I can't drive 55...actually, I can't drive well, at all.

I have been ticketed in all of the following states:Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, Alabama, Louisiana and Ohio. And to no one's fault but my own, in most cases. However, I have not got (knock on wood) a ticket in almost 2 years. Now granted, some have been thrown out, or looked over, but many times...my cute little face and nicely, real baby-feeders have not got me out of squat...LOL.

For the most part, I truly am not a bad driver...I just drive and think, drive and sing, drive and talk, drive and sleep (yes, but just a few times), and I really just need to drive and leave the "ands" off...LOL.

However, the time that I really am the BEST driver is when I have my most precious cargo on board, my gals. I have to think about all the crazies out there driving, too. I have a hard enough time letting my President and Vice-President travel together. ( when they fly, well...I can't even explain how nervous I get.) I become so aware of what is going on around me, or at least I try. If I get the tiniest bit tired, I pull over and nap.( I mean, they are called rest areas...lol.)

So my plan as, Christy Buettner BOYD, wife of Mr. Chad and mother of the 2 most perfect children in the world, is to learn to drive again and this time learn to do it better...and slower...LOL.

55,54,53,52,51...and so on. I hope you will stick with me.

The 56 Geeks Project

OMG...some of this stuff I couldn't make up!

As most of the people that read this know...I google the numbers I'm working on sometimes. Man, oh man, am I glad I did today. By the luck of the Irish, I came across this website.

http://myextralife.com/56geeks/

This creator is an absolute genius. Not only does he cover Mr. Chad in sooooo many ways. He covers EVERY single person I work with (and that's not really a good thing...actually, it's a very sad thing...LOL).

I am fortunate enough to not see myself on there. Although, I think it saddens me somewhat. If I was a geek (as if I'm not...lol). I guess I would want to be Momma Geek...or Wedding/Shower Planner geek...maybe Reality Show geek, but only if I was in a Dancing With the Stars costume. Nowadays, I'm a Gardening Geek, too. Ooohhh,ooohhh,ooohhh...I got it. I want to be a Cupcake geek. I love cupcakes. I'm kind of really into cupcakes right now.

Anyway, what kind of geek are you? I can think of some. My cousin Karen is a Teaching geek (good thing...she does teach math...lol), Gin is a Having First Baby geek, Mary is a Nurse geek (she will gladly tell you the 1st time giving a suppository story...lol), C2 is an Atkins Diet geek...LOL. I need to stop or I could think of friends and family geeks for hours. Be sure to check out his site and leave a comment. Peace.

56,55,54,53,52...and so on. I hope you will stick with me.

'57 Chevy as a groom's cake?

I love the idea of a groom's cake. I have spent the last few weeks trying to come up with something for Mr. Chad. He loves spice cake, so I know it will be a spice cake with cream cheese icing. However, that's all that is set in stone.

It was my idea that he not know what it was going to be and surprise him...but it seems that it doesn't really matter if they know or not, and that some grooms help with making the decision. I gave him 5 guesses on what my idea was for his cake, but he ended up guessing for 10 minutes. He guessed:

1. R2D2 (thought about that, b/c his mom made him one as a kid that he loved, actually thought of many different Star Wars characters...lol)
2. UK (entered my mind, but not really)
3. Earnhardt (yes, bought the pan...thought about #3,#8,#88, Goodwrench Chevy, etc.)
4. WOW-World of Warcraft (LOL...never entered my mind, not sure why though, b/c that would be perfect for him.)
5. Bud Light or beer (kind of thought about it...)
6. Family Guy (maybe not what the "family" would want to see, and eat...lol)
7. Lil' Bush (we love the lil' cronies..."rrr rrr darth vader cake rrr rrr")

None of those were correct, but all would be good cakes for him. When I told him what I wanted...he chuckled, but he knew it was perfect and that I had really put some thought into it...I guess I could say, "I've got me a ringer this time." (hint.hint...lol)

57,56,55,54,53...and so on. I hope you will stick with me.

58 BC...or CB

The theme for the wedding is a monogram theme...I loooove our initials. I think b/c from the get-go, they were the same. (the girls have the same initials, too. Isn't that just the sweetest?) We just thought with the fact that things didn't happen the first time around, as planned, how cute to kind of play on that...and do the "C", it was meant to "B" idea.

Probably won't highlight the "was" part b/c that would seem a little too ostentatious even for the 2 of us...LOL. And, who knows, it's not June 21st, yet? I've never been one of those, count-my-chicks-before-they-hatch, kind of people. Although, I have no doubt, all will work out this time around. I truly am in love and I honestly, believe he is, too...otherwise, I would never go through with this. Planning the wedding is fun, but time consuming. Planning the rest of our lives has been an educating experience.

I don't want to give away every detail about our wedding, but some of the ideas and things we have planned are so cute and sweet. The best part is that Mr. Chad has come up with some great things on his own, and I am so proud of him. He has come a long way from dragging his club and writing on walls,...and he has always been good with fire. :o) I so love that little man...sometimes...I mean, most times...LOL

58,57,56,55,54...and so on. I hope you will stick with me.

