A Match Made In Heaven

Isabella's Baby Blessing

2010-05-25T14:10:00.015-06:00

Isabella Sacred Groves was blessed by her father Rory on April 25th 2010. It was a wonderful day. We were touched by all who went out of their way to be there for us. In addition to our parents, siblings (and their families), and grandparents, we had some aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who were there. Isabella was blessed in a specail blessing gown (cap and booties) that were hand made by Rory's Aunt Joan. After the blessing we all went backh to my parents home (Isabella was blessed in my parents ward where I grew up in.) for food, conversation, and family pictures for my side of the family (for who knows when we will all be in the same place again). It was a special day filled with great memories. Here are some pictures for those unable to atend.

It was the best of time, it was the worst of times...

2010-05-25T00:52:00.011-06:00

It is hard for me to write when I am really stressed out, or not feeling well which pretty much sums up this last year. Which is why I haven't written in this blog until now.

When I think about this last year, I am reminded of Dickens’s opening to his famous book, A Tale of Two Cities: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..."

Being sealed to Rory for time and all eternities, has to figure as one of the best of the best of times. Being sick at said wedding and subsequently though the honeymoon would have to rate mildly as one of the worst of times.

Discovering that I was going to be a mother, also figured as one of the best of best times. Getting so sick I was nearly hospitalized (nearly loosing my baby and dying myself) multiple times during said pregnancy, would have to rate as one of the worst of times.

However life this last year was not all extremes for our family. There were many things of note that happened which could easily fall in between the categories of the best and the worst.

I had the opportunity to teach a semester at The TJEd Academy and Prep School (specifically the Love of Learning Class. AKA 6-12 year olds) for a whole semester after I got back from my honeymoon.

My, mother, sister and I were able to officially launch The Princess Academies (an international organization for mother and daughters which promotes: helping women in their quest to rediscover and develop the lost arts of godly womanhood in their lives, strengthen their mother-daughter relationships, and build a community of women who can help enable each other in fulfilling their respective missions.) In June of 09 we launched our official Website: http://princessacademies.com/

Rory was kept busy with his job at the LDS Print Center, His calling as the 1st Councilor in the Elders Quorum Presidency in our ward, taking care of me (for I really was very sick most of the pregnancy) and working on his various commissioned art projects.

In November we found out (right before Thanksgiving) that we were having a little girl. I was totally excited. Rory had really wanted a little boy for his first child, however when Isabella turned toward us (during the ultrasound) and looked right at the screean and then yawned, she melted her daddy’s heart and wrapped him around her little finger. We had much to be thankful for that Thanksgiving.

Christmas is always my favorite time of year. Rory went all out to help make it extra special. He helped me decorate, and since I could finally cook without throwing up he helped me to make Christmas goodies. Including gingerbread houses. It was great sharing Christmas morning with just Rory, before heading to first his parent’s house then mine. The next day we left (with my sister and her husband and daughter) to drive to California to visit my older brother and his family. With the exception of coming down with a horrible flue on the way home the trip was wonderful.

In January Rory got a new job working for the church. Now he works at the church office building (though he actually works all over the place.) His job is to help take care of all the printers and copier for the church buildings. From inventorying them, to installing them, to replacing them when needed…

At one point we were planning on buying a house, but the one we wanted fell though two weeks before Isabella was born. So now we have moved to a different apartment complex (closer to where Rory works) where some family lives. Here we are able to go month to month and not have to sign a 14 or 18 month lease so we can still be looking for a house.

Due to my heart condition, and toxemia I had quite the labor and delivery. Isabella Sacred Groves was born early in the morning on March 24th (the day before Rory’s 29th Birthday and 10 days after our 1st anniversary). After 51 hours of labor the last 6 of which were agony. She was worth ever moment of it.

A few weeks later (while the whole Goff family was in town for my Brother-in-law’s college graduation, and my brother’s Eagle court of honor) we were able to bless little Isabella.

That is not everything, but covers the most important events of this last year. Now that life is settling down, and I am feeling better I hope to write more regularly in this blog as well as my personal one.

