Thursday, December 10, 2009

brrrrr

I don't know if it's because I went tanning and got a little red, or if it's just the house, but I am FREEEEEEEZING! This is no bueno, especially since I am leaving for SLC/Logan tomorrow at 7 am. I left Logan for a few reasons, ONE OF THEM BEING THE COLD WEATHER! Hello freezing weather tomorrow, either way. My sister is worth it though. I'll just keep telling myself that. And as for the tanning, hopefully I look like THIS for my wedding, INCLUDING the hot bod! hahaha.


Wednesday, December 9, 2009

:]


I have no doubt in my mind that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the true church upon the Earth. I know it honestly, and whole-heartedly. I am so grateful for the many blessings Heavenly Father has given me, and that I have a knowledge of the gospel. My life is so much better now that I have a better understanding of the church and its teachings, and I am honestly so much happier. I have been blessed so much with a family that loves and supports me and a fiance that truly is my other "whole" and eternal companion. I cannot wait to be married for time and all eternity to my best friend on January 2nd, 2010 and know that through Heavenly Father's plan and if we keep our covenants we can be together forever and return to live with Heavenly Father again. I am so grateful for the power of prayer and the effect it has on my life. I am also grateful for the scriptures and the knowledge they contain. I know if we continue, or even start, to read our scriptures daily and pray always we will have a stronger relationship with our Heavenly Father and feel his love always. I am so grateful for the prophet, as well as past prophets, who guide and direct us in these latter days. I am grateful for their knowledge and the spirit they bring to us. I am so very grateful for the power of the atonement and for our Savior, Jesus Christ. I know that if we repent for our sins and have a change of heart we have the ability to return to our Heavenly Father and also have the ability to be happier upon the Earth. I know this from experience and thank Heavenly Father everyday for his love. Again, I am so very grateful for the church and for all that it stands for. I am proud to say that "I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I know who I am, I know God's plan, I'll follow him in faith. I believe in the Savior Jesus Christ, I'll honor his name. I'll do what is right, I'll follow his light. His TRUTH I will proclaim."

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Wedding Update: Getting things ACCOMPLISHED

Today was a very fulfilling day! I took my math final this morning, I KNOW ON A SATURDAY?! I think I did pretty well. After that I worked on the invitations a bit then got ready and went to get my temple clothes! I got EVERYTHING taken care of at the Distribution Center. Now I just need to go to Deseret Book to get my temple bag and a few other things. I can't wait to go through on the 26th. I'm upset I can't already go through because next weekend I'll be in Salt Lake AND Logan, where two BEAUTIFUL temples are. I'll just make Andrew take me to them in the future! :]

After that Andrew and I skipped watching the fights and eating yummy JMacs with the fam to go eat A&W (which was okay, it's the old fashioned one in BC) and work on invites. We got ALL HIS FAMILY'S TAKEN CARE OF! Thank goodness. There are only like 4 that we need to verify. And other than that, there are a few on my family's list that need verification. THANK GOODNESS for my fiance that tried to help me the best he could, my mom who did SO MUCH, and Andrew's Momma who helped as well. I'm so grateful to be done with those babies.
This was taken a week or so ago, but all these invitations tuckered my poor baby out.

Aside from invitations and wedding planning, WE GOT OUR HOUSE. I don't know if I already mentioned that, but I'm just SO GRATEFUL for how blessed I am. As promised, here are some pictures:
THE DAY we got our house, Andrew surprised me before I even went over with Christmas lights. He is the best fiance a girl could ask for. I'm glad there are only 28...now 27 more days until we are married for time and all eternity. :] Back to the house details: It's a 3 bedroom, one bath house with a living room, family room, laundry room, back yard, doggie door, etc. etc. It's a PERFECT house for Andrew and I to start our lives together and he's already starting to spruce it up, as pictured below:
This is our front room, which will be the fancier of the main living areas since it is what you first walk into.
This is our kitchen. Andrew has MANY plans for this room as well. It will be JUST fine for now though. :] As long as I can make my honey dinners!
This is part of the addition that was added onto the house. It is going to be our main living/dining area. Excuse the mess in these pictures now. We aren't really worried about looks til the end of December when I'll start moving in my stuff! :]
This is the only bathroom in the house. A little small, but perfect none the less!
And this is another room that was added. It will be our bedroom where all the magic happens. Hahahaha. Anyways, I have BIG plans for this room and can't wait to add my special touches to the whole house. I'll post more pictures on facebook, I only have a few more but I don't want to post them on here.

