Happy Monthaversarie!!!

Yep that's right! Its been a whole month since Bryce and I tied the knot!!! i know... crazy huh?! In honor of such a momentous occasion and stepping stone our darling photographer finally posted those long-awaited pictures on her blog. :) Yay!!!! (Now here's the deal... She loves comments on her blog and has an ongoing "special" that if she can get over ten comments on her post about us, then we can get a free print of our wedding day for our home... I was kinda hoping that we could just blow her out of the water with the appreciation we have for her and her amazing work!) So if you would like to see the pictures, (and donate to our cause...) check out Crystal's blog here.We have already had some great times. I love being married to such a wonderful, handsome man... But what has happened in the past month you ask?

For starters, we went on an incredible honeymoon! A cruise to the Bahamas on the Norwegian Cruise Line and a Brad Paisley concert finale. (yes, you may be jealous)

This is our first stop... Freeport island. I had to take a picture... so blue...
At Nassau we ventured into the shopping district (definitely an experience...) and took a few photos... This just made me laugh...
And here is my sexy husband in his new outfit...


One of our favorite events on our cruise was on the third day the cruise line stopped at their own private island. The event coordinator made a brief mention that there were two beaches and all it took was a little walk on a trail to get to the other one. When we got off the ferry the beach was full of sunbathers... so we decided "what the heck" we would try out our flip flops in the hiking tradition... the outcome? No one else had decided to venture forth... we had our own private beach! It was pretty much amazing... blue water, white sea-shell sand... *sigh* On our way back to the boat we came across a hermit crab... only this was not hobo-spider looking thing (Karen, I thought of you...) no... he was a monster. This one happened to be about the size of my fist... and he couldn't even fit into his shell.
See, this is him hiding...
And this is him venturing forth again after those crazy tourists left... :)

Brad Paisley drove his car up through the crowd as we tried to get into his concert... It was so close I could have slapped his driver side window (he was driving)... It was an awesome concert after you got passed the beer... (but it is a country concert...) He had a giant screen that played music videos and other things while he sang so there was really not a boring moment. I recorded a few songs with my camera...
This one, "Waitin' on a Woman" is a great one to watch the video... I especially like the beer bottle that jumps through the middle of my shot... but you know... Florida...



This one, I just love the song. I think it goes right on along with my whole "month-averserie"... Brad Paisley's new song, "Then":



We moved in and started organizing and decorating the house. We are still trying to figure out our closet plan... but it will work out in the end... But for those who haven't seen the place, I shall calm your curiosity... :) I have put my wonderful husband to work... it is amazing how exciting putting up a picture on the wall is... :)

So for our wedding we got these beauties to stick on the wall... the black ones are for writing on with chalk... and yes, the white ones use a white-board marker... :) They totally rock and don't look half bad if you ask me! :) PS. there is a hidden Mickey in honor of our dear friend Ica...

Here is my sexy husband one morning being handy... we got these hooks for the wedding... shower gift... something like that. I am already putting them to good use!
See?!


One of our first things hung up was, yes (i hate to admit it), the mudbugs poster. Bryce got it from his mission in Louisiana... it is a step-by-step description of how to eat a mudbug... in Cajun... it is pretty funny. :) And it did make a whole difference in our living room... on our TV is our little picture frame carousel, some candles and our "newly web" spiders... :) *giggle* I do like how everything seems to fit and match...


My sexy husband again... this time putting together our new bookshelf... what a handy guy to have around! :)


and here it is all decorated and such... It is just perfect and fits so well in our new little place.


The final (or final for now) look of our decor... :) Now you know.


All in all its been a great month in life. We are very happy, we were just approved for the FAFSA grant for my education next semester, and figuring life out as we go! Every day is a new adventure and I wouldn't have it any other way! Until next time! (which hopefully will be before the next month is over...) Love you all!

Wedding Bliss

Here it is... the wedding post... or at least one of them... I know you've been waiting for it, so I am posting it now without pictures. As soon as I get them, I shall share... I promise... :) Honestly, I do not even know where to begin! There is so much to be thankful for, so many people to thank, so much to say about what I have been up to... there is not much time to say it... at least before people get bored and give up on reading this...

