A very 'married' Christmas

Being married on Christmas is the best. It was crazy to think that this was Shawn's first Christmas back from the mission and our first Christmas married. As strange as this sounds, I feel like he's been home forever! But he hasn't. It'll be one year in 6 days. Insane. I am so happy to have him here. The last two years I spent my Christmases skyping my 'missionary'. and now I got to wake up to him Christmas morning. I absolutely loved it. We spent the holidays with a lot of shopping and a lot of family parties. When I think of Christmas, the first thing I think about (besides Christ) is how many family parties I have. I don't think Shawn knew what he signed up for when he married me ;)

Monday (the week before Christmas) we got together with my moms side to dip Chocolates. It's a tradition, every year we dip chocolates like marshmallows, cinnamon bears, nuts, peanut butter cups, and caramel. Its so yummy.

Monday before Christmas, we had a Christmas party with my dad's side. Everyone came over to the house for dinner, a gift exchange, and Santa Claus :)

Christmas Eve, we went to my Grandma's house for a gift exchange just with her, and lunch. Then we went to my uncles house for more food and hanging out. Then we went home and my mom got us Christmas Jammies and then I helped her wrap presents til 1am and Shawn played Xbox with my brothers. This Christmas we slept over at my parents house. It's so fun to have a brother that still believes in Santa and presents everywhere in our family room. Shawn is the baby of his family so he hasn't had a Christmas like this in a long time.

Christmas morning was a blast. Christmas is so bitter sweet though. I like Christmas Eve so much better because it's not over yet.

Christmas morning we woke up at 5:30am and opened presents. And then my mom's side came over for a lunch and we had a white elephant gift exchange and it was HILARIOUS! I loved it. And then we went to Shawn's parents house and spend the day and night with them.We had a good time and a very yummy dinner.

I love Christmas and I'm so sad that it's over! I loved that I got to spend it with Shawny this year and have him as my husband. HUSBANDS ARE THE BEST. Love being married.

The cutest cousins you ever did see.
Cameron, Tryston, Tate

It's not Christmas without a sparkly shirt and red lips.

GRADUATED!

2,000 hours later, a million haircuts and hair colors, a few mistakes, a lot of people I've helped feel beautiful, I am finally done with hair school. I absolutely love what I do and it was so bittersweet leaving my salon family. Being at that school for two years was a long time, and to some people they say "Oh I'd never be in hair school that long" and you know what, I am so glad that I took my time through hair school. With Shawn coming home, planning a wedding, getting married, I took a lot of time off, but being in school for 2 years has taught me so much. I have loved every minute of that place. Some days were of course longer than others but for the most part I had the time of my life. DATC is by far the best place to go for hair school. It's such a welcoming place to get your hair done and we have the most incredible instructors.

I have watched friends after friends graduate. And I always said to myself "I can't wait for that to be me". And when I was sitting in my advisers office having my exit interview, I was shocked. It all went by so fast. I got to school, cleaned out my trolley, had the interview, filled out some papers, and bam! Graduated. They took me to the front of the salon, sang me a song and before I knew it I was un-enrolling from the program. Saying goodbye to my salon family was so bittersweet, but I am so excited to take my talent to the next level and share it with so many people.

I absolutely love what I do and I'm so grateful for the amazing instructors that I have. They have taught me so much and I am so grateful for all the time they give to us students. They really are incredible. I am grateful for the girls I go to school with. They all have such great goals and are so talented. I have learned so much from them and have grown so close with them.

I am grateful for my family and all the time and money they have put into my schooling. My cute grandma coming in for perms, colors, cuts, facials, waxing. My mom for coming in as my model for nails and practically ruining her nails (haha). My brothers and dad for coming in for haircuts all the time. My amazing clients that were always on time and so nice! I love them. And my amazing husband for always always always being there for me. If I needed to pass something off, he was in my chair in a heart beat. I am grateful for his support and his love. And hearing how proud he is of me!

Yesterday was a great day.