Other than all that, I'm just finishing up Christmas shopping and finishing up the wedding plans. We have watched Jackson (we as in my parents and I) the past two days and I CAN'T WAIT until Andrew and I are ready to have kids. He's so dang adorable and yesterday we got to go to Red Robin for lunch, walk around the mall and see the Christmas stuff, and then went to the airport to watch the planes come in. It was so simple yet fun.

I just love my life and am SO VERY BLESSED! I'm so grateful for the atonement of Christ and all Heavenly Father has done for me, and continues to do for me everyday. My life is seriously so good and I'm so lucky to have a fiance that loves me so much!

I hope everyone else is having a great last few days of classes and GOOD LUCK ON FINALS! :]

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

HOLLA, HOLLA!

Today is officially the last day of classes for me. All that is left is final exams! YIPPEE! I'm so excited to be done with this horrible semester. I was doing so good, but math, I think I might have to take over again; it all depends on how I do on my final THIS SATURDAY! Dun Dun DUN!

Other than school stuff, which I haven't put 100% into, I've been planning my wedding to my best friend, Andrew Richard Lawrence. Yesterday we went and got the tuxes all squared away, as well as finished addressing the invitations other than Andrew's parent's list, which will be done tonight or tomorrow. Also tonight, we have our interview with the Stake President to get our Temple Recommends. I'm so excited to be able to marry Andrew for time and all eternity in the right place at the right time. I'm such a changed person from who I used to be, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm the happiest I've ever been and I hope and pray that I will continue to make the right decisions in the future, raise my children in the church, and learn from all my mistakes in the past. I'm just so happy with where my life is and where it is going.

So when it comes to the wedding planning, let's go through the checklist:
Temple booked: Check
Temple Recommends: Half Check, Full check tonight.
Temple Clothes: In the NEAR future
Wedding Dress: Check
Bride Accessories: Not done
Bridesmaids Dresses: Check
Bridesmaids Gifts: Half Check
Flowers: Check
Reception and Luncheon Site: Check
Caterers: Check (need to pick menu items though)
Decorator: Check
Favors: Need to Order
Garter: Need to Get
Something Old, New, Borrowed, Blue: Need Still
Card Box: Need to finish
Centerpieces: Need to finish
Tuxes: Check (boys just need to go get measured)
Invitations: Mostly Check
Marriage License: Need to get
Slideshow: Half done
DJ: Need to meet with him and pick songs
Guestbook: Need to add the pictures
Groomsmen Gifts: Know what we are getting, just have to actually get
Cake: Check
Honeymoon: Check
Hotel for a few nights before Honeymoon: Not Check
Bridals: Not check
Photographer: Check
Rings: Getting next weekend

And etc. etc. Most things are in the process, I just need to finish them up.

As far as Christmas, I have some shopping done, and I'm already returning items I decided I don't want/need. I'm also doing a surpise gift (with Andrew's support as well) that I'm really excited about. I just need more money if I want to get all I plan on giving. The Credit Card idea is no bueno. Good thing I have one of my Credit Cards TOTALLY payed off. Now I just have to work on the other one.

Either way, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE CHRISTMAS SEASON! I can't wait to watch more Christmas Movies with my honey and move Andrew into OUR HOUSE! :] I'm so grateful to be a 19 year old who found her one true love, is getting married in the Las Vegas Temple, has the cutest puppy, has a job, is getting an education, has a family who loves and supports her, and has a house. I'm SO SO SO SO SO blessed and I thank Heavenly Father everyday for all I have. I'm so grateful for the way my life is going and for the person I am today. I hope I can share my joy with others, especially this Christmas Season and I hope everyone has the Christmas they were hoping for. I can't wait to get the rest of the Christmas Decorations out as well, because that is one of the best parts of Christmas! :]

I know this post is kind of disjointed, but I just wanted to update since I haven't in so long. I hope everyone is doing well, and excited for school to be done! I better work on my math homework though so I gotta go! :]

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

we did it!

We got our engagements done! They turned out good from what I've seen of them.
And other planning things are moving right along.
I can't wait to marry my best friend January 2nd.

So many stressful things are coming upon us, but I just hope we can try to ignore all the bad and focus on our love! AND THE FACT THAT AS OF YESTERDAY WE'VE BEEN TOGETHER 7 MONTHS! :]

Friday, October 9, 2009

Again..

