something new and fabulous!!

We got a new and exciting addition to our bedroom yesterday...

New bedding!!

Nathan saw it at the store near his and said it reminded him of something I might like. And he was right! I love it! I think the colors are fabulous, and they kind of match the colors I had decorated the bathroom with. And I really liked the pattern too.

Here's Nathan jumping backwards on to the bed to break in the new bedding. I just love his face in this one. haha

So comfy!

But the coolest thing about our new bedding is that it's reversible!

So it's like we got 2 new sets of bedding for the price of one! The other side is cool light blue with brown and green stripes- so when we're bored with the funky floral print, we can just flip everything over and have some cute striped action. Pretty sweet, huh?

Me, relaxing after flipping over all the bedding and re-making the bed.

And finally, Nathan and I sharing our first cuddle on the new bedding. So sweet!! =D

cheesecake date

Last weekend was a lot of fun- Nathan and I headed out to Mesa and spent the evening with my BFF Kassi Badassi! It was a blast. We went to one of my most favorite restaurants- The Cheesecake Factory. It was really nice outside, so we sat out on the patio. I got a delicious chicken salad sandwich and Nathan got some yummy pizza. And of course the meal wouldn't be complete without....

Cheesecake!!

Kassi couldn't wait to dig into her banana cream cheesecake! Doesn't it look delicious?


Nathan got the chocolate mudslide oreo cheesecake. He looks unsure in the picture- but he really enjoyed it.

And I got my all time favorite kaluah cocoa coffee cheesecake! Scrumdiddleumpcious!

It was great being able to spend time with Kassi! She's always so much fun. After dinner we went back to her house and played some Mario Party. The three of played against the computer and the computer beat us- and it was set on easy!! What the heck!?

Even if we were Mario Party losers, we still had a good time.

way to be miss cali!

I just had to post about this- unbelievable! For those of you who don't know about this Miss California controversy- here's the clip:





First of all, I have to give major kudos to Miss California. I would have hated to be put in the position that she was- being asked a politically charged question about gay marriage by a very popular, openly gay pop culture blogger on national television. It would have been so easy for her to give an answer just to please the judge, but instead she was true to herself and what she believed and gave an honest answer. I, personally, think that she answered the question fairly well and should have received decent marks. I am pleased with the way she handled herself. I have to say quite the opposite for judge Perez Hilton however.

I was shocked and disgusted by the way that Perez has handled this entire situation. He obviously was not going to agree with the answer that she gave, being very open and proud about his sexual orientation; this doesn't mean that he needed to give her a zero. As far as I have understand about these pageants, the question and answer portion is not about whether or not you agree with opinion given; there are no right or wrong answers. The purpose of this portion of the pageant is to examine how the question is answered- correct grammar, eloquence, poise, whether or not the answer makes sense or is relevant, etc. She did answer the question, he could have at least given her a one. I thought that was poor choice on Perez's account. But of course, the drama doesn't end there!

Perez Hilton posted a video blog the next day saying the reason she lost isn't because she opposes gay marriage, but because she's a stupid b****. WOW Perez, that's very mature and great way to get people to see things your way. Seriously?!

A day or so later, I think it was the Today show, Perez says that he wishes that she had kept her religion, politics, and upbringing out of her answer. Please tell me ladies and gentlemen- how exactly would you answer such a question without taking any of those things into consideration? Maybe it's because I am so religiously and politically involved that I can't even begin to figure that out. I know that if she had given the answer that Perez said that he would have rather heard, I would have thought it was a total cop out. Who appointed this guy as a judge anyway?

I think the reason I am so frustrated about this issue, is the way Perez handled it. From what I have observed, this type of reaction happens frequently from the gay community when gay marriage is opposed. Often you hear them call the other side or the argument ignorant, stupid, homo-phobic or anti-gay- and they often want to lash out. An example of this is when Prop 8 passed in California and all of a sudden those who were against the proposition all of a sudden went after the Mormon church even going so far as to graffiti on one of the LDS temples.

I'd also like to make this clear right now- that I am not anti-gay or homophobic. I mean, I just posted a blog about my Rent being one of my favorite musicals- if I had a problem with gays in the slightest, I probably wouldn't like that show at all. I don't hate the gay people, I don't wish them any harm in any way. I can accept them as individuals, that doesn't mean that I have to like lifestyle. I view homosexuals the same way that I view smokers. I think that smoking is a filthy, disgusting habit and I would never consider taking part in it. It was also taught to me through my religion that smoking is a bad choice. That doesn't mean that I am going to shun all people I know who are smokers. I have very close friends and family that are or have been smokers and I love them to death! I don't think any less of them as people because they choose to smoke. But I will never stand up and advocate smoking when I know and have been taught that it wrong. It's the same with the gays- I know a few, I can love them and accept them, and not love their lifestyle.

