LOVE

I JUST LOVE THIS GUY! 

He makes every day better :) 

We've been married a month and 3 days. I can't believe its already been that long. Time flies! I can't wait to spend Christmas with him and both of our families. :)

P.S. Wedding pictures are still getting edited so I'll get those up as soon as possible. Still looking for my camera cord to post honeymoon pictures as well. And...we haven't got around to putting up pictures of our apartment. Lots of pictures to come soon :)

A little fight going on in Melinda's mind

Alright, before you start to read this...I'll post a warning. This blog post is very boring.

At the end of every semester, I have the same fight with myself and it goes a little something like this:

"I should probably decide what to major in," I say to myself.
Then I go through the same 5 majors that I've gone back and forth on every time. Social work, FCHD, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education or maybe I should just get my ASL Interpreting Certificate.

So I go online and look at all the requirements for each major. Then I realize, I haven't even finished my generals! I still have to do English, Math, Science, Humanities. All the classes I hate. Why did I put them off so long? Well, the same reason I'm about to put them off again. I really don't want to take those classes-they seem hard and boring. So what do I do? Take classes that sound interesting of course.

 I have so many credits in the Social Science category, can't I just major in that? Great idea Melinda!

Oh...wait...Too bad I only need one class in that category and there are still 6 other categories to fulfill! Generals suck. Really. I hate being forced to learn about stuff I don't want to. Its lame.


Tuition is due on friday and I haven't even chosen my classes for spring semester. Mainly because registration was when we were on our honeymoon and I haven't gotten around to it. And partly because well...I don't want to take any of the classes I should. Oh and did I mention that I'm doing horrible in my science class so...I'll probably have to retake it?

Yeah...don't go to school while planning a wedding. Thats my advice for the day.

I have 2 more finals to take. Both are tomorrow morning, 10 minutes apart. And what am I doing? Writing down all my frustrations rather than studying. Yep. I need some motivation.

I need a revelation.

What to major in? The past few weeks I've been thinking about Early Childhood Education. I like little kids, teaching preschool sounds fun. Maybe my emphasis could be Sign Language. Then...I start thinking about Sign Language and how I really miss my Interpreting classes that I took last semester. *sigh* Can't I just be a mom?

Then I pause to remember how much our church leaders emphasize the importance of education.

So all I can do is Press On.

I guess that means...back to studying.

ps. sorry I wasted 5 minutes of your day :)

Christmas Traditions

Last night, Brandon and I went to Sizzler in celebration of me being done with my Economics class. While eating...we started talking about what our families do for christmas. It started getting me really really excited! So, I thought I'd share some of our traditions...

Christmas Eve:
-Eat 3-hour spaghetti
-Watch the Nativity and A Christmas Mission
-Open our pajama's and christmas ornaments!

- Race to put on our new pajamas

-Set out cookies and coke for Santa, 9 carrots for the reindeer and cheese for santa mouse.

-Write a letter to santa, thanking him for our presents, asking him to hide the christmas pickle, and telling him we left an unfinished puzzle for him to finish :)

-Then we turn on a christmas movie and check the santa tracker online every 10 minutes. Once he gets close to Utah, we hurry downstairs and all sleep next to each other.

-Then we argue about what time to set our alarms...the younger kids saying 5:30 while David and our parents are saying 9:30. We come to an agreement on 6:30.

-Wake up, drag david up the stairs, wake up the parents and go open presents! 

I love Christmas and everything that we do. I still get all giddy and excited, just like I did when I was 5. Spending time with family is my favorite thing to do. Christmas time is the perfect time to do so. 

Brandon told me about his traditions...(he is at work so, excuse me if I'm wrong. And, I don't have any pictures. My apologies)

-On Christmas Eve, the Anderson's meet up with the Fonda's to eat a nice dinner, read The Night Before Christmas, have a little talent show and exchange gifts. 

-Then they go home and watch Mr. Kruegers Christmas and exchange their Love Gifts. (He said that sometimes they forget to put out cookies and milk for santa! I won't let that happen anymore. Hailey and Lauren...You better not forget this year :) )

-They go get in bed and wake up, whenever they wake up. 

-This year Andrew will be calling/skyping. That will be fun to kinda meet him through the computer! 

Sorry if I missed anything!

Brandon and I have been listening to Christmas Music non-stop since we got back from our honeymoon. Our nights consist of snuggling up by our Christmas tree, drinking hot chocolate and watching a Christmas movie. We love this time of year! We still need to get some shopping done...Only 17 more days left! We better get going! :) 

Hope you all enjoy this time of year and always remember the reason for the season :)

Wedding, Honeymoon, Reality

So much to write about!

