06.19.2001
Our brains are still spilling over with last-minute ideas. Our low-key, stress-free wedding plans are becoming stressful again, so we're just going to nix all the ideas and go with the original plans. I think.

One of those ideas [one that will not get the boot!] is for wedding announcements. Of course, we're not going to send invitations, but we would like our families to know we're married. This is the proposed announcement that will be printed on cardstock, then wording printed on vellum will be attached. The wording will have a Las Vegas flair / fluff to it. I think it will be cute, but Lonnie is very worried that it will look too cheesey!

06.12.2001
Here it is mid-June and we're just getting around to our wedding announcements. With the move and all, we haven't done much wedding stuff. I guess now is the time. We'll have them made and in the mail within the next week.

Lonnie reminded me last night that there is only two weeks and three days until we head west. Wow. The time has really gone fast. Wow. Wow! Soon we'll be Mr. and Mrs. Wow!

The rental car has been reserved and Kahea is going with us. Who could ask for more?! We're ready to head west ... Viva Las Vegas!

06.04.2001
Lonnie is officially a central Texas resident again ... finally! We are happy to start our lives together as a couple. In a month, we'll be a married couple. Wow, time is going quick.

Our wedding trip is pretty much in order. We have to reserve the rental car and pack our things to head west. We're both really looking forward to our wedding trip.

05.22.2001
I finally saw the rings this weekend. They are beautiful! I'm sure there is some sort of superstition about putting those bands on your fingers before you're married, but we did it anyways. Joni did a wonderful job on the hammering textured finish.

Lonnie tried his band on and just stared at it on his finger. It was a strange feeling for him as he's never had a ring there. It was strange for me [it's been a long time]. But, we were very proud of them and will be.

I also found out this weekend that my oldest brother, Bert, and his finacee, Lisa, have moved their wedding date from February 2, 2002 to September 28, 2001. Wow. They're already frantic! That's one of the things Lonnie and I wanted to avoid and a reason we chose Las Vegas. Stress-free! [okay, maybe minimal stress]

05.18.2001
At 11:30 last night, Lonnie packed the rings in his dirty clothes hamper so he wouldn't forget them this weekend. How cute. I'm anxious to see them. I bet they're just as pretty as can be.

Time is passing by ... quickly. I looked at some paperwork today in reference to free things to do in Las Vegas. A definite on the our list of places to see is the Holy Cow Brewery and maybe the Don Pablo Cigar Company. Aaaaaah, the smell of exquisite cigars. I remember my dad smoking cigars -- blech! They stunk and must not have tasted too good because he only smoked half of it.

05.14.2001
Our rings are in! Joni finished the rings and gave them to Lonnie on Friday. I have not seen them yet, but Lonnie says they turned out really, really nice. I can't wait to see them. Other than that, not much going on with the wedding. The time seems to standing still, but the calendar keeps turning. We have less than two months before we'll tie the knot. Woohoo!

We did find a townhome and will be moving in there this week. Lots of work to do ... lots. I started a family blog in late April. It has been a neat source of ranting and raving, feelings and thoughts. It's become my outlet ... just as this has.

05.03.2001
There hasnt' been much going on as far as the wedding. We're at somewhat of a standstill. Hotel has been reserved, but the rental car won't be rented until next month. The rings are in progress ... I hope! I've thought about making a simple summer dress for the wedding, but still am not sure. I guess I need to decide that pretty quick. Only two more months.

We're still trying to get things together for Lonnie's move north and for our lives afterward -- house, job, family vehicle. So many things to be done! Sigh.

04.15.2001
Happy Easter! This is our first Easter holiday spent together. Last year, we had separate plans and didn't enjoy the holiday together. This year, the Easter holiday was more beautiful than ever, spending it with Kahea and Lonnie. Who could ask for more?!

Lonnie, Kahea and I attended the sunrise service at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Copperas Cove. The services were held at the rock cross, located at the hilltop. The view from the hill was breathtaking -- miles and miles of open fields, seas of blue [bluebonnets], cattle and more hills in the distant haze. The services were very relaxing, then came the house-hoppin' that I put myself through each year so that Kahea can spend her holiday with both sides of the family, totalling wearing me out. But, Lonnie and I finished the day by relaxing at the lake -- Lonnie with fishpole in tow and I was armed with the camera.

