I can totally see why your new dil would go this route. I'm extremely shy and had a tiny wedding. It freaked me out walking down the isle in my big poofy dress. lol. Would never have had a big expensive wedding, couldn't afford it but that never appealed to me anyway. All that money spent for one day and most of those marriages don't last. If and when Lauren gets married, I think she will either pick a dark purple, black or red dress to walk down the isle...or something with polka dots. She's obsessed with polka dots. She also loves old fashioned dresses, from the 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s. If she even has a real wedding at all....

My advice keep your step son away from bio-dad. I was in a similar situation. I had two children who were 4 years old and 6 months when their bio-dad decided to walk out. I was always one to believe that a child needs both their parents so I tried. But like your fiance, I always had to take them to him. Go out of my way so they could have a dad. While he did absolutly nothing..no emotional support or finacial support for the children. Eventually, after several broken promises and broken hearts I completely disconnected myself and my children. They soon stopped asking about him and caring about spending time with him. They were no longer depressed it was like a weight had been lifted! I know its better emotionally for a child not to be exposed to this type of situation, I feel like my children would have been better off never having to go through all the upset tearful evenings when he was suppose to spend time with them. Its great that you are willing to step up and be the father! Maybe when he is older he can seek out his bio-dad on his own. But as long as you are there for him there is no need to have a dead beat dad around causing pain. I hope that you are able to convince him to give up custodial rights. I tried that but a man's pride is a powerful stubborn thing. Even though he has no communication with my children he refuses to give up parential rights. I would definitely suggest he either sign over rights or start paying child support. Good luck!

Patti, I hope this doesn't offend you, but I found a site that has the story in print: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/38623161/ns/today-today_people/?GT1=43001 That is a wonderful story - sadly, we see this happen, where one parent takes the children after a divorce, but we don't often hear a good ending - this ending is beautiful - thanks for posting this heartwarming story! Here is a link that might be useful: 'Mom reunited with kids' story

I keep hoping for a miracle for you Bull...Was she tagged with your name and address so if someone did find her a quick call would have her back to you?...Our collie went missing several years ago and after a week we finally got a call..."Are you Duncan's Mommy"...That call was music to our ears!! DH and I were both crying when we picked him up...The guy who had him couldn't believe an 80 pound collie jumped into my husbands arms...I hope you get that same call very soon... (((BullDinkie)))