59...I'm almost halfway, right?

Each time I hit a day that ends in the number "9", I feel like the wedding is closer. By the time "9" actually rolls around I'll be jumping out of my skin.

Mr. Chad and I have done most of the little things, but we have not finalized our wedding guest lists. That issue has top priority come this weekend. 100 invitations can mean 200, 300, or 400 guests...and that is not what we want. Price and budget have something to do with it, but mainly, we want a very intimate ceremony. I want to get lost in the moment, not in the crowd. I want to be able to see, and recognize everyone in the church.

For once, even if for different reasons, we are on the same page about one thing...having a wedding that celebrates and focuses on us and the girls, regardless of how many people are there...As long as we are surrounded by those we love, and those who love us then that will be enough and that's really all one needs...

59,58,57,56,55...and so on. I hope you will stick with me.

60 Minutes

How did 60 minutes become the standard time for a lunch hour? Somewhere in time, long before me, people had to have errands...not just wedding errands, as this story goes.

Today, I had to pick up invitations (again) b/c they had to be reprinted due to a "color" malfunction...linen paper, does not mean linen colored linen paper. White is white. (and if one person comments that there are a 1000 shades of white...I may hunt them down and show them the difference between black & blue...lol...Yes, it has been one of those days.)

I thought I would, also, look for the ribbon I keep putting off buying... evidently, today was "crazy" day at Walmart...No, there was nothing on sale really...I'm talking about the people. That must be why I usually fit in there...lol.

Anyway, the weather is awesome today, and all the locals have out the Boston ferns, and gosh darn it were they pretty... it made me look forward to my summer wedding, which by chance is the first day of summer, the longest day of the year...unlike my lunch break which seems to get shorter and shorter...

60,59,58,57,56...and so on. I hope you will stick with me.

My man is not 6'1"...

I am not 36-24-36, either…LOL, and that’s OK. When you’re in love…your man tends to look more and more like George Clooney or Brad Pitt, and, lucky me, women tend to look more and more like Keira Knightley or Jessica Alba. (He chose those 2…and now I’m worried…LOL. They are both skinny brunettes…LOL…and I’m going to have to keep him off of FHM.com…LOL)

The best thing, though, is not how one looks, but how they are seen by the other person. The person that has to...love, honor, and cherish until death do (they) part...LOL.

I think, Mr. Chad is so handsome. I love his eyes b/c they are honest. I love his hands b/c they are smooth(office job), but get dirty and callused when he works outside. I love his lil' Buddha belly b/c I'm the only one that gets to touch it. I love his smile b/c it's somewhat rare...lol. I love his brain (oh yes, I went there) b/c he is soooo smart and that is one of the best traits a man, any man, can have.

Most importantly, of all the things I love about Mr. Chad, I love his heart. His kindness is overwhelming at times, and you can tell so much about a man by the way he treats animals and his mother...and in my case, the way he treats my girls. We have had our go-arounds, but most have been my fault, although it always takes 2 people to have a disagreement...(*Note to readers, do not throw telephones...it NEVER ends well for anyone...LOL.

In the end, you have to look at the ones you love with different eyes. They may not be what is expected or accepted, but no one has to live with them but you...and that's all that matters.

61,60,59,58,57...and so on. I hope you will stick with me.

Mess-i-er 62

It's doubtful that you will know anything about today's title, but if you've been reading this blog at all...what can I say, but WIKI it...LOL. However, I was kind of using it as a play-on-words...meaning messier, if that is a word? I am pretty organized, borderline OCD...just no meds needed----YET!...LOL

However, my little wedding notebook has gone to hell, in a handbag. I don't like pencils, so I do everything in pen. :o) Needless to say, it would not get points for neatness. Cuteness, yes.(I need to take a photo of it.) Since I started REALLY planning this thing, I have not made a move without my "handy, dandy notebook". One could almost say, it's my new best friend.

BUT, i do need to go through it and get rid of ideas not being used...the centerpieces page(s) are endless. I figure I can file them for later, dinner parties, showers, etc...or just throw them out...the trash is where THEY belong...LOL. I must have been sampling the "good" punch recipes when i sketched them out.

I have, also, noticed that things are taking over the house and my lil' SUV. Reminds me of my cousin Karen who had wedding stuff in her trunk for months, maybe years...after the wedding...LOL.

So, now that I'm almost halfway there. I need to pull in the reigns and get things in high gear. I DO not want to be doing things two nights before, but I know I will. We (OCD)perfectionists do our best worker under pressure. :o)

62,61,60,59,58...and so on. I hope you will stick with me.

63 Flavored candies...Yummy!

Mr. Chad and I have been talking about the candy for the candy buffet. Our goal is to try to get a little something for everyone, yet, if any is leftover...the girls (and us) can share it over the summer.

There is soooooo much candy out there and you can actually search by color...instead of just looking for certain candies. WOW! (The littlest things amaze me sometimes...lol.) We have decided there must be a licorice/taffy, something sour, chocolate of course, a mint, and suckers. Although, he wants "whistle pops" like we had when we were kids, and I want to incorporate as many of the things that he wants, as the things that I do.

