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