Cody & Chantel

Love the Holidays!

2011-11-28T12:21:00.000-08:00

It had been way too long since we had gone up to see family. We finally made it and loved every minute of Thanksgiving weekend...it went by way too fast! We spent Thanksgiving with the Flakes this year...it was perfect!
The day started with the Turkey Bowl...

This little man makes us want to have babies...

The Flake boys have a game they play: basically the winner gets to slap the loser's back. Dad was psyched out (crying) and you can see by Cody's face that he didn't enjoy it either...

Their poor love handles!

We went to see the lights at temple square with the Hendry's (so cold this year)...

We visited Rachel's grave for her birthday (Cody's sister that would be my age if alive today)...

And just an FYI: We have celebrated 5 birthdays in the last 2weeks!

Happy Holidays!

Forever...

2011-09-17T12:29:00.000-07:00

This happy couple got engaged...

...and then got HITCHED!

This is the BEAUTIFUL bride!

It was a long drive...
\
...to this CASTLE on a hill...

...but once married HE just couldn't resist!

We gave them wishes...

...at the amazing luncheon my talented mother designed.

The boys had fun with the car...

...at the reception.

They will live Happily Ever After! (no doubt)

There is no better way to celebrate your own marriage than to witness the Temple Sealing of another.

We are so blessed to have each other! We can't wait for what this next chapter will bring!

Cody turned the big 25 this year! I took him fishing on the lake...

...and then shopping of course.

Life Does Happen!

2011-06-07T15:17:00.001-07:00

K...if you look at our blog you would think that nothing has happened since Valentines. I promise some small things have happened. First of all, we put in our very first offer on a condo here in St. George. 4mo later it fell through, which actually turned out to be better. We are now awaiting the process on a new place that we are thrilled about. Our offer on this one has been approved but the paperwork process for real estate is a nightmare. Cross your fingers...hopefully it won't take 4 more months. We have been up to see family and friends a few times. The weather here is so nice...so hot! It's only the first week of June and we are wondering if we will make it this summer, but heat is far better than snow 9mo out of the year. Sorry family!

Did I ever tell you that my dear husband has left the sales industry! It happened for all you non-believers. He is now in healthcare - I rubbed off on him a little. We actually both work at Kolob Care Center. He is the best transportation driver: takes the old folk to doctor appointments and hospitals, and they LOVE him. I was trying forever to get into a hospital as a nurse and then...I was offered a promotion to nursing manager at work! This has actually worked out to be a great blessing. The Lord has definitely been looking out for us and we are so grateful.

I am dragging through my bachelors program for nursing, which will be done end of this year. Cody is pushing through those generals. He has actually set his mind to something that hasn't changed for awhile...PHYSICAL THERAPY! He is very close to application time for a physical therapy assistant program. If you know him you understand how persuasive and funny he can be...he will be a great motivator and positive strength to those who need physical therapy services. I am excited for him. The end is not in sight but the beginning has started!

Not only is he driven in school...we watched the Iron Man finish line and he is motivated to do one. All the power to him! These individuals came from all around the world, and crossed the finish line invigorated. They were very inspiring as they collapsed in the end. But really, they had a drive that was empowering to observers. That is another goal that shall come in good time!

Cody's brother is having a baby, his other brother just had their first boy, and we will await to join the fun. We are still in the nursery and loving every kid in there, they are adorable. My grandparents are celebrating their 50th anniversary. I look forward to that day and admire them for their accomplishments and love. My youngest brother received the priesthood and my other brother came home from serving an honorable 2year mission in Little Rock, Arkansas. The priesthood has always been and continues to be a great blessing in my life and home. I am so grateful to the Lord for sharing His power with those responsible spirits here on earth. These men bless my life on a daily basis. The spirit was so apparent in Chantry, we were all touched by his love and passion for the Lord and His work. He was emotional in being released which manifests the truth of God to us all. He is adapting well but that first week was a trip.

We have loved interacting with him and look forward to his life ahead. He came to visit and we all took a trip to Zions. We all thought Chantry was a big boy...but he couldn't conquer the 3big macs - I could - how sad is that. I have a problem. Come again soon!

Cody and Chantry had too much fun trying to climb rocks and cliffs but they left in one piece.