We have bought most of the containers to hold the candy. We have bought the little boxes for guest to put the candy in...now, all that's left is the CANDY...LOL. Mr. Chad can't wait to sample he said...I forgot to tell him, you only sample the food and the cake...the candy tastes the same as it did years ago, but maybe I'll give him a "whistle pop". :o)

63,62,61,60,59...and so on. I hope you will stick with me.

Will you still need me when I'm 64?

Mr. Chad's fish died and I had an epiphany. In his heartbreak, I had never realized how fragile he could be. He is always the strong one of us. He always makes sure everything gets done. He plans ahead while I live in the moment. He completes what I start.

For the first time EVER, b/c I am the one who always thinks I'm not good enough for his love, he tells me that he thinks that he has failed me. At that moment, literally, at that moment...all the fear I had about loving him forever disappeared.

My heart was so consumed by the fact that he felt that he had not loved me enough or that he had let me down in some way that I realized how much I truly loved him, that he was my home. My little piece of property 1/2 mile from the place I swore I'd never return to... I have always heard that one can never go home again, but it is only now that I realize where my "home" is...and where I want to be when I'm 64.

64,63,62,61,60...and so on. I hope you will stick with me.

65 yards of ribbon is not nearly enough

Did you know it takes a good 9 feet to make a nice size bow? Well, it does and I think I kind of knew that, but Mr. Chad did not. Every day he learns something new in this wedding menagerie.

Claudia helped me limit my ribbon decision so I have to get on the ball about ordering it or picking it up at a local craft store. My cousin, Verlissa, mocked up a pew bow with the ribbon I had chosen, and only 1 was capable of doing the job. It was white with white polka dots, sheer and wired on the edges...I love it, but it needs some jazzing up. She and I thought maybe some fern fronds poked in it somehow... I kinda like this idea here...I want something cheap, but that has a lot of depth and looks expensive. Although, I think that is every bride's goal...LOL.

It's hard deciding on the ribbon b/c of the fact of the colors IN the church. The church is predominately lavender-ish. So I only want to use white or green (from the ferns) on the inside. I'm afraid too much color and it will look like Barney threw up in the church.

I guess, that's one more think that is somewhat checked off the list of things to do...but I'm sure panic will set in 7 days before it all goes down...LOL

66,65,64,63,62...and so on. I hope you will stick with me.

Get your kicks on Route 66

You knew i had to use that title when I got to this number...LOL. I'm not going to talk about Route 66(though, Mr. Chad and I want to take the kids on that particular journey), but I will share a traveling story...If you know me, you know I want to see the world and share it with those I love. I see traveling as physically going from one place to another. I've done it all my life. But this story is about a differnt type of traveling...this is a journey of one's heart...

One of the times, I knew that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with Mr. Chad was while we were on vacation at Myrtle Beach. It wasn't so much the getting there, or the things that we did, but it was watching him watch my girls. Seeing him in an environment that he knew nothing about...he didn't have kids until me.

He played and carried on b/c he loves the ocean (just like the kids...LOL), but it was watching him and Catarina wait for the perfect wave to come in to ride on their boogie boards, and then watching him simultaneously keep an eye on Claudia b/c I was scared of her being swept under the water. (He read, and pointed out to me, the signs on the beach that gave directions on what to do if that occurred...nice way to panic moms, South Carolina!)

Anyway, I never saw myself getting old with anyone, never saw a journey ahead that was packed with blessings of the little kind, never wanted to love someone so much it hurts to be without them(the love for my girls does not count here...that is a totally different kind of love, and any mother knows that!)...but until I met Mr. Chad, I never understood traveling in the sense that I do now. Every time we're together, It's a journey. It could be mind, body, or soul, but it is always enlightening. I am so blessed. I have 2 healthy, happy children and a man that puts our needs(not wants) above his own. Now that is safe traveling.

66,65,64,63,62...and so on. I hope you will stick with me.

67 Priests, Preachers, and Clergymen

I would love to have a catholic mass for my wedding, but not being catholic (YET), creates a problem. Not to mention that annulment thing that must occur...lol. I don't want a short service. I want a wedding service. A good service with a message from God, just a service picked by me and Mr.Chad. :o)

There has to be a beginning prayer led by someone(maybe an uncle or relative). The White Bible part by someone(I hope that will be Caleb Howard.). The actual marriage ceremony by someone( and I am on the hunt for Linda Henson to do that). The closing prayer, as well (another uncle or relative). Somewhere Codell Gibson has to chime in, too. Actually, you can kind of do what you want, but there appears to be some things that are traditional and some required by church and state. Most importantly, I have the girls reading and singing, and lastly, there has to be some music that has special meaning to the 2 of us.

According to my research, it kind of goes like this:

1. Processional
2. Music, Lit, and Poetry
3. (White Bible Part to the girls)
4. Wedding Vows
5. Exchange of Rings
6. First Kiss
7. Recessional

To the best of my knowledge, we are going to keep the ceremony pretty close to that...looks like it covers everything needed , with the exception of signing the paperwork, so why make too many unnecessary changes...LOL. I,we, just need to make sure we get the ball rolling on who will be doing what...

