7 Reasons You Should Get a Dog

Photo by Brianna Forster Photography

On Nov. 12, my little Millie celebrated her first birthday! Although we’ve only had her since January, she has grown and changed so much in what feels like a very short amount of time.

For her birthday, we took Millie to her favorite place (PetSmart) and picked up a few special treats including a new polo shirt and a pair of yummy dog biscuits – which she shared with her cousin Tyler.

Celebrating my first child’s first birthday made me realize how much I truly enjoy having a dog. So here are seven reasons I think YOU should bring home a new best friend:

1. You always receive a warm welcome home. Every day when I walk in the door from work I am greeted with loads of licks and tail wagging, it’s so sweet.
2. Even a small dog can provide protection. A dog doesn’t have to be big to make you feel safe. I feel much better being home alone when Millie’s with me.
3. Dogs are entertaining. I love to laugh at things Millie does, from the way she barks at lizards while looking out the window to the crazy places she falls asleep.
4. You have a reason to be responsible. Dogs give you responsibility, but not too much. They’re a great first step to caring for someone other than yourself.
5. You’re more healthy with a canine companion. Dogs not only make you happy but their companionship lowers your blood pressure and cholesterol, too.
6. A dog instantly makes you feel better. Dogs can sense when you need a little extra love and are more than happy to snuggle up to you when you’re down.
7. Dogs love you unconditionally. They don’t judge and don’t notice (or care about) your mistakes. They just love and cuddle and give kisses – it’s awesome.

I didn’t realize when Brandon surprised me with a puppy for Christmas last year that I would get so attached to and be so grateful for something so small. But Millie really does add something special to each and every one of my days – and she has turned BrandAnna into a family!

Happy Birthday Millie girl!

Photo by Brianna Forster Photography

Along for the Ride

Last weekend we went on yet another fall trip, this time to Raleigh, N.C. for a wedding. We took a long weekend and drove up there with Millie – it was her longest and farthest trip so far. We ended up having a really great weekend spending time with family, shopping, laughing around a bonfire and of course drinking … Brandon works in the beer business so we always have to try new brews when we are out of town!

Millie usually gets a little bit of anxiety when we start packing bags which has been happening a whole lot lately. This time around she jumped into the suitcase as usual, little did she know that she was coming along for the ride, too!

It was a long nine-hour drive to Raleigh and by far the longest trip Millie had ever taken in the car. On the way there she was very anxious and confused but spent most of the trip in her favorite spot behind her daddy’s head.

We arrived in North Carolina right around 11 a.m. and settled into our room at Brandon’s dad’s house. They live in a gorgeous home on a little more than an acre, it’s the perfect place for family get-togethers!

One place we always go when we are in town is Gigi’s Boutique – owned by Brandon’s dad and step mom. They have two stores in the area and have a number of super cute styles for women, so we did a little bit of shopping.

One of my purchases at Gigi’s Boutique was this black cut-out dress, which I love. Brandon’s sister, Casey, and I ended up wearing very similar outfits on the night of the rehearsal dinner, so of course I had to take a picture with my sister-in-law!

One of my favorite things about our trip up there was getting to spend a whole lot of quality time with Brandon’s fabulous sister-in-law, Ann, and step mom, Cheryl. I absolutely love this picture of the three of us Reinert wives!

One of my best friends (and my favorite photographer!), Brianna, has a pocket obsession. She had pockets sewn into her dress and was very excited about it so we decided to take a pocket picture together while hanging out at the hotel bar.

My favorite thing about the holidays and special occasions is that I get to spend time with Brandon’s side of the family. Rowland, Cheryl, Ann, Wes, Finley, Casey, Brandon and I had a blast hanging out throughout the weekend!

As always, the trip went by way too fast, but Brandon and I decided that next time we are flying! Millie had a blast and got to meet her “aunt,” Rowland and Cheryl’s dog, Abby. It was really great gathering the Reinerts together, we all enjoyed it!

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Book Report: “Heart of the Matter” by Emily Giffin

I loved this book! Now that I got that out the way … Emily Giffin has become one of my favorite authors. She creates some compelling stories – like “Something Borrowed” – where you end up siding with (or at least getting a better understanding of) the “other woman.”

This is another one of her books that deals with the dirty “a word” (adultery). I really had a hard time putting the book down and it kept me guessing until the very end. One of the main characters, Tessa, turns out to be the sister of Dex (and the sister-in-law of Rachel) from “Something Borrowed.”

I literally cried while reading this book, but I’ve recommended it to a ton of my friends, especially those who are Giffin fans. It makes you feel a little bit uncomfortable because of the unthinkable content but there is something tough but truthful about it.

This book isn’t for the naive at heart, it will make you think, especially if you are married. But I thought it was really good and continue to be a faithful Emily Giffin follower!

Having a Ball

One of my favorite things about fall is sports. While college and professional football are in full swing by October, it’s the year-round league sports that get me really excited! I don’t actually participate … I am more of a cheerleader. But I am fully supportive of Brandon whether he’s playing soccer, softball or his newest obsession: kickball.

Brandon has been playing softball for a few years but this season is the first that he has managed the team. He plays with a group of friends from high school and for once I’m not the only one in the cheering section!

Brandon started the season playing first base but has recently started pitching (which can be scary). So far the team has only lost two games and sits in second place in the league. Not bad for a first-time manager!

A knee injury during a league soccer game a couple years ago meant Brandon had to switch to a sport where he didn’t have to run as much. He’s still pretty quick on his feet, but his hitting has gotten a whole lot better!

This team is totally different than the last few Brandon has played with. All the guys are around our age and their girlfriends, fiancees, wives and even parents come out in full force to cheer on the boys!

Our friends Ben and Alli started a coed kickball league this year and although they tried very hard to get me to join the team I just show up to support my sister Lina (and their newest team member: Brandon!)

The first game we went to was against a team that hasn’t lost a game … in the last couple of seasons. Even though they dominated us, we were able to make it on the board. And Lina was the one who scored the run!

Because this league is more about having fun than actually winning games, it pretty much turns into a night of drinking with our buddies. It’s a little bit different than our Tuesday-night softball games!

Brandon plays first base on the kickball team, but I think sometimes he forgets to have a good time and can get pretty competitive! It’s in his nature because he likes to win, but overall I can tell he has a really good time!

For now I’m going to stick to the sidelines and remain supportive of Brandon, Lina and all my other friends who play. I’m not completely ruling out the possibility of joining in some day … but every team needs fans, too!

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Book Report: “Harry Potter” by J.K. Rowling

This time around I’m writing about one of my favorite book series: Harry Potter! The movies are awesome but they don’t hold a candle to the books.

You may think the series was written for kids but it is so complex and complete that it appeals to and draws in readers of all ages. The first couple of books are a little bit juvenile but they are really fun.

Once you get into the middle of the set it starts to get a bit dark and almost scary. And by the end, if you haven’t been keeping track you could easily get lost in the numerous characters and storylines.

I’m really not sure how Rowling kept everything straight, herself. Every single piece of the story is developed throughout the seven books and completely wrapped up by the end. Even the small details that you didn’t think mattered turn out to be a major factor in the story.

If you haven’t tried these books out, give them a chance. Once you start you won’t be able to stop! My favorite way to go through the whole series is to read each book and then watch the movie.