Pup

Ben and I have a puppy!
She is one of 8. Momma is a black pit bull (who belongs to Ben's brother), and Daddy is a golden
retriever (who belongs to Ben's family). She's the only blonde one of the litter :) Both her parents are
wonderful dogs and great with children. We can't wait to see her personality evolve.
Right now she's only 3 weeks, so we'll be taking her after we're married.






We only have two problems:
1) She has no name.
2) My cats will most likely be jealous.

Now my questions for y'all are:
1) Any name suggestions?
2) Any tips on welcoming new pets into a home with existing pets?

Hope everyone has a wonderful week!



Jealous cat #1 ;)

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Sisterly Blessings

I am one of two children. I have one brother, and he is one of my best friends.


{Waiting for his bride}


But I also have a few sisters...



Jean Marie
{The Redheaded Bridesmaid}



Lauren
{The Brunette Bridesmaid}



Brittany
{The Blonde Bridesmaid and my future sister-in-law}
{Photo by Lauren}



Tricia
{My Matron of Honor and sister-in-law, my brother's wife}

Each of these girls means so much to me, and I have been blessed thousands of times over by
conversations, laughs, memories shared, photos, or what have you.  I am so grateful for each of their
friendships which is why I have asked them to stand up with me as I marry the most incredible man
on earth.  I couldn't ask for a more supportive, excited, and lovable bouquet of ladies.

I love you girls!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Being blown away by Hurricane Irene in August



New Years Eve 2010
{Photo by child with Jean Marie's camera}



At Starbucks in June

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Two are better than one, because they
have a good reward for their toil.
For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls
and has not another to lift him up!
{Ecclesiastes 4:9-10}

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Have I mentioned I love him?

:)

P.S. Read Brittany's take on our story here (I love the way she wrote it).

And if you go to Jean's blog, she's written about us a few times and probably will a few more ;)

And Lauren did our engagement photos, so you'll most likely be seeing them on her blog soon.

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Pondering...

Love...

Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get, only with what you are

expecting to give, which is everything. -- Katherine Hepburn

and planning a wedding...

Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment. -- Jim Rohn

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Many thanks to my dear friends (and two of my bridesmaids) Lauren and Jean Marie for

the above engagement photos.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Enjoying this time, soaking up every minute.  Becoming more and more in love with
the man God hand-picked for me every day.  Constantly in awe of the Lord's goodness
toward us.  Remembering to thank and praise God in every little thing... from making
progress with my wedding dress to even finding a good parking spot at the store.

Glory to God.

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A Black Belt and a Contra Dance

First, I will brag about my husband-to-be.

He's officially a Black Belt!!!

I am so proud of him.  He did his black belt test last weekend with 4 others, and then we attended

the black belt ceremony the day after they finished.

Sensei tying Ben's black belt on him.

Being given a (really neat) sword.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

And now for the Contra Dance photos!

There was a contra dance on Labor Day, and a ton of people attended!  Loads of fun :)

Most of these photos were taken by Mom (as you can tell because I'm in a lot of them).

Julia and sweet baby Ashlynn.

Just a quick update, Ashlynn is doing really great - gaining weight and constantly smiling.

She's such an amazing child and we are so grateful.  In case you hadn't caught on, she will

be my niece once I'm married to Ben!

Luke and Provy :)

Amanda and Brandon (Ashlynn's parents)

Ben and I dancing :)

Beri

Luke is already taking care of the babies ;)

"Meanwhile.... milk is going in the baby's eye." - Jean Marie

I can't get over how beautiful they are.

And now, for the funniest dance ever.

It's kind of a mix between london bridges and musical chairs... except dancing.

And Ben kept making his way into mine and Jean's arms!

Well how 'bout that ;D

Look at Jean's face!

It was hilarious.

♥

Look at those big brown eyes!  Love 'em!

Papaw holding Ashlynn

Picture time :)

Tickle time!

These little boys crack me up :)

Waltzing

She was so happy!!!

Sweetness :)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

P.S. 70 days :D

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