Let's Get Married Again!

Weddings are just way too much fun- and I think it's a shame we only get to do it once (I guess that is if we are lucky and everything goes smoothly- right?) But seriously- I'd like to petition that we get to re-live this day every once in a blue moon. I know some weddings turn out to be nightmares- but mine was quite delightful actually. No- this post isn't meant to brag about our incredible wedding- more just to reminesce about our big day... and how I so badly wish we could rewind and go back to enjoy it all over again!

Note: All pictures except for our Mexico pictures were taken by our fabulous wedding photographer- Melissa Niu. Check her out at melissaniu.com - She's a rock star. Also- yes there are TONS of pictures- I"m in Epidemiology, the most boring subject alive- what do you expect?

We would go back to this place where we made promises to each other that we'd live a certain way, keep up our end of the bargain, and be true to each other forever. And that is what this place is all about- forever.

We would eat this scrumptious food again and listen to our loved ones go on and on about us :)

We would laugh and laugh with friends and family

We would smile until our cheeks hurt again and get bazillions of pictures taken by the cutest, spunkiest photographer I know.

We would look at each other with pure bliss knowing that this is the day we've been dreaming about and planning for for a LONG time

We would get all dolled up with jewelry and fancy clothes.

We'd get to carry around more of these elegant flowers

We would thank our lucky stars for parents like these that made this all possible

We would be surrounded by all our friends- both ladies and gents.

We would eat some of this yummy-ness: except this time we'd actually eat more of it- because I had honestly been so excited to eat my scrumptious wedding cake- but didn't get to, except that one measily bite. We'd eat lots of it this time.

We would dance together and not worry about all the people looking at us or seeing us kiss- but just be in our own little world- soaking it all in and lovin' life.

We'd dance the night away- heck, we would even go change out of our fancy clothes so we could really boogie on down and party the night away- because I'll be honest, though my dress was from a fairytale, by the end of the night I needed to get out of that thing- my ribs couldn't move- I was strapped into that baby!

And in the end we wouldn't be rushed out the door- nor would we get a charlie horse in our foot while running through the aisle of people throwing stuff at us, nor would we think it was a good idea to schedule our flight to Puerto Vallarta at 6:00 a.m. the next morning.

But we would end up here again- in paradise- loving the weather, the ocean, and especially each other. And we wouldn't come back. Just kidding- I have loved life in reality with my man. But it is midterms- so paradise does sound awfully nice. Swimming, snorkeling, playing with dolphins, drinking fruity drinks, walking on the beach, sleeping in, unlimited food/room service, etc. You know- the works.

So there you go- now you know why I want to go back and have my wedding day all over again. You spend months and months and months planning the big day, worrying about all the details and stressing about what choices to make. Was it worth it- 100% yes. Because that day was magical and I feel so blessed. Let's get married again.

ZAUNDRA

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DEAR FRIEND ZAUNDRA!

Oh where to even start?

Note: These pictures are in no particular order and don't even remotely correspond with what is written around them.

Zaundra and I met each other in 6th grade through our mutual friend Aubrey. Nothing really came out of our first meeting for awhile- except for the fact that she wore a baby blue shirt and candy necklace and I thought she was SO cute!

We started our friendship in 7th grade when we had some classes together- I wish I had the picture on my computer of us as little 7th graders. We were dang cute.

During the first part of high school we kinda went separate ways in different groups of friends, but were once again brought back together in our Junior year in Mrs. Ward's chemistry class. And this is where we became inseparable! I think we could've gotten away with murder in that class- Mrs. Ward just loved us. Seriously.

Senior year was even better. I seriously have so many memories with this girl! Countless nights were spent even just hanging out in my room sharing new music we had discovered and talking the night away. I don't even know how many times we stayed up til 4 a.m. when Z had to wake up at 6:30 for dance and my dad would wake me up around 7:30 for yard work or what not. I definitely can't do that anymore! Man were we resilient girls!

We took AP Statistics together senior year. That class was pretty much a coloring session. We brought full sets of markers with every color imaginable and colored the most elaborate pictures for each other (sounds so silly) about things that had happened recently, or things we wished so badly would happen. I still have those pictures- but rather than scan them in my computer to share with the world, I think I'll keep some pride. Some of those are rather embarrassing! But so great at the same time.