[Don't worry...we are not near as photogenic as they are so you don't see any pics of us!]

Oh my gosh I almost forgot the most exciting day of Cody's life! How could I...on company dime and in company car we drove to Vegas to pick up a patient for Kolob. In Vegas we took a pit-stop at the Rio Grande Buffet. Cody could not calm down the entire drive there. I have never seen a man eat so much food so fast! He loves food and unfortunately his love has affected me. I now eat all I can, and one day I will pay for it. Needless to say, we can't wait to make another trip like that again.

Valentine's Day!

2011-02-15T11:36:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day! This morning I woke to my best friend and the love of my life! I can't tell you how special he makes me feel.

He did it again...he surprised me beyond surprising. I woke up to a trail of red roses and then beautiful lavendar roses, a box of chocolates, and the perfect card. Words can't express my love for him. He has made me the happiest and luckiest there is.

We went to get our 99cent big macs and watched the bachelor. We ended the night at the amazing Texas Roadhouse...love the rolls! It couldn't have been a better day. He is definitely my "Big Mac Bachelor"

The New Year

2011-02-14T14:51:00.000-08:00

So, we are backing up a bit...Christmas couldn't have been better for us. This man made me an amazing Christmas Eve dinner! We went shopping for some home decor and spent the day hanging out. One of our favorite gifts was our pillow-top foam mattress...cal king sized for only $20. We love our bed!

The fam came down for another New Year's bash...wasn't so exciting I guess cause they all fell asleep. And, I was on the Vegas channel at midnight so I missed the ball drop! At least there's always next year.

We ate a ton, played games, and even went hot tubbing!

This year is bringing great opportunity and a chance to accomplish more goals. We definitely have our new years resolutions. Hopefully we will achieve them all!

Christmas Card

2010-12-22T09:23:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all our friends and family! This year we are posting our Christmas card right here. Know that you are all loved and appreciated. We wish you the best holiday season! This last year flew right by and we accomplished a lot. To catch you up...

We have been married 1 year! We dedicated our 3bed 2bath apartment and we have loved it here in St. George.

Cody is going to school at Dixie State. He will get his Associates this time next year. Still working on the major but he has lots of ideas. He works at All Connect...ask him about it and he will talk for hours, he loves it. He sold his car this year and now drives a scooter around town in an attempt to save money. There is nothing he wouldn't do to save a penny more and I love him for it.

I passed my state nursing boards in June to officially make me a Registered Nurse! It was a long time coming and I am so happy I made it. I have been accepted and will start the bachelors of nursing program online through BYU Idaho this January. I will graduate with my BSN this time next year. I work at a nursing home here in St. George. I work 3days a week and Cody is so jealous of my 4 days off. It is quite perfect.

We miss home this time of year and long to be with all of you. St. George is treating us well. We plan on staying for a while but who knows whats in store.

Being the time of Christ's birth we want you all to know that we know He lives. We know Christ was born for one purpose and one purpose only, 'to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.' He has done so and we are so grateful for His sacrifice. We have a testimony of the truthfulness of His gospel. We value our covenants with our Lord and Savior. We know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and the priesthood is His power. We have been so blessed because of Him. May He find a place in your hearts and homes this holiday season. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

With Love,
the FLAKES

The Holidays...

2010-11-30T10:29:00.000-08:00

First off...I cut my hair! Cody likes long hair but he was getting sick of seeing it all around the house so I got rid of it. I haven't told him that it doesn't stop shedding just because it is short...

We went home for Thanksgiving...always so nice to be with the fam. The boys had their Turkey Bowl of course and the feast lasted all weekend. We are so grateful to have such wonderful parents.

There is no snow in St. George, which is fine by me. We both had enough snow for Thanksgiving to last us the rest of the winter! The drive home was horrible...6 hours!

I love the holiday season. I put up my Christmas decorations yesterday and even started listening to Christmas music. I have always loved the warm cozy feeling that Christmas lights bring. At this time of year we are focused on the Savior and all he has done for us. We are truly blessed and grateful for all we have. Happy Holidays!

This Guy!

2010-10-12T12:14:00.000-07:00

I have got to say how much I love him...

