My time in Jacksonville, thus far, has been a blast! Of course there has primarily been vacationing during these two weeks, but I have found that I truly love just staying at home cleaning or cooking. Not to mention that I have the most amazing husband in the world. Seriously guys, I don't know how I would have adjusted without him. He keeps me laughing with all of his crazy antics, comforts me when I catch a bout of homesickness and is always so eager to make me happy. He is even more perfect than I remember. Married life is the best. I hope that everyone can experience the joys of finding their soulmate and being able to share their lives together. If not, keep searching.... It really is so fun being in love.
I hope everyone is having a beautiful Sabbath! :)

Groceries... Ugh

    Any married person reading this will eventually at some point think, "well duh!" Here's why. 

    I, up until 10 days ago, lived with my parents. That allowed me to save money left and right. When we tied the metaphorical knot, I assumed we would have groceries appear, I guess. I was sort of shocked the first time I opened the empty refrigerator starving and searching for a quick meal. ("What... Where is the food?") Shortly afterward I was headed to the grocery store. Another surprising thought arose: is it possible to stock up my pantry with an 80$ budget? So I grabbed my buggy and a notepad and went to work. I abandoned the pizza rolls and  packaged shrimp for the cheaper (and healthier) seasoned vegetables. I shopped for the smallest cuts of meats, and sought out the cheapest fruits. The knock off drink brands looked just great as the expensive ones, and I purchased many of those. My list of prices became longer and longer until I had to manually add it up for fear of having to return a few. I couldn't help but remember how easy it was to spend my parents' money!! 

    But I would say that I am learning, although still grasping at the ropes of decently priced items. My total was 73$. I managed to scrap by with plenty of meats, veggies, fruits, drinks and a few snacks. 

    In the words of Scarlett O'Hara Wilkinson Kennedy Butler, "I'll never be hungry again!"

Side note: Graham and I are at Disney today! Our picture on the tram /)

The "Mrs."

    Well, well, well. I can finally quit ranting about getting married; the big day was Saturday! Now I am, unofficially until I sign some papers next week, an Alexander. I will just say that everything and everyone was perfect. It was a day that I shall never forget. But the fun isn't over yet- this Saturday is our last reception! Don't forget, the LDS Church in Douglas @ 6; I'm so beyond stoked. YOU need to be in attendance, whoever you are.

    Marriage is so much fun. We're just able to spend time together doing simple things that you can't quite do until you live together. Everyday I am reminded of why I chose him to be a companion; he's so close to perfection (just in my eyes of course). It's so awesome too, because I haven't been able to see Graham more than two days at a time in months so I love waiting for him to come home each day! :) So he's a working man and for the moment, I'm a housewife. I really love it though. I've truly never been more happy to fold laundry or throw something together for supper, seriously, I'm like Snow White with rosy cheeks or something.
    Haven't really had any bouts of homesickness, surprisingly enough. Perhaps it is just because things are still so new and my apartment is so homey. But I did come "home" to Douglas today! I was excited to see that everyone was excited to see me. How was I blessed with the best family and  husband? Just luck, I guess. Well anyone want to see a few pictures of my new apartment? I really want to share them! So enjoy these pictures and I'll see you Saturday ;)

Master bedroom!

Our little side table!

My darling little kitchen!



Living room!

Our table Graham picked out!

Little shelves with our awards :)

Catch Up

    I hate going days without writing, it is so relaxing during my days of craziness. Everything is happening quick now. 6 days! No more double digits; can you believe it? I know I can't.
    Wednesday was an important day on the legal sides of things. Graham and I reunited for the last time before the day of our wedding to sign the marriage license ! It is actually quite cute, there is gold wedding bells gently penned. Adorable. And, I have to be honest, I dread waited out the ten day waiting period to see my beloved. so we decided use that to help build the anticipation! We aren't hoing to physically see each other or send pictures of ourselves (fyi, this was huge for our long- distance relationship). It has worked so far
because I am skip, hop and jump away from riding down US1 to see him right now :'( But I shan't.
   On a different (slightly reminiscent) note, this weekend I was not at the forefront. My sister, Listi, went to her senior prom. Sort of, I guess, she didn't want to go to the actual dance. That is one of our differing qualities- I love to dance, wiggle and awkwardly bust a move. Just give me a minute to build up some courage and I'm destined to be out on the floor until the DJ puts on a crooning tune for the final song. I miss having dances to get dressed up for, with funny dates, real flowers and the nervous anticipation of dancing. Anyways, this weekend was focused on Listi. Mama and I played paparazzi and snagged about 300 pictures of Listi and her date. Oh the fun.
    It is almost time for General Conference, afterwhich I hope to catch up on blogging by sharing pictures of my apartment! Until then... ;)