Turning a house into a HOME

It's a beautiful Sunday morning here in our quiet little townhouse, and I'm feeling quite grateful for the comforts of life that Geoff and I are able to enjoy.  Hard to believe it's been over a month now that we've been married... but at the same time, it really feels like I've known him a lifetime already!  Nonetheless, we are making an effort to appreciate the day-to-day moments, knowing that life is only going to speed past us if we don't stop and take it all in...

This weekend marks the first time we've really been apart since our wedding day -- Geoff, as many of you know, is busy this time of year attending various snowmobile shows across the western states.  Last weekend we both traveled to Denver for the first show of the season, but this weekend I decided to stay home while Geoff flew up to Seattle to work another show.  It's been an interesting experience for me... I'm really trying to make this house feel like a home -- OUR home -- but being alone in this house made me realize I still have some work to do.  Not so much organizing/decorating, but more just LIVING within these walls to call it my own.  I had some girlfriends come up to the house this week, and I really started to realize that it's people and experiences that create a feeling of "home."  With that in mind, I'm really starting to tear out pages of the "housewife manual" to try to be a better hostess and create more opportunities for building memories.  In writing our story, this will forever be the first home that we lived in as a family -- and I want to have special times to remember.  I'm a sentimentalist, what can I say?  :)  But I do have some photos of our new place, and I want to share a few with you....

And there you have it!  Not so bad for a couple of newlyweds :)  As for the job hunt... I've applied to various positions at the University of Utah Hospital, but have not heard back from them yet. I know that my lack of hospital experience puts me further down on the list of potential candidates, and it frustrates me -- how am I supposed to get experience if I'm not given that critical first job?  I know that the economy and the Obama Care have both played pivotal roles in this, eliminating necessary funding to train "new grad" nurses, but it doesn't change the fact that I am a registered nurse and I sincerely WANT to learn and work!!  Doesn't that count for something?!  I didn't just go to a 2-year program either... the Johns Hopkins Nursing Program was recently named the #1 nursing program in the country.  Shouldn't that make me more of an appealing applicant?  Well, even though the U's hospital has been the dream hospital I've wanted to work for, I'm not going to rule out other options -- like working in another clinic.  As I've mentioned before, my "calling" as a nurse is to work in Women's Health.  I wanted to go the route of Midwifery, but taking a break from school and working for a bit was more important -- to gain a better perspective, as well as experience, before enrolling in a Master's program.  And look what it brought me -- a husband!  haha.  The one disappointing thing that I've learned is that Labor & Delivery units rarely hire new grad nurses, and Mother/Baby (Postpartum) units rarely have positions open up.  It's not a promising first step, but I know that's the direction I want to go.  I've tossed around ideas of working in other units to get that "experience" in order to apply for the units I really want to work for, but nursing is emotionally/physically/mentally draining, and unless you are truly passionate about the work you are doing, it can be overwhelming.  Don't get me wrong, I would give 150% at whatever job I worked, but the difference between a JOB and a CAREER is the passion you have for the work you're doing.  So in my search to find open job applications, I stumbled across a post for a reproductive/fertility clinic... sent in my application... and now I have an interview!  Not to get my hopes up, but as I read through their website, I realized that this would be an incredible opportunity for me -- not only as a job/career, but I got excited about what I could LEARN and the services I would be able to offer to that patient population.  That excitement really got me fired up for this interview, so I'm hoping/praying that things go well next week!  We shall see... :)

And I think that about wraps it up for this entry!  I'll be back soon enough... much love!

Summer days are now a memory...

It's a cold, rainy morning here in Bountiful, Utah (my new hometown -- a small suburb just north of Salt Lake City) and I'm waiting at the car dealership for my husband's truck to get repaired.  I'm such a wonderful wife, right?  He's just lucky I don't have a job to occupy my time... haha.  Guess I'll be his personal assistant until I can secure an income of my own!  Hopefully that won't take too long... I'm giving it a few more weeks, before I really start to stress.  I can only handle so much free time!  Thankfully, though, I do have quite a few things on my never-ending "To Do List" that will keep me busy.  I am quite excited, actually -- our "Thank You" notes finally arrived in the mail, so I am finally getting those written and mailed to all our family and friends who supported us with love and gifts for our wedding.  Hard to believe it's been a MONTH now...!!  But I know time will not be slowing down any time soon....