Senior year Z came to Hawaii with my family for spring break. Can you say magical? Because it truly was. Well, after the sun burns had worn off that is. She got there about a day and a half later than we did, so by the time she got there I had been thoroughly burned- like seriously burned. Zaundra (also known as girl who never sun burns) really wanted some more sun after I went inside so she continued to bake under the rays- And bake she did. We were both MISERABLE! Ouch. But once we recovered from those bad boys the trip was really fabulous. We enjoyed macadamian nut milk shakes and delightful breakfasts. We swam in the ocean with a sea turtle (although we didn't know it at first, and when we saw a giant dark thing swim under us we FREAKED- we must have looked like fools to every one on the beach. Especially because after we realized what it was we tried to swim after it- HA! ) We went on a snorkeling excursion and felt pure bliss as we enjoyed the day on the boat. We promised ourselves we would come back one day and live on a sail boat- so much for that. We got pulled up on stage to hula dance at a luau, danced ourselves silly in our hotel room and seriously just had the greatest time. Man- after writing all of that, can we go back please?

Zaundra and I, along with a few other friends, were involved in the best prank of the century. I'd write about it- but then I would die. I'll just say it was BRILLIANT, and HILARIOUS, and seriously legit.

Zaundra was baptized our senior year of high school and ventured off to New York City for her freshman year of college in pursuit of a dance career. This girl is one brave cookie. She did things I could NEVER do. She's definitely a girl who isn't afraid to follow her heart- and if she is afraid she just does it anyway.

Songs that remind me of Zaundra:

I Believe In A Thing Called Love (Hawaii dance parties)- The Darkness

Crazy- Gnarles Barkley. She had my dad rolling with laughter at her dance to this song

Elephant Medley- Moulin Rouge

Fidelity- Regina Spektor

Devil in Jersey- Coheed and Cambria

Anything Missy Higgins

This girl has got a lot of heart and passion. She knows what she wants and fights to get it- which is something I've always admired about her. She has the ability to be friends with ANYONE, even if she tells you she doesn't. She is lying- she does. People are drawn to her. Sad to say, we have let life get in the way of ever seeing each other even though we live in the same town. Pathetic- truly pathetic, and I'm willing to take most of the blame. I love this girl- end of story.

Happy Birthday my little skittle!

Be Mine Valentine

So this weekend we were able to go to Eagle to visit family since we had Monday off of school! We were able to celebrate both my Dad and Dallan's birthdays. We had a very relaxed weekend- which I was really grateful for. I love going home because I don't feel like I have to be doing much to enjoy myself- just being around my family makes it so perfect!

Valentines Morning Bridger woke me up early early (7:45 is pretty dang early for a Sunday morning!) with breakfast in bed. He experimented a little with the pancakes cuz he didn't have a recipe, but they were yummy! Then I was able to take a LONG, RELAXING bath- I look forward to baths at home since I don't dare take a bath here in our apartment. Valentines was perfect with breakfast in bed, a sentimental card and a simple, single red (beautiful) rose. Afterwards we were able to take a long walk before church and really just enjoy being together.

Thanks my love for a nice relaxing morning! You are the perfect Valentine!

Happy BIrthday Pops!

It's my dad's birthday!

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Just a little shout out to him so he knows that he rocks my world.

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He's an amazing father.

An amazing husband.

An amazing son.

An amazing person!

Note: I love this picture above of my dad from our wedding- what a handsome man! But I think there are some that will find some humor in this picture too- if you don't get it, don't worry about it :)

He's a man of wisdom, integrity, faith, humor, and love.

Best part is that he my father!

Love you dad!

Heart of Life

" Pain throws your heart to the ground

Love turns the whole thing around

No, it won't all go the way it should

But I know the heart of life is good

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The circle of your friends will defend the silver lining

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Pain throws your heart to the ground

Love turns the whole thing around

Fear is a friend who is misunderstood

But I know the heart of life is good"

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John Mayer

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The Holidays...a little late!

So I know the Holidays were quite a while ago, but I feel like I couldn't move on and blog about something else until I did the holidays justice.

