Football

I am a HUGE football fan. Not the kind that just enjoys games every now and then or the fun experience -- the crazy, semi-obsessed, love it more than boys kind of fan.

So, the fact that September is here makes me very happy. I'll be rooting for both my Cowboys -- OSU and Dallas -- all season long and I am so glad it's finally here!

I'm ready for fall weather, going to games, watching them, arguing with my husband about why my teams are better than his, eating lots of game day food...it's going to be a great time.

Hope everyone is ready for some football!

13 Months

People often talk about making it through the first year of marriage. When we did that, on August 1, I thought I'd make sure not to jinx anything and discuss our first year after 13 months. :) (I'm one day late because I meant to post this yesterday. Oops!) So, here we are. It is officially the Richardson's 13 month anniversary, and it feels pretty dang good.

It was both the easiest and hardest thing I've ever done. In our first two months of marriage we moved to a different state where we knew no one, got new jobs, bought a car and many other stressful things. It was not always easy, but I always knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

Michael is the most wonderful person I've ever known. He makes me a better version of myself. His patience, smile, heart, laugh and stubborness are all things I adore about him. We really are the best of friends and that helps us appreciate both the peaks and the valleys. I can't imagine not being his wife and feel so blessed.

During the past year we have bought our first home, made new friends, gone back to school, got job promotions, traveled as often as possible, adopted a new dog, gone on countless hikes, runs, bike rides and ski trips, and loved abundantly. We've also yelled, cried, fought, been selfish and learned a lot about what it takes to make a marriage work. And I wouldn't change a thing.

Here are some pictures of our first year together...

Red Rocks

I love Colorado. It is beautiful. There's always something going on and new places to see. One of the places I was most looking forward to visiting when we moved here was the Red Rocks Amphitheater.

We got to go in July and it didn't disappoint. It is an awesome venue and such a fun place to see a concert. Michael and I went to see Citizen Cope and OAR. We love CC and OAR put on a really good show.

I can't wait to go back.

Happy Birthday Dad!

I'm late. My dad's birthday was a couple of days ago, but I couldn't post about it because he was here visiting and we were having way too much fun.

So, in honor of his birthday week I want to share a little about him.

• He's the most sincere person I know. What you see is what you get. All the time, no matter what.
• He is strong and hardworking. I love that he taught me to get dirty and get things done. 
• Steak and potatoes are his kind of foods, but he loves to try new things. And he could eat seafood any day of the week. 
• He is a real cowboy. That's pretty cool in my eyes. 
• He puts aside his own feelings, likes, dislikes and opinions to make other people have fun or be more comfortable. 
• He loves his family unconditionally. And he welcomed Michael into the family with open arms.
• He's always makes me laugh...usually when he's not trying. 

Today and every day I'm proud of my dad and blessed to have him in my life. 

What I Miss...

I'm an Oklahoma girl transplanted to Colorado, and do you know what I miss the most about home?

It's true, friends. I LOVE Taco Bueno, and there is not one anywhere near me anymore. Sad day, I know. I literally crave this stuff multiple times a week, and I think it's becoming a problem. If I don't get some Taco Bueno soon I seriously don't know if I'll make it.

If I was there right now I would order a mexi dip & chips, a party taco and a coke. Then I would rejoice, eat it all and maybe order it again. Do you want to hear the worst part?! My dear husband travels all over this great country, and one of his frequent stops is in Kansas City. He stays in the same hotel every time he's there and guess what is directly across the street from him? I'm sure you guessed correctly. A dang Taco Bueno. He sends me photos, eats there all the time and breaks my heart. It's now a rule in our house that he not speak of it when he's there.

I know this may be a difficult love for some to understand. But I am not ashamed. And I will eat at my absolute favorite fast food restaurant again someday, hopefully sooner rather than later.

Footprints

No matter how many times I hear or read this, it remains one of my all time favorites...

Footprints in the Sand

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.

Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.

In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.

Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,

other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed

that during the low periods of my life,

when I was suffering from

anguish, sorrow or defeat,

I could see only one set of footprints.

So I said to the Lord,

"You promised me Lord,

that if I followed you,

you would walk with me always.

But I have noticed that during

the most trying periods of my life

there have only been one

set of footprints in the sand.

Why, when I needed you most,

you have not been there for me?"

The Lord replied,

"The times when you have

seen only one set of footprints in the sand,

is when I carried you."

Very Important News...

1. I despise wearing socks. Always have. They get all twisted up in my shoes and give me minor panic attacks.
2. My new dog, Paisley Ann, is wonderful. BUT she barks at people periodically and I can't figure out how to make her stop. If that's our worst problem, I feel pretty good about things but it seriously has to stop.
3. When my husband is out of town (ALL THE TIME) I miss him so, so much. While I constantly wish he didn't have to go, it really does make me appreciate him so much more. Can't wait for him to come home tomorrow!
4. The weather here has been a little rainy this week. It's great because we really need the rain but it's not great at all because I've had to leave the dogs in the house, which means I haven't been able to go to spin class this week. I love it and don't like missing it at all.
5. I've been craving Chinese buffet food. I want some right now.
6. I'm pretty certain my house smells like dog pee. I think Paisley has had one accident since we got her, which is great, but I just can't get the carpet clean! Michael says I'm crazy and it smells fine but I'm not so sure.
7. The reason I don't blog as often as I should isn't for a lack of things to say. It's because I hate uploading pictures from my camera to my computer so I never do it, but I think blog posts without pictures (like this one!) are kind of boring.
8. My car's check engine light is on so I'm driving Michael's car. It needs new tires very badly and I'm afraid they're gonna blow out while I'm driving.
9. I tried to rescue a cat today when I was driving back to work from a meeting. He was running in the street so I pulled into a parking lot and tried to catch him. It didn't work and people were honking at me. I hope he's OK.
10. I wish Real Housewives of New Jersey was on tonight. Man, I love that trashy show!