Here comes the 28th!

My surprise birthday gift last year from the hubs - tickets to Brian Regan!

Even though I've traded in my blog for a masters' degree, I still need to take a moment and write my annual "birthday list blog post" for the people in my life who ask me repeatedly for a birthday list. I feel so loved during my birthday month - - thanks for always making me feel special! (You know who you are). So, here you go...  the things on my wish list for 2013.

1. Toms
    Love these!

2. Boots

3.Work out clothes
   These are so cool!

4.Running shoes
  I love brightly colored soles like this!

5. Skinny dress pants

6. Colored flats

7. Nude flats

8. Purse
  Something like this, but a LOT less expensive!

9. Crock Pot cookbook

10. Mani/pedi

11. Matching nightstands for the bedroom

12. Good movies (I'm taking recommendations. :) )

13. Good music (See above.)

14. External Hard Drive
    I could really really use one of these.

15. Wii, or something like it
    Cuz, let's face it, I live for Just Dance.

16. Flowers
    Why not?

17. Duffel Bag

18. Craft Bag with pockets to keep everything organized. (Are you sensing a theme?)

19. Suitcase

20. Floor Lamp
    Because I broke the one I have now. It's a very sad story.

21. Good running socks. Not cotton!

22. Dates with the hubs - - and dates with the sistas - - and dates with the friends. Let's go out on the town!

23. Diploma frame

24. Lunch bag

In other news... I'm almost done with the above-mentioned masters' degree! And when that happens, I plan to return to blogging about my life and thoughts with a flourish! Oh happy day!

GO UTES!

Goodness, I love college football. Now that we're right in the heart of football season, I thought I'd share a few pics of how much I love those UTES! Don't you just love crisp Saturday afternoons in the bleachers? Mmmmm... perfection.

 BYU/UTAH 2010

 

 2011

 

 2008 Perfect Season, Baby!

 

 2009

 

Sitting in the MUSS with my Dad. I go to football games with the best people. Seriously.

Sunday Thought

It may not be Sunday, but I heard this quote on a walk today, and I found it very encouraging.

"We need not worry if we can't simultaneously do all of the things that The Lord has counseled us to do. He has spoken of a time and a season for all things. In response to our sincere prayers for guidance. He will direct us in what should be emphasized at each phase of our life. We can learn, grow, and become like Him one consistent step at a time."
~ Elder Richard G. Scott

Read more here.

Wedded Bliss - Part 3

Here are a few more awesome photos from our special day....

 Best friends

 Here are a few shots of the decorations. I think the space turned out beautifully! I'm so grateful for all those who helped to set up for the party!

 MOH Jenny used her awesome JSMB Banquet Server skills to arrange the refreshment table.

 These chair covers were almost the undoing of my bridesmaids and friends, but they were victorious!

 Chinese lanterns hanging from the tall windows, and our exquisite cake... perfection.

 I cannot thank Katie and her helpers enough for the perfect cake! It tasted delicious, and it looked amazing!

 Centerpieces - my sweet aunt Valerie made the temple chocolates on the table.

 Those pillowcases were handstitched by my angel mother.

 There's my handsome groom

 We felt our brothers near us in spirit all through the day. We wanted to honor their memory at our reception. The center frame says "Families are Forever."

 Oh my goodness, this picture gives me butterflies!

 An army of wonderful women made these cakepops for our wedding favors. 

 The "Welcome Table"

 The entire, beautiful, absolutely perfect space

 Remember what I said about gazing into each others' eyes?

 Thank you bridesmaids! I love you all more than words can say!

Things that make me smile.... as a newlywed

1. My husband winking at me

2. Fixing dinner for two

3. Listening to a playlist made up of all the love songs that are special to Josh and me

4. Cuddling with the hubs on the couch

5. The way Josh sometimes wakes up in the middle of the night and pulls me into his arms

6. Introducing myself as Maggie Tanner (still not used to it)

7. Suddenly having a boatload of nieces and nephews

8. Saying "I love you" so many times each day... but it never feels like too much

9. Using names like "Sweetheart, " "Babe," and "Handsome"

10. Being called names like "Babycakes," "Sweetheart," and "Love"

11. Forehead kisses

Wedded Bliss - Part 2

I promise, I have a lot of pictures!
Looking back at them now brings tears to my eyes as I remember what I beautiful day this truly was. I entered the House of the Lord with the man I love more than life and left it sealed to him for time and all eternity. There's nothing that could bring me more joy than to imagine eternity hand in hand with my sweetheart.

 Leaving the Temple

 Melanie was the "Hair Whisperer"

 Josh and his sweet mom

 Terreye and her daughter, Lauren

 My angel roommate, Jenna, did all the flowers. 

If you look closely, you'll see a bandaid on my finger. There's a story behind that bandaid... and it makes me feel closer to my Opa.

 Now there's a boy in the family!

 Father and Son

 Walking to the steps of the Temple

 With Oma

Sappy as it sounds, we couldn't stop gazing into each others' eyes all day!

 

 A quiet moment

 Surrounded by the people we love more than anything

 We did it!

 With two of the strongest and most beautiful women I know.

Words cannot express how much it meant to have them there with me.

 The Bride's side

 Josh's family

 Sisterhood

 My family

 Giggle city

 Our friends

Josh and I are truly blessed to have such wonderful friends.

 I love this picture

 Nobody hustles like my dad. 'Nuff said.

 Like the gentleman he is, Josh asked if I would like his jacket when he saw me shivering. The man warms me, heart and soul.

 I see a modeling contract in Josh's future

A little jacket switcheroo

Stay tuned for more wedding photos!