Reservations have been made for the Holiday Inn - Boardwalk in Las Vegas. We won't have to stay in our tent afterall. Other than that, much more planning has been done for the wedding. I don't really think there is much more to do -- except pray gas prices drop before the heat of the summer and our wedding trip!

04.08.2001
Another quick weekend! Kahea and I spent the weekend in Houston with Lonnie. We spent Saturday at Surfside beach -- wonderful day!

As far as wedding plans, no decisions were made this weekend. Another weekend. The days are slowly slipping by without us realizing it and we still have decisions to be made. Oh, we'll get them done in time for our trip to Las Vegas [or, like I've told Lonnie, we always have our tent!]. We haven't gotten our rings from Lonnie's friend yet. I'm anxious to see them!

04.02.2001
The weekend went by quick, as normal and the one-hour time change didn't help either! Lonnie, Kahea and I spent Saturday together, sharing each other's company amongst the wilderness of animals and the beautiful sunshine. We even took Kahea to see a movie at the drive-in in Gatesville. She enjoyed that [and the entire day!].

Lonnie and I tried to map out more wedding trip details with his sister. Hopefully by weeks end we'll have some concrete plans and reservations. We only have three months to go.

03.29.2001
And, it was followed by many rough days. Kahea is back -- woohoo -- but it's not looking good for summer. More than likely, her father will not allow her to go with Lonnie and I to Las Vegas. Sad.

Not much has transpired since the last posting. We haven't done much lately except pray that the time goes by fast! I did manage make a list of the things we wanted to do in Las Vegas and mapped them out by location. Oh, we'll have lots of fun -- spontaneous. Our fun may be confined to our tent if we don't make hotel reservations soon.

03.19.2001
Today is a rough day -- Kahea is leaving to go with her father and Lonnie is headed back to Houston. A sad day for me, the week will be even lonelier. I hate this situation.

Lonnie and I bought some cards to pack in Kahea's suitcase and for Kahea to find and read while she's visiting her father. Lonnie signed them "Daddy" -- it took him a little bit to get the ink on the page, but he did it. It was a very momentous time for him. He's never been called Daddy before nor has he ever written it. He called Kahea his daughter this weekend -- smiles on both mine and Kahea's face. So sweet!

Anyways, Lonnie and I did a little more research for the wedding. We decided that we'd try to stay a little closer to center strip rather than north at the Stratosphere. We found a good rate at Holiday Inn-Boardwalk and may end up there. We'll try to finalize that this week so we can make our reservations. I hope. Other than that, our hopes are focused on having Kahea there with us when we exchange vows and become a family.

03.15.2001
Happy Birthday, Lonnie!
Lonnie is celebrating his birthday while he is on spring break this week -- unfortunately he isn't feeling too well or well enough to blow out all forty-one candles! Last year he spent his birthday at the Grand Canyon -- this year he's stuck in central Texas with me. Poor thing!

We haven't done a darn thing for the wedding this week. We had all intentions of discussing it while Lonnie was on break, but we've just been making the most of the time we have together this week. Now, Kahea's father isn't sure he's going to adjust his summer visitation so that Kahea can go with Lonnie and I to Las Vegas for the wedding. That has added alot of emotional stress to Kahea, Lonnie and I. I try to think positive, but just know how hateful Kahea's father can be at times. No heart. It's sad to think that he doesn't have enough heart to adjust his schedule so that his daughter can attend her mother's wedding. Ugh!

This week with Lonnie has gone by too fast and next week without them will not go by fast enough!

03.09.2001
Lonnie is on spring break this coming week, so we'll have nine days together. Sigh, I'm smiling just thinking about it. It will be nice to spend time with him, but it will be real tough when he has to leave on that Sunday. Oh, I'll worry about the dreaded Sunday when the time comes; for now I'm going to enjoy time with Lonnie and Kahea.