I was so pleased with the way the wedding turned out. Thanks to all who contributed their time, talents, and love to our special day! We appreciate it more than we know how to express it! :)

The temple was wonderful. Everyone was so helpful and kind... the spirit exploded in my heart when we walked into the celestial room and again when we walked into our sealing room. It was amazing to see my family there supporting me (my aunts all dabbing their eyes... ) ;) and my dear friends. His family was there, and Bryce's grandpa was able to seal us together for time and all eternity... what an amazing phrase.

Just before we came out of the temple Mom decided to go out first. It was pretty funny to hear our family cheer as mom went out. She got all embarrassed but we thought it was funny... :) It was indescribable to walk out of those doors with my new husband holding my hand and to hear the cheers that came up (a second time) for nothing but support and love from those who cared enough to be up there, waiting. It means so much to me to have had such a welcome... :) I really have tried to explain how I felt... but I struggle with the vocabulary to fully explain it...

With pictures on the stairs finished, we left our loved ones to follow our photographer around the grounds. We got some great shots and met up with everyone for lunch at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building... It was beautiful and the food was so good! I will admit, there is a little pride on my part to have my centerpieces there for others to enjoy and for them to look so good on those tables! :) They were hard work, but it was well worth it!

I was crazy enough to decided to sing a song as a parent tribute during our little program. Of course, I was last. Ica, Colby, Layne, and our Dads all gave short thoughts. Each was felt from the heart and touched us as a couple. (between glass tapping) I would go into greater detail, and i still might... but this is going to be long enough as it is... :) Thanks to those who gave such beautiful thoughts. Lindsay sang beautifully for our first dance to "I Melt" there and then, after our fathers got the water works crying, it was my turn to sing "Best Day" from Taylor Swift. Yes, I only got about 4 words into the song before I lost it... and Lindsay basically sang the entire song without my voice until the last 4 words... it was rather amusing that you could pick out the Barker table by the tears and eye-dabbing. Even Mark got "allergies" during my song. ;)

We made it to the reception with 15 minutes to spare. Bryce was determined to go through with his plan for hiding his car... and promised me that he would be back in a few minutes... *sigh* I told him not to try... but for those who were at the beginning of the reception know what excitement happened in the first 15 minutes of the reception. The line was forming and it was time to start, where was the line? I was there, and Mom had to finish a few things in the kitchen, but joined me shortly. The line started coming as they were really there to see my mom and I. ... Our neighbor and my dad's partner, Don McCandless (really, my second father) took pity on me and after going through the "line" himself he stood in as a proxy for my missing groom... Haha, Mom told me that a couple of her friends thought that I had married someone that seemed a little too old for me... :) Eventually my dad came and so did Bryce (much to my relief). By about 8:00 we had all 6 of us there... (our reception was supposed to start at 7:30) It was terribly funny and definitely makes for a great story! :)

The reception was wonderful! I honestly didn't get tired of sharing my happiness with those who had come to wish us well. I know mom almost finished her Dr. Pepper that her friends brought her... and Bryce told me the perma-smile was starting to hurt. Honestly, I had heard such stories and I worried about the line a little. But what I found was that I was so happy, I couldn't help smile and I didn't have any problem sharing it with anyone who was willing to share it with us! so thank you for all of you who came to see us.

I know I've said thank you a lot... but I just can't say it enough. I wish I could do better to explain the overwhelming joy and warmth that I felt (and still feel) what I experienced on that not-so-long-ago day. It is incredible that I have such a support system within my family, my extended family, and now an even farther extended family in the LeBaron and Grass families. I am so blessed to have such love surrounding me. I wanted to also extend a thank you to my dear friends that took time out of their busy weekends to spend some of it with me. I love you all and thanks again, from the bottom of my heart.

My Wedding day was perfect. More perfect than I could have dreamed up (which is saying something). I have never been so happy in my life. I have found the most incredible man to spend eternity with and I wouldn't want any shorter time than that. I am so excited for our life ahead and the experiences I will get to share with the love of my life! :) I love you Bryce! You make me so happy! Thank you for all the selfless support you have given me, and for making me laugh! :) You are my Superman! and I am so glad I get to be your Sunshine. :) XOXO

Thanks for reading everyone. It means a lot! more to come, Promise!!!