Yesterday, our family had a special opportunity to take my "little" brother down to the Provo MTC, and watch as he walked off to spend the next 2 years of his adult life as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  What a bittersweet moment for us all, and I know I echo the thoughts of everyone that knows Greg to express how proud we are of his decision, and how excited we are to see what he will accomplish in the next two years.  While we will miss him, I know that he has a strong, sincere desire to do this work, and I couldn't be more happy for him.  So... Elder Newman it is!!  And for those who aren't aware, he set up a blog that I will manage over the next 2 years to share his thoughts/experiences while he is serving the Lord in Tampa, Florida.  the website address is:

eldernewman56.blogspot.com

So check back for updates!  And in order to contact him, here is his contact information:

MTC address (where he will be for the first 2 months of his mission):
 
Elder Greg Newman
MTC Box 149-1206
2005 N  900 E
Provo, UT 84604

Florida (wait for updates as to when he will be flying out there):
Elder Greg Newman
Florida Tampa Mission
13153 N Dale Mabry Ste 109
Tampa, FL  33618

So there you have it!! If you have any questions, please contact me... I'll probably be the most reliable source for updates over the next two years :)

As for updates in my own life... well...its October 6, and it's FREEZING outside.  What happened to summer?!  It took forever to get here... and now it's gone.  Just like that.  No warning... no way to just ease my way into the cold weather.  just BAM. Today marks the first major snowfall of the year in our neck of the woods, at least above 8000 feet.  As much as I love seasons, there should be FOUR!  Right now I feel like it's winter 75% of the year here.... gahhh.  At least one person in our house is overjoyed... hahaha.  But he complained enough during the summer, so it's my turn now :)  Okay, okay... I really don't hate winter, it really can be a lot of fun (especially with a husband who has a lot of fun toys to play with out there!) but I like getting sick of summer so I am eager for cooler weather!  One more month would have done it... but c'est la vie.  So now I guess I'll just accept it... and hopefully, in time, I will learn to welcome it with open arms :)  If nothing else, I'll humor my husband's obsession with snow!  Which brings me to my next update:  the fall season is going to be quite busy for Geoff and I... this weekend will be our first "snow show" of the season (and my first snow show EVER), with another 4 in the weekends ahead.  I'm sure this will be a bit of a culture shock for me, so I'm excited to update you with my experiences after the next few weeks!  First, however, we kick off the season with Geoff's latest snowmobile movie premier tonight at a dinner/movie event center downtown.  I'm excited, to see Geoff in his element, surrounded by his friends and those who share his passion for the snow.  I know it will be a busy event for us, but fun nonetheless!  Then we pack up and head for Denver early tomorrow morning, for the 3-day convention center show where we will sell Boondockers gear and movies (the company that Geoff produces movies for).  And because he has worked incredibly hard on this project, I'll finish this post with a plug for his movie....

www.boondockersmovie.com

Mr. & Mrs. Dyer

To many of you, it’s just another Tuesday.  And in all honesty, it feels that way to me as well… but then I remind myself of the fact that I am now a MARRIED woman…. 18 days down, eternity to go!  I’ve had a few people ask me if it feels any different to be married, and in all honesty, it feels so natural to be at this point in my life, and even more so that Geoff and I are here together.  My expectations for marriage were quite straightforward: I wanted a relationship with my husband that allowed for mutual respect and trust, open and honest communication, and for there to be an understanding that we would have to WORK at this marriage in order for it to be successful.  While our relationship has met all of these expectations, I have also come to appreciate the simple fact that we enjoy each other’s company – we are, in the most cliché of terms, “best friends” – and I am incredibly grateful and truly blessed to be married to such a wonderful husband.  Yes, we are still getting used to referring to each other as “husband” and “wife” (and especially for me as “Mrs. Dyer”) but as I’ve started the tedious process of changing my name so I have become more and more used to seeing my name as Laura Dyer. One thing I will say – you really have no idea how much your identity has to “change” when you decide to change your name…. yes the driver’s license, social security card, and passport… but it goes further than that – health records, business loyalty cards, online accounts… I never realized how many places my name has been recorded and stored… and now I have to change them all, one by one.  At least I’ll have this new project to keep me busy :)

I wish I had more time before the wedding to sit down and write a bit about the nervousness/excitement/anxiety I was experiencing, but unfortunately, those last few weeks were a bit overwhelming.  I was confident with the planning and preparation I had done, but of course, there are SO many things that cannot be addressed until the last minute.  Thankfully I had the help of friends and family, and we were able to get it all pulled together just in time. 

