Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends and family. Charles and we had a wonderful Thanksgiving and have had a very fun few weeks following the honeymoon.

Charles has been very busy. The weekend after the honeymoon, we took a trip to the Pumpkin Patch with Drew, Michael, Rachel, Christopher and my mom. Michael was very excited to find a green pumpkin which Christopher promptly told him looked like a cucumber. Kevin and I proceeded on to Auburn to go to the Ole Miss game with our friends, Wes and Jill, and Charles got to spend the night by himself at his grandparents for the first time!

We also got to spend a weekend at the lake and Charles got to join us. His adventuring consisted of escaping through the screened-in-porch and making us chase him up and down the street for over an hour. By the time we finally caught him, he was exhausted and so were we.

We were able to spend Thanksgiving with both the Jayne and Houston families. Thankfully, Charles was invited to both Thanksgiving parties. I think between playing with Drew and Michael, all the travel and getting to run around in both his grandparent's backyards, Charles is officially worn out.

This year, I have so much to be thankful for, but I think i can narrow it down to a short list for here.

1. I am thankful for my new husband and our wonderful home (which I am very excited is almost completely decorated for the holiday season). I am thankful for the everyday things we get to do together like folding laundry, cooking dinner, and taking Charles for walks. Chores don't seem quite as onerous when you have someone to do them with.
2. I am thankful for my family and all the hard work they put into making our wedding day special. Even though things did not go exactly as planned, we still felt so loved on our wedding day. I am very thankful for the health of all my family members and the opportunity to spend time with each of them this holiday season. 3. I am thankful for the new family I became a part of when I married Kevin. I am thankful for my in-laws, brother and sister-in-law and sweet little niece. 
4. I am thankful for our wonderful friends who surrounded us with love and support prior to our wedding, at our wedding, and have continued to love on us following the wedding. I am thankful for fun times with good friends and Kevin's friends who have become my friends as well.
5. I am thankful for the 28 pound ball of fur who always brings a smile to my face and turns 1 year old this month. I am thankful for his energy. I am even thankful when he shreds toilet paper and newspaper because I know one day, he probably won't have the energy to do this anymore.
6. I am thankful for this holiday season and the times we will share with family and friends. I am thankful for the reason we celebrate Christmas time.

May everyone enjoy every minute of their holiday season and may the reason for the season not get lost in the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, holiday get togethers and final exams.

Here are a few new pictures of sleepy Chuck after lots of Thanksgiving excitement and too much turkey:

And We're Back!

Well, we took a bit of a break from the blogging world for a major event in the life of the Houston family:

Kevin and I got married on October 15, 2011. While things did not go quite as planned, we still had a wonderful day surrounded by our family and friends. Our wedding story had a happy ending and our lives together a perfect new beginning. Following a relaxing honeymoon in New England, we have returned home to begin the newlywed phase of our lives.

Not to worry, Charles kept very busy during the wedding and honeymoon weeks. During the actual wedding weekend, Charles got to reunite with Maggie at her house. While we instructed Charles not to leave any surprises, a little bird told us he left one in Makenzie's room. Sorry, Makenzie. Kevin, Charles and I then spent Sunday night at home before we left for the honeymoon. Needless to say, I think the wedding weekend wore all of us out!

While we were vacationing in Boston, Stowe, Vermont and Mt. Washington, New Hampshire, Charles was having a little vacation of his own with his Aunt Molly. I don't think either one of them is any worse for the wear and by the time we got home I think they had bonded quite a bit (even if Molly won't admit it)

While we had a great time on the honeymoon, we are very glad to be home. Charles is looking forward to Halloween and has borrowed both a t-shirt and a cape from his cousin Minnie the Beagle. Here is one last picture that I think accurately depicts how the whole Houston family felt after the first Monday back on the grind

Chuck's Big Weekend

Well, needless to say, having Maggie for a visit called for a very eventful weekend. The two pups were very busy all weekend and consequently so were we! Here are a few pictures from Maggie's visit:

On Saturday, we spent the day enjoying the return of college football. However, the tigers played a little more of a nail biter than we would have preferred. We can only hope this week won't be quite so close as the bulldogs come to Auburn.

As a side note, I found a great new website that has tons of fun recipes with a section dedicated to gameday snacks. All should check out: http://www.crockpotgirls.com/. The recipes are tasty and easy. We had the sausage cream cheese dip, and it turned out great.

On Saturday night, my cousins Drew and Michael came over to visit with us and Charles and Maggie so their parents could have a date night. My wonderful aunt Susie is addressing our wedding invitations because mother and I both have illegible, serial killer handwriting so we wanted to give them a night out to show our appreciation; plus we love spending time with the boys. We also love that at this point in time at the end of the night when they are all sugared up their parents pick them up! Just kidding!The night included grilling hamburgers and hotdogs, Gigi's cupcakes, and taking the dogs for a walk. Luckily, Kevin was able to intervene before Drew let Maggie leave a surprise on the 15th hole of the Riverchase golf course. I'm sure all the Sunday morning golfers greatly appreciated it!

After the boys left, Charles and Maggie slowed down for the first time during the weekend

We concurred!

Having Maggie was great! She kept Charles company and kept him out of some of his mischief. Following Maggie's departure, Charles was back in full force today. We journeyed to Heardmont Park to meet Kevin for a picnic lunch. Charles promptly jerked the leash out of my hand and subsequently jerked his collar off the leash. We spent the rest of our picnic chasing the greased pig around the park. He is very quick and would creep up towards us and as soon as we lunged for him, dart away. I hope we provided entertainment for all trying to enjoy their lunch break. Luckily, we were able to retrieve him and enjoy the rest of our lunch.

