All The Things!!

Marriage. It's pretty much fantastic. I get to live with my best friend and have a sleepover every night!

In all honesty though, I really love being married. It's great! Fabulous! Fantastic!!!

Last night, Neil and I had the opportunity to go to Target and Bed Bath and Beyond. It was so much fun! The entire night I kept thinking, "We're so lucky! We're so blessed!" Were it not for the generous (and I sincerely mean generous) people we have in our lives, Neil and I would have nothing. No wedding pictures, wedding cake, receptions, bed, dresser, coffee table and so much more so much much much more. I cannot put into words how grateful and how absolutely blown away by the kindness of others to/for me and Neil.

Now, I won't list everyone's gifts here but I do want to share some of the spoils that we have collected.

1. A crepe maker.

Yeah, that's right. Who has sweet awesome cousins that gift her an her husband a crepe maker? THIS GIRL! I got so excited about this handy tool. Why? Because I love crepes! And even though I can cook and cook well, the French cooking gene somehow passed me by. French cuisine is no bueno for this chica. (Neither is the language apparently...) Anywho, I have been very excited to use this!!

2. A Brita water pitcher

Clear, filtered, fresh tasting water? Yes, please!! I don't think Neil minds drinking tap water straight from the tap but boy oh boy does it give me the heebie geebies!! Not in newer houses but our house was built in the early 1940s. Who knows what is in those pipes!! But all is well now that I have snobby water. (I am referring to myself as the snob but it is true! I am a snob about my drinking water.)

 3. A Ninja

Yes, I registered for a ninja so that we don't have to buy a security system for our apartment. Ha. No. I'm ninja enough for us. The Ninja is a sweet awesome blender and food processor and I love it! So does Neil. In fact, he was the one who asked me to register for it. It is handy to have around.

4. A microwave

Need I say more? Just think of all the lovely things you can do with this little box of technology! It's simply awesome.

5.(My Baby) A KitchenAid Mixer

Dream. Come. True! Ever since I can remember by Dad used his KitchenAid mixer to make all sorts of yummy things. I had resigned myself to the fact that I would probably not ever get one and if I did it wouldn't be for a long time. BUT because we were blessed with generous friends and family members we were able to buy a KitchenAid mixer. I was so happy when Neil said that we could get one that I almost started crying right there in the middle of Target! I didn't but I could have. I was and still am SO HAPPY! Neil even asked me if I was going to sleep in the kitchen with it! That's how happy I was!! I am planning on making bread on Sunday and possibly some chocolate chip cookies too! AHH! I have a KitchenAid mixer people!!

6. (Neil's Baby) A Pressure Cooker

Neil served his mission in Brazil so rice and black beans are kind of a staple in our diet. You can't really get that Brazilian flavor with canned black beans and Neil really wanted a pressure cooker (and so did I! His rice and bean dinners are SO YUMMY!) so we got one. We're pretty happy about it. 

There were so many awesome and fabulous gifts that we were given and while I am super excited to use and have them all, none of those "things" can replace the love I know Neil and I have pouring in from all angles. So, yes, thank you all for the beautiful and splendid gifts but thank you so much more for the love and support you have given to us day after day, night after night. Not everyone is as lucky and blessed as Neil and I are because not everyone has the specific blend of people in their lives as we do.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!!!

P.s.- Wedding posts will be posting soon! I just received the pictures so now I can blog them! But, have patience with me. There is so much to say about the last couple of weeks that it may take some time to get all my thoughts together!

A New Mrs. Olsen

Yup! That's me!

I got married this last Friday, just in case you missed that bit of information and I am now: 

Mrs. Neil Olsen. 

(It's Facebook official and everything... ;P)

Anyway, Neil and I are busy setting up house, opening cards and gifts and writing thank you notes. We'll be heading to Kentucky soon to have another little reception out there so for the next week we'll be busy trying to get the house organized and our bags repacked! I'm really excited to see everyone but I'm mostly excited to see ALISA VIRGIN!! 

Anyway, I am so grateful for all the love, support, friendship and well thought advise that has been given to my husband and I. ( I really like saying husband...a lot!) This past weekend would not have been as fun or enjoyable without the help and support of parents, sisters, aunts and uncles, grandparents, friends, cousins and most importantly, The Lord. 

I am so grateful that I am sealed to Neil for time and all eternity. 

I am so grateful for the temple and the blessing and knowledge we receive from within. 

I am so happy and ready to work, play, learn and so much more with my best friend and husband. 

Thank you to everyone!! I'll have more pics and stories soon!