For all who know him you know how much he loves to save. He has done the ultimate...he has sold his baby (his precious Nissan Maxima) and got a scooter! This is his new baby, that will save him lots more each month...$50 ea. year for insurance, no monthly payment, and $3.00 a week in gas. His favorite perk is the helmet, and he can't wait to wear the parka in the rain!

I just love him! He does all he can to make me happy and get us ahead in life. Almost 3 years ago I met a guy who swept me off my feet and he continues to surprise me all the time. I love our date nights...we don't spend much but the fact that we call it a 'date' is enough. We went to Toy Story 3 this week...it's a cute one. We ate at the new sandwich favorite...Bryce will love it!

We work hard but we still have fun! I love falling for this man over and over again. He will always keep me laughing and never let me give up. That is why he is perfect for me. I have been beyond blessed with this one.

DISNEYWORLD!

2010-09-21T11:47:00.000-07:00

We went to Disney World for an entire week! My family invited us along a 6 day 'Magic-Your-Way' vacation and we had a blast. It was definitely the trip of a lifetime, especially with my own Mickey Mouse. This blog is full of DISNEY!
We started in Utah...

...then...

...wound up in this hot humidity...

We took the Magical Express straight to the hotel (in the park)...

Mickey was there to greet us...

Day 1: MAGIC KINGDOM...

...a magical hamburger for lunch...

...and dinner with Pooh...

Day 2: DISNEY STUDIOS...

We played with toy story...

...and watched Beauty and the Beast...this was Cody's favorite!

This part might actually be his favorite...we went to Downtown Disney and played all sorts of virtual reality games. We even created our very own roller-coaster and then rode it. This was sweet!

Day 3: ANIMAL KINGDOM...
Cody was worried but the animals were very real!

...and this is probably the closest I will ever get to an African Safari...

Now this was the restaurant of the trip. Called Ohana...they serve...all you can eat in the same way as Tucanos. The dipping sauces for each of their meats was incredible! All meats were cooked over an oak fire...amazing! The appetizer was the best part...chicken wings with the most divine sauce you could imagine (it was real).

Day 4: EPCOT...

We went to ENGLAND...

...FRANCE...

...MOROCCO... The guys would not stop watching the belly dancer.

...JAPAN...

...ITALIANO...

Each item on the menu here was so delicate...rich and creamy chocolates with the desserts and the most incredible gourmet pasta dishes.

There were few rides in this park but the fav was the test drive.

The sunset each night was heavenly...

This firework show was incredible! Laser light globe with colors and waterworks...all with the magical music arrangement. It was definitely a dream come true!

Day 5: BLIZZARD BEACH... we loved the wave pool of course.

...and Cody had to get a float! (this time it was a fanta orange float)

The best restaurant atmosphere!

...japanese...

This was our anniversary dessert from Japan...

The plane ride home at 5:20am was not at all comfortable enough to sleep.

...but we finally made it home.

Zion's!

2010-08-30T11:28:00.001-07:00

Cody's parents finally made it down to St. George! We have been waiting over a year now to have them down for a visit. We are so glad they made it safe. They were kind to bring us our new dining set...
BEFORE

AFTER

It makes our apartment a little more of a home. We took a trip to Zion's National Park. We were not smart enough to charge the camera but we got a few beautiful pics. The camera does not even touch the beauty of God's creations. We were only amazed at every step we took. It was a perfect day to hike. The sun was out of course but a slight breeze kept us cool enough to survive. If you ever get the chance to hike in this gorgeous place don't pass it up. We plan on hiking this canyon again and again. Thanks for such a fun weekend...we love you!

At the top of Emerald Pools trail.

ONE YEAR!

2010-08-23T12:55:00.000-07:00

We have 'teed off' and now we are going for the 'long shot!' We celebrated our first year anniversary by camping in Zions National Park! It was fun, hot, smokey, but most of all beautiful. There is nothing greater than experiencing God's creations first hand. From nature to the blessings of the temple, we were able to remember what we are so fortunate to have. Our lives here on earth, our relationship with the Lord, and each other. Just see how great it was...
We set up camp...

Our first stop was the golfcourse! Cody has been dying to golf since moving down here to a place with so many beautiful golf courses, and I have never been, so we thought we would utilize our golf clubs. He was right at home...

This is hole #1! I was in the ditch by the highway after 2 hits...

...and Cody was on the green!

