When you’ve got a bride and groom who want to get funky and a wedding party that’s game, you can turn a special day into something that will have everyone there (and those viewing it on Youtube) talking for years to come. Click on the story headline to view the story and the link to the video.

Dear Everyone,

My lovely blogging partner/friend Kristie and I decided to take a two-week break from the website. Once kiddos return to school, (I swear, I’m going to stand outside the bus stop on that first day with a margarita and do a “happy dance.”) posting can resume. To anyone who’s emailed me, can I get back to you in a few weeks? If you don’t hear from me by the third week of August, it means my brain was probably left on a bleacher at a soccer field, at Target amongst the school supplies or vaccummed up with a bunch of teeny, tiny Star-Wars legos.

Most people think conflict is the sole kiss of death in a marriage. But guess what? Being bored in your marriage can be just as hurtful.

According to a recent article in Science Daily, University of Michigan and Stony Brook University researchers interviewed 123 couples in their seventh year of marriage then again a couple of years after. Says Terri Orbuch, a research professor at U-M Institute for Social Research and Institute for Research on Women and Gener, “These findings show directly, for the first time, that not only conflicts but also simple boredom with the relationship can shape relationships over the long term.”

Do some people leave their brains (and manners) at home? Share your obnoxious stranger story.

Got plans for Sunday night? If not, you do now! Sunday is the second annual dinner/dance fundraiser in honor of Jessica and Kelli Uhl. The event, which runs from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., is at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1 Columbus Plaza in Collinsville Illinois. This year’s theme? “Pineapple Paradise”. So get out those prom dresses and tuxes, have a little din-din, enjoy some great music and check out some of the items on the silent auction and various raffles.

Win a Pur Water Pitcher of your very own! Entering the contest is easy.

The Humane Society of Missouri is a wonderful organization. Here’s why!

I can relate to this little squirrel. There are many days I feel I’m stuck, can’t figure out what to do, and am in need of a helping hand. I think we parents all feel a little like this at times… Go to the story to see the video. (And watch all the way through and you’ll find out the little squirrel was rescued.)

We’ve already covered the symptoms of an anxiety attack and what can be underlying causes for attacks. Now, on to prevention and how spouses can support the sufferer.

It is a no-brainer that if you can head off the anxiety, you can decrease your likelihood of future attacks. But how do you do that? “Listening to our spiritual, emotional, and physical needs and taking good care of ourselves,” says Bill Kuntz M.S., LCSW a Licensed Psychologist / Professional Life Coach in St. Louis.

“The Humane Society of Missouri, working with numerous federal agencies, coordinated the rescue of and is currently sheltering 378 dogs suspected of being used for illegal dog fighting. Yesterday federal and state officers made arrests and seized dogs in five states including Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Texas.”