Please Don't Ask Me The Following

There are some questions that I just do not appreciate in regards to my upcoming marriage. Now, I understand that many if not all of them are simply conversation starters for people to talk about the wedding. However, if the individual asking the question would think about the question before asking it, they might come to realize that it may not be an appropriate question. The following are questions that I have been asked and the reasons I despise, hearing them.

1. "Are you sure you want to do this? It's not too late to back out, you know."
Why in the world would you even ask this question? Especially those of the LDS faith. No, just think about it for a second. What does this question do to promote the act of marriage? Nothing. It only fosters (potentially) feelings of doubt and insecurity and doesn't the opposition do that to us enough? Isn't marriage such a crucial part of our Heavenly Father's plan for us that we get tried and tested by the adversary enough? How does this question make sense if you are excited or supportive of a couple? It doesn't. Even if this question is asked in jest...why? Why even ask a question that Satan started asking since day one? How is that okay? On the same note, it also implies that there may potentially be something wrong with one of the individuals. Please, please, please, don't ask people this question. It's insensitive and to me it's just plain rude.

2. "Are you excited?"
No. Nope. Not at all. Why would I be excited about such an amazing step in my life that I am blessed to get to take with my best friend? What the...? I'm sad that this needs explaining but apparently it does. Now, I don't dislike this question as much as #1 but boy oh boy does this question get under my skin. OF COURSE I'M EXCITED!!!! Gees louise! I know this is a conversation starter but I think it's safe to say, especially when all of my Facebook/Twitter/Blog posts are all about how excited I am, that I am indeed excited. (Almost 90% of the people who ask me this question follow me using social media, I know because they comment, like, or retweet!!) If you thought about this question a little more, you would realize that it's a silly question to ask because the answer is obvious.

3. So when do you think you'll start having kids?
I'm not a goat so I will never have a kid. That is what I want to say to people who ask this question, "NEVER!" (How's that for stubborn and proud?) Of course I want to have children but there is a problem with this question. First of all, I'M NOT EVEN MARRIED YET! BACK OFF! Second, some of you may not know but I have medical issues that may make it extremely hard to get pregnant. The question about having children is no one's concern. Not my parent's or Neil's. Not sisters or brothers. Not employers or even well intentioned visiting teachers. It is between me, Neil and the Lord. I do not need to run my "Baby making schedule" by ANYONE not that I even HAVE one. Sheesh! Third, I am still in school and while it may have been right for some individuals to drop out of school to begin to raise a family, that is not what Neil and I have planned for our family. Please let us build our family how and when the Lord is guiding us to.

4. "Are you stressed out?"
Should I be? I mean, yeah, having all of two families together with little sleep and high anxiety and excitement, people can crack a bit, say things they don't mean or just be a little...testy. But why is it that everyone thinks that being so stressed out I can't eat, think, breathe or sleep is crucial to the days leading up to my marriage? It's not a mandatory ingredient, folks! In fact, it's highly unwanted and very realistically kicked out of the recipe for a happy wedding day/week. Don't fool yourselves, kiddos. Being "stressed out" isn't a good thing and I have love and support from all angles that if I do get a little bit nervous about how something is planned to happen, they are right there to make sure it all turns out right. PLUS, being "stressed out" implies that "everything must be perfect". Well, my recipe for perfection includes me, the temple and the Lord. That's it. Everything else is happiness and joy and fun but, like stress, also not imperative to a happy wedding day/week. You chose your attitude. Though I am not perfect, I am trying my best to be grateful, humble and happy. Stress is not a factor.

5. "So, are you scared about...you know?"
Okay, first of all, when this comes from someone who is not my mother or close friend (i.e. a VERY SMALL handful of people) I kind of want to vomit. Not because I'm scared but because if I have never shared those kind of details with you before what in heaven's name makes you think I'm gonna start now? About this? Nervous? Sure! I've never participated in those actions that only a man and his wife should participate in. I've never been married so this makes sense. I'd be worried if I wasn't a little nervous but scared? No. When you find someone you love as much as Neil and I love each other, and you are willing to make commitments to each other for eternity, not just until death, there is a very special bond that is created. One of trust, love and security. I am not scared and I am a little grossed out that you feel that you are privileged to even ask this question. Also, we ALL know what happens on a wedding night. Please, don't degrade such a sacred, beautiful and awesome thing by acting like a five year old and snickering at me like I have no clue what is going to happen. Thank you.