As I reached the last 24 hours of my single life, I allowed myself to acknowledge my fears as I approached my wedding day – it wasn’t a fear of losing my identity or of giving up my independence, and it definitely wasn’t a fear that my cake/flowers/decorations wouldn’t turn out how I had pictured (because I knew that no matter how they turned out, the end result would be the same)… rather, it was simply a fear that our guests wouldn’t appreciate the importance of that day and what it meant to Geoff and I.  My biggest issue with living in Utah is the way that many people have become “desensitized” to the true meaning and importance of weddings.  But I don’t want to get started on that soapbox issue… rather, I want to focus on how special that day was, and share with you some of my personal thoughts and feelings :)

My wedding was never meant to be “the biggest, most important day of my life” – that level of hype would only lead to disappointment.  Looking back, it was definitely the most beautiful day I could have ever imagined for my wedding, but as with all weddings – it ended before I really had a chance to breathe.  I remember the anticipation of that morning, putting the final details around the lodge before the florist and caterer arrived… folding programs for the ceremony… laughing and enjoying time with my best girl friends Brenn and Meghan… and then the time came for me to sit in the chair for my hair and makeup.  That was when my nerves really started to rev up… I was doing okay running around, distracting myself from what was to come… but the moment I sat still, I really had time to process what I was getting ready for.  And that couple hours before the ceremony began were probably the longest couple hours of my life.  Then it was time.  Time to take that walk down the aisle… the longest, most anxiety-provoking walk of my life.  :)  I remember waiting at the top of the stairs… then meeting my dad to wait for our cue to walk towards my future – and my future husband.  My favorite memories of that day were the moments when I was standing still (probably because those are the only moments that weren’t a blur in my mind).  Standing on the top of that grassy hill with Geoff – I never felt such peace, such comfort, such assurance that I was making the right decision.  I was completely content, and couldn’t help but think how blessed I was to be marrying a man like Geoff.  And just as quickly as it began, I was kissing my husband and walking back down the aisle as Mrs. Dyer.  Such a joyous moment – it couldn’t have been any more perfect.  Then photos… endless photos… thankfully we had done some of our individual shots (those of just Geoff and I) earlier in the week, so we weren’t rushed to get all the photos done that day.  Probably one of the best decisions I made, to be honest.  Some people are more traditional, but my thoughts from the beginning were more focused on being married and that the wedding was just an event to enjoy with family and friends, so little details/traditions really didn’t matter to me.  But there were a few traditions that I wanted to experience with Geoff and those who came to share the day with us.  After our photos, we came in for our first dance to the song “Give in to Me” from the movie Country Strong.  Geoff and I watched that movie on one of our first dates, and that song quickly became one of our personal favorites.  That was another of my favorite memories – dancing with my husband, surrounded by family and friends… I couldn’t ask for anything more than that.  Then it was time for toasts and cake – I’d say the cake was one of my favorite “pieces” of the night, only because of the topper that Geoff had chosen :) So perfect for us – we had to bring in a bit of humor!  And I definitely had the last laugh… I never told Geoff that it was my dream to stuff my wedding cake in my husband’s face…. Hahahaha he never saw it coming!  It was too easy… I just had to!  Good thing the cake was delicious ;)  While the cake was being cut and served, we finally had time to spend with our guests… but of course, time was not on our side.  Before I knew it, we were heading upstairs to prepare for our grand exit.   One of my only requests from Geoff was that we ride off on a motorcycle J  He made arrangements to borrow his friend’s bike for our short drive to Snowbird’s Cliff Lodge (just a mile down the road), and we coordinated our outfits to match: black leather jackets and jeans.  I was smiling ear to ear as we made our way through the sparklers and sat down on our getaway ride.  The perfect ending to a perfect evening.  And it wasn’t over yet – the next morning, we were up early to prepare for our “Open House” at Sugar House Park.  I may have been a little resentful of our decision to have a mid-day reception as I was pulling myself out of bed that morning, but after we had finished decorating and started welcoming our guests, I was grateful to have a more relaxed atmosphere to spend time mingling with those friends and family that came out.  And I heard from many people that they really liked our idea – no need to have a formal event, especially if it really doesn’t match our personalities.  So we were quite pleased with how it all turned out :)  And I know our guests enjoyed it as well, especially Kneader’s French toast and the photo booth!  But again, before I knew it, we were packing up and heading home… and just like that, our wedding was simply a happy memory.  Kinda crazy, thinking about how much time I had spent planning for it… but thankfully the planning paid off!  I just can’t wait to see our photos, so I can see the details from Friday night that I didn’t have time to see for myself.  I’ve heard from many of our guests that it was a beautiful event, so for now I’m taking their word for it :)  But, here are a few of our photos for you to enjoy....

