11 Weeks Later...

...I am finally getting around to blogging about our wedding day. After many requests, here is how it all went down...

The day: June 9, 2011

At 12:45 PM on June 9th, Tyson and I were sealed for time and all eternity in the beautiful Bountiful Temple. (We aren't in to the whole "'til death do us part" thing.)

We were surrounded by lovely family and friends who came from all over Utah, Idaho, and Arizona to support us.

Lots of hugging went down.

Then we took the traditional family pictures on the steps of the temple. We have lots of family!

  

And of course, we took some pictures on our own.

 

We brought an umbrella because it had been raining all morning (and was actually still raining while we were inside the temple)...

 

  

...But the sky ended up being stunningly blue, and not a single drop of rain fell the rest of the day.

Our photographer insisted we take a picture by this sign.

I still don't get it.

........................

That evening we had a garden reception at the lovely Eldredge Manor.

Once again, lots of smiling, hugging, and picture taking went on.

Lots of people came, and they even brought us presents!

  

There were lots of yummy desserts, although I didn't really get to eat any.

The centerpieces were potted calla lilies on doilies and pictures held with miniature antique chairs.

We weren't going to have a wedding cake, but my good friend Kari made this beauty as her first ever wedding cake.

My extremely talented siblings provided live music throughout the evening...

...Which gave everyone a chance to dance.

 

My siblings then presented us with lots of useful gifts.

After stealing our keys and torturing Tyson until he revealed the location of our hidden car, Tyson's siblings finally got what they wanted.

 

After stopping at a gas station to clean off our windows and throw away the balloons, we finally disappeared into the night.

 

All photos are courtesy of RLT Photography. To see all of our wedding day pictures, click here. If you want to check out our bridals and groomals, click here (highly recommended). For engagements, here.

Birthday

Welcome to the world,

Legend Jack Vaitai Williams

Born Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 4:49 pm

7 lbs 6 oz

20 inches

You Do the Math

 

+

 

=

The perfect "I'm not doing homework even though I should be" snack!

It's a really good thing this semester ends in three days.

Tomorrow... French Toast Night!

SURPRISE!!!

I'M ENGAGED!!!

...To this hunk right here!

We will be married in the Bountiful LDS Temple on 

June 9, 2011!

...Details coming soon...

Just Some Inspirational Words...

In honor of Black History Month, here is a beautiful quote from Maya Angelou, "one of the most important African American authors and orators of the twentieth century."

"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life." I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."  

 -Maya Angelou

Also, I'm in love with this song:

My BFF Brooklin (roommate from last year) is getting married and has put me in charge of finding music for her wedding, so I have love songs coming out my ears lately. Be prepared because I'll probably be posting several of my favorites sometime in the near future...

Ode to Facial Hair

Today, I saw a whole group of young men sporting very stylish mustaches. I smiled and thought to myself, "The world could always use a little more stache..." but then I was suddenly sad to realize that Movember/Noshember/Novembeard/No-Shave November is coming to a close. I will miss all the glorious beards, mustaches, and assorted facial hair patterns that have been so diligently groomed by classy men all over. So, in honor of the commencement of a glorious month dedicated to the growing of hair on one's face, I give you the one and only (AND the original)...


Beard Song.

(Rocky and Balls also came out with a song about mustaches specifically for the month of November. I don't love it as much as The Beard Song, but if you want to check it out, click here.)

Five

Five years ago, you came into my life.

You changed everything.

I would not be who I am today if it weren't for you.

You never cease to make me smile.

I love to watch you grow and learn,

And through doing so, I grow and learn as well.

Thank you for the lessons you've taught me

And for the love you've so freely given.

Your life is a gift.

Every day with you is a blessing.

Thank you for the endless laughs,

Adventures, and tender hugs.

Most of all,

Thank you for always loving me.

Happy birthday, Baby Girl!

God made you my sister, and you will always be my best friend.

Front Porch Sittin'

I always like to dream of the future home I will own someday. 

My idea of what I want changes slightly from time to time, but there's one thing that always stays the same:

I want a front porch big enough for my couch.

Now, I'm not meaning something fancy and expensive like this (although it does look quite nice and relaxing. And I'm a fan of the color scheme, but that's besides the point) :

No, I'm talkin' deep south, lemonade sippin', shot-gun shootin', lazy summer day porch sittin'.