 

My incredible Instructors

 

Angela

 Amber

Natalie

 My cute friends,

Ayana and Lexa

 Frankie!

 

Karlie

 My car! Thanks Mom! haha

And finally came home to this from my adorable husband.

Deck the Halls

 

I am seriously obsessed with Christmas and decorating my own house was so much fun this year. I love coming home to a clean house, smelling like Christmas and looking like Christmas! It's my favorite time of the year and I'm really lucky to be able to spend it with Shawn this year! I didn't get to spend it with him last year! So this year is going to be very special. 

Lots of Thanks & a little bit of Christmas

I saw the cutest thing on Pinterest the other day. It was a sign that said, "Gobble til you Wobble''. And don't you worry, that's exactly what I did yesterday. Seriously, I love Thanksgiving. The 3 F's.

Food

Family

Football

Seriously, how can it get any better?! And it was so much fun spending it married. The night before Thanksgiving, I laid in bed thinking that this is my first Thanksgiving with Shawn since he's been home. Which was so weird to think about because I feel like I've been with him all my life and that he never left. But that part of me still aches whenever I think about the girls spending the holidays without their boys because I can still feel it. It's heart wrenching. But how perfect: first thanksgiving home and married! We had a ton of fun. We woke up early to play some Turkey Bowl! K, he played-I watched. Who woulda thought that Shawn was so good at football?! I was so giddy watching him and thought he was the hottest thing on the field. He thinks he's invincible though. But today, his body is reminding him that he isn't. He is SO sore. Can hardly walk! Poor guy. 

We had the feast at my parents house around 1 with my moms side! Lots of Turkey, pie, mom's orange rolls, Grandma's jello, my Sarah Salad, and mashed potatoes! Yum Yum Yum! 

Oh but don't worry, it doesn't stop there! We also had Thanksgiving with Shawn's family. Lots and Lots of food! After we cleaned up, we watched Christmas Vacation and set up their Christmas Tree! 

I really don't thank my Heavenly Father enough for what I have. I am so thankful for my amazing husband. He loves me so much and shows it every day. From falling in love when we were 17 to falling in love more and more every day. I am the happiest girl in the world. I am thankful for the missionary that he was and loving me every step of the way while I waited for him to come home. I am thankful for his hard work and dedication to make me happy. He is the best man and I love him for taking care of me. Working full time and school full time isn't easy but somehow he always makes time for his wife. I am thankful for family and how much they love me. I am thankful for the parents that I have and how they raised me. They are the best parents in the world. I am thankful for a brother who is serving a mission! I am thankful for my friends, for what they teach me and how much they love me. I am thankful for the Gospel and the light of Christ. I am so so so grateful that I got married in the temple and made those special covenants with my Heavenly Father and that I know what they mean and cherish them every day. I am thankful for a worthy priesthood holder in my house and the comfort it brings our home. I am thankful for where we live. Utah is a beautiful place surrounded with good people. I am thankful that I am done with school next week and that Heavenly Father blessed me with this skill that I absolutely love. I am thankful for my health and my safety. Every day someone dies, someone loses their loved ones. I am so thankful that Shawn and I are healthy and safe and that we are living a happy life together.

I LOVE CHRISTMAS! I am so so happy that it's almost December!

Shawn and I woke up early this morning to do some Black Friday shopping! I always vowed that I'd never go Black Friday shopping because I've worked it the past 2 years. (glad I didn't this year). But we were on a mission to find a tree, decorations, and some good deals on stuuuuff. We traveled all over. from Layton Hills Mall, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Tai Pan, to Farmington Station, City Creek, South Towne, and Fashion Place! ALL OVER! and managed to get a few things! Most of Shawn's Christmas (so he thinks) and some of mine! Also our Christmas Stuff that I'm thrilled about! 

As soon as we got home, Shawn set up the Christmas Tree and then played COD (Call of Duty) with my little brother and my mom came over to decorate! I'm tellin' ya, it looks gooooood! I am so happy about it. I love walking into my house and feeling like Christmas. It makes it feel more like home. Christmas is easily my favorite holiday. 