67,66,65,64,63...and so on. I hope you will stick with me.

68 styles of stamps

Today I'm torn about stamps. Yes, stamps. When I was young I wanted to be U.S. Postmaster General. I love stamps, but am in no way a philatelist. My eldest daughter collected for a few years, but then lost interest. My favorite stamps are the "LOVE" ones, but I usually like the wedding ones, as well...and many times, they are the same...LOL

Considering how freaky-controlling I was on having a certain type of paper for the invites...you can see my dilemma on choosing the stamps that will adorn that paper, right?

So, there are these cute CELEBRATE stamps which I like, but not very wedding-y. The wedding/love ones are lavender and that is a no-go for me, but the ones above are just FABU. I mean, if there was anything for this wedding picked with just Mr. Chad in mind, it would be these stamps. He is such a brilliant "science" mind and I think most people do pay attention to stamps on wedding invites and it would be a mini-science lesson b/c maybe, just maybe, someone would google whomever was on their envelope...thus, educating them about someone they never knew...LOL.

Anyway, stamps will more than likely be the ones above...but the other issue for us is...the invites will go out with .41 cent stamps and the response cards have to have .42 cent stamps...damn, but the journalist stamps for the response cards...well, they are educating and informative too...LOL

68,67,66,65,64...and so on. I hope you will stick with me.

69

I'm not going there. This is a PG blog.

It's just fun, sometimes, watching the big day get closer. A day where all seems to be falling in place. A day where most of your to-do list is starting to get done.

A day where, if your head is hurting, it's not because you can not get by the printers before they close.

I'm trying to let my mother be involved, as much as she wants to be and as much as she phyically can. I spent the day with her and then decided to spend the night. It was a nice day and ended wonderfully watching--Dancing With the Stars...LOL.

Although, she made me some yummy, Atkins-friendly, chicken...she baked a chocolate cake for Jeff and then asked me to frost it...yeah, i licked the knife and can only assume it had 22 carbs on it. Thank God for jumpropes!!!

69,68,67,66,65...and so on. I hope you will stick with me.

70 x 10 wedding pictures

700 photos. Is that too much?...I think not, but Mr. Chad says that since he and I have been together, he's had more photos taken than his whole life combined. LOL

I can't help it. I love pictures. I have oodles and oodles of everything--from the girls sleeping to the girls weeping. I have them of Mr. Chad with WD-40 hands and some with the occasional smile that he lets slip out. I say that I'm going to scrapbook our lives, all 4 of us, but even if I never do...I'll be just as happy with them in a shoebox.

Now back to wedding pictures. Turns out my photographer is booked for our wedding date, so I asked my cousin's hubby to shoot some photos and I plan on asking my Aunt Deb to do some, as well. But I was a little torn up about the whole thing b/c I heart pictures...LOL, and I love NR's pics--she is a genius with photoshop.

Needless to say, I was upset. When out of the blue, my friend, Cora volunteered to shoot the wedding, pics and video. I almost hugged her, but she is ex-military and I didn't want her to see my tearing up...LOL.

She knew my budget and she knew how important pics were to me, so she has to know that she has made this bride's day. In fact, I have never been this happy about pictures that aren't even real yet...LOL.

If you are reading this, Cora...You are worth far more than a plug(wooden) nickel...LOL...and I love you.

70,69,68,67,66...and so on. I hope you will stick with me.

SR-71

SR-Social Responsibility

As the wedding draws near, I am feeling more and more a Social Responsibility to be the hostess with the most-ess, but only for the wedding/reception. Mr. Chad and I arranged the wedding date around my family reunion so that it would be a convenience for all involved, but this year, though NEVER in the history of this family, it became a family reunion weekend. Who knew it was going to be a "Lani K Lani" LUAU...pig roast and all?

My family is not one that abides by the rule, "if you can't say something good, then say nothing at all" and although it appears they normally have each others' backs...they are, let's put it nicely...too many chiefs and not enough Indians...which normally makes for some good stories later and lots of shenanigans...LOL. Personally, I wouldn't trade it for anything, but it took my a while to get to this point.

The biggest problem with my family is they never forget things...oh, they are great at forgiving, but letting bygones be bygones...nah. An example is you can almost tell who will be at what by what has happened in the past, or the relationship of the individuals involved...LOL. Did you go to so and so's wedding?... if not they will find a "legitimate" reason to not be at yours. Yet, certain people are cliqued together and time and space doesn't change it...I have a handful of those cousins.

With the exception of when I lived in New Orleans (away from everyone) or being in LA with the girls, I have been to every thing I have been invited to, I think. Weddings, baby showers, graduations, baptisms, cook outs, jailhouse visits, you name it...Now, there are things I have missed, but I can't read minds...if the invite wasn't on paper that's OK, a call would do...but if you didn't call me...well, I lost my "super hero" powers years ago so I am only human these days. (Recently, I missed my cousin preaching for the first time b/c they changed the date at the last minute. I was heartbroken, but I called him and I prayed for him at mass.)