Until next time,
Jewels

Internet Access at Last

2009-05-18T13:13:00.002-06:00

Rory and I finally have Internet service hooked up in our apartment. This means we can start updating our blog more regularly. We have lots to write about, from our wedding, to our honeymoon, to our everyday life together since then. We also hope to soon post pictures to accompany our posts to help keep our family and friends updated in the story of us.

More soon....

Unofficial Engagement Photos

2009-03-11T16:38:00.016-06:00

Because Rory and I chose to have non traditional Wedding Announcements (with cartoon versions of ourselves verses engagement photos), I wasn't going to have any engagement pictures taken.

However, my dear friend and wedding photographer Kay Figueroa, insisted that I change my mind. She told me that I needed some good pictures of both Rory and me (taken in a non wedding setting which we could put on our wall or in a photo album).

I agreed, so last week we all got together and had a royal blast taking these pictures together. So I guess you can call these my un-official engagement photos. (I'll post a few for your enjoyment)

The Reception

2009-03-09T13:15:00.003-06:00

Originally I was just going to hold my reception at our Church's Cultural Hall. After all we have been counseled by our church leaders not to let our reception overshadow the Wedding Sealing (which is understandable since the Sealing is what is most important). However, a few weeks ago my boss came to me and told me that she had worked it out with the owners of the Old Colonial House (where our Bookstore currently resides) to let me have my reception there while the bookstore was open.

I fell in love with the idea. After all people have receptions in art galleries, why couldn't I have mine in a bookstore? I quickly accepted, and called Rory to tell him the news. He was just as excited as I was, though more so for the fact that the Reception hall is in Lehi, which is more moderately in between both of our friends and families (since my family lives in Orem, and his live in Magna.)

However just this weekend I learned that our little Bookstore is moving across and down the street this week just before my wedding. At first I was worried. After all, would this move affect my reception? I was assured by my boss that I was not to worry. The wonderful owners of the Old Colonial House are still allowing me to hold my reception there ( it will just look like a reception hall and not a bookstore.).

I thank the Abbots (the owners of the Old Colonial House) and my Boss Daniela Larsen (the owner of Classic Books and Gifts) for making my reception possible in this old historic building which I have long fallen in love with in the many weeks that I have worked there.

Bridals!!

2009-03-03T22:10:00.014-07:00

This last week I went and had my bridals taken. One of my closest friends Kay Figueroa was the photographer. She is a amazingly talented artist with a BFA in Photography.

I felt like a fairy tale princess as I walked the grounds of "the castle" (in Provo), dressed in my wedding gown, tiara, veil, and ruby slippers. All week I have been filled with anticipation for how the photos would turn out. So, of course, I was ecstatic when my friend texted me this afternoon that the pictures were ready!

I knew she was good, but...Wow! These pictures surpassed even my expectations. Here are a few, of my favorites:

Wedding Announcements!!!!

2009-02-13T11:17:00.008-07:00

One of the first things I came to know about my future husband was how talented he is with his drawing. I especially love his cartoons. There is a quality about them that is hard to find these days. He says that his inspiration is Calvin and Hobbs, and Peanuts. I can understand why.

From the first time I saw his work, I dreamed of what a cartoon of me would look like. That's why when Rory proposed to draw a cartoon of us for our announcement instead of the traditional engagement picture, I was in complete agreement. I had wanted to do something more unique and that is exactly what I got.

If you would like to receive your own copy of our announcement, but haven't sent us your address, then this is your last chance. We are planning to send them out this coming week, so please get us your information ASAP.

Stitched by a Friend

2009-02-12T22:53:00.004-07:00

A few weeks ago I was approached by a dear family friend Robyn Devey, who offered to make me a veil. I already had one (which I inherited along with my dress over a year ago.), but told Robyn that I would love to have her make me one. It was after this that I found out that she has been trying to start up a business in making custom veils. I became all the more excited.

We sat down to decided what I wanted, and the end result was way different than I had originally planned. (and soooo much cooler!) Instead of a veil attached to a beaded headband that reached my waist. I now am in possession of a simple, yet elegant veil attached to a comb (the women who read this will know what I am talking about) that falls down past my knees with little crystals and pearls scattered throughout.

