July 26, 2003

It's hard to believe that a little over FIVE years ago, we said our vows to each other. I was 19, Hunter was 20, and we were so happy. We had just finished our sophomore year at ACU.

But, our story starts way before that, at good old Houston work camp for a youth group trip. In the midst of the sweat and humidity, I noticed this quiet, cute guy named Hunter. Because I was quiet and shy as well, I told my cousin I liked him instead of making a move. Lucky for us, my cousin had a big mouth, and told Hunter for me. I know, sooo high school! Then came Homecoming sophomore year, and Jana told Hunter he was grounded if he didn't take me out on a date. I guess he liked his freedom, so we had a 30 second phone conversation and I was thrilled. We very slowly became best friends, spent lots of time studying together, and enjoyed our high school years. Then came ACU.
We were quite serious about each other going into our Freshman year, but knew college would be a big change for each of us. We spent a lot of time cruising around in the yellow Corvette, going to sonic, eating breakfast together in the bean, and spending time with friends.

Freshman Formal-look at that hair Hunter!!!

Camping at Brian's farm

We both decided to pledge clubs Sophomore year. Here we are attending AKO's Hawiaan grub.

The day after pledging was finished, we decided to take a trip with friends to Tennessee. Here we are loading. Little did I know it was ENGAGEMENT DAY! Hunter had it all planned out. At the Wendy's gas station in Weatherford, Hunter had a car waiting for us. Ernie and I went to the restroom, and when I came out everyone was gone. We zipped off in our car filled with flowers, my luggage, and a new black dress and I then I knew. Hunter had made arrangements at a fancy restaurant and that night the ring came out with dessert. We were sooo happy and drove home to celebrate with our families.

I got to go along on Chase's senior trip to Whistler, British Columbia. Very pretty!

Galaxy Formal

Hunter's table at the wedding was Harley themed. We toasted with Dr. Pepper.
Our honeymoon was a cruise. Here we are in Cozumel.

We were so exited to buy our first house. There were many happy memories at #3 Teakwood.

Here is our first baby, Fred. Our budget was $800 a month, so he took the place of a phone, internet, and cable. We learned a lot about pinching pennies as a married couple.

College was filled with many ski trips with friends. We tagged along with the ACU class to Red River.

Here we are at AKO holidays grub. We found the cheapest costume we could, and went as 4/20. Or birthday candles as we told the nice old man taking our picture.

Galaxy's grub was famous couples. We were Hef and a bunny. Yes, Hunter gave me a bunny suit at my lingerie shower.

I learned how to dove hunt.

We went to Canada with the Hanners and Jeides.

Michelle and Zach got married. My best friend and Hunter's roommate. We were so happy!

We hiked 20 miles across the Snowys in Montana.
Hunter graduated college and had to move into the real world. I was a semester behind him.
We celebrated our 3rd anniversary with another cruise.

This was our stop at Grand Caymen Island. The next year held a teaching job for me in first grade, a stint in the hospital for Hunter, and me learning how to truly depend on God in my deepest trials.Chase and Macey got married in Lubbock the next summer. We never thought anyone would be able to tame Chase, then Macey came along.

After their wedding, Hunter and I celebrated our 4th anniversary with a trip to the Inn of the Mountain Gods in Ruidoso.

July 26, 2007
This next year would hold many changes for us. We decided we'd outgrown the townhome, and decided to build. I found out in October I was pregnant a week before we moved in to our new home.

We were so excited to get the go with the entire Hanner family to Hawaii over spring break for Erin's graduation. I was 24 weeks pregnant and feeling great.

Kayaking in Kuna

Whale watching at the North ShoreAt the beach needing some sun

I was very blessed to have an easy pregnancy without the morning sickness or cravings. I taught the entire school year. This is me at 37 weeks.

Our last picture with the two of us. We loved our time spend together without Benton. We traveled, were lazy, spent lots of time with friends, and ate out often! I would never trade the ten years we had to get to know each other, have lots of hobbies, and very little responsibility.

Along came baby, and our entire world has changed. I now have a miniature version of my husband named Benton Blayne. Lying in the operating room, I saw Hunter change before my eyes. He went from not sure about newborns to a proud daddy in an instant. I had never seen the look of pride on his face as I did on June 10, 2008. As he carried him out to introduce him to our families, I knew what a great daddy he would be.

We have spent the last seven weeks learning how to be parents of this wonderful gift from God. I feel only closer to Hunter as I watch him hold his ever growing son.
I feel incredibly lucky to have spent the last five years as his wife. Hunter is such a hard worker at everything he does. He is the planner and provider for our family and has sacrificed so that I can stay at home with Benton. Though he may come in exhausted from a long day of work, he still finds enough energy to play with Benton, give him his baths, help around the house and catch up with me. I am grateful to God that Hunter is my partner, friend, and parent with me. Love you Hunter and Happy 5th Anniversary!