So This Is Love

Two days ago, I was having a really bad day. I came home from school, and collapsed on the love sac, completely drained and wanting to bawl my eyes out. It was one of those days. Seth snuggled up to me and did his best to comfort me, but realized I was really down. He left for a bit, and came back with... Cheesecake and Flowers!!!

In case you didn't know, cheesecake is my one true weakness. It's my favorite food. Not dessert. Food. And getting flowers is my favorite thing in the world! 

He gave me two white roses, a red rose, a couple sprays of sweet purple waxflowers, and a stem with three gorgeous lilies (my favorite flower)! Only one is open in this picture, but the others are starting to bloom! This picture looks a little funny, because we didn't have a small enough vase to hold them all together, but they really are so gorgeous.

Yes, this husband of mine is amazing. Totally brightened my day and made me feel like the most special girl in the world. My heart melted. (I'm sure that was partially due to the mass amount of cheesecake that I consumed.)

* * *

The next day, we learned how to wrap bouquets for my floral design class. So I came home with even more flowers! 

I chose the colors to go with the ones Seth had already given me, including more of the purple waxflowers (the small light purple filler flowers around the center of the arrangment). Since I'd loved receiving flowers so much the day before, I decided to give this bouquet to him. 

Sigh... Isn't he so cute??

They smell SO good.

I put all the flowers in together, and... voila! A huge beautiful bouquet! 

Now every time I walk through my kitchen, I catch the amazing scent this thing puts off. Especially the sweet brooms (the small lavender flowers on the left.) I swear, it makes me feel so alive and cheerful!

So technically, this is not the best arrangement ever. There isn't really a focal point because there is so much going on. It could be the lily, or the roses, or the gerbera. But I just love it. Since the color pallet is pretty monochromatic, it highlights the unique textures of all the different flowers, and the crazy mixture makes it look less stiff and contrived. Mostly, I love it because it was made my by sweetheart and me. 

We love each other. 

*amber*

Hellooooo Out There!

Oh hey, it's me. You know, that one blogger who loves blogging/blog stalking and always has cool ideas for posts but then feels guilty that she hasn't updated the past month (or five's) happenings yet? So then she feels like it would be lame to post about something meaningless and random when she's doing such a horrible job documenting her adventurous married life? No? That's ok, I've almost forgotten I exist too.

So... here I am. Just thought I'd pop in to say hi. As mentioned, there are so many things I feel I already should have put up here, but I just haven't yet! All the way back from October. (Truthfully, probably long before that, but that's about the length of my memory right now.)

Someday, I hope to update on, at least, major happenings during these past several months. Does anyone know, is there a way to insert blog posts into your blog under past dates so they look like they've been there all along and I don't feel like a nerd putting up our Halloween costumes in February? But, no promises. I think every time I say I'm going to catch up on here, I never do. We'll just see how things go I guess.

So here's what's going on now. Seth graduated from BYU (finally!!!) and looking for a job. That's all. As you can probably guess, his days are action packed...

I'm Still in school, and doing pretty well so far in the semester. I'm totally staying up on my workload for the first time since I've been at BYU! I submitted my applications to my major last Friday. I'm finishing up the last few steps of the application process tomorrow and next week. So keep me in your prayers and fingers crossed! Maybe try both at the same time? 

I'm also working, and have a million different projects around our house, and bigger projects elsewhere. I'm pretty busy, but doing well so far! (Besides this blasted cold and constant fatigue... go away already!)

On a more exciting note, we went to this fun little place called Slab Pizza on Friday. You literally get a slab of pizza. 1/4 of a twenty inch pizza to be exact. Wow. And the flavors are fantastic! It's just around the block from our house and it may just be our new dinner spot. If you're ever in Provo, GO! It's in the bottom of a gross apartment complex and looks totally dinky, but so worth it, I promise.

Seeee???

Seth got Chicken Club which totally tasted like a chicken club sandwich with lettuce and everything. I got Rosemary Potato with Bacon. Why did I never know about potatoes on pizza? With the olive oil and goat cheese, just let me tell you... incredible.

And finally...

Today, Seth got his diploma in the mail! Yipee!!! Now he's all official and we have to buy a fancy frame so we can display that impressive piece of paper in our future study. I'm so proud of him!  

 :)

Good job sweetheart.

