Puppy Love

Dear Friends & Family,

I know it's been awhile since I've posted anything.  I know I've promised honeymoon photos and have definitely been neglecting this little blog of mine.  I'm sorry.  I recently got a promotion at work and it's been an interesting 2 months.  Today deserved a special post.  One dedicated to a special dog.  I have to say it has been a rough year for Graves women and their beloved pets.  Our family dog and my mom's long term companion passed away early this morning.  He was over 12 years old and had not been feeling very well lately.  It was 2 months and 2 days to the day that Walter passed away.  I take comfort in knowing that he was home and that is he no longer suffering.  He was a good boy and great friend to our family.  When Walter passed away, a good friend told me that they make our lives better than we make theirs.  I think about that saying often and know it's true.  They definitely make our lives better.  We'll miss you, Saber!

Love,

Shannon

New Addition

Dear Friends & Family,

So it was only a couple days after Walter passed that I started considering adding a new addition to our family. It's hard getting adjusted to only having one cat to look after. We decided to go check out what the local no kill shelter had and that didn't work out, so we went to PetSmart. The minute I laid eyes on her she reminded me of Walter. She looks a lot like him, but has a very different personality. Her name was Tommy and I didn't understand that. We played with her and petted her and she was sweet and pretty and I really really liked her, then we left. I wanted to really think it over and make sure Burdette and I were on the same page. An hour and a half later we went back and now she's ours. We named her Abigail, but we call her Abby and she's sweet and pretty and I'm falling in love with her. I miss Walter more than words can describe. Nothing will ever take his place, but Abby is a nice distraction and she definitely helps to ease the pain. Frank even likes her a little bit, I think. Eh, they are a work in progress. :)

She's discovered that bird watching is her favorite pastime.  

Rolling around while sun bathing!

She thought she was going to like the Vet's office until she got her shots!

Sitting in the same room, not mad, just relaxing.  Makes me happy.

Abby says she can't wait to meet everyone soon, so start visiting!!

Love,

Shannon & Burdette

Frank & Abby

Sweet baby Walter

Dear Friends & Family,

So normally when people meet me one of the first things they learn about is that I have 2 cats.  Frank and Walter.  My children.  They have been with me through all the hard times, especially Walter.  We united in a small town in Alabama when I was just 12 years old and he was my best friend.  Well today I had to be with him during a hard time.  He was very sick and in a lot of pain, so we had to say goodbye.  It was not exactly how I planned on spending my day off.  Walter was not happy and was sitting under the bed crying.  He looked frail and his eyes were glossy.  When I tried to give him treats he turned away, he wouldn't eat, he wouldn't drink, if you knew him at all you'd know that fresh water was his favorite thing.  So off to the vet we went and while the technician was checking him we learned that he had lost 4 pounds since his last visit in April.  Not good. X-rays and blood work showed that he had an enlarged kidney, grainy mass in his bladder, swollen intestines, and advanced arthritis in his back and hips.  All in all, the only other option we had was to do invasive surgery, that wouldn't even fix his problems.  He was in a lot of pain and it tore me apart.  We decided to let him go...ease him of his pain.  It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do, but I know he's not hurting anymore and that offers some relief.  So here's to Walter.  The best little friend a girl could have.  I'll miss you Wally Poo.

Love,

Shannon

Basement!

Dear Friends & Family,

So I'm not sure how many people were aware that during the last few weeks of wedding planning, we were also finishing our basement.  It wasn't really our intention to have them start so quickly, remodeling any space can be stressful and that's not something I wanted while finalizing the details for our wedding.  But we went ahead and started anyway.  It wasn't too bad since most of the work was being done while we were at work.  We were both ready to have the basement finished and furniture shopping was definitely a bonus.  It ended up being pretty stress free for me because Burdette managed all of it.  If you haven't been to our house here are a couple before shots.

I originally planned on taking pictures while the work was being done, but that did not happen.  I figured you guys get the point and didn't need all the little details, we all know what framing looks like.  ;)

So as you can see the only thing down there right now are a couch and a tv.  We will definitely be adding a few more things, but we are taking it slow.  We also did not finish the entire basement, which made things a lot easier on us.  It's a perfect family room and we plan on using it often.  We are also expecting more visitors, so start making plans to come visit us!

