Graduation :-)

After a long four and a half years, I have graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho!!! Wahoo! My parents as well as Marks mom and sister were able to come out. Im glad they were able to do this, and that they made it back to their separate destinations safely. I also was really happy that Mark was able to be apart of the ROTC Color Guard that night. I am now working at Valley Medical Shoppe here while Mark finishes school.
We also attended Mike Williams wedding and reception where we ran into some past O'Fallon ward members, the Sittons. All in all it was a great weekend!

100 DAYS!

I was playing around on facebook today and happened to glance at our "Wedding Counter". 100 days and still going strong :-) Haha. I absolutely love being married to Mark and am really grateful and glad he is in my life as my husband!
Anyways, seeing as how its been a little while since I've updated, I'll go ahead and fill you in on our life: We spent a delicious and fun-filled Thanksgiving in Lehi, UT at my old roommate and super cool friend Jills house with her and her family! It was a lot of fun to be able to get out of our normal busy routine. We then met up with my sister Hannah and her boyfriend Trevor in Logan for Sunday dinner after attending an amazing missionary farewell for my dear Brittany! All in all, it was a lot of fun, as well as relaxing! Upon returning to chilly Rexburg for a total of 10 days left in my college career, I took a job offer from Valley Medical Shoppe. I am so grateful to have a job, especially with the way our economy is going. It is crazy to think that in just a few days I will be graduating-where did the time go? I'm also excited that my parents as well as my mother and sister-in laws will be coming out for graduation festivities!

When I got married...

When I got married, I knew my life would change some. I grew up in a house with little to none militaryness (I had grandfathers in the military, but they both passed away when I was younger, and my dad told stories, but not the same as what Mark had. Marks dad was in the Air Force.) Anyways, so I knew I what I would be getting into and becoming (an Army Wife) and was excited for this new life. Well, it didnt really hit me until I was out to lunch with a good friend/old roommate, Amanda, and looked in the back seat of the car. This is what I saw...

It pretty much sums up my life. High heals and guns. Whats not to love? Now, it is different, but good different. For Mark and I's first date, we went shooting with 2 other couples. It was a lot of fun, something new, and at first I wasnt sure what to think. But, I ended up liking it and had a great time! Now, we go shooting periodically. (My goal is to be able to shoot the clay pigeon and have it shatter.)

Cookies go with...Milk?

The other day Mark and I were relaxing on the couch watching some show, most likely Law and Order SVU, when I discovered one of those "I thought everyone did it" moments. We enjoying some Milano cookies. Me, I had a nice cold glass of milk, and Mark had a cup of...WATER!!! I couldn't believe it. Who doesn't enjoy a yummy warm cookie with a cold glass of milk? Apparently my handsome husband. He then insisted that a lot of people do it (?!?)...or maybe just his family. Well, I texted his sister Katie and asked which she would prefer while eating a cookie, milk or water? Her reply: Milk. Of course...! Later that day we talked to his sister and brother-in-law, Amy and Randy, and again asked the question, which they would prefer while eating a cookie, milk or water? Their answer came as no surprise...milk!
So, I am now working with Mark to help him enjoy cookies and milk...the American way :-) (In his defense, he says he is thirsting after eating the cookie, and water satisfies his thirst better. I just dont know. Haha.)

