Hi!

    I have missed blogging immensely! Yesterday's blog was absolutely a sign of being haphazard- simply written in a hurry before anyone else could witness my engagement video. Seriously though, I have been super busy with all sorts of things. I've already stated that I love October, and it's true, yet it always brings lots of things for me to do! (Such as things to do with my birthday, throwing together a -hopefully- excellent Halloween costume, etc.) There is so much that I have missed! I am going to try to tell everyone all about it :) 

     Things are changing up in the Alexander household; we are moving on up in the world! Two weeks ago, after 6 exceptionally boring months of no internet usage, we proudly became the owners of wifi! Let's just say it was time, I would even say that it was well past time. So as we become enthralled with Netflix and the astounding ability to save on our data usage, I assumed that my blogging would automatically increase- nay, apparently that isn't the only factor. 

    Anywho! So on Tuesdays we attend institute- our one night out of the week where we attend class to discuss various scriptures. Somehow or other, as we delved into the book of Jacob the topic came up about how people portray themselves online. The second this was brought up my mind went to reeling! The day before I brought up the same topic to Graham, pretty annoyed at a few people going on and on and on about the perfect world they lived in. Obviously, it is way better to be happier in life- I am in no way trying to dispute that- but at the same time when we have a few flaws or difficult times if we let others know so they can develop a greater bond with us. Glossing our life over as 'wonderful' 24/7 can cause contention or reservation in opening up to others. 

    I am afraid that my blog does that, which is a huge reason why I detest this turning into a "Weekend Blog." It is absolutely fair to say that during the week G&I have the most basic life. We wake up early, go to work, come home, eat together, do a few chores, Graham will massage my scalp as we watch our nightly show (Trust me when I say that isn't weird, it is a crucial part to my day), then we are asleep by 12. Usually nothing crazy, exciting or too fun. I guess that is why I generally share what we do on the weekend- not to glamorize our lives but simply because no one wants to hear that I mangled my first attempt at dicing an onion. (Sigh) So throughout the lifetime of this blog I hope everyone will understand why it is that I write about my weekends a lot. Our marriage isn't perfect, my life isn't perfect and even the fun times come with trials- just so everyone knows :)

    Well as previously mentioned, I had the best time with my youngest brother Granger at Hollywood Studios and Epcot on October 11 and 12. He had a blast! YAY! Therefore, I had a blast. I love him more than words can say. I am going to expound upon this in after post, but I shall leave a few photos here until then!

    Granger just about to throw up. Okay, nt really, but I did kind of fib about the type of rollercoastr so the ride would shock him... He loves roller coasters in the dark! 

    His first time seeing Mickey Mouse in person! I actually teared up- this was the only person I witnessed MM hug- Granger initiated it :)

    I love this boy so much! I am SO THANKFUL to be able to have the resources to take him to do fun things. I love you Granger Cole Mizell!! 

    

    Also, October 20th Graham and I had so much fun! I was coincidentally back home the same weekend as the annual Halloween party at the Smith's! I have went a few years now, and we always have a ball. This year I have had a few costume ideas swarming around my mind but couldn't quite pick one, while Graham has continually refused to have any costume. But heaven knows we couldn't go without nary a costume! So we (mostly myself) brainstormed as we recalled what items we had brought along for our trip... Ah ha! A short trip to my parent's house for a little makeup and we were on our way. 

    Bride and Groom Zombies! This costume was way more fun that I thought it would be. I am always a variety of cutesy little costumes but never have I been a scary one! For me, Graham's wig makes me giggle- it is so unexpected. Inadvertently, we scared small kids at the party, we were able to do a zombie walk for the actual Costume Contest and we came in 2nd place! This is who we lost to, yep, well deserved! 

