2 Years Ago

Right now I am home alone with baby Stella while Hadley attends a soccer game with our good friends, and Jon is at the temple with the youth in our ward. As I sit here in a very quiet house, looking at my brand new baby I am brought to tears. My life is so wonderful, and one of the main reasons it is so wonderful is because of my loving husband.

Exactly two years ago, Jon proposed marriage to me. My memories of that day are something I will cherish forever. Back then I was so excited to start a life with Jon; I knew life with Jon would be bliss. Looking back, I can honestly say the past two years have exceeded any expectations I had going into this marriage. He is the best part of my life, and I am so glad I get to be with him forever. 

Jon, if you are reading this, I want to say thank you. Thank you for the Indiana Jones inspired proposal. Thank you for all of the sacrifices you have made for our family. Thank you for working so hard to financially support our family. Thank you for being an amazing dad to Hadley and Stella. Thank you for taking me on a date (almost) every week for the past two years. Thank you for doing the dishes and taking out the trash. Thank you for supporting me in my work and church calling. Thank you for inspiring me to be a better mother. Thank you for making me breakfast in bed for the past nine months. Thank you for putting up with me during pregnancy (you deserve all of the treasures in the world for that one). Thank you for loving movies and extra-buttered popcorn. Thank you for going above and beyond with your work and with your church callings. Thank you for the gift of baby Stella. Thank you for getting up with Stella and I in the middle of the night to help with feedings. Thank you for being a hands-on dad. Thank you for allowing me to be me. Thank you for loving me unconditionally. 

Big D

A little over fifteen years ago, my family ended a painful chapter of our lives, and we started an exciting new chapter of life. On March 11, 2000 my mom married Dave.  I wish I could go back in time, to Mom  and Dave's wedding, and smack my little 11 year-old self across the face. I treated Dave so poorly during his courtship with my mom. I didn't want my mom to move on. I didn't like the fact that a new guy was coming around and stealing my mom's time and attention. I didn't like that he demanded respect. I didn't like that he was moving our family (again). I feel so horrible for the way my siblings and I treated Dave in the early days of our relationship.  

Thankfully my attitude has changed for the better. Dave, AKA Big D, is the greatest example of what a husband and father should be. When he married my mom, he had already raised six kids of his own.  Im sure the last thing he wanted to do was raise six more young kids. But he did. I have never even heard Big D complain about raising my siblings and me. Big D stepped in and became the only steady father figure in my life. He financially supported all of us kids so my mom could stay at home and raise us.

Big D provided opportunities that only a loving father can provide for his kids. He took me on daddy daughter dates. He taught me the importance of work and a good education. He taught me how to respect those around me (especially my mom). He was a huge support in gaining my own personal testimony of the church. He taught me to never settle for anything but the best. He supported me in every tennis match, piano recital, violin concert, and academic night I ever had. He sat through hours upon hours of Young Women recognition nights, and always congratulated me whole heartedly at the end of every event. He was my biggest cheerleader throughout my teen years.

This post wouldn't be complete without mentioning Big D's goofy side. If you know Big D, then you must know something about his humor. He is quite possibly the most hilarious man I have ever met. Now let me share some inside jokes/stories about Big D:

• Pet Pinecone
• Highlighter love notes
• Reusable trash bags
• Milk and bread for breakfast
• Jumping up and down for joy with me
• "Hey Rach. I need you to empty the dishwasher. Like now. When do you think you can get it done? I need it done now."
• Hearing the dreaded footsteps upstairs followed by, "Hey Rach. Your mom and I have to talk to you. Can you come up here now." After which you have to sit in the much feared floral chair and have Dave have a stern talk with you (all of which are scripted by mom on one of her notebooks.)
• "Big slugger"
• "Holy H"
• "What's the scoop?"
• Mowing the lawn with his Jazz hat that looks like it might fly away at any given moment.
• He taught us through example what the true meaning of "frugal" is. 
• Driving with his head laid back on the seat. 
• Looking at lots and lots of rock formations
• A joke about a blind eye
• Pretty sure he has the best story about bubble gum
• Being awaken by his screams at the TV during a sporting event

Today is a great day, today is Father's Day. When I think of the word "father", my step-dad Dave comes to mind and I am so lucky to have Big D as my dad.

PS: I thought I would leave you all with a picture of mister GQ himself. ;)

Another Jon Post

This is going to get mushy. Like really mushy. You have been warned…. continue with caution.

Read the quote above. Everything about that quote reminds me of Jon. Jon makes me immensely happy. I am beyond blessed to have a best friend and husband wrapped up into one. He makes life so much fuller and brighter. I am one lucky and blessed girl to have Jonathan Hughes as my husband.

Upon returning home from his mission back in the early 2000’s, Jon dated like crazy in hopes to get married. He continued to date like a madman for 10+ years. He often wondered why marriage wasn’t happening for him. He was doing everything he was supposed to be doing in order to meet and marry a nice young lady, but it never happened for him. Then, one day through a strange series of events, he met me. We had an interesting first date that eventually led to an eternal marriage. Every day I wake up next to the most amazing man, and every day I thank my lucky stars that no one snatched him up during his 10+ years of dating.