The Best is Yet to Come

I dont know how things could get any better; I have a loving and fantastic husband who loves me through my little moods, I have a family who also loves and supports me, I go to a college where many of the students and faculty share my same beliefs...and much more!
I was able to get my first ID card with my married name on it/military ID card. Mark has drill Thursday-Sunday, 8-? this week. I went to class on Friday and drove down to Blackfoot to meet Mark where he was filling out paper work, medical checks, etc. I can now get onto any base/post, PX, BX, commissary, etc :-) I haven't "legally" changed my name however. Earlier this week we went to Idaho Falls to the social security office. (Apparently there is some rule that only one person can be working at a time. When you walk in, you sign-in/take a number and sit down. There are two windows...yet only person will work at a time?) Anyways, so after waiting a little bit, they called my number. I explained I just got married and needed to change my name and get a new social security card. I handed over our marriage certificate, drivers license, birth certificate, current social security card, and who knows what else. The lady then proceeded to tell me that I did not have the correct marriage certificate. I brought the one from the state. She said it didn't have the "right seal" on it?! (The Army took it though!) So, I am going to try again another time.
Well, I should probably start getting ready to make dinner. Mark has been training all day...Oh, also, on a random side note. Mark and I went and saw "An American Carol" last night. We didn't stay for all of it though. I wasn't too happy with it and left. I know that we as a people have differences on President Bush, the upcoming election, war, the troops, etc. But, I do think that regardless of your opinion, George W. Bush deserves respect as President of the United States and the troops fighting to defend our freedom and to keep us safe deserve that same respect. (I think things like this have hit me a little harder because Mark is in the Army and could be deployed in a few years.)

Life is Good!

I have been absent from the blogging world and thought I should update a little bit. Mark and I have been married now for a total of 15 wonderful days! I am really loving married life. Mark is awesome and I am so grateful to have him in my life! I started school just a few days ago. Its exciting-married, my last semester of college, and good things to come. I am taking some fun but hard classes and so far really enjoy them. My English teacher is 6'8. I actually thought he was standing when he was sitting! Haha. His wife is 5'2. WOW! I thought Mark and I had a big height difference (Mark is 1 foot taller than me.) I want to write more, but its dinner time...

Our Wedding :-)

finally...finally...the wedding we've all been waiting for!

When we'll settled we'll post all the details and more pictures. For now though, these will have to do. Enjoy :-)

Lots to tell...

Im going to start by talking about a fabulous bridal shower held last week on the 16 by Julie S. It was a lot of fun with good food and great friends :-) Im really lucky to have such awesome people in my life. Thanks to all who came! 

Mark got into town on the 23rd...sorry to everyone who I told he was coming in late on the 24. It was a little surprise which went over well with all! I am really glad he is finally here and am excited to spend time with him, my family, his family! We have a lot planned; beach day trip, DC sight seeing, dates, etc. Madeline (my youngest sister) was set apart in her little youth group of girls. My dad went up as well as Mark. It was really to have him participate in it. I am so glad he is here and that he was able to help out. Hopefully I'll update again this week, but if not definitely after THE WEDDING (5 days and counting!!!!) 

Family Bridal and AIT graduation

I have not been the best at updating. Oops. Mark graduated AIT on the 14-he is now an "official" member of the United States Army! I am so proud of him. He is so great and patient in dealing with me. He comes to Maryland in 8 days and we get married in 15 days (Wahoo! We're so close!) I am been kinda poopy though because I miss him so much and just want to be next to him, cuddling. Soon enough. I am so grateful for him and that he is in my life!

Last Saturday my Aunt Sue and Grandma through me a fabulous family bridal shower. It was so much fun to be able to see cousins that I do not get to see daily. We got some fun gifts...including a belgian waffle maker, beautiful salad and dinner plates, an iron, etc. Below are some pictures. Thank you so much!

Its getting hotTER!

Today I went and had a trial run of my "wedding hair updo!" It took about an hour and I am really excited that the wedding is only 24 days away!! I don't know what it is but yesterday was by far one of the hardest days. I am so proud of Mark for doing basic and AIT so that we can have a better life, but I would give just about anything for a hug from him!

Mark graduates from AIT on the 14 and is driving home with his sister, Amy, and her husband, Randy, on the 15 (at least that is the plan as of now.)

On a random side note, these are my wedding shoes. Pretty huh?

Is it here yet?

After much anticipation, I am home. LOL. My stuff joined Mark's stuff in our "first home" (aka: storage unit) on Friday. Grades are posted, needless to say I am in awe and very happy with my grades (4 A's and 2 B's).

As I was sitting in the Salt Lake airport Wednesday afternoon, one of the flight attendants announced our flight was delayed an hour and fifteen minutes. Ok, not a huge deal, I can do that. About ten minutes we were suppose to board, she came back over the PA and announced we now had a 3 1/2 hour delay (due to weather at the BWI airport) and we would be moving gates. Oh what fun! Alright, it wasn't that bad (I ran into Al Jackson and two of his kids actually). So instead of getting in at 8:20, I landed about 11:45 and due to the rain and bad weather, the bags slowly came in. 

