An Aunt

Something I realized only a couple weeks before getting married, is the fact that marrying Zane means I'm an AUNT!

Sometimes with all my adorable little cousins, I feel like I'm an aunt already. 

But when I married Zane I became an official aunt to my new nephew, Liam, and Niece, Pippa!

And seeing as it is Liam's 2nd birthday today, it seemed like an appropriate day for a blog. 

Liam and Pippa are Jen and Chase's kids. They live in Georgia, so I actually had never met them until the day before my wedding. 

I had a short period of time to get to know them before they were headed back home, but I already love them!

Pippa is just a chubby little happy baby, and Liam is a true nut and a tank!

We are all crossing our fingers Jen and Chase move back to Utah soon, so we can see the little cuties more often. 

And Chase and Jen too, of course. 

I didn't get a picture with Pippa, but here is LIAM! He's so stinkin cute!

Why I can no longer ever keep my eyes open in pictures, remains a mystery. 

Happy Birthday to little Liam!

Love you Bud!

something sweet, something real, something real sweet

I have been trying to think of cute things that I've learned about marriage, or about Zane, since we got married, to make a cute little marriage post.

I even asked Zane in bed last night if he thought he had learned something new, he said he was sure he has, but in the end couldn't think of one. 

I guess what it comes down to is we have only been married two weeks. Thus, we are in a blissful, no one does anything wrong, stereotypical honeymoon phase.

So what I have learned about marriage is, it is so much easier than I thought it would be!
Zane and I fell into our own little family, in our own little home so easily. I enjoy every single second of it, literally.

I am sure when I blog my month anniversary, and then my year, I'm sure I will be singing a slightly less naive tune.
Nonetheless, the current bliss is currently our reality, and it deserves to be remembered. 

Here is a trivial list of things I have learned in 2 whole weeks:

1. Zane's evening prayers are extra long. 

2. When he bites his nails, it bugs me a smidgen. 

3. When I crack my knuckles a million times at night, it bugs Zane a smidgen.

4. Cooking already happens less often than I planned, but it's a resolution okay?

5. Zane knows much more, and is all around better, at doing the laundry. Not complaining.

6. I'm a tooty wife. Can I say that on the world wide web? 

7. Zane is his own heat source, the fan must be blowing toward our bed at night.

8. I am an icicle, I must be in PJ's, under covers, and must not be able to feel the fan on me in our bed at night. 

9. Zane has learned that I no longer care to shave my legs, and I have learned he apparently doesn't care. 

10. Zane is an angel. My exact definition of a perfect husband. My exact definition of a perfect person more like. (but I actually already knew that one)

My absolute favorite part of being married so far?

Saying our prayers and reading out of the Book of Mormon together each night. 

I have never felt more peace, and pure love in my whole life. 

Get married people. It's the greatest.

pizza party

marriage. marriage. marriage.
It truly is the best thing that has ever happened to me, or rather, being married to Zane is the best thing that has ever happened to me.
Zane does the laundry, and takes out the trash, and always helps me do the dishes and make the bed.
I am one lucky girl.

We have settled into our home quite easily. It already feels like home, although we are still working on the finishing touches.
Even though it isn't quite finished, when my Tis suggested that we host our first get together at the O'Gwins, we were on board!
So Bri, her friend Jordan, Jo and her husband Ryan came over to make pizza and play games at our house.
It was a grand ol' time.
And most importantly Zane got the chance to show off his magic skills, since I am rarely a good audience, and it was a huge hit with the Metcalfs. So huge I think they are going to let us come to california just so they can see more.
The only downside of the whole night is the fact that Zane and I's pizza turned out pretty much disgusting.

It was fun to have people over to our home. It felt like we were married...
cause we are!
I'm excited to have our next little get together, so if you want to party with the O'Gwins just let me know! We'd be happy to have you over :)

These cute best friends

it had so much potential.. 

