HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

I know I've already posted, and just barely but this deserved it's own special spot... HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEX! I didn't think I'd get to spend much time with him today considering he has class all day and I work. But wouldn't you know it the fates alligned and I had last morning patient and first afternoon patients cancel which meant I got an extra long lunch, just enough time to drive to Alex's house and give him a special birthday surprise! I had made a sign and wrapped some gifts and put them in exactly the right place so he would see them when he walked in from his class. Then I jumped out and said, "SURPRISE!" I LOVE surprises and I love surprising people. It was so much fun to spend some time with just him then of course it was back to work and class. Such is life. The birthday celebration continues on throughout the weekend with dinner with his family tomorrow and dessert with mine on Saturday. I hope Alex has a great birthday, he deserves the best for all that he does for others. Love you babe!

Conquering the Mountain...kind of

It may be cold, but we've learned to run with it... or should I say snowboard with it. Alex and I went snowboarding with some of his family that had come into town and although I am not very good at all it was a lot of fun. Alex and his family were so patient with me and stayed with me the whole morning, through every puff of powder I got stuck in and every flat area I got stopped
by.

It snowed all day while we were there, but we didn't even notice. If you stay moving you don't have time to get cold. My body was so sore after and I wasn't sure I could move after but I wouldn't hesitate to go again. Of course Alex went off his jumps and spun his 360's and I couldn't have been more proud of him. He's just so cute when he's doing his "thang." I'm sure this was just the first of many more.

Did I mention that Brighton has the best hot chocolate...mmm thanks for cooling mine down Al ;)

It's a New Year

Alex and I had a wonderful Christmas, after we'd opened each others gifts, mine not being half as special as his, we celebrated with our families and friends and then before we knew it, it was time to go back to work.

I only worked one day that week and then it seemed like the blink of an eye and it was New Year's Eve. I had to work that morning, but only a half day so I could come home to celebrate with my sister Rachel, what a lucky girl to have her birthday celebrated the world over! Of course my toe socks kind of stole the show (thanks Josh)

When it came time for the cake my mom had me light the candle and bring it in... yes I said the candle was LIT, and I was holding it. Shocking I know. For those of you who don't understand, I had an unfortunate accident with birthday candles and long hair one year. So it was only one candle, but it' s good to see my family's belief in me is improving.

When time for presents came I was giving my sister a game called, "The Singing Bee," after the tv show, I've never seen it but I knew it had to do with people singing songs. I decided to give my sister a singing birthday card. So I made up a rap song and performed it for her. Alex was my que guy. If I forgot a line he would start it out for me. And I was so nervous I almost couldn't remember the whole thing. How did I forget there would be cameras?

After the birthday celebration we all played games until midnight when we went outside to watch dad and Jacob light off fireworks. Things may have got a little crazy, but that's what makes it fun right? I was mostly impressed my parents stayed up past 1 a.m.

Many people think that a new year means a new beginning, but I like to think of it as continuing on in the journey. If you keep beginning every time, you forget what you've learned in the year before and I think we should bring those experiences and memories with us. Life is a journey that only has one beginning, events happen that will start us on a new road, and take us different places but let us never forget where we've been and where we started.

We are excited to begin a new road together, and know there will be many changes for us as our lives become one but we accept those challenges and embrace the memories we will share.

Happy New Year, may every day bring you something to smile about.

Where's Al's head?

This was Christmas day after we had just told Alex's family we were engaged. Yeah! His sister decided to take some "pre-engagement pics" hence the awkward pose with Al's head cut off...who poses like that? Don't be looking for those kinds of photos on our announcement cause that's totally NOT US :)
It's been a whirl wind week and a half since we got engaged and we are nowhere near any closer to figuring out all the typical questions people ask. There is so much to figure out and we're not quite sure where to even start. The one thing we do know for certain is July 10th Bountiful temple at 10 am. We have some time to figure out the rest, so we're taking it. Everyone's tips and advice on planning a wedding and a marriage ie where/how to live and everything else no one thinks of would also be greatly appreciated.

Our families have been extremely supportive and we couldn't be more grateful. Thanks also to all of our friends and their congratualtions, we are very excited and grateful that we can share this with you all.