I personally believe that marriage should be between a man and woman, and my opinion on that won't be swayed. It's something I believe in strongly. I will not, however attack the homosexual community. I think that is wrong. I believe in getting your point across peacefully and not by cramming it down someone's throat or making a big public scene or unfairly labeling people who think differently than you do. Because I stood by my own personal beliefs and the understandings of the teachings of my church and exercised my right to vote on issue presented to me by my state I am all of sudden labeled an ignorant homophobic bigot?

Sorry, that this turned out to be a bit of a rant. It's just so frustrating to see people being so closed minded and unaccepting of those who think differently than they do- and that goes for both sides of the argument. Is it too much to ask for a little respect and tolerance?

just when you thought the wedding fun was over....

A couple weeks after the wedding, we had a fabulous open house up in the north valley, closer to Nathan's family and friends- and I'm FINALLY getting around to blogging about it. There were just so many pictures!! But here it is- better late than never, right?





The cultural hall was decorated so pretty! Nathan's mom did a fabulous job. It was totally cute -there were green and brown and daisies everywhere!! My favorite!



And the food was delicious too! Here's Nathan sneaking a bite before people showed up. The open house was also nice because we had more time to mingle and to actually eat some of the food. We barely got a taste of anything at the reception.




Here's a pic of me and my lil sizzle, Katie. Yeah, we're totally gangsta- just kidding. She's so much fun. It was good to have her there, especially since my other sister, Jessica, wasn't able to make it.

This is me and my best friend Kassi (We're tighter than the Jonas Brothers pants!) She is probably the most awesome person in the entire world. She was my maid of honor and I couldn't have asked for anyone better- always there for me no matter what. She's also the one to thank for most of these pictures. You can always count on Kassi to have a camera!

Nathan and I taking a little break from the receiving line. The pink flowers were given to me as a present from a lady in Nathan's old ward. Since I already had my bouquet, I eventually passed the pink one off to Sydni. She's so cute!

Sydni and Katie really hit it off. They had so much fun together while Katie was there- playing, and dancing, and laughing. They were having a ball!

This is my mom with her little sisters, Lara and Amy. I was so excited that my aunts were able to come to the open house, since niether of them were able to make it the reception. It meant a lot to me to have them there.

Here's a couple more cute pictures of Nathan and I. We had our poses down at this point! Weddings = lots of pictures!

My new nieces Sydni and Madison!

I was thirsty.

So many people made comments about the root beer bottles at both the reception and the open house, because they look so much like beer; not something you typically see at a Mormon reception. It was kind of funny.

I was trying to get Nathan to dance with me at the open house too- but no luck. He pretty much just stood there.

So I got Katie to dance with me instead! She knows how to boogie down!

Katie with her new brother in law. They are BFFs. =p

Taking a break and relaxing with the in-laws. I think they needed the break more than we did. After all, they were the ones that made the whole open house possible- the decorating, the food, the whole nine yards!

After the festivities had come to an end, the family hung around while we opened up our wedding presents. It was a lot of fun to have everyone there- well, almost everyone. I think the boys wound up falling asleep out in foyer. It had been a long night.


As much as I love feeling like a princess and even though the wedding celebrations were totally fin- I am glad it's all over and we're able to get on with real life. Thanks a million to all those who helped make our wedding so unforgetable!

let your light so shine

a Sunday morning post- one of my all time favorite church songs.


Encircled in the arms of heaven’s love
With grateful heart I walk the path prepared for me
The Savior is my light, my comfort and my guide
And his word is a lamp unto my feet

Yet all around me others wander lost
Whom will he send to seek them as they stray?
When mists of darkness rise to blind his children’s eyes
Who will show the way? Who will show the way?

“A city on a hill cannot be hid,
Let your light so shine,” the Savior said

Like Esther in her courage, like Joseph in his faith
Like Ruth in her devotion, like Nephi in his strength
I will stand for truth and righteousness, reflecting heaven’s light
And my life will be like a beacon in the night
For I will stand as a witness of Christ.

The Spirit whispers peace into my soul
In every trial, in each uncertain hour.
I know I can endure, for as I kneel in prayer
He enfolds me in the warmth of heaven’s power

Yet others weep for grief that knows no peace
Where is their hope but in the Master’s word?
What comfort will he send to heal the hearts of men?
Who will bear his love and light into the world?

“A city on a hill cannot be hid,
Let your light so shine,” the Savior said

Like a candle in the darkness, like a fire upon the hearth
Like the star that led to Bethlehem, like sunrise o’er the earth
A city on a hill cannot be hid
“Let your light so shine,” the Savior said.

a reminder

because so many people have forgotten something so simple.

no day but today!

