Easter Sunday Sunshine!

#1: I bet many of you have NO idea how much I LOVE daffodils. I ADORE them. Definitely my favorite flower. Well, Saturday, while Chuck and I were by the Gateway, we ran into a lot by the southwest corner of the Rio Grande that was FILLED with daffodils. WHAT??? I random lot in Salt Lake filled with daffodils? I had the sudden urge to get out of the car, find a shovel, and dig them all up so I could take them home to my front yard. However, there were scary transient men standing nearby, and as much as I love those dang flowers, I didn't dare leave the safety of my husband and car to swipe the flowers. Well ok- that AND ya know... I don't really believe in stealing. But I'm telling you- they were in a random lot that will probably be cleared for a business complex or something. I WANT THE DAFFODILS!!!!

#2: This Boy of mine is passionate about Pixar films. Saturday morning we had the chance to go to a critics screening of the new film, "Up." It was FANTASTIC. I loved it, and loved, even more, seeing Chuck so giddy. It was like unto me seeing a Broadway show- my FAVORITE Broadway show. Too cute. And gosh, what a fun Saturday morning.


#3: As of some day this week... hopefully tomorrow or Tuesday, THIS will be our house!!!!!!!! It makes me feel so domesticized. I hear Pine Sol, paint brushes, and a broom calling me now.

The doors I love!

Our sinks and counter!

Our bedroom!

Where I will become a good cook...

Where I will (hopefully) make a living!

#4: I worked my little behind off this week. I put in about 55 hours at three different jobs, and I feel GREAT! Also- if any of you ladies want a cute dress, check out mikarose.com. And, if you're in the Provo or Lehi Costcos before Wednesday- or in the Sandy or Bountiful ones after that, all of the dresses will be there! Fun. Dresses. Happy. Point is: I made money this week. I haven't done that in almost two months.

#5: We went to our new ward today. After being in singles wards for like, oh, TEN YEARS, this is quite the shocker. There's this muffled roar that can be heard at every meeting of every family ward... noise that we are SO not used to. Welcome to the rest of our lives...

#6: Biff graduates in about three weeks!!! I am SO proud of my baby sister who always said she was going to be a "nuse."

#7: We have had some GREAT Easter food! Chuck's dad hosted an awesome Easter dinner last night and Chuck's grandma's cooking still makes me happy.

#8: My computer is still messed up- lame- but Chuck has a computer that works perfectly. I'm a little jealous- but at least I can use his!

#9: The weather was perfect today. I LOVE SPRING. And I LOVE Easter. And I love church on Easter Sunday. It was just a really fantastic day.

#10: I'm beginning my training sessions at 24 Hour Fitness again tomorrow! YAY! When I moved to Orlando I still had 6 sessions left. They froze my account until now, and tomorrow I am ready for that little Heidi trainer of mine to whip me back into shape! Fun. And painful. Ouch.

So that's all for tonight. I need to get to bed. But hey- it's been a great week. I love being a newlywed, I love working, and I love just feeling content with where life is right now. I am blessed.

Things I'd Forgotten

I have worked nearly 30 hours in the past two days. Part of me thinks that working like that is great. If it means I get my week's worth of work in in just a couple days- I'm all about that. But I'm pooped. Come on folks, you're talking to a girl who playing PRINCESS for a living for more than two years of her life- getting back into the "real world" of work is tough. I'd forgotten.

So here I am in Utah-picking up odd jobs here and there to make money (that we really need) and to keep myself from getting bored to death. So far I have become a cleaning lady and a wardrobe mistress. Oh yeah- and today I am going to be a model at Costco. (I know, I can't stop laughing myself...) HA! All this is temporary while I build up students (want voice lessons??? CALL ME) and try to get some coaching type jobs here and there. Fun fun fun. Starting over with job stuff is exciting. And exhausting.

