A hard story to tell.

Around 2 years ago, I was about ready to start the longest journey of my life. My dearest Al pal was leaving on a LDS Mission, to the Samoa, Apia Mission.  He was to report to the MTC in Provo on October 5th, 2011. I was so proud of my missionary and his decision to serve the lord.

Those few days leading up to that day were all blurred together. We spent every last stinking minute together. Walks around the temple. Hot chocolate trips. All-nighter phone calls. He even came to school with me and sat through my classes just so we could be together.

We knew what was coming. We talked about it... a little. We were ready, and we both tried to put a brave face on for each other.

I even helped him pack ;)

On Oct. 4th the day before he left, we spent the entire day together. Just running around grabbing the last few things on his packing list. And one more walk around the temple talking about the day when I would be able to go in with him and be sealed to him for eternity. 

I had a test that afternoon for one of my classes, he dropped me off. I literally rushed through that test so fast, just so I could hurry and be with him again. I didn't want to waste any time! Little did I know that he was up to something. He picked me back up and surprised me with flowers! The biggest, prettiest flowers I have ever seen!! and also a diamond heart shaped necklace. I'm such a lucky girl!

After, he wanted to go and say goodbye to some friends. It started sinking in at this point. I only had a few hours left! I started tearing up just a little bit. I was trying so hard to keep myself together! 

I decided to stay in the car while he went in to his friends house. Once I was alone, I broke down and cried! and of course... as if I was in a movie, it started raining. I couldn't hold it in anymore and for those 5 minutes he was gone, I let everything go.

After a few minutes, through my blurry eyes, I saw him walking out of his friends house. I quickly got my act together. Even though the tears had stopped, my eyes were still red and I could tell he knew I had been crying. But he didn't say anything and it's a good thing he didn't, because I probably would have broke down again. He just gave me a hug and smiled and we were on our way.

We drove back up to his house. He changed into his suit because as soon as he dropped me off he was headed to the church to get set apart (I had decided long before, that I didn't want to be there for that part). I need to mention tho...just how good he looked in his suit! Dang! What a handsome soon-to-be missionary!! I was so proud of him.

 We were really close on time. By the time we got back to my house he only had 15 minutes before he had to leave to make it to the church on time. 15 MINUTES!! I just wanted to be selfish and hug him for those 15 minutes. But, He wanted to say goodbye to my family. So for 10 of those minutes he said his finale goodbyes to my parents and siblings. The whole time in my head I was freaking out!! This was it! "Be strong, Lindsie. Be strong!" I kept nudging him the whole time, hinting that it was now MY turn to say goodbye. 

FINALLY, we walked back outside. We had just a few minutes. We hugged and kissed, and hugged and kissed again and again. We were actually smiling and laughing. I didn't cry.... maybe just a few tears but that's all! I was so strong! 

"Well, I'll see you in two years, sweetheart." 

He got in his car and pulled out of my driveway. I waved to him until I could no longer see him. 

The two years had begun.

Now I had to face my family. I knew they had probably been watching out the window the whole time. I took a deep breath and walked in. My dad was right there gave me a hug. Then the crying started. I went to my room grabbed my blanky and sat on the couch and cried for a good while.

Bittersweet.

I was sad. Sad because the boy I had fallen in love with was not going to be with me for the next two years. Sad because he was going to some small island with strangers. Sad because I had met him now. It would have been so much easier if I had not met him until after he was back.  I was worried because I had spent so much time with him. I didn't know what I was going to do with all my free time now. 

But I  was soo SOOO proud of him for choosing to serve the lord.

That night my dad took my brother and I out to dinner and a movie. I can't even tell you what the movie was about... I didn't pay attention at all. My mind was on other things. But I was so grateful for my dad and getting me out of the house. I remember thinking, "I may not have my best friend here but I still have the best family with me."

The next day, I woke up feeling good! Elder Lund was on his way the the MTC I went to lunch with my mom. Seriously I can't thank my family enough for being there for me at this time!  In the middle of lunch my phone rang. It was Al calling me for the last time, telling me that he was almost to the MTC. I was so excited for him!! After we said a bunch of mushy gushy lovey stuff, he said he was going to call me back and to not answer because he was going to leave me a voice mail and that I couldn't listen to it until that night. :) I said goodbye to him one last time and hung up the phone. It rang again just a moment later and it was soooo hard not answer it just to hear his voice one last time!! 