I know I just posted, but I just wanted to inform everyone that I'm trying to get this blog back up and I'm changing some information around to be Andrew and Kayla friendly, so bare with me. I tried to have a new, long about us but it wouldn't work so I'll just post it as a blog entry! :]

My name is Kayla and my fiancĂ©’s name is Andrew.
Andrew grew up in Boulder City, Nevada and went to Boulder City High school. He graduated in 2005 followed by serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints from 2006-2008. He served his mission in the Atlanta, Georgia North Mission and loves all the memories he made out there. He is known throughout the world as Andrew the Roofer and loves his job working for his Pop’s roofing company. After a few months of being home from his mission, my cousin introduced us and it was love at first site for me. Andrew held off a bit however, but finally when I came home for Spring Break decided to put the moves on me. We have been dating ever since and on September 5th, 2009, he proposed to me. It was the best day of my life so far. We are getting married January 2nd, 2010 in the Las Vegas Temple and can’t wait. We will be continuing our life together in Boulder City, Nevada and are so excited for everything our lives together will bring us.
I grew up in Henderson and graduated from Basic High school followed by one year at Utah State University. I went to school in Logan for the 2008-2009 school year, but that was enough time away from Henderson and my family for me. About half way through my time at USU I met the love of my life, and decided that coming back home was definitely the right decision for me. I am currently attending UNLV and continuing my education in the place I was never meant to leave. After I get my degree, I plan on going to Cosmetology school and doing what I've wanted to do since I was 15 working in Stephy's Mom's salon. Right now I'm working at Big Five, going to school, and planning my wedding to my best friend, Andrew Richard Lawrence, all while trying to spend as much time with him and our puppy Daisy, as I possibly can. He is the best thing that's ever happened to me. He's "everything I've ever wanted and everything I need." I'm so grateful for everything he does and for simply having him in my life. I can’t wait to be sealed to him for time and all eternity, and all l I know is, I'm the happiest I've ever been in my life. :]




As I mentioned, we got a puppy. Her name is Daisy and we love her to death. She is SO DANG adorable and will do until we decide to have babies!! :]

Getting Back Into It! :]

So, because of reading Giulia's blog I decided to get back into this thing, only this time I'm making it for Andrew AND I. Then when we get married it will be "The Lawrences"! :] YAYAYAYA How exciting right? Oh yeah, for those of you that don't know...we are ENGAGED. After my last post he popped the question!  Below is the story (copied from my Facebook post to save time!) He truly is the love of my life and proposed in the BEST WAY POSSIBLE! :] Here it goes:

Andrew told me earlier in the week of Sept 5th to not make plans for Saturday, so I got it off work. Then Friday after work he told me to go home and get ready because he had a surprise for me. I was kind of suspicious because I knew he was planning a trip to Arizona for Saturday so I wasn't sure what Friday night would have instore. Turns out he planned to take me to Sweet Tomatoes(my favorite restaurant) and to see (500) Days of Summer which I had asked him to take me to for weeks. He told me that the whole night was about me! I LOVED IT!

Later that night he didn't mention anything about our trip the next day or the surprise so I didn't ask anything. I slept in and was a mess when he showed up at my door step with flowers telling me to get ready.

After getting ready and packing a bag for the night, we ate some Del Taco and were on our way. I had managed to find out he was taking me somewhere "no one else had been with him before" and that we were sleeping in Meadview where his parents have a house but that's all he would let slip.
When we got to Meadview he turned up to go to his parents house and I asked, "I thought you had a surprise for me and were taking me where no one else had been?" He assured me that was still going to happen but we had to stop by the house first.

After a stop at the house and a quick trip to the store Andrew took me on this Pierce Ferrey(Sp?) street and told me the history then took me down this really bumpy road to a historic type spot. I won't lie, I was kind of disappointed at first because I thought he was going to take me somewhere romantic. After we looked around (it WAS kind of interesting) and I realized tons of people go there all the time because it's a tourist spot, I asked him if he was taking me somewhere else and he said yes.
After a little more of a drive he turned down a road that had a sign saying "Pierce Ferry air strip" so I figured we were going to another tourist stop, and wasn't that excited. When we got there things changed.