I guess the problem with me is I love social activities. I like visiting with friends and family. I want to see my family blessed and successful and I LOVE get-togethers. I can not wait to host my first dinner party as Mrs. Christy Buettner Boyd, as Mr. Chad looks on from the back porch because the smell of the things I cook makes him ill...LOL. No, my cooking is not that bad he is just "most-food" intolerant.

In the end, I guess I'm just venting because I DO want my family there. I love each and everyone of them and this really is the beginning of my life with Mr. Chad . However, all I can do is hope and believe that all people do what their hearts tell them to do...I know I am.

71,70,69,68,67...and so on. I hope you will stick with me.

The Rule of 72

I love finding sites on the web that educate me. I especially like ones that can educate others, as well. When searching for a topic for today that was somewhat wedding related...I came across The Rule of 72. This may not be about weddings, although it is about finances, and it could help anyone in a marriage. I mean, finances are the #1 reason for divorce in this country. The site is called moneychimp.com and the name in itself would make me go to their site, but it really is informative.

In a nutshell, Moneychimp.com states The Rule of 72 is:
...to find the number of years required to double your money at a given interest rate, you just divide the interest rate into 72. For example, if you want to know how long it will take to double your money at eight percent interest, divide 8 into 72 and get 9 years.

http://www.moneychimp.com/features/rule72.htm

I know I would love to retire long before 60, but that will never happen...and this can kind of explain why...LOL. Anyway, check this site out for some great financial explanations. It is kind of like a "smart version" of a For Dummies problem. The problem being how to understand economics or maybe just it's terminology. I believe I'll always be rich in love, but it would ROCK to be rich in finances...without ever waiting to hit the lottery...I mean, I got Mr. Chad and everyone knows you NEVER hit the lottery twice ( he he he...LOL).

72,71,70,69,68...and so on. I hope you will stick with me.

73 items on the wedding registries

http://www.walmart.com/

http://www.jcpenney.com/


It's painful deciding whether to register or not. Mr. Chad and I don't really need anything(we lived in sin together for 3 1/2 years and I have lived on my own now for 10 months), but the towels, silverware, and pillows would definitely be nice...LOL.

I believe every bride has the option to register, especially, if she and her groom are having a wedding, and even if this is her 10th one (which it is not, I'm just saying if...lol). Besides, it's my first wedding, and registering is not a request for gifts (I can't stand when people say that.)...it is merely giving people THAT want to give you a gift...an idea of what you and your new spouse may need as you start your new life together.

Modern etiquette states, "It's your day...do what you want to do"...that's what we did.

73,72,71,70,69...and so on. I hope you will stick with me.

'74, the year my little man was born.

Most of the year had passed before Mr. Chad came along...but here are some highlights:

November 11 - Leonardo DiCaprio, American actor
November 15 - Chad Kroeger, singer
December 17 - Duff Goldman, American celebrity chef


November 20 - The United States Department of Justice files its final anti-trust suit against AT&T. This suit later leads to the break up of AT&T and the Bell System. ***Must explain why he has never liked AT&T...LOL

November 24 - A skeleton from the hominid species Australopithecus afarensis is discovered and named Lucy. ***Must explain his love for anthropology.

December 1 - A Boeing 727 carrying TWA Flight 514 crashes 25 miles northwest of Dulles International Airport during bad weather, killing all 92 people on board. ***Must explain why he has never flown and never wants to!!!

December 31 - Restrictions on holding private gold within the United States, implemented by Franklin Roosevelt in 1933, are removed.***Must explain why he is so tight with his money...LOL

Just some fun facts.

74,73,72,71,70...and so on. I hope you will stick with me.

I-75

This is my second home. Well, I may not live near it or off it, but I do live on it. I travel it all the time and could probably drive it with my eyes closed...and have (Long story short...coming home from one of my many New Orleans trips, I fell asleep and drove a few miles while attached to the guardrail.), unfortunate for the car, but oh, how fortunate for me. :o)

See, I have to travel this road to take my girls back and forth to their Dad. ( a good guy, if I haven't said that before...who married a wonderful woman that I love deeply as a friend. I can't understand why most adults can not get along with their exes and their spouses???) However, I usually drive it more than he does, but I want to see Catarina and Claudia in their environment, so...somehow, I do most of the driving...but being alone on my travels has helped me with this wedding.

I've stopped and looked at fabrics. Checked on flower prices. Bought odds and ends to be used at the reception...and tried...and tried...and tried to come up with some original vows. Though, being alone has been helpful, using the trip to get the girls' input has been a great experience, too.

I think the most important part about this marriage, is seeing how much Mr. Chad loves the girls and how important it is for me to have the girls' blessing. Saying, "I Do" to each other may be easy, but merging a family is hard work. I'm glad to see he's in it for the long haul.

75,74,73,72,71...and so on. I hope you will stick with me.

The Spirit of '76

I truly am getting in the wedding "spirit". I could go on and on about what marriage means and how I understand this is a lifetime commitment, but this blog is for the fun stuff, and not really the serious stuff...


