Time flies...

Nate and Kayla Bartholomew...

My little sister Kayla gets married on Friday...how could that be? Where does time go? We were just sharing a bedroom, secrets, cheering eachother on and dance competitions and taking turns tickling each others back at night:) Wierd. I have decided my "over-emotional" and "ultra-protective" feelings must come from being the oldest child and therefore, a second mother to my siblings. They mean the world to me and I get really emotional when I feel like "change" is approaching. That pretty much sums up my emotional state for the week! I am so thankful everyday for such a close family. This week has also made me miss my little brother Ryan. Oh- how I wish he could be there this week. It's hard to be selfless and think, "He is doing a wonderful work and teaching the gospel," when I want him with me so badly. I bawled like a baby the day that kid left for a mission. I will never forget catching the flight back to Omaha after saying goodbye and having the man sitting next to Jarom ask "is she going to be ok"...Looking back it actually feels a LOT like the few days after giving birth to jaxson. I KNOW it happened....but it's a blur! Too much emotion. (I guess the drugs also helped:) All I could do was cry and bury my face into jarom's chest. What does this have to do with Kayla's wedding you ask? Well....I have employed many techniques throughout this week that I think will keep me from becoming such a mess all over again! I doubt it....but, it's worth a try.

My little sis's upcoming event has also brought back memories of the most exciting day of my life! She is going to just love it! I have never been so happy or felt so "right". I knew angels were there....and I remember feeling my grandma with me that day. There is no better place in the world than the temple...and I feel so lucky to have been married there. (especially to jarom...I got so lucky:)

Coming out of the temple...(crazy to look back at all these pictures and think...this is where it all started!)

(Wiping the lipstick off of his face!) This was a regular thing all day long.

I love this picture for some reason. It's not of anything too special...just a photo that captured me whispering in jarom's ear....but every time I see it I feel happy. I still remember what I said....

Goofy picture....we had so much family there...but look closely at our dorky grins. Man we were excited! We look like kids....(I acutally was one:)

I am so grateful to have all of these pictures. What a great memory we have. Strange I know...but I am so glad that our kids will get to see these pictures and hopefully see how in love we are and the joy in our eyes! I can't believe how many pics were taken. Over 400 to be exact...so even though it seems like I posted EVERY ONE I OWN...I actually was very selective believe it or not:)

I love December and the Christmas season. I love every holiday actually...but christmas time is extra special and magical it seems. As a little girl I always thought I would get married in December and it was SOOOO beautiful. I also HAD TO HAVE THE FUR COAT!

Tempting him. He totally "wanted me" in this one....Ha Ha! I love this series of pictures but they also make me laugh... I'm just sitting there watching him stare at me. Not too much has changed come to think of it....but instead of thinking "She is so pretty..." he's thinking, "she is so crazy!"

Look at that christmas tree! It was huge...and I absolutely loved it. Another reason I loved a December wedding...all the trees and lights!

Isn't the Salt Lake City Temple gorgeous! It is always so much fun to explain to my students and co-workers (who see this picture in my office) just "what" the temple is. Most of them have never seen one...or even heard of one. It is so special...describing it NEVER gets old.

At this point I was starting to fear frostbite! Notice the snow on the ground. I was FROZEN solid!

My wonderful family!

The Happy Couple! I love you honey! I know at this point you are totally embarrassed....hee hee! I just couldn't help but reflect on what a special day it was. Talking about weddings, helping plan one, and making all the final preparations always get a girl excited. It's a day you never want to end...and I am so excited for KAYLA! I can't wait to experience it with her....and I will be sure to post Several pictures next week.

I better get going...It's 1 am...the perfect time to grab a brownie, some tissues and watch my wedding video:)