So the Honeymoon begins!

Time flies when you're having fun! Monday, June 27, 2011 will make 6 months since the wedding! Whoa. I can't believe time has flown so fast. Marriage isn't all rainbows and butterflies like people sometimes think it will be; there are unicorns too. Anthony and I have learned so much more about each other in the past few months and have gone through a lot of adjustments and changes. We've been getting used to living together, newlywed "activities" ;), taking care of our dog-daughter, family trips, work, cooking meals, church, etc. I'm tired just thinking about all we've done.

Pictures from our Honeymoon in New Orleans, LA 
December 28,2010 - January 1, 2011
Our honeymoon was wonderful and I am so glad we got the opportunity to spend time just getting used to each other as man and wife. We stayed at a Marriott in the Business District of New Orleans, LA and walked almost anywhere we needed/wanted to go. When we weren't busy spending time together, we were eating amazing food from the muffaletta, gumbo, craw fish, beignets, etc. While on vacation, we had the opportunity to see Dr. John at Tipitina's. Our honeymoon vacation was fabulous and ringing in the New Year as husband and wife was the best feeling!

Here we are waiting for the trolley in New Orelans, LA

It is New Years and Anthony bought me a new dancing dress while on our Honeymoon-
We had our first New Year's Kiss as a married couple at the Spotted Cat Jazz Club

The Wedding of Tim & Natalia Mayes

February 19, 2011

Funny story--- I spent the night with the bride Natalia before the wedding; it was the first night that Anthony and I spent apart since the wedding. All of the guys in the wedding party assumed that Anthony would be on time, since he's married and Danielle will make sure he's got everything. So my dear sweet husband was an hour late to meet the guys before going to the church. We all laughed when we found out but there was no issue because of it. The wedding was lovely and I almost cried walking down the aisle seeing my husband and then watching Natalia and Tim gaze at each other before becoming man and wife. We are so glad we got to be a part of their wedding.

The Wedding Party in the limo going to Epping Forest Yacht Club from the church

The Beautiful Bride- Natalia Mayes getting a touch up before photos
Her Big Sister Molly appears to be tearing up in the background

Anthony and Danielle Bennett

2011 15k Gate River Run

March 12, 2011

Running with Thelma up to seven miles per night, Anthony was quite a champion when it came to preparing for his 15k (9.5 mile) run. It was a cold early morning when I dropped him off at the race and I met him at the finish line where as he blew me a kiss as he finished. This handsome husband of mine finished the 15k in 1 hour and 47 minutes!!! Whoa!

Before his 15k--- Can you tell he's excited???

After the 15k--- He got a medal!!!

Date Night

Circa end of March

We try to do a date night at least once a week and are doing Family Home Evening on Monday nights. For FHE, we play trivia games, scavenger hunts, and competitions that help us to bond with one another. We love going on double dates and one of the funnest times we've had so far was going to see Guns and Hoses Boxing Tournament where my coworker's husband fought and won. 

Life isn't easy that's for sure but our honeymoon is just getting started. The more time I spend with my husband, the more I love him.

Happy Father's Day!

Well, last week we sent out 4 Father's Day Cards to Doug (my dad), Dickie (Anthony's dad), Jim (my mom's bf), and Mark (Anthony's stepdad). Ugh! I didn't even touch the grandpas which would include on my side Grandpa Allen, Poppy, Grandpa Jean, and Grandpa Aho. Wow!

Anthony got to celebrate Father's Day today because we consider Thelma to be our dog-daughter. She got him Jelly Beans from WACOs in Marianna and after Jacksonville West Stake Conference, Doggy-daddy got to play video games, watch movies, and work on his most recent project! It was a much needed relaxing day after laundry, a BBQ, and Stake Conference's Adult Meeting on Saturday.

Here is the picture of Anthony and his little girl--- don't mind the mess in the background!

Apartment #3 is Big Enough for Me... but what about Anthony and Thelma?

Our complex built in 1927

In our sometimes quiet but always trendy Riverside/5 points neighborhood, Anthony and I found a nice and quaint 1 bedroom, 650 square foot apartment. This came after much searching and hoping to find a good price and place in a safe neighborhood. After living like a vagabond for a few months in and out of hotels with AT&T, I decided to settle on a place (this was in September of 2010).

Living Room

View of the Fireplace in the Living Room

The Kitchen

Anthony is sort of picky... ok, he is very picky. The boxed commercialism of prefabricated complexes and suburban homes disgusts him and I understand that because living in a unique place gives you a connection with your environment and makes you feel like you are some place special. I will warn you though that finding a unique or different place to live usually means older which means less closet space and more bugs... EW!

Doesn't look like much but this is our Dining Room--- on the right hand side you may be able to see our drop down ironing board--- seriously classic features!

