it's raining men

Okay not too literally on the title, but I felt I should honor the great men in my life. Lately it's been crazy at my house. No one sits still anymore, either helping with the wedding, or preparing my sister to move to college, or building my brothers new house, or saying goodbyes to a most beloved brother and sister... it's always something right?
Well I truly am grateful that through it all I have had the opportunity to be loved by so many men! My sweet Dad has been so wonderful to look past the girly details of the wedding plans and to ask what he can do to help! It's so nice to be taken care of and no matter how far away he is, I always know he does his very best to take care of me. Sure love that man! Not only do I love him, but we have so much in common. For example, his text to me yesterday went something like, "I am such a wimp, sitting here crying to the music of Les Mis, Fontine gets me every time." Yeah, of course he is my father.. and a boob too. (We have way too much in common!)
Another man I am certainly grateful for his my brother, Spence. He always looked out for me growing up and he still does today. He and Lyn moved this last weekend to Iowa, where he will be attending medical school. I'm sad he won't be able to make it out for the wedding, but thrilled that Lyn will be buying her ticket very shortly. He was also the one who wanted to throw me a bridal shower and it turned out amazing. It just goes to show how close I am to him.
However, the best man I know is my Man, Dan. I don't know what else I could say that I haven't already told you. But I sure do love him and we are only 29 days from him sealing his fate to mine! Poor guy, lucky girl. haha

back to normal

Since Saturday night, I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. We finished our Bridals and Groomals and I can't express my excitement in words. My cute photographer has been sending me little hints of the progress in her editing and the pictures are phenomenal! Not only are the pictures causing my excitement, but the simplicity of these last 30 days ahead of us! I have a wonderful wedding planner who has taken full charge of all the details. She just tells me to sleep well, feel beautiful and show up on time! That is an easy to-do  list! I truly appreciate all the effort our family and friends have put into these last few months to prepare Dan and I for our future together as husband and wife. All the life lessons, the love & support, and mostly the examples we have to look up too for the rest of our lives.
Dan and I got caught up in a conversation the other night and it was funny how we talked in circles for what felt like hours. We both stated our fears in marriage and the nervousness we both feel. However, we ended the conversation with the mere fact that we could not live without the other. Dan truly is my better half and I'm a lucky lady to get to love him! He and I couldn't be more different in the ways we live our lives, but we we always meet equally on our love and respect for each other. Marriage is terrifying, I won't lie. I have all kinds of fears and so does he, but God will help us overcome those things as long as we live in the light of the gospel and make decisions through prayer.
Well onto another day! This week has been a busy work-week for me, but it makes the time go by faster!! (which I obviously like!) The nights are busy as well; my roommate and I are moving into Dan and I's apartment this weekend. People keep asking why I am having a roommate this last month of my single life. I can only tell them that I will sleep better at night if I feel protected as well as have someone to talk to about life. It's crazy how much work goes into planning a home with someone. It baffles me how much I don't pay attention.. things like shampoo, toilet paper, eggs etc... those have never been my responsibility til now and it is mind blowing how much I love my mother!

Sneaky Peaky

We had our huge photo shoot this last Saturday night and I will admit, it was quite the success! Even though it rained cats and dogs- we had so much fun running through the rain and getting mud all over the place! It just goes to show that he is my perfect match and he brings out the best parts of me!! We just laughed and got soaking wet for the heck of it! I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to be marrying my best friend and soul-mate! He was made for me, I just know it!
Here is the last picture of the night as we ran to the car as fast as we could in this down-pour!

Even though no one really knows this blog exists... I thought it would be appropriate to show a little surprise of our new favorite memory!

my first bridal shower

The theme for this particular shower was a 'Kitchen-Recipe' shower where the guests bring bake-ware and non-perishable ingredients to start your kitchen in your new home. I didn't arrive to this shower expecting anything fancy, but I think I under-estimate my sisters and mothers. It was like walking into my mini wedding. The decor consisted of fresh flowers, lace, vintage books, framed pictures of us and my favorite foods. Not to mention the delicious food array they provided, I tried to scarf what I could when someone wasn't grabbing my attention. I was so overwhelmed with all of these ladies' gifts and words of encouragement. I felt so much support and I think that was exactly the dose I needed. Weddings are hard and maybe it's just me, but I am completely exhausted and my brain never stops thinking. For the first time in our engagement, I didn't have to worry about any detail but brushing my teeth and driving over.
 Last night was a whole new experience for me. I have been to tons of showers in my life, I mean, I do live in Utah and someone is always getting married or having babies. But growing up at these events I always focused on the Bride or Mommy-to-be and I always admired their calm approach to the shower in general. However, now I understand... they are really just half asleep and most of what we say to them goes over their head because they can't focus on anything.
 What I didn't fully understand was what it meant to be "showered with gifts"
.....until it was time to open them. I felt like it was my birthday, Christmas and the 4th of July all at the same time. All  I wanted to do after the shower was race to my new apartment and start baking up a storm.
I also experienced something I have never felt before, the strongest urge to go home and eat cherry chocolate brownies, chicken enchiladas, graham cracker pie, spaghetti and wacky cake all at the same time.
I am so grateful to have such a great family who put on such a great shower for me and all the people who showed up to support me, whether physically or emotionally, I appreciate you all.
So far, these are the only pictures I have seen. I was unable to take any, but once I get them, I'll give you a grand tour!

This is my sweet Step-Abuela and Step-Aunt! Such dollies!

 Here is proof that my family has more style than me! 

a dr. pepper kind of day

I have put my foot down- I must resist my terrible urge to consume large amounts of soda a day. I've been doing pretty decent this week, but I will admit to a few incidences. How can I be to blame though? I get headaches... well kinda! Anyways, being swamped at the office usually turns into me running down the street to retrieve my most coveted get away... a dr. pepper from the local pharmacy, only with the good ice.. Instead today, I got water. 