This shot was awesome! Here he is just before 'the best shot' right to the green...

...and then the ball dropped. It didn't get past the dirt mound 10 feet in front of us!

On our drive back to camp I was amazed at the beauty of the canyon. There was one spot in particular that I thought was gorgeous. I put the camera out the window to take a pic. There were several people doing the same. Then we realized that they were snapping shots of these...

There were several roaming the canyon wall near the road. Huge horns! I tried to capture the beauty of the canyon in the pics below but they do not do justice.

Cody prepared the perfect coals for our tinfoil dinners...

Cody's:

Mine:

It was a great getaway. It served the purpose it was meant for. We couldn't stop thinking of the day we said 'yes.' The day we were sealed for 'time and all eternity.' The day we became a couple of FLAKES. It has been a year worth living and we wouldn't change a single thing. Our adventures have just begun and we can't wait for the next one.
So I was told to freeze the top of our wedding cake and on our First Anniversary we should cut a slice and eat it. Tradition or good luck I guess. All year I have been excited to do this. I got the cake out of the freezer and cut a slice...

...the problem...the cake was not good! A mix of old and feezer-burnt. I sealed the box and everything. The icing on the cake of this celebration didn't work out the way it should have but we didn't let it get to us. I remember stuffing this cake in his face on our wedding night ONE year ago. Frosting all over his face...we sealed the celebration with a kiss and danced to our song. As we drove away for our honeymoon we were the happiest people on earth. I like to think we still are! He has kept his promise and made me laugh every day. He is the joy of my life and I will forever be his. I thank God for blessing me with a fantastic best friend and a thoughtful husband. Love you-

Cody B-Day!

2010-08-23T12:15:00.001-07:00

For my honey's b-day I surprised him with a weekend getaway!

...and of course some balloons.

We started with a ROLLER COASTER!

The statue of liberty made of jelly bellies!

Now the main event of the trip was to give Cody his ultimate dining experience. If there is one thing that Cody loves more than saving money...it is FOOD! Whether he cooks it or eats it he can't live without it. I took him to Vegas to let him choose from some of the most gourmet buffets around. What did he choose?

This buffet was 'all you can eat...ALL DAY' and we did eat all day long!

Breakfast...he will tell you all about it. He had it all! Every breakfast item you have ever had plus some...even eggs benedict. Fresh fruit dipped in yogurt and granola just happened to be his fav!

Walked the strip...M&M, Coke, Versace, and MGM Grand. Well only part of the strip cause it was way to hot to breathe after eating so much food. We did go into a designer shop that sold dresses for no less than $6,000 a piece! Couldn't believe it...there were plenty of dresses in there that cost more than my car.

The mall had these water tornado displays that grew until they reached the top of the canisters.

Cody had a delightful ROOTBEER FLOAT every meal...

The cheesecake was 'divine by nature' as he would say.

It was 'hotter than a chimpanzee' all day and night.

Dinner....he ate all the meats!

...had to have the ribs.

At the end of it all I would say he was SATISFIED! There is nothing greater than making the one you love happy. All weekend I was so excited just because he was enjoying himself. I love this man more than life itself. Happy Birthday Babe!

4th of July!

2010-07-12T14:52:00.000-07:00

There is nothing better than cuddling up in a blanket under the fireworks that light up the sky. I have loved this summer with my honey. We went up to have some more fun with family and didn't want to come back to reality. We had lots of fun with barbeques, fireworks, and campfire roasting. We can't wait to go up again.

Family Fun...

2010-06-30T18:58:00.000-07:00

We forgot how much we love being with family! It had been 3+ months since we had seen the fam but the last weekend in June we went home to have loads of fun with them. We did all kinds of things...

Facials and Pedicures

Paintballing

The worst war wound goes to Cody!

Swimming

Chuch-A-Rama

Classic Skating

Minute To Win It...Matt killed everyone! But they ALL still thought they were tough.

We went to opening OWLS game...

We ended the fun with some family pics...

Thanks mom and dad for so much fun. More than the activities, it was so nice to be with those we love. Being in our own little world down here we easily slip away into our haven but we enjoyed our time at home way too much...in fact we went up again the next weekend for some fireworks. We love our family so much and we appreciate all the love and service they render to us. We would not be the grown up kids we are today without them, especially our parents. We love you all!

