

Sensing my unease, the boyfriend's Mom said, "Well, I would go to the movies with them, of course."

Well, of course you would, but see - I don't trust you.  Do you know why?  Because you're the boyfriend's Mom and my daughter is not your top priority.  How do I know this?  Because I have a son, too.

Then she said, "Which section of the neighborhood do you live in?"  

Oh, how I hate this question.  My neighborhood contains several hundred homes split into different sections with a half-million dollar price differential.  We have lower-middle, middle and upper-class all sharing the same tennis courts.  It's hard to know who your people are.  They should really make us wear signs.

She quickly said that they live in the back section of the neighborhood.  THEY ARE NEIGHBORHOOD ROYALTY.  No wonder she wanted to know which section I live in! She's trying to protect her son from people like me.

I was so tempted to say,

"A movie?  That sounds great, but I hope you don't mind paying for Bailey's ticket, well... because you know which section of the neighborhood we live in.    

And then, when they are sixteen and need to get married - ahem - because of the baby, and we can't afford to give them the wedding that your son deserves, I hope that you'll step in and take care of that for us.  

Awww!  I knew you would!  Yes, a movie date for the two lovebirds sounds PERFECT!"

Pfft.  That would teach her to mess with the girlfriend's Mom.

But instead, I just said, "We'll see".  And we both know what that means.

Rewedding Anniversary

Today is our rewedding anniversary.  But don't worry - it's not nearly as Days of Our Lives as it sounds... if you ignore the fact that I had my memory erased when I was presumed dead and Brian was held captive on a private island in the Pacific while the writers worked on a new storyline for us.  

Brian and I had a beach wedding, and then eight months later, we had a "rewedding" for family and friends. (Translation: much to our surprise, some people were actually upset that they missed our wedding.  No problem!  We'll just recreate it.)

While on a Spring Break trip, Brian proposed over room service breakfast and Nick Jr. cartoons.  Bailey, who was six-years-old at the time, was so proud when she presented the ring to me.  We were all so excited!

Then Brian said that he had an entire ceremony planned on the beach at sunset: minister, photographer, dresses for me and Bailey, hair and makeup appointments at the Hilton spa, dinner reservations - the whole nine....if I wanted to.

If I wanted to?  That's like Cinderella saying, "Wow. That dress is pretty and it's cool how you turned a pumpkin into a carriage and all, but I'd rather stay in tonight and scrub floors.  But, uh, thanks anyway."

OF COURSE I WANTED TO.  Name somebody else who had a surprise wedding.  Besides, I didn't have to plan a thing!  I had absolutely no stress when I got married.  Flowers?  They'll be there.  Music?  Whatever they play.  Dress?  Pressed and ready to go, ma'am.  Sounds perfect to me.

April 4, 2007 wedding

When you have a nontraditional wedding, you can focus on the romance of it all.  And when I say "nontraditional", I mean a wedding where the bride doesn't go bananas when the peonies in her bouquet are amaranth pink instead of carnation pink.

The three of us stood there, barefoot in the sand, and spoke vows straight from the heart.  Bailey said that there were some people who stopped and watched us, but I never saw them.  It felt like the rest of the world completely disappeared.  And just for a moment, the entire ocean belonged to us.

My wedding is my favorite fairytale!  Disney is thinking about picking it up.

December 29, 2007 rewedding

But here's the thing about having two anniversaries: it's hard work!  Brian and I usually forget our December one.

I love you, Brian.  I would marry you a thousand times!... as long as we don't have to remember all those anniversaries.

Delane and Nate Celebrate 10 years of Marriage

And you're welcome.  Because who set them up on a blind date in February, 1994?  This girl!

Nate and I were both attending Reinhardt College at the time.  One day while we were trying to stay awake in Math 102, Nate said something like, "Hey, do you have a sister who looks like you but doesn't have your personality?"

I tend to have that affect on people.

Anyway, as luck would have it, I knew just the girl... my sister, Delane, who had recently broken up with her boyfriend.  Maybe a fun double-date is just what the doctor ordered!