Right away you could see a beautiful valley/view. Then we got a blanket and a snack out of the truck and walked on a little trail, then off the trail and sat down on this cliff. It was SO beautiful! I started tearing up right then and there.
We ate our snack and took some pictures then we just looked at the view and talked. He told me how much he loved me and asked how I felt about him (all while I was bawling my eyes out I assure you). I told him how much I loved him too and after more talking he had us sit up (because we were laying on the blanket) and he said he had to get something out of his backpack. I knew he was going for the ring so I tried not to look at him getting it so it could be more of a surprise. Then he got down on one knee and said, "Kayla Rae Hammond, will you marry me and be with me forever?"

I couldn't even speak, I was crying so much, so I just shook my head yes. He asked "Is that a yes?" and I finally got the word out. Then we hugged and after a while he asked if I wanted to see the ring. I said "If you want to show me" and he took my CTR ring off and put my engagement ring on. I wasn't really concerned with the ring for awhile because I was so caught up in the moment.
We hugged more, kissed more, and of course I cried more and we just hungout for awhile. Just me and him, no one for miles, looking at the gorgeous view. After awhile I finally looked at the ring more and OF COURSE loved it! We took more pictures (and I look horrible in them from crying) and once it was getting too dark and the sunset was going away, we headed back to the truck so we could go back for dinner and I could call everyone!

That's the story. I'm in love with my best friend and I can't wait to be with him forever. He truly means the world to me and I know we're meant to be. So, January 2nd, 2010 we're getting married! :]

Saturday, September 5, 2009

I am so lucky to be in love with my best friend! Andrew means the world to me and everything he does makes me even happier. Tonight he told me to get ready and that he had a surprise for me. That surprise was a fun date! He took me to Sweet Tomatoes (my favorite restaurant) and I guessed that's where we were going, but he tried to trick me...and did...by driving past it at first. Then he took me to see (500) Days of Summer which I had been asking him to take me too for weeks now. It really meant so much to me because I know he doesn't love Sweet Tomoatoes or gushy/lovey movies like that. This simple gesture just makes me love him more and more. He always does whatever he can to make me happy and I hope I can return the favor for him. I really do love him with all my heart.

He had me get tomorrow off of work so I did...and I can only imagine what my next surprise will have in store! :]

Monday, August 31, 2009

WOW

I haven't updated in some time.
I am now officially a Rebel. I had my first week of classes last week; so far, so good. Hopefully it stays that way.
I'm still MADLY in LOVE with Andrew Richard Lawrence and can't wait for our future together.
I realize now more than ever how much my life is going to change pretty soon.
I'm SO much happier now that I'm more active in the church and have a calling.
I can't wait to grow up and start living on my own in the future, but I know it will be hard work.
I miss USU a little and FOR SURE Chi Omega.
BUT...
I still love my life overall.


AND any week now I'm going to be a VERY happy young lady. I can feel it! ;]

more updates more often to come!

Monday, August 10, 2009

today



i realized more than ever that i LOVE church.
the spirit was SO strong in relief society and chelsea did a fabulous job giving the lesson.
the lesson was on temples and it just reassured me even more that the gospel is true and that the temple is where i'm supposed to strive to go.
i can't wait til i'm able to go to the temple.
my life is SO MUCH BETTER than it used to be.
i'm so greatful that i now realize that.

ALSO. i got set apart as a member of the FHE committiee.
i don't know what all i will have to do, but needless to say i cried while i was getting set apart.

i'm SO grateful for the holy ghost, the gospel, my heavenly father, and all the blessings i have received and the ones i have in store for me.

Friday, August 7, 2009

wow.

school is starting soon and i still need to register for one more class and figure out my schedule for sure and i still need to find a better job (i'm still hoping for wells fargo). but with all these serious things coming into play, i'm just not ready for summer to end. it's been the best summer of my life. i'm SO in love and i couldn't ask for anything different. i honestly never thought i'd be able to say that. i DREAMED of finding my perfect guy, but what i didn't know was that my definition of perfect had been wrong and i figured that out once i met andrew. he truly is the love of my life. i fell in love with him the night that i met him. i'm SO thankful that he is in my life. Heavenly Father truly has blessed me and I don't know what I did to deserve such an amazing person in my life, but all i can do is continue to be thankful and let andrew know how much he means to me everyday. i feel bad because i get mad at him for the DUMBEST things and say "why are we together if you hate this or that" but i HONESTLY don't know what i would do without andrew. i can't see me doing anything in my future without andrew in the picture as well, and i don't know how i thought i was enjoying life without him in the past. i'm glad that i found the perfect guy FOR ME and that we are madly in love. i can't wait to continue dating him and eventually be with him forever. i can't wait to see him everynight and talk to him about everything that goes on in my life. he truly is my best friend and i love him with all my heart. this truly has been the best summer and i can't wait to spend the rest of it with andrew! :]

