Saying Good-bye

Sometimes it’s only for a few hours, a few days, or just a week.  Other times it’s for months, seasons, and even years.  Sometimes it is permanent and means we are letting go.  We may choose to say goodbye or not ever get the chance.  A goodbye can represent a loss, but always the opportunity for a hello or new beginning. 

This morning I said goodbye to my best friend and little sister as she left to serve a full time mission for our church.  She will be a representative of the Lord for the next 18 months in France and Switzerland.  I truly admire her bravery of leaving comfortable, routine, and home to dedicate every fiber of her being to serving others and the Lord.  Her example is truly inspirational to me.  I did have the experience of watching all five of my brothers serve missions, somehow having my little sister go seems different.  Maybe it’s because I’m older, and as I’ve gotten older life seems to be speeding by?  Or maybe it is just that my relationship with my little sis is so much different than with my brothers? 

All of my most precious childhood memories are with her.  Every trial, struggle, accomplishment, and victory we stood by each others’ side.  Never judging, mostly supportive, and always loving.  And now into adulthood we have continued to build our friendship into what I would consider a quintessential illustration of family bonds. 

Over the last year I even had the opportunity to have Lara as my roommate.  Our home was filled with peace, lots of laughter, always good conversation, and delicious food.  While living with Lara we both prepared for some our most important life tasks- she watched and encourage my relationship with Jon while I supported her spiritual growth and decision to serve a mission.  And again, I have found there is nothing like a sister… Now Jon has some pretty big shoes to fill while she’s gone.

Change is the scariest thing, but the next 18 months will bring some of the most exciting changes in both of our lives.   Lara Jane, Jon and I are so proud of you!  We love you so much, and will be saying lots of prayers for you.  Make everyday better than the last.

Au revoir Lara!   

And I present... Mr & Mrs Fowler!!!

I was so excited when I came home from my run to find the package in the mail- just the right size... {could it be?!}  YES - WEDDING PHOTOS!


The photos from our photo shoot in LA have arrived!!  There were about 70 photos, and these were some of our favorites.  I just don't know how I'll ever choose which to hang on the wall!

Law School: Year Two: Week One

 

So last week marked the beginning of a new semester, and paved the way for the next fifteen weeks of life for us.  Bright and early Monday morning Jon started classes.  I worked at 6:30am, which means I had to be up by 5:15am to be out the door on time.  This also means I was to be waking Jon up at that same time to make sure he got out the door on time for the first day!  For any of you that don’t know- Jon is NOT an early riser, left to his own devices he would surely become nocturnal.  And as many of you readers know, I am quite the opposite, I’m up with the sun ready to conquer the day.   I wonder what will happen when we start having children??

So not only is Jon having to be out the door at 7 am pretty much all week, he doesn’t get home until 9 or even 10pm on some nights!!  That’s all day!!  I’m not really a fan of him being gone for so long, but it will be well worth it in the end!!  Soo this does allow me to fill my time with some things I enjoy too!!  I tried my hand at painting this week- I did a 20X30 painting of a tree for our living room- I’m absolutely obsessed with trees and have been dying to get some kind of rendition of the tree of life to hang.  If I were to ever get a tattoo, that is most definitely what I would get- but I won’t so the painting will have to do. 

I also discovered the library is pretty much walking distance, so that will be excellent for me!  Any one have any reading suggestions?  ANNDDD there is a yoga studio in walking distance I’m going to have to take advantage of.  I might try power yoga or vinyasa yoga as my main form of exercise this winter and see how it goes! 

Friday night Jon and I tried to go MSU’s season opener football game- butttt we only lasted through the first quarter.  A long week of getup BEFORE the sun and slaving away either at school or looking for jobs and the last thing we wanted to do was be crammed on to a bench surrounded by thousands of other drunk crazy fans, not to mention it was 90 degrees out that day.  We ended up leaving a little early, and playing Lara and Joe in a friendly game of ping-pong where Lara and I dominated!!  Fun to spend some quality time with our sister before she heads to France and Switzerland for 18 months!!

On Saturday my parents dropped by to see the new place and bring an addition to our family!!!  My mom and dad have had my white cat for the last two years, and now its time for me to get her back!  She has warmed up to Jon and I quite nicely, and we will enjoy having her around.  Thanks mom for giving her back, I know how difficult it was for you!!  Kitty misses you!

Monday marks one whole month of being married!  We are still on that honeymoon high and can’t wait to see what this next week and month bring to us!!

Date night at Pizza House: 

in honor of Lara's last week at work!  

Our Home

Art Projects!

My Tree of Life

Mom and Dad brought Tomatoes 

Fresh from Dad's garden!!

Before the MSU football game 

Our new baby:

Kitty Raja!