Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction.  ~Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Well I have my wedding dress all fitted now.  I know, you're excited!  Moi aussi. It is an Oleg Cassini creation, really extravagant and so romantic.  I have to be honest and tell you it wasn't something I picked out.  The sales lady brought it to me and I tried it on.  When I stepped out of my dressing room closet, a roomful of women collectively gasped and all said "Oh you look so beautiful!  You have to buy that dress!"  Seriously.  It was ridiculous.  I am not the girl who gets all teary eyed about weddings or dresses or anything for that matter.  I kept trying it on and same thing would happen.  It was obviously meant to be mine.

When I had it altered, the real reason was my bust size had gone back to "normal", I had a lace up back put in and when I say "Wow!" I really mean it. Now an amazing couture creation has become a one-of-a-kind dress and I love it!  It is absolutely gorgeous, romantic, sexy, and sweet all rolled into a piece of fabric and intricate lacework.  I am amazed and honestly, I can't wait to wear it because it's beautiful.  But more than that because I will be standing beside my best friend, Patrick, and I will become his wife.  I can't wait for the day and yet, I don't want to rush it either.  This process has been so illuminating and planning it has been a lot of fun.

Patrick asked me to marry him a few years ago.  I know that might surprise you to hear but he did.  I was shocked and surprised at that moment.  We were in his black Cadillac in a neighborhood...no wine, no dinner, nothing you would expect a proposal to be.  Just two people in love.  I was so surprised.    Aren't women supposed to be the ones who really want to be wedded?  I wasn't expecting it at all.  He took my breath away.
Patrick is a romantic at heart, don't tell him I told you that, but he is.  He loves to love.  He has an amazingly sweet spirit and is incredibly kind and forgiving.  I am rendered speechless by the depth of his love and affection for me.

We told a lot of people we were getting married but made it "official" on the day before my birthday in 2012.  I was already wearing my ring, he had already proposed; it was just that day we revealed it to the world at large via social networking.  It was well received by most people.  Others have gone away mainly because I don't think they were ever really our true friends, just watching to see if we made it.   We made a list and sent out Save the Date cards.  Our friends have kept it under wraps for us and it's so good to know you still can be private about things if you choose to be.

We are making it.  We've been through a lot of hard times together and we are emerging into a new future.  It's wonderful and it's very challenging but I can't imagine my life any different now.  We're working on bringing all the kids together in the same place and I always thank God for the favor He showed us and continues to shower upon us.

We're looking in the same direction, together. We are moving forward, working on the details a life filled with children brings and we are realistic about the future. It will take more hard work to move forward but together we can accomplish anything.