Summer Readin'

I better finish all of these books by the end of summer, or off with their heads!

1. Lover Mine - J.R. Ward
2. The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
3. The Winner - David Baldacci
4. Dead Until Dark - Charlaine Harris
5. The short second life of Bree Tanner - Stephenie Meyer
6. Linger - Maggie Stiefvater
7. Mockingjay - Suzanne Collins
8. Big Girl - Danielle Steel
9. The Carrie Diaries - Candace Bushnell
10. To kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
11. Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang - Chelsea Handler
12. Something Borrowed - Emily Giffin

Summer reading is all about the fun books. I'm heading to Barnes and Nobel today to pick some of these books up.

P.S. Check out Mary's blog and make your own summer reading list. You know you want to.

I miss my boys

A lot.

4.28.2010

So apparently May is happening in three days. Am I the only one who is wondering where the time is flying? The days seem to be long, but the weeks seem so short. How is this possible?

Anyway, here is an update on my crazy life.

Work - is the same as always. I have my good and bad days, but mostly I feel like it is taking up my precious time when the weather outside is beautiful. On a good note, today I found out everyone will be getting raises this year, I haven't had a raise since 2008. Bring on having more money!

School - is worse than work. I spend way too much time there. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are dedicated to Humanities, X-rays, and interpersonal relationships. Did I mention with each class I don't get home until 10-11pm? Awesome.

Sleep - What sleep?

Wedding Plans - The weekends are usually spent with wedding details. I started on centerpieces last week. I am doing lanterns with candles, but not sure what else will go there. Any ideas? Next week I am meeting with the event coordinator of the wedding to go over more specific details on food, decor, etc. For the most part things are going along, but I can't wait to stop planning and budgeting for this.

Social Life - I try to do fun things when I can. Luckily I have a good group of friends who keep me entertained when I have free time. Last night I spent the night watching Glee with Denise and Trent. I needed a good veg out session. Also, my fiancé is wonderful, it gets harder and harder only being able to see him two days a week. Two days a freaking week!

Misc - I am watching my friends house/massive dogs for two weeks (until May 7th). I took on this task because I could use some extra money, but I miss Reggie terribly. It is only day six and I wish I was sleeping on my own bed and cuddling with my own dog. I'm hoping it goes by quickly, as much as I love the dogs I'm sitting now two weeks is a long time. I need to do a post about their dogs. When I say massive I mean it.

There is the readers digest version, now update me on your life.

Wedding Highlights

Even though it was a long day, it was a beautiful day, and that is what matters.

The PIC

These two crazy kids are getting married tomorrow...


I am glad they found each other, and are happy. My PIC deserves the best, and a ridiculously beautiful wedding day. Congratulations guys, I look forward to spending this special day with you two.

Also, can y'all keep the sex talk to a minimum after you're married? I'll get jealous that you two get to do it already. Sheesh.

Dear Mom,

I've been thinking about you a lot. Don't get me wrong, I think about you all the time, but especially in the last week. I've been very, very sad lately. I'd be lying if I said I don't cry myself to sleep anymore, because I do. Sometimes I get so caught up in my own thoughts about loosing you and it hurts. And then somewhere in the middle of my hysterical crying, and trying to hold myself tight I try to think about good things, happy things.

Remember that one time when we went shopping at Allens grocery store? I'm not sure why we went, but I begged you to take me with you. In all honesty, I hate grocery shopping, but if it was with you then I wanted to go. We got there, and I was acting like my usual obnoxious teenager self. You asked me to get chips on the isle over, so I ran to the other side, found the chips, and told you to get ready. You told me if I threw them over the isle you'd kill me. I pretended like I didn't hear you.

"1...2...3..."

I tossed the bag of chips up in the air and to the other side where you were at. I heard a crash and ran over. I quickly realized why you didn't want me to throw the bag, when the manager of the store was standing right next to you. Once he left you couldn't help but laugh at us, while I made you dance with me in the middle of the grocery store. Making you laugh was the sweetest thing my ears have ever heard. I'm glad we had those small moments together, that even though you wanted some time to yourself, you let me tag along with you.

I remember the time you and I were in the old green van together, and I was so sad, and so devastated from my dad. Right before Christmas he picked to spend time with another guy then me. I was very upset, and you told me to do what I thought was best. So while my dad was at a club with his new friend, I packed my stuff up from his house on Christmas Eve, and drove back home to you. While we were in the van, the day after you were there to hold my hand when my dad called. He pleaded with me to come back to Salt Lake. You and I both knew his tricks, and I told him I wouldn't. It was the first time I really stood my ground with my dad, and you were there to silently back me up in whatever choice I decided to make.

Maybe I miss you so much right now, because your absence is very evident while trying to plan a wedding. Even though we would most likely argue and bicker over the small details of my wedding, I'll miss your very strong advice when I get scared, or feel like I can't do this. I'm doing everything I can to be strong, and remember the good times.

I miss you terribly.

Love,
Your Rachel

Sister Love

My baby sister is graduating next month. I'm starting to feel a little old. She is by far one of the best women I have ever met. She is kind, an excellent listener, tunes into your feelings, and has a great laugh. Her many talents include, painting, drawing, getting straight A's (seriously), sewing, and anything related to the arts. Did I mention the girl is drop dead gorgeous?

