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!!