Our wedding was AMAZING! Seriously. It was everything I ever wanted. Thank you so much to everyone who made it happen. I have the best family/new family in the entire world. I am so grateful to be a part of it. The wedding wouldn't have happened without them. Luckily, Brandon's dad typed up a play by play of the entire weekend so we can always remember it :) Thanks David!

Honeymoon in Vegas, so much fun! We went to Phantom of the Opera which was incredible. We both got chills multiple times during the show. We went shopping and I got a new peacoat :) We went to a couple movies. Brandon lost us $2 in the slot machines. I had to stand back and watch. We met up with my Uncle Greg and his girls for dinner. We made our own thanksgiving dinner, made with precooked turkey, instant potatoes, boxed stuffing, pillsbury rolls and canned corn. It wasn't as good as at home but, it was good :) We relaxed a lot and laughed a ton. It was such a great vacation!

We arrived back in Salt Lake on Friday, November 25. We spent the night at Brandon's parents house then on Saturday we moved all our stuff up to our apartment. Then we went back to Brigham to get all the stuff that was there and moved that up Sunday. We finally got unpacked at around 11:30 sunday night. We still have to hang up all our pictures and decorations.

Yesterday we did a little shopping for needed things like toilet paper, a shower curtain and trash bags. Christy Harris, Brandon's second mom, brought us a Christmas Tree! So, for our first family night, we set it up :) Then we made hot chocolate and watched modern family by the tree. It was fun :)

Today, Brandon went to his first day of work at Domino's! When he gets back, we'll probably go to the bank and do some more shopping.

And its back to reality, we have lots of bills to pay, lots of papers to write and lots of studying to do. But, for some reason, everything is better when you're married :)

People always said that being married was the best and I'll be another one to say it, it really is the best!

3 more weeks of school then its Christmas Break! I am soooo excited!

Thanks again for all the love and support we have had the past couple weeks. You all made it perfect :)

p.s. pictures to come later :)

3 days, really?

Yes, really! We are getting married in just 3 days!

 I can't even think straight this week. I had a test yesterday and it ate me alive. Advice to those getting married: Don't go to school the semester you are getting married, or take super duper easy classes. Or...Don't get married in the middle of a semester haha I'm glad we are though, we get to spend the holidays together this way. :)

I'm ready to get married. I'm excited to be married. I can't wait to be Mrs. Brandon Fonda :)

On Monday I woke up with a huge cut in my lip, it was all bruised and swollen. Just my luck right? At least now its going down! Thank goodness.

Time to be grateful!
12. I'm thankful for my Grandma Chip (Pyle). She has done so much for this wedding! She sewed all the bridesmaids skirts and is currently sewing some table runners for the reception. She is coming into town tomorrow with my Grandpa, I'm so excited to see them!
13. Dr. Pepper. Always makes the day better :)
14. My mom. She is super woman. Really, she is. I don't know what I'd do without her.
15. My dad. He came up yesterday and took Brandon and I to lunch. It was really good!
16. Temples. I went through for my first time last Saturday. There is nothing like it. Without temples, I wouldn't be able to spend eternity with Brandon and my family :)

The next 3 days are going to be crazy busy! Today we still have to pack all our stuff in boxes so we can move when we get back. We have to pack for our honeymoon. Brandon has to write a paper. Tomorrow I'm getting my nails done. Brandon is getting a haircut. We have to do last minute shopping and decorations. Friday we are going to start decorating at 8 am! Open house that night, wedding the next day and reception!

I can't wait to be a wife. I think it will be the best job in the world :) Especially when I have such an amazing husband by my side.

I hope to see everyone sometime this weekend! Love you all :)

11/11/11

Today is the day that will happen once in a lifetime! At least, thats what everyone's been saying. Yeah its a way cool day and I made the ULTIMATE wish at 11:11 am. But...I was thinking, doesn't everyday only happen once in a lifetime? I'll never be around for another 11/10/11 or another 11/05/11 either. So why can't we be this excited about every day that we have? I think we should. Sorry to ruin everyone's fun about this day but...I'm just sayin'.

Things I'm grateful for:
8. Random people that smile at you on campus.
9. Chick flick movies! They always brighten my day.
10. Silky blankets that grandma made for all of us grandkids. I miss her. And these silky blankets never fail    to make me feel better.
11. My cousin in law? My cousin's husband. I don't know what to call him. But, he printed off my bridal pictures today and sent me a really nice text that I needed.

