New Chapter of Life, New Blog

To document Brad and I's journey through life I will now be blogging over at

B squared, Our Equation for Love

Come check it out! Followers are more than welcome!

Circle of Life

Growing up stinks. I wish people warned you how hard life gets as you grow up and move through the different chapters of your life. Moving away from all you've ever known. Leaving behind people who mean the world to you. It's just hard. I'm having such a hard time, I just feel so unprepared. My whole life is about to change drastically in 19 days. I'm leaving behind my best friend and it makes me extremely sad. Even though I know I call still call or text it isn't the same as coming home and hearing or telling stories. I feel like sometimes I have taken for granted the fact that my mom is my best friend when I should have been treasuring it. I know not many girls have that relationship with their mothers, but I am lucky and do. I know I don't always express it or do the best job of showing it but my mom will ALWAYS be my best friend, no matter what and that couldn't make me any happier. Yes we have our ups and downs but what relationship doesn't. At the end of the day I know my mom loves me and I couldn't be more blessed. The relationship I have with my mom has taught me so many things that would have taken me a long time to learn. Relationships take work from both sides, they have to be a two way street. You have to be open and honest. You have to communicate, because running the other direction doesn't help one bit, that only makes people more upset. I hope and pray that one day I will be able to have the same kind of relationship with my daughters as I have with my mom. It has been such a blessing to always know that I have someone who will be there every step of the way, no matter what it takes. Someone who knows me better than I know myself. Someone who knows my weaknesses but still loves me regardless. I guess what I'm trying to say is if you're reading this Mom,  Thanks Mom for being the best Mom for me. I owe you so much. I love you to the moon and back. Lots and Lots! 

Peace and Love

xoxo

Sleepless in Seattle

This weekend was most definitely perfect and the most exhausting. My parents came out to Seattle with me, and I LOVED having them there. It was so much fun to share so many amazing experiences with them. We left Thursday evening and headed to the airport to catch the 7:00 flight. When we got to the airport I knew it was going to be a great weekend. We got a super close parking spot and conveniently placed next to it was a luggage cart. {which came in handy since we had 5 HUGE suitcases to move the rest of my stuff out to Washington}. Although we didn't make the first flight we made the next one{and we all got to sit together too, that never happens} and got into SEA-TAC around midnight, and all my bags made it! We then checked into the hotel and Brad and I got to go hang out for a little bit. 

The next morning we woke up and Brad came over and joined us for breakfast at the hotel. Then we took my parents over to see the apartment. It was SO fun showing my parents where Brad and I would be starting our life together. My mom has been helping me find decorative pieces so I was happy she could see what they look like in the actual apartment. She also helped me unpack the rest of my stuff which was a HUGE help. After we got everything put away we played a game of candy land, then watched some Once Upon A Time while the boys {excuse me, MEN} took a little nap. After they woke up we headed off to the temple.Within the first 30 minutes of being there they had already tried to marry Brad and I off twice. I kept telling him we should have just done it! Being at the temple surrounded by my loved ones was the best feeling in the world. I can't imagine sharing that day with anybody else. The spirit was so strong and I am so blessed to have a loving and supportive family and fiance!  

{Parents and I at the Temple}

After the temple we headed to the Pier to eat at Red Robin. My parents have never been and Brad and I love their burgers, bottomless fries, and freckled lemonades. So we had to take them. After we finished eating we took them to Pike's which ended up being a bust because it was closing time. So we headed over to Queen Anne and showed my parents the beautiful homes and gardens.

I honestly couldn't have asked for a more perfect weekend. I am so blessed. Coming home to a practically empty room made me realize how close we are to crunch time. I can't believe how fast time is flying and that we are starting the last week of June. Only 24 more days until the wedding. It's going to be here before I know it. I have so many emotions going through my head right now...I'm getting so excited because it's getting so close and I can't wait to start my life with Brad, but then on the other hand I am going to miss living at home and always having my family right there with me. It will be quite the adjustment but I couldn't be more excited to see what is in store for Brad and I!

{Brad and I at the Temple}

Peace and Love

 xoxo

I'm so glad when daddy comes home

My dad is the man.He has taught me so much, everything from how to change a tire to how to believe in myself no matter what. He has always been there as someone to lean on when going through hard times. He always knows exactly what to say and when to say it. I am so grateful that he is a worthy priesthood holder and how much that alone has blessed our family. My dad is such a hard worker and would do anything for his girls. He has such a tender heart and just wants the best for his family. He has shown me what qualities are important in a husband and always tells me that I deserve nothing but the best. I am so grateful for the constant support I get from my daddy and I am seriously so blessed.

Happy Father's Day Dad!

Peace and Love

xoxo

weekend in review

This weekend the airport and I got some quality bonding time. The joys of flying with your standby "benefits". I have been so blessed to not have to pay for a single flight in my lifetime so I really should not complain.

Once I finally landed in Washington, we headed towards downtown Seattle. We parked the car near the Safeco Field and had some time to kill so we walked over to Pike's Market. Pike's may just be one of my favorite places in Washington. It is so neat to look around and see all the pretty fresh flowers, fruit, and all the different cultures interacting. Take away the smelly fish and it would be PERFECT. I told Brad how nice it would be to be able to have those gorgeous flowers on our dining room table. Of course while we were there we stopped and got our favorite homemade mozzarella cheese and gala apples. After we got our food we decided to walk back towards the Safeco Field to go get seats for the Mariners game. We walked along the pier because I hadn't seen it yet. I'm excited to go back later in the summer and hopefully ride the new Ferris wheel and go on a romantic dinner cruise with my mancub! We got some hot dogs outside of the gates and then headed inside the field. 