The Bedroom

Our apartment was built in the 1920s and has some very distinct features like hardwood floors throughout, front and back entry ways, custom fireplace, high ceilings, tons of windows, window air units, and crown molding. It also comes with limited power sockets, no work space, a modest size at 650 sq ft., limited storage and closet space. It is really nice though! The price was just what we were looking for and the window air units allow us to better control our electric bill each month. We love having a place of our own, paying our own bills and utilities, being able to have a dog here, and knowing that this will always be the first Bennett household.

Don't worry! It may have been built in the 20s but everything is up to date plumbing wise!

We have been so fortunate to have friends and family come and stay with us!
Diana- Danielle's Mom
Doug- Danielle's Dad
Dane- Danielle's Brother
Uncle Les- See Descriptive Name
Dickie- Anthony's Dad
Kay- Sorority Little Sister
Mandy- Close College Friend and Bridesmaid
Andi- Close College Friend and Bridesmaid

Maybe you? Our home is humble but you are always welcome! Just warn us so we can clean first!

Our Dog Daughter- Thelma "Starfish" Bennett

It is true what they say. Soon after becoming husband and wife, Anthony and I felt the urge to hear the pitter-patter of little feet on the hardwood floors. So with some convincing by myself we went to the Jacksonville Humane Society on Beach Blvd to adopt our very own cat or kitten. We figured that would be the perfect companion for this loving and busy family of two but of course, the cat selection was low and my slightly (or extremely) superstitious Italian husband vetoed the idea of a black cat. We were ready to head home but then I thought what about a dog.

Walking through the cages was so sad. With little wagging tails and eager faces, these furry babies just wanted a home. After talking with an adoption counselor, she said she had just the pup. Viva was her name and they guessed she was a two year old pug and beagle mix which they were wrong about on both accounts. After spending sometime in the outdoor play pen with her and letting her run with Anthony, we couldsee that this viviacious dog already loved us. She came home the next day.

Thelma on her ride home from the Humane Society

Where did the name Thelma come from? You must find it odd to name a dog Thelma but she loves her name. Anthony said there was no way in this world he would call out, "Come here Viva." And he immediately declined my mom's suggestion of naming her Diva instead. So we had to find a name with a strong "a" sound at the end and after going through a list of ideas, we came up with Thelma after my great grandmother on my Dad's side of the family. The starfish was a nickname given to her by my friend Mandy who said that when she lays sprawled out on the floor, she looks like a starfish. I like it so it has become a middle name.

That is her mess in the background and she is not ashamed!

Isn't she the most precious little lap dog?

Daddy's girl is playing football

May not have ended up with the name Diva but she has to rest in style

So four-legged feet may not have been the pitter-patter that you had originally imagined at the start of this story but she truly has brought a lot of joy and education to the Bennett family. We've learned how to clean up again, again, and again after little messes. We've been woken up in the early light to a crying pup wanting to go out and we've come home to a destroyed mess that would put Chance from Homeward Bound to shame. Even with all the work, it has been worth it. Knowing that Thelma keeps Anthony company when he runs in the evening puts me at ease and the way she respects and loves her Daddy is so special. Thelma loves playing with squeak toys, footballs, and sticks and since joining the family has traveled to Destin, Marianna and even went camping. Going from rags to riches, this pooch makes us appreciate the things we may have otherwise taken for granted and we love how much love she brings us.

Fun Things We Do with Thelma

• Go on a walk as a family- Nice talk time for us... Thelma's kind of quiet.
• Check out local dog parks- Great place to meet other dogs and catch fleas.
• Go camping- Do NOT share a tent with the dog. Thelma ate Anthony's wallet, didn't sleep a wink, sat on my head, chewed up a bar of soap, and pretty much kept us up ALL night. The outdoors was so much fun though!
• Doggie Play Dates- We went on a play date with Maximus, TJ's bird dog. It was great because we got to chat while the dogs got to play.
• Play football- Thelma likes to tackle people that are already on the ground. Mahony and Andrew fell victims to Thelma's killer tackling skills... once they were on the ground first.
• Throw sticks- Reminds you that sometimes the simplest things can be fun.
• Training Classes- Thelma can sit, stay, lay down, roll over, and bang! (bang = rolling around and falling dead on the floor) Anthony called this class a diploma mill but he is so proud of teaching Thelma bang! She plays wounded and still moving a little better than dead.
• Run with the dog- Anthony is the only one that does this. I don't know how to run.
• Go to a Pet superstore- Pet superstores are amazing for humans and pets! We can look at all the cool stuff and Thelma can try before we buy. It is also a great place to get some stranger love from small children, pet lovers, store workers, etc. and Thelma loves the attention too. 
• Cuddle- Our precious 35 lb. pooch thinks she's a lap dog.