lost and found

You know when you desperately look everywhere for something you really need to find... and literally can't find it anywhere? That's me right now. And I'm in a total panic. Luckily for me, Mike somehow finds a way to save the day even all the way from California (for business). Instead of what I was looking for (even though I do still need to find it!!), I found something to make me forget how worried I was and leave me with the biggest smile.

I'm a little obsessed enamored (you get the idea) in love with fairy tales, especially the Disney princess stories. When my sister and I were younger, my mom always called her angel and me princess. Ever since I was a little girl, I've dreamed about having my own fairy tale. I also love to read and LOVE children's books. After Mike and I got engaged, I had the brilliant idea of us needing to collect books for our kids (I don't know how I got Mike to go along with this as long as he did). Every time we went somewhere that had books he'd let me pick one (or five) out. This was especially dangerous because it was Christmas... the best books! I love all things magical. 

On Valentines Day I woke up to find a collection of Disney princess books on the counter for me. But that sweetest husband of mine had added another one to the classics, a book he titled, "My Princess Whitney". He made a little book of our love story and even drew pictures. My heart melted. And it melted all over again when I found that book tonight.

I can't get enough of this guy and I can't wait for him to come home. 

a real life fairy tale

I was so happy when I stumbled across these on Shelby's camera. I love looking at my wedding pictures, it puts the biggest smile on my face! What a sweet reminded of the day I married the man of my dreams and my best friend. The day was everything I could have hoped for and more. I don't know how I could love him more than I do, but I seem to fall more in love with him each day.

I loved my sparkly gold shoes!

I have always been a sucker for Disney movies, fairy tales, princesses, and happily ever afters. One of my favorite talks is Your Happily Ever After by President Uchtdorf.

Aren’t those wonderful words to begin a story? “Once upon a time” promises something: a story of adventure and romance, a story of princesses and princes. It may include tales of courage, hope, and everlasting love. In many of these stories, nice overcomes mean and good overcomes evil. But perhaps most of all, I love it when we turn to the last page and our eyes reach the final lines and we see the enchanting words “And they lived happily ever after.” 

This talk truly captures me and the words touch my heart. I could read it over and over again. I love the message that it shares; that we all have the opportunity to have our own happily ever after.

His love for you is so great that He has granted you this earthly life as a precious gift of “once upon a time,” complete with your own true story of adventure, trial, and opportunities for greatness, nobility, courage, and love. And, most glorious of all, He offers you a gift beyond price and comprehension. Heavenly Father offers to you the greatest gift of all—eternal life—and the opportunity and infinite blessing of your own “happily ever after.”

President Uchtdorf's talk reminded me when I needed it most, that a fairy tale doesn't mean there aren't challenges and trials along your journey. The greatest joy can be experienced after you've worked to get there.

For a moment, think back about your favorite fairy tale. In that story the main character may be a princess or a peasant; she might be a mermaid or a milkmaid, a ruler or a servant. You will find one thing all have in common: they must overcome adversity...

In each of these stories, Cinderella, Belle, and the miller’s daughter have to experience sadness and trial before they can reach their “happily ever after.” Think about it. Has there ever been a person who did not have to go through his or her own dark valley of temptation, trial, and sorrow? Sandwiched between their “once upon a time” and “happily ever after,” they all had to experience great adversity.

I am living a real life fairy tale, but that doesn't mean that life won't be filled with challenges, or that it was an easy road to get here. But I'm grateful every day for those trials along the way, for the opportunity to learn and grow, and develop the ability to enjoy and appreciate things so much more. The end is always so sweet.

I can't believe I got my prince charming and fairytale. Dreams do come true.

1.12.12 {wedding}

Thank you Christine Olson for amazing pictures!

For a little more on my wedding, view 'a real life fairy tale'.

little piece of heaven

In honor of getting our wedding pictures back any day, here are some pictures from our honeymoon. Mike took me to the most beautiful place - Kauai. For the first half of our trip, we stayed at the Grand Hyatt (with the most incredible pools you'll ever see!) in Poipu (on the south side of the island) and spent the second half in Princeville at the St. Regis (north island). The two sides of the island are so different so we were happy to be able to enjoy both. The south is home to the world-famous Poipu Beach while there is nothing that compares to the breathtaking views of the north and its Napali Coast. Mike spoiled me with a Hawaiian Luau, horseback riding to a beautiful waterfall, and a helicopter ride I'll never forget. We loved traveling into town every night to our favorite little restaurants and taking in as much fresh fish as we could. It was the perfect trip and just what we needed after a busy winter. We can't wait to go back!

What a hunk!

11.12.11.

Happy day!