Into Eternity

We are FINALLY married and we couldn't be happier!!!  Even though it's been nearly 3 months since we walked out of those temple doors, it still doesn't feel like we're married.  We had numerous people tell us that the adjustment to married life is the hardest, but honestly we haven't had any problems adjusting.  Scratch that...there have been a few things that we are working out the kinks on such as: sharing a bed with another person takes some serious getting used to! 

Joe is a blanket hog, and I am a bed hog

Joe wakes up an hour earlier for work than me...that's annoying

Joe falls asleep within seconds of his head hitting the pillow

Joe wouldn't ever tell me, but I know that he gets annoyed with how much I talk at night as he's trying to fall asleep, because I get annoyed when he talks to me in the mornings when I'm still asleep

If those are our biggest problems I'd say we have it made! Married life isn't at all what I expected- it is so much better!  I feel so lucky to have been able to be sealed for time and all eternity to my best friend and for the new adventure that we are on together.  We waited a long time for that day and hands down it was the best day I have ever experienced!  I think about the beauty, the spirit, the joy I felt when we were inside those temple walls and it compares to nothing I have ever experienced.  I couldn't think of anyone I'd rather spend the rest of my life and eternity with than Joe.  He takes such good care of me and provides such a great life for us! I am so lucky to have married such a hard working man who puts others before himself, he is such an example to me! 

The happiest moment of my life!!

I wish everyday that I could go back and relive our wedding day, it was the most perfect day ever.  There is still so much to update on and I'll more pictures another time! I'm off to bake Christmas cookies! So excited to spend Christmas with my husband! :) 

I Love to See the Temple

I had the best weekend ever! I had the amazing opportunity to go through the Bountiful LDS temple  for the first time. I can't believe that in just four days I will be marrying my best friend, I couldn't be more excited to spend eternity with Joe! I had so much support this weekend from my family and close friends who came to support me on my day at the temple.  It was so comforting to have them all there with me and I couldn't be more grateful for everyone who came! Thank you so much to everyone who changed their schedules, traveled long distances, and put up with my anxiety and pre-wedding jitters! My mom and her husband also came to support me- they flew right in and out so I unfortunately didn't have time to get a picture with them. 

My Dad and I outside the Bountiful Temple

Of course, Joe came to support me, I love that man!

This temple was crazy busy with weddings that day! A temple worker told me and Joe that they had 11 weddings so far! It made us so excited to get married and be the happy couple everyone is watching.  There is still SO much to do, I don't even know how I managed to find time to post this. Bring it on wedding week, bring it on! :) 

11 Days

11 days?! When did this happen? Things are starting to feel real which equals a lot of stress, but everything is some how falling into place- thanks to my amazing family and family-to-be!  School started today, which was bitter sweet but it was so refreshing to see all my friends and to finally dance again! 
The seven week break hardly felt like a break...between travelling every weekend to working like a mad woman I was disappointed to see my summer end so abruptly. But it's totally fine! I get married so soon! And we're going on a cruise soon! We have been looking forward to this cruise for a million years it feels like! Hello laying out, fruity drinks with umbrellas, beach, food, shopping, and of course the love of my life! I'm trying to not stress about missing a whole week of school, we both deserve the most relaxing week ever...right?! 


I'm so excited to finally get married. Joe and I joke about how we already feel like we're married (minus the whole living together thing) so hopefully our transition into married life will be pretty easy. Our house is a complete disaster.  Joe had a friend living with him the past month and I've slowly been moving my stuff in (when I say moving, I mean dumping in the kitchen, hallway, bathroom, master bedroom, and anywhere else I can find space to shove another box) Seriously, our house looks like an episode of hoarders- it's so bad! We'll get it under control don't you worry! 

Gotta love bridals :) 

My Bridal Shower

Well, I've once again neglected the blog- finals always seem to get in the way. I couldn't be happier that school is finally out! Except, I am a bit jealous of all my friends that just recently graduated... Lucky ducks who don't have to do homework or take anymore tests I envy you but in the most supportive- I-couldn't-be-happier-for-you kind of way.  

I have 7 blissful weeks of no school and (almost) no responsibilities and I am going to soak up every second of it, I deserve it right?! 