I truly feel like a princess when I wear it. Especially when I am wearing my tiara that I'll be wearing. So there you have it, another tidbit about my preparations for the upcoming big day.

How did you know that you were in Love? How did you know it was right to get married?

2009-02-06T00:37:00.003-07:00

A few days ago a good friend and coworker of mine asked me how I knew I was in love with Rory, and how I knew it was right to marry him. I could tell that my answer was important to her, so I thought very carefully before I gave my answer.

The answer was simple. Rory was everything I had always dreamed of but despaired of ever finding. He is a prince among men. He was an answer to many a heartfelt prayer of mine to my Father in Heaven.

How so? my friend asked

Hmmm….How to explain…?

Well, I said. You know how when you are dating it seems as if you always have to try so hard? You can’t let your guard down for a minute? That no matter how much you may like the person there are still awkward moments? Well, that was never the case with Rory. From the very first I felt completely as ease with him. I was just me and he was just him, and that was fantastic. This was something even my family noticed. Never in my life had they seen me soo at peace as the first time they saw us together.

However, it was more then that.

How so? My friend asked.

Hmmm…Again how to explain..,?

Before I had met Rory I had almost given up. There were many young men I knew who were so called active in the church. They were returned missionaries, temple recommend holding, church attending, and over all nice guys. Yet there was something missing. Many of them were what has been termed "Peter Pan’s" for many different reasons.

Even more, I had been raised to be an old fashioned girl. I believe that except for certain exceptions that women are desperately needed in the home. Yet where to find a young man these days who believed the same thing? How to find a man who would not just support my decision to follow the prophet, and be a stay at home wife and mother, but who would understand why and want it himself.

I have worked hard over the years and sacrificed much to stay out of debt, set aside for the future, gain an education, and learn new skills. Yet few valued or understood why I was doing so.

I have thought much of my future family. I think of how I wish to raise them. What sort of education I will strive to give them. The environment I wish to have in my home and what sort of spirit I wish to invite in. I have thought of what traditions I wish to have, and soo much more. However for all my thinking and planning I knew it takes two to have a marriage, and to start a family. It concerned me when I saw few young men who had even thought of these things let alone whose views, desires, and goals were aligned with mine.

I want to follow the prophet in every way possible both temporally as well as spiritually; from regular temple attendance to food storage. It is all important if one desires to come to Christ, and be an instrument in his hands. I have very clear and set eternal goals, which I am seeking to obtain. Yet few young men I have talked to (and I have talked to many) have ever stopped to really think beyond getting married in the temple as far as their Salvation goes.

In addition to the fear that I would never find someone on the same page with me in all of these important things, was my fear of relationships and commitment in general. I have watched as the marriages of many of friends have been strained and have even failed due to a spouse choosing to put electronics before them in a marriage, spouses changing and falling away from the gospel, or becoming controlling, or critical to a fault. (Really the list can go on. Needless to say that despite the good examples of Christ centered marriages in my life I have been afraid to commit and because of that I have not allowed myself to fully love).

Yet all of this changed when Rory came into my life. Not only was I so at peace in his presence and confident even. In addition to all of that. I found my match (Not only does he attend Church, but he has a powerful testimony of the gospel and a very pure/light spirit about him. He has a rare maturity for his generation. Not only does he have a desire to follow the prophet, but he has thought long and hard of what that actually means. He has eternal goals which he actively works towards. He takes his responsibilities very seriously. He is hard working, and willing to sacrifice when need arises. He is tender hearted, always reaching out to serve his fellow man. He treats me like a queen, and what’s more he treats his mother and sister the same way. He is talented, in his artwork, and really a very intelligent man who values education. He wants to have a home and a family and has thought about the many aspects that go into having that.). Rory is my equal and my partner in all things. We may have different roles, talents, abilities, backgrounds, and insights, but we have the same desires, goals, and dreams.

