Updates

So I have been a total slacker lately when it comes to the blog. Life has been keeping me so busy! Between school, wedding planning, Derek and not wanting to do anything but be with Derek, I have found myself with very little time. In summary, here is what we have been up too.

1. Finding our first apartment! Yes, we found the place we will be living and I cant tell you how excited I am. For any of you who have ever looked for married housing in Provo, you know why I am thanking Heavenly Father everynight we found a place. Within a week, Derek and I looked at over ten apartments and they were either uninhabitable, werent renting for the summer, or already taken. I spent day and night on craigslist, and felt like giving up. The last night we went to three houses and the first wouldnt have fit a couch, let alone a bed. The second had a washer and dryer in place of a dishwasher in the kitchen and smelled like mold. The third house, was GOLD!!! We walked in and right away fell in love! Dont get me wrong, its small and the washer and dryer are in the bathroom not the kitchen, but it is perfect for just the two of us and just in our price range! It is connected to a house i Orem about three miles from campus. It was such an answer to my anxious prayers!

2. Furnishing our first house. I was a little worried that once we found a place, I would have to do all of the work in finding furniture and making it look like a home, but Derek has been wonderful! Our last few date nights have consisted of us with our note pads sitting in the ailse at Target, Wal-Mart, IKEA and D.I. trying to figure out what looks half decent and is in our price range. We have so much fun just dreaming about what the house will look like. We cant wait to move in.

3. Figuring out what "finances" really are. Derek's ward advertised a seminar that BYU is hosting that povides financial advise and knowledge to any BYU students. So, for a whole $6 and three thursdays, we signed up. It has been so good for us to learn about 401K's, taxes, budget and for me to learn that clothes at Target cant fall into the necessary category of my budget anymore. We have really set goal and learned about each other's familys and lifestyles in a suprisingly low stress atmosphere. It has been so good for me to set goals and realize that although Derek may like my shirt, he will like dinner that night even more :)

5. Planning a wedding in Florida from Utah. I dont think I really need to elaborate, but for any of you who know me well, I am struggling with the whole not being able to make sure everything looks just right problem. I dont know what I would do without email and cellphones. So far everything is falling into place and I know it will be beautiful. I am so grateful to my mom and future mother-in-law who are being more helpful then I could have ever dreamed.

4. Falling in Love. I know its cheesy, but honestly, I feel like most of my time is spent learning about Derek and caring more for him. I am sure we are still in the "honeymoon phase," but I feel like we are really coming to know each other and accept each other, whatever that may entail.

5. Being Grateful. I have to add this in last because I know that everything that Derek and I have is a gift from our Heavenly Father. I am so grateful for his continuous love and presence in my life. I am so grateful to have found a honest, good man who will take me to the temple to be sealed for time and eternity. What more could I really ask for!

So that is the last month in a nutshell! Sorry for the lack of graphic excitement!

Engagement Pictures

While we were in Florida we had the chance to take our engagement pictures. Neither Derek or I love to have our picture taken, but we did our best to stick it out for an hour. Luckily we got a few keepers!

Our Chrsitmas

This year Derek and I got to celebrate Christmas several times. I think my favorite was our own Christmas which we celebrated in Provo before going back to Florida. It was so fun to sit around the tree and exchange the games we had gotten for each other. I got Derek Mancala, one of my favorites, Connect Four, his favorite, and Scrabble. Derek got me Pictionary and to my suprise a digital photo frame was inside! Its a perfect addition to our growing collection of things for our house. We are so blessed and I am so glad I had the chance to spend Christmas with the boy I love!

Lost is coming back!

So Derek and i got totally addicated to Lost this fall. We used Lost as our go to release from school and stress, and got through the seasons suprisingly fast. Now we are waiting for the new season to start. I thought i would post this link for all of the Lost fans out there. For those who arent, i think this will make you want to start watching!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQfC5Vkn_PA

Temple Square at Christmas

The Saturday after Thanksgiving we had the chance to visit Temple Square and see the Christmas lights. We went with Taylor and Stephanie and had a great time. First we had dinner at Gateway and then scalped tickets to the Jazz game. After the game we bundled up and went to Temple Square. It was packed, but that didnt take away from the beautiful lights and spirit there. Derek and I loved the various nativity scenes scattered around the Square and were amazed at how many strands of lights it took to light up just one tree! It really brought the spirit of Christmas to us this year.

Fall Fun

I cant believe the semester is almost over! It seems like yesterday we were going to our first day of classes. Luckily this semester hasnt been just work and school. We have had the chance to do so many fun things with our friends who have come to mean so much to us. The 2 for 1 coupon book has been our trusted companion, along with trips to Salt Lake and NCAA football on Xbox. This semester we have had the chance to go camping with Caitlin and Andrew, carve pumpkins with Derek's mission buddies and roommates, attend BYU football games, go to Comedy Sports and attend General Conference with our families. I am sure next semester will be just as much fun as we are getting even closer to our wedding day!

The Proposal

Derek finally proposed! I think we are still in shock! It happened on Tuesday November 4th. I was home sick from classes and Derek was taking care of me. I asked him to go get me medicine and he was gone for almost an hour! I was so frustrated when he got back, but tried to be patient while he got the medicine all set up downstairs. He finaly came up stairs and sat down next to me, all smiles and hugs. He handed me the medicine and told me to read the note atached to the bottle. In the note it said we would be together forever and that he loved me. I looked up and he was on one knee. He said my name and I told him to shut up. He had been faking me out for weeks so I didnt believe him. We laughed and he sat down next to me and I reached for the medicine. He told me to take the medicine in the bottle first. When I opened the bottle there was a ring sitting on top of all of the pills. I couldnt bleive it! Derek got on one knee and asked me to marry him. I of course said yes and put on the beautiful ring! His roommates were all there and took pictures of the whole thing. We couldnt be happier! We are hoping to get married May 15th 2009 in the Orlando Florida temple.