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

HELLO AUGUST

Not too much is new.
I still am in love.
I still hate my job at Sonic.
I still am emotional all the time.
I still want a new job. HINT HINT Wells Fargo.
I still need to register for one more college course.
I still want to do SO MANY crafts and cook/bake SO MANY things but just can't put thought into action.
I still go to church BUT I GOT A CALLING! That is, if I'm sustained on Sunday, but either way, I'm excited for that!
I still get tired and I still need to watch Jackson in 4 hours so I must be getting to sleep right now.

GOOD NIGHT!

Friday, July 31, 2009

i'm in love

and i'm trying to find a better job.
and i'm not ready to start school, yet i'm kind of anxious for it at the same time.
and i love to cook and can't wait to make dinner the next two nights.
and i'm the luckiest girl in the world.
and i have the most amazing guy in my life.
and i can't wait for the future.
and i love thinking about how great my life is going to be.
and i love doing grown up things, like budgeting and planning meals.
and i can't wait to get married and have a family! :]
i love my life.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

GOODBYE!

GOODBYE SONIC


HELLO WELLS FARGO!

At least that's what I'm hoping for. I've had enough of the fast food industry. Bring on the real job por favor!

Lately...

I LOVE:


~my boyfriend and am so thankful for all he does for me.
~diet vanilla coke.
~vacations and am growing to NEED one every month.
~looking good for my boyfriend.
~feelings 100% comfortable around Andrew.
~cooking and baking.
~planning my future.
~thinking about my wedding.
~getting healthier.
~hot fudge sundaes. (doesn't really go along with getting healthier, i know.)
~budgeting.
~becoming a responsible adult.
~learning more about the gospel.

Home at last.

This past weekend I went to Panguitch, Utah with Andrew and mi familia. IT WAS A BLAST, aside from my emotional problems that is. I've come to realize that people can REALLY hurt my feelings without them even knowing it. I guess I'm just a really sensitive person. But anyways, back to the trip.
I already covered the ride up there so I'll go from there.
Thursday July 23rd included:
A Bryce Canyon hike with Andrew and mi Madre. It was beautiful but what was supposed to be an "easy" hike was pretty tough, especially on my fragile Momma. It was fun though either way and I'm glad we went. Later that day we just relaxed and waited for Krista and my Daddy to make it into town. They did and we just hungout around Grama's house and had pizza. A pretty good day.

Friday, July 24th included:








A VERY HAPPY PIONEER DAY! Andrew and I woke up and went to the pancake breakfast (so did my Aunt Shaun, Mandy, and Hayley. Then we came home and took a nap, followed by the parade which was a lot of fun. After that was over, Andrew and I went on a short quad ride before the BBQ luncheon. The rest of the day involved a nap and the rodeo at night! After the rodeo we went and got our fishing licenses then Andrew and I went to Henries for some dipped cones and at them in one of the church's parking lots. On our way home Andrew stopped and picked me some cute daises! He's the best boyfriend EVER! I LOVE the 24th of July in Panguitch! I wouldn't want to be anywhere else in the world!
Saturday, July 25th included:















MY SISTER'S 23rd BIRTHDAY! We started the day off by waking up at 5 to go fishing. Jared came with my Parents, Krista, Andrew and I and we all caught a few fish except Andrew had horrible luck when it came to catching fish and he caught none. I don't know why the fish didn't want to nibble at his bait...probably because they knew they would recieve a quick death if they did, haha. After fishing we had Henrie's for lunch SO GOOD! Then took a nap (as you can see Panguitch is full of food and naps, haha!) and later that night went to the Pine's for dinner. Zack, Lindsay, and Jackson came too and then after we went back to Grama's for presents, cake, and ice cream. I think she had a pretty good birthday!
Then finally, Sunday July 26th included:













Church in the morning. Then a trip to the cemetary to see my Grandpa Lewis' grave. After that we got ready to leave and Andrew and I went down by the lake and had lunch then went on a short quad ride to our carved tree where we added a new date and took some pictures. Then it was time to go home! :[ On the way home though we stopped at this beautiful (and some what scary) over-look thing and took some pictures before the rest of our journey back to Henderson!
I'm really glad I got to go to Panguitch and that Andrew could come with me and experience what I've been doing since I can remember! It was a GREAT vacation overall, full of old traditions and new experiences as well. :]

Friday, July 24, 2009

HAPPY 24TH OF JULY EVERYONE!