03.05.2001
The distance between Lonnie and I seems to get more and more frustrating these days. Even though we knew we had to deal with the distance, I don't think either of us expected it to be this hard on our hearts. I received an email from Lonnie this morning. In it he wrote "10 weeks. It's still getting tougher and tougher being away. It is so depressing being here. Sometimes I'm not sure if I am going to make it without it really changing my demeanor. I miss you."

02.23.2001
I finally received a faxed copy of the menu for and an email about The Terrazza at Caesars Palace. Prices were kind of steep -- $55+ per person, but not surprising. We want to have a nice, sitdown dinner for those folks that attend our wedding. We still have not decided if we should pay for their dinner or if they should be responsible for their own tab. Decisions, decisions.

I'm really starting to get more excited as each day passes. I thought I had things pretty well organized, but all of a sudden, I feel panicked. But, I did get some good news today -- our rings cost less than a hundred bucks -- what a deal!

02.22.2001
Our rings are in -- woohoo! Now, Lonnie's friend is going to add the texture work to the bands. I can't wait to see them!

02.21.2001
Lonnie: I wish this month was done so that I'd be closer to OUR day. But no, it's going to drag on.

Sherry: I wish the time would go by faster ... sigh! But, we're counting down the days -- less than a hundred to go until we're together and a few more until the wedding.

Mom was complaining about us getting married in Las Vegas and how some folks wouldn't be able to make it. Weeeeeeeeell, we realize that. It did cross our minds that all the family and friends we'd love to have wouldn't be able to make it to Las Vegas, but that's okay. We're okay with that. We're not asking everyone to go to Las Vegas with us, but just to keep us in their thoughts and prayers as we join our union of love on the 4th of July and begin our married and family life together.

02.19.2001
Going our separate ways on Sunday afternoons is getting harder and more difficult than I had ever imagined it would be. There is such a void in my heart when Lonnie and I aren't together ... sigh. As far as wedding plans, not much going on -- we're really keeping our words at making this as stressless as possible.

Not sure if I mentioned that I set up a wedsite at the knot for Lonnie and I. Click here to visit our wedsite.

02.04.2001
I spent the weekend in Houston with Lonnie. It was a much needed weekend alone for us. We spent the time just lounging and enjoying each other's company. On Saturday, we made a trip to Galveston -- the weather was beautiful! It felt great to put on shorts and sandals and even better to take off the sandals and dig my feet into the soft sand.

Even though we enjoyed a stress-free, relaxing weekend, we made it a point to discuss our plans to Las Vegas. I could tell Lonnie was getting nervous and stressed. It's alot to take in and plan. And once again, we are debating whether to fly or to drive. I think we're leaning more towards driving, but flying has become an option again. Lonnie says we're just analyzing the options [He considers this one of his weaknesses, bad habits -- I don't think it's that bad!].

Kahea is going with us on this trip, so we have deemed it a family wedding vacation and not a honeymoon. Lonnie asked if I would upset if we did not get a honeymoon night alone. I am not upset, but it flattered me even more that he would even consider giving up a honeymoon night to spend it with Kahea and I both. Ah, my heart sank. He is doing a really good job at making this a family affair, not just a day for him and I. He has done everything he can to make sure my daughter, Kahea, is included in our wedding day plans. He even told me that "this is just as much Kahea's day as it is ours."

02.01.2001
It's finally February -- only four more months until Lonnie and I are together and only five more months until we're Mr. and Mrs.

01.31.2001
Lonnie sent me an email and in it he referred to himself as my "future husband." Just then it hit me -- Lonnie is going to be my husband and what a wonderful feeling it is knowing that.

At dinner, I said something about the wedding day being "our day" and Kahea thought I was referring to just Lonnie and I. She had an attitude until I explained to her that OUR means all three of us she smailed again.

01.30.2001
Kahea was blowing up some balloons today and she said she was going to keep them for the wedding. I tried to explain to her that they'd be deflated by then. So she said she'd keep them for Lonnie's bachelor party -- same story. It's great to see her excited about upcoming wedding.