After lunch, we went shopping. I remember getting pics from Terena, Al's mom, as she kept me updated. 

These were taken after he got set apart the night before.

 Pics in front of the Provo temple

In this pic he said he was hugging me:)

Then, I got a text from Terena that said.. "Just dropped him off! You hanging in there?" 

Whew! Deep breath. Still going strong!

After shopping, my AWESOME aunt gave me a pedicure. I remember telling her, "I'm good! Didn't think I would be this good! This isn't hard at all!"

Spoke to soon.

The next day, Thursday, I woke up sick. Coincidence? I'm not sure.... I stayed in bed and skipped my first two classes. Finally, I got my butt out of bed and decided to get ready for institute.

This picture is REALLY embarrassing. But it shows exactly how I felt. I was planning on sending it to Al in one of his letters hahaha. You can see I'm wearing the necklace he gave me, my promise ring, and his t-shirt. I was a mess!!

At institute I broke down and cried and left class early. Seriously embarrassing.

 It was Terena's b-day so I grabbed her some flowers dropped them off to her while she was teaching dance. I gave her a quick hug, made sure she was doing okay and then headed to work. Work kept me busy so that was good. I even sat down and wrote Al his first letter.  I also got a surprise at work. Terena and Kyra stopped by to see me after dance! They stayed and talked to me for awhile. It help a lot :) and I am so glad for their support for Al and I.

The next day (Friday) I woke up feeling good. Two days down. 728 days to go. 

I went to school and made it to all my classes! Walking to the last class of the day. I realized I hadn't cried at all! I was doing so good! Just as I got to class I got a text from Terena... 

"Linds, Kurt is on the phone with Al."

WHAT!!!! I walked out of class and called her immediately. She didn't have much details because she could only guess what was going on from what Kurt was saying to Al on the phone. She said, "I think Kurt it going to pick up Al. I'll call you back with more details." 

I called my dad crying. Drove to his work and sat and cried some more. I still didn't know much. Just that Al was probably coming home. Then I drove to my work and sat and cried to my boss, Oliver. I was scheduled to work in just a couple hours. He helped me find someone to cover my shift. Then on my way home, Terena called and I sat and cried to her. You could say I was a little emotional. She told me Kurt was on his way to go pick up Al and he would be back in a couple hours.

It's the weirdest thing to have to mentally prepare for something for so long and then just a single text flips everything upside down. I didn't understand, nor could I even comprehend it...hence all the tears. 

After a couple of emotional hours I pulled myself together and went to the MC football game to watch Rhy (Als bro) play. I sat with Terena. We didn't want anyone to know because we still weren't sure what was going to happen. People kept asking how I was holding up and how Alek was doing. I had to put a game face on and pretend like everything was just dandy. It was so hard! 

After the game, Terena and I rushed to the house. Alek had gotten back a little bit earlier and had already been released. 

The next part might be a bit cheesy... 

I remember walking through the door. I was nervous for some reason. I hadn't planned on seeing him for two years and here I was 3 days later going to see him. I saw him at the top of the stairs and literally ran and gave him the biggest hug in the history of biggest hugs. and for the first time that day... I didn't cry! I was just sooo happy. I remember him saying He was sorry and that there had been a changed of plans. But, it was okay because now we could just start planning a wedding. EEEK!

I know this is pretty personal information, especially for my Al. I also know A LOT of people have their own opinions about this kind of stuff. For the most part, people have been really supportive of Alek. There have been a few however, that voice their opinion a little too loudly. I don't understand those people. 

"So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone." John 8:7

Personally I couldn't be more proud of my Al. He's not a bad person for not going on a mission. He might have missed out on some awesome experiences and blessings but he is still an amazing person with a strong testimony. I love him more than words can say!

2 months later he proposed. 

and 8 months later we were sealed together for eternity! <3

Our "Happily Ever After" might have came a bit sooner than planned but, I wouldn't have it any other way!

Today, talking to my dad, He asked me how much life would be different if instead of sitting here at work blogging, I was waiting at the airport for Al to come home.

First... I probably would be finished with school. With a degree I'm not even going to use and thousands of $$ in debt.