Life!

2010-06-08T19:14:00.000-07:00

Life in St. George has been perfect! We play hard and work harder for sure. There is at least 1 day a week that we go swimming...having a pool in your backyard is the way to go. The hot tub under the starry sky after a long day at work is just the thing.

Here's what's going on: We have recently started in the nursery. We are definitely getting insight to being parents...this is no hint. We are having fun...and the best part of the day is when we come home and take our Sunday nap. Every Sunday we also take a walk and look at the beautiful homes down here. There are some beauties! The landscaping of St. George is even more incredible. We are truly in our own little haven. Not to get too spiritual, but I do have to say that we are very blessed. Our Savior has given us the greatest opportunity to build our lasting relationship and try to plan for our life ahead. Try being the key word...nothing is set in stone. As I applied and anticipated a postion at the hospital down here, just last week I was informed that I was not a chosen. This was somewhat heartbreaking but only for a moment as I can't wait to see what other path is in store. My Heavenly Father knows what is best for me and I trust in him more and more with each passing day.

Cody started summer school at Dixie. He is a nervous school boy but he will be just fine. It is weird not being the one doing the homework but I like it. I am taking some religion courses through BYU Idaho getting ready for my bachelors degree.

We watch the Bachelorrette on mondays and SYTYCD wednesdays and thursdays. Good shows this summer!

The first 10 mo. have been a blast! Time has passed so fast...2 more mo. and we are at our first year mark. Crazy!

GRADUATION!

2010-05-20T10:39:00.001-07:00

The last 5 years of my college experience were rounded up in 2 nights. I was in charge of the Nursing Pinning Ceremony and then the next night I walked with Dixie State College graduates and received my diploma.

Nursing Class of 2010!

Cody definitely supported me through these last 2 years. This last year he would come to the computer lab and surf the web while I wrote my papers and studied for my tests. I know there is no other who would do that for hours on end. Thanks, love you!

My family came down to support and we had a lot of fun celebrating. A big thanks to my family for all the love! Love you all.

My dad and I are both RN's!

We went out to eat at Chili's...

Me and Cody love our food!

Our pinning ceremony was in Zion's National Park...one of the most beautiful drives!

March!

2010-05-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

March is my favorite month...and it's not just because of my birthday. Cody completely surprised me with an IPOD TOUCH! I am so excited to use this for work. He definitely got it right. He knows how to treat me. The Flakes had a get together and I got my very own cake...thanks mom!

I spent a night with my favorite women. We supported my mom as she put on a relief society program. It was a night filled with the spirit. What better way to spend time with family.

Cody's brother got married in March. SLC was so wet and cold but it was a beautiful experience. It was the first sealing Cody and I got to sit through together since our own. It was a sweet experience. We wish Nate and Sloan the best of luck and lots of fun! Cody hooked up with some old friends from Cali and we got to see our friends and family once again. We had a lot of fun catching up.

A Weekend of Love!

2010-03-11T16:21:00.000-08:00

I just have to say how much I love my sweetheart! We shared our time and love with each other all weekend for Valentine's. He started it out with the key...
Roses!
He took me out to some movies and cooked me dinner. He always cooks for me but the thought behind this one took it to the next level.

Not everyone can go swimming in February but we did! This is what makes St. George the place to be.

I also had fun showing him how much I cared. I heart-attacked his car (how embarrassing-especially when you have to drive all the way to work with hearts all over your car). The shock on his face made it so fulfilling. When he got home from work Friday I sent him on a scavenger hunt around the house. I love surprising him because he thinks he knows everything...ha...so when I get him I get him good!

Not only was it Valentine's Day but this month was our 6 month anniversary. Wow, time goes right on by. It doesn't stop for anyone. I remember the five months I was engaged passing by so slowly. The last 6 months have seemed like a week. It has been one amazing week though. I love coming home to my best friend. I don't have to worry about what I'm going to do or who I'm going to hang out with after school. I can always rely on him to be there. I'm so grateful to be blessed with such a good man in my life. I could not find anyone better. I love you babe!

Our Place!