Brandon and I are going to go to my friend's wedding reception tonight. I'm excited to see her! She'll make a beautiful bride. And I'm excited to take Brandon because he's only been to like...2 receptions in his life when he was younger so it will be nice for him to see what one actually is like. After all, we'll be having an open house in a week and a reception in 8 days!!! :)

A special shout out to all the soldiers who are serving or have served our country. Happy veterans day :)

Just some random thoughts from Melinda's head

My mind has a million thoughts going through it lately so I thought I'd write them down (type them up).

This past week has been a week of heartache, stress and trials. One of the hardest weeks ever.
-My family is having a hard time with things.
-I am doing horrible in school.
-Our money is running slim and its stressing me out.
-Wedding plans were put on hold for a couple days and now I'm worried it won't all come together.
-Brandon is needing a new job because Sam's Club is lame and won't let him have out wedding and    honeymoon off.
-I have had horrible self esteem, due to stress, birth control, being a girl or all 3?
But now looking back, I'm glad I had a week like that. Why? Brandon and I grew even closer together and that makes me happy.

This happens every time I have a trial. I'm miserable in it but afterwards, I know it came to me for a reason. God will never give us any trials we can't handle. He loves us and is always there for us. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger right?

Just 11 more days. 11 more days until I am sealed to my best friend. 11 more days and I will have the best day of my life. 11 more days and I will be Mrs. Brandon Fonda. Those thoughts keep me going. I saw a quote on pinterest this morning that made me smile, it went like this..."Marriage vows are like promising to have sleepovers every night with your best friend." :) It made me really happy and excited.

November is a month to be grateful and the past week I have been everything but that. So I'll start now, being thankful for something every day in the wonderful month of November.
1. I'm thankful for Brandon. For his patience, friendship and love. He is my everything.
2. I'm thankful for my Family. I really do have the best family out there. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for them.
3. I'm thankful for the Plan of Salvation. The knowledge that families will be together forever and that I get to be with Brandon for an eternity brings me the greatest joy.
4. I'm thankful for a job. Even though I complain about going every time. It really is a good job and I have great co-workers.
5. I am thankful for Christmas music. This morning it was snowing outside and although everyone was complaining. I decided to be positive about it and I turned on my Christmas music. That put me in a great mood.
6. I am thankful for coats. I would be a frozen statue without them, especially in Logan.
7. I'm thankful for cancer treatments. Without it, I don't know if my mom would be here. She pushed through it 7 years ago and I'm so glad she did :)

I heard something once. I don't remember where I heard it, when I heard it or who I heard it from but it went a little something like this...
"Being married doesn't mean starting a new life together. It means continuing on in the life you had but now with your best friend by your side through it all. It will enhance the life you had and make it 1000 times better. You will each still enjoy the things you always had but now you will have someone to do them with."
I can see that in my life. Brandon is just making life better. We are both still doing the things we love but now we get to do them together! :)

Life is hard. Nobody ever said it would be easy, they just said it would be worth it.

Our Stake President also told us, "Don't take each other for granted. Give each other at least one compliment a day. Tell them you love them. Tell them you appreciate them. It will make your days better." So, go tell your loved ones you love them and always keep them by your side. Because although clothes and chocolate makes us happy, family and friends make us happier.

Less than 2 weeks! Whoo!!!

Changing my attitude :)

I am trying to have a better attitude the past few days. One thing I have found to help is taking a step back and looking at the small things. I have been so stressed out I haven't even had time to just look outside and see how pretty it is.

I was walking up to class today and as I stepped outside I decided to really look at everything around me. I was surrounded by colorful trees whose leaves were falling down all over. It made my morning so much better. I started to think about the world today and how no one takes time to look at the simple things in life. The things that were created for us to just enjoy.

Brandon received a letter from his Dad a few days ago that he let me read and it changed my whole perspective. He mentioned that we have barely lived our lives. We don't have too many life experiences at this point. And that we will experience the most of it together. That made me really happy :) He also said, "Don't stress too much about wedding stuff. Take time to enjoy each other." I haven't been enjoying Brandon as much as I should.

So on monday night, we went to a movie at the dollar theatre. We went to "Crazy, stupid, love," it was pretty good. We hadn't gone to a movie in a while, it was nice.
Yesterday, we watched Harry Potter 5 (we started with the first one a week ago and have watched each one, we are addicted to it haha) Then we ran some errands. Then we met with our bishop. Then we carved pumpkins! (while watching Harry Potter 6 :)) It was a much needed "all about us" day :)

We aren't sure if we should go to the Howl on saturday night or not. We don't have money or costumes so we probably won't go. But, we want to do something fun! Any ideas?

