Please comment with your opinions! I really would like to hear I'm not alone ;)

If the couple wants a child free reception, but wants children to attend the wedding, what should you do?

IMHO, the couple should include the kids in both parts of the event.  You wouldn't ask an adult to attend the wedding only.  In fact, most adults skip the wedding ceremony and head to the reception, right? Not saying that's the right way to go about attending a loved one's wedding, but it DOES happen!

IF you're keeping the kids out of the reception, they should be left off the invites for the wedding as well.  All or nothing.  Don't ask the kids to behave at a ceremony for a wedding, and then not reward them with some cake! - Again, my opinions!

If it were anyone but my own brother, I would skip the whole thing all together and pretend I don't have a brother. (well, that I have one brother fewer than I biologically have...)

SECONDLY, If someone's already been married at the courthouse, say, 10 months prior to the wedding by a minister, is THAT the anniversary, 10 months ago, or is the minister led ceremony the anniversary date? (PS, the couple in question is the one I'm railing on here - they were married 10 months ago!!!)

THIRDLY, IF your kids are not welcome at the reception, would you just bring them anyhow, find a sitter and go to the reception, or attend the wedding with the kids and skip the reception?

You have to keep in mind the other children the bride's concerned with are her second and third cousins' children, not her brother's or sister's since they have none.  These kids are niece and nephew of the groom, and there are no other kids that would come from his side.  They couldn't compromise and say 'only 2 kids per side'? Really?  How selfish are these people? Do I even need to ask?

Homeschool side: Diana's really into astronomy and physics, with a heavy interest in creation of the universe, and the planets.  She's asking wonderful questions, and we're studying all the new info about the planets (including the dwarf planet Pluto) and comparing atmospheres, pressure, gravity, and the likelyhood each planet in our system has of sustaining life, including human colonies!  SOO FUN!!

Brobee's been exploring his world. He remembers things overnight now - yesterday, DH said he could have candy tomorrow, so when he woke up this morning, he's been asking for candy!  He is so smart - and food motivated!

Halloween this year is a superhero theme for us.  Diana's supergirl, Brobee is batman, Tallulah is superdog, and Kay is  supercat (even though she's a dog and larger than Lullah... we're giving her Streaky's lightning bolts with color hairspray!)

I'm going to work through my issues and feelings, my hurt and anger... Maybe I'll catch the flu before Friday (wedding date!)... you think? ;)