Living the dream

Nate was recently offered a great position at work! We were so excited; he's been working really hard for it! That excitement took us up to Midway where we bought a 1990 Jeep Wrangler! We've wanted one forever. And it has opened up so much of the wilderness that we didn't have access to before. The first place we went was my favorite place in the world...the part of American Fork Canyon where Nate proposed!!

June 2010, just moments before he proposed (he's reaching for the ring!)

The same spot 4 years & 2 kids later! We are still so in love with each other and this beautiful place!

This is the camp spot we hung out at the day he proposed. Still gorgeous! Can't wait to come back and really camp.

Having the Jeep is making me think that maybe we don't have to have our cabin in the woods. I can deal with subdivision living if we have more access to more of the mountain like this.

 Y'all. I am most alive among the tall trees. And I hope by dragging the kids along at an early age that they learn to love it too.

Valentines

As is our tradition, we laughed at typical Valentines traditions and ate at JCW's for dinner last night. Last year, we ate at J Dawgs. The year before, we mimicked our first date by going to Comedy Sportz and eating at a dingy pizza place. No flowers, no chocolates, just us. And that's what I really love.

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First Anniversary

I can't believe I didn't write a post about our first anniversary. We didn't do anything special since we wanted to spend time with my family while they were in town. But it had some highlights:

1. My parents were really nice to carry our cake out here so we could enjoy that tradition. Unfortunately this particular cake did not hold up so well. Nate thought it tasted terrible, I was pretty neutral. I had this whole plan to take photos while we ate it and have this glorious post about it. Nope. I didn't take one photo. It was pretty mangled anyway. 

2. Eating at Wendys on the way to Park City. 

3. And going out for a little date to Cold Stone. 

Our 6-month anniversary totally trumps this one. (Funny that we were in Park City for both!)

We were comparing our before-marriage lives to our current life and we easily decided that we are both so much happier. Even compared to when we were dating and engaged. Marriage is the best invention ever. I'm so happy I chose the man I did!

Merry Christmas!

Well we're a little late, but here is our Christmas card photo!

Thanks for reminding me Erica!

We were much too cheap to actually mail these out, so we emailed it and now it's up here! 

We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, we sure did!

Happy New Year!

P.S. Kudos to Morgan and Holly for taking such fab photos of us on our holiday photo session!

Cold toes...

We went with some friends to Nunns Park this weekend to take holiday photos of each other.  It was freezing! This Florida girl needs some boots! (hint, hint Nate! ;) But we had fun posing for each other. Nate doesn't like his face on the internet (go figure), but I will show you one fun photo: 

Can you see the snow falling?

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Training my husband

This is our little chalk board that we often use for to-do lists. And when I say we, I mean me. Nate is anti-to-do list. But just take a look at that last bullet. Totally not me. My jaw dropped when I saw this and I thought, "I have got him trained!" :) Anyone who knows Jeff Foxworthy knows what I'm talking about. 

But seriously, this is a big deal. Let's be honest, we all have little things that we want our spouses to appreciate a little more. And I'll have to hand it to Nate, he has really gotten me to love the outdoors. And I am slowly making baby steps with to-do lists and shopping. :)

More about marriage.

P.S. Yes, we really are going to graduate! Yay!

Our Photobooks

I thought I would share the photobooks we have made in the past few months using Shutterfly. Which actually turned out to be a little frustrating, but I think I got better with every book we purchased. There are probably nicer photo companies out there, but this one was in our budget.

First, our engagements done by Kelli Brown.

And then one book just for our reception. (Photography by Kristen Stone). I found it to be cheaper to split it into two books than to pay for extra pages in one book. Both of our weddings books were supposed to be "free" (other than shipping) but I went over the 20 page limit--even with splitting the events into two books. (We had about 30 pages for each wedding book).

And here is our wedding day book (also by Kristen Stone). Also supposed to be free, but again, I went over the page limit. If you like Shutterfly, sign up for their e-mails and you will periodically get loads of free stuff like photobooks and prints. I just made these books in advance and then waited for the free code to come along :) Also, this book is my favorite because I used their new Custom Path. I think the Custom Path is loads and loads better because you can make your photos as big as you want (plus a bunch of other customizations).