    After the contest we struggled to rinse our faces of the grime and muck to once again before heading to the Big Buck Contest. On the first official weekend of rifle season the Lion's Club hosts a huge gathering to raffle off hunting items. My sweet Uncle Joey had extra tickets he was willing to share with us (after my parents made plans to go without me!). So Graham was shocked to see some many long bearded, beer gutted men in camouflage (seriously it is so fun for the two of us when we  try to integrate the other in our typical 'way of life') but I wasn't phased. Sadly we didn't win a thing but I did take a few pictures of my new hair color! I am still on the fence, so not disgusted but not amazed either. 

    Please remember my hair had been teased to Timbuktu for my zombie costume! Is the auburn noticeable?  

    Now, by October 23- my actual birthday- I had celebrated with my family, my Alexander's, everyone except for Graham. I asked him to surprise me if he wanted to, but told him I would enjoy a weekend trip. He did a fantastic job of planning! We stayed at two hotels in Amelia Island both oceanfront. He knew that I grew up vacationing there, so it holds a special place in my heart. We lounged in the hot tub, picnicked on the beach, ate to our heart's content. Marvelous. Both of us had a ball. 

    I was in bed when I took this. Hah I love the Omni! Everyone should go there at least once.  

    Graham always squinting when I am taking a picture...

    Sweetest snapchat ever! 

    Historic Fernandina Beach! 

    Putt Putt at the same place I grew up playing it! 

Lastly- Halloween. It has yet again creeped up on me. I haven't really ever have in to the festivities beyond the obvious Trick or Treating, so this year we have started an annual Alexander family tradition! 

    Headless horseman pumpkin!

    Feeling a little like Snow White's Stepmother. But that thing sure does taste good! 

    The Alexander's carving. I love my husband- plus isn't his missionary cut adorable? Yes, I know it is :)

    Now I am just waiting on Graham to come home so we can roast pumpkin seeds, possibly watch a scary movie and visit a few spooky houses. I can hardly believe October is practically done! Waaah :( But that's okay- Christmas is coming soon! Until then, I hope everyone has a SAFE and SCARY Halloween! :)

Sappy and Happy

    Hi everyone!  Just to let ya'll know. I feel so annoyed with myself! I planned to post a little surprise video on here for all to see, since so few were able to watch this. I imagined everyone watching bug eyed and with broad smiles, all in honor of this reveal on my blog! Well I accidentally made it public on my Mama's profile so half of the people I wanted to see it for the first time have already watched it. Ugh. So anyways, October 26th 2012 was a life changing day for me! I planned to do this on the date's anniversary, but we ended up being out of town that day! So here it is, a few days shy, but worth the wait in my opinion. Click the link to watch!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=4908044507522&set=vb.1490350846&type=2&theater

    How about that? I am so thankful to have that moment captured forever. There is, of course, some history behind this. Graham and I had talked about getting married (seriously talked about it) after we'd been dating about two months, yet we made a pact to not be the stereotypical LDS couple who married after 3 months- that just wasn't for us. It was decided  that we needed at least a year to decide if we were meant to be. Trust me, it didn't take me a year to figure it out! After some time I was so eager to get married, while Graham was scared to death of this big commitment, but he said he loved me. Then three months into our relationship we took another step by checking out at wedding rings, while knowing it would be somewhere in the distant future. We talked and planned and had a few arguments on our life together- where will we live? would he find a job? could I finish school?
     After seven months he secretly bought my ring. I'm amazed that he was able to keep it a secret from me- he is so talkative, like myself. In typical Graham- fashion, he lost the ring several times! He teased me a few times that he might have a ring for me in the glove box, and as curious as I was, I never gave in to check. (He did have it in there!) Then, our one year anniversary came and boy, did I just know it was time! Nope, he didn't even get me a gift at all! ;) On my birthday a few weeks later, he made my night by coming to town as a surprise- after a horrible day. It was then that he literally chased down my Daddy to ask for his blessing- a prerequisite of mine. He didn't really get a blessing, but he didn't get rebuked either. (C'mon ya'll, I am my Daddy's little girl! His firstborn!)
    Finally, after we had been dating a year and two weeks (as well as 3 days after my birthday) this happened at the Alhambra here in Jacksonville. I'd recommend it for anyone! Graham suggested an idea and they ran with it! They went above and beyond to ensure that we had a special night. And it sure was :) One that I will never be able to forget!

