week of the wedding

It's about time I finish up all the wedding blogging, so lets start with the week of the wedding; it was crazy, but calm at the same time. I felt like the whole week we were celebrating some aspect of the wedding, which i totally loved. It made the week and our special day last longer.

On tuesday, I was able to take out my endowments at the TIMPANOGOS TEMPLE. It was perfect. So calming and reassuring. I won't lie I was a bit nervous because it was my first time and I didn't know what to expect. Throughout the session I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming feeling that Jordan and I were supposed to marry each other.  There were a few moments where I just started crying because my love for him was reassured while I was sitting in the temple. It was so great to have both our families there supporting us. Before we left, Jordan and I took a moment in the celestial room just the two of us. It was the most amazing feeling. I am so grateful for the gospel and church that I am apart of. I love the feeling that Jordan will be mine forever. It was such an amazing experience and I am grateful that Jordan and I decided to marry in the temple.

Wednesday, we were tying up lose ends and last minuet details for the wedding. Packing up my room and packing for the honeymoon (to HAWAII)

Thursday we had our rehearsal dinner. The dinner was so beautiful. We held it at Thanksgiving Point and it couldn't have been more perfect. I love that we did our dinner the night before, it gave us time to really enjoy the moment. We showed a slideshow (which is posted below this was so fun seeing Jordan as a baby and reminiscing on all of our memories together) and our bridal video while people were eating.  After everyone ate, we had a short program with my parents, his parents, his older brother, my best mate chelsea, and of course the two of us giving a little speech. I don't even remember what was said, or what I said but I know everything turned out great.

Don't mind my crazy eyes.
For some reason, this is the only picture I have of all the girls at the dinner

After the dinner, I went out for a little "bachelorette" party with my girlfriends. We did it the night before the wedding because we wanted to my friend Chelsea to join us. (She was living in Hawaii at the time I got married and she made a special trip to be there, it was the best thing a friend could do. I was so happy she was able to be there for me on my big day.) We went to grab a quick treat at the chocolate and gabbed while they gave me some "fun" gifts.

After our treat, I went to Jordan's house for one last night being single. When he finally took me home I felt so giddy knowing that that night would be the last time he had to take me home ever again. In less than 24 hours I would become a MRS!

This is the slideshow we had playing at the wedding dinner. 

Valentine's Day

I LOVE Valentines Day!

Valentine's day is so fun! I love the pinks and reds, the hearts, glitter and cute decorations; I can't get enough! Yeah, I'm a sucker for a holiday. There was something about this holiday that I got really excited for, I think its because I have the best valentine and even though we have spent Valentines day together before, there was something about being married and celebrating this day of LOVE for the first time! Our first married VALENTINES was perfect. 

I started the day out surprising Jordan with a CANDY GRAM. I had a lot of fun making this and I think he enjoyed it as well!  The poster included some of his favorite treats (doughnuts, carmel apple, gum, Mt. Dew, airhead, hot tamales and something a little "sexy" to top it off.) 

The card said: 

"Hey Valentine, 

Don't (doughnuts) you know I'm crazy about you! 

You're the apple (carmel apple) of my eye. 

And even though you're kind of an airhead (airhead) sometimes, 

I'd still choose (big league chew) to mount and dew (mt. dew) you!

You are one (hot tamale!) 

xoxo: your valentine"

I added some candles (I think he loves them, more than I do) and of course a little V.S. We're newly weds..its acceptable right! 

After work, Jordan brought home the most GORGEOUS FLOWERS and CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES (my absolute favorite!)

 For dinner, we drove to salt lake for a little BENIHANA'S! It's such a fun restaurant and we both love it. It was such a fun atmosphere. After dinner, I had another surprise for Jordan. We spent the night at the Marriott in Salt Lake. It was such a fun little get away for the night. Our room had the pretties view too, we were on the top floor and looked over the ice rink at the Galivan Center. 

It was such a perfect night! I love my valentine and I am so grateful that he is my eternal valentine. 

Like Jordan said, "Valentine's Day is always better with a Valentine" 

Although, it sounds like such silly comment, I think I would have to agree with him. 