Friendsies

Brother and Sister, oh sibling love. 

about to attempt to fondue

oh hi, we're married. 

My sister has this awesome Polaroid camera. I want. 

All photos stolen from Jo. 

Dreamin' of a new camera. 

T.T

Oh and let me introduce you to the newest member of our family.

Tom Thomas O'Gwin

Ain't he a cutie. 

The Wedding Day

It's officially been a week, which I believe means it's time to come back to the real world. I had my first day of work since the betrothal, and I can't say I was extremely excited to be back.

But, if I am being honest, I have been missing the blog world.

Unfortunately, we are still internetless at the O'Gwins. 

It seems there is too much to talk about, but I am going to blog it one by one. They way I know you all want it. 

My wedding day was amazing. 

I woke up nice and early to get my hair and make up done, then we were on our way to the temple. 

Temple workers are so nice, they make it impossible to feel stressed about anything. 

The ceremony was absolutely perfect. I was so glad I had so many loved ones there with me. It was everything I dreamed it could be, perfect combination of spiritual and funny. And I may or may not have cried a lot. 

Driving home to the luncheon was surreal, I couldn't believe the man sitting next to me was my HUSBAND. Even now, I don't think it's truly hit me. 

The luncheon was perfect, except for the groovy music during the prayer...

Everyone near and dear to me was there to eat and celebrate.

Next was the reception. 

My aunt made everything come together, and the venue looked gorgeous. 

She truly is brilliant. 

Although I was getting really tired, I actually enjoyed standing in line to greet everyone. I hugged friends and strangers a like. 

We cut the cake, which was delicious. (I've craved it everyday since)

And I tossed my bouquet, and my adorable 5 year old cousin caught it.

Then our friends sent us off with sparklers, and we drove off in a condom and energy drink filled car. 

The happiest day of our lives. 

Zane is the best husband a girl could ask for. He is my angel. 

Waking up to his morning breath, and scraggly hair is my heaven. 

One day real soon I hope to have pictures of the big day, but for now I stole some that miss Alysha took. 

my eyes are closed.. its fine. No one was able to get one with them open.

My best girl friends!

My cute husband and me, happy as can be!

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this wonderful day.

It meant so much to me, and I'm grateful for all the support. 

I couldn't be happier to be Mrs. O'Gwin.

just a tid bit

We got married and it was absolutely perfect. 

It looked a little something like this.

I will blog all about it. 

But for now, I am off being lazy. 

Christmas with my big lug

This was the first Christmas between my two families, and I loved it.
Christmas Eve is a big event for the O'Gwins, they do a big dinner, get pajamas, read a Christmas story, and watch a Christmas movie.
It worked out pretty perfect because Christmas day is a bigger in my family.
Although, I did miss my traditional family movie and dinner out, I really loved spending Christmas Eve with the O'Gwins.

Zane had a little sleepover at my house that night, because Christmas starts at my house at 7 AM. We opened presents and went to church. When we got home we had our traditional Borup Christmas Breakfast.
And I made delicious some pancakes, if I do say so myself.
After we were filled to the brim, Zane and I went over to his parents house to open some presents, and took a little Christmas nap.
Then it was time to head over to my Hirschi family Christmas dinner at my grandmas, and opened a couple more presents.

We wore our matching turtlenecks, because mom says, "everyone looks good in a black turtleneck."

Just channeling my inner mom and making some pancakes. 

Spending some time with my Hirschi cousins

Zane doing magic for the kids

And Zane gave me my cute lion hat that I just adore. 

I sure do love this guy. 

It was a wonderful Christmas. 

I am truly blessed. 

Now that Christmas has come and gone, all thats left to do is get married!!!

It's a summary

I try not to do summary entries.

But it turns out that the last 2 weeks before you get married, and christmas are unbelievably busy. Leaving little time to blog at all, let alone blog well. 

So bare with me here, as I catch you up.

