Engagement Pics

So its taken forever to get the pictures back but I wanted to share some of my favorites.

Jeff and I took our engagement pictures back in November. We decided to do the first location at my grandparents house. The Christensens have an old barn and chicken coops that are no longer in use (and pretty much falling down) but they gave up the perfect rustic background. We took pictures in the barn, on a old tractor, and around the chicken coops.

Then we went over to Sleepy Ridge Golf Course, where we are having the reception, and got some great shots with the mountains. Jeff's favorite part was cruising around the course in our personal golf cart. He even caught some air!

I tried to load more but its taking FOR EV ER. I'll try again when I have more patience.

50 Days!!!!!!!!!!!

Count Your Blessings

My favorite Thanksgiving hymn is "Count Your Blessings"

Verse 2 sums up my feelings for this year:

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings; ev’ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by

I know it is cliche on Thanksgiving to go around the table and say the things you are thankful for, but I thought I would start a list and please add your own.

• The Gospel and the Atonement
• A fiance that amazes me everyday
• My parents and family
• Friends; Old and New
• A house with a garage
• My Job and my ability to work
• Clean water
• Healthy Food (and unhealthy food that keeps my spirits up)
• A good book to read by the fire
• Snowflakes
• Thunderstorms (even though they freak me out i get to snuggle with jeff)
• Warm Bed
• Uggs
• Nordstrom (I had to put one absolute silly thing that I could not live without)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Invitation Design...A Compilation

This may have pushed me off the deep end.

I thought I was doing so well controlling all the details, getting locations, dresses, and people in line with my idea of a dream wedding. Then I went down to the printer I chose on Saturday to design the invitations. My head is now is a tailspin (Jon would be proud of me for using airplane lingo...I think).

I knew what style I wanted so I thought this would be a pointing exercise...I want this and this and this and this. Little did I know the options that would await.

First, pick a pattern for the top of the invitation. This entailed looking through 4 design books with like 50 to 100 pages each! Seriously. So I narrowed it down by damask style and finally just had to point at one.

Second, font style. Why do they give you 26 different fonts with other people's names in them? How do I know what the J is going to look like, or more importantly...the 2 Z's that will now be present in my last name? We found a remedy for this decision. Jeff wanted a font that was sort of "curly" with fancy handwriting. I chose the first two and if we didn't like them, we could change it during the proof time. Then, "do you want flat or raised ink"; "sparkle or flat paper" UGH!!!!!

Third, I actually had to write what was going to be printed on the invitation. Thank you to all my girls that had sent me invites (which I saved for this purpose). I stole a little bit here and there from my favorite invite wording. AND...(be impressed) I drew my own map to the reception and it only took about an hour and a half! Yay!

Well after all was decided and the deposit was down, we got our first look at the outcome yesterday. I HATED the font I chose. The typesetter lined up some things weird, but overall I couldn't believe that I was seeing it on paper. I'm really getting married!!!! I feel like I keep forgetting and then I hit a milestone and it makes me all giddy again.

Oh THE Dress

Last weekend, after much encouragement from my mom that we get THE dress bought early, Ali, my mom and I set out on THE dress adventure. I planned to go to two or three stores - each with a big selection of temple ready dresses. (This was key so that I didn't fall in love with a dress that had to have a lot of alterations.)

At the first store, Latter Day Bride, I tried on probably 15-20 dresses. I lost count in the madness of tulle, chiffon, and satin.

So after two hours we narrowed it down to my favorite 3 dresses:

We decided to go to lunch (at CPK...delicious!) and talk it over because I was overwhelmed by this point. Well after trying on these three again and again I decided on this one.

We didn't order the dress right there because I was feeling unsure...I didn't have the "oh my gosh THIS IS THE DRESS moment."

We had to take Ali back to Provo and my mom and I wanted to go to another bridal store. Abella Bridal in the Riverwoods has always seemed like the cutest bridal shop to me...however, when I picked out the dresses the consultant told me her sample sizes were 8s! Seriously 8! (By the way I totally have a bone to pick with dress designers choosing sizes that are 2 sizes bigger than your normal size...you wedding dress should be smaller than your normal size!)

I tried on two dresses at Abella and was so frustrated we left. We drove to the mall to Alyssa's bridal and I have to say that I was more than pleasantly surprised. They had such a big selection, the consultant was sooooo nice and helpful, and everything went smoothly. Only problem...I tried on about 10 dresses and only 2 were an absolute NO. I did by a dress that night but I want you all to see me in it on February 12! (112 days!!!!!)

Finding a Good Photog

Photog (its short for photographer)...remember that summer that Aubrey started to abrieviate everything??? Well I'm reverting back because I'm sick of typing the word.