 

And with that, I’ll leave you all – it’s quite a long entry, and while I could write more, I’ll leave some for another day.  Without a job (or a wedding to plan) my days are a little more open and flexible, so I’m sure I’ll be back on here to update you all soon enough.  Especially with some exciting changes in our family in the next week… Greg reports to the MTC next week!  :)  So, until next time…  Much love!

Insomnia... *sigh*

As the major stressors of wedding planning have been checked off my list (dress, venue, food, etc.), I was hoping that I would be able to breathe easier..... but these larger obstacles were merely hiding the endless line of smaller hurdles that I am now facing.  While I am definitely accomplishing this never-ending list of "To-Do's", my anxious mind still races as I lay in bed at night, reviewing the days productivity and preparing for tomorrow.  And although I try to reason with it, promising a much brighter morning if I can just get some sleep, my mind's persistence inevitably keeps me awake until it slows enough to allow my eyes to close.  SO.... rather than get frustrated, I decided that I would get up and write a bit -- it's been an eventful past couple weeks, so I thought it would be a good time to share a few updates with y'all!  :)

Since it is technically Wednesday, I can say that we are 23 days away from the wedding.  23 days until I am MARRIED.... until I am MRS. DYER....!  The earlier days of the engagement were quite blissful, and while I'm still overjoyed and excited beyond comprehension, the reality of this situation is really sinking in.  I know that I am ready to be married, I know that I WANT to be married.... but it is still difficult for me to picture myself as a wife, starting my own family... this is one of the biggest transitions I have ever had to make in my life!  But don't think that this is me having second thoughts -- I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that this is the right decision for me.  I know that while there may be a few bumps down the road, Geoff and I have made a commitment to each other and we will make it work -- no matter the sacrifices we will inevitably have to make.  I think, more than anything else, that the TRUST we have in each other and the concern we have for each other's well-being will help to make this relationship last - through this life and into the next.  We just can't wait to start on this journey together :)  But before that journey begins, we will have to jump through this hoop of a wedding.... Thankfully it is all coming together, and I feel like I am finally ENJOYING this process (somewhat)! haha.  I was treated to a lovely bridal shower last weekend, hosted by my future mother-in-law Shirl and sister-in-law Ange, and it was so fun to have a chance to get to know more of Geoff's family.  I am so blessed to have family and friends who are so willing to share the load and help (although sometimes I wonder how "willing" they truly are....) because it is only with their support that we are actually going to pull this off!  As the pieces slowly come together, the bigger picture is emerging and I do believe our wedding will be more than I could have ever imagined.  Words can't express my gratitude.... I am truly blessed!!

