back to reality.

A little perspective after a rough day

We got back from our honeymoon last Wednesday.  After flying all through the night and a 4 hour time change plus a delay in LAX on our layover we were TIRED.  We got in around noon and began moving into our apartment immediately.

We went to our parents' homes and loaded up all of our stuff apart from furniture. My sweet mom came to the rescue and worked her booty off loading everything with us and  helping us clean our new apartment.

Once again, my mother is seriously an angel.  She and I busted out everything we could without furniture- including washing every dish and organizing the kitchen, bathroom, and storage closets, and we got to decorate for a few minutes too before the boys got back with all the furniture. (if she hadn't been there our house would still be in complete chaos!)

We finally got settled enough. (we still had our bed to set up and a few boxes of clothes and nick knacks to unpack. Mike and I slept in the guest bedroom that night because that was all set up.)

After 3 hours of sleep the alarms went off at 5.  I had the social studies of the Praxis (teacher examination) to take that morning.

I put a wrong address of the testing center into my GPS so I was 20 minutes late to check in.  As I was filling out the paperwork, I realized Mike had my drivers license in his wallet from the airport! I had to speak with the manager of the testing center to pull some strings and get permission to take my test an hour and a half late. In a slight panic I called Mike at work in West Valley.  I sped up to grab it, thankfully his dad came and met me in South Salt Lake to give me my license, I sped back down to Lindon and got into the test.

Here is the kicker. I did not pass  the social studies (again) by 1 point. ONE POINT. I felt like throwing up when I saw my score. When I got in the car, I cried and texted Mike.  I then called my mom and vented to her.

A reason why I felt so frustrated is that this was the last test date before the school semester begins and I was trying to get the test done before school starts.  I have studied and studied for this test and cannot seem to pass it!  The other sections were so easy for me so its frustrating that I cannot pass this section.

One of my favorite scriptures is found in the Doctrine and Covenants section 123 verse 17 it says_ "..Let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed."

So, I am left to cheerfully do all that I can and then be assured. I am so very grateful for my family especially my husband who brightens my days and loves me unconditionally. I am most grateful for the knowledge I have of this life, of God, and of His plan for us.  All is well.

The good news is that we are [nearly] totally settled into our cute little apartment! It feels like home there and it has been so fun to make a home with Mike! Here are a few of my favorite parts in our apartment! We are not done, but we are going for a modern shabby chic look.  with lots of touches of New York! (of course :) )

lots of love,
brookeydee

just maui'd

Mike tried so hard to keep our honeymoon a secret.. but it slipped about two weeks before the wedding. I was so excited when he accidentally spilled the beans.  And for a good reason.  It was amazing!!

love rock

We spent our first few nights in Utah before going to Hawaii.  It was nice to recover from the wedding and get acquainted (haha) before heading to the island!  We went hiking and had some yummy dinners out!  And we did a lot of packing in preparation to our move right when we landed form hawaii- that story is to come. :/

that smolder melts my soul- he is so handsome!

we found the yummiest mexican food in sandy!

there is a little back story on the maui situation. That story is here . Long story short, I fell in love with Mike while I was in Maui back in February so it was so romantic for him to take us back to that spot! And, its hawaii... so you cant go wrong!

Nakelele blow hole

We spent our days exploring the island.  It was so fun to go on our adventures.  We saw parts of the island that I have never seen before and absolutely adored! Some of our favorites were daily shave ice run, sunet dinners on Front street, the road to hana waterfalls and hikes, a black sand beach, nakelele blow hole, love rock, and my favorite was the Olivine Pools(this is a pretty secret spot on the island).  It was so nice to go out and see new places together and make memories for us to share as a family.  And I loved every second of Mike and me time.  We are pretty busy, so it was nice to have him all to myself for 12 whole days.  We will never get time like that again so I tried to soak it all in!

banyon tree on front street 

a hana waterfall <3

bamboo forest- a hana treasure

black sand beach

the amazing olivine pools

view of Napili beach- one of my favorites!

what I call- Snorkel Mike!

seriously- SO CUTE!

yes, we got a shave ice everyday. its a need. 

the gazebo- the best breakfast ever. these pancackes are honestly divine. 

dinner at sunset everyday was so so fun!

I am so grateful for our days in Maui and the memories we made! It will be a highlight forever. 

lots and lots of love

brookeydee

best day ever.

Mike and I continuously say, it was perfect. And it really was.  Everyone says that the wedding day always has something go wrong... and I honestly don't think we ran into any problems.  The day was flawless, beautiful, and everything I had dreamed and worked for!  Biggest thanks to my amazing rock star mother.  She captured my vision and really ran with it.  I couldn't have done any of it without her. (I realize more and more everyday how truly amazing she is and how much she gives to everyone, especially me!)  I am kind of sad our hours of planning, creating, and choosing are over.  It was so fun to have one on one creative time with her during the planning.

Our morning spent in the temple was sacred and perfect.  All of it. I hope to never forget the things I felt, heard, and learned that day.  I am so grateful for forever families, the priesthood, and the sealing power.  Elder Holland once said, I cannot imagine heaven without my wife.  I honestly cannot imagine heaven without my Mike, and I am so glad we get to have that eternity thing. :)

That evening we spent at the beautiful Highland Gardens green houses. It was such a beautiful venue for our vision.  I have always had a love for flowers so naturally I wanted lots of them in the wedding- once again my super mom came through.  She did every flower arrangement herself. You'll see how truly talented she is! It was so great to spend the night with family and friends that are dear to us.  The night was full of warm hugs and the room was filled with laughter.  It was honestly a dream come true.

Our videographer and photographer were absolutely amazing- we are excitedly awaiting the finsihed products, so for now you get a couple of phone pics!

this was one of my favorite places at the reception... do you see that mantel arrangement?  seriously my mother, people, she is outstanding. I got teary eyed when I saw that for the first time, it was just so perfect!

lots of love

brookeydee