It's my birthday!

     Hi everyone! Anyone checked out the date yet? Oh right! It’s MY BIRTHDAY! This is just one of those days that I love coming around- much like Halloween and Christmas. Today at 10am- definitely can not remember the exact time- I turned the daunting 22 years old.

    Call me as many foul names as you like, but I have really dreaded it- not because of everything that a birthday entails, but rather the oddness associated with 22. It shows that I have surpassed all of the anticipated birthdays such as 16, 18 or 21- the next big age is 30. Eek, I’m not ready for 30 yet! Alas, my one saving grace is Taylor Swift. I have been a non-crazed Swifty since the very first song I remember barreling out from her. She alone sings to me on this day, letting everyone know how being 22 feels. “Happy, free, confused and lonely at the same time… it’s miserable and magical- oh yeah.” Thank you, Taylor. (Click that link to watch the actual video.)

    Now that I have addressed that, let me get to the heart of this: I love, with every ounce of my being, my wonderful and amazing husband. He spoils me so! Since last Thursday I’ve been really pushing my “Birthday Week” (who wants to celebrate for just a single day?) and he has been willing to oblige. Friday (Oct. 18^th) we traveled to Georgia to see my family since I wouldn’t see them for my actual birthday; a Wednesday birthday kind of stinks! Saturday he got a haircut, to compliment my new hair color (the blonde with a kind of auburn? I’m not entirely sold on it yet) and a fresh mani! Sunday, after church, I ended up going to visit my aunt’s dock with Graham- only to find a slew of people ready to celebrate my birthday, surprise-party style. It turned out G called and asked them to plan something so I would be happy! And I certainly was; my face absolutely lit up to see a handmade red velvet cake with cream cheese icing made from delightful hands of my Mama. Ironically enough, Saturday night I told him it was surprising that no one paid any attention to the fact that it was soon to be my birthday all weekend, despite coming home for that same reason! My words, “do I have to throw a party for myself?”

    Ladies and gents, that was simply a introduction into the wonderful world of surprises Graham has had in store for me! Tuesday afternoon I had food cooking on the oven, a smile on my face and Kings of Leon jamming out behind me when Graham asked me not to cook. I did pitch a, say, slight fit considering it was nearly finished as he asked me. So I ended up ziplocking everything for Wednesday, figuring at least I could save myself the effort on my birthday. So en route to Institute, I was candy crushing (sigh- I do detest this game) as he rambled on about the intense traffic, yada yada yada. As time went on, I noticed we were on a different side of town from where we supposed to be going! It turned out that Graham had planned another surprise party with the Alexander’s. Longhorn provided the best mac-and-cheese of all time, even a complimentary birthday sundae! 

    Today, my actual birthday, I woke up to a paper trail of “Happy Birthday” letters leading towards the door. And, not to be materialistic, but I did anticipate a treat at the end of this trek- nay, nothing. But it was a cute start to a good morning. I went in to work 30 minutes later than usual, a novelty in itself. After typical work day, minus my phone dying at 11:40am (phoneless until 4:30 ugh) I came home. Graham surprised me yet again with a massive pumpkin, a carving book and three birthday balloons. He remembered that I told him that I can’t recall ever carving one! I enjoyed my girls in Faith in God, particularly our frozen yogurt treat! And lastly, I just walked around Downtown Jacksonville with my husband. It was so beautiful, we just leaned up again the railings talking about all of the changes that have happened to us…

    21 was just such a great year for me- it was the start to a whole new life. I was engaged 3 days after my birthday, married 5 months and 2 weeks later, I moved out on my own, I just became a real adult. I wouldn’t change a single thing about that year; I’m sad for it to go. But I feel so thankful to have the start of a new one- maybe even better than the last.