As for other life updates (of which there are many)......
1. Geoff and I have found the perfect townhouse in Bountiful that we will move into once we are married, and we signed the lease on it yesterday!  One major question mark has now been turned into an exclamation point -- and we plan to start the arduous task of MOVING later this week.... as I have moved across the country a couple times, I will say that moving just 15 minutes down the road is really not that big of a hassle.... it's more the sorting/organization/packing/unpacking/sorting..... you get the idea.  But with a few weeks head-start, I think that it will give me enough time to wrap my head around the amount of STUFF I need to go through, and I won't be as overwhelmed.  Little by little... room by room... our house will eventually be our HOME.  And I can't wait :)
2. Greg got his mission call (!!) -- TAMPA, FLORIDA spanish-speaking!!!!!!!  Words can't adequately or appropriately convey how proud and excited I am for him.  This will be life-changing for him and for those he will serve.   I'm not going to lie, I will miss him terribly... but I think I can share him for a couple years :)  October 5... not too much longer!  So the wedding will be one last HURRAH with our little Newman family before he leaves us... and before I am off and married and living in Bountiful starting my own family.  When did we grow up?!?  But I cannot wait to see where life takes us and what the Lord has in store for us.... :)

Well my eyelids are starting to get a bit heavier... I should take this as a cue to move back to my bed, and hopefully I'll be able to fall asleep... another day ahead of me with lots to do!  Hopefully I'll be back on here with more thoughts and updates in the next week or so... fingers crossed :)

What is this craziness they call "WEDDING PLANNING"?!

haha. so... unfortunately i don't have time to write an entry this morning, but i wanted to share the website for our upcoming wedding so that you all can see what i've been up to these past few weeks....

LauraAndGeoffrey.ourwedding.com

only 42 more days.... EEK! gotta get going. places to go, people to see, things to do......

xoxo

Engagement Photo Adventure

Just a side note, before I start things off:  If you're hoping to find engagement photos in this post, we haven't seen them yet!  Hopefully by Wednesday... I'll keep ya'll updated... but the story of our shoot was too blog-worthy so I just had to share....

After having our session cancelled and re-scheduled THREE TIMES due to inclement weather (love Utah afternoon summer thunderstorms, but not when I'm 8 weeks from my wedding!), we were finally able to meet up with our photographer on Thursday.  She is a good friend of Geoff's, and she was therefore kind (and patient) enough to figure this out with us (check her page out here: samantha-jane-images.blogspot.com ).  We decided on Big Cottonwood Canyon -- home to Brighton/Solitude Ski Resorts -- and it was absolutely gorgeous up there.  With our late winter, snow has just melted in the mountains only a few weeks ago, and the trees and meadows could not be more green and lush.  We found a few places to stop, and we were excited with the different shots we were finding (I'll leave the details out, so you can enjoy the photos when they are finished...) -- unfortunately, however, with the ice/snow melting higher up the canyon, small creeks had turned into rivers, creating marshlands due to the flooding.  This unfortunate side effect caused for an even more unfortunate consequence -- MOSQUITOES.  Geoff and Samantha (and her "assistant" Justin) were more-or-less being eaten alive while we tried to capture these photos at various locations... and I would venture to say there will be more than one photo with Geoff slapping/swatting at mosquitoes as they circled around our heads and lined up on our arms.  It was a buffet for those bugs... except I was apparently not on their "tasty" list -- I got out of there without one bite!  Geoff on the other hand... well... I think he had three on the back of his neck alone.  Poor guy.  It's not my fault that my blood isn't sweet enough! 

We made our way up the canyon to Brighton, and then decided to continue on up Guardsman's Pass -- a "State Highway" that leads to Park City.  It truly is a state highway, but I think they've forgotten about it.... it's a dirt/gravel mountain road that connects Big Cottonwood to Deer Valley.  It was a bit of an adventure, but we were enjoying the scenery -- we found some amazing "secret" spots for our photos.  After our lovely photographer was satisfied with the shots she had (1000+, which will hopefully render a few usable photos) we packed up to head home.  From where we ended up, we could have continued on to Park City (about 10-15 minutes away) but Sammy's car was in the Big Cottonwood lot, so we turned around to make the 30 minute drive back to the mouth of the canyon.  As we neared the bottom, we saw flashing lights from multiple police vehicles blocking our exit from the canyon.  Geoff hopped out and spoke with an officer only to find out that there had been a head-on collision and that the road would be closed for at least another 2 hours.  As it was already 8:45, we decided to turn around and make our way back to Guardsman's Pass (the 20-mile canyon drive we had just made) and leave through Park City.  The four of us laughed about the situation, but we had no idea what was still in store for us....