WARDROBE MISTRESS: Did you know that my costumes don't just magically appear in my dressing room every morning? Nice, clean, pressed and ready to go.... Nope. That business takes a LOT of work. I spent all day yesterday working for the national tour of Bye Bye Birdie in Provo- and I must say that it's VERY interesting being on the other end of things. Those techs, costumers, stage managers, etc work their tails off. It's amazing. And then, at two hours before show, the performers prance on in with just enough time to get ready for the show. Hmmmm. Anyway, the point is, the whole thing made me appreciate- even more than I already did- the whole technical aspect of what I do. Not only that, but it made me EXTREMELY grateful for Equity. This was a non-equity tour, so the costumes don't exactly have to be WASHED.... gross. Yeah- they all wreaked of sweat and Febreze- and the smell threw me back into my days at the Playmill. Ahhhhhhhhh the Playmill. How I loved those years of my life! Sweating on someone elses caked in sweat... :-) - which eventually turns into sweating someone else's smell... (Actually Tiffany- the purple dress was one that didn't smell so bad... ha ha) Trust me- it sounds nasty but there's also a great sentimentality that goes along with it. Hee hee.

I've also forgotten what summer feels like. Spring keeps fooling around with my emotions by giving me sunshine and warmth one day, and snow the next. Hmmmm. At least I can still wear my cute coats...

Monday (Meant to be Sunday) Sunshine!

Yes folks, I'm back to the regularly scheduled blogging habits of my old life. Sure, I'm a day late on SUNDAY SUNSHINE- but hey- I've been busy! (No laughing... I really have! Today I was job hunting all day long!!!!)

#1: I have a cute husband who loves me. That's fun. We don't have to go to separate places at the end of the day, and we now can hang out on our computers at night, completely ignore each other, and then when it's all done, still have time to snuggle. Yup.

#2: The past weeks have been filled with friends and family. I LOVE that. I have had bridal showers, a dinner, and a reception where I was able to see friends and family who I haven't spent time with in years. I LOVE that. I LOVE people. I love MY people.

The Ladies of Layton.
I go back 15+ years with these gals.
LOVE THEM.

My BYU/HALE/ETC Shower
Haven't seen some of these girls in years.
Thanks for making me happy!

The Layton Shower- Plus Some.
Again, girls I haven't seen in years.
I LOVE REUNIONS!!!

#3: Today we found out that everything on our house is going through!!!!! We'll close at the end of this week or beginning of next. Is it odd to anyone else that I go from a carefree Disney princess to a wife and homeowner all in a matter of days? When did I grow up?!!?!?

#4: Nielsen's Custard is mine and Chuck's latest kick. I want to eat their custard all day long. FOREVER.

#5:

Enough said. I love this kid. :-)

#6: Chuck and I are waiting for another niece to come sometime real soon- yay Mayzie!

#7: Tonight Chuck and I had a fun FHE doing our budgeting and finances and all that stuff. I don't like money when I owe it to people, but spending it is fun. ;-) Unfortunately the OWING people thing outweighs the SPENDING right now... but all will come in due time.

#8: Chuck's grandparents are amazing and letting us newlyweds crash at their place until we get into the house. THANK YOU, Robinsons!!!! We love being here with them and I have to say that Chuck's grandma is the best cook ever! I need to be domesticated like her someday! (Thanks for the recipes!!!)

#9: Did I mention I LOVED my wedding cake??? I did. It looked great and tasted divine. Can I have a wedding again? (Same Boy...)

#10: Today I shed my winter coat. I'm sure that's short lived, but it got warm enough, that even I, Miss Florida, got hot in my coat. Awesome.

#11: I LOVE the mountains. They are BEAUTIFUL and I'd forgotten how much I missed them when I was in FL.

#12: Lotion is nice. I don't like dry skin.

#13: The gym at my mom's apartment is great. I love it. It smells nice and I like to watch Good Things Utah and The View when I work out. Ha.

#14: Target gift cards are awesome.

#15: Job hunting is going well, and I am thankful for that. I am working on getting voice students, and in the mean time I have a few other things to keep me busy. So that's really nice. I feel guilty while Chuck works all day and I don't have anything on my agenda.