Well, I have a lot to study for, so that's all for now. I'll try to check in every now and then. Maybe. If I get around to it. Until then, I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying this new year! 

Oh my gosh... when did it become 2011???

*amber*

Oh Ingrid...

How do you always write songs that fit me so perfectly?

Dearest Seth,

We might not have any money, but we have our love to pay the bills.

So... 

Let's get rich and buy our parents homes in the south of France,

Let's get rich and give everybody nice sweaters and teach them how to dance,

Let's get rich and buy a house on a mountain making everybody look like ants,

Way up there, you and I... you and I... (will actually have time to spend together!)


* * *


Ok, I'm not that superficial or money obsessed... but wouldn't it be nice? Seth is two weeks away from graduating. I, on the other hand, feel like I will perpetually be haunting the BYU campus. We are both going crazy. Seth, because he has 5 days of classes left to finish about 3 weeks worth of work. Me, because I just want to graduate, get a wonderful job in public relations, and start living a normal life. The college student life can really wear on you.

Perhaps this isn't the best time to be feeling this way. Finals are a week away. But I just can't help thinking of the day when I'll be free and we can do what we want with our time. Maybe I feel like this because my week has been ridiculous and Wednesday night I got a grand total of 2 hours of sleep, because I spent all night putting together two group projects. Ugh.

Yesterday, I felt run down and burnt out. Seth totally didn't have time for it, but he took the time to take me on a date. We went wandering through a thrift store, then got frozen yogurt. It was wonderful to spent time with him, because we hardly have time for date nights anymore. Now today is one of those days where I just want to snuggle under the covers all day. Unfortunately, that is SO not an option.

Blah... but listening to this song over and over seems to be helping some :)

Also, we are going on an amazing vacation very soon. More on that later.

*amber*

While visions of lovely things danced in her head...

Wow, I'm blogging alot lately. That means my life is just very exciting right now! On Saturday, a friend invited me to the Bridal Fair with her. She got engaged a few weeks ago and isn't getting married til the Spring, but she wants to start getting ideas and figure out what she wants. Knowing how much I obsess over all things wedding, she graciously invited me to come with her :)

The fair was so much fun and I loved seeing all of this year's new dresses, sampling yummy cake, and checking out creative photography. Weddings are so fascinating to me. I love seeing people find their individual aesthetics as they meticulously pick each element of the biggest day of their lives so far. However, this was the first time I've ever been able to talk to a bride about what she wants, discuss details, and give suggestions on things I've seen in my years of wedding blog stalking. :) It was such a blast.

Now, I have lots of images like this floating around in my head...

Inspiration board made at Polyvore.com.

That's kind of the overall look that I picture at this point. Of course, it could be a very long shot from her vision, because so far, we haven't talked that much about it. But still... I have a feeling this will be one lovely garden tea-party inspired wedding. Congratulations my friend!

* * *

Tonight, I decided to be spontaneous and try making homemade donuts. I got home from work and felt like being a culinary genius... (ha) so I dug right in and promptly turned our kitchen into a disaster area. I used the Food Nanny's Spudnut (the dough is made with potatoes) recipe, and they turned out amazing! Thanks for the recipe Liz! (This recipe isn't posted on her website yet. It will probably be in her next cookbook though.) 

The glaze is pretty good too, and I usually hate the glaze on donuts. Mmm... Tasty.

Happy Monday!

*amber*

First Anniversary Goodness

So basically, I am the most spoiled wife ever. Saturday was such a beautiful day... it couldn't have been more amazing.

The first thing we did to celebrate our anniversary was head up to the Salt Lake Temple. We hadn't been to the Salt Lake Temple since our wedding a year ago, so it seemed an appropriate time to make another visit. It was such a wonderful experience and we both enjoyed the remembering the covenants we made to each other. It was the perfect Anniversary activity :)

To find out why the temple is so important to us and our marriage, click on the picture to the right. 

After we finished up at the temple, Seth asked if I wanted to go to Caputo's for dinner. Caputo's is this amazing Italian market in downtown Salt Lake that we discovered earlier this Summer. I am completely smitten and will take any excuse I can to go. After the temple though, I was just in a peaceful, contemplative mood and didn't really feel like going to a bustling marketplace right then, so we ate at the temple and splurged on some yummy pie.

