Monday, February 3, 2014

Enjoying the married life

I feel like every time I come to blog, I need to begin with an apology.  I'm so sorry it has taken so long for an update! Life is finally looking as though it will stabilize a bit for a while after the crazy of the past two months.

Two days after Thanksgiving, Rob and I went on a date.  We went out to dinner at RA Sushi for our favorite happy hour sushi.  Afterwards, he walked me to the bench where we sat on our first date.  Where we had our first kiss.  We snuggled for probably close to an hour, discussing our dreams for the future and our happiness in the present.  It was romantic and perfect.  I commented that it was my favorite spot for us to go and forget the rest of the world.  Just be us.  I love that we go back to that bench for random date nights.  I snuggled up and told him that I loved the bench and being there with him tonight.  That's when he said, "Yeah, who knows, maybe this is where we get engaged."  With that, he stood up, got down on his knee and said the sweetest words to ask me to be his wife. 

The engagement was quick and easy with very little stress.  We knew we didn't want a big wedding, just us and the four most important people in our world.  The wedding was exactly what we wanted.  Two days after Christmas, we became Mr. and Mrs. in front of my friend Johnny who is a federal judge, the amazingly talented Ann Beck, and our beautiful daughters.   The morning of our wedding was actually our Christmas morning with all four together.  We had a big pancake breakfast then finally decided it was time to get dressed and ready for the wedding.  The ceremony was absolutely PERFECT.  Nothing can fully describe how it was for us.  Both of us cried.  The big girls and Maggie each read a little part during the ceremony while Katie stood in between us as we engaged vows.  I stared at my husband and felt nothing but love and safety next to him.

Here are a few pictures from our wedding. A million thank you's to Ann Beck Photography for capturing these moments for our family of six











Instead of a reception or party, we opted for something very intimate and simple.  We invited a few closest friends and family from all areas of our life to join us for a dinner at a Mexican restaurant.  We told them that we would pay for a room and the cake if each family would pay for their own dinners.  No one complained about this plan.  We had 40 people in attendance, with about 15 of them being children.  It was such fun!  We loved getting to visit with everyone we love.  We tried to stay at each other's sides throughout the night.  I loved talking to someone and turning to feel my husband with his hand on my hip and a kiss on the cheek.  Have I told you how crazy in love with this man I am? 

Since the wedding, life hasn't slown down.  We didn't take a honeymoon.  Instead, we spent four nights and five days at a lakehouse cabin with us and the big girls for New Year's.  We had a terrific time and no one was ready to leave!  Rob and I met his two brothers, sister, their spouses, his aunt and cousin for a big surprise birthday weekend for his mom and dad in Charleston.  Then came birthday extravaganza!  Three of six of us--me, 16 (eek, she's 16 now!) and Katie--all have January birthdays.  We spent one weekend at Great Wolf Lodge courtesy of a wedding gift from a family member.  It was a blast but oh so exhausting. 

And then came the move. Oh, the move.  No movers, just us and a few friends helping along the way.  It's been stressful to get it all done and figure out our temporary living situation here at the apartment.  It's a tight little spot for us and sweet old Brandy had to move in with my mom for the time being (she can't handle the outside staircase), but we're happy to all be together.  

All in all, life is good.  No, great.  Life is better than ever and I'm so thankful for being where we are today.  

Love my husband.  

20 comments:

Andrea said...

Wow! Huge congrats! The pics are beautiful and you sound SO happy! I wish you and your family nothing but the best!

Tracy said...

I've been waiting for this update!! Thank you for sharing your special day with us. The pictures are gorgeous!! They truly capture your joy and your love. As you begin this new journey in your life please keep blogging. For those of us that have been reading since the baby center days it's truly amazing to see where life has taken you.

Lori said...

Been waiting for this update and all these pictures. How awesome, exciting and I about cried when I saw tears in your eyes in a picture... congrats.

Lisa said...

So, so happy for you! I also have been following since BabyCenter, and I couldn't be more thrilled for your happiness! Best wishes for a very long, very happy life together - the six of you!

Unknown said...

Jenny, I've been following you since our December 2003 boards-and I have grieved with you, been humbled, hopeful, rejoiced and even celebrated with you. I'll never forget your beautiful Allie-every time I see a giraffe I think of her.

Congratulations a thousand times over on your recent marriage-may you be blessed with lots of love and laughter! I'm so happy for you and proud of what you have accomplished over the years. I'll be on the sidelines cheering you on, just as I have always. Be happy, Jenny!

Karen said...

Congratulations, MM and Jenny! What a Beautiful family of 6 you are. Pictures are Beautiful!

Hugs, Karen

Lettie said...

I was waiting too!!! Wonderful blessings on your much deserved happiness!

One crazed mommy said...

Congratulations! I am so happy for you all - the pictures are gorgeous! :) The whole post made me smile - although, if you are ever in Charleston again and want to meet up with a virtual friend, please let me know! :)

Unknown said...

Am so happy to see the beautiful pictures! Thank so much for sharing! Congratulations!!!

Unknown said...

Beautiful pics! Congrats to all of you :)

Mimi said...

I thought your honey had 4 daughters? I am soooo happy they you are happy.....hugs

Michelle said...

I have also followed you since the very beginning with angel Allie. All I have to say is congratulations! Your photos are beautiful, as is the new life you have made for yourself. :-)

Kelly said...

Such beautiful, happy pictures. So very happy for you!! Congratulations!!!

Susan.D said...

One word..... YAY!!!!! Couldn't be happier for you. You deserve all the happiness in the world!

Unknown said...

Congratulations! I am so happy for you. I love all of your pictures.

Robin said...

You've come such a long way and it's been a pleasure to watch your journey from something so horrible/difficult to something so wonderful/special. You look happy and beautiful and I wish you nothing but the best.

timi68 said...

love, love, love the pics! you can just FEEL the happiness. So happy for you!!! I too agree with the others...I've been with you since day one of Allie's ordeal and I'm sooooo glad to see you finally get the happiness you deserve!!!!!!!! Congrats!! oxoxoxoxo

TPPmommyof3 said...

Update update update!! We are wanting to hear how it is all going!!! :)

I hope you are enjoying this time and all is going well!!!!!!!

PLMR London said...

You have shared a great information about Charities and Select Committee Training.Which
are very informative for us.Thanks

Anonymous said...

Hi Jenny!!! This is Melissa (Brandon Heather's Mom! :) I found your blog after doing a little research, I had always wondered how you are doing and hoped things were going wonderful for you! I'm so incredibly happy to see that they are! You deserve so much happiness! :) I am divorced and dating someone nice now, as always you are an inspiration. Great to see you so happy! :)