Put a ukulele in my hands and a hound dog at my feet and I would be a happy girl for the rest of my days.

Oh yeah. That's what I'm talkin' about.

Oh Hey, Mr. Hamilton! How Do You Like My Pants?

Today, I pretty much got paid it spin around in my chair for 7 hours at work. It was really boring.

Highlight of my day: finding a ten dollar bill in the back pocket of my jeans when I got dressed this morning. 

I wonder if any of my other clothes have money hiding in them...

A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes...

I just suddenly had a huge craving to go four-wheeling. 

Through the mud. 

In Mexico. 

In the middle of the jungle.

I want to go back.

SO bad.

These Girls Are Hilarious.

Seriously. I wish I was as funny as them. And as talented.

...And this is what happens on a boring Monday night when Hilary's husband is out of town. Don't we make such a great team? There will most likely be more where this came from... Dun dun dun!

I Love This Boy

Meet Tate:

14-year-old junior high heart-throb with a melt-your-heart smile (and dimples!). Not only is my little brother a complete stud and extremely talented in many fields (not to mention quite a bit taller than me now), but he has the biggest heart of anyone you'll ever meet. This boy loves everyone. He looks out for his family, respects girls, and is protective of his sisters. He never offends and is always willing to help. Tonight he reminded me of just why I love him and look up to him so much. He would go to the end of the world and back to protect or defend my sisters and me if needed. He is sensitive and tries his best to let nothing offend the spirit. Tate may be messy and a bit of an air head at times, but this boy would save the world if he could. I love him and someday I hope to be as strong as he is. 

Thank you, Tate, for always being your best and making me want to try harder. I love you.

Tastes Like Summer

Friday I roasted marshmallows over a fire in the canyon. Yesterday we ate dinner outside. Today (after a long afternoon of relaxing on the lawn), we had a barbecue at our 1st Counselor's house for FHE. I love the taste of summer!

Daddy's Rules

Everything I need to know I learned from my dad:

• Rule #1: Don't leave the cap off the fizzy.
• Baseball is second only to the church.
• Any day is a good day for a nap.
• There isn't anything a good action movie can't cure.
• No one can be better looking than Robert Conrad in his days of Wild Wild West.
• Everything's better with a little hot sauce and a whole lot of salt.
• Rub some dirt in it.
• I am most beautiful when my hair is in a ponytail and I'm not wearing makeup.
• Dessert first is always acceptable.
• Cats are nothing more than large rodents.
• Great life lessons can be learned from Indiana Jones and Star Trek.
• You can marry more in a minute than you can make in a lifetime.
• Always watch where you're pointing your gun, even if the safety is on.
• Rule #2: When skiing, "snow plowing" is never allowed.
• Real men have hair. Everywhere.
• You can't drink milk with pizza.
• If our house is ever on fire, he's saving mom first and then coming back for the rest of us.
• You can never stop learning from the scriptures.
• Always be true to the Home Team.
• There is no end to creativity.
• The Gospel is exciting.
• Rule #3: Never forget that Daddy loves you.

And last but not least...

• If you're not falling down, you're not trying hard enough.

Happy birthday Daddy!
Thanks for all you've taught me. I love you.

Quote of the Day

"He always wears those bright shirts that just reel me in like a venus fly trap!"

-Brooklin

...I think Brooklin and I have been watching too much late night Discovery Channel.

FOOD!

Welcome to Friday. Today I FINALLY got to go to the grocery store. I haven't been for about two weeks, and I was very much out of food. No milk, no bread, no graham crackers (yes, those are as important as milk and bread), no nothin'! Before I went to good ol' Smith's, the only thing I had eaten today was a dinky Chewy granola bar. Not very sustaining. I bought a lot more food than usual (including a bakery markdown giant cream cheese single serve brownie... mmmboy!) and made myself a great big sandwich (with MEAT, not peanut butter) as soon as I got home. Do you know what I had along with my sandwich and baby carrots? A great big glass of delicious 1% milk! This is the first time I've had milk all week and boy was I grateful to have it! In fact, I think I'll go pour me a nice big glass right now. After all, I did just eat that whole giant cream cheese "single serve" brownie. Is my stomach going to be mad at me for it? You bet ya. Was it worth it? Ooohh yeah!