* * *

After that, we were headed home. I was sitting in the car, probably just babbling on about some random topic, when Seth pulled into a parking garage. What?? I had no idea what he was doing. We got out of the car and walked into a building, which I soon came to recognize as an Embassy Suites hotel. (My family has stayed at them on many vacations.) I was completely taken by surprise (even though Seth said I'd had plenty of opportunities to figure it out but was just too naive) and couldn't decide whether to be overjoyed or mad at him. Luckily for him, I chose the former :) 

We got to the hotel right during the Manager's Reception (what is known in other states as cocktail hour, haha) so we snagged some popcorn and pretzels and headed up to our pretty room. We got to go swimming, watch a few movies (with popcorn), hang out together, and really relax. It was only a one night stay, and we weren't very far from home, but it was just the getaway I needed.

In the morning, we went down to the complimentary breakfast which, at the Embassy Suites, includes a chef prepared meal of your choice. We ate omelets, french toast, hash browns, fresh fruit, and hot chocolate to our hearts desire. Mmm... After we checked out, we headed over to Liberty Park. We walked around for a while and just enjoyed the sunshine.

* * *

Thank you so much Seth. This weekend was absolutely perfect. But really, could my husband be any sweeter?

... The answer is yes! When we got home, he hit me with yet another surprise. He got us gift certificates to a nice little spa day! :) We'll each get to spend time in the oxygen bar, then head over to a nice long full body massage, and then try out what is supposedly the world's best massage chair... whatever that means. I am so excited... I've never had a professional massage before so I can't wait!

Mmm... Happy Anniversary Sweetheart. Thank you for everything.

*amber*

One Year...

I cannot beleive it has already been a year. Time has flown by. We've both grown so much more in the last year than we ever have in our lives, but we know there's still so much more we can teach each other. Every day, he amazes me. I am so thankful for the time we've had so far, and eternally grateful that we has so much more time together.

One year into Forever.

And I thought I loved you then.

I love you Seth.

Eternity, here we come.

*amber*

PS: I am aware that I haven't written on here for 4 weeks now. I just had to post something today. For all two of you that actually read our blog, Summer updates will be coming soon. Now I'm off to enjoy the day with my amazing hubby :)

Exactly One Year Ago...

The man of my dreams asked me to marry him.

*Sigh*

I still get butterflies just thinking about it. That picture was taken on my phone the night he popped the question.

* * *

June 8th, 2009.

It was a Monday night. We had wanted to go dancing for a while. Seth knows some swing dancing and I really wanted him to teach me some moves. I love to dance, but have never really learned any couples dancing.

We went to Seth's family home evening. After the lesson was over, we left to find a place we could dance. We tried a few different places on campus, and finally ended up in a big room upstairs in the Wilkinson Center.

He taught me some awesome moves, and I even taught him some ballet! :) At some point, a bunch of janitors came into the room we were practicing in and started puting away chairs. So we decided we should probably get out of their way. 

We still wanted to dance for a bit, so we found ourselves in a corner of the big ballroom. We danced and danced for quite awhile.

I started getting tired and was ready to call it a night. Then Seth said, wait, he wanted to show me something. It was a move that he'd seen done before but had never actually done himself. I wanted to get to bed, but is sounded like a cool move, so I gave in.

Seth showed me through a complicated series of movements. At the end, he turned me away from him, then spun me back around. When I turned, I saw him down on one knee. At first I thought, "What am I supposed to do now? Sit on his knee?" Then I realized what down on one knee meant, and I was mad that he would joke about something like that. Finally, he pulled the ring from his pocket and I knew he wasn't kidding.

At that point, I think I went into shock. Seth started talking to me but I could never remember what he said. I was just staring at his face, shocked. When he asked the words, "Will you marry me?" all I could do was say "Of course!" and giggle like crazy because I was so happy. I gave him a big hug around his neck and couldn't believe how lucky I was.

At that point, we realized that the building was closing. So we went outside and sat on a bench for a while, talking about the enormity of the decision we'd just made. Neither of us could stop smiling and we started using phrases like "When we're married..." which was exciting to be able to say finally. We had both known that we wanted to spend forever together for quite some time.

We finally made our way down to the duck pond. We sat on a bench by the pond and started calling our families and close friends, even though it was late and most of our family members were in bed. We figured they deserved to know very first.

