BRIDALS

(Continuation from the previous wedding post, but this deserves its own post because of all the pretty pictures)

The day before the wedding (Thursday 21) we had our professional bridal pictures taken by Lavon at Luvography. We have already done several photoshoots together, so I knew the photos would turn out nicely. She is great to work with, and makes it so easy for us because of all her great ideas. Here are a few of my favorites she did for us:

 

I’m so happy with how they turned out! Thank goodness pictures last forever so I can always remember my excitement from our wedding weekend! My house is already full of wedding photos. This makes me so happy!

 

#LDSconf Road Trip

Okay time to post about the fun, but WAY too short conference weekend. I had to plan ahead and finish all of my homework through Tuesday ahead of time so that I would be able to relax and enjoy the weekend. So I did it, and thank goodness I did.

My room mate and I left around 2:00pm, right after my last Friday class ended, to meet up with Sheldon. We made good time and ate Jimmy Johns on the road, what else could I ask for…?

Well once we met up with Shel we split cars and both headed towards Utah. #roadtrip

…in the rain.

We made it out of Idaho without any problems but almost as soon as we crossed the Utah border we were backed up in traffic, and the little red traffic line just kept getting longer and longer on the GPS….

We were headed towards Provo, Utah to be able to watch the BYU game that night. We got there just a few minutes late, but its fine. Thankfully, we got a great deal on tickets (thanks to my awesome sister and her friend).

We shared a single hot dog for dinner… We had quite the experience ordering that hot dog because there was a little awkward moment with the cashier, but it was all good. We also ran into my sister and her date at the game which was a fun bonus.

It was a fun time, the two teams were both tied for the majority of the time we were there until the 4th quarter where the cougars pulled ahead 3 points. Well we ended up leaving shortly after to not have to play the traffic game, and also because we had parked really far away… as we were walking away form the stadium we could hear lots of cheering and shouting…. we missed a touchdown. And then we missed more action. I guess the most important part is that the Cougars won and that were were at the game. A little rainy and chilly, but good times.

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We drove back and had a midnight trip to McDonalds for some fries because we were pretty hungry, then we retired to my Grandma’s house for the night.

Early the next morning we all got up and ready for our special day. Dad had gotten 5 tickets; so my dad, sister and her friend, Sheldon and I all went together. It was a beautiful, slightly overcast day.

Temple square was pretty as always.

Also the conference center was packed like it is only a few times each year.

I loved listening to Conference. We attended the Saturday Morning Session of conference. It is a beautiful thing to be a part of the true church and to have the chance to listen to living prophets who receive revelation for us today. I loved listening to their inspired words. Mostly I just loved attending with those that I love.

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Favorite conference parts of Saturday a.m.:

  • The pottery lesson that the center of the wheel is important to be able to be successful. Reminding us that our center is Christ. (Richard J. Maynes)
  • I liked that the family motto was “It will all work out” this gives us an eternal perspective when we have trials in life. (By sister Neill F. Marriott)
  • The “What lack I yet?” question from “the young rich man” story in Matthew 19 reminds us that with humility and listening to the spirit we can improve as individuals. (Larry R. Lawrence)

After that session of conference I got together with some mission people and we all went out to eat at an authentic pupusa restaurant. We all talked about missing our second home and every little detail with few Spanish words. There weren’t many of us that showed up, just 4 total plus Sheldon. Shel was so sweet that he paid for all of our food. He’s so thoughtful like that. It was yummy, also they had kola champagne. yum.

Our whole original group met up and left SLC for grandma’s house to finish up afternoon conference.

Saturday p.m. highlights:

  • I liked Robert D. Hales’ counsel that if we ask for advise we should take it humbly. He had lots of good thoughts in this talk for planning for a future family.
  • President Jeffery R. Holland shared about Mother’s love, but I especially loved the part where he says; “believe in god and in yourself, you are doing better than you think you are.”

While at Grandma’s house we all ate some yummy home made enchiladas and I brought some chips and salsa stuff. It was fun family time, but didn’t last nearly as long as we would have hoped. After dinner we all parted our separate ways. Sheldon and I headed back to Idaho and M and her friend back to Provo.

On our way back to Idaho we saw a vivid full rainbow. Very pretty. As soon as we got to the Lloyd house I went right to sleep. Its funny how car rides will just tire you right out.

The next day we had french toast breakfast! Yay hot breakfast! Then during conference Momma Lloyd, K and I broke out the crafts (stamping stuff) and we used our creativity as all the boys were all comfy on the couches.

Sunday a.m. highlights:

  • I liked that President Monson repeated a story that i’ve liked about the jewish asking “what do we do about the light in their eyes” when talking about the BYU students complying with the non- proselyting rule.
  • I liked hearing from the 3 new apostles and seeing their humility in accepting this new calling.
  • I also was touched by President Nelson’s talk about the importance of women (he quoted one of my favorite quotes by Pres. Kimball).
  • “True disciples desire to inspire” (Elder Gregory A. Schwitzer).

Between sessions I got a personal trumpet and piano concert by Sheldon and his mom with some christmas songs. We did burgers/ dogs for lunch. Pretty good.

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Sunday p.m. highlights:

  • I remember thinking that “ponderizing” isn’t a real word but i like the concept to have a weekly scripture quote to live by and memorize. (Devin G. Durrant).
  • “Don’t be too critical of the barrier… It’s the only thing that’s keeping you from being devoured.” is a powerful image that Elder Von G. Keetch shared about keeping the commandments.
  • I liked Elder Allen D. Haynie comparison of not being able to enter his grandmother’s house with dirty shoes, to not being able to enter heaven as an unclean person. He related it all to repentance and the need for a Savior.

I have to say that I was a little disappointed that they didn’t have native speakers speak this time, but I’m sure translations process for that is a lot harder to do on the spot.

Overall, I really enjoyed conference, the different thoughts from our leaders were defiantly inspired for our day. There weren’t any major themes like there were in last conference but a little taste of many topics. I liked it, as always.

We headed back to rexburg that evening and made it no problem, no traffic. Sheldon and I together put on probably 600 miles this weekend. I kinda like my road trip buddy.

(What road trips are really like….. click here for an extra laugh.)