So I have been looking for photogs for a couple weeks now. Ali (my matron/maid of honor) started out by looking through featured photogs on the Utah Bride Blog (which has become my daily sweet indulgence). We narrowed the list down to three:

Michael Lloyd
http://www.michaellloydphotography.com/

Kelli Stephens
http://www.atouchofgreyphotography.com/

Tom and Alicia Garzand
http://www.garzandphotography.com/

Well I met with each of them last week. I wasn't really sure what to look for in a photog - I had a budget but that was about it. All of their pictures are AMAZING. My mom was really looking for a photog that would put together great albums. So that became a big deciding factor for us. I also was looking for a more vintage look in the photos - not really modern elements...

To make a long-story short, I was so excited when I met with the last option, the Garzands. They are so excited about their work and I liked the team approach they had. They gave me TONS of ideas for shoots and we have planned three shoots before the wedding. Like my mom said..."When you meet with them, you'll know."

So here is the schedule:
Engagements - November
Bridals/Groomals (I want cute pics of my hubby-to-be alone as well) - January
Formals (pre-wedding shoot at the temple so our faces won't hurt on our big day) - February

They also make AMAZING albums. Check out their website and look at their designs.

The Proposal

It couldn't have been more perfect.

Jeff and I were with a couple friends from Pleasanton (Jon and Angelica) playing in Vegas for the weekend. On Saturday night we got up from our nap and decided to go ride the rides on top of the Stratosphere. Only Insanity (the one that spins around out over the edge) and XScream (the one that shoots over the edge) were open. I HATE heights so I've never been able to do all the rides because I am usually hyperventalating after the first ride. But Jeff made me do both!!!

After the rides I was completely overwhelmed...sweaty palms and feet. The hyperventalating happened mid-ride on the second ride and everyone laughed at me. Jeff suggested we go inside and look at the lights on the Strip. We walked around and I sat down on the bench because I was tired. I noticed Jon and Gel acting really weird and could see in the reflection of the glass that they were trying to take a picture of the back of me. I swung around and gave some smart remark...danced a little...and made them take a picture of me and Angelica. (Video soon to be posted).

When I turned back around this is what I saw.

I heard him say..."Will you marry me?" And before I saw the ring, the only thing in my mind was if this was a joke its TOTALLY NOT FUNNY. When he opened the box I screamed/squealed.

I'm not exactly sure what noise came out of me at that point but it was definitely a good noise. I immediately started to cry. I got up and hugged him and put on the ring.

We hugged and kissed and took tons of pictures. Jon and Gel left us alone for a few minutes and as we started to walk away...I looked at Jeff and said, "I didn't say anything huh?" He just still looked nervous and shook his head as a No. I turned around and jumped into his arms and said (or rather yelled), "YES, of course I'll marry you!!!"

And we lived happily ever after.

Picturing a Size 8

So I have just under 5 months to get my body in the best shape of my life. I created a workout plan and if I stick to the gym 4 days a week I know I can do it!!!

The core of the plan is 45 minutes of cardio a day with light weight training (I don't want to be one of those muscly girls...just slight definition). I started this same workout in May and by the end of July I had lost 15 lbs!!! Lets just hope that I can do it again. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

The one thing that keeps me going when I am sweaty and bright red, climbing the dumb stairmaster is picturing me and my size 8 dress. I know I probably can't go any smaller with my curves so this is my goal...

Twisted, Round, and Sparkly

Last weekend Jeff and I went to my family jeweler in Salt Lake to look at engagement rings!!! I know...long time coming right. Well...no official engagement yet but I'm really excited and can't wait to start all the planning, but back to my RING story.

Limb Jewelers in Salt Lake is a 2nd generation jewelry store that has been a staple in my jewelry-obsessed family since my grandmother started going there more than 30 years ago. Stan, the founder, made my parents' wedding rings. His son Larry, who is now running the store with his wife Becky and their 3 children, will be making mine.

Jeff and I got to the store and we didn't know where to start. How do you start shopping for THE ring??? I'd printed out some pictures of types that I liked but they were all so different.

These were just a few of the ideas. Well we pulled about 8 styles of rings to look at. Some were reminiscent of the Art Deco era (which is sort of my wedding theme), some were very contemporary with lots of Pave diamonds, and some were solitares with intricate settings. Jeff and I sat for about an hour going between 4 rings that I loved. In the end I picked a wide band all Pave and we went to talk sizes and price.

As Larry was sizing my finger I looked down and there was the most beautiful twisted band ring with a wedding band that curved around it. It literally took my breath away. I couldn't decide and you all know Jeff said, "I don't know". He was just grateful he didn't have to do this alone.

Well Larry let me take the rings home over the week so I could decide. I wore them on different days to see which one I liked more. I told Jeff I couldn't decide and he would just have to pick. He told me he wanted me to have the twisted one...

Well i'm not going to post a picture because once it is size and on my finger you will all get to see it!!!!!! Be prepared. Its stunning

Missing the Yearly Tradition

August. The last month of summer has ALWAYS signified that school would soon begin. Dreadful right? But the one glimmer of hope was mid-August I would get to go on my annual shopping trip with mom for school clothes. Ooooh new clothes...the thought gives me goosebumps.

