"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him..." Romans 8:28

Much has changed since my last post. I am happy to say that Jack and I are now EMPLOYED dog owners.

Let's start with the jobs.  It has been a roller-coaster of emotions as we have waited for the perfect civil engineering job for Jack, but I have never seen someone so fully reliant on Christ in their waiting as he has been. He praised God for closing doors to certain jobs, and prayed without ceasing for that one door to open. And, of course, in the Lord's perfect timing it did! Jack is now an engineer for the street department of the City of Conway. Today was his first day, and he is already enjoying it. It does my heart good to see him come home at the end of the day excited about his work.
Today was my first day of work as well. I got a GA position at the UCA Child Study Center, where I will be an assistant to the teachers of 3 and 4 year old classrooms. The kids don't start coming until next week, and I can't wait to meet them! As for now, we are just setting up the classrooms, and I'm getting to know the women I will be working with. They are all so fun! I'm excited to see what all this semester brings.

Now let's talk dog. Last week we adopted a 6 year old yorkie named Maggie. We are already in love with her!

She is so much fun! We find ourselves just staring at her and laughing all the time. (How could you not stare at such a cute little face?) 

That's what's been going on with the Branscum's lately! We sure do have lots to be thankful for!

Wedding Weekend!

This weekend, Jack and I drove up to Bella Vista for his younger brother's wedding. It was such a fun celebration, and we couldn't be happier for Evan and Ashley. They are perfect for each other. And, as Jack comes from a family of all boys, I was thrilled to welcome another girl into the family!

Jack and I spent a lot of time this weekend reflecting on what we've learned about marriage over the past couple months...and Jack was quick to share it with Evan. :)

1. Never stop laughing.
Laugh with each other. A lot. And most importantly, laugh at yourself. Don't take things too seriously.
2. Be true to your spouse and to yourself.
If you feel a fight coming on, think about what's really bothering you. Usually it's not the other person at all, but we tend to take out our frustrations on those we love the most. If you're on the receiving end, always look for the best in your spouse.
3. Remember you are on each other's team.
This one goes along with #2. You and your spouse are not out to get each other. Remember to support and always want the best for one another.
4. Always forgive.
There's nothing for which Christ hasn't forgiven us, and He will never grow weary of doing so. Neither should we. Forgive until you no longer can, and then forgive some more.
5. Keep pursuing each other.
Husbands: ask your wives out on dates and surprise her with flowers. Wives: keep dressing up for your husbands, even if you're just staying in for the night. Always keep flirting.

We still have much to learn in our journey through marriage, but we're having lots of fun along the way.

We wish nothing but the best for you, Evan and Ashley! We are so proud of y'all!

There's a first time for everything.

Well, this is my first blog post ever. As I sat down to write this entry, I realized how much my life has been filled with "firsts" lately.  In the past year, I was given three special titles for the first time: fiancee, college graduate, and most exciting of all, WIFE! On May 21st, I got to marry my best friend, Jack Tyler, and life with him couldn't be better!

Shortly before our wedding, Jack, two of my best friends, and I traveled to the Big Apple for my first time in NYC. I fell in love with the city! Right after the wedding, Jack and I journeyed to Maui for our honeymoon and first trip to Hawaii. It was the most fun, most relaxing trip we've ever had. We are already looking at the calendar--and our savings--to plan a trip to go back!

Upon the return to our home in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Jack and I prepared for a move to Conway--my first move away from NWA. We came down here so I could attend Grad School for Speech-Path at UCA. So far we love it! It was my first time to be living more than 30 minutes away from my family, and my heart hurt to leave them, but the Lord has provided in big ways here in Conway! Of course my number one comfort is Jack. There's no way I could venture to a new place without that amazing man right by my side! Then, within 24 hours of living here, we had already found a church family. We now attend Second Baptist Church and have gotten to know some amazing people in the few short weeks we've been there. We feel so blessed by all you who have reached out to us and made us feel at home. Leaving a nanny job and several baby-sitting clients in Fayetteville was hard as well, but I have already found a handful of new clients here and fallen in love with some pretty cool kiddos!


Jack is in the process of looking for a job with his degree in Civil Engineering, and he has already found some exciting leads. We know that the Lord will provide for us in this, just as he has in everything else. We continue to look to Him for guidance. If you are a praying person, prayers for his job would be greatly appreciated!