2010-01-18T17:14:00.000-08:00

Ok, literally the next 5 posts were done in the last 2 days because I decided I had moved on a little from my wedding day. Time did not stop. This post is pics of our first place! I moved into this 3 bedroom 2 bath apt when I moved down here for nursing school in August 2008. I did live with 2 roommates and I traded them out for Cody. It is a fun little place only 5 minutes away from everything. We are both working right now and I'm finishing up nursing school...I will graduate on May 7! Cody is working for a company called AllConnect...it's a phone sales job and he is doing very well there. I am a LPN at a nursing home right now, just until I get my RN, then I hope to get on at the hospital down here. Yes, down here...we are liking this little town away from home right now. Eventually we will move closer to family but for now we are building our foundation and strengthening our relationship. Plus it doesn't snow down here!
We finally got some things put together around the house so here it goes. The bedroom...

The living room...

The RED wall...we were proud of this one. We didn't have blue tape so we used the sticky side of small envelopes all along the edges and adult diapers on the floor to protect the carpet because we had no tarp. Interesting experience but it worked out just perfect...

Dining...Cody's mom gave us this table and the chairs are from D.I. Although it was inexpensive I find it classy.

Kitchen Korner...Cody's favorite place in the house!

THE TV! Cody's favorite item in the house. Not as fun for him since we moved it from our bedroom to the living room but still his most prized posession. A TV is a guys best friend right?

Happy New Year 2010!

2010-01-18T17:03:00.001-08:00

For New Years my family came down to celebrate. We had a lot of fun...and we ate a ton! It was a blast having them come down to see us here in our humble abode. It was their first trip down to our new place and it better not be their last. My parents...

We all went miniature golfing...

Cody was enjoying his childhood...

They got a hole in one...both my parents got 2. Cody was very disappointed he couldn't be in this pic...

...but he did make it into this one. Once again he was frustrated he couldn't hold up that #1. He came up short 2 pts. So the final stand: Dad got 1st! Cody got 2nd! Mom got 3rd!

We love our family so much. They did a lot for us while they were here on vacation. They are so supportive and loving. Cody misses the PS3 and my brothers competition while I just miss the company. Love you all! Thanks for coming down.

Christmas 2009!

2010-01-18T16:51:00.001-08:00

I work graveyard shifts in a nursing home and unfortunately I did work Christmas Eve, but this is what I came home to. Good morning babe...@ 6:00am.

After opening our presents we got ready to go up north for the weekend. It was our first Christmas married and here is what Santa brought...Chantel: perfume, lots of coupons for a years worth of spa treatments including laser hair removal, facials, manicures, hair treatments, massages, etc. I guess he thought I needed pampering! Cody: some nice shirts, a picture of me, and a peanut (the hair trimmer). Guys are truly happy with anything.

Christmas dinner at the Flake home...

We did kareoke...Cody loved the mic a little too much. He had it every song...once again loving hearing his voice. He and Coleson...

Thanksgiving

2010-01-17T16:45:00.000-08:00

We did go home for the holidays! It was so nice to see all our family, especially my father-in-law. Cody was enjoying his voice on the way up as usual.

The boys had a Turkey Bowl!

We went to Rachel's grave. Rachel is Cody's only sister who passed away when she was little. Cody is 23 and David is 12. Cody is done growing...

Temple square was beautiful of course. Colder than ever...I missed the St. George weather.

All the boys were finally together just before Jostin left for his mission...

Jostin is now serving in Buenos Ares, Argentina. He is in our prayers...

I love the house of the Lord. I am so grateful for eternal families. I have been so blessed with an eternal companion who pushes me to be better than myself. Cody takes care of me in more ways than I ever thought possible. Words aren't enough.

The Honeymoon

2010-01-17T13:38:00.000-08:00

We all know this happened awhile ago but it was a blast. We wandered around The Grand America for a weekend feeling like millionaires. We ate at P.F. Changs and Betos. We went swimming at the most relaxing pool. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I am so happy to have my best friend by my side.

August 21, 2009

2009-10-12T17:09:00.000-07:00

We got married at 12:20 in the heat of the day. After going through the temple and being sealed to my best friend I know there is no other way to do it. The Lord is miraculous. We have been married for almost 2 months now, but let's go back for a minute. First off, we want to thank our families for coming together and supporting us through this whole experience. It was so nice to have you all around to share this day with us. It will never be forgotten. We love you all!