The Alternate Reality

Apologies for such long gaps between posts... It has been increasingly busy and I predict a relatively long post today... So i guess that deserves another apology... :)

Life is wonderful right now! I am so happy and things are going so well that I have no reason to complain! :) I know the Lord is looking out for my sanity and I greatly appreciate it. :) I am so very blessed!

Being a bride is an interesting experience. I feel as though I am living in an alternate reality. Even this close to the wedding I feel as though the plans I have been making are not actually real... Everything for the last details of the wedding are underway... and I am getting very excited. I just don't feel as though it has hit me that it is actually going to change my life forever... :)

On the other hand, my life in school and with my dear friends is also an alternate reality. School work, tests, and classes have just come an gone (not that its going over my head, I'm loving school), its just going... I don't feel like I am actually physically participating... Not quite an out of body experience... but close to it...

I was certain that reality would start sinking in at the last week... I was sure it would start with the bridals. Let me tell you, I have the best photographer in the world! I had so much fun with Crystal and Ica running around This is the Place taking a bunch of pictures. I am pleased with the results and cannot wait to show them off to all ya'll.

I am crazy and have decided to make my own center pieces of the Luncheon up in Salt Lake. Honestly, I have no idea how I am going to get them up there... but *cross fingers* it will work out. ;)

My time is constantly taken over with Wedding preparation. I feel sorry for poor Ica and Bryce, and my parents who try to have a conversation with me and only end up talking about details for the wedding. Seriously, we can start talking about something totally opposite in relation... and just minutes after I open my mouth I can turn it back to the wedding. So sorry for my obsession...

I am excited about everything and cannot wait to show everyone what I have been so busy undertaking! I am so excited to be a bride, to be marrying the most wonderful man in the world, and to start a new life together with him. I truly am blessed to know Bryce and I love him so much! Well time is short... so I guess my post isn't as long as I was originally thinking... :) Good news for you!

Hopefully I'll be a little better after the wedding... :) We'll see!!! I sign off for the last time as Jessica Scribner!!! Love you all!!! Hope to see you on Saturday!!! :)

A large Check!

No, the title has nothing to do with my job... I wish... but it has everything to do with wedding plans! :) For months I have struggled to get my "To Do" list finished so I can stop stressing. However each time I check something off, two or three things are added! It just keeps getting longer.

There are certain items that I consider "major items." These items include: finding a photographer, choosing a decorator, ordering flowers, finding bridesmaid outfits, engagement photos taken, announcements, Bridals, and catering for the reception... to just name a few. (Smaller ones are more along the lines of: fittings for tuxes, colors, and accessories... things like that)

Crystal Sands has joined our wedding ranks as our fabulous photographer. She is so friendly and sweet. She sincerely wants the best for her clients and enjoys taking pictures. Bryce and I feel that her personality meshes perfectly with ours so being with her is not awkward. Its actually a lot of fun! :) It is because of her that I am able to shorten my list significantly...

• Find a photographer: Check!
• Schedule photo sessions: Check!
• Engagement shoot: A VERY LARGE CHECK! :)
• Announcements made: almost check. :)

Last night Bryce and I met up with Crystal to take our engagement pictures (I know, its a little late in the game, but boy are they worth it!) and I couldn't be happier! We ran around the Riverwoods in Provo for a good hour or so, and just as our light was diminishing, skipped over to the Lavell Edwards Stadium for a couple of BYU football pictures. (For Bryce) :) I absolutely love them! Crystal actually posted a little sneak peek on her blog here. We had so much fun and I can't wait to see the rest of them!!!

An Engaging Memorial Day

Well, here it is the story you have all been waiting for and the never-before seen footage!!! Ok, so there is no footage... but it sure sounded good...

Memorial Day at the Park was advertised as Baby Animals Day (its the 3rd day now...) and we were swamped with people all day long. It was crazy! We easily topped Saturday's numbers. I was so blessed to have Elora and Millie helping me out with the cabin today. When you are trying to watch a couple of games, stilts, rug beaters, drying laundry, and a nest of baby birds in the reach of children, it can be a little overwhelming sometimes. We also had some extra help by way of Bryce. He decided after a co-worker of mine helped me out the other day and had to play "Mr. Gardiner" (for the sake of our guests) that he wanted to volunteer as a pioneer. I wasn't expecting this, but was well appreciated. With 4 pioneers in the same house, we were able to keep control over the crowds. Actually, there was one gentleman who asked if Bryce was married to all three of us. His sincerity was enough to cause Millie to quickly explain that she and Elora were "just visiting the Gardiners as their children were busy else where in the village" or something like that... it was pretty funny.