6. Just a quick note, don't tell me to "calm down" or "not worry". Usually when these statements occur it is because the individual saying it is the individual whom is worried or not calm. It is a common psychological practice that we project our emotions onto others so as to "lift" the burden from our own shoulders. I've had my moments of irritation and panic but they have been moments that I have been able to reign back to normalcy. I feel as though I have been relatively calm and collected throughout this process so please, if you feel the need to say those two phrases first ask yourself if YOU need to calm down or stop worrying. Once YOU have, if you feel that I am in need of reproof then go ahead. I may not respond as kindly as some people would but like I said, I'm not perfect and I am working on it.

I know this was a rant, I'm not typically a ranter but today was the straw that broke the camel's back and she went to her blog to write about it.

I have listed a few questions that I feel are loving, heartfelt, encouraging and supportive questions/comments/conversation starters:

1. You guys make a really cute couple. I am so happy for you.
2. Hey! The big day is coming up! Congratulations again.
3. This part of life is so much fun, I'm so excited for you.
4. If you want any help or advise I'm more than willing to help/advise!
5. I hope you have a wonderful wedding day and a great life together.
6. You guys will have cute kids whenever you decide to have them! (This was an actual comment. I love it.)
7. This union pleases me greatly. (Also, another actual comment made.)
8. You two work really well together, I think you'll learn a lot from each other.

So there you go. Also, just in case you are wondering what my response is to the previous questions that I despise so greatly, here they are (even though I've already stated them.)

I am positive that I want nothing more than to be sealed to Neil for time and all eternity. I know the implications of this and couldn't be more sure. I am SO EXCITED and really so very happy. We'll start building our family when the Lord sees fit for us to. I feel pretty calm, I do have my moments but overall, I'm perfectly fine. I'm not scared. I am excited and so grateful that I love Neil so much that I am excited! And HE LOVES ME TOO!

Anyway, hope you maybe learned a little something about me by reading this. Feel free to tell me what you think!

One Week

In one week I will go from Miss to Mrs. I'm kind of super excited. Okay, I'm REALLY super excited! I know I always say about how much I love Neil and how grateful I am for him but, by golly, I just can't say it enough! I LOVE NEIL! I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR HIM!

In one week I will be a wife. Neil's wife.

Whoa.

More Engagements

These are a few of our engagement photos.

Thank you, Lauri!

Our favorite picture

I love this one SO MUCH!

I Love The Muppets

I felt that it would be appropriate to share my new found love for The Muppets. 

Here are some videos I love!

"Goodbye Mexicans!"

No, I'm not being racist. That was simply the send off we received as we left La Casita in Springville last night. The owner is one funny man but really nice. He was actually outside when Neil and I got there and ushered us inside and sat us down at a booth. I love booths. Anyway, the food was yummy, the waitress was nice and the atmosphere was fun! I was so happy we went because, I kid you not, I've been craving good Mexican food for quite sometime. So last night when I asked Neil what we were doing for date night (if you haven't been following my posts, Thursday night is our date night every week) and he said, "Oh, I thought we'd go get some Mexican food and then go play pool," I just about flipped! I was so excited! So, we drove to Springville and ate at La Casita and had a grand ol' time!

Beef burrito, rice and beans. YUM!

I didn't finish that. In fact, I'll be eating the leftovers for lunch!

 As we left, the owner (I wish I knew his name) shouted out, "Goodbye Mexicans! Come again!". I guess that his food is so authentic that if you eat there you become a Mexican. It was pretty darn yummy. 

It had been raining all day yesterday (Hallelujah!) And I snapped this pic of the sunset. 

Neil was driving so no worries.

After dinner we headed over to Miller Apartments where they have a pool table in the basement. I won a game and Neil won a game. We were going to go best two out of three but we decided to keep it at a tie.

All in all it was a fantastic evening. I am so excited to get married to this wonderful guy! (That makes me think of a song!) 

GOODBYE MEXICANS!

Wedding Bee

Bridget, Neil's Aunt, made this banner and I absolutely LOVE IT!

Probably the best idea I've heard of in regards to weddings. 

You know how back in the day there would be quilting bees and barn raisings etc? 

Well, Lauri and Anna (Neil's mom and sister) came up with a genius idea to have a Wedding Bee. 

We tied and cut and glued and wrote and got a very good portion of work completed.

Miss to Mrs. ME!!!

Though I wasn't expecting any, I did receive some AWESOME gifts. Here are some lovely artistic pictures that Lauri took of them. 

Cleaning supplies!
I don't think I've ever been so excited about cleaning before...

Muffin pan, muffin mix, a candle, dish towels, oven mitts and a silicon spatula!
Simply divine.

These bowls ROCK! I am super pumped about having them!

Lovely towels made by Anna. I'm excited to use them!

This is another banner made by Bridget. It says LOVE! 

Coordinating aprons! I love them. 