When I realized all of this (not long after we started dating) I decided that the only way I could overcome my fear of relationships and commitment was to turn to the Lord. So that is what I did. Now I know that soul mates (a couple who promised each other before coming to this earth that they would find each other and marry) are extremely rare. However, I do believe that the Lord is actively involved in preparing people for each other and bringing them together for their mutual joy and their ability to fulfill their foreordained missions. In believing this I asked the Lord if Rory was the one who was being prepared for me, if the Lord had been the one to bring us together, and if this relationship was approved of by him. I quickly received the answer of YES to all of the above. God brought us together, and He doesn’t make mistakes. Once I had this confirmation all my fears fell away, and I couldn’t help but give my heart to Rory Robert Groves. Which is why I know it is right to marry him.

By the end of my explanation my friend seemed to be a little more at peace with a question she held in her heart. I pray that in writing this for the world to see, that someone reading this may be similarly helped as well.

It Fits!!!

2009-01-25T11:08:00.002-07:00

Back on the 4th of January I mentioned that mother and I were in what my mother teasingly refers to as Bridal Boot Camp. Due to my injury this last year (I broke my ankle, almost completely tore off all the ligaments of that some ankle all the way around, and dislocated my ankle and knee all at the some time. ) I was laid up for almost 5 months which caused me to gain some unwanted weight. Mother gained a little weight as well, due to all the work and stress that went into her Master's Thesis which she had to finish in order to graduate.

Now I didn't look overweight Per Se for my body hides it very well, but when I went to try on the wedding dress I inherited from my sister-in-law right before the accident (which fit me perfectly at the time) it no longer fit. Actually to tell the truth, when I tried to get the zipper up in the back it only got about half way up and then there was a 4 inch gap.

So I started Bridal Boot Camp, for I was determined to wear this gown at my wedding (and be healthy). A little over a week ago I had to try on the dress again, and it still wouldn't zip up. Though I was slightly pleased to note that the gap was only about 2 inches that time.

Two days ago I was almost ready to give up. After weighing myself I realized that where I had been working out for a little over a month now, my weight had only dropped by about 8 pounds. Looking in the mirror I couldn't see any dramatic differences. My mother talked me into trying on my dress one more time. I stepped into it, and almost fell over when the zipper went right up without any trouble. I was shocked that, where it had seemed to me, judging by the scale and the mirror that I wasn't making any progress I had in fact lost 4 inches around my rib cage!

I still have just under 6 weeks left before I get married to the most wonderful man in the world (one who loved me as I was, yet supported me in my goal to better myself). Though Mom and I will continue Bridal Boot Camp until the wedding (for one can always improve),I find that a burden has been lifted from my shoulders and my heart is lighter.

P.S. some have asked me what my bridal boot camp diet is. It's simple. I didn't cut out eating sweets I just made the portions more moderate. I ate at least 1 salad a day often 2. I made sure my meal portions were moderate (so I wouldn't over eat.) I drank more water. And last but not least I worked out with mother for an 1 1/2 every day (except Sunday and some Saturdays). Our work outs were varied between walking, and water aerobics.

The Lights Go Up At Temple Square

2009-01-20T02:29:00.006-07:00

After our first date (the weekend of my birthday) Rory and I were constantly in the presence of either his family or mine whenever we managed to get together (which turned out to be every few days.). We were old fashioned courting.

Our second date didn't happen until The day after Thanksgiving when Rory took me to see the lights turn on at Temple Square. We had decided to make a day of it by going through the Church Museum, Visitor Center and other special sites at temple square before meeting up with his younger brother and his soon to be fiancee to see the lights.

We had soo much fun that day, walking all over Temple Square and looking through the cool exhibits at the Church Museum, and the Visitor Center. We talked about many things, and just just enjoyed being alone with each other (though technically we were surrounded by many people the whole time).

That night as we walked around the Temple grounds there in Salt Lake with our hands intertwined, I knew that I had finally found the man whom I would someday marry. I am glad that Rory remembered to bring his camera, and that his brother was willing to take a few pictures of us together that night so that I can better treasure up the memories of that special day.

