To say the last year has been a crazy ride would be putting it mildly. During our first year of marriage, much, much more than just my last name has changed.
The happy couple September 16, 2011.
Let’s just be real here for a second.
This marriage thing ain’t for sissy’s.
We’ve already made it through family losses, more thoughtless disagreements than I thought humanly possible between two people and the loss of my girl.
On the flip side, we’ve made memories that make me giggle and shake my head. Here’s a quick run down of our first year of marriage. Hang on, it’s a heck of a ride.
We adopted.
Yep. You heard right-might not be what you’re thinking though. We adopted in the four legged variety. Blogosphere, meet Stella. We adopted this wiggly and licking package of love from mabbr.org. I can’t tell you how happy she makes us! And I really mean us. Some of our biggest controversy within the Oleen household is which side of the bed Stella will sleep on, Brandon’s side or mine.
I’m a cattle watering machine.
As you all know, I’m not exactly the cowboy that Brandon wants me to be- but I’m getting closer! This year the drought and the Kansas heat created a lot of thirsty cows and horses. It didn’t take too long and Brandon had me hooking up the skid loader and water like an Oleen watering machine. #YesIJustSaidThat.
We had a baby!
Again, not exactly what the average person would think, but it is a baby! Brandon bred his favorite mare in 2011. She had the cutest little filly! Meet Jackies Playin With a Gun- Jackie for short!
Weddings, weddings and more weddings!
There have been so many of our friends {even my Dad} tie the knot! It’s made for great travel and lots of nights on the town. Thank you all for making us a part of your journey together!
Things change.
We’ve had great friends move away and other friends move closer. We miss you Garrett, Tara, Finnel, Lenhart, Nick and many others! Aaanndddd without further ado, welcome to the mid west Kelly, Fwed and Rrrrory Rrrooo Rrrivard!
Whew! Just writing all that made me a little tired and I didn’t even include trips home to see family, road trips for work and all the horses that made their way to our place for a few more miles.
It’s been a year of learning to say the least. Learning to let go, learning to live together, learning to live as a team and most important learning to respect and love each other no matter what. Here’s to year number two!
Jodi, I’m so honored to have been a part of the last year, even if just in the recent portions of it. You and Brandon have been such fantastic friends to me. The memories I’ve made with you guys (and Stella and Nacho and Pete and Gator and other critters) are very dear to me. And there will be many more!
May there be many more amazing years to you two!
Thank you, Kelly! We are so blessed to have you in our life!
Oh the first year… even Patrick and I after living together for several years had a hard time the first year of marriage living together as husband and wife… These little tiny things change and make it more difficult for some unknown reason. But you’ve made it through and the toughest metals are those that have been forged by fire.
…. Or so I keep telling myself
I love it! I think your metal quote will be on our fridge from now on!!! P.S. I think this occasion calls for some Rrrumchata tonight.
Jodi! You inspire me! I know you miss me too, and just not Nick like you said. Miss you so much and whenever I need marriage advice, you are my gal!
My Tara!!! I just can’t explain how much we miss you guys! Thank you for visiting me here and I can’t wait to see you in October!