JR and I met in middle school through mutual friends. Although, JR picked on me some, I still had a pretty big crush on him. Looking back, I think he picked on me because he liked me too. At least, that's what momma always said. A year later, JR and I began talking and hanging out - chaperoned of course. We were only 12. Then we went separate ways like kids do. We both moved up high school. He switched to New Hope, and I stayed at Starkville High School. We texted mostly, but he would call me every, single, day, after school. I looked forward to that phone call every day around 4pm. What I remember mostly from those phone calls was him talking about food - mainly grilling. He loved Applebees - still does. Eventually, we grew apart again...

After a few years, we both graduated and moved on. I had my sweet baby boy Riley, and he was the center of my life. I wasn't even thinking about dating. Then, one night, Riley and I wore playing and watching Christmas movies, when I get a message from JR Morgan. It had been 4 years since we last spoke, so I was obviously surprised. However, I was very happy. He did the smart thing - he began talking about Riley. I knew he was the one when he was okay with me bringing my 6 month old to our first date at Newks. He also pretended to like the food because I loved Newks - even though he hates it. Did I mention JR let Riley bump his head on our first date? Yeah, he thought Riley was capable of sitting by himself on the table without his hands on him. Riley tumbled and his head hit the table. We hit it off from there, literally, and now it's forever. Bumped heads and all.

On April 20th, JR and I found out that we were going to have a sweet addition to our family of 3. We were preparing to have our sweet baby girl, Isabella. However, in August, I went for my regular OB appointment for Bella's anatomy ultrasound. It was the BIG one. We were going to be able to confirm her gender - at least that's what JR and I were thinking. During the appointment was when our happy day turned very sad. We, learned that sweet Bella had developed Gastroschisis. It occurs when your body doesn't close in areas fully, so she had a hole in her tummy, which caused her intestines to grow on the outside. JR was unfortunately working away when I called him to tell him. He made a 14 hour drive home right when I called. The next few months would consist of weekly appointments in Jackson and eventually a two month stay in the Best Western, our very kind and loving friends - Shane, Cecilia, and Anja's house in Jackson, and the Ronald McDonald House.

November 17th, 2018, JR, Riley, and I packed up for our stay in Jackson to prepare for Bella. It was a sad time due to the circumstances, but we really grew as a family and a couple during this time. It was during this time that I knew nothing could break us apart. We were meant for each other. We had some wonderful family days while I was pregnant. We went to the zoo, park, museums, etc. However, during that time, finances were tough due to me being on maternity leave and JR unable to work as frequently as he wanted to. When things got tough, JR sold his nice car to support our family and pay the bills during our time in Jackson. Now, that's husband material - if I may say. Then our sweet Bella was born - and was a warrior! She fought through every hurdle, so she could come home to us.

It was a typical Wednesday night at home. JR and I cooked dinner for the kids, we all watched some TV and played, bathed the kids, and then got them to bed. I was sitting in bed reading my book and JR was listening to his Joe Rogan podcast. We had been bickering that night a little, so we were actually a little quiet with each other. Then, he started asking me random questions like, "You love me no matter what - through thick and thin?" type questions. Of course I answered "yes" while giving him a puzzled look. Then, he walked over to my bedside, got down on one knee, and asked me to marry him. Best Typical Wednesday night. EVER!