December 30th 2008

Friends,
It's official. The wedding will be December 30th at 9:40. Our reception will be at the River Oak's Club House in Sandy, UT. Here is a little sneak peak at the bottom of my dress.

Grandma Ryser

I feel a little hesitant to post this as I know many of you are reading this to hear about the engagement but I had to pay tribute one of the most wonderful women I've ever known. My grandma, Maxine West Ryser passed away today. She was such a kind and optimistic woman. She was never critical of me. She loved me unconditionally and always had hope for me. She told me I was beautiful for years after she lost her eyesight. She rarely complained about her physical pain although I know she was suffering in her body for a while (we recently found out her spine had been fused due to arthritis). Ok, I can't write more now because I want to cry but keep my grandpa in your prayers and read on about Mark's and my good news!!!

It's Official. We're Engaged!

So, Mark's basically the most incredible, kind and generous man I know (No offense to the other men I know). He and I went to "Mormon Night" at Fenway Park (Saturday the 30th). The game was fabulous and the Sox WON!!! It was a magical game. Afterward, we were on the train going home with Shelly when Mark told me we should get off the train early to "get ice cream". We got off at Arlington and Shelly didn't suspect a thing (she thought I was hungry, which is a rational thought BTW). Well, we didn't get ice cream but walked to the Boston Public Gardens (see picture but picture it at 10:30 p.m.). He put his sweatshirt down on the ground for me to sit on and we sat near a charming pond (with ducks, reflections, and weeping willows). We talked how Boston had brought us together and Mark said a few other "sweet" things, then knelt down, which was actually up because I was on the ground and asked me to marry him. I said "Yes" and then we let it all soak in for a minute. It was a sweet experience and the ring was PERFECT! It's a princess cut solitaire with a platinum setting. It was exactly what I wanted and more.

We've now reserved the Salt Lake Temple for a sealing on December 30, 2008 at 9:40. We are so excited and can't wait to share it with you. Any advice??? I'm open for wedding suggestions.

Love Ya!!!

Moving Day!!

Yup. Tons going on right now! Shelly and I decided to move to Medford because it's loads more space, $200 less expensive and closer to my work. Unfortunately we kicked out our dear friends Audria and Tara to stay here ;). We are living with Janae Kraus and we love our new place. Come visit any time. We have lot's of space for you!! 580 High St. Medford, MA 02155. Mail or visit any time!!

Road Trip Day #3

Today was Sunday so we went to church and then stopped back in Palmyra to visit the Sacred Grove (where the prophet Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ). The day was beautiful and the spirit was immediately present, even as we entered. We also saw his log home and farm. This is where the Book of Mormon was hidden for a time and where Joseph Smith saw the last prophet of Book of Mormon (Moroni). Moroni came to Joseph Smith and told him where to find the plates of the Book of Mormon. It was a very sweet place. This is a picture of the temple taken from the Sacred Grove.

Road Trip Day #2

So today is Mark's 32nd birthday! I surprised him by getting him tickets to the Red Sox's/Blue Jay's game in Toronto for tonight. Mark was super excited and I was so happy he was happy. Unfortunately the Sox lost by a landslide but it was still fun to be at the game. Later that night we went to Niagara Falls in ON, incredible! Our little hostel was run by a crazy Canadian named "Charlie" of course pronounced /Sharlie/.

Road Trip Day #1

Mark and I decided to take a road trip for the weekend. On our first day we ended up in Palmyra, New York. We visited the hill Cumorah (where the prophet Joseph Smith received the Book of Mormon) and did a session in the temple. It's a gorgeous temple with amazing stained glass windows. You can see the Sacred Grove from the administrative offices in the temple. Here is a picture of the temple and a picture of Mark in front of the Sacred Grove.

Nantucket

What a fabulous day! Mark was out of town and Jodi flew out just for the day. We took an early ferry to Nantucket, and then biked to shore side beach. It was amazing!!!

Make-up Genius

So, I pretty much rock at make-up. Not that these girls even needed it. The rockin' expressions on their before pictures help too. Honestly, make-up's starting to become an obsession. I do free make-overs if anyone is interested. That is until I become famous and then I'll charge $200 per hour ;).

My French Home

Saturday night we headed up to Lille, France. It's funny how little pieces of home are found all over the world. Lille, France is one of those places, but not so much for the city as the people. Dominique and Claire Degrave have created such an amazing life for their family and the church in northern France. This family gives so much love, it's almost overwhelming. Elise Degrave-Duez (pictured holding Elea) and I met about 9 years ago, she was a nanny in Utah and I spent time with her Family in France. We became instant friends. Strange how certain bonds can form so quickly. Although Elise and I haven't been perfect at staying in touch, when we met again after 8 years, it was like we were never apart. She has such a wonderful life. She's married to Marc Duez (who's freakin' awesome) and they have three kids Luc, Elea, and Noe. It was incredible to spend time with her and see the life she's developed over the years. It's something I think everyone should want.
Church today was unexpected. Being surrounded by Elise and all her family (including her parents) was overwhelming. I felt of their love so strongly (I don't think they even knew they were loving me that much) and also felt the Lord telling me that he hears me and loves me no matter how confused life may seem. I don't know why I tend to be so stubborn and independent. God's tender mercies always come when you least expect it.
Jodi and I spent the evening chatting with their family until late in the night. These Frenchies have a lot of good advice. I will miss them dearly but feel that they will be in my future somehow. I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!
Monday morning we hoped the train to CDG airport and left my 2nd country. My heart will always have a place for France. Vive La France!!!

Watch me speak in French with Elise's son Noe!

See more pictures of me in France!