Our First Fur Child

I'm years away from being a real mom, but we've definitely been wanting a dog for quite some time. And where better to find a dog then at the pound (allow me to clarify- there is no better place- try walking through those kennels, knowing that they only get a few days there before hitting the E list, and you can't help but leave with one).

We played with a few puppies (the term in which I call all dogs because it's much cuter than dog), but our heart kept coming back to this little guy.

he is not a fan of posing for the camera.

Meet Payson.

He may be only 6 months old, but he knows what he likes. 

He loves going potty outside (which he's done since day 2 with us), playing fetch, cuddling with mom and dad, and eating through cords (well, it was only one cord, and it's my fault). 

He doesn't like walking on leashes, loud noises, us going to work, and being kicked out of our bed. 

He pretends he doesn't like baths (as evidenced below, but when he's all done he loves being clean- and not smelling like a ferret- side effect of the pound), and that he doesn't sit on the top of the couch when we're at work.

the best dog shampoo EVER

Payson does not like bathtubs.

Since we're not married yet, we joke that Paysons full name is Payson Henderson-Fast. And I think that is hilarious.

Welcome home Payson!

God gave me you

Today, Dustin and I will be sharing three years of love.

We celebrated with a delicious dinner at Ticos in Phoenix this past weekend. Soooo yummy.

On my own I'm only half of what I could be

I can't do without you

We are stitched together

And what love has tethered

I pray we never undo

God Gave Me You by Blake Shelton

wildcats for life

the pinning

spring break

Christmas

New Years

Tree Hugger

Roaring 20s date dash

Harelson Wedding

Parents Weekend with Beta and ADPi

3rd Revenge of the Nerds Party

Spring Break

Lake time

Nicki's Grad Party

Cutest Couple

Moms 50th Birthday

Winter Break

The Grand Canyon

Go Cats!

Rockstar Party

"A Lister" Datedash- Adventure Boy and Ace Ventura 

2nd Revenge of the Nerds Party

"I'm not a player, I just Crush a lot" Date Dash

Black Diamond Ball

My 20th birthday [surprise party]

Mardi Gras

"GI Joe Guys and Barbie ADPi's" Date Dash - I'm white trash Barbie

Peter Pan and Tinkerbell

... I suppose this was the 3rd? time I hung out with Dustin

The day we met, Revenge of the Nerds Party

I have been lucky enough to find someone who laughs at my jokes, compliments and understands my flaws, loves and appreciates what makes me me, treats me like a lady, loves me unconditionally, and makes me feel like I'm complete.

And I feel to blessed to say I love him with every inch of my soul. 

Happy Anniversary Dustin, I love you. 

About a month ago,

on my hiatus from blogging, I neglected to mention that Dustin and I made our next step as a couple, and he moved to Phoenix [for me].

Which has been incredible. He'll be living 50 feet from my best girl friend, Nicki, aaaannnnddd he got his first real adult job to fund his new bachelor pad.

pretty stinkin sweet

Bran man and Dustin unloading his u-haul

For the last month he has been living with me and my fam at our place while he eagerly awaited the vacancy in his apartment [aka tomorrow morning].

I'm so sad to see him leave, mostly because sleepovers rock, but I am so excited for both him, and us [as a couple], to be making this next step.

Maybe life after college isn't so bad after all.

p.s. I just registered for real estate school yesterday. and I am so excited to start September 3rd.

Wildcat for Life

Saturday, May 14, 2011 marked the biggest accomplishment in the past 4 years.

My graduation from the University of Arizona.

And to make it even better, I got to share the day sitting next to the love of my life.

Not too shabby. 

 walking in

 Dustin and I. Note that he is not in the College of Science (Eller gone crazy)

 so fancy

 I dont really remember who spoke at our ceremony, but I liked her. 

 Side note. those are my cords. 

My family and the extended family, the Johnsons

 

pi love. 

fam[ily]

Wildcats for life. Bear Down Arizona!

end of one chapter, on to the next.  

I want to be a Beta wife.

So I have been anxiously waiting a very special day for quite a while now. And by the title you may think I'm engaged, but it's actually lyrics from the Beta sweetheart song, from when I was pinned. :)

So here's the scoop. 

A pinning is when a guy wants to extend his brotherhood to his girlfriend and make her an honorary member of his chapter. It also just so happens to be a sort of "next steps" in a Greek relationship. Not quite engaged, but something a little more special than just dating.

What happened? Well about 60 of my favorite Beta friends showed up to the Pi Palace, and walked in in a line, each holding a rose. One by one they gave me a rose while singing a Beta song. To make things even better I had over 100 of my ADPi sisters there watching. :)

Soo at the end of this Beta train is the guy who melts my heart, Dustin. Looking so freaking cute I can't handle it.

He kneels down and I sit upon his knee (which was almost impossible because he was SO nervous = even more cuteness for Dustin).

Then the entire chapter sings ::
"How would you like to be a Beta Sweetheart? How would you like to wear a beta pin? How would you like to gaze upon the diamond? Gem of gems that never grows dim. How would yuo like to share a Beta friendship? Friendship that will last through life. How would you like to love a Beta always?"
and then everyone stops singing and Dustin sings::
"How would you like to be a Beta wife?"

In all, I got 66 roses. wow. and received the pin of the love of my life.

All in all, a pretty great day. Oh, and I cried. surprise, surprise. 


Not pictured: the awesome candle that Nicki made for me for the candle passing ceremony. Thank you so much girl, I love it. :)

Beta.