01.28.2001
Well, another weekend has gone quickly by ... Lonnie was here, now he's gone. But, this one was somewhat productive. We are both getting excited and anxious. I think it will only get worse when things start getting closer. There's still lots to do -- Lonnie has to get a teaching position in this area, we have to find a place to call home, we have to mae and finalize plans for the wedding -- sigh.

Lonnie and I picked our rings; now, he has to get them ordered. Thanks to Lonnie's friend and co-worker, we can get them at a very, very reasonable price. They are 14k white gold wedding bands -- both of our rings will look the same. They will be a beautiful symbol of our love -- everlasting.

01.23.2001
Lots of planning to do -- so little time together to do it!

But, we have come to the conclusion that on our wedding day we will go to the marriage license office in Las Vegas to get married, then meet our family and friends for dinner. Right now, we think we'll dine at Caesar's Palace. We've tossed around the idea of renting a limo for after dinner and taking our guests with us as we cruise the strip. Then, we'd like to find a fireworks display / show to go to that night.

After that -- who knows. Decisions, decisions.

01.22.2001
Did I say possibly getting married on the 30th?! Well, you've guessed it -- the date has changed again! Our new [and final] wedding date is July 4th. We hope this date will allow those travelling to Las Vegas for our special day enough time for travelling and vacationing.

We're counting ...

01.16.2001
Lonnie came up with this brilliant idea for our wedding trip -- to get everyone there [including those that do not wish to fly], we could rent a large RV and drive there together. Well, after some internet research [and finding out that it costs a small fortune to rent a RV and another fortune to fuel it up], that idea went by the wayside.

So, we're back to our 'original' plans of renting a car and heading west ... and possibly still marrying on June 30th!

01.14.2001
Okay, this has nothing to do with wedding plans, but it is significant enough for Lonnie and I to include in this "journal."

As we were leaving Lonnie's sister's house, his nephew was talking about his "Uncle Bubba" and Kahea mocked him. I told her that she could not call Lonnie, the man her mom is marrying, uncle. She said, "Okay, then I'll call him Daddy." I almost fell out of the truck when I heard that -- she took me by surprise.

I have always told Kahea that I would not force her to call anyone, not even her biological father, daddy. So when she made that comment, not only was I surprised, so was Lonnie. I feel a great sense of happiness in my heart knowing that Kahea has accepted Lonnie as a part of her life and love. I've heard Lonnie saying "Daddy" several times -- it'll take some getting used to. Lonnie will make a wonderful daddy for her [and any siblings that may come later on in life]!

01.15.2001
Back to wedding plans ... the date is changing! Due to family work and travel arrangements, we are planning to push our date of matrimony into early July. We are unsure of the exact date ... again!

Our tentative plans are to central Texas on Friday, June 29, and drive to Las Vegas. We may drive straight there; but then again, we may make some sightseeing stops along the way. Lonnie mentioned marrying on July 4th -- he said he'd tell everyone he made me see fireworks! [Am I blushing?!]

Lonnie called me Mrs. Cartwright as we were leaving for lunch. Instantly, there was a smile upon my face and my heart!

01.11.2001
Kahea questioned me last night about our wedding. Her list of questions went like this --

What are your colors? Kahea asked what colors our wedding would be ... uuuuuuuhm, hadn't thought about it. She's further into our wedding planning that Lonnie and I are. She suggested we use our favorite colors [mine is red and Lonnie's are earthtone].

I told Lonnie that we were going to give Kahea the job of wedding coordinating and planning. And, of course, she'll make the most beautiful flower girl.

01.10.2001
Lonnie and I have kind of talked about holding our wedding at this chapel, but are still unsure. I know we're running out of time for reservations at the time and place of our choice, but we just don't know yet. We've even talked about the possibility of taking a weekend trip to Las Vegas, just to check out the place.

01.03.2001
Well, we've decided that Saturday, June 30, 2001, would be the date for our union in marriage. We still plan to marry in Las Vegas, but are unsure of the exact location. Heck, the courthouse is open 'round the clock on the weekends!

click the above logo to view our wedpage at the knot