I would probably still have the same crummy job at Bed Bath and Beyond (sorry BBB friends) 

I wouldn't have gone through the temple yet. 

I wouldn't have my Rorie puppy dog. 

I wouldn't own my own home! 

and the number one thing... I wouldn't be married to my best friend. I can't even imagine giving up these last couple of years. They have been unforgettable.

I don't regret anything and I love my Al more than words express :)

oh and also my Rorie ;)

Vegas Nights

First, while planning our anniversary getaway Al and I decided we weren't going to get each other anything or do anything extravagant . We have been trying to save every penny for our future goals and what not. We were still going to stay in the Anniversary Inn in Logan for one night then drive to SLC and spend another night there. Nothing big, just a nice little escape from reality for a weekend. But as it got closer my creative side was getting the best of me and I finally decided I had to do something! We had booked the room Vegas Nights at Anniversary Inn. If you have never heard of Anniversary Inn you need to check this out. We stayed there for our first night on our honeymoon and we had a blast! All of their rooms have a theme and are completely decked out and professionally decorated. Its nothing like anything I have experienced before while wanting a nice little vaca. The rooms are a bit pricey, but I'll fill you in on a secret! They are apart of the Cache Valley Savings Card. So you order the card for $25, (it's full of coupons! Al and I use it all the time) and you can get a room for almost half off... We stayed in Vegas nights- a $300 room, for $160! and trust me its O so worth it!! 

Ok anyways, now that I'm done with my little sales pitch.... Sense we were staying in a Vegas themed room I decided to add a little more Vegas flare. Alek has recently gotten into Poker. We play it with his friends all the time! It's not like it's a filthy habit that we have... I know people will surely jump on the judgment train right away from hearing this. But I grew up playing poker with my dad a lot and we had fun! So as long as you're keeping your gambling crazy self in-control and you're having fun... I think its okay. Anyways so I came up with this cheesy little poker poem and made a poster for Al. I got off work early without Alek knowing and went to Anniversary Inn. They gave me permission to get into my room early to set a few things up. I set the poster up, put some bubble bath next to the tub with chocolates,  some vegas themed outfits for us, an adult poker game, and I covered the room with his favorite candy. He was pretty surprised! Ill just let the Pictures do the rest of the talking...

 Hopefully you can read it... Trust me I'm not a poet! I had to rack my brain to come up with this... Al seemed to really like it though so that's all that matters!

 Yes, I got this idea from Pinterest. I got a deck of cards and on each card wrote one reason why I love him. Gads... I'm cheesy! He just may have teared up though... :) 

Poker Boxers.

Haha!! I still can't believe I found these... I had to order them online. But I thought they were the perfect addition to our Poker theme night. and of course Alek loved them!

 These windows were so cool! They seemed like you were really looking outside in Vegas!

This bath tub was HUGE! It seriously took 45 minutes to fill up! Like I could seriously swim in it! 

You can tell from the pics how perfectly designed the room is. We had a blast! They also include sparkling cider, two pieces of cheese cake, (my favorite), AND they bring you breakfast in the morning! How awesome is that? :) 

To sum it up our first night away was a success! We played poker... I won! That rarely happens. Ordered chinese, rented movies, and had a very relaxing night. 

The next morning we ate a delicious breakfast and packed up to head to SLC. We were definitely sad to go :(  We didn't want to leave Vegas.

We stayed at Little America our second night. Though, the room was way nice... it still was nothing close to Vegas Nights. We did a lot of shopping, went and saw the movie "Now you see me" it's a good one! We also went to Hogel Zoo which was my favorite. We kept laughing at ourselves because everyone there was with their little kids, and showing their kids all the animals and here Al and I were  being kids and just celebrating our anniversary.  Dang aren't we a fun bunch. We will always be kids I'm afraid :)  We also walked around temple square and ate food and yes did even more shopping!

 One year down!

 Ready for our special Anniversary dinner:)

  Our view at dinner! So pretty

 My hot date:) 

I said "kissy face" and this is what Al does....

The elephants were my favorite! Especially the cute lil  one :) 

It was a perfect weekend! I love my Al Pal so very much and so glad that I get to be with him for eternity!