We were able to go to Idaho for TWO whole weeks for Christmas- we were so lucky! I knew before we even got there that the trip would zoom by way too fast- and sure enough it did. It's amazing how fast the days can go by when you have so many people you want to see and so many things to catch up on!

Here were some highlights: (sorry for the extra bullets mingled in with the pictures- can't figure it out)

• McKay's 15th Birthday! Holy moly that shouldn't be possible. He even got his own cell phone this year. Dallan has the same phone McKay was getting- and we had it sitting on the kitchen table while we did the whole birthday song/blow out candles thing. Then Dallan called McKay's new phone, and we had McKay pick it up and answer it. When he said Hello we all busted out into the HAPPY BIRTHDAY song again- and he didn't get it. He put the phone down and kept eating his cake! Funny boy- when he finally found out it was his he was pretty embarrassed- but oh so happy!
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• Went and saw the Blind Side with my family- it's the second time Bridger and I saw it. We loved it THAT much. It's an incredible story with a lot of heart and sass. I just loved Sandra Bullock in this movie and almost wish I could be just like her in this film. She knows what she wants, does what she needs to get it, and doesn't let anyone scare her or stand in her way. It's a moving film, definitely a must-see!
• A couple of nights of dinner and games with the Booras family. They're all so fun and I still continue to thank Heavenly Father for such an amazing family that I joined!
• Jessica and Nick Drzayich hosted an ugly sweater Christmas party this year- it was fun! There were tons of people there, and once the party died down we had some fun playing Guestures. I can't say I played all that great- heck I actually blew it one round, but it was sure fun! Before the party we stopped by Katy Fein's engagement party so see her and her new fiance. She was BEAMING and looked absolutely beautiful- they're getting married in August in Oregon- she'll be a stunning bride.
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  Christmas Eve we went with my family to Midnight Mass. We were all really excited to go see something new. It was way different than what we expected- a more modern church and more modern music. We'll probably hit the church downtown next time we do that. We also had a scrumptious dinner- gotta love mama's cookin! My mom always knows how to make the holidays so special.
• Christmas morning didn't start until about 11:00! How heavenly :) Since we didnt get to sleep til about 3 in the morning, we promised my mom we'd sleep in so she could play Santa Clause in the morning without rushing too much. As if sleeping in is a problem for me...It was the perfect Christmas. Simple, quiet, and just what I needed. We spent the day in our pajamas playing with all the new "toys", playing Mario Kart, and taking naps. That evening Bridger and I went to his dad's house for some dinner and games, and then met up with my family back at my grandma's to say Hi for a little bit! I must admit, it is pretty exhausting having both families live in the same town. We're constantly going back and forth and missing out on something- but I wouldn't have it any other way. I really do feel blessed to be able to see both our families so much!
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  The morning after Christmas we headed up to McCall to have some fun in the snow. I slept a TON!!!! I felt like a hibernating bear- but mom insisted that it was good for me to catch up from the previous stressful semester and to get ready for the even more stressful one that was to come (and now I am fully feeling the stress of it all!). Clark and Jane's family was up there and Martha came with as well. I love family!
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  We headed back a few days later to celebrate Christmas with Bridger's family. Even though we saw them Christmas night, we didn't do the whole present thing until the 28th because Marianne's son was with his dad for Christmas. Pete and Marianne decked me out with all the BSU gear i'd ever need for the FIESTA BOWL!!!
• We went bowling with my family- and I'm proud to say I got over 100- Whew! It was hard work :) I'm the most inconsistent bowler of all time.
• I finally got to see Ashley's house! Jessica, Erin and I headed over to her house for an evening of dinner and catching up. Her house is DARLING. Makes me want one so bad! She's redone a lot of it, with new flooring and such, and she's done a great job! It was so good to catch up with friends and have some good old fashioned girl time. I need that every now and then- definitely more than I get! These girls are life-long friends and i'm so grateful for them! And I got to meet Baby Jack! He's too cute- and I'm excited Erin will be moving to Salt Lake later this year so we can finally be around each other again!
• I was able to see two of the greatest people while I was home- Annie Reed and Karen Elitharp. Annie and I have been friends since I was 4 and she was 2. I'm so happy we've stayed in touch, and it feels like we were never apart when we finally get together! We had a nice chat at Olive Garden- and although it was short, it was great to see her. She's so positive and upbeat- a person you can't help but smile when you're around her. I then spent an afternoon with Karen (who I used to nanny for). I lose track of time whenever I go to her house! We can talk about anything and everything for HOURS! We were brought back to earth when someone knocked on the door and it was Ryder's ride for basketball- we hadn't even noticed it was that late! I'm so grateful for the chance I had to work for her and Cory, and know that the Elitharp family will always be cherished friends.
• We headed back up to the mountains to spend New Years with Pete and Marianne. They just finished their cabin and it is beyond beautiful. They put a lot of work into it and did much of it themselves. It definitely will be a place I know they will treasure! Pete was stretchin' it to make it to 12:00 but he made it through and we rang in the new year!
• Practically every night we were there we stayed up til 1 or 2 in the morning playing Ticket to Ride and then Mario Kart on the Wii with Dallan and McKay. Dallan and I were on a team and we DOMINATED. There were plenty of laughs to be had those nights, even if many of them were at my expense. For some reason I think that if I lean forward when I am nearing the finish line that it will get me there faster. Seems logical right? HA!
• After two weeks in Eagle we headed to Arizona to the Fiesta Bowl! YA BABY! We went to the one in 2007 and weren't about to miss this one! BSU football always makes things exciting. We were there from Saturday til Tuesday morning, so it was nice to soak up some warm weather before heading back to snow capped mountains. I guess they are more covered than capped! The boys went to the Cardinals vs. Packers game and the girls decided that wasn't our cup of tea- so we went and hit some shops. At Anthropologie Sarah and I saw that some TCU fans had set up these letters to say GO TCU! Of course we had to one-up them- we found these BOLDER, BRIGHTER, and BETTER letters to show our support for the Broncos. I say we did more than just one-up them! We also saw Sherlock Holmes- and while I slept through the first 20 minutes it was still a pretty decent movie! The big game was Monday night- and we were there at the 45 yard line yelling and hollering the whole time! I can't believe I didn't lose my voice, because there was hardly a moment I wasn't screaming. I guess I have strong vocal cords! But they sure hurt by the end. It was a tense game- and I was so happy when we clenched the victory again!

