a hawaiian wedding...

So Jon and I have been waiting, and waiting, and WAITING for photos to come back and FINALLY this friday after 9 weeks of wedded bliss we received a zip drive containing 374 photos from our day!!!!  Obviously I'm not going to post them all, but I thought I would share a few of our favorites.  We loved our photographer, and we had tons of fun doing the shoot with him.  Enjoy!

  

Whether we want it to or not, time is moving forward.  It is starting to feel like fall around here, which means candy corn, caramel apples, and sweaters are on the loose.  The leaves are changing and there is a crisp chill in the air.  I absolutely LOVE fall.  I love the transition from summer to fall, school starting back up, wardrobe change, and it just feels like a renewal, a refreshing new beginning.  It seems like a time to commit (or recommit) to a goal or schedule...  I always find myself making new resolutions around this time of year, and maybe that's because in the past I've had school to help me become more disciplined with my time, activities, and studies... whatever it is, I'm making new commitments.  I'm feeling super motivated about my job search, and to also just ENJOY life now!  To really enjoy the space that Jon and I are in right now... Life will not always be like this, Jon and I are on the course of CHANGE.  Life right now, for us, is transitional.  But this transition period has been a wonderful blessing in our marriage.  I have this time to be able to take care of Jon, which to me ultimately means taking care of myself.  This also means that I can spend time serving others.  Starting next week I will start my 32 hour training to become a group facilitator of grief groups with children.  Click here if you want to know more about Ele's Place- where I'm volunteering.  I have also made a commitment to myself, that I want to serve others within our church community, and other organizations in our local community.  I'm going to try my best to better my community, purify myself, and make sure Jon is making it through his second year of Law school.  Which is going rather well, he said it's his easiest semester yet!  He is busy every day still gone from sun up to sun down, but his hard work will pay off!


Not a lot is going on in our life right now- hence the lack of posting.  Jon and I are getting into our routine, and just enjoying every second we get to spend together (which really isn't all that often right now).  We were able to make it up to Traverse over the weekend to watch General Conference with my parents, brother Dave, and his family.  It was such a nice treat, I was especially looking forward to this session to help me find some answers guidance, and purpose through this stage in life. It's hard to believe that six months has already gone by since the last conference.... A LOT has happened.  I was literally seconds before last April's priesthood session that Jon asked my dad if he could marry me- now look at us!!  Between the sessions on Saturday my mom and I got to do a little crafting.  I always love getting the chance to channel some of my creativity.  I made a wreath for our door- I think it's a nice touch for the fall and winter months.  I've got lots of ideas of other projects, I hope I have time to do over the next few months! 


Last weekend, I also had some of the best pie I've ever had in my life!  Jon and I stopped at the Farmer's Market on saturday before heading up and there was stand from a bakery near by.  The woman has won all sorts of awards for her pies, and I can see why!  It was a cherry, blueberry pie with a crumble top... out of this world!  I might have to try making one myself and see if I can add pie to my list of things I've mastered.


We are excited for the up coming holiday's and for Jon to have a little time off!  This Halloween my brother Seth and hi family will be moving to Traverse City.  We are sooo excited to have them close by!  Jon and I have also purchased our tickets to go visit his brother Joe and his family.  Jon and I will be heading to Georgia- I found us round trip tickets for $300 TOTAL- for both of us, to fly there, and back!  And hopefully over Christmas we will be heading west...  I've already started the search for tickets.  We can't wait to see our families!  


Hope everyone is enjoying their fall as much us as!!


Oh and today marks 2 months for us!  We are still loving every second of it, continuing to learn and grow together as a team.  


So no pictures this post, left my camera in Traverse over the weekend!! 


  
      

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!