Michelle; what a terrible thing to hear about Jazmyn passing away, leaving you behind with a sad heart and a lonely home. You'll never regret it----you may have some really sad days and nights, but, you know in your heart you did the RIGHT thing. The love and respect you had for her will make a world of difference in how long your pain lasts---not the lonliness; the pain. I can only join the group in trying to make it a little better for you. You are not alone. I am so very sorry. Kathy

Relax. Easy for me to say, I know -- if my child were a college junior and announced his/her engagement, I would freak out. But if they aren't planning to get married yet, not even an idea of what year (or an idea more than a year or so ahead), I think that what you have here is basically a serious boyfriend and a piece of jewelry. DON'T say this to HER, or anyone else, and don't let it show. That will just insult her maturity and the seriousness of her relationship and make her dig her heels in hard. It's just for YOU to keep in mind. So much can happen before they are ready to get married. I definitely wouldn't throw an engagement party. Maybe a small family celebration -- like lindac's running out for champagne, but not a full-blown party. Actually, I don't think I'd throw one for my own child; around here, that's something friends or other relatives usually do, I think. We just co-hosted one for a friend's daughter. We didn't call it an "engagement party," just a "party in honor of Petunia and Cuthbert," but it was the same idea. Anyway, I don't think anyone ought to be giving an engagement party at this point. I'd wait until the wedding date is set, and no more than a year before, and even as late as a month or so before the wedding. I suppose that engagement parties were once to announce the engagement of a child to one's social circle. But at least in my community, they now seem to be sort of the first of the pre-wedding parties. If your daughter is making you think that you MUST run around and host parties in her honor and put announcements in the newspaper, she is just playing bride. Don't do it. (Even if the circumstances were different -- i.e., she were older and they did have an approximate wedding date chosen), it certainly isn't something you HAVE to do. I don't remember the last time -- if ever -- anyone I knew gave their own child an engagement party, so it certainly isn't "required" or something "everyone else has." Tell her how much you love Cuthbert and perhaps meet his parents if it is convenient and you are ready. If she asks about a party, tell her it's too far before the wedding. Don't let his family push you, either; just tell them pleasantly how much you like Cuthbert and don't get sucked into planning yet (it can be tempting). Good luck!

My family is Italian on both sides and I have to say I've never in my life had this soup or had it served at a wedding!! We DO make chicken soup with little meatballs in it, but it's just regular ole chicken soup - with little meatballs in it! Never used the spinach. If we put a "green" in soup, it's escarole. Anyway - not knocking the soup - it sounds wonderful, but with my Italian background I just find it funny that no one in my family or any other Italians that I know of, actually make or eat Italian "wedding" soup lol!! The lemon zest in the meatballs sounds intriguing, however. That's not something I'd ever think of doing. I can't imagine what it tastes like? And that's a great idea to cook the meatballs separately - last time I made it I tried to cheat and instead of cooking the meatballs first, then adding them, I cooked them right in the soup. I have to say, the fat from the meatballs gave the soup a "meaty" taste that I didn't find pleasant. I'll have to remember to cook them first, then boil them a bit separately before I add them to the soup - great tip!! Lisa

We are back from the wedding. It was a beautiful outdoor wedding-about 55 degrees with sun filtering through the newly opened oak trees in Missouri. It was at a lodge. They had chandeliers handing from trees, lanterns, white xmas lights in the trees as it turned dark.. It just fit the couple and was so pretty and eclectic. It was 4 days of crazy and a lot of driving, but it was fun. I got my package today (Monday), Annie. You get an A+! She sent me all kinds of seeds, a Reese, a set of rose stickers, a knife (I can't spell it) and a lizard for my flower bed. I never thought of a knife, but you're right, newlyweds get new cutlery! You're right, I don't want that lizard in my bed, but it sure is cute! Pic 1: wedding couple who got married 2. Annie's package 3. My allium. Blooming earlier than usual this year. Don't know why, but I won't complain! Heidi