Little did I know that this blind date would become a seven year courtship and a ten year marriage - producing two precious children.   I would have put more money on William Hung winning American Idol in 2003.

To commemorate ten years of marriage, I took some photos of them at the park where Nate proposed, the church where they were married, and the theater where they had their reception.

It was nice to take a stroll down memory lane with them... or in this case, a stroll down East Main Street.

Congratulations, Delane and Nate!  Happy Anniversary!

Where Nate proposed 12 years ago...

Outside the church were they were married

A good looking couple!

They bet on love.

Hotties

The theater where they had their wedding reception 

The groom 

The bride

Happy Anniversary!

10 Things Longer Than Kim's Marriage

#ThingsLongerThanKimsMarriage

This hashtag went viral on Twitter after Kim Kardashian announced that she was filing for divorce from Kris Humphries after only 72 days of marriage.  Kardashian cited "irreconcilable differences" because "publicity stunt has run its course" is not considered politically correct.... yet.

In fact, I think that hashtag is even longer than their marriage.

So I decided to come up with my own list of #ThingsLongerThanKimsMarriage. 

1. Milli Vanilli's Career.  In 1988, the German duo hit the charts with #1 songs like Blame It on the Rain and Girl You Know It's True (true, true... true, true).  For two years, the group depended on smoke and mirrors and their better-than-Britney-Spears lip syncing skills to scam us into believing that they were actually singing those songs.  That's, like, ten times the length of a Kardashian marriage.

2. Other ridiculously short celebrity marriages.  Goodbye are the days of laughing at couples like Kenny Chesney and Renee Zellweger, Nicolas Cage and Lisa Marie Presley, Kid Rock and Pamela Anderson, and Drew Barrymore and Tom Green.  The only celebrity union that beats Kardashian's marriage to Humphries is Britney Spears and Jason Alexander who were married for 55 hours.  You know - just long enough for the ecstasy to wear off and for Britney's Mama to show up and give that boy a talkin' to.

3. New Coke.  April 23, 1985 will go down in infamy as the day that some idiot decided to screw up all that is good in America.  This crappy excuse for Coke replaced the original formula, and almost immediately, sales deceased 80 percent.  Just three months later on June 10th, the original forumla, later named Coca-Cola Classic, was found again on the grocery store shelves.  New Coke was officially banned from the planet in 1992.

4. A Bad Hair Year.  In 1986, I had one hairstyle that combined everything that could possibly go wrong on a single head of hair: wings, mullet, a cheap perm, and a used bottle of Sun In (which by the way, does not give you "natural" highlights).  This hideous, God forsaken, destroy all photographic evidence hair disaster lasted longer than the Kardashian/ Humphries union.

5. The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien.  O'Brien held hosting honors for just 236 days between 2009 and 2010 before Jay Leno returned as the last night host - making it three times longer than Kris Humprhries did as Mr. Kardashian.

6. I Will Always Love You.  Whitney Houston's 1992 remake of the Dolly Parton classic I Will Always Love You spent 14 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts.  That makes 98 days that Whitney told listeners that she would always love them and only 72 days that Kim said the same thing to Kris.

7. Lindsay Lohan's time in rehab.  Some of Lindsay Lohan's rehab stints have been voluntary and some have been court-ordered, but since 2007, Lohan has spent a total of 247 days in rehab, a.k.a., 3 1/2 Kardashian marriages.  Clearly rehab works about as well for Lindsay as marriage does for Kim.

8. Puppy Love.  When I was a teenager, I had a boyfriend who I had dated, like, FOREVER... you know, at least six months.  We were an established couple and there was a big social event right around the corner.  It would be awkward to break up with him beforehand, and besides, what if I couldn't find another date in time?   The number of days that I suffered through 1-4-3 messages on my pager was longer than this marriage.


9. Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries' Engagement.  They were engaged for 85 days before cashing in millions for their wedding.  How can an engagement last longer than the marriage?  Listen, I get it.  Don't underestimate the time that it takes time to build a $172,000 wedding registry.  You can't just throw it together in 71 days, you know.

10.  This blog post. 

What makes your #ThingsLongerThanKimsMarraige list?