I hope you guys had a great VALENTINES DAY as well! 

xoxo, 

The Johnstons 

olympics

The OLYMPICS are such an amazing event, I am so glad and grateful that we, as a world, still continue to take part in the games. I feel like the Olympics are a time where we come together as world with peace in our hearts. Its a time when everyone has the same goal and everyone cheers for each other. The world supports each other and its amazing to see. It's amazing to see that there is still good in the world. I think a perfect example of the world coming together is allowing the games to take place in RUSSIA. As Jordan said, "I think it is the most profound statement in the world, that they let Russia do the Olympics. Everyone looks to them (Russia) as if they are the bad guy and now its their chance to show the world that they are not all that bad." Which I agree with him, yes, Russia hasn't had a super stellar past and Putin may have some unusual ideas about running his country, but honestly, I think he is trying to do the best for his country. Now whether his rules are good or bad I'm not going to discuss, but I think it is amazing they Olympics are in Russia. Jordan and I loved watching the opening ceremonies. Some of my favorite highlights include: 

The war and peace dancers, especially the main ballerina! She was so beautiful. 

The jellyfish dancers (a clip can be seen on my instagram).  

The snowflakes turning into the olympic rings. 

(we will ignore that one of the rings didn't open all the way- it was still spectacular)

The olympic sports forming in the "stars" I thought this was so brilliant. 

The animation displayed on the floor throughout the entire program was unbelievable! 

The lighting of the torch was beautiful 

and the firework show at the end... FORGET ABOUT IT! 

Basically, it sounds like I LOVED the entire show, I thought they did such an amazing job, but its hard not to enjoy the opening ceremonies of the olympics. Although, can I be negative for a second. 

WHAT WERE THE AMERICAN'S WEARING? 

Their sweaters were HORRIBLE! I mean come on I could have designed better sweaters than that! Hopefully next winter olympics they will have better uniforms. 

Okay next topic: I absolutely love when the athletes walk into the stadium for the first time. It touches my heart every time. It is so humbling to see a country with only ONE or TWO athletes competing; their reactions are indescribable. Both Jordan and I got a little teary eyed when we saw athletes crying as they walked through the stadium. I can't even imagine that feeling; I bet it is the best feeling in the world. After all this time all your hard work is finally paying off. You made it to the olympics- even if you don't win a medal, you have obtained an amazing goal of just being there. 

 I JUST LOVE IT! 

I love the spirit of the Olympics. 

Watching the Olympics takes me back to 2002 when I was lucky enough to participate in the Salt Lake Winter Olympics. I was apart of the awards ceremony where we preformed every night before the athletes were given heir medals! It was such an amazing experience. Driving up to salt lake everyday, spending hours in a tent, playing games, meeting famous people, collecting pins, walking around all the craziness, dressing up in our giant fluffy coats grabbing our lanterns, heading home and doing it over agin the next day. I was in 5th grade and didn't fully understand how awesome the olympics were, but looking back I am so grateful that I had this opportunity, it is an experience I will never forget! 

we were so little, and SO warm!
 "CHILDREN OF LIGHT"

WOW- I'm sorry this post was a novel! But I hope you all enjoy the Olympics as much as I do.

 I'm definitely looking forward to the figure skating and can't wait to see who comes out on top. 

 ENJOY THE GAMES! 

a weekend of sunshine

Okay, I am a few weekends behind on this post but story of my life- I'm always late. 

Anyway, over Martin Luther King weekend Jordan and I were lucky enough to take a quick road trip to St. George for some golf, a little sun and spending a few days with my sweet grandpa.
My grandpa is the sweetest man and he is so generous to let us stay at his home. It was great to see him because I haven't seen him since our wedding in October.

We got in late friday night and went straight to bed. Saturday morning was all about trying to catch a few rays and hitting the course. Jordan has the "GOLF BUG" and that was his only request that we golf and although I don't golf at all, I didn't mind because it mean that I got to sit in a cart, in the sun, with my dr. pepper for a few hours. My uncle Gene and Grandpa came golfing with us and we had a great time. That night we went to dinner and then Jordan and I hit the hot tube. I think we were born for retirement because golfing and the lounging by pool is something we live for! Too bad we haven't even started our careers yet!