I have so much to blog about, but right now I just wanted to share how absolutely wonderful my bridal shower was last weekend! My mom and little sister came up from Arizona to put on the best bridal shower ever, fully equipped with adorable decorations and food catered by Olive Garden which was so delicious and my personal favorite. Who doesn't like some carb over load?

I had my shower at the Marriott Spring Suites here in Rexburg because my mom and sister were staying there and it was just easiest for them to get in and start setting up.  They flew in the morning of the shower to Salt Lake and drove all the way up here in the nick of time to set up and try to make the bland conference room look presentable. I couldn't have asked for anything prettier, they did such a good job!  

One of the cute food tables

2nd food table 

So glad they could come!

A few of our engagement pictures 

Some of the girls doing what we do best: eating! :)

My friend Lauren planned some really fun games to play, one of which was a game where she asked Joe 27 questions such as "when did you know that Laurin was the one?" and I had to answer the way I thought he would answer.  Every question I got wrong I had to put a piece of bubble gum in my mouth. I ended up missing 12 and let me tell you, that is way too many pieces of bubble gum for my liking!

Hoping I don't get yet another question wrong!

We played another game where we all teamed up to create toilet paper lingerie. We split up into different groups and chose who would be the model.   

Hahaha! McKenna got stuck with my mom and Lauren's mom

I was with my lovely roommates Shandee, Alyssa, and Kendra. Keepin' it classy with head bands and such

Abbie's group didn't leave much to the imagination 

The highlight of the evening had to be my Grandma sporting a thong and garter belt hahaha

She obviously needed a bunny tail

I had such a nice time at my bridal shower and I am so lucky to have so many wonderful people in my life. I was showered with the most amazing gifts, my mom started to cry when I opened my friend, Jenese's gift and pulled out a cutting board haha! We all kinda sat there stunned and laughed at how ridiculous it was to see my mom cry. I really am growing up and I can't wait to marry my best friend! I understand, mom I get emotional about it too!

Joe thinks that he needs to have a party as well, but he doesn't want a typical bachelor party- he wants a "Groom's Bath". Haha get it? Bridal shower...Groom's bath? Oh Joe....

One of the questions Lauren asked Joe was, "why do you love Laurin?". His response didn't surprise me since he is such a sweetheart and he always talks to me like this,but  I was so touched by it that I wanted to share what he said.  His response was: Why do I love Laurin? I love Laurin because she always makes me smile. She loves me for who I am and lets me know it everyday.  She is the most beautiful girl in the world and I am so lucky to have her.  She is so caring and she has an enormous heart.  She is the girl of my dreams and I cannot wait to spend eternity with her because she makes me want to be better in every way.  And I figure by the end of eternity I will be worthy enough to have her!  Laurin is such an amazing person and I am so excited for us to start this journey together! I love you Laurin! 

Eat your heart out! Isn't he great!? :)  

Oh and in other exciting news we are officially at 2 more months until we're married ! 60 days, people! Can you even believe it? I sure as heck can't...FINALLY! 

The Countdown Begins

Our weekend away was so nice, it was a busy and appointment filled weekend- but any weekend out of Rexburg is a good one. We spent Friday with Zack and Hilary which is always a good time. 

We woke up on Saturday and we hit the ground running with wedding plans. We met with our wedding planner and figured everything out for the reception, I am so excited it is going to be absolutely beautiful! I was nervous that I wouldn't like our venue since we haven't been back since December, but I love it even more than I remember! It is truly a stunning Victorian mansion and I can't wait to see it all done up and filled with our family and friends. Later that day I met the girl who will be doing my hair for the wedding! She is so great and I had so much fun getting to know her and figure out what to do with my mop of hair. I went in with one idea and came out with a completely different hair style than I thought I'd want- and I absolutely love it! So excited!

I am starting to get stressed out, I didn't think I would and maybe I'm just stressing myself out because that's what brides are "supposed to do"...? 

I still haven't figured out flowers or center pieces. I really don't care that much as long as it's pretty, I'll be happy. I feel like I need to put more care and attention into planning my wedding, but I just don't care- I want to be married already! 

We spent some time with my Mom, her husband, and my little sister in Park City. It was so nice to see my mom and sister again, even though I saw them in May I still miss them a lot! I am so excited that they are coming up in two weeks for my bridal shower!  

