EARLY MORNING + GOOD NEWS!

I woke up this morning at 6:30 AM ( and yes, I was forced to do so), and I came to the realization for the umpteenth time that the world is a beautiful place at the crack of dawn on my side of the globe. 

Good news number one first: Clay and I celebrated our three year anniversary yesterday. Marriage is such an awesome thing--it makes you grow up while still remaining a kid, it exemplifies trust and care, and it's always a work in progress. I can't believe I'm blessed with this man at my side throughout thick and thin. 

I of course scuttled around in old boxes of memorabilia, and I dug out an old photo of us as 18-year-olds when we thought we knew everything as high-schoolers. He makes me laugh as hard now as he did nearly ten years ago, and I've grown to look up to him more and more as each day, month, and year goes by. 

I got to spend the morning with this love of mine on a quick drive to San Antonio, and now he's off at work again. We're trying our best not to be a huge rush for things, but this morning kind of turned into one of those instances. Minus the part where we at least made coffee before leaving our little Austin home. :) 

Austin is so welcome and full of passion…it's inspiring me to really live in the moment. If I somehow forget how content I am, I have a big 'Viva' print to look at every day in our kitchen. That should make me remember, right?

Good news number two: Ellie was FOUND about a week ago!!!! For those of you who may not know, Ellie is my sister's dog who was lost after escaping after a car accident. Horrifying!

Thank you, thank you all so much who helped spread the word and who kept Ellie in your thoughts. My entire family was crushed at the thought of losing her for good, and I can't even begin to tell you how elated we were when she was found. An amazing man spotted her hiding under his tractor one morning, and he immediately fed her, gave her water, and wrapped her in a blanket. The poor thing had lost 20 pounds (down from 61 pounds to 40 pounds), and she was so exhausted that she couldn't even get up when my sister and parents went to pick her up. 

Even though she's only been back home for a little bit, she's already gained her strength back, and she's as happy as ever. God is good, I'm telling you. 

That's all I have to report at the moment. :) Hope you guys have happy updates as well. 

xoxo