We sent out announcements this week so you all should be getting them soon! :)
We went and took Bridal pictures last weekend in Boise, Idaho. That was fun! And I think they turned out great. We make a good looking couple ;)

We only have about 25 days now! Getting so so so excited! :)

P.S. I want to make this...only with an 'F' instead of an 'S'. We are really excited for our first Christmas together. It will be wonderful :)

Bitter-Sweet

People always told me that planning a wedding was stressful but I guess I just didn't realize how stressful it actually was. I wish we could just quit school for 2 weeks and get everything done so we aren't planning right up until 10 minutes before our wedding. I know that isn't possible but, it'd be nice.

I seem to always post on this blog on good days when I'm extra happy. I think that people think I'm some super optimistic person all the time. Well, thats not true. At all. I have my days, the days where I'm so stressed out that I cry at every little thing and want to punch the wall every 5 minutes. Today is one of those days. I keep blaming my birth control for all my emotional break-downs. While that might be true part of the time, I guess I can't use that excuse every time. 


The past couple days I have been so sick of talking about our wedding I could scream. I just wish we would have eloped.

Things will come together in the end. Somehow, someway. They have to. I know that it will be the happiest day of our lives. I guess we have to taste the bitter before we know the sweet, right?

Thanks to everyone helping out with this wedding. I couldn't have done it without you. And thanks to everyone who has put up with me the past couple weeks. I've been a pain, I know.

On a happier note:

-Our announcements were printed today! I'm so excited to see them!
-My bridal shower on saturday was so fun! Thanks to everyone who made it possible and to everyone who came. I have the best family and future family ever.
-I picked up my dress! It fits like a glove :) Except for the length...I'm just too short! ha

There is only 33 days left! That makes me really excited but super stressed out at the same time.

Ok, I'm done writing my soap opera.

Have a happy fall day! :)

A lot has been going on lately!

-Brandon got a job at Sams Club! We don't really like it but, its a job.
-My grandparents came up from Colorado this weekend. We bought fabric for my grandma to make the bridesmaids skirts!
-We also made some appetizers to try out for the reception. They turned out Yummy! If anyone isn't busy on the morning of November 19th and loves to bake, we have plenty to make and would love some help ;)
-We made our announcements! My cousin Rick designed them and we LOVE them. :) ok fine, here are some more pictures from our engagements. We had fun and took some silly ones :)

-We registered at Bed Bath & Beyond and Target :) That was fun! Even Brandon thought so ;)
-Lately all I do during my free time is wedding stuff and look up ways to decorate our future home. We came up with color schemes and are soooo excited to get our own place and start decorating!


                                             Kitchen and Living room: Black, White and Green

Grey and Blue bathroom

Red and Grey and Black bedroom 

Ok so I know our house won't be THAT cute right away. Or even for a few years but, one day it will be :)

We still have SO much to do in only 6 weeks! AHH!!!! I'm so overwhelmed and stressed lately. I haven't been very nice the past few days. I'm so grateful that Brandon is so patient and understanding :) He is the best fiancé ever and I love him more than anything :D 

Thats all for now! 

P.S. LESS THAN 50 DAYS!!! :D :D :D

Sneak Preview :)

We went to Boise, Idaho this weekend with Brandon's family. Brandon's uncle Ron got married on saturday. Being at a wedding made us super anxious and excited!

I wasn't going to start counting down until 50 days but, I'm too excited!

Exactly 2 months from today
61 days
8 more saturdays

:)

We also picked up our engagement pictures! Here is a little sneak preview:

We love them! Thanks again Tammy :)

Feeling Blessed :)

Last night, as I was sitting there listening to Brandon playing the guitar, I started thinking about how blessed I really am and realized how much I've forgotten that, through all the stress of school, work and planning a wedding. So I decided to start counting my blessing.

- I have the best mom anyone could ever ask for!
         
            -My mom is amazing! Simply put. She works 3 jobs and is going to Utah State to get her teaching
              degree! I could not do that. I'm struggling working 1 job and going to school. And still, through it
              all, she manages to somehow put on a smile and support all of her children. She has been so
              helpful with this wedding, I can never thank her enough for everything she has done for me. She
              is my biggest hero.

-My dad is awesome! The other day while I was working at Domino's, a man came in and said he used to work for my dad, "Your dad was the best boss I have ever had. You knew that he genuinely cared about each of his employees and made sure to take care of them." That is my dad, to a T. He is always willing to help out someone in need. He is a very hard working man, working 2 jobs. He bought my 'Dora the Explorer' car 4 new tires so I don't die in the winter :) He is great and I love him

-My brothers and sisters rock! They are all my best friends and always will be :)

-I have awesome future in-laws who I already love so much! They are so fun to be around and are very loving.