Tomorrow I am going shopping with my mom again. A few more things we need and then I'll post pictures of my cute house :)

Happiest Place on Earth

Shawn and I just went on the funnest vacation with my family! I loved every minute of it. We drove down to St. George for my little sisters softball tournament and then went to Las Vegas (just to stay the night) and then went to California. Disneyland of course! Isn't it funny that I was just there 5 months ago with my honey for our honeymoon? This time was so much better (weather and crowd wise) So not hot, and so not busy! We walked on almost every ride and it was about 68 degrees the whole time! It was amazing. I will never go in the middle of summer EVER again! And to top it all off, Christmas decorations were up and it made it even more magical :) Imagine walking in and seeing a giant Christmas tree, main street decorated with a mile's worth of lights, lights on all the trees, and christmas music playing the whole time. During the firework show, it actually (fake) snows on Main Street!! And the firework show plays Christmas music. Seriously, beautiful. I was in HEAVEN.

PROUD

Be with someone who is proud of you.

Someone who, first and foremost, takes pride in being with you and wouldn't dream of keeping you on the down low. Someone who acknowledges your accomplishments and your strengths, but is also there to help you when your weaknesses get the best of you. Someone who is proud when you  succeed and supports you fully, but is also there to pick you up when you fall down. Someone who feels blessed and lucky to have you and appreciates you and your efforts no matter how little or big they may be. Someone who knows that nobody could compare because they've already found someone who embodies all that they've ever wanted. Do you know how satisfying it is to have somebody who actually realizes just how good they have it when they have you? 

4 YRS AGO

You are all going to laugh because four years ago today was the first day Shawn and I talked! And the ridiculous coolest part about it is that I still have the facebook messages! haha I am literally laughing out loud reading them. Flirting when I was a Junior in High School, oh I should of had lessons or something because I sounded so dumb!

 

 The reason it says Facebook User for his name is because he deleted that profile before he went on a mission and when he got home he got a new one!

So thats how it started and then I gave him my phone number.

After he got off, I yelled at my sister to come to the computer room so I could show her the hott guy that added me on Facebook.

And now I'm married to that hott guy :) 

Grumpy & Eating Brownies.

I write this post while I'm eating a brownie and sitting on Pinterest looking at work out plans and girls with perfect bikini bodies. Shawn's at the gym (where I should be) and I'm watching the CMA's and just at two pieces of pizza. And while this is all going on, I'm also enjoying the wonderful week of being a girl. Ya know, the one week during the month every girl enjoys-not. I also just teared up reading one of my friends blog about her new baby. It was adorable. (before any of you get any ideas, no I'm not baby hungry. If anything, I just want a baby girl so I can dress her like she's my doll) Also, to add to all the craziness, I came home so grumpy from the salon. I have absolutely no reason to be grumpy. But I am.

Shawn was so excited to see me tonight. And I was excited to see him too! I just have a bad way at showing it I guess! I walked in the door and he was sitting there waiting for me in his gym clothes. He said, "HEY CUTIE!!" and I said "Hi."-then gave him a kiss. But I was awnry because he wasn't already at the gym so he could be home sooner. He spends like an hour and a half at the gym so I was hoping he'd be gone by the time I got home so he could be home sooner! But no of course I was grumpy about it and all he wanted was to be home when I got home so he could see me before he left. Best husband award goes to him. Horrible wife award goes to me! Because of course I'm right, he's wrong- Right? Right!

No, WRONG!
He gave me a kiss and left.

So right after he left, I texted him:

Me: I'm sorry for being awnry.
Him: It's ok baby!
Me: Ugh bad wife.
Him: No babe!
Me: Yes
Him: NO!!!!!!!

So right now, I'm really grateful for a husband that puts up with my mood swings! I don't have a reason to be grumpy. Maybe because I got my hair done last night and it didn't turn out how I wanted. But why be grumpy about it? I'm getting it fixed! I just want an ombre and I'm so impatient to wait for my hair lady to make room for me! So hopefully I get it fixed soon before my head falls off!