#16: Last, but not least, I LOVE Conference. I loved this weekend and the things we heard from the prophet and the apostles. I feel like I'm watching Conference with a different eye now that I am married. I have a little family to take care of, I have a marriage to preserve and make thrive... it's fun. I love it.

Night.

Calling All People Who Read My Bloggy

I need a piano. Cheap. But nice. One that works well. And looks pretty. Help.

My Cake!

I LOVED my wedding cake. Yup.

Back to the World of the Living

Yes folks, I'm alive and well. I'm all married and stuff- and now the waiting game for our house begins. OK, so it began like a month ago- but hopefully we will be closing here in a few weeks and we'll no longer be homeless! Yippee!

Mini report on my wedding: Thanks to Brittany and the other Brittany, Travis and Nate (Check out his site to see some of our video!!!), Dawna and Hollee, and to all of my best girlfriends in the world. I could not have asked for better people to work with and to help keep me sane during the day!!! I'll write a longer report later- but just know that I was THRILLED to see so many of you who I haven't seen in years. Old friends, new friends, family- I love you all and felt so thoroughly blessed that day.

Honeymooning...

We stayed two nights at The Johnson Mill in Midway. I was bummed because when I took the above picture, they'd removed our names from the plaque. But when we got there the night before "Chuck and Amy" was written on the sign. So cute. AMAZING room, AMAZING breakfast, and great fun. GO THERE.

Then we headed to Estes Park, Colorado...

In case you need to pee while you're in the car, use this handy dandy

PORTABLE URINAL!

We stopped for dinner in Fort Collins, CO. What a charming downtown they had! LOVED IT!

(Chuck was also nice enough to not be embarrassed by his makeup-less wife that night)

The cute husband make me breakfast the next morning...

Road tripping to Steamboat Springs, Colorado! Cereal pit stop...

I haven't lived with a guy since my dad- ten years ago. So this was fun... he taught me how he shaves. Ha ha.

Yummy yummy dinner!

... and dessert...

Happy happy. Good times.

Playing Bride

The husband (I have a husband now...) is making brunch (Danish Aebleskiver) , I have no stress, and I'm blogging on my honeymoon (Cuz we have no agenda). It's a goooooood life. :-)

Thank you again to Brittany. She is truly talented and great to work with. Get your pictures taken by her!!!

Happy.

Three Days. I'm ready. Minor things to finish, but it could all happen tomorrow and I'd feel good. I do still want some cute boots for my honeymoon...

For those of you whose phone calls and emails I haven't returned, I apologize. I love you all. I'm just flaky right now.

Wendy- I'm still trying to figure out where my hamster came from. Would you believe that I have NO idea? Oh brother...

House: Still working on details and praying it's all going to happen as planned. Thankful that Huntsman signed a bill for 1600 grants for people buying new constructions.

I want to see Australia. The movie. Guess I'll have to wait for a few weeks... my mom's Netflix copy is coming Monday.

I can't wait to see my family and friends on Wednesday. People make me happy. Reunions make me the happiest. That's what I am most excited about (besides the getting married part-duh) - seeing people I haven't seen in a long time. It's good stuff. :-)

Yep. Wedding. Fun.

Sunday Sunshine... On Friday

It's been more than a month since I was able to do a little SUNDAY SUNSHINE post. Lame. So here's one... one a Friday.

1. My wedding is in 12 days!!! WOW! That's crazy. And for those of you who doubted my ability to have everything done two weeks in advance- I laugh. It's done. OK- fine, little things aren't done- BUT I feel good and I'm ready to go! Everything is paid for- I have great friends helping me with everything... I am just gonna dress up pretty and be there for it all. Yay wedding! And the Boy I'm marrying is pretty darn ready too.

2. Fun news: We're working on buying a house. Things are going well. We might be able to close on April 1. YIPPEE!!! It makes me feel grown up... that's weird.