Online it showed that the game was sold out but I guess the cold weather scared all the people away because there weren't that many people there. I don't blame them though, sitting in jackets and blankets freezing my booty off was not what I planned on doing at a baseball game in June! While at the game we got photo bombed {at least the girl was cute} we were kind of asking for it though, we had such a hard time taking a decent picture that night {someones head would get cut off, or someone would be in the middle of a blink}. We ended up leaving early because I was a big wimp in the cold and rain.

Saturday we spent running errands. It was seriously non-stop. We went to Bed, Bath, and Beyond to get pots {scored an awesome deal by.the.way} so that we will be able to make real meals and went to Target and got plates {which I am in love with}. One of Brad's coworkers wife is expecting her first baby. So while at Target I picked out some onesies, the most adorable tutu, and some big flower head bands of course {just what every little girl needs}! Once we were done we went back to the apartment and made some lasagna to take to them along with a salad, garlic bread, brownies, and the gift. It was so fun to visit with them and meet people Brad works with and meet a possible future friend. Plus she loved the little outfit I picked out! Sunday was church day and that evening I headed back home, where the airlines once again sent me on a wild goose chase.

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. I know I sure did. I am getting to catch up with Miss Shae Audrey this week and then I have trip to Utah this weekend to visit Afton and see that cute Baby B bump. So ready for baby B to reveal it's gender so I can spoil it rotten, definitely so excited to be Auntie B and meet that little one! :) 

Peace and Love

xoxo

Lake Twenty Two

This Memorial Day Weekend was Oh. So. Fun.

I flew into Seattle on Saturday and Brad was there to pick me up.

We decided since Saturday was the only day that promised good weather we would take advantage of it and go hiking. Brad had the perfect place in mind so as soon as we dropped off my suitcases at home we picked up sandwiches we were off on our way to Lake Twenty Two.

First of all I have never been much of a hiker, that is until I met Brad. We love to go hiking together, and lucky for us Washington has a lot to offer in the department. It was such a beautiful day. Sunshine and the perfect temperature. The hike was the prettiest I've ever been on. It was so fun to hike through streams and just talk with my mancub. I wish I could have captured the full beauty that I saw on this trail. The waterfalls were breath taking and the mountain view was gorgeous. Plus we got to hike through snow which proved to be an adventure for the two of us. Brad's balance isn't the greatest and for me living in Georgia we don't see snow too much so it was interesting for sure. I kept worrying that Brad was going to fall off the edge, but thankfully no one was hurt. It was a short hike {five miles} It took us three hours to complete, two hours up, one hour down. Let's just say the way down was way easier, and involved less complaining {I thought Brad lied to me about how long the hike was, like I said beginner hiker status here}, we practically ran down that mountain. {p.s. thanks to insanity we didn't have to stop once!}

Sunday was a fun day {more like a church day}. We went and checked out the ward we will be attending once we are married {which is in 50 days, so exciting!}. It is huge, I'm talking 300 people big. It is full of older people and lots of little babies. I'm interested to see where they will place me. Then we went to the singles ward and met with Brad's bishop. I felt like I was in couples counseling with an emotional therapist to say the least. We then went home and made enchiladas for dinner and cookies for dessert! They turned out so great!

Monday we went shopping and I went on a cleaning spree. Of course, Brad was such a good helper like always. I am seriously so blessed! Let's just say the house is spotless and smells like yummy cupcakes thanks to our new wall flowers. I also tried fish and chips for the first time at a famous place in Seattle called Ivars. I highly recommend it. For dinner we went to FHE because they were having a bbq! It was freezing cold and raining so we didn't stay long!

I'd like to thank all the service men and women and their families for all they do for us. We are so blessed to live in a country with so many freedoms! Hope everyone has an awesome Wednesday! Peace and Love! 

xoxo

thanks to dove chocolate

First of all who doesn't love DOVE chocolate?

Seriously so smooth and silky as it melts away in your mouth. Plus, they always come with inspiring messages/thoughts.

Today I had one of Mo's mother day Dove chocolates. I opened it up and read: 

Take a moment and enjoy all the things you have.

This made me really step back and take a look at the things I enjoy.

I believe that if we all did this the world would be a more positive place. I honestly get so caught up in my everyday life and silly little drama that I never really think to take a moment and enjoy all the good things in life I have. I should be more grateful of the blessings I get to experience. I need to stop getting so worked up about silly little things that don't even matter, and instead spend that time and energy enjoying the things that do matter.

I am so blessed to have a loving family. I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. I am blessed to have a roof over my head and a bed of my own to sleep in each night. I always enjoy the little things in life. Things like waking up with a good hair day, the smell of a beach, an organized room, clean bathroom, the list could go on and on. If I just focused on all those little things, life would be just a little bit better in my opinion.

Be sure to look for the little things that bring happiness to your life this week.

Happy Hump Day!

Peace and Love

xoxo