My oldest daughter, Samantha, is 11 and 1/2 years old. That's the age where young girls are doing young girl things like getting into cheerleading, having sleepovers with friends and dreaming of meeting the Jonas Brothers. Haven't heard of them? Just ask any girl 15 or younger.

Anyway, imagine my surprise when Samantha came up to me a couple of days ago and asked, "Dad, what's my wedding budget?" I think my jaw dropped further than it ever had before!

It turns out she was watching some show about really expensive weddings on TLC or some such channel.

But it did get me to thinking about how fast the last 11 and 1/2 years have gone by since she's been in the world. I still remember like it was yesterday when I held her in my arms whe she was just a few seconds old. And before I know it, she will be walking down the aisle for real! And as far as the budget is concerned....let's get you through high school first, okay?