I finally saw the temple that Joe and  I will be getting married in! It's even more beautiful than I imagined! We only took one picture the entire weekend and it was the at the temple and it really isn't the best picture, but I'll include it just for fun. Ignore my horribly knock-kneed knees...

My little sister took the picture, and this is what happened I thought it was funny...

Even though I've been counting down for quite some time, I feel like the wedding date is fast approaching and  I still have so much left to do! At the end of the month Joe moves into our apartment! I'm really jealous because I want to live there, but knowing me I'd probably get scared living there alone and hate it. I can't wait to start decorating and slowly start moving my stuff in! 

79 more days! :)

Sunshine Everywhere

Lately, things have been hard. I'm not quite sure why, but I have been in a funk that I can't quite get out of. Maybe I'm just exhausted from school. Maybe I'm just sick and tired of school. Maybe being in Rexburg this long is bad for me (actually, that is probably the reason) Maybe I just need a break from life (hello cruise for our honeymoon- get here already!) Whatever the reason(s) are I just know that I can't stand being this miserable (poor Joe has to put up with this all the time). 

Two weeks ago I gave a talk in church and in it I included a quote I've been thinking a lot about lately...  It really has helped change my attitude, enjoy!

“Despair, Doom, and Discouragement are not acceptable views of life for a Latter- Day Saint…we must not walk on our lower lip every time a few difficult moments happen to confront us..I reassure you that things have been worse and they will always get better.  They always do- especially when we live and love the gospel of Jesus Christ and give it a chance to flourish in our lives.” - Howard W. Hunter

Way to be Howard, way to be.  Couldn't have said it better myself :) Joe and I are going to Utah this weekend to meet with our wedding planner! Whoo-hoo! So excited to plan and get everything squared away and to get the freak out of Rexburg! 84 more days!

 

21 Candles

Yesterday was my 21st Birthday! Yay! It was such a great day and I have such awesome family and friends. Joe made it so special. It's funny comparing my 21st Birthday to those of my old friends from high school and such, because what they did and what I did is completely opposite.. I got a little too crazy, I'm not sure I should even post what I did in fear it might offend some people...Just kidding It's not that bad 

Well, I purposely slept thru my church (gettin' crazy, I know) 

I ate some Birthday cake for breakfast, because I could- I'm 21, a real adult now.

I decided to go to church with Joe at 1:00, a little more reasonable than 9:30 am (but we left after Sacrament, GASP!)

I ate oodles and oodles of cake and ice cream numerous times throughout the day

My roommates decorated the apartment and my bedroom and showered me with some pretty awesome gifts

My family got me some amazing presents 

Joe's parents got me an awesome gift

Joe got me some totally sweet presents as well as making me dinner! Score!

One thing my little sister did was send me a basket filled with 21 different items. Among the 21 gumballs and 21 candles she wrote up 21 reasons we love Laurin. I thought they were pretty funny and spot on, so I'll share them :) 

1. She makes crazy to-do lists
2. She is marrying Joe
3. She doesn't know the creator of Facebook
4. Justin Bieber gets her through her work-out
5. She is a quote nerd
6. She is the only one in the family that likes Golden Grahams
7. She falls asleep in every movie
8. She is addicted to Facebook
9. She is beautiful!
10. She walks with her feet turned out
11. She is obsessed with the nutritional value in everything- yet still eats it
12. She always has the best advice
13. She doesn't look at the next month on her calander because McKenna told her not to!
14. The pantry becomes "loaded" when she is home
15. Mary Poppins is her home-girl
16. She works at Hollister and is proud of it
17. Mormon Tabernacle Choir songs make her cry
18. She prefers only top 40 hits while boating, apparently 
19. She has one healthy booty
20. Her laugh is contagious 
21. She never knows the lyrics to any songs, yet still sings them 

  I'll argue a few of them, like the not knowing who the creator of facebook, I do too I just get confused if his first name is Mike or Mark haha. The whole calendar thing is weird, but  both me and McKenna have a Mary Engelbreit calendar and she never looks at the next months quote, so I adopted that weird habit into my life. I'm really not proud of my job at Hollister, and I struggled actually putting that on here haha it's a job people! I love that she included Joe :) Everyone in my family thinks that Joe is so perfect for me, I'd have to agree! Regardless of how relentlessly my family makes fun of me I still love them and wouldn't have it any other way! My 21st Birthday was so fun, I can't wait to celebrate my next birthday married to Joe! :)