Hope everyone has a great rest of the week. We are looking forward to a weekend of football and one last wedding shower before the big day!

Where's Charles?

It has been a while since we updated our blog but not for lack of Charles's mischief. In fact, the reason we haven't updated is because between wedding planning, school starting back and keeping up with Charles we have had our hands full. Here's an update on what Charles and we have been up to:

Two weekends ago, Kevin took off to Destin for his bachelor party. He was accompanied by his dad, my dad, Christopher and two of his close friends. They had a great time in Destin and what I've heard was a ton of fun deep sea fishing. Luckily my dad and Christopher didn't manage to scare him off and the wedding is still on! They caught lots of fish and according to my grandfather, the fish were excellent quality. As you may know, I'm not a huge seafood eater so I have yet to test out the fruits of their labor.

While the boys were in Destin, my sister, aunt and matron of honor threw a lingerie shower/bachelorette party. We had a blast, and I really enjoyed getting to visit with my friends who live here as well as the ones who came in from out of town. I can't believe the wedding is just six weeks away. I could not be more excited or more ready to marry Kevin.

The bachelor/bachelorette weekend was also a fun weekend for Charles. He got to spend the night at his maternal grandparents for the first time. He also really enjoyed sleeping in Uncle Christopher's man cave. However, of more importance is the fact that Charles met the love of his life during the bachelor/bachelorette weekend.

Meet Maggie:

Maggie coincidentally belongs to Christopher's girlfriend, Makenzie's family. Makenzie's mom, Marissa, graciously offered to take care of Charles during the shower since "no boys were allowed." Charles has so much energy, and he and Maggie made a great pair. They are almost the same size and according to Marissa did not stop playing the entire time Charles was over for his visit. Charles is very excited that Maggie is spending the weekend with him since my family and Makenzie's family are headed to the lake and Auburn for the weekend. I guess I will go on and say it, "War Eagle!" We are anxiously awaiting kickoff Saturday and can't wait to see how Auburn does this season.

Last weekend, my mom's friend Linda along with my friends Lauren and Alexis, Lauren's mom, Allison, and my mom's friend Carol, hosted a couple's shower. We had a great time catching up with high school friends, law school friends, work friends and family.

We are so thankful for this special time to celebrate and spend time with the people we love.

This weekend we are looking forward to a lazy, holiday weekend filled with football, relaxing and playing with Charles and Maggie. On Saturday night, my cousins Drew and Michael are coming to visit so their parents can have a date night. It's sure to be a full house with two energetic dogs and two even more energetic little ones.

Charles kick started the weekend today with a little mischief. Needless to say, he was very proud of himself

We aren't sure if we are excited or frightened to see what double the trouble can get into this weekend!

Meet Charles

As I was enjoying a rare afternoon off today, I was scanning the DVR looking for something to take my mind off school and work. Little did I know, my wonderful fiance, Kevin

had DVR'ed one of our favorite movies, Marley and Me. As I watched the movie for probably the tenth time, I was inspired and the result was a new blog, Charles and We.

Meet Charles aka Sir Charles, Charlie, or Chuck.

We, Natalie and Kevin, are "nearly weds" getting married in October. Charles is an almost year old Pembrooke Welsh Corgi. He was born in Livingston, Alabama on a farm with 10 brothers and sisters. Originally named Troy, his owners couldn't understand my (Natalie) southern accent and thought I was calling him Charlie. We kind of liked it and ever since the little pup has been referred to as some version of the name Charlie. Charles moved to Birmingham, Alabama in March of this year and neither of our lives will ever be the same. We plan to use this blog to share Charles's funny stories and hope they bring as much humor to your lives as he brings to ours. I think it would be fair to say neither one of us were quite prepared for the chaos and confusion the six month old bouncing baby corgi would bring to our lives. Three months after Charles took up residence in the Houston home, we are down a window sill, two sets of wooden blinds, several dozen pairs of shoes, a handful of shredded bills, one pair of prescription glasses, one coffee table and one blue rug, but we are up many smiles, laughs, and one faithful companion always willing to go for a walk or snuggle on the couch. We hope you will enjoy following Charles's tales as much as we are enjoying living them.

This weekend we are taking a quick 4th of July vacation to

Lake Martin, Alabama, one of our favorite places in the world and site of our October wedding. It will surely be a weekend full of good food, family, friends and many happy memories. We took Charles to the lake last weekend and he enjoyed long boat rides and lots of swimming. I can't wait to watch him this weekend as he usually gets a little braver and more independent when he gets acclimated. I'm sure he can't wait to put on his favorite accessory

He may not necessarily need it but he sure looks cute in it! Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend.

"A dog has no use for fancy cars or big homes or designer clothes. Status symbol means nothing to him. A waterlogged stick will do just fine. A dog judges others not by their color or creed or class but by who they are inside. A dog doesn't care if you are rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart and he will give you his. It was really quite simple, and yet we humans, so much wiser and more sophisticated, have always had trouble figuring out what really counts and what does not. As I wrote that farewell column to Marley, I realized it was all right there in front of us, if only we opened our eyes. Sometimes it took a dog with bad breath, worse manners, and pure intentions to help us see."