As much grief as Geoff gets for driving my petite little Prius, he is quite the gentleman and insists. (I secretly think that he actually enjoys it!)  But... Geoff is used to driving his 4x4 truck or his diesel Jetta, and the Prius is not quite as durable.  We were all hungry and tired (after 2 hours of shooting) and so Geoff was driving a little faster than I would have recommended down this rocky dirt highway.  We passed a few cars that were driving about 5 mph (no joke) and as we started up a small incline, we all hear the fateful sound:  "flop-flop-flop".  The boys laugh at me as I ask, "Could that be my tire?"  because the rocks we had been hitting had only "rolled up into the wheel well or hit the skid plate."  Well... soon enough, the boys were eating their words -- they hated to admit it, but I was right.  My back left tire was completely flat.  We pushed my cripple Prius up to a turn-out, and just in time to take a few final "silhouette" shots... or, as Sammy and I believed, to pose as those few cars we had sped past were able to pass us without seeing us change our tire.  I will say, though, that the photos were an added bonus -- Sammy showed us a few and I loved how they turned out!  But then it was back to business.... I was not familiar with the spare tire set or where the tools were in the trunk of my car, and of course I don't have an owner's manual.  The boys combed through the back, but to no avail.... the lug wrench was MIA.  We were lucky enough to be in a spot with cell reception, so Geoff called a friend to help us out.  While the boys stood outside and watched as another 20 cars pass (not one stopped to help) I searched the internet for a PDF copy of the Prius Manual.  Just as one Good Samaritan decided to stop and offer some assistance, I found a page pointing to the "hidden" location of the lug wrench.  The two boys went after it, and had the tiny spare tire thrown on in no time.  Those NASCAR pit guys would have been impressed... only 45 minutes to change that tire.  HA.  Our poor chariot was not happy with the road conditions as we limped our way into Park City... spare tires are barely meant for highway roads, and we were rolling it over gravel.  BUT... we made it!  Hahaha.  We were all laughing about how our evening had turned out so "disastrous"... and it was only then that we saw the freeway -- road construction after-hours had closed 2 lanes of the 3-lane highway back into Salt Lake, and the traffic was less-than ideal...  but what was another little bump in our already-rocky road home?  We pressed on, and finally wound up back at the mouth of Big Cottonwood to drop Sammy and Justin off (and just as they had opened up the road for a steady stream of cars to escape the canyon).  Arrival time = 11:00 pm.  Total travel time = 2 hours.  Needless to say, we were happy to be back :)  I was exhausted and hungry, and just ready to crash into my bed... so you can imagine my frustration when, as I was cleaning off the miscellaneous clothes and papers from my bed, my laptop slid off and fell 3-feet from my bed directly onto my foot.  !@#$%&!@#$%&!  I mean... really?!?!  My bruised metatarsal was the icing on the cake.... but without the benefit of being able to EAT the cake.  The phrase "when it rains it pours...." would probably be the best way to describe my sentiments for the day's events.... but hey, it did make for a humorous story :)  And with that, I will leave you... it's Saturday morning and Geoff and I are in Rexburg for his brother Austin's mission farewell... and we have about 650 envelopes to address today.  Wish us luck!!!

"we do." and we will...!

