Home Sweet Home

So this summer we lived with Matt's parents. Matt worked at his dad's dental practice and I interned at a local interior design firm called Sanctuary on Church. Both of us had really great experiences at work and felt blessed to work where we did. I loved living with his parents, it was wonderful to have the opportunity to get to know them better. It was also nice to have built in "couple friends." We had so much fun with them! Karen and I were able to spend a lot of time together since I wasn't at my internship full time and the men were at work. I'm so glad that we get along so well. She treats me like one of her daughters and I can't express my gratitude enough for that.

Needless to say, when it was time to move to Richmond for Matt to start school, I was conflicted. I was excited for him to start school, and I looked forward to setting up our little place and decorating it, but I was also so sad to leave his parents knowing we would be in a place where I basically knew one person (Katelyn, a former roommate) who would start teaching again in the fall. With Matt being gone all day and not knowing anyone, I knew I would miss the easy friendship that Karen and I had developed and how nice it was to have someone around during the day, especially someone I liked.

Luckily, it's easy to move to a strange new place when you are doing so with your best friend. So, on the hottest day of the year, we packed up and drove the two hours down to Richmond. His parents came with us and I don't know how we could have done it without them. Especially moving the mattress from the truck to the apartment. Those things are ridiculously heavy. Luckily, one of my requirements was a first floor apartment so we didn't have to haul anything up the stairs. But, regardless, it was still a heat index of 108 degrees. With humidity. But we all survived.

We didn't stay down in Richmond long because Matt de

cided to work some more before school started and we were going to Texas for a few days for Carly's (Matt's niece) baptism. We then went back to Virginia and Matt worked the rest of the next week and then we headed to Richmond the Thursday night before orientation started on Monday. We were able to finish unpacking and do grocery shopping. Once orientation started, I finished decorating and setting up house. So, as promised, here are some shots of our place. Please note that I am not a photographer and my camera isn't the greatest, but it will have to do.

Front Door

View from Front Door

Our Dining Area (Matt and his dad refinished the table and I did the seats)

Straight on View of Kitchen

Side View of Kitchen

Living Area Shots

Hall into our Bathroom and Bedroom

Sorry the Color is Terrible

The Rest of the Bathroom

Desk

Dresser

So, there you have it folks, our first place. I'm really quite pleased with how it turned out and it really is beginning to feel like home. But that's probably mostly due to the fact that Matt's here. Thanks for your positive feedback on my last post, it really means so much to me to know that people are reading! Cheers!

The Pilot Post

So I've decided to continue blogging due to popular demand. Also, since summer is ending, I won't be as busy (read: my husband will be starting dental school so I will basically never see him.). It's not that I didn't want to blog or had nothing to blog about, it's just that since Matt and my time together this summer was finite and dental school was looming, it just took abackseat. I know there is over three months of material to cover since my last post in Road to Marriage, but I will do my best to try and update on the things that have happened this summer.

Being married is honestly the best. Especially considering our whole relationship was long distance. Being in the same place is a novelty that I try not to take for granted. Before we got married, most people told us how much we would love being married, and few told us that marriage was hard. I am of the same opinion of the former. *Disclaimer: I do understand that there are marriages that are difficult due to one or the other spouse being a difficult personality or selfish, etc., however, I feel that in most cases it's not the marriage that is difficult, but sometimes difficult things happen. Getting off my soapbox now. Basically, what I'm saying is marriage is great! I'm pretty sure we are still in that disgustingly in love phase... if it is a phase.

Our wedding was beautiful, I couldn't have asked for anything more.

It went by in such a whirl, like they usually do, but the best part was the sealing and knowing that we are sealed together by the holy priesthood of God. What a blessing it is to have temples and the knowledge of the truth.

The day was absolutely gorgeous. It was a miracle that the weather was as great as it was. The end of April is always such a toss up in Oregon. It was wonderful to have our family there with us. Being able to share that experience with them was such a blessing. Here are a few of my favorite shots from the day.

Of course there are many other photos that I love, particularly ones from the reception. But I've probably used up even the most patient person's attention so I will end this post. But stay tuned, because I have taken some photos of our new apartment that I am going to post soon. Just be forewarned, the picture quality isn't great. My camera isn't what it used to be since technology keeps advancing and stuff. Anyway, cheers!