The wedding weekend went pretty well. All the kids did a good job. Kaylee looked so grown up. She was the first bridesmaid to walk down the aisle and Jimmy started crying when he saw her. She's so pretty and looked a solid 5 years older than she really is, which wasn't very cool. Tristan was the ring bearer, and he passed out on stage during the actual wedding. We think it happened because of the lights that were on him and how hot he got in his tuxedo. The good part, though, is that he actually did Jimmy and I a favor...we weren't crazy about staying at the reception for hours so Tristan's fainting got us an easy out. Makenzie (that's the correct spelling, apparently I've been spelling it wrong this whole time) was a flower girl and looked so precious in her dress. She forgot to throw her flowers, just as I predicted. I knew that with all eyes on her she would inevitably forget the whole point of why she was carrying the basket. All in all it was a good weekend. Not a lot of rest, but a lot of fun with Jimmy's family. They are all a pretty close group of people and I liked being in that environment where everyone came together as a family to celebrate something special. Also, it was special because it was our first time as a family (Jimmy, myself and all three kids) at an occasion like that. We've done a lot of things together, but this was the first big thing we've all been a part of at the same time. I'm very thankful that I've met an incredible man who trusts me with his kids. I'm thankful that I can be an example of a smart, independent woman for them. I love that we waited several months to introduce 'us' to them. Our whole relationship has been about the two of us loving and focusing on each other, and then close behind that has always been the welfare of the kids. We didn't want to do anything too quickly. I love those kids a lot. They are all three so different from each other. So unique and smart and funny. The way we're raising them is so opposite of the way I was raised. It's interesting to see a different approach work with child rearing than the one you were brought up on. It's neat to see kids have a choice in things that effect them, and to see that discipline isn't always best when administered in the form of a spanking. I got spanked all the time growing up, and I have to be honest and say it did nothing but give me negative feelings towards the people who were doing the spanking. I've long been an advocate of discipline that doesn't involve physical pain, and the main reason is because it didn't work on me. It just hurt me and hurt my feelings, but didn't change my behavior. I'm sure my parents could attest to that! So I'm glad we're doing things differently. I'm glad I've met a man who is a great father and a great friend to his kids, something I didn't really know was possible. I'm friends with my dad now, but that wasn't the case growing up. I think you can be your kids' ally and their guardian all at the same time. I know that I may never have a child of my own (I'm still not convinced I would be the best at that), but I feel confident that I can positively impact the lives of these three kids. I'm so thankful for the opportunity.
I think some people enter a relationship where their partner has kids and they immediately take on the mom or dad role and don't even think twice about how that might effect the children. I don't think it's necessarily the best decision to jump right into that. I do think it's a decision that's made by the adults, for what the adults want. I think that the thoughts/feelings of the kids are very rarely considered. But I could be way off. That's just the way I've experienced things up until about a year ago. I'm sure opinions on that subject would span a very wide spectrum. One thing I do know: kids are not stupid. They are very perceptive and intuitive.
Alright! Lighter subject...tattoos. As some of you know, Jimmy has several. All of them mean something to him and they're all very awesome and well done. Last night he got a few more. He hasn't gotten anything done in few years, and had wanted to get his Grandpa's initials for a while. His grandpa and grandma basically raised him. They were so influential in his life and a huge reason why he is so successful now. They believed in him when so many other people were looking the other way. So he wanted to honor that great man and always have a reminder of him with him. It looks awesome. It made me cry. It's in a place that if you weren't looking, you wouldn't see it. I never thought I'd be a tattoo lover, but I think that loving a man with tattoos can totally change your perspective.