1 year anniversary

1 year of marriage. Wow. It feels like yesterday when I was putting on my white lace dress. But when I think about all that has happened this year, I am overwhelmed. So much growth, change, and learning has taken place in such a short amount of time. What I feel today is gratitude for the blessings I have been given this year. I have never been happier. I am taking this time to reflect on our beautiful and perfect wedding day.

Thank you Jordan Shepherd for loving me fiercely, leading our marriage with strength, and always putting Christ at the center. You are more than I could have ever asked for.

(and thank you for taking me to Cirque Du Soleil and the fanciest hotel, Conrad Hilton. You sure do know how to make a girl feel special.)

Happy anniversary, I can't believe I get to spend every year with you for the rest of my life!

he does it again.

To My husband,

Thank you for being patient with me as I stress about this little blog. I sat on the couch for five straight hours yesterday designing, researching, and editing this thing until my eyeballs were dry and my bladder was exploding. You came home to a frustrated and weary mess of a wife, I apologize. Sometimes I get defeated by my lack of web design knowledge and html coding expertise. I always want this blog to be better, bigger, and sparkling with personality, but the reality is I can't have everything. You never fail to provide comfort and encouragement in my time of need, and somehow you always raise my spirits.

And then, you go the extra mile and design the coolest new header.

You're the best.
Meow ;)

husbands birthday

Happy Birthday to my husband, who turned 22 yesterday! He celebrated by eating deliciously saucy honey BBQ wings at B-Dubs and opening pretty boxes filled with new threads from J Crew. Since it's his birthday, I thought I would point out some of the simple reasons why Jordan is awesome (because the little things are worth celebrating too). 

Jordan Shepherd is awesome because he...

has hidden talents (I just found out that he can play bass guitar. uh, what?!!)

is technology savvy 

can build a masterpiece out of straw wrappers 

has a contagious adventurous spirit

gives others room to shine while he remains humble

loves to learn

makes everyone feel like they are a part of his club

is a really good drummer

cherishes his family

has a really handsome face

is more selfless than anyone I know. 

 I could go on all day, but for now I'll leave it short and sweet. Speaking of sweet, you know what else is great about birthdays?

 Cake. 

I can't wait to eat some on Saturday (cheat day)! 

5 Things Men and Women Do Differently

Mr. Shepherd here again! After being married for over 7 months and watching other couples for the past years, something has become very clear. Men and Women do things very very differently...

5 Things Men & Women Do Differently

1. Clean

            Men: Make sure everything is off the floor

            Women: Ask men to clean something and then follow behind them examining

2. Go to bed

            Men: Fall asleep in 2 minutes

            Women: Wait till men are asleep and then wake them up to “just talk”

3. Look in the mirror

            Men: just make sure they have on clothes

            Women: adjust the same piece of hair 30 times and then walk away frustrated

4. Shop

            Men: “What’s next on the list?”

            Women: “Oh my Gosh! They have a whole section of French Cheeses! We have to get some!”

5. Greet their friends

                                                        Guy 1: “What’s going on man?"

                                                        Guy 2: “Hey Man”

                                                                    (End of Greeting)

           

                                                        Girl 1 & 2: “AAAAAHHHHH!!!!!”

                                                                    (Hugging and Jumping)

                                                        Girl 1: “I love what you’ve done with your hair!”

                                                        Girl 2: “Thank yyoouuu…I just miss you so much!”

                                                        Girl 1 & 2: “KINDRED SPIRITS!!!”

           

I have only scratched the surface…

Cam & Beth

Two of our best friends got engaged this weekend. 

Cameron Kinch took Bethany Ezawa to the church where he asked her to be his girlfriend a year ago. He proposed with his grandmothers ring, then brought her back to his parents house where friends and family were waiting to celebrate. 

Watching her face when she walked in the door was one of my favorite moments. I could relate, because the same thing happened to me a year ago. This day could be described as an overwhelming dream-like rush of happiness and gratitude. It is one of the best and memorable events in a girls life, and it was obvious that Beth soaked up every second of it. 

{year review}

2011 was a big year for us. It was a year of growing up and exploring the world. Here are a few things we loved about it:

 living in Ireland: learning the culture, making new friends, going to cool pubs, seeing beautiful views

 welcoming our first nephew into the world. 

exploring and soaking up Paris for a week

planning our wedding

turning 21

getting married! woo! 

honeymooning in Mexico 

interning over the summer: Exact Target for Jordan, The Boys and Girls Club for Alli

celebrating the final semester of undergrad for Jordan

falling in love with Friday Night Lights and The Hunger Games

living in a home of our own - not a dorm!

 I think 2011 may have been our favorite year yet. But as much as we loved last year, we believe it will only get better. We are excited and ready to make new memories and form our own traditions in 2012. Right now we are in a season of obedience, listening, and waiting. We are eager to see what God has planned and where he is going to call us next, and we are thankful for the lessons we will learn in the process of finding out. Now begins this new year of transition, challenges, and new beginnings. 

goodbye 2011, thank you for all that you have given us, we are truly grateful.
hello 2012, we are ready for you.