In reference to this water, I must admit myself to being guilty of a crime.

Let's just start with the fact that water can be difficult to drink in mass amounts. I mean, there truly is no flavor, and when there is flavor- you should probably be concerned. AND, everyone always says water is so good for you, but if you go to the label, I don't see much nutritional value. I mean, dr. pepper has all kinds of ingredients! It should be much better for us, in my humble opinion! But to get back to my guilty conscience. When I get water cup from any place... I fill it with ice, then I slowly glide my cup to the water tab, which is conveniently located on top of the lemonade tab.. So when no one is looking,  I get a couple shots of lemonade in there along with my water... 

Seriously, I have done it for years and I feel like I have cheated people out of their lemonade... I'm sorry. 

To get back to normal conversation, I have my first wedding shower tonight! My Sister-in-laws are throwing one for the family and I am excited to be celebrating being in love.. especially 'me' being in love.. I never thought I'd see this day. I have no idea what to expect but I'm still so thrilled to have so many loved ones coming to support us on our new venture in life! 

(even though it's been the hardest venture of my life!)

WORTH IT!

Goals...why?

Maybe it is a good thing for women to plan their own weddings because you can really "find yourself." ha ha okay not really. I've learned too many sad details about my personality while taking on this daunting task. I eat way too much junk, sleep is my best friend and I'm a scary monster when I don't get it, I don't care about tradition, in fact, I've lost all desire to plan anymore details regarding a wedding.... and I am insanely addicted to Cafe Rio. Yep, there you have it, I officially deserve a prescription for "crazy-bride-syndrome."
But you can't blame me-
look at my schedule this week:
Monday- Work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., pick up fiance, go to new apartment, avoid ghetto neighbors, meet couch guy, buy and move couches, go home, make dinner then eat it slowly, make friend shower list, email same, call everyone to discuss lame wedding details, coordinate with wedding planner, eat second dinner more slowly, change into sweatpants and put hair on top of head, plan bridals and groomals** (get suspenders for him, flowers for me), make sure to impress Dan's roommates with my uni-brow and mustache, eat cupcakes, vent to Dan about absolutely nothing, then make a long drive home listening to love songs to make me feel somewhat romantic... Then, don't sleep and stare at my ceiling thinking about all the chaos that 's happening tomorrow.
Tuesday-....

Okay, never mind, I'm already exhausted thinking about it.
That was only Monday!!! Our whole week looks like that... seriously.. why do weddings have to be so hard...Luckily falling in love with Dan was so easy.. or I would have given up already!

Anyways, I have some good news! Dan and I have made the decision that we are moving to Seattle this coming summer to continue with school and work, and to be closer to his family. I will be honest with you, I cannot bottle the excitement! I love new adventures and my life with Dan has always been one! We always have such a blast together and I cannot wait to spread our wings as a family. He is a master-pro at moving and doing things spur of the moment, so I'm lucky he gets to teach me how! I can already tell you that I will be scared and worried, but I am thrilled at the same time. I have always been the type that would go anywhere, do anything for someone I love. This will be so beneficial for Dan and even for me! He already has connections made for both of us and we feel so blessed to have the opportunity to experience life together in a new setting! The more we discuss our options the more happy we become! I wouldn't doubt that we stay there for years and perhaps start and raise our family there! I also can't wait to become closer to my soon-to-be in-laws! The anticipation is killing both of us. We continually remind each other, "Let's just get through this year. Then we are outta here!"

Life is so fun when you immerse yourself in it! I'm happy to have such wonderful friends and family and we are excited for these next 36 days to fly by! Let the flying commence!

Engagements!

Updates updates updates!

I apologize for being a total slacker, but when it comes to blogging, it has sadly become last on my priority list. I have been up to my ears in wedding business. I swear, next time I get married, I am eloping. Just kidding, bad joke!
Anyways, we are down to 37 days til we get married for time and all eternity. It feels like it has been years of planning this wedding. I'm trudging through this engagement and I'm pretty anxious to be wedded to my best friend. I would prefer to be in a coma at this point. He would too!
My sweet Danny has been working so hard to provide us with the best life possible and I'm grateful that he longs to take good care of me! I love him with all my heart!
We have been in the middle of moving in new furniture and I must say- I have style! Okay not really, but we are loving our new little home and I think the best part is that it is all OURS. Our first adventure, but certainly not our last!
Here are some more recent adventures!

 These are what I like to consider "blessed nights!" Every moment we spend together is an absolute blast and he always makes an effort to make it special! This particular night was when we watched his favorite cartoon about "Freakazoid".. you think I am kidding?

Dan likes to celebrate after we get an apartment. He does it so gracefully! He is officially standing in the hottest room of our apartment! We are gonna fry!

I love girls night.. but since I have busy friends, I use my fiance as an "all-purpose" girl tonight!

We like jogging around the Capitol, especially when we jump on snakes. Jumping on snakes is my favorite... Thanks Dan. 

My two favorite things summed up in one picture... awwwyeah!

WE MADE IT! 8 miles of hiking really hurts the knees though- I'm getting old! Time to start taking joint-pain medication. Bring on the meds!

Sure love this guy. He is such a great influence on me and since we started dating he has helped me to appreciate nature for all its' worth. He makes me a better person and I adore him to pieces. The day I met him, I became the luckiest girl in the whole world. He is the world to me and I can't wait to spend every day of my life as his wife! I will spoil him rotten! 

.......and I kinda expect the same in return :) Love you Danny!