Guess what is in two weeks??? My one year anniversary! I can't even believe it... I still feel like a newly wed that's still trying to figure stuff out. I thought by a year I would have married life down! Man, I'm not even close :(  I swear I have cooked dinner a total of MAYBE 10 times.... 10 times in a year!! My poor husband! :( Good thing he likes cereal and macaroni and cheese and that he is such a good sport! Hopefully this next year I can improve as a wife and clean the house more than once a month and cook dinner at little more often.

Well, since its been a year, I thought this would be the perfect time to reflect on that special day. As I have said before, this blog is pretty much going to be used as my journal, and since I am horrible and have not yet recorded my wedding day (the most important day to record) I figured I would do that now. The sad thing is that everyday my memory fades. I know I have already forgotten so many little details of that special day. How I wish I could have sat down the day after and just written down everything. Better yet I wish I could have just video taped everything that happened that day so instead of writing it down I could just watch the video anytime I wanted. That way all the memories would still be in my mind. Oh well better late then never, right?

p.s. I seem to ramble a lot... I have a feeling this will be pretty long. :) 

I'm going to start the night before. It was a Thursday night and I had my cute little bridesmaids, Mikyra and Breck (Al's sisters) Ara (Al's cousin) and my little sister Syd, over for the traditional sleepover party. My dad had bought the movie "Father of the Bride" for all of us to watch. Well, really I told him to go buy it because I was trying really hard to get him to tear up and thought for sure that movie would do it! So my whole family, my girls, and yes I had to invite the groom too, sat in the theater room and watched the movie. The whole time I kept thinking, "I'm getting married tomorrow!!" That movie is one of my favorites. Steve Martin is hilarious! After the show I kissed my "soon to be husband" goodbye and tried to go to sleep. I honestly think I got two hours at the most. Me and Al Pal stayed up texting until 2am and then I just kept staring at the clock. My alarm was set for 6am but at 530am I finally couldn't handle it any more and I got up and jumped in the shower. After that, I decided it was time for everyone else to wake up too, so I ran and jumped on Mikyra and Ara who were sleeping on the couch, and yelled at the top of my lungs, "I'M GETTING MARRIED TODAY!" 

Now that everyone was awake, we started getting everything ready to leave. I was the first one out in the car and ready to go! I was meeting my aunt Ursula who was doing my makeup at the Riverwoods conference center and I didn't want to be a minute late! Finally we get there and Ursula is already there waiting for me. A few other family members were there as well starting to set everything up for the luncheon. My wonderful mom had rented out the bridal suite for me and all my girls to get ready in. The room was beautiful! Full of vanities, mirrors and shining lights. I truly felt like a princess! It was so fun to have my girls with me as we all got "beautified". My makeup looked awesome, a big thanks to Urs!

Next was my hair. Julie from Serendipity Salan also was kind enough to meet me at Riverwoods to do my hair. She is by far, hands down the best! She has done my hair a few different times for school dances and such and everything she does, I'm in love with. I couldn't have asked for anything better. 

Finally I was ready :) I made my way down to where my family had been setting everything up. I was in awe at how wonderful everything looked! Better than anything I had pictured in my mind. That is when it really set in. I was getting married. Holy cow! 

I tracked down my mom and we got in the car and headed to the temple. I was worried because I didn't want Alek to see me at all before and sure enough.. he pulled in at the exact same time as me and my mom, so like a little kid I hid behind my mom. Of course he still saw me but I got over it quickly because honestly I was just sooooo excited to see him! At least he still hadn't seen my dress :)

Alek's brother, Rhy, had just barely received his mission call like a week before we got married. He really wanted to be in the temple for our wedding. The only time they could squeeze him in to receive his endowments was at 6am the day of our wedding. And we couldn't have asked for more perfect timing because as soon as me and Al were walking into the temple, out walks Rhy and his parents. Rhy was smiling ear to ear. Him and Al gave each other a big brotherly hug. Rhy said, "well bro, I'll see you in a few hours at your wedding!" It was a really cool moment.

I remember how special I felt inside the temple. With my mom there helping me get ready, I was so thankful for her and how great of an example she had always been. I remember waiting in the bridal room forever!! Only seemed so long because I was so anxious!! My mom kept smiling at me, giving me hugs and telling me how beautiful I was. Finally FINALLY it was time. I remember the first time I saw Alek. He looked as handsome as ever and he couldn't stop smiling at me. I have never felt that happy in my entire life! It was wonderful to see so many family members in the temple there supporting Al and I. I was blown away by the amount of love I felt. Seriously there are no words! What a beautiful moment! 