I'll post more pictures from my amazing Panguitch vacation Sunday or something. I had a great day though. The pancake breakfast, the parade, long naps, the BBQ, and the Rodeo were all so fun! And getting sunflowers from Andrew just made it even better!

I'll post more later, until then, goodnight! <3

Thursday, July 23, 2009

i LOVE my sister and am so glad she got to come to Panguitch! YAYAY!

that's all, goodnight!

we made it!

After quite a few delays, including me falling back asleep and having to clean my room, we finally left for panguitch today (well I guess it's considered yesterday seeing as it's 1:30 in the morning...or 2:30 utah time). Because I was so far behind that caused a fight with Andrew and then a few more tifts happened on the way up due to car problems and such, but we finally made it to grandma's house in Panguitch! Don't worry though...I took a few pictures from the ride up here:

Andrew and I had to take Maxie with us so my mom could leave straight from work! He loved the car ride. He also loves to give kisses. Haha.

Andrew HAS TO HAVE his seeds when he drives so he doesn't fall asleep. I got an action shot of the typical seed chewing! :]And this is Maxie...the last picture from today who is SO upset he has to be trapped in his kennal at night here now...ANOTHER result of the dang sleeping upstairs rule. At least he wasn't trapped in it the whole way up here, right?

We haven't really done anything yet, since we got here pretty late...like 10 or so utah time, but I have high hopes for the rest of the trip even with all the new rules in place! Grandma suddenly made it so none of us can sleep downstairs (which is where we sleep EVERY YEAR) so we are all sweltering upstairs in the non-air-conditioned house while she sleeps downstairs. She said she won't budge on the issue either. We'll see how hot and uncomfortable we are tonight to see how tomorrow's sleeping arrangements go! We also have to only use this weird entry door so the carpet doesn't get a lot of traffic on it. It's weird though since we are always in the living room anyways so either way it's going to get traffic. Whatever, I guess we just have to comply. I hope all these new rules don't mess with the fun-ness that IS Panguitch for the 24th of July.

Anyways... Momma got here an hour or so before us and Dad, Krista, and Zack, Lindsay, and Jackson are coming up tomorrow. I can't wait for the parade and all the 24th festivities and then Krista's birthday celebration on the 25th as well! It's tradition to come up here at this time of the year and I'm so glad we have continued coming.

I better go to sleep though since Andrew said he wants to go on a hike in Bryce Canyon tomorrow...I know, EEK! But I'm sure it will be fun. I better be well rested though, so goodnight!

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

let's get this party started

So, for some reason I'm really excited to have this blog yet I have NO IDEA where to start. So many things are going through my head but I guess I just need to pick one thing to start with and run with it...

I guess all I can do is start with one of the most important parts of my life right now, and that's Andrew Richard Lawrence, aka the man of my dreams. I've been wanting to write down our whole little "story" since we started dating but either I couldn't find the right journal to buy or I just never sat down and wrote it, so I'm finally doing what needed to happen a long time ago.



Let's see, the whole thing started when one night I went shopping with my cousin Sara for some last minute Christmas presents in December 2008. I was home from school at USU for Christmas break and she wanted to hangout so I figured it would be the perfect time. She hadn't told me that she planned on going bowling with some of her friends after and since she was the only one that drove (my car was still up in Logan) I was somewhat forced to go along to the bowling extravaganza which I wasn't looking forward too because, to say the least, we don't have the same group of friends. In the past whenever I would go to things at her house where her friends were involved I would stay in the kitchen and talk to my Aunt and Uncle so I wasn't too excited to go and spend time with strangers that I had nothing in common with. She had mentioned that her new friend/newly returned missionary was going too but I didn't really think too much of it. When we got there I surprisingly knew the people that were there but because I didn't talk to them too much I wasn't WAY comfortable. I had already decided against bowling so I just planned on texting my friends the whole time to keep myself occupied. Finally, the unknown RM finally showed up late and changed things a little bit. That RM was Andrew.