This is essentially like WorkYear 1...Boooooring!!!! Jeff has noticed that I have been moping around because this is the first year that I can even remember not going school shopping. He suggested work shopping, which seems way less fun and exciting since the work wardrobe is essentially black and white. Can I get excited about work clothes that I have to pay for myself??? Any suggestions???

No Doubt Concert

On Monday, Jeff and I went to the No Doubt (Reunion) Tour. To say the least...it was AMAZING! First up was a group called The Sounds. They were pretty good, but not very memorable. That's probably why they were the opener. Next was PARAMORE!!! I knew way more songs than I thought I would. I was jumping around and singing along with the best of them. I impressed my boyfriend who thinks I only like "dumb" music.

Then No Doubt came on stage. The crowd erupted in screams. The sound was absolutely classic. They had an all white stage set up and all the band members were dressed in white. My favorite was the drummer (I can't remember his name right now). He had on a white tutu for his drum solo. Jeff has the pictures of that.

Every song they played made me scream at the top of my lungs. Gwen looked like the rockstar she is. She did her hair the old school way, the buns in odd places (sort of like a mohawk).

Jeff and I were standing on the floor about 7 to 10 people deep from the center of the stage. My feet were numb by the third hour but I didn't care, I just kept jumping up and down and dancing my little heart out. There were some pretty interesting people there - one girl was in a pink wig and wedding dress, but sadly I didn't get a picture of her. One of the best parts of the night was when she brought Kingston on stage. It was his birthday and the entire stadium sang to him. He just waved to us.

Enjoy the video.

Mother's Day #4

Sunday, May 10, 2009 was Mother's Day #4.

For me, it feels like Birthmothers Awareness Day. I'm happy to celebrate with my family and honor all of our great mothers, but at the same time, my mind flickers back to the piece of my heart that is tucked away in Illinois.

As I sat on the floor of my closet last night, looking through the pages of pictures that I have pasted to pretty paper, I tried to remember all the details of baby Mia. What she smelled like, how her little fingers and toes got all curled up when she was cold, and her little cooing cry.

4 years ago tomorrow I saw my first picture of her. Her little skeleton staring right at the sonogram camera. How strange it all was; how scary it all was.

Mother's Day #4 wasn't bittersweet this year. Mother's Day #4 was lovely.

Shades of Green and Daisies

To catch you all up on my past month (and excuse for not updating) I have been pondering on the "Life Lesson" I have learned in April.

Losing a Legacy (or not)
On April 6, my mom called me with the news we'd all been dreading. My Gram was in the hospital. In the final stages of her cancer, she is slowing slipping away from us. Her lung has collapsed and she can barely get out a few sentences without having to stop and catch her breath. The family was to gather in Lander the following morning to say their goodbyes.

HOW??? How do I say goodbye to someone who has given me everything. She taught me how delicious chocolate chip pancakes are and how one should never eat pancakes without the chocolatey goodness. She taught me that Clinique was the only makeup a lady should wear. She taught me (with scolding words) that my decisions affect my family and everyone else who loves me. She taught me that I need to have loving kindness for everyone. She taught me that women are meant to be strong. She taught me to love the Lord and only accept a temple marriage. She is my strength in the Gospel, in my family, and in my life.

As I sat on the floor in her room, painting her toenails pink with black polka-dots I pondered what would be the last things I would ask her??? This is what came out, "What is your favorite color?" and "What is your favorite flower?". Really? Thats what I wanted to know.

All shades of green and daisies. Small, simple, and pure. That was her life. That was her example.

We love her. She prepared us to live without her. We may not be ready, but she is. For everyone who reads this. Please say a prayer for her - for the Lord to take her peacefully.

Strong for Staying

When life comes full circle - its an amazing event to witness, even if it is a small circle.

I was faced with a huge decision and through all the tears and all the hurt feelings, I know I made the right decision. I am strong for staying and my love is now that much stronger.

As for an update with the rest of my life:

Work is at a very crazy time. I have been working 9 to 10 hours days and can't stop thinking about the next day when I go to bed at night. I feel so lucky to be having this experience but at the same time there is the looming cloud of layoffs. I've been with the company for 8 months now....I'm still a baby. I know I have so much more to learn from my colleagues and I pray that layoffs don't go as deep as field service HR.

Tax season was good to me this year. I feel all big and responsible for filing by myself this year. Its weird to be this old.

Jeff and I are doing great. We changed so much over the past 2 1/2 years. That's right we've been together that long! I can't believe it and I can't believe how happy I am.

A New Start

Today I realized I was one of the last of the "Inseperable 5" to get a blog and that is completely unacceptable! Where have I been? Why am I disconnected? This must be fixed!

I got to read about everyones' lives moving on to bigger things, and in some ways mine is too. I've graduated BYU and have an amazing job that will launch a great career. I am making new friends (since all of mine left me) and I moved into a beautiful house in Provo.

However, in other areas I feel more like a tire on ice - just spinning and spinning trying to get going, but going nowhere at all. All of you reading know what is going on and I ask for your prayers to help us figure things out - to get back on the path of our destiny.

(More to come later, buecause work is NOT condusive to my new activity.)