We are still alive and very in love! by Anna

Oh hey bloggers!

We haven't posted in awhile, and for that I apologize... but half-heartedly because I am in Romania and I keep up with a blog for my internship. (Which, if you're interested, can be found at myromanianinternship.wordpress.com) And Cameron is very busy working full time, while traveling to interview for Graduate Schools, and finishing planning for our big day! Well, let me rephrase that. I plan out what I want and Cameron makes it happen. I'm better at ideas and he's better at logistics, so it works out perfectly!

Cameron has been accepted into BYU's MFT graduate program!!!! We are very excited that his first interview went well and that we already have one acceptance. We still have 3 more schools to interview at and hear back from and then we will have to make a decision! Woo big decisions that come along with marriage! (Do you like all the "we's in that paragraph? I can't wait to be a WE!)

The wedding plans are coming together quite nicely (at least as far as I can tell from thousands and thousands of miles away...) We are working on flowers/bridesmaid outfits/groomsmen outfits currently. And probably lots of other things that I don't know about, which is great, too! Spring clothes are finally out and going on sale! This makes shopping a lot easier than November/December when everything was dark winter colors.

Cameron says the Honeymoon is all planned out and he's getting everything booked away. I'm excited to finally see what he's been planning for forever! I'm sure it will be a blast, especially since it will be with the most fun husband ever! I know we are going to Orlando, FL which will include the beach and Universal Studios, but that's all I know! I'm super stoked.

Which, while we're on the subject... We are selling 2 one-week long time-shares the same time we are staying in Orlando. Check out the details here: http://tallahassee.craigslist.org/vac/2770855774.html. No, we would not be making this a double-date-like vacation... it is our honeymoon. We will see you when you check in on Saturday and when you check out. So, no worries about that :) And please, if you know of anyone who might be interested, pass along the information to them. That would help a lot! Thank you :)

On a different topic....

I (vicariously through my mother) bought Cameron's wedding band!!! My mother and I visited SO many jewelry stores during Christmas break... It was a bit ridiculous. I would venture to say we went to maybe 15 different jewelry places (and that doesn't include our 2-3 multiple visits to several of the stores) ... to name a few: ShaneCo, Fred Meyer Jewelers, Morgan Jewelers, Sierra West, Zales, Wilson Diamonds, Losie Diamonds, and the list goes on... We didn't end up going with any of these stores. What had happened was.. We were on the lookout for a particular jewelry store (I don't remember which one) and we pulled off to the side of the road because we were lost and couldn't find it. Coincidentally, we had pulled into a different jewelry store parking lot. What the random? Where did this store come from? It's worth a shot! So we went in and found an "estate ring" that we loved! Long story later.... we bought it! Yeah! It still needs some work, so it's not completely ready, yet. But when it's finished, it will look so FINE! I'm excited! Now the question is.... Do I let him see it before the wedding day or do I wait?

Pros for letting him see it:

• He can decide what kind of finish he would like best
• He can wear it for our Formals that we're getting done the Monday before the wedding

Cons:

• Wedding day surprise is somewhat ruined? But not really since he didn't help pick it out and it would only be 2 weeks prior to wedding day... And this is my only con. But since I am horrible with surprises I was thinking this would be ONE thing I could surprise him with..... Suggestions?!

Either way, I just hope he likes it. And if not, he will never tell me. So win win! ;)

We decided that we are celebrating OUR Valentine's Day when I get back. He says that it's already planned out, as well. He's really great at making sure I always feel important and that I am his #1 priority. It's fantastic :)

If you're wondering how we are handling long distance that is 8 time zones apart... let's just say it's been an adventure. And it makes us appreciate email and skype. I also look forward to the day that we are finally together again! And then we will never have to be apart from each other :)

This would be my desktop background. He's keeping my ring safe and sound :)

PS 2 months and 13 days until the wedding! Less than two months until I come home! Bittersweet indeed. So many things to look forward to!!

PPS Please leave comments on the wedding ring surprise dilemma... :) Thanks!

-Anna Brown-

Christmas Break! By: Anna

This will be a quick recap!

I spent 3 weeks in SLC with my mom and then 10 days with the Browns in San Antonio, Texas.
Christmas was fun- it was just me, Luke, and Mom. New Years was also fun. I was able to spend it with my Provo friends and we had a grand ole time :)
During break I was able to get my wedding dress, buy a wedding cake, and do miscellaneous wedding to-dos. Very productive!
Texas was super fun! I got to spend some much needed time with Cameron. And I was also able to visit one of my best friends, Kelly Rogers! She leaves for her mission in a few weeks, so I was really excited that I was able to see her before the departure.
Leaving for Romania was a lot harder than anticipated... but I just have a lot of faith that this is where I am supposed to be right now!

If you want to follow my blog for Romania, go here!

I won't be posting in this blog during my trip.. and I doubt Cameron will be either, but I could be wrong!

Love this guy

Happy New Year! :)

Temple Here We Come! by Cameron

As it has been posted before, Anna and I are engaged to be married on Friday, May 4th, 2012. We are both SO excited to begin our new life together filled with romance, careers, children, grandchildren, in-laws, moves, cooking, vacations, etc. We can honestly say that we are marrying our best friend. We are not only so grateful to have each other, but to have been raised, supported, and loved by incredible families. It was our families that really assisted in shaping us into who we are today and ensure that we are well rooted in Jesus Christ.

Our wedding is going to be a very unique one. On May 4th we will be married in the Salt Lake City, Utah LDS (Mormon) temple. The picture to the right here is of that very temple. This temple was built and is currently owned/operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or also known as Mormons or LDS. LDS temples are found all over the world and are incredible structures that are not only beautiful on the outside but also on the inside. Their beauty comes from the intricate detail of craftsmanship, the large stature, and breathtaking landscapes but also from the magnificent things that occur inside them.

Sacred practices and ceremonies occur within temples by worthy LDS members. These ceremonies assist us and others to draw closer to God and ultimately give us the opportunity to live with Him again in heaven. This is what Anna and I will be doing on our wedding day. On May 4th we will be married not only for the amount of time that we are alive on this earth but forever (yes, I know that is a VERY long time). This eternal or forever marriage is made possible through the power and authority of God given to man here on earth called the priesthood. This authority to practically super glue Anna and I together is given to worthy individuals by God.

This forever marriage gives us such a broader perspective of life with each other. It allows our relationship to never end, even through death. It's an indescribable feeling to know that you will ALWAYS have someone by your side. We are so grateful to be married in this type of manner and to know that our relationship and our future family will always be together not just "till death do us part" or within 72 days like Kim and Kris. We will be together no matter what. We are very grateful that God has given us this opportunity live forever, together.

If  you would like to learn more about these sacred temples, where they are located, and what occurs in them just click here. If you would like to learn more about Anna and I's strong faith click here or simply shoot us an email, FB message, or Gchat. Woo for eternal families!