3. I've been able to spend LOTS of time with my little niece. She is hilarious and I am so happy that she knows me now and really has fun being with me. Thanks, Kensie, for being so entertaining!

4. Bridal showers are amazing! I have LOVED seeing so many old friends and getting to know Chuck's family better. I have two more this weekend and I really can't wait!!! Yay for fun, happy memory making days!

5. There's this sweet girl named Megan Heaps who is helping me out SO much with the "me" part of my wedding. I am SO grateful for her generousity and kindess in helping me look pretty!!!

6. My mom is in a new apartment, and although I am SO tired of moving her from place to place, she's in a lovely place in Draper now. My brother in law, sister, and Chuck were a great help. THANK YOU. I cannot do these things without all of you!

7. I'm grateful for down time. I've been busy busy getting all the wedding things solidified, but gosh, I have to admit that besides not having a paycheck, being unemployed is NOT a terrible thing. My poor fiance is working like crazy and I... well, don't right now. I'll have my fair share of it soon enough, but I am so happy that I was able to finanacially plan, in advance, for this month and a half of not working. It's been a great blessing in my life!

8. I LOVE that we've gotten such a great response to our wedding invites. For those of you who don't know, Chuck designed them. He did a great job and I love seeing how happy he is with the feedback.

9. I'm thankful that I have 24 Hour Fitness to go to again. Last night I went at midnight. It's good for me and clears my mind.

10. Adam Lambert: Love his singing. Thank you, American Idol, for making my Tuesdays and Wednesdays happy.

11. Kallie Ann: My cute cousin Kallie has been my shopping sidekick the past few weeks. Love her.

12. Orlando Roomies: I miss them. I miss seeing each of you every day and watching trash TV on Monday nights. I miss the quirks and the songs and the pool. Thanks for being a part of my REALLY happy Orlando memories.

13. I still have this insane drive to audition for some big shows. I'm grateful for a soon-to-be hubby who supports my ambitions and dreams. I'm thankful to know that he wants me to do big things and he loves that I have big dreams like him. But honestly, right now I am pretty content setting up house and playing married. Yup.

14. My brother-in-law Brett has been a HUGE help to me and to Chuck in the last few weeks. Yay Brett.

15. I eat oatmeal for breakfast every morning. A banana and oatmeal. I love it. It brings serious joy into my life.

16. The sun makes me happy. I have chosen a great time to come back to Utah. It's FREEZING here, but I'm grateful that it's only snowed a couple times since I've been back. AND the snow gos away within a couple days. That's MY kind of winter!

17. I am thankful for people who pray for the good weather that'll be happening on March 25. :-) :-)

18. I love the temple and I'm excited to get there a couple times in the next week and a half. I haven't taken the chance to go since I was in Orlando. It's time.

19. Peanut butter tastes good. Biff's birthday was last night and we had some yummy yummy cake and ice cream. I LOVE SUGAR!!!!

20. I also love pizza. It's divine. YUMMY.

And now I'll get on with my day... :-)

So Much Catching Up...

My computer is still dead. I moved my mom into a new apartment and we didn't have internet for a week. But I am pleased to announce that I at least have access to THE BLOG once again. There's lots of catching up to do. And I have to admit that I've been avoiding some of these posts for a long time. I still get a bit too wrapped up in the emotion of it all when I look through these pictures.

I left the B and B stage a month ago today. That was a horrendously tough week. The sobbing began exactly one week before my final show...

Getting ready on the last day

Memories

With Lindsey after the final show

Tradition

Tim

Techs

There are so many amazing pictures that I really wish I could post here, but my friend Belle could get in some serious trouble for doing so. So there it is. Everything is still very fresh, and while I was excited and ready to move on, leaving the B and B stage and Orlando itself was terribly painful. BUT, I leave with wonderful memories and friends I'll have forever. Life is good.

Why?

Why, oh why, do I find the shoes I CAN NOT have? Urgh. UK shoes from a year ago. Bah.