Bryce wandered off around 11:00 wanting to see the sights. He hasn't been up there with actual people and was curious about the new Native American village. I should have quizzed him about it... now that I think about it... but he was the last thing on my mind with the hoards of children all around. he came back a little while later and as I was doing laundry I say him and Elora chatting in the garden. (Don't worry, its important later. I promise...)

As the day was winding to a close we put the wash up, the rugs back in the house we took them from, and the buckets back against the house. I was excited that I might actually get out of the park around 5:00... at about 5 minutes to close Bryce shut the back door and went over to shut the front door. This is where I leave you as the narrator and you can enjoy the lame flash-back music as I reminisce...
Jess: "what are you doing? it isn't closing yet." (I am the last cabin on the way out... people often stop in to say hello around 5...) *open the door again*
Bryce: "Its alright Elora and Millie will watch." *close door and locks it."
Jess: "aah! What are you doing?! help!" (I was totally oblivious to what was about to take place...) *resist some as he guides me to my rocking chair.* *sit down*
This is about the time that my brain started putting it all together... it took a minute. (another side note, Bryce was up late last night writing his poem, and memorizing what he was going to say. He had checked his pocket, where the ring was, all day long to make sure it was still there... and had waited all day for the right moment to arise... but there were too many people.)
Bryce: (Poem)
"I never knew the way I'd feel
Each time I felt you gentle touch
When you smile, I simply melt
For I simply love you so much!"
*sings part of our song* (for personal reasons, this part I keep to myself...) :)
Bryce: This is the Place (notice the play on words... he's proud of it so I must point it out...) that I fell in love with you back in December. I feel that it is only appropriate that this happens here. *reaches into pocket and unwraps beautiful ring* *kneels down* Jessica, will you marry me?
Jess: Yes. Yes of course I will!
Bryce: *sigh of relief* :)

Ok the narration is back... as you can tell I am very giddy about the whole ordeal. But give me a break... its only been 24 hours!!! AHHHH!!!! I can't believe it is actually happening... It is crazy to think that this ring means... forever... It still hasn't sunk in yet... I know because I have not cried at all yet... :)

Most got to hear the news by phone. Grandma, you didn't quite hear me over the phone but it all worked out. ;) (PS. Congrats to Ashley for graduating! You are so beautiful!!!) I talked to Bryce's parents too. I'm glad to report that it is good news for them too! :)

Mommy, I know you cried all morning and I don't quite know what to say. I am so excited and scared and overwhelmed that I don't know where to even begin. I hope that you know that I love you so very much and that I thank my Heavenly Father every day for blessing me to be your daughter. I have learned so much from you and I can't begin to describe what you and your example mean to me. All of our girls days shopping, and relaxing. Our Brick Oven trips when the boys all leave. The Chick Flicks. Those nights that I was sick and you just sat there comforting me, or when my heart was broken and you wouldn't leave my side until I had cried myself to sleep. Even when you all abandoned me to go see that shuttle trial in Brigham City... I am glad I can celebrate my memorial day by remembering all of the good times that I've had with you!!! Life is moving fast, but you are always there for me to call or run home to. So thank you for all you do!!! (and Bryce thanks you for all your cookies too!!!) :) P.S. wipe that tear away... its embarrassing. ;)

Daddy, (if you are even reading this...) I appreciate the permission granted and the blessing bestowed. It would have cause great stress on Bryce if you changed your mind... ;) I love you so much and can't express in words how near and dear you are to me. We have had some fun times and some great talks in the car to Kanab and hiking the Bed... the rock and roll quizzes, bedtime songs, ice cream after concerts, you sitting there on the front porch with Don and a shot gun... my list can go on and on... Today my life changed drastically, and yet I know that those good times will continue on! I can feel it... :) Thanks for all you have done for me. Thanks for the stories, the love, the patience, and the comfort in my good times and in my bad ones. I love you!!!

Ok so this is really long and I now have upset parents... Thanks to all who have supported me and loved me. Thanks for making me into who I am today. I celebrate all those wonderful memories today. (I guess I'm celebrating an engagement too huh? ;] ) I love you all! Until next time!!!