When school was over, I spent a lot of afternoons doing this while Zane worked from home. And since he is obsessed with me and all, he took a picture. It's been nice to have some time to relax a little more.

And when I wake up, we do dumb things like this. 

Also, I've created a bad habit of  only taking pictures with his iphone.

We spent some time shopping at Ikea, and then even more time building things and moving in. It looked a little like this.

Soon we celebrated Christmas with the Borups at the annual Borup Christmas party! It's exciting to think that Zane will be there with me every year for the rest of my life. 

And we spend a lot of time getting out apartment ready, eating tender meals on the floor. 

We went and saw Sherlock Holmes.

Most importantly though, I went through the temple to receive my endowments on Thursday. It was such a special experience. I am so excited to be with Zane forever, to be our own little family. And guess what? It happens in 4 days!

Next comes Christmas and the wedding. 

I promise to be a better blogger, okay?

Don't give up on me.

the last hoora, or however you spell it..

Yesterday was my last bridal shower, and I finished it off right celebrating with my best girl friends.
They kind of surprised me with a night up at Hillary's cabin.
It was only half a surprise, because they realized I would have to get work off. They ended up informing me Wednesday night. I'm lucky my boss at Mozy is so understanding about this crazy month for me, and let me take Friday off last minute.

The party was a success!
We decided to combine the shower with our annual Christmas party. It was like high school all over again to have all 7 of us together, and I loved it.
We ate junk food, laughed, watched a slideshow Lysha put together of all our old memories, exchanged gifts, played ridiculous games, chatted, and fell asleep to a movie.
I loved it. I love those girls.
Although having a wedding, and Christmas in the same month has been beyond stressful, it has also been such a huge reminder of how blessed I am.
Blessed to have such a wonderful future husband, blessed to have an incredibly supportive family, and blessed to have beautiful, crazy best friends.

Doin' what we do best

Love this nut!

Aren't they the cutest!

We really are the luckiest 7 :)

Thanks to everyone who helped put this little celebration together.

I love you guys!

ps.

Dad updated the mac, and me and sista got a kick out of it.
Sure do love her.

Enjoy this silent video. Can't figure out why there is no sound. 

the photos

Well, the cat is out of the bag.
It was only a day or two after I said I wasn't going to post them that Alix posted them herself.
And it's was shortly after that, that they were posted to Utah Bride Blog.

And since everyone is now free to give their comments on either blog, I figured I should tell you my thoughts too.

The blogger on Utah Bride said my ring is a green diamond, and then a photographer replied with this..

"I seriously don’t think that’s a “green diamond” though. I think that’s a green amethyst or a aquamarine, depending on the post-processing. I have both stones. They are stunning in images and even moreso in real life. BRAVO to the bride for thinking outside the box and being open to such a thing! They are amazing rings and hold up amazingly well and I totally abuse mine! lol. PS: I love your dress and your husband looks like Mr. Darcy! "

Well. Let me tell you. Its not a Amethyst or a Aquamarine, and it's definitely not a diamond.
My ring is a green sapphire and I adore it. I was actually upset when the pictures came back that my ring in the pictures looked so dull. I am glad everyone else likes it, but it's truly better in person.
On the actual day I'll make sure to get it cleaned before so the pictures can do it justice.

And just so everyone knows, my husband is a real life Mr. Darcy, which makes me one very happy Jane Austen fan.
Except it doesn't take a whole book for him to grow on you, he'd have you by the 1st page.

My dress is from Alysse's Bridal. It was the very first one I tried on, and I fell in love with it even though it was nothing I had ever pictured myself in.
But yes, I was freezing that day. I will be even more cold on my wedding day.
But I refuse to wear any sort of cloak or coat.
I never wanted a winter wedding, I've made plenty of adjustments for the undesired season and even come to embrace it, but covering up my dress is just not something I'm willing to do.

