*For some reason the first time I did this post only some of the pictures showed some of the time. Crossing my fingers blogger decides to not hate me anymore and actually show what I post 2nd time around...
Meet the soon-to-be Mrs. Leavitt...
What a babe! Two weeks ago a wonderful bridal shower was thrown for Maddie and I was so happy I was in town and able to attend! Maddie's BFF, Paige, and her mom, Shelley, hosted the fabulous party...
The party was a 50's Housewife theme and the invites told everyone to "tie on your apron and wear your heels!" I thought it was such a cute idea and might just have to copy it in the future. All the Nielsen ladies followed dress code!
Vanessa, Brooke, Maddie, Me, Sallee
A yummy brunch was served while we lounged outside in the gorgeous weather..
Then it was gift time. This girl got a lot of lovin! Can't wait to see her all glammed up as a bride June 4th!
Two nights before Sambo and I left Provo, we got to meet up with some of my long lost Heyman cousins. OK, they're not really long lost. I used to get to visit them in sunny Southern California all the time when I was younger, but it had felt like FOREVER since I had seen them. Their brother got married the day after me, so they weren't able to make it to mine and Sam's wedding and STILL hadn't met my lovely husband. A reunion was very much in order.
Shauna, me, Lisa and Cara. (I got to see the missing sister, Heather, the following night)....
It's cool to be a brunette.
The husbands and children were in tow as well and let me tell you, these kids are entertaining. I made the mistake of telling the little ones to smile with their ice cream. All three here quickly corrected me, informing me they had popsicles. Not ice cream. My bad.
This was the best photo I could get of little Ms. Bradli... Adorable Adurey... Spiderman and his twin also made an appearance. The restaurant we randomly picked to meet up at had a private little room set-up for us, which was just perfect! It was so great to see family I love and miss and have Sam finally meet them as well. Fortunately, it won't be long until the next reunion as cousin Heather is tying the knot July 16th in Newport Beach! Whooo-hooo!
Hi! We're still here....and here is now Tucson, AZ. The past two weeks have been a complete whirlwind. Within that time Sammy studied for and took 4 finals, finished 2 projects, I took an interpreting test, I worked out details so I can continue working from AZ, packed our belongings, drove to AZ, picked out an apt in Tucson, moved into the apt, celebrated Easter with our families and now settled into our new place. WHEW. That was just exhausting thinking about it all again.
Sammy got an internship with Tucson Electric Power for the summer. He's excited about it and we are so grateful for this opportunity as it will really help him with future opportunities and to prepare for the "real world".
When we found out we'd be for sure moving to Tucson, I gave my work my "2 weeks" notice. The day after I broke the news to my manager I was told that I might not have to quit and they were willing to make it possible for me to keep my job and just work from home for the summer so I can return in August. Blessing? Yes. The more things that fell into place the more grateful I am that my job made this exception for me.
I failed at taking pictures on Easter, which I'm pretty bummed about (especially because Sam looked mighty fine in his new suit!). Easter was extra special this year because my dad was released as Stake President so I got to hear both he and my mom share their testimonies during stake conference. My dad shared a little story of a conversation he and my mom had about going on their mission that really touched me. Since I don't keep a journal, I wanted to write it on here so I could remember it...
On the day it was obvious to my dad and mom that they were going to be called on a mission soon and that my dad would be the mission president, my dad jotted down on a paper what this meant for them financially. After looking at the numbers he knew this wasn't a financial decision, rather a decision of faith. That night he and my mom were talking about the whole situation and sacrifices and my mom said to him, "If the only legacy we leave our children and grandchildren is that when everything was going really well for Mom and Dad they gave up everything to go serve people in another country and another language, who wouldn't be able to pay them back, then that legacy was a good enough reason to do it".
Can't ponder too long on that or else I'll keep crying.
Sorry no pictures, mainly just a journal entry here. However, Carrie Underwood recently sang "How Great Thou Art" again and I get chills every time I hear her sing this song. In honor of Easter I'd love to share:
Last week my fine ladies and I had a great night celebrating Maegan's upcoming wedding. (My camera must've been on a strange setting because the lighting in all of these pics is weird)
Her fiance, Landon, served his mission in Italy, Maego's taking an Italian class and they're most likely going to be going on their honeymoon to Italy, so it was proper for us to add a little Italian flair to the event!