Wow, I really am so grumpy all because of my hair! Hahaha. Nice Emily.

Oh yeah, so I'm grateful for Shawn. He's really nice. He's too good to me sometimes and I'm glad he laughs at me when I have my ''fits''. I love when he says "Oh babe don't be gwummpyy" and then kisses me. I'm just glad that he doesn't hate me when I'm grumpy because when I am, I'm really quiet and just pout. hahaha. Hi, I'm 5 years old!

So when my husband gets home, he's getting a great big kiss and a huge 'I LOVE YOU' because he's really great and perfect and flawless. I love him more than anything in this world. xox

I am grateful for Holly

I am so grateful for my best friend, Holly Ross.

Holly and I met a few years ago and we were instantly best friends. I'm terrible because I don't quite remember how we met but I am so grateful that we did. After we met, we realized how small of a world it is because we were in the same dance class when we were little. I still laugh when I see those pictures.

She has been through so much with me. We would talk every day when Jordan (her husband) was on his mission and then when Shawn left on his mission, she was my rock. She was there the day he left, the day he came home, and every day in between.

She's the best bestfriend any girl could ever ask for. She kept my head screwed on straight when Shawn was gone and reminded me every day why Shawn was the perfect guy for me. Whether it was 2pm or 2am, she was there if I needed a good cry or a good laugh. Mostly a good laugh. I can't even look at her without laughing my head off.

That's another things I love about her. All we do is laugh. We are ridiculous when we are together. It's one of those things where if people we around us, they would just think we were stupid.

I honestly don't know what I'd do without her. She is not only my best friend, but she's like a sister to me. She's the type of friend that we could go weeks without seeing each other and the minute we were together again, it was like there was no time that separated us.

Is this the cheesiest post or what?? I don't care. She deserves to know how much I love her and how grateful I am for our friendship. I am so blessed to have her in my life!

She is so beautiful inside and out. Anyone that knows Holls, is so lucky!

I'm Grateful for..

I am terrible. I wanted to do this ''30 Days of Thanksgiving'' thing that people are doing; posting every day what they are grateful for. But considering that it's already November 4th I am already behind. I hate being behind. And now I'm looking into the future of this month and realizing how busy it is going to be that I don't think I'll be able to post every day. But when I do, I'm dedicating this month to gratitude. :)

I am just thinking about all the things I am grateful for and one of the first things that comes to my mind is my career. I have worked so hard to be where I am. And my future is so bright. I love love love what I do. I love that I can say I have a career at 20 years old. I have wanted to be a well known hairstylest my whole life, and I'm so excited to be ''well-known''. I'll get there soon :) I have 2 weeks left of school and I've passed my State Boards and I am so grateful for the support I've had from family and friends. Especially my parents who paid for my schooling, my husband that has worked so hard to let me go to school full time, and my wonderful clients that make my job so easy. I never feel like I'm working when I'm with them because they are so sweet and fun to catch up with when I do their hair. Especially my cute Grandma. She has been so much fun to get close with over the past 2 years at school.

Happy Halloween

Im very aware that it is November 2nd and I'm just updating my blog about Halloween. I used to love Halloween, I mean it's fun and all but I think I'll enjoy it much more when I have kids. I will be one of those moms dressing my kids in adorable costumes and Shawn and I will totally match the theme.

Darn you pinterest. I'm a pinterest mom for sure.

But my Halloween was fun especially because last Halloween I didn't spend it with Shawn so it was fun to be with him this year.

At school, everyone was dressed up and so it makes the salon really fun. Clients think it's hilarious and people go all out! It's madness. My little sister came in for Zombie makeup. It was so cool.

The night before we finally got our pumpkins carved with our friends Holly and Jordan. They turned out cute.

And this was Halloween day :)

Oh and I am obsessed with him.

xoxo