Mr. Chad and I actually talk about "stuff" for the big day. He says that I don't like any of his ideas, but then he never really says much either way. He knows he wants chicken as an entree' and there must be Bud Light somewhere on the reception premises. We both love black & white and the whole monogram theme for the event.

The invitations turned out LOVELY. Little by little, it seems to be going the way it should be...or the way we think it should be...LOL. I guess, in the end, as long as we have the girls there and our parents that's all that really matters...though, I will be extremely hurt if most of my family doesn't show up...only b/c, my family is his family...LOL.


We are having fun "working" on this and I actually appreciate all of his input...as the days tick down, our jovial "spirit" keeps going up...and it really helps with the stress factor.

76,75,74,73,72...and so on. I hope you will stick with me.

77 looking for Kevin...Bacon.

I want to invite Kevin Bacon to our wedding.

I mean, how appropriate that Mr. Chad loves bacon and I love Bacon. He has a good marriage and a wonderful wife (who could do some southern research for her show The Closer on TNT while here...I mean our accents our so thick, her "closer" one will sound natural...LOL). He has a band with his brother and I am still stumped on reception entertainment. We could all cut loose, Footloose...well, that was Kenny Loggins, but you get my drift. Maybe, he could lead us all for that dance...b/c his music isn't quite Top 40, but man does it have soul.

That's it! That will be my gift to my groom (and to me, too...LOL). I will spend the next 76 days trying to get BACON for our wedding. Can you help me? Does anyone know how to get in touch with Kevin Bacon. I mean, are we not all related to him within six degrees...or something like that.

The journey has started and it is on like Donkey Kong.

77,76,75,74,73...and so on. I hope you will stick with me.

78...that special date.

June is the month for Brides, or that's what we have always heard. Not really true these days. September is now very popular, as is December which host many weddings around the Christmas theme as well as New Year's Eve.

I NEVER wanted to get married in June.

I love fall and think that would have been the best for me and Mr. Chad. We both love autumn. In Kentucky, it' so beautiful when the leaves are turning. I think, I love it because it showcases my favorite color--orange. I think, Mr. Chad loves it because the weather is just right for him and it glorifies "his" mountains.

The girls...well, they are excited now, I guess, but they would have much rather us tie the knot at Disney World. I'm starting to think that, too...but it would have broke the bank as much as this shindig is going to...

Last year it was going to be on 07/07/07 with a Vegas gambling theme and with that in mind this year is a little along those lines. You know, I never wanted to be a June bride and although I don't like the month...I like the date. What is it in gambling they say when a Queen meets up with an Ace at the table? Ah, I remember...21.

78,77,76,75,74...and so on. I hope you will stick with me.

79 Hill

O.K., so this title won't make much sense to most people, but it will to my family and that's what matters, but I'll tell you this... it was a magical place when I was a kid. Other than that, it has nothing to do with my wedding or this blog today except that it fit the number of today's entry. :o)

When planning a wedding, there are so many little details that sometimes you lose site of the long term and focus on the event. I do not want to be one of those people. A friend of mine recently said, "don't you think there are more important things to worry about other than the napkins?". Yes, I do, but I'm not sure how personal I want to get when the world has access to my thoughts.

I mean, I could share that having a baby is important to Mr. Chad and I, but that right now we are happy with my 2 beautiful girls and a baby can wait...but then I would have to go into it more and tell you how I'm scared that if I wait too much longer, I may be to old to enjoy it or to have a healthy pregnancy.

I could, also, share that he smokes and I LOATHE smoking(not smokers)...but I do know it's an addiction, and it's bad for him, for me, for our family. He almost died from cancer at a young age(20s) and it makes me physically sick and hinders my breathing. However, then I 'd have to tell you that I can't make him stop, he blames me for smoking most of the time and that I've cried myself to sleep over this issue several times.

I could share that I'm worried about being happy in the place that he loves more than anywhere on this earth, and that I ran from when I was 18, but then I would have to tell you that I love him and I hope that makes everything alright in the end.

So,...Yes, I know about the "Big Picture" and although you don't see it on here. It's in my thoughts all the time. None of us can can actually predict a happily ever after...but we can always hope for a work in progress.

79,78,77,76,75...and so on. I hope you will stick with me.

Motel 80...I swear, I have never been there!

I love this picture of us, but we sooooo have to change it. This picture appears on our wedding website and has been there for a LONG time. I think we have had the longest running pre-wedding website in history, but if you need to keep changing the date to make sure everyone is ready...then that's just what you have to do. :o)

I don't think either of us look that way anymore. I have Tammy Faye hair and he HAS hair (it's a little thinner now on top, which he blames on me...lol).

With his Bud Light in front of us and his "Dale" leather jacket on...our wedding website picture looks like we have a corporate sponsor, and that sponsor is NASCAR.

Still we were very happy in that pic, almost as happy as we are these days. We're both a little older now, a little heavier, a little more into compromise...and a whole lot more blessed.