• Tuesday morning we headed back and jumped straight into school. I was in our apartment for literally 20 minutes before Bridger dropped me off at my first class of the day (or at least the first I made it to!) It was a harsh hit back to reality- and I will admit I was in full on tears when I had to leave my family! Being with them for two and a half weeks was perfect, and I was so sad to see it come to an end.

So there you have it- our Christmas break in a nutshell. It was incredible- even perfect. There is definitely nothing like home for the holidays. We're looking forward to this new year- for all its excitement and surprises it has to offer. It will be even busier than the last- as hard as that is to believe. But we just keep rolling with it and try to keep smiling through all of the craziness! This will be a year of learning I think- I'll finish up 23.5 credits this semester (kill me now!), and then I'll get about 9 days for a break before Dental Hygiene school starts. Makes me tired just thinking about it! I know that if Bridger and I keep our priorities straight and focus on what is important, we will make it through somehow! I'm trying to learn the principle of balance in my life- and it's harder to do than I ever thought! Balancing school, church, family, fun, exercise, and everything else is teaching me a lot already.

Here is to a new year! Bring on 2010!

The Moment of Truth...

Yesterday was a pretty crummy day to say the least. Nothing TERRIBLE happened, but it just was pretty yucky. Bridger came home kinda late, went and took the trash out and got the mail. He came in and plopped a little something on my lap.

A letter from Utah College of Dental Hygiene.

I didn't want to open it. I just couldn't! The letter came WAY too fast- I wasn't supposed to hear for weeks. I just let it sit there- staring at me in the face! But of course how long can you do that? So I ripped it open and started crying as my eyes skimmed the page and saw the following words:

"Congratulations!"

"Accepted"

"Honor"

I honestly couldn't even read the letter because my eyes were bouncing all around the page. But I couldn't help it- I just cried! My emotions just came to the surface when I thought of all the tears, late nights, and hard work I've put into one day hoping to get such news.

So there you have it! I graduate from BYU with a bachelors in Exercise and Wellness in April- then turn right around and begin this Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene starting MAY! Not wasting any time!

I'M SO HAPPY!