The Good Things in Life

About twice a week I almost get hit by a car while riding my bike on my way to school. A few days ago I was having a bad day, thinking of everything that could possibly go wrong in my life. I almost get hit by cars, bugs infest our apartment, it is going to be so hot riding my bike to school in May, I don't have a job, I don't have a car, and the list could have kept going. And then I began to think of how selfish I was being. I began to think of all the things I have I should be grateful for, all the things that make me happy, and everything that has happened in my life the past month...


Things I'm grateful for/make me happy...

1) My beautiful bike. Not only my bike makes me happy, but seeing Erik's bike next to mine. Although half the time they crowd our already-too-small living room, I am so happy we have them. I love riding my bike to school, and almost getting hit by cars just makes for funny stories.



2) The fact that I am now a "Payne", and i can put "P's" all over our house. I am also in a fruit obsession right now where I love to decorate with them. I see this everyday and the colors bring joy into my life. Erik also uses them as weapons to throw at the cats that hang around our door.



3) The fact that I get to wake up next to my best friend everyday. This is above our bed and it reminds me everyday how much I really have. Having him in my life is all I could ask for.

Happy things that have happened the last month...

1) These two were married last Saturday in the temple. It was the funnest day, and the reception was amazing. I am so happy Erica found someone like Albert-he's hilarious and he is perfect for her. Even though they have only known each other a few months, I know it's going to be forever!

2)This beautiful girl was baptized! Cecily is one of the most amazing, Christ-like people I know, and she is only 8! I learn so much from her all the time, like how to love one another, obedience, positivity, and charity. You would think that I should be teaching her these things, but she is so good at them already I can't help but follow her example.

3) My grandpa was sealed to his parents, at age 71. It was such a cool experience to see sealings with a proxy and I am so happy I got to be there.

And last but not least, I know the temple is somewhere I can go to find happiness whenever I need it. It is so great to be able to attend and receive my own personal revelation. Erik's aunt and uncle and their family were also sealed as a family this past month and it was so great to be there for that. I can not wait to spend 5 nights a week there for the next month doing Easter Pageant. Even though there is alot of stuff going on with HBO, I know that everything will work out because this is the Lord's work and with the Lord's work there is no imperfection.

Happiness/Longest Post of all Mankind

....I need to apologize in advance...This started out as a quick update on the honeymoon that happened forever ago, ang a few things that just made me happy and it turned into the longest post of all time with the most pictures.  If you make it through this whole thing, wow...This extremely long post begins with some pictures of the greatest day of my life....

....Many times I take advantage of my family (like go over to their house 5/7 times a week to eat dinner) and forget to sit down and really thank them for everything they have done for me. Not only did they make that entire day/experience the best, they make every day the best.  Last night for instance, Erik and I were once again at my parents house eating dinner, and somehow we ended up reinacting all of the best scenes from the movie Grease.  It included singing, dancing, acting, some tears, and many loud voices.  I have the best family in the world.  And soon the 2 lovebirds on the left will be getting married themselves. Yippee!!
And then I thought of my new family. Oh my new family. They are just about the funniest people. You will never have a boring moment around them.  I also love how much they care about me and that is not a recent development. They have been that way since I was 12. They were family before Erik and I got engaged and I am so happy that I am now officially part of their family.

...I am the luckiest because I don't get just one new family, I get TWO. These people are the most generous, kind, loving people I know. And I have only known them a few months.  They accepted me right in to their close family without any problems.  I can not wait to spend Christmases, Thanksgivings, summers and many other times with my new mom, Malcolm, Grandpa Andy and Grandma Lois! You guys are the best.

Thanks to all you guys who supported us!  We had a blast and the day wouldn't have been the same without you!

...Oh my girls.  My day would have been nowhere near the same if it weren't for you. First, my sisters: they helped me with everything from day one. From the dress to the flowers to the bridal shower and the honeymoon help. You girls are awesome and I love you. Second, the greatest best friends in the whole world: Dana, Janell, and Karissa.  Even though two of you were in Utah half the time it was so nice to be able to talk to you in the middle of chaos and have you calm me down. Second grade was when our friendship began and it was great with you guys there. Thank you! (And a special shout out to Dana who helped with the disaster of the sign-in book). and last but not least: Kelly.  Kelly my maid of honor I love you so much! You are my best friend and I couldn't have done any of it without your love and support. Thank you!

...Longest bridal party ever. But it was great!

...Brenda you made the greatest cake! It was everything I wanted!

...There are two important men in my life.  Just because I'm married it doesn't make me any less of a daddy's girl.  This is the greatest man that I know. He has the biggest heart (even though he tries to be intimidating) and was one of the reasons my day was everything I wanted it to be.  He will always be my pappy and I love him so much!!

...And then the fun began...

.......And off to the honeymoon!....
..Beautiful Catalina Island...

...The weirdest towel animal things our housekeeper would make for us...

...Smoothies on the cruise...

...Our room was tiny!...

...And then Disneyland!! That is my favorite place in the whole world!...
He was such a trooper and wore the hats I have been wanting since I was like 5.  Our honeymoon was the greatest ever! 9 days of pure fun!

If you made it this far congrats.  Sorry it was so long but it was fun!

Crazy Crazy!

WOW! First, I can't figure out how to get it off of underline so if its still there when I post Im sorry. Otherwise disregard. Second, the past month has been crazy beginning with...OUR WEDDING! It was seriously amazing. The sealer was amazing, the reception was amazing. It was just one big party all around. Polka dots from the cake to my dress, yes my dress did have polka dots. It was amazing and one-of-kind. Here are some pics from the big day, pictures of our awesome honeymoon and apartment coming soon!

Yes I wore white Vans with frilly socks that had lace and beads on them that my grandma made for me. 

This is my beautiful husband! I have never been happier than when I am with him. And he definitely looked super hot that day, as always!

Countdown Continues!

Here it is everyone. Yesterday was a month until the wonderful day the two of us are to be wed. Our excitement has overcome us. A 5 month engagment is definitely way too long and we do NOT recommend it to anyone. But now it all seems to feel real, it actually feels like we're getting married! 30 days could not come fast enough. All I can say is I feel so blessed to be getting married to my best friend. I wouldn't have it any other way!

Engagements!

Our engagement pictures are in! These are some of our favorites, but we saved our absolute best ones for the announcement, we didn't want to spoil it! Auburn Jones took them and they all turned out so good! Hope you all enjoy!

Newport Fun

Here are some pics from our weekend at Newport with his mom. She was awesome enough to take some of these and we love her for it!



The water was seriously freezing!

His mom is one of the greatest ladies I know! She has helped out tremendously for our wedding, honeymoon and apartment I don't know what we would have done without her, and surprises just keep coming! This weekend was so much fun, thank you so much mom we love you!