On Thursday I went with my mom, Nancy and my good/keep me sane friend Rachel to order the flowers. For the main flowers (for my bouquet and the bridesmaids bouquets) we went with a purple hydrangea (aka: peru purple). I am so excited for these flowers; when I saw them on the front of a wedding magazine I knew I wanted those.

Today, I met with the photographer, Holly. She is nice, easy to work with, has great work (from what I've seen at least. Check out her website, WWW.HOLLYHOCKSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM) Things are coming together nicely. I can't believe that we are 5 weeks from Mark and I's wedding! So exciting. 

Mark's AIT training is going well. I definitely like it more because I can talk to him in the evening which is great and i love it! He graduates August 14 (wahoo!) and comes to Maryland on the 24 (again Wahoo!!)

Home of the free because of the brave

I just got back from Oklahoma. I absolutely loved it! This is how my trip went: Tuesday, I left Rexburg at 9:30 on the shuttle. After having to pull over a handful of times because the bus was over heating, we switched vans in Brigham City and continued on. I got to Salt Lake about an hour and a half before my flight left. I flew to New Mexico where I stayed for about 30 minutes. Then I flew to Dallas. My flight was delayed about 40 minutes. By 11pm I had finally landed in Oklahoma City! Marks mom, sister and I drove to Lawton/Ft. Sill area (which is about an hour and a half drive). By the time we got to the hotel it was about 12:30/1am ish. I was exhausted.

Wednesday was family day. The soldiers marched in (Mark was in the front-I could see him finally!! Haha.) They did a demonstration of what they have been doing and briefed us on some of the rules. I started hyperventulating because he was so close, yet I couldn't do anything!! I was so excited, I was crying and smiling. When he finally got release we hugged and kissed and it was wonderful!!

Thursday, Mark graduated from basic. (The picture to the left is him in line going up to get his diploma thing.) It was a really neat ceremony. I am defintely grateful to the men and women who defend my freedom. After graduation, they had to move over to the other bunk. After a long wait, he was released for the weekend!! We went out to lunch/dinner with Marks family and Ken and Deb (good family friends.) Mark and I went swimming later that evening.

I had a fabulous weekend and am so grateful that I was able to spend time with Mark. It is crazy to think that basic is done and AIT is starting. AIT will be a little easier because he will be able to call in the evenings :-) I am really excited to begin our lives together as a married couple-the next time we see each other, we'll be getting married!!

Ugh

Ugh is all I can say. Tonight I went around with Ashlee to get Visiting Teaching numbers and had let Christopher (a boy in my ward who has severe OCD and will not touch his apartment phone because it is in the kitchen) borrow my cellphone. Well, Mark called while I was upstairs and Christopher had my phone. I briefly saw Christopher and asked where my phone was because he was now holding my roommates phone. He said that "he" called and babbled for a minute. Needless to say I was a little upset because I dont get to talk to Mark very often. Go figure, the one time I dont have my phone Mark calls with some information for family day. Oh well. (I'm trying to be okay with it.) I get to see him Wednesday and couldnt be happier.
Enough of my babbling...I leave for Oklahoma tomorrow and come back Saturday evening as of now (Mark wants me to stay, but I need to look at flights and shuttles. I will be happy when we won't have to say goodbye anymore.

5,4,3,2,1...OKLAHOMA here I come!

Oh I am so ready to go to Oklahoma and see Mark! He was able to call me today which came as an ablsolute surprise...but a happy surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed, and it was even better because I got to talk to him for 28+ minutes!! (And, he was able to call twice yesterday for about 10ish minutes each time!) (I also got an amazing letter from him, which by the way I am convinced the mailman does not like me...it took 9 days to get from Oklahoma to Idaho-call me crazy, but I really enjoy the letters we have been able to write to each other!) Mark said they are getting their class-A jackets tomorrow, cleaning, shining their shoes, getting their hair cut...again all in preparation for graduation on Thursday. Family day is Wednesday though and they (Fort Sill Army people...I'm still learning all the Army lingo) have some things planned, like a luncheon.