At around midnight, the sprinklers started so we had to run to the car. Once there, we stayed parked by the duck pond and continued calling and texting pictures of the ring to friends. Everyone was so excited for us, but I wish they could have seen our faces. We couldn't stop staring at each other or smiling.We were talking to other people, but our attention was really all just for each other.

It started getting pretty late but neither of us wanted to go home. We wanted to soak in the moment as much as we could. Finally, Seth decided I had better get home so I could make it to work in the morning. Saying goodnight that night was the hardest it had ever been.

 74 days later, August 21st 2009, we were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple for Time and All Eternity. It was the happiest day of both of our lives. For nothing am I more grateful than this wonderful man that God has allowed me to be with forever. I don't know what I would do without him. In the relatively short time that we've been together, he has impacted my life in ways I never knew he could.


Since then, we have each learned so much about each other. We know each others secrets and so called "imperfections." However, we still insist that the other is perfect. Because we are perfect for each other.

People always warned us that the first year of marriage would be the hardest. It hasn't quite been a year for that yet, but I can honestly say, it has been the best year of my life. We have had some hard times so far (surely nothing compared for what is to come in our future) but we have learned so much about each other. I think the "hard" part of the first year of marriage is all about stepping outside your own brain, and realizing that there is something else out there. It can be hard because we want the world to be as we see it. But when we care so much for someone that sees it differently, we have to look at it differently sometimes. We can either resist, or embrace that.

Some times have been harder than others, but in each of these experiences, I have learned more about who my husband truly is. It is a wonderful feeling. Although I like to think I know everything about him, there is still a lot to learn. There is no way to define the complexities of a single human. But that's why we have forever to spend learning about each other.

I love you Seth. You are my entire world and I am eternally thankful for the time we've been granted together so far. Here's to the future. To all the future memories and things we have to learn. Here's to all the future arguments and heartache and times our world feels like it's upside down. I know we will hold each other up and come out stronger people. I love you sweetheart. Thank you for everything you are.

*amber*

So Grateful

Last night was a bad night for me. I just kind of had a melt down, and I'm not really sure why. Too much stress, not enough sleep, and malnourishment from being sick probably. I was stuck in a rut and felt lonely, even though Seth was there with me. It a really tough time and I couldn't get myself together. When we got into bed, I was still really upset. Seth asked me if I would like a blessing. 

We got out of bed and he sat me down to give me the blessing. It was incredible. It was so powerful and we both ended up in tears. The words were exactly what I needed to hear. The counsel from my Father in Heaven was so personally fitted to my situation that it was overwhelming. I learned what I need to do be comforted and help myself grow. 

After the blessing, I thanked Seth. He said, "It wasn't me." I knew it wasn't. Some of the things he said could not have come from him. He is my husband and knows me better than anyone, but some things he said touched deeper parts of me that I don't think he has come to understand yet. Only someone who knew me completely and better than myself could see and understand those parts of me. 

I told him, "I know. But thank you for being able to." I cannot express how thankful I am to be married to such a man. Not only is he good in everything he does and loves me ridiculous amounts, he has made sure he is worthy to hold the priesthood. I don't know how to explain how good it feels to have that power in my home.

I could probably ramble on a lot more, trying to explain how it feels and how happy it has made me. I will simply end by expressing my gratitude to my Father in Heaven for loving me so individually and for blessing me with a husband who can help me see that love, and stay by my side as we work to be with Him again someday.

*amber*

Way to Go! Idaho!

I've mentioned before that Seth and I were able to take some mini-trips recently. It has been so nice because school and work tend to wear us down. If we didn't find these little ways to relax and rejuvenate, I'm sure we would be burned out by now. Provo is great and has its own unique quirkiness, but sometimes it's so nice to get away.

The first trip we got to take was to Idaho to see Seth's sister Heather who just had a baby!

I'd like to introduce you to our newest niece, Hailey Darlene Leavitt! Here she is with mommy Heather

And daddy Ryan.

Seth's mom came down from Washington for a few days so we got to spend some time with her too. It was so nice. We really miss our family up there.

And we got to hold the baby a little bit too! She was so sweet.

(Don't mind my fat cheeks, I had my wisdom teeth out two days before.)