Golfing at Southgate

Sunday we went to church with my grandpa, dinner at my uncles and then we hung out with our good friends ANNA and CHAD! They moved to St. George because Anna got an internship down there. It was so fun to see them, we had a fun night of pool (which, i am TERRIBLE at) talking about the ELECTRIC RUN (which we can't wait to do this summer.. this will be talked about soon in another post) and the night ended with chad educating me about STEVE BARTMAN! The poor cubs fan who took the blame for the cubs losing the world series in 2006. I felt so bad for him, anyone interested in what happened should look up his story- there is  whole documentary about it!

Monday morning came early as we went to an eight am session at the St. George Temple with my sweet grandpa. This was such a wonderful experience and I am so grateful we were able to go with him. It was extra special for me because a few days I went to the temple for the first time my grandpa has some health issues and he wasn't able to come to the temple with me. Obviously I am so glad he is okay and it wasn't anything serious, but at the time I was sad that he wasn't able to be there.

St. George Temple
such a beautiful place!

SIDENOTE-----> After my grandma passed away, my grandpa had foot surgery and lived with my family for about six or eight months, during this time we became very close and I gained a wonderful relationship with him. I am grateful for this time we had to get to know each other on a better level. He is such an amazing person. 

 I look up to him so much. 

He is such a wonderful example of what it means to love and serve someone. 

He has the kindest heart. 

He is one of my heroes. 

Enough of that rant, back to what I was saying. It was so special to be in the temple with him. I couldn't help but think of my grandma while we were there and I know he felt the same. I am grateful for that experience and the gospel in my life. After the temple we tried out a great little breakfast place called the WAGONWHEEL. After breakfast we packed up and hit yet another golf course. Jordan wanted to golf at SAND HOLLOW on our way out, I'll admit it was a beautiful course. After 9 holes we headed home. 

can't go to st. george without stopping by NIESLENS!
the BEST frozen custard around

look at his forum
he is so SEXY! 

It was such a nice little getaway, some sun was just what the doctor ordered! 

xoxo,

The Johnstons  

2014

Well its only been ten years since the last post, but I'm sure it's fine!
Hope you had a fantastic Christmas, New Years and break. We definitely did and are so sad school had to start again! Even though our lazy days have come to an end we are excited to start the new year. We will definitely be busy with school this semester. Jordan is finishing up his generals and associates with taking biology and math then hopefully starting the personal finance program next semester. Meanwhile I'm trying to hurry and finish my degree taking 19 credits this semester (Kinesiology, Chemistry, Stats, Exercise Testing and Prescription, PA promotions and labs.. I might be crazy!)

Not only is school keeping us busy, but Jordan just got a promotion at the bank! He is now an MSR, more hours and a raise what could be better. Me on the other hand I'm still unemployed! (whoops!) Still applying for jobs and not getting them so if anyone knows of an awesome job- let me know!

We are still loving life and being married- I guess thats a good sign seeing as its only been three months. Our new year resolutions have not exactly started yet. (We knew we wouldn't make it a month and why would we want to go to a crowded gym for the first month! Plus we like our doughnuts way too much [reference to my last instagram post of our delicious and nutritious dinner of Krispy Kreams! We are fat, we need to go to the gym])
Anyway other than working out some of our resolutions include a spiritual aspect of reading and studying scriptures with each other and by ourselves everyday, attending the temple once a month and trying to be more involved in our ward. School resolutions involve staying on top of our homework, not studying on sundays and with wishful thinking getting a 4.0! (wish me luck)
Obviously we have other resolutions as well, continuing to strengthen our relationship with each other, budgeting, working towards goal and personal ones as well.
I can't decide if I like resolutions or not. I thinking its a good idea to make goals every year, but I am so bad at sticking to them; maybe thats a resolution in itself.

I'm excited for this year! I feel like 2013 was an amazing year with getting married and starting our lives together, but I know thats just the beginning every year is going to be better.
Goodbye 2013 and Hello 2014!