We filled up on yummy italian sodas and homemade margarita pizzas...
Some of the fine ladies in attendance...
The gift opening is always so fun and entertaining at these parties :)
We love our bride-to-be!!!! The night was just lovely. My friends make me so happy (and so does my awesome husband who helped knead the pizza dough and stayed in the back room but then appeared just in time to be our photographer at the end! Love him.)
I've been dying to share the grand news, not only one, but two of the best/cutest/most wonderful couples I know will be tying the knot this summer. Who? Let me tell you.
1. My BFF Maegan Olsen and her fiance Landon.
Their engagement happened a few weeks ago, but I've been holding back sharing my excitement until it was "public". I'm ecstatic. If you remember, dear Maego was on her mission when Sam and I got married, so knowing I will get to be at hers makes this event extra special. These two are perfect for each other.
I'm so excited to welcome Maegs to the married club. We've been talking about these days since the 3rd grade.
(don't mind my look as I was fresh from the gym)
2. The fab Maddie Nielsen (my sis-in-law) and her fiance Lindsay.
I'm so excited for a family wedding. I know Maddie will be a glamorous bride! She and Lindsay are such a fun couple and it will be fun to gain a new brother-in-law. Welcome to the fam Lindsay!!!
My prayers have been answered and the two ladies have picked separate June wedding dates. WHEW! I must add that my cousin, Heather, just got engaged as well and will be sealing the deal in July. Can't wait for all the fun festivities.
Oh, Jimmer! I'm sad you didn't lead the Cougs to a win tonight, but the NCAA run was fun while it lasted. I'll be honest, I didn't have you making it past the Sweet 16 in my bracket, although I wished I were wrong. I'll really miss watching you shoot your 3 pointers and I'll also miss my Thursday spin teacher playing "Teach Me How To Jimmer" at the start and end of class. Thanks for bringing some hype to Provo.
Speaking of BYU, did you know?
Yup, the little brother got accepted and will start at the Y this summer! That means the fam is 7 for 7 for attending good ole Brigham Young. Hip hip horray for Heyman cougars! Since the madre y padre will be leaving on their mission when Taylor starts school, I'll be taking on the role of his mom until he leaves on his own mission. Maybe I'll even pick out his outfits everyday like I did when we were little. (jk, but really, Taylor - you know you loved it).
PS. It's still cold here and scheduled to snow this weekend. Lame-o.
See the gorgeous girl smiling with me in the picture below? That's my friend Dani, also known as Ms. Stolworthy to her little ones she teaches. She's one of the world's greatest. Seriously.
Last week was this little Cheetah's birthday so we had a lovely dinner to celebrate the birth of our favorite southern belle.
I can't say enough good things about Dani. It does make me sad I don't get to see her and all my ladies as much anymore (FYI - Sammy I wouldn't trade you in, I just miss them). Let me tell you, living with Dani means EVERYDAY is party! Whether it's a PJ party, invite 50 people over party, baking party, poolside party, or just rockin out to or favorite jams...it's always a good time. (Club 34 bring back memories?! haha) Any time I mention Dan on my blog I have to give a little push for people to read her blog. It'll ALWAYS make you laugh. :)
In case you've been living under a rock and didn't know, last week was the finale for The Bachelor. I have a class that recently started and is on Monday nights (sooo inconvenient right?!). Well, I was a little bummed I was going to miss the first part of the finale, but when I walked in the door to our condo I could not stop laughing. Why? This is what was on our kitchen table:
I died. So cute, huh? I love my hubby. He's always thinking of the cutest sweetest things to do for me. Not only did he set the scene, but he had also cooked up the most delicious meal. Red mashed potatoes, asparagus and chicken with a shiitake mushroom sauce (YUM!). We opted to eat off the couch and ottoman to not miss a second of the show... Emily won. YAY! Although, it doesn't look like she and Brad will actually be getting married. Sam's been telling me the whole season Brad's too crazy; I kinda agree now. Emily deserves someone better and more sincere. We shall see!
I feel like I've been rambling in this post. Quick summary: Dani rocks, Sam's the best and I love him. End of story.