Last night we had Enrichment out at a former member of our Bishopric's house. I taught the girls how to make tin-foil dinners. Yum! For Mark and I's first date (it was a group date) we went shooting and enjoyed tin foil dinners around a crazy fire. It was so much fun! It was my first time shooting and as a result had kind of a blonde moment: We went with Matt and Haley, Griffin and date. The guys (and Haley) were all pretty much pros at shooting. So when Matt, Mark and I went to get the clay pigeons, I thought that that was a little weird/morbid to be shooting clay pigeons, but I went along with it because it still sounded fun. So you can imagine my surprise when they opened the box and they pulled out little orange disc-like things! Haha. Needless to say it was a great evening and I am glad that Mark and I began dating and are preparing to be sealed/married in 63 days!!!!

Stressed but Happy

This week has been so stressful. I am trying to get everything done and turned in for when I go to Oklahoma! I have really been missing Mark too which doesn't help. However, Mark being the amazing fiance that he is, he called today and said that basic is done (hes graduating!), AIT is on time, he loves me and is excited to see me in 6 DAYS!! Wahoo! I am so excited to have a little vacation and to be able to spend time with him as well as his family.

I'm also really grateful for the gospel in my life. It is really comforting to know that I can always turn to my Heavenly Father in prayer, and the peace and joy that comes through doing this.

Saturday, my lovely roommates through me a bachelorette party. It was a surprise and a lot of fun! One game we played was the "toilet paper wedding dress" (see picture below-don't they just look lovely?) My roommate Brittany gave me the supplies to play cowboys and Indians (which is what I am holding in the picture also below.) I am so grateful to have such good friends and roommates. Thank you so much girls!

Slacking...

So apparently I'm a slacker when it comes to blogging as my good friend/blog stalker Teresa pointed out to me. I'll work on blogging!


I got a letter from Mark today and it just made my day oh so much better! I have really been missing him so it was great to get a funny, sweet, loving letter from him :-) Sgt. Jones meets in one of my classrooms right before I do and we talked on Tuesday about basic, AIT, army stuff. He said that I will enjoy AIT (its only 5 weeks and 4 days long and much more relaxed) more than basic because I will get to hear from him lots...like everyday type of thing because they essentially have the evenings off!


In exactly 2 weeks (14 days) I get to see Mark and I am super excited! I am really excited to be able to see him face-to-face, talk to him face-to-face, cuddle, hug and kiss him! Isnt he just so cute...I meanly manly/handsome?! Haha. I think he is so great and am excited to begin our lives together as a hot, fun, young married couple...in just 73 days!

I think I can, I think I can...

I just got one of the sweetest/saddest letters from Mark. When he called on Sunday he said I would be getting a "mushy" letter soon because he was really missing me. He expressed his love for me, told me he was grateful that I loved him enough to wait to marry him while he completed his training, that he was excited to be sealed and begin life together as a family, etc. I wish I could just give him a hug right now.

This time apart though has defintely made me appreciate and love Mark more. While it has been hard, I almost feel closer to him even though we are physically seperated. I love getting letters from him and the occassional (short and sweet) phone calls randomly. It's nice to be able to discuss things about the church and the important things (which are just as important to him as they are to me!) I'm so proud of him for being strong and for doing this for us so that we can have a good life. I love him so much and am excited to marry him!