    I'm still not finished celebrating either! This weekend Graham has an undisclosed location set out for us to go to, I am dying to find out! And hopefully a present to boot! It means so much to see all of the effort he has put forth for me in honor of my birthday!

   And I must say, I have been touched by the overwhelming amount of love and appreciation I am received on my special day from my family and friends. Seriously, I feel so remarkably blessed. Thanks so much to everyone who took the time out of their busy lives to think of me- you have made my day brighter.

Conference & Cole

    I have been in a horrible rut for the past month or so... While having moments of great happiness, I have mostly felt self pity along with a sense of failure. I suppose everyone knows that isn't improbable to be perky constantly, but still wouldn't it be nice? So I guess I just need to get over feeing sorry for myself! 

    I'm going to try to work on feeling happier with things as I continue my post, and I do have fun things to write about. Here's to hoping things begin to look up...

     This past weekend (meaning October 4&5, I know I am way late) two important things happened: 

1. General Conference- a bi-annual gathering of the general authority and offices of my church. Basically, all LDS members worldwide tune in to hear the teachings and revelations from the Lord's chosen leaders! All LDS people love this event- it is so spiritual, offers extensive encouragement, as well as helping us grow to become a more Christlike people. 

    As social media has grown, so has the ability to spread their messages. My favorite is finding the cute little pictures with quotes of our leaders. I have scoured Instagram and Facebook to find my favorite ones to share! I hope these words can offer comfort as they have to me.

2. Saturday afternoon my dearest Uncle Luke called to offer some of the best news! He and my Aunt Kelly were in town for their anniversary. Unfortunately their middle son Cole did not let them escape alone and since I love seeing the boys so much, did I want to keep him for a few hours? That question alone was worthy of a "obviously"; of course I wanted to tend to him! 

    So at 3:30 I drove to the TownCenter to get my dearest baby. As I drove there I felt so excited, like I was brimming with joy. It seemed kind of weird to be anticipating keeping him that much, but I guess that's what happens when I am lucky to see my family's once a month.  

    Now let me explain to anyone who doesn't know him. Cole is 4 years old, he loves to be silly as he copies what everyone (primarily Listi) says and he is so intelligent for his age! It was predicted that he would be our last baby and, until August when his brother was born, he was. He is also exceptionally beautiful- he has a perfect round head with darling little features, and he follows the Mizell lineage with his fairly dark complexion. He has referred to me since he could talk as his "best friend" (there is nothing sweeter than hearing that); he is my sweet baby doll! Now that you guys know who I was getting, back to my story. 

    So my little man was in town and I was ready to get him. At long last I found all three of them. My anticipation did not subside as I gave Cole a huge hug! I have missed him dearly. We planned to meet up about dinner time and I left with the cutest 4 year old I know holding my hand! 

     Dilemma time. Conference began again at 4 o'clock, but I was now en route with someone who wouldn't have a long enough attention span to watch it. Should I skip it and read it later or attempt to have Cole watch it with me? In the end I prayed that the right thing would come to me. As we pulled up I decided to watch it with him, figuring if he got too antsy we could always leave to put on a cartoon. The conference party was across the street from my house with my in laws, who happen to have a cute pup which I used to distract my little man! So he timidly played with the dogs, he drew many sweet images and I kissed all over him while taking notes. 'Twas bliss. 

    He has a busy Saturday! As he gabbed about the hot tub and swimming pool, I was so enthralled by the little boy he has become. Being older truly helps you see how quickly time can pass- I remember Luke playing with me as a little girl, now he has sons who like to play with me! Everything is coming full circle, I guess. The youth continually astound me... Anyways, my baby boy watched conference with me, visited my house for the first time, accompanied me at the park and we finished up the day with some frozen yogurt. Graham joined in too, which makes everything more fun! It is so fun having little kids inthe family, they always seem to bring so much joy. I am grateful that even though I may not be as physically close, I am still able to maintain relationships with them- and in this weekend especially my Colebug :)

    He found a little lizard!

