my health.

6 years ago I suspected something was wrong with my health. I was always sick and constantly in pain. I saw a few doctors and had a lot of tests done throughout the years but I could never get an answer to what was wrong with me until just this last year.

I had seen a doctor who thought I may have endometriosis and her suspicion was right! She referred me to a surgeon who officially diagnosed me with endometriosis and uterus didelphys after a surgery in September of 2011.

Since my surgery I've learned endometriosis can cause infertility and having a uterus didelphys can cause complications to pregnancy. Finding these conditions has been like a blessing in disguise because now we know what we are up against.

It's been nice to have a reason to all my crazy health problems but unfortunately, there isn't much that can be done for endometriosis and the intense pain it causes. It's just been nice to actually know what's wrong with me.

Although they finally found out what is wrong with me, I wasn't really comfortable with my doctor. I had tons of questions and concerns but, I didn't feel like I was getting all my questions answered and they seemed to push things aside that had me kind of worried.

Just a few weeks ago I saw a new doctor that took the time to explain everything and answer all my crazy questions. She was very sincere and I felt like she actually cared about me and my concerns.

Blake and I want nothing more than to have little babies so naturally this has become our main concern. With us getting married in June my doctor waisted no time coming up with a plan towards a healthy pregnancy.

Her plan started with a surgery I had today to remove a uterin septum. She had found the septum during my routine exam and explained to me that removing it reduces complications during delivery so, she wanted to get it out if the way very first. Next on the list is managing my endometriosis to try and reduce fertility issues.

I am recovering well and have the best fiancé who has spoiled me with all the goodies and treats I could need but most importantly we are excited to know that we are one step closer to having little munchkins.

grampas cabin.

On Saturday Blake and I decided to take the dogs to visit my grandpa. He lives in Manila which is probably the smallest town I’ve ever known of but, it’s one of my favorite places to visit. I remember my grandpa’s house more than anything from my childhood so it's always had a special place in my heart.  It was good to get to get away for the day and let the dogs run free for a change. Grandpa enjoyed our company and my cooking and he’s already waiting for our next trip up!  



                 



The Story Behind My Ring.

Two months ago Blake and I went to this antique store I found in Salt Lake. I had always told Blake I didn’t want to pick out my own ring so I thought it was the perfect place to just look at some old jewelry and get my ring size so he could get an idea of what I liked.

Well, we got there and I fell in LOVE with the first ring I saw. I put it on and couldn’t take it off the entire time we were there. I even tried on other rings on my other hand so I didn’t have to take it off.

I didn’t think it could get any more perfect until the owner of the shop went on to tell me it had just been picked up at a trade show in London. He also mentioned it was owned by someone in Paris and was made in 1905. I was completely swooned.

Blake started talking numbers with the guy and had me almost convinced he was going to buy the ring right then and there. Then, at the last minute he decided it wasn’t right to buy it in front of me so we asked the guy to take it off the shelf until he could make a decision.

Blake took me to a few other jewelers just to see what else was out there but, all I could think about was the antique ring. We talked about trying to custom make a ring to look like the antique ring which would have worked but, I know deep down it just wouldn’t have been the same. After discussing making the ring I was confused as to what Blake would decide in the end.

A few days went by and Blake started getting weird phone calls. He made a couple of un-planned secret drives into town too so, It was pretty clear he had bought a ring and it was hiding somewhere in our house. He had me pretty confused on which ring it was though. My anxiety was through the roof.  Surprisingly I didn’t snoop once. I just kept hoping I’d be getting it soon.

The ring had been hiding for over a month before he finally proposed. Luckily the proposal was well worth the wait so I couldn't be too mad. Blake decided to pick the ring that I had the most memorable reaction to, the antique ring from London! Now I have the ring of my dreams along with the man of my dreams and we’re going to live happily ever after.

The proposal.

Last night was without a doubt the best night of my life. It will be a night I will remember for the rest of my entire life because it was the night Blake proposed to me!

I left work yesterday joking with my co workers saying I better come back to work on Monday engaged or I might have to propose to Blake myself. I am so glad he beat me to it because it was absolutely perfect!

I thought for sure I had Blake figured out and was planning on him asking me on the 4th of July. Then the 4th came and went and he didn't ask me. I couldn't believe it. I was back to square one. Clueless.

Those that know me can probably image or remember how incredibly hard it was for me to be patient after that! It caused me so much anxiety not knowing when or where or how it was going to happen. I like to have things planned and know about everything. Surprises are not my favorite. Every single day the thought of if it was going to be "the day" would come to me. I even asked Blake a few times to just ask me right then and there to avoid all the anticipation but, he wouldn't budge. He had a plan and he was sticking to it.

That "plan"of his turned out to be completely and totally perfect. We we're sitting on the tail gate of his truck watching Muller Park fireworks in Bountiful when he jumped down and kneeled on the ground in front of me and asked me to marry him. He grabbed my hand and put my ring on my finger and all I could say is "are you serious? Is this for real?" when I realized what was happening I told him yes and we stood there in the street kissing and hugging and soaking in the moment.