About a month ago I had a really fun experience- back in March, my bestest friend Kassi and I got to see Rent! I had seen it before; it's one of my most favorite musicals- but this time was special. The roles of Mark and Roger were played by none other than the original Broadway actors themselves: Anthony Rapp and Adam Pascal!!!

Both of these guys are such amazing actors, and have been in many, many musicals- but they defined the roles of Mark and Roger in Rent. Before I had even seen the play, I owned the original Broadway cast recording of Rent, and fell in love with these two. (I know every word to every song!) When I first got to see the play, I was almost disappointed because it just wasn't the same without them. I almost peed my pants when I found out they were going to be touring- I was sooooo excited.

Of course, Kassi and I wasted no time buying our tickets, and our seats were totally sweet! We on the lower level, about half way up, in the center. We could see everything! The show was, AMAZING, as expected. Afterwards, Kassi and I had a big scary looking guy, with an unexpectedly feminine voice, take this picture of us in front of the Rent poster inside Gammage.

And here we are with the actress who played Maureen. She was exactly how I always pictured Maureen. I thought she fit the role better than even Idina Menzel from the original cast. For those of you who don't know anything about Rent, here's a little synopsis:

Based on Puccini's 'La Boheme,' this rock opera tells the story of one year in the life of a group of "bohemians" struggling in modern day East Village New York. The story centers around Mark and Roger, two roommates. While a former tragedy has made Roger numb to life, Mark tries to capture it through his attempts to make a film. In the year that follows, the group deals with love, loss, AIDS, and modern day life in one truly powerful story.

If you have seen the movie and liked it, I highly recommend seeing the play if you get the chance- it's sooooo much better. The show is no longer on Broadway, but they filmed the final performance, and it's available on dvd. It's really neat, I bought it and love it. It a great way to experience Rent in it's original form without paying an arm and a leg to get tickets to see it in person.

Why can't Mormons send flowers?

happy easter!

Our Easter was a busy one. We woke up early and get all dressed up for church and headed over to my sister, Jessica's house for an Easter Brunch. It was a lot of fun! Jessica and Jon just recently moved into a new house out in east Mesa, and they were kind enough to invited everyone over Easter morning for delicious food and an Easter egg hunt for the kids. My whole family was there, and Jon's family came too.

We brought juice to share with everyone, which was nothing compared to all the other yummy food that was there. We had cinnamon and orange rolls, fruit salad, scrambled eggs, bacon, biscuits and gravy, and Nathan's favorite- deviled eggs.

While everyone was finishing up brunch, Grandpa (my dad) read Mel and her cousin Alice in Wonderland. They were really enjoying the story.



Meanwhile, Bethany had already grabbed her Easter basket and was ready to go egg hunting! We the shoes on all the kids and they headed out front.

Bethany walking down the sidewalk thinking "I found the eggs, now I just need to find someone to bust them open for me..."

My sister Jessica!

Jon helping Bethany out with some of her tasty Easter treats. I think the marshmallows were her favorite.

The girlies, checking out what Eater goodies the Easter bunny had left them.

After some good times at the Stanley, Nathan and I headed off to church with my parents. While we were there we dropped off some thank you gifts to people that were so helpful to us on our our wedding day- like my fabulous bishop who let us use his back yard for our reception. Nathan makes ceramic statues of Christ similar to the one below, and in a couple other designs- we thought they would be the perfect thank you gift and what better day to deliver statues of Christ than on Easter!

Later that evening we headed over to the other side of the valley. First to meet Daisy's new family. We tried having my puppy, Daisy, live with us at the apartment, but she just isn't an apartment dog. =(

We had to give her away- but she went to a very nice family in the west valley. They have two kids that will give her lots of love, and another dog to keep her company. They also have a nice grassy yard for her to run around, and a doggy door so she can go in and out. I think she'll really like it there, and it will be a lot nicer than having to stay in her little kennel all day.

We did get spend the rest of Easter with Daisy though. After she met her new family, we went over to Nathan's parents house for another Easter egg hunt with his nieces and nephews and a super delicious Easter dinner.

Sydni and Uncle Nathan looking for Easter eggs.

Nathan, Marvin, and I hid eggs all over the back yard.

Garrett practically had his hand right on top of that blue egg before he saw it- and Madison looked right over the eggs in the pool a couple times before she realized they were there. Watching kids hunt for eggs is so funny!

Carson counting up his Easter eggs! There were 4 eggs that had dollar bills in them, and Sydni found 3 of them. What are the chances? haha

Luckily for the other kids, Sydni is good at sharing- so they all got to partake of the Eastery goodness.

Like I said before, Nathan's mom prepared a delicious Easter dinner for us. We had some yummy ham, mashed potatoes, broccoli, carrots, funeral potatoes, rolls, and some great punch. And for desert we celebrated Nathan's dad's birthday! It was really fun and so awesome to get to spend time with our whole family!