Faithfully Yours, 2012

I'm finally back! I know I have definitely been slacking since mid-December. To be honest, I didn't take that many pictures of this past week. I just wanted to soak it all in...that wholesome North Carolina Christmas, that "mountain momma, take me home" Christmas. I wanted to breath in every second of the holiday with my sweet husband and family. 

I kept remembering the last time I was in Winston-Salem. I was visiting Jon's family for Thanksgiving sans Jon. It was a time in my life when I thought I might just die of a broken heart. My fiance was a million miles away in Iraq and all I wanted was him home for the holidays...in my arms...in my eyesight...safe. 


And this year, THIS YEAR, he was here in flesh with a solid, shiny ring on his finger. We had the most amazing time, celebrating with relatives, shopping for deals on furniture, and catching up with old friends. 


The trip was flawless, almost. The night before we headed back to Texas, Jon and I both started to feel a little cold coming on. We tried to ignore the symptoms and hit the road for our 20-hour journey early in the morning. About 3 hours into our drive, Jon started feeling a bit woozy and before I knew it, he was reaching for the nearest zip-lock bag. I got sick soon thereafter, and I mean REALLY sick. We stopped at the nearest pet-friendly hotel and slept (amongst other things) for a solid 24 hours. When we awoke the next morning, we were feeling much better, but also quite devastated about the fact that there was no way we could make it home in time for our New Years celebration. 


We arrived home at 11:54 pm on December 31st. I have never been so happy to see my own bed! We celebrated the New Year with a quick kiss. As temporary "mouth-breathers", we weren't much for smelling each others' breath.


I didn't even think about my New Year's resolution until today, but I think, simply put, I want to love harder. I want to show my husband, my family, my friends that I am committed and I am loyal to them. 

This man has commitment down pat. 

He has taken this marriage so seriously and the biggest compliment I will ever receive is that he considers me his equal. 

I love him so much.

I feel like lately all I hear is rumors and rumblings of infidelity on all levels in the world around us. Jon and I made a promise to each other long before the wedding, to protect each other from the outside world. The biggest part of that promise is a 100% commitment to each other. 

This year, I hope people make a genuine effort to decide who is truly irreplaceable in their lives, and make a commitment to them. Commit wholly to love and protect them.


2011 was the best year of my life, CHEERS TO 2012!


All My Love, 
Jessica