-I have a job. And even though I hate going, it is a job and I should be grateful.

-I am able to go to college.

-I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I have the knowledge that my Heavenly Father loves me unconditionally and that I can return to live with him. He is constantly blessing me.

-Ok so, I might be a little bias but I have the most incredible fiancé in the world. I feel like bragging about him just a bit :)

            -He is super patient
            -He plays sports (and is good at them all!)
            -He can unicycle
            -He plays guitar :)
            -He is always there for me and will drop whatever he is doing to help me
            -He is nice to everyone around him and is always willing to give a helping hand
            -He makes me laugh. All the time.
            -He is a really good photographer
            -He is SUPER good looking :)
            -And most importantly, he honors his priesthood.

-I am SO blessed that I am marrying Brandon, a man who is worthy to take me here:

 Planning a wedding is stressful. very, very, stressful. A lot of times I lose sight of what is the most important part of getting married. Getting sealed to my best friend. All the centerpieces and tablecloths and flowers don't really matter, sure they are fun and exciting. But, all in all, the only part that truly matters is being in that temple at 11:40am, getting sealed to the most amazing man in the entire world for time and ALL ETERNITY.

I am so lucky and grateful.

Take a step back and count your blessings today :)

Love, Melinda
         
       

Utah State, Aggies all the way!

We both started school yesterday!

Brandon is taking portugues, stats and a journalism class.

I am taking Integrated life science, economics, sociology and child guidance.

We both had a pretty good first day and think that we'll like most of our classes. Most of them are at the same time so we walk together on campus. Thats my favorite part :) We also are thinking of taking an Institute class on Wednesday nights called "Preparing for an Eternal Marriage." I think I'll really like that class :)

Brandon is majoring in Journalism and Communications with a minor in Marketing and Portugues. He job shadowed a guy last week who was a reporter and loved every second of it! He'll do great in whatever he chooses to do :)

I am an undeclared major as of right now. I was Elementary Education, then ASL Interpreting but now I am leaning more towards a Family Consumer and Human Development major with an emphasis in Deaf Education and possibly a minor in Sociology. But, we'll see how it goes.

Brandon is still job hunting! If anyone knows of anything please let us know. We really need money haha

I am going back to work at Dominos, I'm not too excited but, its a job.

We both love living so close to each other and cooking meals together. It will be a really fun semester. Its weird to think that by the time finals roll around, we will have been married for 3 weeks! :D We are so excited!

Well, thats all for now! :)

Brandon and I have been crazy busy this week!

He moved back up to Logan on Monday :)

I went shopping for a wedding dress and found just the perfect one! I can't wait for it to come in :)

His parents bought us an early wedding gift. A beautiful macbook pro! We love it :) Thank you!!!

We went to Idaho on wednesday to take engagement pictures. His aunt Tammy is doing them for us...check out her blog at http://www.tammyhawkinsphotography.com/. We LOVE how our pictures turned out. Thanks Tammy!

We have booked the temple, the place for a luncheon and the place for the reception. Wedding plans are underway and we are very excited!

Save the Date :) 11-19-2011

The Proposal

This past week Melinda and I were in San Clemente California with my family and friends having fun at the beach. I had the ring with me and figured, hey... beach, sunset, ocean waves crashing on the sand... what a great place to propose! So on tuesday, after a fun day at the beach, we came back and showered (seperately of course) and got ready for dinner at a park with all of the family and friends. I pulled her aside and told her that I wanted to show her the campsite nearby where me and some of my friends spent spring break last march, before we went to dinner. With the ring in my pocket, we walked up the hill to the campground. Close by were some beautiful cliffs that I led her to that overlooked the the entire beach. As we arrived at the cliffs, there was a big christian youth church group camping close to the cliffs edge, so at first I was kinda bummed cause I wanted to be alone but I was determined to do it there. We hiked to the cliffs edge and after talking for a little bit, I finally got the guts to propose... I pretty much said three things. "I love you Melinda, I want to marry you, oh and guess what... your ring came." She immediatly started to smile and at that point I got on one knee. The second my knee hit the ground the entire youth group with their leaders started to cheer! I was startled cause I didnt really realize that they were even paying any attention to us. With the crowed cheering, a train passing by at the base of the cliffs and the setting sun beaming off the ocean waves, my new fiance said yes :) As we were walking back from the cliffs, one of the kids from the youth group grabbed his guitar and they all sang the song, im yours, by Jason Mraz haha. It was all too perfect :)


-Brandon