Sweet and Spicy

Last night we had a bachelorette party for one of my very best friends (also my sister-in-law) Shayla! I mentioned her getting in engaged in this post, and her wedding is now a mere 8 days away! 

The theme was "Sweet & Spicy" (think red and pink everything...)

 

We got together with some close friends, ate soup + cinnamon rolls, played some *questionable* games, and gifted Shayla with scandalous presents (of course). 

 

It was a blast (for me anyway) and I just cannot wait for her wedding!

 Spicy: Soups                     Sweet: Desserts

The Hostesses

Jordan + Me + Markell 

 We always do this pose... and always almost drop the person... one of these days we really are going to drop them... I feel bad for that unlucky person haha

 Spicy + Sweet

 Yay sisters! 

We can ignore that fact that I looked a little worked in this shot...

Oh, it is love!

I needed some winter boots and have been wanting some in this similar fashion for almost a year now.  So husband willingly obliged (he's awesome) and found them for sale online (he is a MASTER online shopper... seriously it's one of his best talents) and purchased them for me!  

Thank you SO much Jean Paul!

I was sooo excited that we just had to go have a little photo shoot! (which lasted about 4.5 minutes because of how awkward I felt haha)

 Okay then I was on the phone and someone wouldn't stop taking pictures.

So you might think this is a way-too-posed shot, which it definitely looks like... but actually this is how I stand in real life? Yep. And in case you were wondering, I've been made fun of for years because of it (shout out to you Shane)

Do you like them?! I do!

And then we went on an in-between-class date.

Yesterday was a good day. 

I got to sleep in til 9.

I took 2 tests and surprised myself with the scores I got. haha prayers really do work...

I finally got to wear my new coat Jean Paul bought me for my birthday (which was in August... it was awesome. This man really knows what I like)

And we watched a movie with friends!

However the best part of my day was when Jean Paul took me out for a lunch-dinner (Linner?) date between two of my classes. We ran down to Gurus on center street and had a 40-min date sesh. 

It was lovely. Best part of the day. 

(Although wearing my new coat was a close second...)

Sweet Potato Fries: These might be one of the best things to eat on this planet. 

Step into our Living Room...

Our apartment is constantly a work in progress.

I suppose most people feel like that with their own houses or apartments or whatever. 

It's really quite fun putting everything together! Even if it has taken 7 weeks to get to this point haha.

When I compare the vision I have of our apartment in my mind to how it actually looks, I'm only about halfway done but our bookshelves are all put together now so here is their grand unveiling! 

Please ignore the fact that there is nothing on the walls yet haha. 

Pre-bookshelves:

 ugly ugly ugly... empty space... lots of cords... 

Post-Bookshelves:

I love books + Jean Paul has tons of books = happy marriage :)

haha

What do you think?! I think it makes our apartment actually look like a home... I love it!

Conference Weekend

Conference weekend was a much needed break this year. 

I was so burned out from this last week (I had 5 tests! 5!) and so more than ever I needed to be buoyed up spiritually and physically. Lounging around with Jean Paul listening to inspired words was exactly what this tired girl called for :)

Of course, there was time this weekend for a few other things -- namely, a wedding dress fitting for Shayla, a walk in between conferences, and a yummy dinner with my fam! 

Look who we ran into! Hi Elder Ricks!

 Apparently the walk was a bit much for my dad...

 ... and my brother.

 haha this is Jean Paul's "Daybook" pose, holding a purse and all haha.

 Then husband started hitch hiking on the way home because the 3 blocks were just too long.

 Brother + Sister

Dinner Time:

 So domestic.

 Caught red-handed! tsk tsk someone is supposed to be watching conference... haha.

Oh Happy Day!

So last December, while I was still in London, the Provo Tabernacle (which was built in 1898!) caught fire and burnt down. The only thing that remained after they had cleaned it up was the outer shell and it has since stood untouched for the last year, amid a variety of rumors that it was going to be renovated, torn down, or left as a memorial. 

Then, earlier today, the prophet of our church, President Thomas S. Monson announced that it is going to be converted into a second temple for Provo, UT. 

I was freaking out! 

How amazing is that? 

This beautiful building that has been an icon of my hometown for my entire life is now going to be a temple!

We drove past it this afternoon and someone 

has put up a sign that encompasses my feelings exactly :)

Read more about the announcement here