After the ceremony me and Al and to leave each other for just a short moment to go change. I remember thinking... "wait, we just got married and now I have to leave him??" But the next moment I saw him was my absolute favorite moment of the whole day. Oh great... here come the tears! I remember peaking around the corner and there he was down the hall, patiently waiting in his suit looking so dang handsome. He saw me and I'm pretty sure his smile could not have gotten any bigger. It was like one of those cheesy movie scenes where is all turns slow motion and the couple starts running and its all dramatic. hahaha that's seriously what it felt like.. except we were still in the temple and we didn't run. ;) The hallways seemed forever long and we both just couldn't wait to get into each others arms! WE WERE MARRIED AT LAST! :)

We were lead to the exit door. I was handed my bouquet and with help of the temple workers we pinned Al's bootineer  on him, (I have never figured out how those things worked). The temple worker said, "are you ready?"  We took a deep breath, he opened the door and out we walked as the happiest people on earth! Instantly we were surrounded with all of our family. Hugs and hugs and more hugs! Everyone was there smiling and congratulating the new Mr and Mrs. Lund. 

 Haha I love this picture so much! Best moms ever!

Wanna know a secret? Both my photographer and videographer were late... so all these pictures are a reenactment. What luck. You never would have known huh? It kind of makes me sad I don't have the actually moment but I try not to think about it :) These pictures are just as great!

The rest of the day just flew by! We got pictures taken for awhile. Eric Richards was our photographer and I have always been impressed with his work. He does such a good job! When we were done Al and I drove back to Riverwoods for the luncheon. All our family was already there waiting for us. We were starving and the food was oh so good! mmm mmm!

Our reception was so much fun! It was just like a huge party! I remember time went by so fast.  There were so many people and I was getting pulled in every direction. I was completely shocked with how many people came to show Al and I support. I have so many amazing people in my life! I felt soo blessed! I remember all of a sudden it was 9pm and people were starting to line up for our sparkler exit. "Not yet!" I thought. I was having way too much fun! We ran through a huge line of sparklers and jumped in our car (which was chuck full of packing peanuts and shredded paper) and we were on our way. What a perfect perfect day!:)

A few things I would've changed for future brides. (Yes I know I just finished saying how absolutely perfect the day was but these things are just teeny tiny microscopic changes.)

1: I wish I would have served my Wedding cake. I don't know why I was so stubborn before the wedding about not wanting to serve it. I thought it would be too much of a hassle. But looking back.... Why not serve it?? You spend all that money and only a little section is actual cake. Ya it just seems silly now. 

2: I found out a few days after my wedding that my little sister was really upset because I didn't give her a hug as I was leaving the reception, and she ended up crying all the way home. Now if that isn't heart breaking I don't know what is! I still feel guilty to this day :( and have given her more hugs than can be counted. But they still don't make up for it. She is the best little sister and she looks up to me so much. In her eyes, I was leaving. I wasn't going to be at home with her any more. I was the big, bad sister who was too caught up in the moment to give Miss Sydnie Sue a hug goodbye. :( Now I give her a hug everytime I see her! I love her too stinkin much!

3: This one goes along with number 2... kinda. Before the wedding I had come up with a brilliant plan. I wanted to surprise my mom and mother-in-law with flowers and a letter that I had written for each of them at the reception just to let them know how much I love them and how grateful I was for all their hard work with the wedding. I had a few of my good friends pick up the flower bouquets on their way to the reception and they set them aside, while I waited my perfect moment to give them to my moms. Of course, time went way to fast and I was too caught up in the moment, I completely forgot!! :( I felt horrible! Right as I was getting in the car, I yelled at my mom... "Mom, there are flowers for you and Terena on the gift table. Thank you!" She told me after... that she didn't hear a single word. :(

Like I said before, when you look at the bigger picture, those 3 things aren't that big of deal... Because seriously I couldn't have asked for anything else. The day was perfect! I feel so blessed to have found such an awesome husband. He's my best friend and I love him with my whole heart! Happy one year to us!