Time Flies

So Thursday marked Mark and I's 8 month anniversary, and 100 days until we are sealed for time and all eternity! Yeah!
A little update from Mark while at basic. This past week they went through the gas chamber! He said that when he first walked in his hands and head started to burn a little bit. Then when they had to take their masks off everyone was drowling basically and snot was coming out of their noses. (Apparently one guy ran into the wall even!) But once he was back into fresh air he was fine. It was a pretty uncomfortable situation. They also learned how to put IV's into eachother. All in all he is doing fine. We are both very excited and counting down the days until our wedding day (August 30!)

summer semester

I just finished the first week of summer semester, my last summer in Rexburg as a student! I am taking some fun, but also hard classes: Organizational Communications, Outdoor Cooking, Religion, Program Management and English-I am not looking forward to this English class. It is going to a be A LOT of reading and writing, which is expected due to the name of the course, "Intro to Literature." Oh well. It will certainly keep me busy, and help take my mind off of Mark being gone. Yep, Mark is in Okalahoma for basic training and AIT for the Army National Guard for 16 weeks! He will have been in reception for a week on Tuesday, and Wednesday he begins his actual training. Basic is roughly 6 weeks, and then the rest is AIT. I am planning on going to his basic graduation in June!
Update: So basic is actually 9 weeks long. I am going to his graduation which is July 3 (with family day on the 2nd!) I am super excited to see him! Time is actually going by pretty fast. I'm being kept busy with all my school work, but thats good.

Eventful and Exciting

These last couple of days have been pretty eventful. Last Tuesday I bought Mark's wedding band. It is a Tungsten band from Whitehall Jewelers. I should have it by the second week in April! We are going to engrave the inside of our wedding bands with "Forever, For Always, No Matter What."
Monday was such a great day! Mark signed the contract for our apartment at school that we will be living in! So exciting! Monday evening the caterer came. Oh, the food he brought for us to sample was so amazingly good. He brought crab balls, chicken with a mushroom sauce, german meat balls, and so much more! The cake lady brought a sample wedding cake-chocolate chocolate mousse! Mm...it is soo good!
Tuesday was a hard day. I fell on my knee that I had surgery on back in January. It hurt so bad! I called the Doctor and he said to go to the ER and have x-rays done to make sure the screws (I have 2 screws holding my knee cap in place) were still in tact. My physical therapist said it looks like it just might be badly bruised. I see my Doctor on Friday.
Today, Wednesday, we ordered our invitations!! They will go out in July. Yeah! Things are coming together so great. I am so excited to marry Mark for time and all eternity!!!

Randy and Amy's Wedding!

This weekend I went to Illinois for Marks sisters wedding (Amy!) I met the whole Distelhorst family-they are fabulous family and are a lot of fun! I am really excited to be marrying into such an awesome family! While I didn't get much sleep, I had a lot of fun hearing stories about Mark as a child, spending time with him, and just enjoying my soon to be in-laws!

I am so excited to go back in April and see Mark and Dana, and to just be able to relax and enjoy the time we have!

Wedding Dress

I got my wedding dress today! It is absolutely beautiful and I am so excited to wear it August 30 when I marry my best friend!! It is a two-piece, A-line style from Gowns by Pamela.
We also got our marriage license on Monday, and the DC Temple has it! I am going to Illinois next week for Amy (Mark's sisters) wedding. After I get back, we are ordering the announcements which will be mailed out in July. Oh this all very exciting!

Check out my Slide Show!

Its Official!

Mark and I are officially getting married August 30 in the DC Mormon Temple at 11am! While on the phone with Mark, they called. After some questions, it was scheduled! Wahoo! I am super excited! I also ordered my dress on Monday and it should be here next week. :-)

The engagement story

Mark and I are officially engaged as of December 31, 2007. After meeting my family for dinner at Ruby Tuesday we went and looked at the Christmas Lights at the Mormon DC Temple. As we were walking around admiring the lights, we started walking under the beautifully decorated trees. As he stops, he takes my hands and starts telling me that I am his best friend, that he loves me and wants to marry me. While he is saying all this, I'm thinking to myself "What is he doing?" Next thing I know, he is down on his knee saying "Rachel, will you marry me?" I couldn't say anything but "are you serious?" He gets up, we hug and kiss. Mark then proceeds to ask, "So is that a yes or a no?" (Ooops, I guess I was just caught up in the moment.) I said that was a YES!

I am so excited to marry him, and even more grateful to have him in my life. I could not ask for anything (or anyone) better.

So now begins the fun part of planning the wedding. We are planning an August 30 wedding in the DC Temple!