I guess if Nascar, which is totally him, is the sponsor of our engagement then Expedia, which is totally me, can sponsor our marriage...one full of travels...both physical and mental. Bon Voyage.

80,79,78,77,76...and so on. I hope you will stick with me.

81...this story is fun and neat.(White Bible Ceremony)

http://www.southernladymagazine.com/whitebible/bibleprint.htm

Have you ever heard of this? The White Bible ceremony. I had never until recently and I am mesmerized by the story behind it. You should really click on the link and read it, before you go any further...

I have been wanting to do something VERY personal for my kids at the wedding. They are already in it as attendants, and they are either singing or reading, but Mr. Chad and I wanted to give them something that connected them to us, as we start our new family. In the past, I had thought about those medallions, but when I came across this...well, I broke down and cried as I read it. I, also, knew it was something I could modify and create to specifications the exact feelings I have for my children.

In the ceremony, which is normally held for the bride-to-be after her engagement is announced, most times at a tea or shower, she is presented with flowers and a white Bible with words of wisdom from it to help guide her as she marries.

Since, it appears to usually be for younger, maybe first time brides...I wasn't sure it applied to me. So, with that thought in mind, I decided to adapt it for the wedding as a time to honor the girls.

It will, also, allow me to create an heirloom for their future families. Mr. Chad and I are going to buy them both white Bibles and personalize them with their names and have the reading of the white Bible ceremony adapted to our situation. Close to the original as possible, but with the fact that these gals won't be bride-to-be material for a long, long, long time.

81,80,79,78,77...and so on. I hope you will stick with me.

82 and this ferns for you, I mean, me.

I am not having flowers for my wedding. I wants ferns and plants. I want nature to be my "green" accent color. I have probably said it a dozen times already, but people seem to think it's rather odd. What's odd about getting what I want?

Of course, I don't want silk ferns, and I don't want ferns in urns. I want the centerpieces to be lovely and living...and able to be used at my new house, even if I won't have a front porch by then...LOL :o)

Not much else today...just wanted to rant. Also, if you have any ideas about other plants that would be great as centerpieces...just leave a comment.

82,81,80,79,78...and so on. I hope you will stick with me.

mild dilemma # 83, groom's gift...

I am no where near the gift giver that my little man is...

Each year at Christmas, Mr. Chad gives me gifts that take my breath away. Gifts with so much thought and love put into them that I am truly humbled. I can only imagine what his wedding gift to me will be...and knowing that, I am scratching my head, probing the internet, and praying that something for him will "come to me". Something that would let him know just how much I love him. Isn't that what's it's supppose to be about...not the gift, but the the meaning behind it?

It's not going to happen. I'm not that good!

Here's what I'm talking about...just to name a few of his wonderful gifts to me...a cross worn by the crusaders during the holy wars (yes, a real one), a cartouche from Egypt with my name on it. He also, bought me a spot a land, in the home country, so that I may have the title Lady, a lamp with my favorite picture of my girls sculpted into it, and a Wollemi tree-a living fossil.

He has everything he could want, except for a race car, and I'm not saying, EVERYTHING, b/c he has me...it's just that he's a simple kind of man. I bought him Hazelnut trees for Christmas and he was happy as he could be had I bought him an H3. So, for the next few weeks, I need to really focus on who he is, so that I can figure out what I WANT to get him. I may have to ask my sweet children for some input, but somehow I think, they will either say he needs a "new" cell phone or a "new" computer...LOL, of which he will be getting neither one.

83,82,81,80,79...and so on. I hope you will stick with me.

Atomic Number 84

Polonium. Yes, you're right. I had no idea what it was...I think I'm doing well when I get to 4th grade questions on Are you smarter than a 5th Grader?.

Yet, some days when I am doing this I "Google"(one of my fave things to do in this world...Damn You, Sergey Brin and Larry Page) the number I'm working on...and today it was very interesting, and I learned something. If I asked 10 people what atomic number 84 on the periodic table was, I would say 9 out of 10 would ask, "what the EFF is the periodic table?" I have made my point, right?

Back to Polonium, there were some neat things on WIKI (my other fave thing to do...I know I lead a very simple life at times...LOL) about it. I thought I would share how it kind of pertains to me and Mr. Chad. Here it goes...

1. rare and highly radioactive...that is us. Our love is rare. I am 100% positive that I have never loved a man the way I love him and I know he loves me, too. Like NO ONE has ever loved me. He is honest, caring, and smart. I love all those traits. Our love is, also, radioactive. Sometimes very borderline explosive...and we are working through this-daily. He could tell you some stories about this, pertaining to me...most after I have taken my children back to their Dad( a good guy, has nothing to do with him)...I just feel such a sense of loss that I take it out on him, and like he always does, he lets me...Sorry, babe!

2. has been studied for possible use in heating spacecraft...Not really about us, but we, and the girls, love space and the space program. So, I just thought this was a neat little bit of info.

There is some other stuff, too...and I could go deeply into the comparisons of it and marriage in general, but I'll save you...LOL

There is much more about Polonium out there, like the Russian "former" KGB guy that was poisoned with the stuff a year or so ago...I never knew, until today, that it was from atomic number 84. Thank you Google...and thank you WIKI.