This was definitely the best part of 2013!
It was a good year for us :) 

Merry Christmas

MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

This is our little Christmas Tree. I love it so much. I love everything about Christmas, even decorating. 

I hope you guys had a wonderful Christmas, I know we sure did! It was a perfect first Christmas as a married couple. We are lucky to have our families so close to each other, we were able to spend the day with both families.

We were pretty lazy on Christmas Eve, watching White Christmas (such a wonderful movie I would recommend it to anyone. Bean Crosby's voice will melt your heart and the dancing is fabulous) and finishing up some last minuet wrapping. In the evening we went to Jordan's Grandmothers for an extended family party. A ham dinner and white elephant exchange made for a lot of laughs. After that we went to Jordan's parents for a story and hot chocolate. Then we drove over to my parents to spend the night. We stayed up watching Oblivion until two in the morning. Probably not one of our best decisions because the next morning we were exhausted!

Christmas morning we woke up around eight thirty and opened gifts. Jordan really spoiled me and got me a MACBOOK PRO. I was so SURPRISED. We had talked about getting one because my laptop is dead, but we had decided it wasn't part of our budget and it could wait. But that sneaky little husband of mine got me one and I couldn't be happier!  It is so beautiful and I am so grateful he was thoughtful and got me exactly what I wanted. I felt bad because I didn't get him anything exciting, clothes were on his list from me. Usually thats all I get for Christmas, thats all I usually need. I think he might have been slightly disappointed with clothing. I'm sure we will be sharing the computer. After opening presents we ate breakfast and just hung out until lunch.
My mom always makes the best Christmas feast. Turkey, potatoes, jello, stuffing, rolls the whole shebang! I love Christmas dinner, I always look forward to it. I usually over eat, but hey thats what the holidays are for right? My sister and her family and my grandma joined us for lunch, then we watched Despicable Me 2 or I should say, we napped during the movie.
After the movie, we went to Jordan's house for dinner. We opened gifts with his parents and then sat down for a roast dinner. We spent the evening playing games and chatting.

It was such a wonderful Christmas and I am so lucky to have spent it with the ones I love. It was so fun being with my family and Jordan's family. I am so grateful for Jordan. He is so wonderful and I couldn't have married someone better. Although, giving and getting gifts are fun, I hope we all remembered the reason for Christmas. The birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. Who was born to save us from our sins. Who died for you and me, because he was born and led the way we are able to return to our Father in Heaven and have an eternal family. I am grateful for the gospel in my life and the knowledge we have. I love the story of Jesus's birth and I hope the spirit of Christ can be found with us everyday.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

xoxo,
The Johnston's

weekend goodness

We had such a great weekend and therefore I felt inclined to blog about it. I think I might be going a little blog crazy the past few days- oh well!

On Friday we went to the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS in Spanish Fork. This has been a tradition in Jordan's family for many years and I love the idea of making it one of our own. Of course you can't go to Spanish Fork without stopping by GLADES for fries and a shake! They seriously have the best shakes in town and not to mention Jordan's uncle owns the place. I love the festival of lights its so fun and you don't even have to get out of your car! After that we played FIVE CROWNS with Tucker and his date.  Jordan's family always plays this game and I am TERRIBLE at it! So I was grateful Tucker was there to secure last place for me.

On Saturday we were invited by our good friends Anna and Chad to go to the Jazz game. Even though it was storming pretty bad in Provo we decided to still drive up to Salt Lake and we are so glad we did! We are so grateful for Anna and Chad they are so fun and some of the nicest people you will meet. The game was extra fun because Chad is originally from Sacramento so he was decked out in his KINGS gear and cheered louder for the Kings than the Jazz. I love Jazz games and especially the Jazz Bear- he is the best mascot out there! I wanted to document our night in a different fashion other than pictures so I tried my hand at a video. I know its a little rough, but hey I'd like to think with practice I'll get better. I hope you guys had a wonderful weekend as well!

 

It's a little blurry and I'm not sure why, but you get the idea 

xoxo, 

The Johnstons