"I am my beloved's and his desire is toward me." Song of Solomon 7:10

When Mike and I were dating, I often found myself daydreaming about what life with him would be like–dreaming of our wedding day, being married, starting a family, and growing old together. Every day along his side has far beyond exceeded my daydreams and it is all by God's grace. As we continue to wait on the Lord for children, we have decided to grow our family with fur babies! Meet the newest member to our family...Roman!

He will be 6 months in 2 weeks and is already soo big! Needless to say, I am thankful he is growing up, the puppy puppy stage was really taking a toll on me! lol My entire summer was dedicated to him and making sure he received the proper training and socialization. I struggled a lot this summer with him, I feared of having a big disobedient aggressive dog and it consumed me. A couple of weeks after we got him, once he had all of his shots, we enrolled him in a basic training class at Petsmart. It wasn't the most advanced but it was exactly what we need as far as socializing him goes. He is a lover of dogs and humans, thankfully! As soon as he sees a pup or a human his little nub just starts wiggling! (sooo cute)

The most common and reoccurring question I get asked is..you have a black dog, an all white house, how will you keep your home white? The answer...I keep the same routine and multiply it by 3. I was so nervous Roman would shed like a grizzly bear but he's actually not that bad. I brush him every other day which helps eliminate hair from getting on our clothes. I vacuum every day and wash our sheets twice a week.

One rule we stuck to since the beginning–No getting on the bed or sofa. Well, this was thrown out the door when we were ripping out our carpets in the bedrooms and sleeping in our living room. Our mattress was on the floor and we couldn't help but want to cuddle with him, since then he sleeps with us. He is still not allowed on the sofa, which is so nice especially when we have company over.

If we had to do it all over again, I would, Roman is the best dog I have ever had. His temperament is so mild, he's so easy going which is a perfect match for Mila because she is always on the go at 100mph. AND he loves loves to cuddle..which makes me so happy! haha

Getting Roman made me realize how selfish I truly am, how consumed with my own life I am. Part of the reason I was overwhelmed was because my schedule, routine, and life were wrecked. I wasn't ready to be inconvenienced. Although dogs are nothing like humans, I realized how not ready I am for children. I quickly forgot how perfect the Lord's plans are and that everything he has designed and orchestrated is done with a purpose. I am thankful we serve a God that corrects and grows His children, graciously demonstrating His love for us. I can only keep praying for more of His grace and love. Psalm 25:4-5 "Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For you are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day." I encourage you ladies, to keep your eyes focused on Christ. Even when we think we have it together, we don't but when our lives are wrecked simply pray and ask the Lord to show you what He is trying to teach you through all of this. With so much love, Nioby

MEET THE FAMILY : ROMAN, MILA & US