In closing, you never know what you may read here...so it may just seem like 84 days until my wedding, but if you want to be surprised about what you can learn from a wedding blog...come on back.

84,83,82,81,80...and so on. I hope you will stick with me.

85 and Stayin' Alive, Stayin' Alive...

I started Atkins this week, but I need to join weight watchers and make a lifestyle change. I am getting horribly out of shape. I currently weigh more than I ever have, with the exception of the 2 times I grew human beings inside of my body...LOL. ***Since I started working at my current job (July 12, 2007), I have gained 25 pounds.

I would like to blame work, and it is partially responsible...I sit all day, high fat food vendors are brought in, it's dark when I come in, it's dark when I go home...but... I could still go to the gym, I suppose, after work, but I'm normally exhausted by day's end.

Losing weight is fine on Atkins, but I do not want to go my whole life without bread and pasta...and that's what it is...let no one tell you differently! I have been inspired to quit soda, but am scared that I'm going to become a coffee addict...Coffee Mate "flavored" creamers, and my God, they come in so many awesome flavors, are the work of the devil...LOL, just ask Mary she drinks the stuff.

With all that being said, the next few weeks are going to be dedicated to getting in shape. I have 2-wedding dresses and neither zip...LOL...and Mr. Chad said that if I get another wedding dress...it's because I'm marrying someone else... I love him-he's such a realist!!!!!!!!!...LOL

For the last few weeks, I have been trying to organize myself into losing weight. I have cleaned out bad and old foods from my cabinets and fridge. (I will be, in a very nice way) asking my future mother-in-law to quit buying me Ale-8 Ones (a local drink full of caffeine), temporarily...LOL. I will be starting a food journal next week. I will spend some time trying to find the exercise equipment that I own----to use while watching waaaayyyy to much TV (I need to quit watching all those weight-loss shows that should inspire me)......... I need to get off my lazy bum and JUST DO IT!

Wish me Luck...I need it.

85,84,83,82,81...and so on. I hope you will stick with me.

86 and working the cd mix!

I want to make a CD favor for my guests, but am having the inner debate of whether it is right or wrong to do this, even though, I BOUGHT the music to begin with...I mean, am I knocking a "studio mixer" out of health care benefits?...LOL. It's not a laughing matter, I know, but since those piracy commercials started coming on in theatres and Mr. Chad was singled out by Napster several years ago...i have mixed emotions on this issue. We buy all music from Itunes, I think...LOL...i mean, I know I do. :o)

The fun part has been finding out songs that have a meaning to our families-aunts, uncles, parents. Some have cracked me up. My Mom and Pap Jeff, well, their song is Born to be Wild by Steppenwolf...and I can't imagine it being that, but I can't imagine it being anything else, either...LOL.

My one aunt, Wee, told me that her song and Donnie's was a song called Patches. Now, folks, I'm a borderline savant when it comes to music and I had never heard that song before in my life- EVER. Funny thing, though...Mr. Chad and I went shopping and I picked up a cheap 4-cd set of 70's songs...and there it was...Patches by Clarence Carter. I started laughing uncontrollably. My aunt and uncle are Pentecostal. He is a Pentecostal preacher and "their" song is by the same guy that sings Strokin'...do you see the irony?...LOL. Anyway, they have probably never heard the one song, since they have belonged to church for many, many years...and, pardon the expression, but that in itself is a blessing.

The saddest thing, so far, has been that Mimi Carolyn, Mr.Chad's mom, said that she and Mr. Chad's dad, Roger, didn't have a song. WHAT?! That almost broke my heart. As much as music has played a part in our courtship, how could they not have one song that takes them back to the time when they were falling in love...I have to work on this. I have to jog their memories, put Mr. Chad in charge of finding one that maybe his dad can remember...I would love to see them dancing together to that song, whatever it is, at our wedding.

Must give CD favor idea more thought...Yes, the rehearsal dinner is a pirate theme, but this would make it way to literal...LOL

86,85,84,83,82...and so on. I hope you will stick with me.

87 napkins...WTF?

I have been looking at napkins forEVER. There is cocktail, and dinner, and luncheon, and guest towel...LOL. I am not kidding you.

Does anyone ever really use them? I guess the purpose is to be cute and to serve as a reminder of the day. (Yes, I always keep one from weddings and put them in a box{we all take one, and you know it}...one day, I will make a scrapbook with napkins and the photos of the couples...or that is my intention...lol.)

The funny part to the napkin story is this...i mocked up a few and sent them to the groom-Mr. Chad, and to some friends...and no one agreed on anything...LOL.

The above is one of my faves b/c of "Let it B" being the last song at the wedding and the last song at the reception...so those will be ordered!!! I will, also, get some that Mr. Chad picked out...the rest will probably just be plain black and white...they are much cheaper...LOL.

I must tell you that the website that allows for a mock-up is:

http://www.foryourparty.com/

It's a neat site to see what you are ordering before you do...

87,86,85,84,83...and so on. I hope you will stick with me.