Flashback! Andi and Mandy Visit

My summer was made complete when Andi and Mandy came to town. The two of them take me back to freshmen year every time I see them and I always have so much fun. These girls know me almost better than I know myself. They make me laugh. Comfort me when I cry. They are always down for an adventure. They stay as timeless as if the world stopped.

Reminds me of life in Botts 3C

We are all so different yet very much the same

The ONLY person that could stand living with me... other than Anthony that is!

True friends are not people that you talk to every day but people that when you get together it is like a day has not passed. We went to the beach, went shopping, ate sushi, went dancing, revisited memory lane, ate ice cream, toured downtown, watched movies, saw the sites, and never stopped moving. The whirlwind of fun went too quickly and I was left thinking why can't this just last forever? Why do they have to leave?

They have only been gone a week and I already miss them terribly. Let's get together again soon. The three amigas!

Ed White HS Homecoming

So when Victoria started talking on Facebook about dating a new guy, I told her that Anthony and I wanted to double date with them. So she invited us to her Homecoming game and we got to meet Matt. It was tons of fun and after the game we got to go to Sonic where I bonded with the Homecoming King while singing to Journey. Barney Stinson would have said it was... wait for it... legendary.

Victoria and me

Victoria and her BF Matt

Anthony did not want me to take his picture because he was watching the game.

Thanks for inviting us, Victoria! We had a blast!

The Arnold/Rafuse Wedding

Well a friend of our's from church, Secret Arnold got hitched in early September and it was a gorgeous farm wedding! Anthony and I feel so blessed to know this family because of how kind and welcoming they have been to us. So here are some pictures from Secret's special night!

I did my own hair! I couldn't figure out what to do at first so it took me a while.

Justin and Anthony are both checking the stats on the Florida vs. UAB. And it wasn't even a big game!

Anthony and I watched Mitchell so Nina could get some food. Mitchell has the biggest heart of anyone I know.

The beautiful bride Secret Melody Arnold... now Rafuse

I have NEVER had a better wedding cake. This was out of this world... speaking of wedding cake, where is our cake topper???

We had a blast at the wedding although I did have to get onto Anthony who snuck out to the car to listen to the Florida Football game! Ugh! But anyway, I had a blast and it was wonderful to be there in support of Secret and Darryl Rafuse. They are a great couple and I wish them all the best!

Nystrom/Church Wedding

I love my job as bridesmaid! Each of my friends holds a very special place in my heart and like I was there for Natalia, I was there for Melissa. I got the best job of all, getting the bride to relax, not stress but getting her to just enjoy the wedding day which I did very well. See images below.

The beautiful bride getting her nails done! I even talked her into the  DELUXE pedicure with a leg massage.

 Melissa was so calm and confident about the groom. He was great in her mind with no cause of worry or second thought. Never once did she waver about the choice she had made or the man she was set to marry.

We were practicing. ;) With the flower girl!

We had fun getting to play with the flower girl Trilby! I hope that is how you spell it. Her momma Joyce and I were bridesmaids along with Jodie. We all had fun helping Melissa get ready and seeing Joel's eyes light up from the front row when he saw her in her dress. 

We also got to see good friends from high school. Diana Nguyen's boyfriend and I bonded over the study of psychology while Brent, Jessica and I laughed at each other's jokes and all celebrated in the joy of Brian and Stephanie Dutton's little baby on the way. Aren't weddings just the greatest!?!

Melissa tossing the bouquet! I can't catch it anymore and I didn't even win the Anniversary dance... I guess 7 months of marriage doesn't hold a candle to the groom's parents at 40 years. They were sealed in the Manti Temple.

With Melissa's permission, I requested Anthony to wear something similar to our dress.

We had a long and busy weekend and my car has no AC so it was a rough ride back to Jacksonville but nevertheless, we made it home. Thelma was worn out too after we stopped on in Marianna to see Anthony's family. His older brother Ben had his girlfriend Nyka in town and we got to go down to the Mill Pond for a swim. Annie was at the pond too with her lab Tank. Watching the fearless Tank bolt into the water after tennis balls (when Tank wasn't sunning herself, of course), Thelma mustered the courage to jump in the water. Then with panic in her eyes showed Anthony how quickly she doubted her brave decision. haha.

It was quite a fun time. Now back to the grind. Did I mention that Anthony starts his new job next Monday? That's right, he's giving Short Sale Negotiations a try for Bank of America. My husband with a Film and English Degree never ceases to amaze me.

Making Moves

Moving Day with Mrs. Mayes!

She said she was scared to drive the BIG truck but Natalia worked it!!!

Note: Actual size of driver and actual size of truck

In June, we got to help Mrs. Mayes move while Tim was away at Basic (I am capitalizing because I assume that is what I am supposed to do). With 2 fabulous movers, we were able to get the keys to the new apartment, get the money order, check out the apartment, load the truck, drive across town, unload the truck, return the truck, etc. All in about 3 hours!!! AND before it rained. It was nice spending time together and fun to help a friend. Plus I needed a work out.

Natalia is so strong. I am super impressed with how well she is doing while Tim is away and I know this will only strengthen their relationship. Yay for love!

P.S. Letters are so romantic!!! Ahh! XOXOs