My earrings and bracelet are both from Nordstrom. ( a moment of silence for their upcoming closing)
And my hair pin is actually a vintage brooch from Planted Earth.
I did my own make up, but my hair stylist, Brittany, did my hair.

That is not my real bouquet. My wonderful aunt, who is planning my whole wedding, threw those together last minute and they turned out wonderful! She insists when the professional does it on my wedding day they will look better, but I think they looked great.

I chose Zane's suit. Tuxedos are much too fancy for my taste.
I also chose Zane's long hair, and his scruffy face.
That's how I like him, and that's all there is to it.

Alix is amazing. Often she is much more creative with her photography. She's used donkeys, paper airplanes, and candy of all sorts. And basically, that doesn't fit me.
But she has an ability to sense who I am and be true to Zane and I as a couple, and herself at the same time.
So the pictures ended up perfect.

Except...
I felt ridiculously silly arching my back, knowing I looked nothing like a model in that moment, but it seems to be one of her favorites. A picture I love is actually one of me laughing hysterically coming out of it, which she didn't post. But you will see on here soon enough, or at my reception if you're coming.
Just thought you needed to know I did not, and can not take myself seriously in that photo.

So there it is. My opinion.
I'm still not going to post my own pictures yet. Just doesn't feel right.
2 weeks people, that's all you have to wait.
Assuming you're actually anticipating it.. which you probably aren't, but I'm pretending it's the event of the year. So let me be delusional.

growing up

Lately all I can think about is eating sandwhiches.
I don't like sandwhiches. My taste buds have evolved, but we're not quite there yet.
Since weird prego cravings are years away, why I'm craving subway everyday is a mystery.


So Zane decided he would make a sandwhich that could fit my toddler taste buds.
And because he knows me so well, he didn't let me watch him make it. As long as I don't know mayos there, it can't hurt me.

I ate one whole half.

Similar to how my relationship with tacos and Chinese food began, so I have high hopes.

I wanna itch it!

So Zane and I got our "groomals" back, and I am in LOVE.
Alixann Loosle is my photographer, and she is amazing.
I've been blog stalking her for quite some time now, so I was really excited when I had the opportunity to book her for my own wedding.

Having them back has been awesome, and also a small form of torture. I want to share them with everyone!
I'm in no way superstitious, I did not care a lick about Zane seeing me in my dress before the big day. Choosing to do my bridals with Zane is one of the smartest decisions I've made. BUT, I don't feel like I can just pass pictures around of me and my hubby-to-be in the full wedding dress get-up before the actual day.
I mean, I just can't. right?
So here I am. Sitting with an itch I can't scratch.

Sitting with this kid, as we look at our pictures once or twice.
Or maybe four times...

falling apart possibly

Waking up at 6 to loneliness, finals looming around the corner, busy Christmas preparations, a seemingly impossible full recovery from sickness, and planning a wedding I wish was yesterday, has begun to wear my sanity down. 

I think I cried 3 or 4 separate times yesterday. 

10 o'clock today there will only be 20 more days.

They can't pass fast enough.

If in the next 3 weeks you see my crying in my car, don't worry about it.
It's becoming a ritual of sorts.

same, same

Sometimes we match without trying to.

I even had a feeling when I put on that outfit that Zane would wear one similar.

Sure enough, I opened the door, and there he is. Sweatshirt and plaid. 

My sister said since it's christmas season and all, it was okay, and maybe even kind of cute to match. 

So we rocked the "twinner" look all day,

and loved it. 

bought myself a right to a hubby

Eternal happiness has a price people.

And here in Utah County, that price is 50 buckeroos. 

That's a bargin if you ask me.

first look

Zane and I took our "groomals" this weekend. 

(One of the smartest wedding related decisions I've made.) 

Walking down my hallway in my wedding dress, to my future hubby squeezing his eyes shut, felt a little like glorified prom. 

But his reaction made me feel like it was my wedding day. 

one month.