SO...  Many friends and family have been asking (amongst other standard questions): WHY is this wedding so soon?!  Well, from an outsider's perspective, I can definitely see how the brevity of our relationship might be some cause for concern... it today's society, it's much more acceptable to date for at LEAST a year, if not more... and then to have a long engagement.  I'm sure many of you can cite a variety of reasons why there doesn't seem to be a "rush to the altar" in mainstream society, and in contrast, I'm sure many people have their opinions regarding the "Utah/Mormon dating -- engagement -- marriage" time frame (which, on average, is less than a year).  Leaving opinions/speculations out of this, I will say one thing:  when you know, you know.  I was always one to jokingly criticize couples who were engaged within a few months of dating, stating that I would have to date a potential husband for AT LEAST a year before discussing marriage.  And, well, here is proof that karma really does come back around.... hahaha :)  But in all honesty and seriousness, I could never have imagined the amount of joy and happiness and peace I feel with Geoff, and I really can't explain how or why.... it just is.  As I was explaining to one of my closest friends (or, as I have felt at times, defending) my reasons for getting engaged, and on top of it, getting MARRIED after such a short amount of time, she offered me this small piece of reassurance: When you say yes to a proposal and put on that ring, it doesn't matter if you're engaged for 2 months or 2 years -- you are, in essence, saying to him that you know.... you know that you are meant for each other, and that you are accepting him for all that he is (and isn't)... and that you are making a promise that you WILL be married.  And I couldn't agree more ;)  As for the actual date of the wedding -- well, we had initially decided on November 11 (11-11-11), but then some family news changed our plans....  my one-and-only brother (and the BEST brother of all time, I might add) decided that it was time for him to submit his papers to serve a MISSION!!  Words cannot adequately describe how happy/excited/proud I am of him and this decision he has made.... I know that he has felt strong impressions from the spirit that this is his path, and I am so glad that he has accepted this calling in his life, and I cannot wait to see where it takes him (literally as well as figuratively).  He is going to be an amazing missionary, and I know that the  people in the community where he will serve will be truly blessed to have him.  I will undoubtedly miss him.... my only sibling, leaving for 2 long years.  But I know he will bring joy and happiness to a great deal of people, so I think it's only fair to share him with them :)  SO... with that news, and his decision to leave at the end of September, we decided to move the date up (WAY up) so that he could be a part of this special time in my life.  And since that decision, I must say, we have been truly fortunate (the Lord must be watching over us....).  I was slightly concerned with the availability of venues/vendors, as there are an incredibly high number of weddings in Utah (especially in the months of June-September), but with our network of friends (and a few answered prayers), we seem to be moving forward relatively quickly in this planning process.  I haven't had much chance to stop and sit back and really process the entirety of the situation and planning a wedding in 2.5 months, so I'm sure I'll be able to better comment after the madness has died down :)

Another question that we have had to address is a bit more personal, but I feel that it is important to share it here.  As Geoff and I are both LDS, the assumption/expectation from many friends and family is that we are going to be married in the temple.  While we both want to have this experience and make that commitment to each other and to the Lord, we do not feel that we are ready.  The temple itself is a very sacred and holy place, and it is reserved for those who are worthy and prepared to pass through those doors -- unfortunately, there are many couples out there who would rather spare the sense of disappointment and grief they could potentially suffer from family/friends, and they choose to have a temple marriage... regardless of whether they are ready, worthy, or even want that for themselves.  Geoff and I have talked about this at length, and while we want a temple marriage, we are not ready.  And rather than rush through the preparation process, we want to take the time to appropriately and adequately study and learn so that we may feel that earnest desire to complete our eternal marriage.  Maybe it's because I'm a lifetime student, but I need to take more time... this may be something I have thought about for years, but I want to know and understand more before entering into this covenant.  I respect and honor the temple for what it stands for, and for the internal purity and sacredness it protects, and I will not let potential (and now actual) trial and heartache lead me to dishonor that which it represents.  SO.... with all that said, Geoff and I have decided to have a small traditional ring ceremony with a small reception for close family and friends on Friday, September 9, and on Saturday we will host an "Open House" at a local park for extended family and friends to come join us as we celebrate the beginning of our marriage and the life we are committing to share with each other.  As I have mentioned earlier, we both have the sincere desire to be married/sealed in the temple "for time and all eternity" -- and we have made a promise, to each other and to the Lord, that we will attend the Los Angeles Temple to be sealed a year after our wedding.  We both look forward to that date, and know that it will bring infinite (and eternal) blessings to our lives, the lives of our families, and to the lives of our future children.  What a glorious day that will be, on the grassy lawn overlooking Santa Monica Boulevard........ :)

While I don't know who exactly may be reading this blog (now that my fiance has shared this link with his 2000+ friends on Facebook), but the testimony I have of the spirit and this gospel is strong and I wanted to share a little part of it with you.  I am so grateful for the unconditional love and support of family and friends during this overwhelmingly emotional time in my life, and pray that I can stay level-headed enough to get all these wedding details taken care of!!  Thank goodness I only have to do this once...... :)  Love you all, thanks for taking the time to read!  I'll be back soon with more wedding updates......  exactly 8 weeks left until I'm officially "Mrs. Dyer".....!!