Giovanni Herndon

January 15, 2011 = Welcoming our BEAUTIFUL adopted puppy, Giovanni "Gia" Herndon!

First of all, let me start off with an apology. Yes, an apology. I kid you not...I BEGGED...I repeat...BEGGED my sweet husband to get me a puppy for at least a solid year before my dreams of owning one actually came true. I mean, folks, there were even tears shed. I just KNEW Santa was bringing me a puppy being that it was our first Christmas and considering how long I had been begging...but he didn't. I cried. Yes, I cried...like a baby...like a 24-year-old baby. PATHETIC, I know, but you just don't understand! I have wanted a little Giovanni for the longest I tell ya'. Whelp, after all the pleading, begging, and crying...J finally agreed to get me a puppy in February. Even last fall when I would ask for a pup, he would say, "Meg, February...just wait until February." Yeah, well...I got what I was promised...and even a few days earlier than promised. Poor Josh...bless him. I absolutely drove him right to insanity a few times.

Want to know how I got my promise early? My sweet MOM! One Saturday while out having a girls' day, I asked her to just "go" to the Humane Society with me just to "look." We all know what it means when we go somewhere just to "look." I called Josh to meet us over there and promised we were just "looking," and his exact words were, "Greeeeeat. (complete sarcasm) I guess this means we are getting a dog today." I (for the 1,000th time) told him we were just going to "look."

I walked in...and........................oh. my. word. She had me from "hello." 45 minutes later...I was the proud owner of a new baby girl! J obviously knew he would be buying a pup because he brought exactly enough money with him before he left the house. ;) Our initial plan was to buy a registered Miniature Schnauzer because that is the breed I grew up with and loved, but my heart was being tugged by this place. I blame it on the commercials. I can tell you one thing...I will never get another dog without considering adopting one first. There were SO many pups waiting to be adopted. It was one of hardest things to watch...ever. 

Gia has been the greatest blessing in our lives. I even settled for a larger breed...a much larger breed...a German Shepherd. Holy cow...little did I know that this sweet little pup would be on its way to gaining at least 75 more pounds. Our vet prepared me early...she told me Gia would at least be an 75-100 pound dog. Woooooooooooonderful.

I will be posting more pics, so you can watch her grow...but for now, take a look at our past 4 months together...

Entering: Michael + Andrea Gibson

Happy New Year! 2010
Biltmore Estate

Not many people are given the honor of calling one of your best friends...a sister. On November 6th, I became one of those lucky few. Before I go any further, let me take you back a few years. Andrea and I met at Mooreville High School. Those of you who know me well...know that I haven't always been a Mooreville Trooper. It wasn't until after my sophomore year of high school that I was given the opportunity to transfer from Tupelo to one of the BEST and SMALLEST towns in the state of Mississippi. Let me tell you...it was one of the BEST decisions I have ever made regarding my eduation. Not that I didn't or wouldn't miss my Tupelo friends...the friends I have known since I was a teeny weeny little thing with maybe one tooth in my mouth...IF that. (...and yes, believe it not, this 6' 1" shorty was once a teeny weeny little thing.) 

You see...my brother, Michael, tranferred to Mooreville after his 8th grade year to play baseball for Rex Berryman. Little did I know (shortly after) I would be making a move myself. Anywho, moving to M-ville (schools--not houses) was never a decision Michael nor myself ever questioned. Michael went on to play his sports, while I sat on the sidelines or fence only to stare at his cute little baseball friends' butts. Ahhhhahahaha...don't tell Josh. (wink wink) I met some really incredible people along his sports journey, and I remember thinking on countless occasions that somehow, some way...I had to figure out a way to transfer to this incredible school, place, and home (because that is truly what it felt like). Michael ended up graduating and earning a full-paid scholarship to play football at Auburn University. Oh yes, he was quite the athlete...while I was good at...well...running my mouth. hehe

It wasn't until my SENIOR year that Andrea and I became so close. I guess I should say more like inseparable. We were instant best friends. We made some unforgettable memories during that year...a lot of tears, smiles, laughs, and late-night chats until the wee hours of the morning. Ya' know...they just doesn't get much better than that girl. She is definitely a "keeper" as Michael would say. Andrea (Cottongin) Gibson is such a  loving, genuine, and incredibly talented person. She would give the shirt off of her back to anyone no matter the circumstances. As cliche as that may sound...I encourage you (if you haven't already) to get to know this girl. God brought an angel into this world the day he made her. Wow...let me stop now before I waste yet ANOTHER Kleenex box over a blog post.

...and we all know how I feel about my brother, Michael. I can't even go there...I will not make it another sentence before snorting my way to the bathroom. Let me end this post with saying how truly blessed Josh and I are to call them both not just our  brother/sister...but two of our very best friends. We love you both, and we'll be here for you always.

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from their wedding weekend (including a few engagement pics)...