87 more days!

xoxox

Love, Sweet Love

Mmmm we got our disc from our photographer, the ever so wonderful Tyra Andrews, and I haven't stopped looking at them! For most people, they only get one session of engagement pictures and that's great and all for them, but I'm so much happier that we were able to split up our session into two different times.  So we took wintery, snowy pictures and gorgeous spring pictures.  I love, love, love pictures so it worked out perfectly! Psssh to all those people with 3 month long engagements, our pictures rock! :) 

Here's just a few of my favorites, enjoy!

I'll add more when I have time! Also, I'm so excited we're taking our bridals tomorrow! Yes, Joe is going to be there with me, and yes he will see my dress big whoop. 

91 days people!

Oh! The Places You'll Go! Part: 2

Aside from the perma food baby I had while we were in Arizona, we got to do one of my most favorite things: go to the lake! There is just something so perfect about laying on the boat, soaking up the sun, eating junk food (again with the food baby) and my favorite, tubing! Side note, when I was in the middle of planning the surprise to come home, my Dad mentioned to McKenna that he wanted to go to the lake on Saturday. McKenna didn't know Joe and I would be home and invited 8 of her  friends to go out with her and my Dad. Panic mode! I told my Dad to tell her to just not invite anyone, but  I think McKenna was worried that she'd have to spent the day at the lake with just Dad haha. Nothing against our Dad, but the lake is so much fun with a lot of people! 

It all worked out perfectly because 3 of the friends she invited were out of town that weekend, so it was a squishy fit, but fun none the less. 

My two loves: Joe and the lake

Apparently, something was funny

McKenna, Bryson, Lexi

Our first time boating together :)

Me and McKenna! She's so cute

The Banana Boat: goes from comfort to chaos in a matter of seconds

Perfect wipe out picture. Poor Lexi...

We all had so much fun at the lake together; McKenna's friends are all so great and really fun to be around. Joe and I realized that we were the "old" people on the boat...how weird is that?!  I got insanely sun burned and the next two days I could barley sleep it hurt so bad. I started to peel really bad once we got back to Rexburg and Joe said that I was on the same shed cycle as his snake...rude. 

I miss Arizona!!!!

Oh! The Places You'll Go!

Have I killed you with suspense? I know it has been a while since I posted last, and that last post said I was in the workings of a very special surprise for a very special someone. I have had no time to sit down and actually write down everything that went into making this idea a reality, so to help me I decided that this post will have two parts, hopefully I'll get to the second part in a timely fashion- we'll see.

This miraculous idea came about while I was on tour in Texas. I was feeling sad that I couldn't make it home for my little sister, McKenna's high school graduation, because of my school schedule I am in school year round until I graduate which puts a major kink in all summer travel plans. I called my Dad up and told him what I wanted to do and he said that he'd look into flights and see what kind of magic he could work to get me home. I gave him strict orders that this was to be a secret and to not tell McKenna. (our family struggles with keeping things secret and or allowing surprises to be an actual surprise so I was nervous to see how this would pan out) My next phone call was to my Mom to fill her in on my ingenious plan to surprise McKenna, obviously she was ecstatic; not only would it mean a lot to McKenna to have me there, but I knew my mom was excited to have me home :) 

A few weeks went by and I still didn't hear back from my Dad and I was getting worried. No one from our family was able to make it to kenna's graduation so I felt obligated to get my bum home and support her in this accomplishment. (Let me mention that McKenna was in the top 10% of her class, captain of the dance company, a member of National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society, an avid volunteer at the Mayo Clinic, and all around amazing girl!) I'm sure I left a lot of other important accomplishments out, but you get it- she's an incredible student! 

 My Dad and I decided on tickets and when I'd be able to fly out, he even surprised me with a ticket for Joe to come too, I really do have an awesome Dad! Keeping this secret was the hardest part! I caught myself numerous times writing out a text message to McKenna saying how excited I was to see her... delete! delete! delete! 