We also got to play with our adorable nieces Elaina and McKenzie. They are just little balls of energy! And they've grown up so much since the last time we saw the. Last time we came to visit, Elaina was playful but Kenzie was just a quiet baby. She's still pretty quiet most of the time but she has turned into a real little toddler and loves to play and be silly with her big sister. Elaina has developed a love for singing since last time. She dances around the house singing random songs that she makes up at the top of her lungs. Sounds just like me when I was little :)

Both of them love their new little sister and try to take good care of her. Even if they don't quite realize that they can't be quite as rough with her as they are with each other. They're learning.

And here are all the girls. Thanks so much to Heather and Ryan for putting up with us for the weekend. It was great to see our family again.

We also got to spend the nights at Aunt Julie and Uncle Ron's house so I got to meet some more extended family. That's one thing that I love about married life. It's so much fun to meet new relatives and be accepted into a wonderful family. I really lucked out when it came to my inlaws :)

This trip was such a relief for us. School was really starting to get us down but as soon as we left, we relaxed. We spent the weekend stress-free (which may have had something to do with the fact that Heather and Ryan don't have internet so we couldn't work on homework) and felt so relaxed by the time we got home. 

While we were on the road, we listened to a book on tape of a fantasy book Seth liked when he was a kid. It was so fun to enjoy the simplicity of a children's novel again. I loved spending the weekend next to my husband, laughing enjoying free time together. 

* * *

This trip was great for another reason. It was one year ago (or close to it anyway) that Seth and I decided to make a spontaneous trip to Idaho. (I've  included pictures from the trip too.)

We had just started dating a couple weeks before. It was nearing the end of the semester and (just like this year) we just needed a change of scene. We were talking one day and Seth mentioned that it would be fun to go up to Idaho to visit his sister and her family. And the rest of his family would be there too on their way to Utah. He was really joking about the idea, but I jumped at it. I thought it would be so much fun to go on a mini road trip. So the next day, we packed our bags and drove up to Idaho. 

On the car ride there, we were able to talk for a long time. Our conversation turned to relationship matters and we both expressed our opinions openly. This is when I feel we really started to understand each other and what we wanted in this life. 

Saturday morning, we spent the day playing with the girls. We played monsters with Elaina. At one point, Seth and Elaina were the monsters and they chased me into the kitchen where they backed me into the corner. I was acting terrified so Elaina looked up at me and innocently said, "It's ok!" Seth's head dropped and he started laughing. It was just too cute. Then as he was taking her back into the living room, she turned to him and said, "She doesn't like you." We both cracked up and still quote that to this day. What a sweet girl.

Throughout the day, I was able to watch Seth roll around on the floor with Elaina and hold Kenzie and make her laugh. It was then that I first realized how much I really liked him. I didn't know it then, but that may have been when I first realized I loved him. It just hit me that this was the kind of man I wanted to spend the rest of forever with.

Later that evening, the rest of Seth's family got in so I got to meet his Mom, Dad, and younger brother Kyle and Jordan. I noticed right away how open they were to me and what a loving family they were. I admit, I was nervous to meet the family, but it was a good experience once it happened.

On the way home, Seth and I talked some more and, because it was getting late and would be Sunday soon, we decided to listen to church music. We spent the next couple hours filling the car with the Mormon Tabernacle choir and singing at the top of our lungs. Funny as it might sound, it was one of the most romantic things I've ever done. (Just one of them. Seth is quite the romantic. And not in the cheesy movie way.) We also stopped for a minute to look at all the stars. The sky was perfectly clear and it was beautiful.

That night when we got home, Seth told me he loved me for the first time. I didn't respond because I didn't want to say it unless I knew I truly loved him too. It was ok because he didn't think he was going to tell me and he thought I didn't hear, so he acted like it didn't happen. (I told him I loved him too a few days later, once I had realized what I felt for him.)

That trip is full of special memories for me. Another fun part of going to Idaho this year was thinking back to that time and remembering how nervous we were, yet how comfortable we felt with each other.

Seth, I love you too.

*amber*

Io Amo...