Today

Today, I felt stunningly beautiful. (Which doesn't happen very often. Mostly because I very rarely get myself ready for the day when I have no where to go but school.)

...Too bad I didn't have anyone I wanted to impress.

Oh well! Thanks for the new clothes, Mom!

Passion Never Dies

I was introduced to the most fantastic movie this weekend. Wicker Park, starring Josh Hartnett, is perhaps the most brilliantly written and directed film I have ever seen. Ever. Really. Watch it.

The story is about "a young Chicago advertising executive [who] believes a woman he sees in a café is his long-lost love. His conviction leads to obsession, as he puts his life on hold to trail her." (IMDB)

Okay, I know that it sound cheesy, but it was mind blowing. The first half or so of the movie, you basically have no idea what is going on. The story goes back and forth between present time and flashbacks from different characters (which is a brilliant directing choice considering the plot, but I'm not going to tell you.). But when it all starts fitting together... oh boy. Hold on to your seats! And, for my fellow Shakespeare lovers, there is even a small dose of William thrown in there for us.

Okay, enough from me. I don't want to give anything away, so GO WATCH IT!

(For some reason the embed code is cutting off the left part of the frame, so here's the link if you want to see the whole picture: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UONKjg0Q-ho )


And now back to my homework.

...Seriously though. Watch it.

Blogs of Note

Need another blog to blogstalk? Check out two of my favorites:

www.cakewrecks.blogspot.com
Cake Wrecks: When Professional Cakes Go Horribly, Hilariously Wrong

Her description: "A Cake Wreck is any cake that is unintentionally sad, silly, creepy, inappropriate - you name it. A Wreck is not necessarily a poorly-made cake; it's simply one I find funny, for any of a number of reasons. Anyone who has ever smeared frosting on a baked good has made a Wreck at one time or another, so I'm not here to vilify decorators: Cake Wrecks is just about finding the funny in unexpected, sugar-filled places."

This blog contains daily photos of cake wreckage from bakeries all over the country. Every Sunday she posts "Sunday Sweets" which are the exact opposite of cake wrecks. These weekly posts spotlight beautiful, creative, and extremely impressive cake designs. Check it out! Who doesn't love cake??


Next up: www.myregisblog.com (Yes, that does say regis.)
My Religious Blog: The Substandard Works of a Utah Mormon

If you enjoy puns and laughing about the funny things Utah Mormons do, then you'll love this blog. Example: "If you have always wanted programming that would seamlessly combine the faith and sacrifice of the early saints as they crossed the plains with the fast paced action of martial arts and Western justice, then you’re gonna love the new TV show I am developing for KBYU called Pioneer Children Sang As They Walker Texas Ranger."
He doesn't post very often, but the blog is worth reading through if you need a good laugh.

Enjoy!

The Future Mr. and Mrs. Bishop

On Monday, my cousin, Jenny, and her fiance were nice enough to let me hike up Ensign peak with them and take some pictures. They hired a real photographer to do their engagements, but wanted some pictures of them where they got engaged. It was a blast! I am definitely not the best photographer in the world, but they turned out all right. It was kind of weird to see my cousin kissing a boy, but it was great to be able to spend some time with Jenny and Tyler (and my dad who came along to help!) and to get to know my future cousin-in-law a little better. Here are a few of my favorites (I have a really hard time just picking a couple. Obviously.):

Like I said... I couldn't pick just one or two. Even this was hard!

I absolutely love taking pictures, and I kind of like my cousin (Just kidding, Jen. I love you!) so it was pretty much a heavenly experience for me. The one thing we did have to work around was the fact that none of us were smart enough to realize that Monday is probably the most crowded day at Ensign Peak, but we managed to work around the masses pretty well. We did have to ask a couple of girls if they could sit somewhere else for a minute so we could take pictures by the monument, but I made my dad do the dirty work so that wasn't bad. Jenny and Tyler are both a lot of fun, and Tyler was a good sport and even reenacted his proposal for the sake of the camera. Just going to Ensign Peak was fun too because I had never been there before. I liked being able to go with my dad so he could tell me all about it. It was a fun day!