These are some of my favorites of her photo shoot with the amazing Brandon Wilde last weekend. It is graduation time baby! Let the partying begin!

Picture of the Day

At work today we received this letter to change a customers address. The reason why...



"Ex Girlfriend. Hostile territory."

I hear ya dude, I really do.

Sucker Punched

This weekend was... interesting.

Late Saturday night I open the garage to get into the house, not knowing that my dad had let Reggie out into the back yard/garage area. So, in typical Reggie behavior he bolts out of the garage. In a panic, I yell for him to come back and not leave the yard. I didn't feel like chasing him down the street at an ungodly hour of the night. Luckily for me, Reggie did turn around after I yelled for him to come back. Not luckily for me that while I was reaching down to get his collar to take him inside, he jumped up and... crack!

He hits my nose head on (literally). Before I am able to screech in pain (because trust me it hurt, big time), blood starts pouring from my nose like a faucet. Once the blood flow calmed down, my nose became a little swollen and sore. I think my ego was hurt more then anything else because I did this the rest of the weekend


Reggie sucker punched me.
I am plotting my revenge.

The Weekend Can't Get Here Fast Enough

Centerpiece Dilemma

I've become obsessed about planning my wedding. I think the wedding "blue print" I created yesterday for Alyssa makes that obvious.

Most of my days are spent thinking of how I am going to do certain things, and how overall I would like everything to look. For the most part, I can't wrap my head around it all, but I am sure trying. This crazy infatuation with my narcissistic wedding is getting in the way of my school work. I just started up classes again last week, and let me tell you it is going to be a long ten weeks (yes, I am already counting down the weeks). Who wants to learn about x-rays, and the cultures in 3000 B.C. when you have a wedding coming up? I am looking forward to July when I take a break from school until October. That way I'll have plenty of time to run around doing the finishing touches. At least I'm hoping thats what I'll be doing.

So ladies, help a sista out here. What in the hell am I going to do about centerpieces? I really have no idea! I don't want there to be too much on the table, but I don't want there to be not enough either. I went to a bridal fair going on in Provo with a few friends. Let me tell you - that was a major mistake. Almost everything down there was for Mormon/church receptions weddings. No I do not want any sort of back drop, and NO your white pillars with fake vines going up it is not exactly what I need for my wedding. Barf. And before we go on, please do not mention to me the mirror table piece/tear drop beads. Neither of those will be anywhere near my tables!

Here are some ideas.


I do like the idea of having floating candles/flowers, but I am a little worried this is over done. I need to think of a way to spice it up a little.


I really like the candle and the vase it is in. But again, I feel like its over done.


Ok this is different from what I have seen before. I like the grass, and bright colored flowers. It has this very fun, playful vibe. It also feels southern to me, which makes it that much better.


This one feels very southern to me as well. Simple, yet interesting.

I think I'm turning into a wedding planning monster!

Just In Case The Worst Was Meant To Happen

Just in case I were to die tomorrow,

I'd want you to know I love you.

That whatever I became after this life,

I'd be thinking about you too.

Every single day.

Just in case I never see your face again,

Know we will always be together.

I'll warm your soul,

Until your heart feels on fire.

I'll burn the fears away.

Just in case the worst was meant to happen,

I'm grateful for the space you've created

In your heart just for me.

I'll live there forever,

Just like it's always been.

Easter Lovin' '10

This Easter was busy, but very fun. On Easter Eve, Brandon, Trent, and I colored eggs. Lots and lots of eggs.








I thought they turned out really well, especially the princess ones.








Easter day was spent with a visit from the Easter bunny


Then to brunch at a friends house. Later in the afternoon my neighbors were having food that we went to as well let me tell you, the food was excellent and I ate too much. After we went to Brandon's parents to hang out with my soon-to-be family. I had a good time talking with them until it was way past my bed time. I hope your Easter was as colorful and fun as ours.

The Dress

No worries folks I won't be walking down the isle naked, because I have the perfect wedding dress!

To be completely honest looking at dresses was not my idea of a good time, so I would have put it off until July when I absolutely had to get the dress. However, my designated mother through all this told me I needed to go "just too look". She e-mailed me last Friday and asked if I was up for dress shopping on Saturday.

I broke down and went with her early that morning to Davids Bridal. I didn't think I'd find much but the people there were really great. I pulled six different dresses and started trying them on. Someone should have told me how ridiculous it is to put on one of those bad boys! At one point I thought I was going to suffocate in all the white fabric. After trying them all on I fell in love with the first one I tried on (apparently this happens to a lot of people). So within an hour we were in and out.

Yes, it was that quick and painless. I guess it helps to know what you want when planning a wedding. It also helps to have your sidekick be my friend Angel (and that Davids Bridal is having a killer sale right now). The dress is sitting at Angels house so that I don't wear it every single day! How am I supposed to keep what the dress looks like a secret for the next five months?

Also we officially picked the date and place. September 17th at the Marriott hotel. The hotel is taking care of a lot thanks to my dear friend Cannon. They will take care of some of the center pieces, catering, tables, chairs, lights, linens, and servers. Holla!

Things are going smoothly, and I am enjoying this process, a lot. Major thanks to my friends and family for making this so much easier then it should be!