ONE year ago

 One year ago today, I woke up to crystal clear skies, warm weather, and a cool breeze.  Perfect weather for a wedding.

A year ago today, I was surrounded by my best friends, my ‘maids: Haley, Tracy, Kaley, Christine and Bethany.  They were there to laugh with me, tell me if I had anything in my teeth, shed a few tears with me, help me put some finishing touches on the reception tables, get our hair did, fluff my dress, pick rose petals off roses, and to surround me with love and support.

Exactly one year ago, I stood by an oak tree with butterflies in my tummy, waiting to see my future husband for the first time.  And when I felt his hand on my shoulder, I turned around to see his huge smile on his face.  Those butterflies quickly changed to pure joy because I knew my life was about to change for the better.  

One year ago on this very day, my Mom and Dad said goodbye to their favorite redheaded baby.  My Dad walked me down that neverending aisle, as my Mom watched grinning from ear to ear, trying to hold back tears.  

One year ago today, we exchanged vows and were declared husband and wife, witnessed by 170 of our biggest cheerleaders... our family, friends, school-mates, and coworkers.  We could literally feel the love and genuine support in the air.

A year ago, we ate some really good food.

On this day, one year ago, we toasted to the start of a new family, a new life together.

A year ago today, we danced.  Nic danced with his Mom to “My Wish,” my Dad and I danced to “My Girl,” and Nic and I shared our first dance to “Better Together.”  But that wasn’t it... we danced and we danced and we danced some more.

One year ago, we were cheered on by friends and family, and showered with popcorn (pretty original, right?) as we made our exit to begin our honeymoon.

Wow, this year has zoomed by.  I always imagined that my wedding day would be the best day of my life.  And it was on that very day.  But I can honestly say, every day since has gotten a little bit better.  We have our ups and our downs as any couple does, and marriage has proven to be hard work, but our love has grown stronger each and every day that has passed.  

365 days ago I married my soul-mate, my best friend, my encourager, my husband.  

Meet Bowden...

Last Friday, Nic and I adopted our first child... I mean, puppy.  His name is Bowden, and he is already part of the family.  And believe me, as a non-animal/dog lover, this is a BIG deal.  Over the last few days we have been getting to know our baby....

So let me introduce you...

Speaking of baby, Bowden is one.  He is a 7 week old, 3lb Dachshund/Chihuahua mix.  He is tiny!  He was neglected along with his Sister and Mom, but was found by an animal rescue in Crawfordville.

He is a ladies man.  Everywhere we take him, he makes heads turn and makes girls oooh and ahhh over him.  He knows he's cute too.

He plays hard!  He loves to wrestle around on the floor and recently he's been exploring new things in the back yard.  It's so cute seeing him run around because he still has those clumsy puppy feet and he trips over everything.  And he just discovered his tail which is hilarious!

He sleeps harder!

And when he's not sleeping, he's pooping and peeing.  Now this has been an adventure in itself.  Nic and I have started the potty training process.  It has been a pain!  Nic was up every two hours last night taking him outside.  Now if that isn't practice for a real baby, I don't know what is!  But all in all, Bowden is doing great and has had very few accidents.

Bowden has been very hard work, but he has also been a lot of fun and so sweet!  We love him already and can't wait for everyone to meet him.  We'll be keeping you posted of his progress in the coming weeks.