("I Love..." in Italian)

Mi Amo (I love me continuation)
Ok, I missed a day, so here are my six things:

• I love the color of my hair. I've had times when I've wanted to dye it slightly lighter or darker but then I realize it is the color God chose for me. And it suits me.
• I love being short! I've accepted the fact that I'm never going to be long and lean and elegant. I'm little and spunky and I wouldn't have it any other way.
• I love that I love to read (rather than, say, play video games). When I moved down to BYU, I started 3 books and never finished them because I was too busy with school. However, this year I have slowly but surely been making my way through books that interest me. Reading is so valuable. It has taught me so much about life and myself.
• I love my ability to dance. Although I have lost a lot of flexibility and I'm sure technique too in the last two years since I was officially "a dancer," I love that I have the ability to express so much through this body. It brings me so much joy and has been able to bring others joy as well.
  
• I love my passion for beauty. I think Seth has gotten a little irritated with my obsession with decorating our house (quite a challenge on such a small, scratch that, no budget.) Whenever I finish a project, it makes this little place feel more like home. I believe focusing on the beauty in life makes life so much more enjoyable and, well, beautiful! (And when it's all done, Seth appreciates it too.)
  
• (This kind of counts for things I love about Seth but...) I love how well I compliment Seth and he compliments me. Every day I realize more and more how perfect we are for each other. Although I still don't understand why he chose me, I think I am good for him.
  

Ti Amo (I love you)

I am so excited for Valentines Day to come. It's only one week away! This will be the first time I've every had a Valentine! I can't wait to have the chance to celebrate the love we have for each other. Ti amo, Seth.

Coming soon to an "Inside Happily Ever After" Blog near you: 70 things I love about Seth (because there are 7 days til the day of love!)


Amo... (another thing I love)

Friday, Seth and I were grocery shopping when we found this.If you can't read the package, it says "The new color of Love." If you didn't know, green is my favorite color. It is also Seth's. I am not a huge red person. I like it, and especially around holidays where red is the color, but I will always prefer green. Bravo M&Ms. You're absolutely right. Regardless of the tradition of red and pink as the colors of love, the makers of this brilliantly delicious candy have come to the realization of the True color of love. That's right. It is green.

Post Haircut Photoshoot

Ok so I was too chicken to do the haircut last night, so we did it this afternoon. It was actually a lot easier than I thought it would be and it turned out way better than I had even hoped for. (I had pretty low expectations haha.) After the haircut, Seth showered and got all dressed up to go home teaching, so we decided to have a new haircut photoshoot!

I realized, too late, that I should have taken some before pictures. But just trust me, it was getting long. I like his hair a bit longish because it's fun to play with, but it looks better shorter... such a dilema.

Note: when I say long, I'm talking about a BYU student who is still allowed to walk around campus. So compared to many guys, his hair was still short. However, when his hair gets longer, it gets a little wavy and curly and goes all over the place so it just looks a bit messy.

And now... the big reveal!


Such a dashing fellow.

Closeup!

Sigh... such a good looking man. Posing next to the flowers haha.

I was terrified.

Posing with the scissors with which I dominated the world of cutting men's hair (which I knew nothing about!)

Ok, now I was just getting silly. Also, I like how he looks so nice and I have crazy messy hair and look frazzled. Sunday naps... It happens.

Don't do it!!! My mom should enjoy this one... in kindergarten, I cut my bangs clean off. All the way down to little stubbies on my forehead. As a punishment, my mom made me cut the hair off my doll... I bawled the whole time. Cruel mother, cruel. I never cut my hair again.

At least until now... now I cut my own bangs because haircuts are too expensive. I haven't had one in about a year and a half! plus I'm growing my hair out again.


Anyway... what do you think of the haircut? Any tips? Feedback would be extremely helpful... like I said, I know nothing about men's hair.


...That's all.
Happy Sunday me lovelies!

*amber*

S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y NIGHT!

Seth and I just got home from the Temple. In a moment, I will be off to enjoy fondue night with the girls!

(From left to right... Averyl, Jessica, Me, um... Calli? ... and yes. That is an accurate portrait of me.)

And when I get home... I'm giving my first haircut!!! Seth needs one badly and I am completely terrified.

My mother in law showed me how to do it over Christmas but I'm afraid I forgot how already.


On the bright side... if I completely ruin his gorgeous locks, I can always turn it into this!


I'm sure Seth wouldn't mind as he enjoys his occasional in-class-nap. Although, I'd have to nix the beard. Honor Code violation right there. The stache however, we're ok with.