As a side note, Rory was watching Fox 13 news about the lighting of Temple Square when he saw that we were in the news footage. He forgot all about it until last night when something jogged his memory and he told me. Tonight mother and I looked it up on line and found that news broadcast clip. Sure enough, for a brief moment, we were shown from the neck down walking together with our hands intertwined. (right when the reporter said that "next to children in strollers the most common sight...hands intertwined...") Love really was in the air that night. I wonder if I can get a copy from Fox 13 of that news clip or if they had any more footage of us that they didn't show...? Wouldn't that be cool for our Personal Family History?!?

For those interested in seeing the clip go to: http://www.myfoxutah.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=7965956&version=12&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1

(I am wearing a long brown suede coat and a cream colored scarf, and Rory is waring a bulky black jacket and stripped scarf.)

Addresses, Addresses, Addresses

2009-01-17T08:46:00.002-07:00

With less then two months left till our big day, Rory and I are working away at designing, making and sending out our wedding invitations. Since Rory is a very talented cartoonist and over all artist; (it's not just me saying it. Everyone who has seen his work agrees) Rory is designing a very special invitation for us. It will be simple, elegant, creative, and soooo us.

My job right now is to buy the supplies and to gather the names and addresses of all whom we will be sending these invitations out to. This is easier said then done. I have been working on names and addresses for a few weeks now, and I still have a long way to go. So as a plea, for those who read this blog, if you want an invitation, and have not already sent me your address, then please e-mail me at sistergoff@gmail.com ASAP. Thank You!

Gentleness, Innocence, and Loyal love

2009-01-13T07:45:00.003-07:00

When I was a girl I became fascinated with the meanings of different flowers. In olden days painters would put hidden messages in their paintings by adding certain flowers (with knotted ribbon).

As soon as I learned this. I immediately looked up my favorite flowers to discover their meanings. I decided then that I would choose the flowers for my future wedding not only by the merit of their look or color, but also by the message they would bear.

With that said... I sat down a few days ago with a dear friend Julie Falo (who I discovered not only does flowers for weddings etc, but was in fact the person responsible for the beautiful flower arrangements at many of my close friends' weddings) to plan out the flowers for my upcoming wedding.

I very much enjoyed out little session in which we decided on what flowers I will have at my reception, how we will arrange my center pieces, and what my bouquet will look like. I am now soooo excited. For everything will be so beautiful.

Rory and I wanted vibrant colors to welcome spring into our lives. So at the wedding I will have vibrant colored Gerber Daisys, with dark Red Roses as an accent. For those interested in the meanings of these chosen flowers here they are:

Daisy: Gentleness, Innocence, Loyal love and Red Roses: Love, Desire, Respect, Courage

Bridal Boot-Camp

2009-01-04T20:16:00.003-07:00

On Monday my mother informed me that on the marrow, “Bridal Boot-Camp” would begin. So despite the fact that I didn’t get home till almost midnight that night (the long commute to see Rory is just about killing me…sigh I wish we lived a little closer) come 6:00Am I was dressed and ready to go work out at the gym with my mother.

Due to the fact that I was laid up with a serious injury for 5 months this year and mother was bogged down with finishing her Thesis, we have both gotten a wee bit out of shape. Ok, ok, we have gotten a lot out of shape. ~sigh~

So now we are paying the price to get healthy in time for my wedding which is less then 2 ½ months away. So every morning at 6 am we go to the gym and go running on the Elliptical Machine for about 45 minutes then we come home for a healthy breakfast (omelets made by me), and family scripture study. Then it is back to the gym, for a hour working out in the pool swimming and doing water aerobics.

Part two of Bridal Boot-camp is eating healthy Zone meals, which means cutting out my junk food (which is hard to do considering I still have a lot of my Christmas stocking goodies around) and last of all drinking lots of water.

Some of my family thinks I am going a little overboard with this health kick I am on (especially the double work outs). I must admit I was wondering how much of this was necessary myself. That is until I tried to put on my wedding dress.

As some of you know earlier this year I inherited my sister-in-law’s wedding dress. Years ago as one of her good friends and brides maids I helped her pick this beautiful gown out. I loved it at first sight and thought that I would love to wear something similar when my time came. So when she came to me earlier this year telling me that she was cleaning out her home and since she wasn’t planning on using it again it was mine if it fit me and I wanted it.