It was a great afternoon and though I wished my Mom could be there, I did get to show off my wedding dress (which will be receiving it's own post here in the near future). My mom made my wedding dress and my temple dress and she did it from across the country!

Thank you to everyone who came and helped out with all of the work. As Lauri kept saying, "Many hands make light work" and that was certainly the case for this event. It was so much fun getting to know everyone a little better or for the first time! Thanks again!

Wonder of Wonders, Miracle of Miracles

Guys. I am SO BLESSED! Seriously! Do you ever have days where blessing after blessing keeps being brought to your remembrance? Um, yeah. That would be today. 

Here are some that have come to my mind in literally the last hour:

1. RAIN!!!

2. NEIL!! I am realizing that I can never be too grateful for him.

3. My Mom (Guys, you have no idea how awesome this woman is. See this post to get just a taste of how amazing she is.)

4. In-laws. (or rather in laws to be!)

5. My car

6. Working windshield wipers

7. The talent to cook well

8. The talent to sing

9. The Gospel

10. Temples 

11. My bed 

12. Air conditioning

13. Free standing fans

14. Cool weather (I clearly don't like being hot...)

15. The Backstreet Boys (laugh if you want but sometimes you just need a good dose of these guys!)

16. Visits at work from Neil. (Different than #2)

17. Paved roads

18. Pinterest

19. Friends

20. Deodorant (aren't we all grateful for this?)

21. A beautiful country to live in

22. Freedoms and Rights (they aren't free by the way)

23. Agency (also, not "free" as some people say) 

The list goes on. Some of these things may seems trivial or silly but I don't care! I am grateful for every last one of them!  I think this video accurately describes my mood right now. Enjoy!

What Drives You?

(Other than your car...)

On Sunday during Relief Society we had a lesson that was based around this question. Our teacher posed this question and then related a story about hiking a pretty intense trail on the mountain. 

Believe you me, I know what "hard hikes" are like. 

I mean, I like hiking but not when it's hot and sticky outside. Gross.

Anyway, we were just discussing what drives us to do the things we do. Why do we go to church? Or school? Or work? Why do we hike mountains? Exercise? Eat healthy food? What drives you to do it? 

I decided that my drive comes from the Lord. I know that if I have been praying and communicating with my Heavenly Father about the decisions I'm making in my life, I'll be on the best path I can be because He directed me there. Because He put me on that path, I know that He knows I can "make it to the peak of the mountain" and because He knows that I want to do my best. Heavenly Father believes in me and wants me to succeed. Who am I to not believe in myself? 

So...What drives you? What is your motivation?

Mormon Miracle Pageant

Awesome. 

That word describes the pageant perfectly granted there were a few "cheesy" happenings that occurred but it  was worth it. 

I can't accurately describe the joy I felt after seeing all of those events come together to tell one story. The spirit was so strong and I loved it. 

There were two parts in particular that I loved the most. 

Part 1: 

"But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Matt 19:14

Neil and I ended up sitting next to a relatively young family. The wife-I didn't even get her name-saw my BYU shirt and immediately started chatting with me. The Cougs have to stick together but that's another story for another time. She let me hold her CUTE baby boy and then later that evening during the pageant another one of her children, a little boy, came and sat next to me. He'd been a little antsy throughout the whole thing but there was one very touching moment that probably touched me the most. 

There is a part in the Pageant where Jesus Christ comes to visit the Americas. As soon as that spotlight came up and the actor portraying Jesus walked into view the little boy gasped and in utter and total amazement said, "It's Jesus!" He sat up straighter on his chair and leaned forward as far as he could to see Jesus. Then when the children all run to Jesus, the little boy got out of his chair. He was totally ready to run up that hill to be with Jesus. His eyes were GLUED to Jesus and he wanted to go up on the hill so badly. 

I couldn't stop myself from crying. This little boy loved Jesus and knew who He was. He was willing to run  up a massively steep hill just to be with Him. It made me think, "Am I as willing to sprint up the steepest hill for Jesus? Do I know and love Him like this little boy does?" Children are refreshing and so very in tune to the Spirit and I have that little boy to thank for making me re-evaluate the condition of my own spirit. 

Part 2:
When the temple lit up. 

Holy angels on high, it was awesome!

When that temple lit up it hit me that in just a couple short weeks I will be getting sealed in that holy place. I got a little emotional at this thought. I am so blessed to have the gospel in my life. I am so blessed to have Neil in my life. I am so blessed to know that my Father in Heaven loves me. There are so many emotions that that one event stirred and I am so happy that I got to go. 

It was a great experience and I hope that anyone who hasn't been able to see it will someday get the chance.