{Sharing Something New}

We have a new story to share.



Let me explain.


In 1999, Jason and I were married in a small chapel on the Riverwalk in San Antonio Texas. We were young, crazy in love, and just wanted to be together. We didn’t have that grand expensive wedding nor did we ever have a true honeymoon.


We always talked about renewing our vows in the Catholic Church surrounded by our family and friends and of course we talked endlessly about where we would like to go for our “real” honeymoon some day. I’ve learned that when you have three kids, any and all adult time alone is precious and considered a honeymoon.


Before Jason left for Afghanistan, we renewed our vows in our church. Although we didn’t have all of our family and friends present, I think we would both agree that it was one of those completely unplanned moments that left us both purely amazed and feeling more blessed than ever. It was absolutely perfect!! If you haven’t read about our special day, you can find it here.


Anyway, deployment time came. Jason went away and we barreled our way through it. Before I go any further, let me just explain how incredibly lucky we are to have our family. I always knew that we were both surrounded by wonderful and loving family members. During deployment, our family provided us with more support than I could ever possibly explain. No matter what has happened, they have always been there with open arms. Our luck comes more in the form of a blessing, especially when it comes to our parents. I can’t explain how much love, support, comforting, and encouragement has come from our parents. They have all been there for us in more ways than I can ever explain. Simple jesters such as phone calls, emails, and text messages provided us with more support than they will ever know. They all wanted to be here to welcome Jason home and although they couldn't be here in person, we knew that they were with us in spirit.


That being said, it was no surprise that they would want to do anything and everything to help us with our post deployment transition. My parents drove 1700 miles from California not only to welcome their son-in-law home but also to just be here for us. They planned a summer trip to Louisiana (really who wants to come to Louisiana during the hottest part of the year) in order to watch our dog so that we could take a family vacation. They also made it point to watch our kids so that Jason and I could have some of that “precious honeymoon” time that is often hard to come by.


Jason’s mom and boyfriend set up a mini getaway just for us. This little excursion of theirs was actually in the works way before Jason ever left. When they came to visit us for Thanksgiving, we took them to what happens to be my favorite little town in the whole state of Louisiana. When mom heard all about my dream of one day staying in this quaint little town with my favorite guy in the whole wide world, she and Phil took it upon themselves to turn that dream into a reality. Christmas time rolled around and we received a card in the mail from Mom and Phil with a picture of our Christmas present that could only be redeemed after Jason made his way back home safely.


This was the picture we got.

After Jason got home, mom worked overtime to make arrangements for us to stay at the Steel Magnolia Bed & Breakfast in Natchitoches. If you haven’t guessed yet, I will explain that this is the actual site where the movie Steel Magnolias was filmed. I won’t go overboard on the details because you can read all about the town and the house here but, I will share some pictures from our trip (I did promise Mom that I would share pictures of the house with her).

Our Room

(The Clariee Suite)

The Famous Shelby Room

The Jackson Room

The M'Lynn Room

 

The Grand Staircase 

Front Living Room

View Of The Front

Back Part Of The House

Side Porch/Backyard

We got a full tour of the house and stayed in the best room. Although, I don’t think any room is bad because the house is absolutely incredible. The history of the house alone is mind-blowing but then to learn all about the significance of the movie and the real life characters only made our stay that much more extraordinary.  


Yes we watched the movie (together) in the exact living room where most of the filming took place. Yes I was in awe pointing EVERY little detail out and yes My Jay is a complete trooper for allowing me to live in my moment.


Up until this trip we had never experienced a Bed & Breakfast stay. I have always wanted to try it out but just hadn’t had the chance. I now understand why people explain it as being nothing short of wonderful. The owner was warm and welcoming. She took us under her wing and made us feel right at home. The food was absolutely DELICIOUS!!! We were waited on and completely pampered. We woke up to a scrumptious breakfast each morning and were treated to sweet cookies on our pillows in the evenings. Mom and Phil even added an extra touch by reserving a bottle of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries for us to enjoy on our last night.

We explored more of Natchitoches while we were there. I will have to share that part of our trip in another post because once again I was completely camera happy =) Our trip was so much fun and I have to admit, it was great to be able to share something like that together...just us...me & him...Jay & Shan!!! 

Only one word can describe our trip

A~M~A~Z~I~N~G!!!!

Now that I went off on a tangent, I can explain why we have a new story to share.

Our New Story To Share

We had our grand wedding as a family of 5 before Jason left for Afghanistan.


We conquered and demolished deployment.


We enjoyed our family time.


AND


Jason and I finally had a “real” honeymoon.


Can I just mention that it is beyond super awesome that I have been able to move things around on my life list page!?!?! Wishing and hoping to checked off and complete =) 
   
Saying thank you doesn’t seem like enough for all that we have been given in life. We are an extremely blessed family of 5!!!