When he first got there he introduced himself, by...what else....shaking my hand. At first I was just like, whatever, this kids going to be a weirdo and I'm going to have an awkward night ahead of me. But needless to say, I was so wrong! When we sat down at the tables and I watched everyone take their turns bowling I started to notice how cute Andrew was. He started making small talk and getting the conversation going (which he is really good at, probably those years on the mission) and everything he said attracted me more and more. Sara even laughed at me and said I stared at him everytime he got up to bowl, which I, of course, denied. I just loved talking to him and he seemed to be everything I wanted in a boy, and I knew it even though we had just met. The conversation lasted the whole time at the bowling alley and I loved that he messed around and joked with me as well.

I did my best to show that I was interested, including offering my great navigation skills. You see, we had planned to go back to Sara's after the bowling was over and he didn't know where she lived so I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to get to know him a little better. I tried flirting and everything but he was half asleep at Sara's house I don't even think he noticed. (He now says that he was flirting too, he just was playing the game....I didn't like that, haha). I even offered to show him how to get out of Sara's some-what confusing neighborhood at the end of the night but he didn't take the bait and I was instead taxied home by Sara.

Even though nothing happened that night I still told my mom, one of my bestfriends, Caitie, and my Aunt how CUTE I thought Andrew was and how he was the man of my dreams. I was certain of it. I also wasn't sure if I would even see him again and didn't think he felt the same way but I figured if Sara offered more hangout plans that involved him I would definitely go. Too bad my whole time home didn't involve any dates with the darn boy. Instead he took Sara on a date (which I was SO jealous of but pretended I wasn't) and hungout with her most of the time I was home. He even went to the extremes of making fun of UFC and going on and on about how dumb it was one night when we both were at Sara's house just to make me mad (again, he said that was part of the game and he was hanging out with Sara as a friend...Guy's just are too tricky I guess cause me AND Sara thought they were hanging out as more). Needless to say, although I was SO interested in Andrew and he made me want to be a better person, even in those few days I hungout with him, nothing happened and I went back to school thinking nothing would come of my little Christmas Break crush and I'd just go on living my life.

LUCKILY, things changed though one day and while I was at school making a ton of stupid decisions and getting back into habits I had TONS of hope I'd change, Andrew came back into the picture. One day I got on facebook and out of the blue I had a friend request from him. I hadn't even talked to him or anything and had no contact with him, yet out of the blue he was thinking of me and found me on Facebook. I figured maybe he would say something to me or at least say hi, but that never happened. I even commented him finally one day and made a dumb joke but he didn't return the favor. I didn't know why he wanted to be in my social network but figured he had no intentions of talking to me so I again gave up hope and just continued living my life.

Months passed and finally March and SPRING BREAK came! I was SO SO SO excited to be going home and I couldn't wait to see my friends and family. The Monday of Spring Break (March 9th) I got a call from Sara inviting me to FHE. I didn't want to go and I even called my Mom to try to find something else to do. I didn't want to be in an awkward situation with people I didn't really know, but nothing else was planned so I decided I'd spend some time with Sara and go with her. She picked me up and on the way there she said something about how Andrew might be there...big whoop I thought. Yeah he was cute, but that's all there was to it. Nothing was going to happen. We got there and found out we were going to play some dodgeball/kickball type game and I of course didn't want to get injured so I convinced Sara to just stay in the back and talk to me. I would sneak glances of Andrew but I didn't have any plans of talking to him. In fact I was trying to find faults in him so I wouldn't think about how cute he was, I know, I'm pathetic. Anyways... I was just standing when suddenly he waved at me. And I waved back thinking, sweet at least he said "Hi." but wasn't really hoping for anything else.

FHE eventually ended and Sara said that we were going to go to dinner with a few people people after the boys played basketball. I said that was fine and while we were waiting Andrew came up and talked to us. He asked how and where I'd been and said that he for sure wanted to hangout with us afterword. I secretly was really happy about that. After the boys played basketball we decided to go to a restaurant called Little Carmine's and when Sara and I were going to her car Andrew said that we should ride with him (And he had one of his HOT trucks with him, another thing that attracted me to him. I love a man with a truck! haha) and he would bring us back afterwords. So, we got in and went to dinner. At dinner he sat by me and said he wanted to share dinner and ended up paying for my food too. The chemistry was just there. We kept hitting our knees or whatever and at the very end before we left he finally grabbed my hand! :] I was falling fast and couldn't help but think the whole thing was a dream. We went to Sonic after dinner so Sara could get us some free drinks and while she was in Sonic he grabbed my hand and we just talked while his friend Mark sat in the back, haha. Finally on the way back to Sara's car, Andrew made up the excuse that I should let him take me home so he could take me on a date later in the week. I of course said yes.