Love,

Shannon & Burdette

Wedding Bliss

Dear Friends & Family,

I realize it has been quite some time since I have updated this blog, but things have settled a bit and I thought the time was right.  Months and months of planning have finally come to end and I must say that it was all worth it.  Our wedding was one huge success after the other.  There may have been a few little hiccups along the way and a lot of tears were shed.  Nothing we couldn't overcome and in the end it was a picture perfect day and I married the love of my life.  Here a couple snap shots for those who couldn't make it.

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I'm not sure words can really describe the feelings we had that day.  It's a little overwhelming seeing close to a 100 people who just traveled from all over the country to see you.  There are a lot of emotions involved with an event like that.  At the end, I hope everyone knows how much it truly meant to us to have you there.  We definitely didn't get to spend as much time with people as we wanted and we know it may be awhile before we see many of you again, but we are truly grateful.  We are looking forward to many more awesome events with the ones we love.

Love you all!

Mr. and Mrs. Burdette Millen

P.S.  Honeymoon pics coming soon!!  

Change is in the air...still!! :)

Dear Friends and Family,

It's come to my attention that I have been neglecting this blog and a lot of people want an update.  So here it is...  :)

So change is definitely the main theme of our lives in Nebraska.  We're constantly changing and every day I learn something new about myself or about Burdette.  It's been interesting and it's all definitely for the better.  A couple of weeks ago I had a huge change.  I decided to quit my job.  Many of you know that I haven't been adjusting to Nebraska as well I thought I would be.  Now I'll admit that most of that has to do with my attitude, but I think the rest of it had to do with my job.  It's been a roller coaster ride and it's finally come to an end.  I did not have a position lined up, but I wasn't too worried.  I'm thankful to have a wonderful support system.  :)  I had been interviewing at a few places and then yesterday it happened....two job offers!!!  Not only two offers, but two companies that I would love to work for.  What a wonderful problem to have!  This morning I accepted one of the offers.  I'll be the Assistant Manager at two apartment complexes, one in Bellevue and one in Papillion.  This drops my commute down to 6 miles roundtrip...way better than the 34 miles I had before.  Needless to say, I am thrilled and ready for the change.  I start working on Monday.

So enough about work.  There's something else still going on.  Wedding planning!  It's getting SOOOO close and we're getting more and more excited.  I flew back to Alabama for a quick trip to have my bridal shower. When we first got engaged I really wasn't planning to have a shower.  My closest friends live down south and I just figured it wouldn't happen, but it did and it was awesome!  It was my first view of how things will be at the wedding.  So many people coming together to celebrate one thing...our marriage.  I am grateful to have so many amazing people in my life.  This was just my shower...I know it will feel a million times better at the wedding, but that is so hard to imagine because everything has been so great so far.  Here are a few pics from the weekend.  It was awesome and I had a blast!

Part of my bridal party.  :)

Wonderful women who hosted my shower. 

Mom and Daughter

Awesome friends!

Family!

So as you can tell a lot has been going on.  Enough to keep me busy at least. To everyone at SP who may be reading this...it's been an interesting time and I hope we can stay in touch.  :)  As always, thanks for stopping in.

Love,

Shannon

6 Month Update

Dear Friends & Family,

Six months ago this week we made the move to Omaha.  The only thing I know for sure is that it has been one heck of a transition.  I know people are shocked when they hear that I sincerely miss Cheyenne.  I think I had a different experience than most who travel through there.  I met some pretty incredible people and made lifelong friendships that I will cherish forever.  Now I'm not saying that definitely won't happen in Omaha.  I have met a few people that would fit into that category, but in general the move has been different.  Different in a good or bad way is still questionable.  It has been a learning experience and I am looking forward to seeing what the future has in store for me.  I'm also looking forward to warmer weather and exploring more...at least I can finally get around without always using the GPS.  I try to appreciate little things like that.  In the meantime, I am trying to keep a positive attitude and hope for the best.  I also have several trips planned over the next 5 months, so that is a nice distraction.

Wedding preparation is well under way.  I made a trip to San Antonio last weekend and am finalizing a lot of things.  So far the planning has been relatively easy, I can't deny that I have had one or two "bridezilla" moments, but I'm sure everyone does.  I'm thankful for an understanding support system.  Burdette and I are getting pretty excited and are looking forward to married life.  Did I mention that we are going to the Dominican Republic for our honeymoon?  I'm definitely excited about that!  It'll be a nice way for us to unwind after all the wedtivities.

That is the most current update.  Burdette is still enjoying his job and staying active in his sports.  I am spending a lot of time with wedding stuff and trying to add new craft projects, thanks to the addictive Pinterest.  As always, thanks for stopping in.

Love,

Shannon