Now off to the mighty feast. Caio!

*amber*

I feel obligated to say something... but what??

Well it's been a while since I've written anything. So much has been going on but, for some reason, I feel like there's nothing to write. Really, I think my brain is just overloaded. I've kind of been in a blah mood lately so that might have something to do with it as well.

Anyway... to update on the situation with Grandpa, things were really scary there for awhile after he came out of surgery, but now he is back awake and working on recovering at a rehabilitation center. We are so grateful for all the prayers and thoughts. (If you want the whole story, feel free to ask. It's pretty long.)

As for what we've been up to lately, basically school and working. We've started this new thing where we do something fun every night along with our homework. I will admit, some nights it totally distracts us from what we should be doing... but it helps relieve the stress and makes our evenings more enjoyable. For example, last night I did some baking (practicing an idea I had for Valentines Day) and we watched the new BBC miniseries of Jane Austen's "Emma". If you missed it on tv (we did because we don't get tv :( not even the local channels) you can watch it online here.

I loved it. But then, I love mostly everything from that genre. And Miss Austen.

Other than that, I can hardly remember what else has been going on. Time seems to be moving so quickly and the days are all a blur. I could swear it's still Monday. But no, it's Friday! Huzzah!!! I have a feeling this weekend's going to be a good one. Here are the plans:

Saturday:

• 8:00 am (That's right... 8 on a Saturday!) go up to Salt Lake to teach the two dances I am choreographing this year.
• Possibly stop by my house to visit my adorable little cousins because my mom has them for the weekend.
• Possibly also visit my bestie Lauren and catch up because we never see each other anymore.
• Stake Conference at 2:00.
• Straight from Conference to the Temple.
• Girls' Night with my old roommates. We also have lots of catching up to do so we planned a fondue night. Cheese, Tempura, and Chocolate. Mmmmm... I can hardly wait.

Sunday:

• Wake up.
• Realize we don't have church for a few more hours.
• Go back to bed.
• Wake up and realize we forgot to set an alarm so we have to rush to get ready.
• Go to church and teach our awesome Sunday school class.
• Be told we are the most awesome teachers ever because we bring them candy (this on may or may not happen... it's my fantasy of Sunday ok?)

and.... We'll see what else. Happy weekend everyone!

Coming soon: My ultimate domination of DI shopping.

*amber*

PS: I apologize for the scatterbrained-ness and blah-ness. I'm working on it...

My (not so) Secret Hobby

So... basically anyone who knows me will soon come to realize that I LOVE weddings. No seriously, I am obsessed. I worked at a reception center when I was 13 and I think that's where it all began... I saw all kinds of weddings. I even worked at one on Halloween that was completely decked out and everyone had to wear costumes. They had a creepy grim reaper organist and a cake covered in bugs and cobwebs everywhere and the lights dimmed and the bride, dressed as a zombie bride or something, emerged from a cloud of fog. It was intense. I missed trick-or-treating but SO worth it! Haha when else would I have an experience like that?? I love creativity in weddings so when it came time to plan my own, I had a complete BLAST. I didn't do anything outrageous but most of the creativity for me came from putting together a wedding that was affordable but I would still look at years later and remember as beautiful. You can see pictures of our reception here.

Anyway, part of me thought that after I had my own wedding, some of my obsession would wear off. WRONG. Now I just know more about wedding planning which has possibly made the obsession worse. I love when I find something creative or unique that someone has done for a wedding. Today I found a good one that I just wanted to share. You can read the original story here, (Copywrite: Joann Goddard at A Cup of Jo) but here's most of it. (Plus I just LOVE the artwork.)





"Illustrator Guy Shield knew he wanted to propose to his beautiful girlfriend Liz, but he didn't know how. Then, late one night, an idea struck him: He could draw a comic strip that would look normal, but, when folded up, would cleverly spell out "Will you marry me?"

"Guy covertly worked for days, weeks, months on the comic, and finally, during a trip to Bali, he was ready to pop the question. "When the day came, I was a nervous wreck," he says. "After necking a beer at a nearby bar, I laid the piece across the hotel bed and asked Liz to fold it together." As she read the final message, he brought out the ring and dropped to one knee."

How Cute is that??? I know... props Guy Shield.

*amber*