    Racing Graham!

    On the monkey bars.

    We wore him out! We love you Cole!

2011 Saga: Part 3

    First and foremost- I wasn't crazy about the pink stripes as a background and played around til I made this one? What do you guys think? I am fairly satisfied though I am still trying to personalize it more. Hopefully it will continues to look better.

    I am utterly disappointed that I missed the 2 year anniversary for this post. This actually occurred on Sept 20, 2011, on a Tuesday (two days after we met, one day after exchanging numbers without communication). However I have been crazy as a loon from then until now. So y'all just get ready for Part 3 of our love story...

   So September 20th marked two years to the date that the ice finally broke. I was out with a friend for a birthday lunch when I got a simple "Hey Lacey" text from my new love interest Graham. I was a little intrigued since he had waited a full day to text me. (Was he trying to be subtle?) An hour or so later I replied to him. This led to a full day of texting back and forth nonstop... I found him to be witty and snarky; I really liked what I was learning about him too. Mid afternoon I heard ny phone going off noticed this same Graham was calling me! I was with my cousin Hilary trying to do a little visiting teaching, along with our sisters Listi and Hannah- not expecting any phone conversation! I wondered if he was doing it on accident? I was constantly butt dialing people, and most of the people I was familiar with preferred to text exclusively. So I picked up the phone, unexplainable nervous. "Hello?" "Hi! So what are you up to?...." Graham, of course, rushed on and talked my ear off. I calmed down and tried to throw in a funny line or two, playing off him. I was amazed by how charming he was over the phone. 

    And there it went, our first telephone call. We were perfect for long conversations since we are both exceptionally talkative (in fact, Graham is truly the only person I know who likes to talk more than me)! We spoke for two hours on our first phone call, it only ended because Listi hung it up! I was furious!!! On a different note, one of my favorite lines from him went, "why not just go on to the Temple to make it official?" Marriage on the first date joke? My kind of man!

    So plans started rolling about our actual date; it was Tuesday so we set it for Saturday. I was hesitant about going solo, since we didn't know each other that well, eventually we decided on a double date. I was to bring my best friend and he would bring his! 

    I had a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. I knew he was precisely my type, and that I was already getting crazy about him, but also knew he would cancel before the date. I had so much faith in that thought that I was determined not to feel too excited. My little heart had no idea what was going to happen as the week continued.

    To be continued...

FINALLY, OCTOBER!

    Well hello to you, too! I have missed you! 

    I am ecstatic! We are finally in my favorite month of the year- OCTOBER. Y'all don't even know the love I have dedicated to this month. It just holds so many great things for me, and so many memories. Here is a collaboration of why this month is (and always was) the BEST.

Oct 1, 2013- My semester started over. Hallelujah!!

October 4&5- General Conference! I am hoping for another big announcement (idk, maybe a temple in Jacksonville :B ) 

Oct 8, 2011-Graham asked me to be his girlfriend. It was an awkward conversation!

Oct 12, 2013- I am taking my youngest brother to Disney World, to two parks he has never been to. He is super excited:)

Oct 13, 2013- 6 month Wedding Anniversary. Halfway survived the daunting First Year; time flies.

Oct 23, 1991- I was given life on this day! ;) I am now approaching 22, ugh it seems too old. Although I love to celebrate my birthday! Ready for my presents! :P

Oct 26, 2012- Graham asked me to be his wife. I will always cherish that moment, it was so romantic. 

Oct 31- Candy&Costumes! Need I say more? My favorite holiday! 

    As you can clearly tell October is MY month. I am sure in the coming years October will hold even more joyous memories! By the way, anyone took a good look at my birthstone lately? Gorgeous! 

    I hope everyone will have a wonderful October!