If you like, you can see the rest of the pages in each book at my Shutterfly share site.

Plus, more of our wedding photos.

Enjoy!

Photos taken while sitting in our hammock :)

One Year Later

One year ago, Nate carried me into the mountains.

He cooked me bacon and grits over a fire.

We sat next to a beautiful river and spoke of life and love.

He showed me some of the most beautiful scenes I have ever beheld.

And he asked me the easiest question I have ever answered ♥

This past year has brought me more joy than I thought possible.

I can't wait to experience for what eternity holds for us!

P.S. Since I kind of botched Nate's thoughtfully planned out proposal by kneeling/squatting with him, here is the staged photo:

And here is him looking nervous and reaching for my ring:

(Click image to view larger)

A wonderful 4 months

Friday, Nate and I had been married four months.

When I came home from work, Nate had made a delicious and lovely meal.

Isn't he great at garnishing?

Thanks for an utterly blissful four months babe!

Too Late

Wish I would have known about these from NPR before Valentines!
Adorable.
Image: NPR via You Are My Fave .

Did you know we love NPR?

To my love

The first part of my Valentine's from Nate :)

Don't I have a good looking man?

Nate hates having his picture taken, but I did catch him with my apron on ;)

♥ ♥

You cook like an angel.
When you get home, you greet me like you haven't seen me in a week.
You work hard, and you play hard.
You live the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
You took me to the temple!
Your kisses always have and always will make me weak in the knees.
You're gonna make an amazing father.
You're all mine!

Happy Valentine's Day babe!
♥♥
Check out these lovely photos and thoughts from the people who really know love.

P.S. Did you see Map Your Valentine? I love Google.

Everyday

This is what I wish everyday was like. Utter and complete love.

The reception was so perfect thanks to our wonderful families!

This is what bliss looks like!

Nate and Lacey Parr...sealed for time all eternity!

Marriage

Photo by Kristen Stone (www.kristenstonephotography.shutterfly.com)

What a great idea this marriage concept is. Think of it...the one person you love the most is there. With you. Every day.

He is there for dinner.
And still there when the dishes need to be done.
And still there when it is time for bed.
And yet he is still there when your make up is off.
And then he smiles at you which makes you wonder why in the world we had to wait so long (20 years! or 25 years!) to find this perfect and joyful union.

And the best part...he's right next to you in the morning as you start your day.

Happy one month and 3 days wedding anniversary babe!

Food and Such

Being married has many benefits. (Obviously, or not so many people would do it). But today I am thinking about one in particular. Food. Yep. I have never eaten so well (except when living at home of course)! Even though we both get home somewhat late every night, we (almost) always have a real meal.

I'm talking at least 2 dishes. Usually veggies too. And always dessert. (Duh).

And don't go thinking I am such a perfect wife that cooks for my hungry husband...because it's exactly the opposite. Nate is the one wearing the apron at the end of the day. And I'm not complaining. He's such a sweet husband for cooking for his wife! When I do get home before him, I'll cook.

Above is one of my latest adventures. I did take most of it to work for my team, but it felt good to bake and really put to use all the amazing wedding gifts that have been sitting so lonely in our cabinets.

And tomorrow I will be making my Aunt Janet's famous hashbrown casserole. :)

We're married!!

On December 22, 2010, Nathan and I were sealed for time and eternity in the Orlando Florida LDS temple! We honeymooned in the Caribbean on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Being married to so amazing. I love waking up to the love of my life every morning!

We're Engaged!

Nate knelt down and asked me the easiest question I have ever answered! We are walking on clouds and making plans! :)

Oh Love

Such a wonderful weekend in southern Idaho! Thanks to Mike for the use of the cabin!

T9

So when I attempt to type "Nate" with T9 for a text, it reads "mate" before I hit next. :)

Awkward photos....

We tried to be awkward...but we were incapable. This was at a plaid/flannel themed date. We made peach cobbler in a dutch oven...with our hands ties together!

Only found in the mountains

Such a beautiful hike! Nate may have gotten us lost, but we saw a beautiful waterfall and some of the most stunning vistas, like the one above.