We has so much support from family and friends.

We followed the videographer/photographer around the temple grounds and did exactly what they told us to do. They were great to work with and they made us look our very best. We did every cheesy thing imaginable...yes Cody even lifted me up in his arms and spun around for a good 2 minutes...which felt like 20. It couldn't have been more perfect.

The reception was fun. We stood in line for a few hours and ended with a dance. The boys looked sharp! They were troopers and wore what we told them to...and they helped out a lot with clean up. I'm sure all our guests had a good time too...again we love and thank you all for your help.

Boys will be boys...thanks for the fun.

I miss the fam...

We decorated with ornate lanterns and candles throughout an outdoor garden. My mom and others worked very hard to make it one of the best nights. They couldn't have done any better.

We had cheesecake and white chocolate covered popcorn...the display was elegant.

And then we took off to The Grand America Hotel in SLC...

Ok, we did get married...

2009-09-14T15:10:00.000-07:00

...3 weeks ago. Time flies right by. We are living in St. George while I finish the nursing program at Dixie. I'll graduate in April with my RN. In the meantime we are both working and really getting to know each other. We have opened all our gifts (still working on the thank you's), painted our apartment, hung out at the pool in 100 degree weather, and done a lot of grocery shopping. We hit up Costco every saturday for the samples and a hot dog...it's a bargain. This is all I have time for right now but I will get the actual wedding pics up soon.

It's Getting Close...

2009-07-26T15:45:00.000-07:00

Only one month to go now. Wedding plans are pretty much done. My colors in order of importance are ivory, grey, eggplant, and black. My flowers are the white rose, white gerber daisy, and the white star lilly. We are decorating with a lot of ornate lanterns and candles everywhere. We are putting together our invitations this week. You can see some of our engagement pics below. There will be more to see at the wedding. Our photographer was great! Her name is Brittany Stucki and her web address is myframedphotography.com if you want to take a look at her work (she takes the best baby pictures). She took my bridals this weekend but I can't put any of those up because Cody is not allowed to see just yet, sorry. Cody has been in Texas this summer but the long distance is almost over. We will get to start dating all over again very soon. Here is your sneak peek...

It's Official!

2009-04-21T20:10:00.000-07:00

We are officially engaged as of March 14! Here is the story... My birthday was on the 12th but I was in St. George. I went home for spring break and he took me out for a 'birthday surprise' that weekend. As we drove past Sandy he had me put on a blindfold and kept driving. The car stopped and he walked me into a building, sat me down, and took the blindfold off. Oddly enough, one of my favorite chick flicks, How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days, was playing on the tv. I was trying to figure out the surprise when a guy sat next to us and started talking to us about the weather and turbulence. It was about sunset and we boarded a 4-man propellar plane. Oh my gosh! I was thrilled but silent because I was so surprised. We flew around Antelope Island across the Great Salt Lake at sunset on a propellar airplane...does it get any better than that? I felt like I was on the bachelor. It was beautiful. At this point it was dark and the pilot said there was a huge rock up ahead where there were usually bon fires going on. As we passed he tilted the plane and we looked down...I said, "it looks like they are spelling something." I was made fun of for that remark but I knew what I saw. We were passing again and I was ready to prove Cody wrong. The plane tilted and I looked down as I pointed and said, "see, it says MARRY ME." Oh my gosh that was for me...I sat back and Cody was laughing as he asked me to marry him. I was completely shocked. After realizing what was happening I said yes. It doesn't get any better than that! Turns out all his brothers lit 200 candles to spell the words down below. Their chaos made my fairy tale. I am the luckiest. We are getting marrried August 21 in the Salt Lake Temple.

My brother's farewell was the same week. He left for Little Rock, Arkansas on April 1st.

It All Started A Year Ago...

2009-04-21T15:41:00.001-07:00

So, Cody and I started dating in March 2008. We were with each other every day for the month of April and then he left for Texas to sell pest control. While he was gone my acceptance letter came for nursing school. I moved down to St. George in August and Cody came home to Orem in October. He is going to school at UVU, so we travel back and forth to see each other as much as we can. Sure, it isn't ideal but it has been great. We have a lot of fun. Through the long distance phone conversations we have truly become best friends. These are some of my favorites: