The Wedding

June 6th couldn't have turned out better if I planned it. Actually, I did kind of plan it, but it went so smoothly! It was a beautiful day. I woke up early and went to Kelly's shop to get my hair done and then came home and finished getting ready (Alona already posted those pictures). Then we headed over to the temple. Adam came with my mom and Alona and myself. The boys had gone earlier to drop off the food for the reception.Here we are walking to the temple. I was a little nervous, but mostly excited. It didn't seem like that was the day we were really going to get married.

My cousin, Wendy, took our pictures for us. They turned out so good. I love this shot of the Houston Temple. I've been going to this temple for 6 years. It is kind of like home.

I love this picture of Adam. He rarely smiles for the camera. I am so glad that he was there with us! I love that kid!

I remember waiting to go into the sealing room and looking at Adam. He looked nervous for the first time. It was a good nervous...not a scary one. We talked for a while and just sat by each other for a while. Then it was time to go in. I loved walking into the sealing room and seeing the faces of so many people that mean so much to me. It really was a little piece of heaven. Adam's mom was crying already, and I almost lost it. I did fairly good at keeping my composure.
I don't remember a whole lot of what was said in the actual ceremony...so if you remember, let me know! It was so fun walking out of the temple as "husband and wife". What a phrase!

This was my first real experience with paparazzi. I felt a little famous.

Here is a big group picture of most everyone that came. A few people sneaked out early...(Chappells!!!).

Here is a group of most of my favorite girls in the WORLD! I really have been so blessed! Idaho girls are going to have a lot to live up to!

I LOVE this picture. In fact, it is framed and hanging up in my house already!

Here is a big family shot. The Bushman's and the Warr's.

I was so excited that my best friend, Kym, from growing up was able to come. Kym and I used to walk to kindergarten together and find horseshoes on the trails! Her and her sister Laura helped us out so much. What a blessing!

Why wouldn't we take a shoe shot?

The next few shots are just some plain ole cute wedding shots. No explanation needed!

Adam gets a little grumpy without his afternoon snack and phone calls!

That's right, Ladies...He's mine!

And here we are...leaving, just as we came. Except, when we left, we were one!

Bridal Shower

I know, I know...I am MONTHS behind in my blogging. I have fantastic excuses...like, getting married and moving across the country, and not having internet on my computer until 10 minutes ago. I hope that the next few posts subdues everyone's anger at me for taking so long!

Well, as you all know, I have the BEST sister in the whole world. She threw me a fantastic bridal shower back in May. I had so much fun. Alona is an expert when it comes to throwing parties.

Katherine and Kirsten helped Alona get the food ready. We had chicken salad croissants, salad, chips, and probably a lot more that I didn't mention.

We had a good turn out of people show up to party. Here are a few of them. I was glad that my cousin, Daciana was able to make it!

More fun friends!

Lesley and Cynthia got the "green" memo. How'd they know it was my favorite?! Sister Chappell even make it over. She had the busiest day, but I was thankful she made time for me!

A few days before the shower Alona had talked to Adam and asked him a bunch of questions about himself. At the shower everyone was given a question or two and throughout the party they would ask me them. If I got it wrong I had to put a grape in my mouth. Luckily they were small grapes! I actually think I did pretty good...and I really hope that Adam did not expect me to remember the name of his mission president!

Kim and Kirsten had a surprise for me. Before we opened the presents they told me that they had prepared a little music number for me.

They did a kareokee version of "Beauty and the Beast". It was so cute! I laughed...and almost cried! As you can tell from the pictures...they were really into the song!

When it got to the part when they sang the words "Beauty and the Beast", they each held up a picture (Adam was the beast, of course). They had cut the picture down the middle to make a puzzle piece. Then they would put them together! It was adorable...and not just because I was Beauty! In fact, I have that very picture hanging right in front of me at my computer desk!

I then opened the presents (which I'll refrain from posting...thank you everyone!). After the presents we went to the kitchen and made some jewelry.

Some of the pieces were so creative. I had to copy a few of them...and I still wear them! Thanks again everyone! I truly feel like I have been blessed with incredible friends. I miss you already!

Home for Mother's Day

Since I love my mother (and the rest of my family) and I am getting married in 3 weeks, I thought that it would be appropriate to go home for one last visit before the big day. I took Friday off of school and headed home. It was so fun to be with my family. I really do love them a lot. (Alona had already made other plans, so she wasn't able to come with me...but don't worry, I live with her..so we're spending lots of time together!)

This picture was taken after church on Mother's Day. We spent the week playing the Wii Fit (which my dad also got for her. We returned one. At least we know she wanted it!) and talking, going to movies and catching up on Survivor. It is amazing what a weekend away can do for one's stress level! Thanks mom and dad for being the best parents and friends a girl could ask for.

As it turns out, Adam's brother, Jared lives in Marble Falls, Texas. It is only about 4 miles off the road we travel on to get home. Every time I drive home I feel like I need to turn there. I usually keep on the right path, but this time Adam was talking to me on the phone and I accidentally took the turn. I ended up in Marble Falls. What a lucky mistake! I didn't stop on the way there, but on my way back to Houston I stopped in and chatted with Jared and his roommate, Nate. They were so fun to talk to! They both work as linemen and have some crazy stories from their storm work. I made them pose for some pictures. I thought that I would try to foster good in-law relations and not post the "cleft lip" pictures...but I might be willing to send them to anyone who is interested...for the right price that is!

I am glad I got to stop by. It was a good end to a good weekend. Thanks to the Warr's for helping me feel so welcomed into their family. (Adam...you don't need to be jealous...well, maybe only slightly jealous...)

Relief Society and Easter

On Easter Sunday the Relief Society Presidency (L to R: Me, Kim, and Karla) showed up and we were all matching in our lovely Easter attire. We were quite excited about it and decided to stay after church for a mini photo shoot!

We had to get a picture with Alona too since she fit in so nicely. We were sad that Mauren was gone, but I am sure she matched us as well!

Last Friday the me and the girls decided to go out for dinner and celebrate our last days together as a presidency. We had noticed earlier in the week that we all had matching necklaces, so we decided to sport them that day. We are weird, but we enjoy life!

We got released from the Relief Society Presidency on Sunday. It was a bitter sweet day. I realized how much I have loved serving in this calling. It has helped me to grow in so many ways. I have come to appreciate the church even more after seeing the way it is set up to take care of it's members. I am grateful for the opportunity that I've had to focus on individuals. Serving really is the best way for us to be happy ourselves.

Mauren got called to be one of the new presidents. She asked Alona to be one of her counselors. They will be great and I know they will appreciate the experience too. I hope I can keep living my life in a way that I remember to take time for others!

PFE Bridal Shower

Cinco de Mayo was my first bridal shower! My wonderful Kindergarten team threw me a great party. Above is the cake that they had made. The picture is even edible! I was going to save the picture part of the cake, but then thought..."What am I going to do with an edible picture of myself?" Eating it was the only thing that came to mind, and we all know I should not be eating whole "pictures" of cake by myself! It was beautiful, none the less!

The ladies wouldn't let me into the library until it was all set up. They sent Maddie and Lauren to my room to get me. They all put so much work into making it wonderful!

Robbin really wants to get married again (still to Scott) just so she can get lots of presents. She was a little coveteous of all my gifts! Especially these pretty green ones.

Here are my favorite Pine Forest people (minus Alona!)... (From left to right: Lila, Kelly, Robbin, Me, Candice, and Carrie.) I have worked at Pine Forest for 5 1/2 years. These women have become some of my very best friends.

I brought the picture frame that Adam gave me when he proposed. We had it set up on the refreshment table. It was a big hit. Everyone loved looking at all of the pictures. I think some people were a little shocked by some of the pictures...we tend to be silly people!

Robbin and Kelly were in charge of the soda. Alona and I got in line to get something to drink and they asked Alona if she wanted Sprite or Coke. She said Sprite. Robbin kind of gasped and got a worried look on her face and turned to me and said "Are you guys allowed to drink Sprite?" I assured her that we were. Alona got mad at Robbin for thinking that she would take something that she wasn't supposed to. It was really funny!

We can't pass up a sister picture opportunity!

Carrie and Lila were fantastic cake servers!

After everyone had their food, the fun began...at least for me. I got to open all of the presents. I got a little spoiled. I am not really sure why men don't have groom showers. What could be better than eating food and opening presents?!

The first grade team got me this wall hanging. It is so cute. Janelle picked it out. She chose that one because Alona and I introduced her to Pandora and she loves our music...and since this had music lyrics on it, she got it. I love it!

Here are my two principals. Nancy, on the left, left this year to open a new school and TJ took her spot. Luckily we were all wearing green...even with lime green shoes!

What a fun day. Thanks to everyone who made this day great. I really do feel so loved and blessed to have gotten to work with such great people.

Wedding Announcement

The announcements are out and only 38 days to go! Oh how the time flies.

Some Good Ol' Bushman Fun

Uncle Darrell (Bushman) is retiring next month and his kids decided to throw a big party/reunion for him. They rented a beach house down in Surfside (which is amazing still there and looking good after the hurricane last year). Alona and I and the Calls decided to venture down and join in the fun.

Here is Dannen & Claudia's little girl, Kyla. I think she looks just like her dad.

I love this picture! Daylen has always been so tough and macho. It is fun to see him as a dad. Valesca can melt him like butter!

It was fun to see Desiree and her husband, Kurt. Desiree and I used to be roommates in college. Oh the stories we could tell about each other.

Austin is getting so big. He informed me when we got there that me... and my sisters were his best friends!

Donovan's little guy, Bryce, is one tough kid! He's have to be having Donovan as a dad!

Scarlet and I were trying unsuccessfully (at first) to get Brady to smile for the camera. He was pretty grumpy!

He warmed up...eventually!

Now this is just precious!

Daylen was helping Dionna get all lathered up before they hit the beach. She had so much sun screen on her face that I think we were all shielded from the sun.

Connor wouldn't venture too far out into the water, but had a good time playing in the waves.

Mark and Daciana are the ones that helped organize this whole get together. They live near the Woodlands and are expecting their first baby on June 7th (the day after my wedding...if you were wondering!).

Mark didn't get too far on the boogie board, but it was entertaining none the less.

Austin...hitting the waves.

Daylen and Scarlet...I just like them!

Dionna and Shanna are definitely not camera shy...or cold water shy.

Uncle Darrell and Aunt Darla just got their mission call to Chile. I am so excited for them. They leave at the end of June. Perhaps we'll have to go visit!

The Aunts and Uncles!

Delisa stayed inside and watched all the sleeping babies. Quiet was hard to find around there with 10 kids and 15 adults, but I don't think they'd have it any other way.