Well at the time it fit like a dream. However that was before my accident. I finally decided that it was probably a good idea to try it on once more to see where I stood. What a depressing thing. I am not fat or anything, but I am out of shape. This translates to mean that the beautiful wedding gown I had set my heart on wearing no longer fits me. I have just less than two and a half months to change that. In the mean time I have my dress hanging on my wall next to my closet to remind me what I am working toward.

I will fit into my dress and look great for my wedding. Any other possibility is unacceptable!

My Birthday Present..(Our First Date)

2008-12-28T18:22:00.003-07:00

Rory and I had been friends for a long time, however he had never asked me out. I think that part of the reason was because he was afraid of being rejected (which is just crazy for who would reject such an amazing guy?!?), and the other part was the fact that he lived up in Magna, I lived in Orem, and gas was just tooo expensive.

So for a long time we just kept in touch by writing letters and on-line chatting. I was beginning to wander if he would ever ask me out when all the sudden he did just that. I was excited for he wanted to take me out for my birthday.

He knew that I was not planning to do anything special for my birthday; just work all day, then go and work in the temple till late that night. He also knew that I had been wanting to go hiking now that my ankle injury was finally mostly healed. So he asked if I would like to go hiking that Saturday? Of course I said yes!

Because God loves me (as I am sure He loves all of you too), the gas prices went down just in time for our first date. When Rory arrived he was carrying a glass vase full of the most beautiful flowers. My heart went to gooo... (as did my mother's and my little sister's. What a thoughtful young man.)

The hike was wonderful. After so many months of inactivity due to the severity of my injury it was heavenly to be out of doors being active again. We talked about all sorts of things, (family, traditions, education, politics, history, books, etc...) on our hike. After our hike he took me out to eat at the Olive Garden, (though we got lost a time or two on the way there).

When we got back to my house I invited him in for a drink of water for his voice started sounding horse. (Rory hadn't mentioned that he had been soo sick that week that he had actually stayed home from work the day before. sigh. The exposure during our hike and the talking caused him to relapse...sigh) When we got inside my family converged. First my little brother, then my little sister...Each talking to him as if they had known him all their lives. Before I knew it I had gotten a call from mom asking if I could start dinner. Then the rest of the family showed up.

Needless to say that where our date had started at 12:00pm that afternoon; it lasted until 11:00pm that night. The last 6 hours of which we spent with my family. Where I had had an especially wonderful day and considered Rory the best birthday present I had ever had...I was worried that I would never be blessed with a second date. After all though my family is truly amazing, they can be a bit much for some people.

Something Blue...(A Christmas Engagement)

2008-12-27T22:53:00.007-07:00

For the last few weeks (ever since Rory discovered I was making him something for Christmas), Rory has been trying to discover what his Christmas present from me was. He tried bribing my little brothers but store bought cookies just don't have to same appeal to one who is used to the amazingness of home-made cookies (especially Goff made cookies) He tried getting it out of my sister, and my mom, but again to no avail...All anyone would tell him was that it was something blue.

In return Rory informed me that my gift was something blue as well. Whenever he said this there was always a twinkle in his eyes that made me wonder what he was up to. When Christmas came around I was awash in anticipation.

Due to the bad weather, and recent close calls in icy roads Rory's parents insisted upon driving him down Christmas morning (since his family was already going to be halfway to my home visiting grandparents). When they arrived we exchanged gifts. First we opened the gifts given to each of us from family, then I gave him my present. I had crocheted him a blue scarf. He immediately put it on then asked if I was ready for my "something blue".

I tore off the wrappings and was surprised to see a box for a new set of scriptures in blue leather. I was surprised yet Happy for I had needed a new set for a long while (my last good set fell apart on me near the end of my mission due to excessive use.). I was about to put them aside when someone asked if I was going to open them. When I did I saw inscribed on the cover the name "JULIA ANN GROVES"...

I looked up in wonder and surprise to see my Beloved Rory on his knees in front of me and both our families. With love in his eyes and a smile on his face he asked me to marry him. Of course I said yes. This shall be a Christmas I will treasure in my heart forever...