I don't know how I managed to forget to tell Joe that this was a surprise, but I did. Just a few days before we left I mentioned how excited I was to surprise McKenna and how happy she'll be. He was completely caught off guard and said that it's a good thing that he didn't text McKenna about it and completely spill the beans...sheesh bad communication on my part!

I told my Dad to tell McKenna that our Grandma and Grandpa Hughes decided last minute to come and that she needed to come with him to pick them up at the airport. I knew this plan was fool proof, she was expecting our grandparents to round the corner at security not me and Joe! I made a poster to hold up at the airport as we walked out, Joe refused to hold it with me I think he was embarrassed :) We sent security into a tizzy because we acted really sketchy as we hid behind the corner of the exit peering out numerous times trying to get a good glimpse of where they were standing. As soon as she saw the poster she screamed and everyone in the airport had to stop and stare at our loud reunion. 

My silly sign

The next day was graduation AND McKenna's 18th Birthday! We went to our favorite breakfast place, Butterfields and McKenna opened oodles of presents along with graduation gifts. I forget how easy it is to rake in the dough at graduation! Sheesh!

Butterfields :)

One of the many envelopes of cash

Everyone loves a little box from Anthro

My Dad got her quite the gift card to Anthropology :) Lucky duck!

Happy Birthday McKenna!

I think McKenna should give me the Anthro gift card :)

This day was filled with food, family, and laughter. Everything a Birthday and Graduation day should be, right? After we opened presents at our Dad's we headed over to our Mom's house for more food and even more presents, this girl made bank in a matter of hours. I decided I need to graduate asap! :) My mom had planned a BBQ and relaxing afternoon with family and friends. Our Grammy Barb made it our for McKenna's graduation too! 

The yummy food at our Mom's

Mommy and McKenna

Our beautiful Mommy

Mommy, Me, McKenna, Grammy Barb

Candid

Totally awkward, but too funny not to post :)

Happy!

After a fun filled afternoon of eating and watching McKenna open even more presents we all headed back to get freshened up for the Graduation ceremony! I got emotional only a few times, once when I read her seminary graduation excerpt about her. Each parent of a graduating senior wrote a little something special for their graduate and then they were all spiral bound and handed to each senior during seminary graduation. The first night we were home I read it out loud to Joe and my Dad and sister. I honestly didn't expect to break down and cry like a little baby, but I did. Leave it to McKenna to make any situation humorous by saying, right as I start to cry, "NO! You are not honestly crying right now?!" 

Our awesome Dad!

Thuggin' haha

Hahaha perfect

Much better!

Joe!

"Do something funny!"

McKenna and Joe came up with a secret handshake and left me out of it, pretty typical ha! These are pictures capturing their handshake... 

Leaving me out...

Who knows with this one...

You did it!

Photogenic, I'd say!

All the graduates walking out

It was so weird to be sitting in the audience watching graduation, because it felt like yesterday that I graduated and sat exactly where McKenna was sitting! It's hard to believe that 3 years has gone by and how many things have changed so much in such a short period of time.

McKenna is second to last

As the students line up to receive their diploma most would wave or smile at their families...not McKenna. We couldn't even get her to turn around and try to find where we were sitting! It's funny comparing the two of us, because when I graduated I was posing and workin' it for the camera haha. So, all I have are pictures of McKenna's back...maybe when she graduates from BYU she'll turn and look ;)

She did it!

McKenna and her friend Taylor

Lexi and McKenna! Such cute girls!

I am so proud of you McKenna and all the hard work you put into every aspect of your life, you truly are an example of all things wonderful in this world. I am so excited for your new adventures and a brand new life at BYU! You're going to do so well and have so many wonderful experiences there, I am so proud of you and all the choices you've made in your life to get you this far! I love you so much baby keena you're the best little sister anyone could ask for! You're going to knock BYU off its feet! Go Cougars! :) 
As Dr. Suess would say:

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.

You’ll look up and down streets. Look’em over with care. About some you will say, “I don’t choose to go there.” With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet, you’re too smart to go down a not-so-good street.

And you may not find any you’ll want to go down. In that case, of course, you’ll head straight out of town. It’s opener there in the wide open air.