We held hands the whole way to my house and when we first got out front RIGHT AWAY he tried to kiss me. I stopped him before he could make the move and said "I know your brother said if a girl will hold your hand she'll kiss you, and that's probably true but not yet." Basically, I shut him down, but he still came inside and we watched Click (I'm learning I have an amazing memory, haha). Eventually the movie got boring and he was more interesting and I let him kiss me. That was it, our first kiss. On my couch in the family room.

The next day I wasn't sure if he'd talk to me, but sure enough he did. The whole week, in fact, we spent every night together. Tuesday we went to Rob West's house and he didn't hesitate to show his affection, as if we were already full on dating in front of people from the Single's Ward. Wednesday he invited me to his house to watch "Almost Heroes" and he was always a gentlemen, coming to pick me up and such. That night he said we were "together" and I wasn't sure what all that meant but I didn't want to ruin it by asking questions. Thursday night he took me to institue and buffalo wild wings. Then we went to his house and he asked me to be his girlfriend. March 12, 2008. I wasn't sure if he knew what he was getting himself into seeing as I went to school in Logan, but I said if he was willing to do it, so was I, and I haven't regretted it since. Friday we went to a bonfire with his friends which included our first encounter with the police together, for doing nothing wrong I mind you. Saturday we went to a carnival with Stephy and Kierstin and then went to his house. And Sunday he went to church with me before I had to make the long drive up to Logan to go back to school. I didn't know it then, but I was already in love with him, I can tell looking back at it now and I'm SO GRATEFUL I met him when I did and changed my life for the better as a result of him being in my life.

I could have gone back to USU and gotten into my old bad habits but instead I started to go to church more (with no pressure from Andrew at all, but because of my own wishes) and gained a testimony I'd never thought I'd have. He really does make me want to be a better person I'll always be thankful for what he has taught me.

The months up at school before summer were pretty hard but that didn't stop us from talking on the phone everynight (sometimes until the sun came up.) He even told me he loved me (on March 20th) WAY before I was ready but when he came up to see me the first time I knew I loved him too and told him how I felt on April 2nd! He couldn't go too long without seeing me and even ran 3 miles to catch a ride with his buddies to come visit. He came a total of 3 times and I'm SO glad he did because I lived for those visits.

Now that I'm back in Henderson our relationship has grown even more. It hasn't always been easy and I know we've only been together for 4 months but I'm so in love with him. He's everything I've ever wanted and everything I need in a man. He makes me so happy and makes me want to be the person I know I should be. I've experienced so many new things with him including supercross, my first ATV crash, trips to places like Panguitch, Arizona, and the lake. He is always so thoughtful and always tells me how much I mean to him and how beautiful I am. He is the most amazing guy in the world and I don't know what I would do without him. These past 4 months have changed my whole life and I wouldn't have it any other way. I can't wait for all the adventures that are yet to come and I know our love will just grow stronger and stronger. I thank Heavenly Father as often as I can for sending Andrew into my life. I know we were supposed to meet when we did and I know I'm 100 times the girl I was at the beginning of the year. It may seem dumb to write all this down, but looking back on the past 7 months I'm so thankful I chose to go to that bowling alley that night.

I know this ended up being the longest blog entry in the history of blog entries but I can't wait to look back on this in a few months and re-read the story of our relationship. Our adventures will only continue. Next up: Panguitch tomorrow until Sunday for Pioneer Day! I CAN'T WAIT!

Until next time, goodbye! <3

Monday, July 20, 2009

New to this

So, I decided to start one of these blogs up because I really enjoy reading up on other people's lives and decided it wouldn't be as weird if people had the opportunity to read up on mine as well. This is my first ever "blog" post and hopefully I keep up with it and have many more in the future.

Because this is my first post and because it's also 1:27 in the morning I figure I better keep this one short. I'll update more tomorrow about my really fun weekend with Andrew and about my exciting week to come!

Until then, Goodnight! <3