Once the excitement settled down I realized Blake's sister Shanna had been hiding the entire time, taking pictures and capturing our special moment. I am so proud of Blake for making pictures apart of his plan Because now we have not only memories but photos of our special moment to remember forever. I love him and am so excited to start the rest of our lives together.

the fourth.

There is no better day than the fourth of July. It is my most favorite holiday out of the year.

We started celebrating Tuesday night, it was our neighbor Steve's annual BBQ and firework show. He spends a lot of time and money throughout the year putting it together and it's honestly the best firework show of the year. We had to drug our dogs because they are scared of loud noises and they were pretty out of it by the end of the night. I felt so bad for them but, it was a pretty funny sight. They slept through the entire show.

The next morning, we started out the day watching the Kaysville parade with my family. My mom and Matt had a cute float for "living the legacy" it turned out really cute. Avrey had a blast and loved catching "can-ies". Thanks to Blake, I was nice and festive in my new red jeans he bought me. He hates heat, crowds and festivities but, he was a trooper all day to make my favorite day another great memory.

Later that night we went to Blakes parents for another BBQ and some summer games. I made some layered festive drinks for the party that turned out really cute. Shanna and Jeanette came up with a few minute to win it games that hopefully turn into a new yearly tradition. We had a blast and a lot of laughs.

We ended the night on top of our roof watching fireworks around our neighborhood. We could see a little bit of Layton cities and a few other random ones here and there. All and all it was a really good holiday and I loved all the memories we made.

sample of Steve's show

Watching the parade



Showing us her "can-ies"

 

my fun drinks and us with Breymen


here are some shots of the fun games we played at the family BBQ
(compliments to Shanna)



Grandma and Grandpa were the laugh of the party.



watching fireworks on the roof

happy campers.

Over the weekend Blake and I packed our bags and headed for the dunes. Blake has been dying to get his bike out so when the guys he works with started talking about a weekend camping trip we were all for it. The trip was almost ruined when my lovely endometriosis got the best of me the night before we were supposed to leave. Friday morning I was set on staying home but, Blake said he wouldn’t go without me. Knowing how excited he was I couldn’t not go and disappoint him so, with a lot of ibuprofen and diet coke we hit the road.

Blake had the time of his life. He made my anxiety go through the roof but, he’s alive and well. After a 4 hour wild ride with the guys Saturday morning he came back and took me on a ride to Sand Mountain. On the way he found a little jump that he messed around on for awhile so I took some sweet pictures. I was too scared to venture through the dunes to find a bigger jump so he’s stuck with little jump pictures. Once we got to Sand Mountain he flew up it a few times like it was nothing and I waited at the bottom, patiently freaking out inside.

When we got back to camp we fixed hobo dinners and hung out by the fire. I made dutch oven peach cobbler and our neighbor Steve danced to Chris Ledoux. We had such a good time hanging out and laughing with everyone but, it got really cold and windy fast so we decided to call it an early night.

Our poor little tent was a trooper. We set it up over pile of red ants the first night and the next night it almost blew away. The wind was the worst part. It was awful, we were blasted by sand all night long. Not to mention it was probably one of the coldest nights of my life. We slept like babies.
Now we are home and so thankful for our clean home and giant bed! Blake can hardly walk and we’re still finding sand in our ears but we can’t wait to go back!

 

one year today.

When I moved back from Logan I got a job at a tanning salon I used to work at in high school. I told myself it was only going to be for a few months, just until I found a full time job. In my short time at the salon, I started noticing this boy. We called him “mega+” because that’s the bed he’d always tan in. He was a key topic of discussion around the salon so yes, a code name was necessary. His real name was Blake and he would tan every Wednesday so obviously Wednesday nights were my favorite shifts to work. He had a good looking truck and I couldn’t help but noticed he listened to country while he tanned. He was absolutely perfect.

Blake and I had our first date one year ago today. I was dead on, he is absolutely perfect. I could not have asked for a better soul mate. Blake and I go together like peanut butter and chocolate. He is the man of my dreams, the answer to my prayers and my everything. I don’t know where I’d be today without him in my life.

We celebrated one year together by re-living our first date. Dinner at my favorite place Café Rio and dessert at his favorite place the Sweet Tooth Fairy.

Cheers to being in love.

     

my first garden.

Gardening has become my new pride and joy. My new obsession started with a couple flower beds in my front yard. That lead to flowers in the back yard and now I have an entire veggie garden. Blake thinks i'm going to become overwhelmed and stop taking care of them but, i'm actually really enjoying it. There is just something relaxing to me about spending an entire Saturday morning pulling weeds while listening to Jack Johnson. Plus, I picked up the cutest gardening gloves from J&J. Who wouldn't want to do yard work with cute gloves? I just hope I can keep all my little gems alive!