Jon and I are quickly approaching our one-year anniversary of marriage. This year has been eventful to say the least, and has flown by. I can honestly say I love Jon more today than the day I married him. As I look back at this year of marriage I am reminded of just how awesome my husband is. Here are some examples:

Jon is a loyal and dedicated employee. He just celebrated his ninth year with his company. Jon aspired to a particular position at his company, and actually earned this dream position a few months before we were married. He was great at this position, and he absolutely loved it. However, a few months into our marriage Jon quickly realized this position required quite a bit of travel and time away from home. After much thought and prayer, Jon decided to step down and take a less demanding position so he could be more available for our family. In fact, this new position is a work-from-home position.

So, within just twelve months time, Jon went from his jet-setting dream job and bachelor lifestyle, to a work-from-home stay-at-home-dad. With his new work-from-home position he was able to take Hadley to preschool, pick Hadley up from preschool, eat lunch with Hadley, and put Hadley down for a nap while I was at work. His huge career sacrifice may not look super impressive in the eyes of many, in fact, it may look like a down grade to most, but for Hadley and me, we think it is the most commendable thing anyone could have done. Hadley and I depend on him so much, and are continually grateful for this huge sacrifice he has made. In the eternal scheme of things, Jon is making major deposits in our eternal family bank account.

Here’s another example of how great my hubby is. Earlier this year we learned that Hadley needed oral surgery. Since I was out of personal days at work, Jon volunteered to be by Hadley’s side from start to finish. If any of you know Hadley, you know how dramatic she can be. To put it lightly, Hadley was less than perfect at the doctor’s office. Jon handled the whole situation like a pro. He was so kind, loving and patient with Hadley. In fact, one of my coworkers happened to be at the same doctors office that day with her child and she commented that she had never seen a more loving and patient dad. She couldn’t believe Jon only had less than a year of parenting experience.

Here are some other things I love about Jon:

• ·      He does all the dishes. I have not touched a dirty dish since last year.
• ·      Jon wakes up early on Saturday morning and cleans the whole house with me.
• ·      Jon takes me on a date every week, without fail.
• ·      Jon coaches Hadley’s little league soccer every single week with a huge smile on his face, and they are not an easy group.
• ·      Jon gets up with Hadley every single morning, so I can get a few extra minutes of sleep each day.
• ·      If I have a problem of any kind, Jon helps me solve the problem.
• ·      Jon gets down on the floor and plays with Hadley every night. Whether it be Barbie’s or wrestling, he does it all.
• ·      About once a month I have my Mia Maid group come over for an early morning breakfast. Jon usually ends up making most of the breakfast and cheerfully welcomes my big group of teenage girls into our home.
• ·      Jon encourages and inspires me to be the best mom, wife, teacher, and Young Women leader I can be. 

Just like the quote above says, Jon loves me. Jon respects me. Jon honors me. Jon is true to me. Jon allows me to fly. Jon is kind and thoughtful. Jon is the hardest worker I know. Jon is honest to a fault, and Jon has an unshakable faith. To sum it all up, Jon is my prince charming. 

We may not have a fancy house with fancy things in it, and we may not be able to get away to an exotic island for our anniversary, but what we do have is worth so much more than any vacation or fancy item. We have each other, and we have an unbreakable partnership. Our life is not easy, in fact we have been bombarded with several trials and unexpected bumps in the road this past year, but I know that together we can get through anything that comes our way. I love you Jon. Thank you for the best year of my life and here’s to many many many more years together.

Wedding

Our wedding day was absolutely perfect. It is worth blogging about. 

WARNING: LOTS AND LOTS OF PICTURES

Jon and I were married on June 21, 2014 in the beautiful Oquirrh Mountain Temple. My mom’s first cousin, Elder William Walker performed the sealing. It was an absolutely beautiful ceremony and there were so many special and sacred moments while we were in the temple. 

I love this picture with all of my bridesmaids. 

From Left to Right:

 Ashlyn (cousin), Mallory (basically a sister), Christine (sister #2), Louisa (sister #4 ), Me,  Janelle (sister #3), Barbara Jo (sister #1), Alexis (best friend and cousin), Amanda (my new sister-in-law)

 Me with all of my siblings

My one and only brother. 

My parents, Alexis, Ashlyn, me, Aunt Heather, Uncle Paul, Darling Lyla

Jon and I with my awesome parents

The Hughes Family

Jon and I with his parents.

Our reception was held at Sleepy Ridge Golf Course. It was an amazing venue. The venue complimented our color scheme of gold and pale pink so well. 

The theme of our reception was “Once upon a time, in a galaxy far far away.” It perfectly tied in Jon’s love of science fiction and my obsession with fairytales. 

Our reception was so much fun. We had yummy food, tributes, dancing, a candy buffet, and an adorable little cake. 

This picture perfectly describes our interactions with Hadley all day long. Let's just say she doesnt love posing for pictures. 

 I adore my silly man. 

Hadley definitely thought it was her wedding day too. She made sure she was part of all the action. 

Jon's Star Wars cufflinks. They say, "I love you." and "I know."

Jon and I with my parents and our amazing and cousin Elder William Walker (he sealed us) and his wonderful wife, Vicki. 

So humbled by all of the love and support.

During our first dance, Hadley realized she need to be part of the dance. She happily joined us in our dance. Unfortunately, during the dance she went in to give Jon a hug and they bonked heads. She cried for the remainder of the song/dance. 

Jon even surprised me with a special lip-syncing performance. I think my face and Louisa's face say it all. In all seriousness, it was adorable and cheesy. I love cheesy. 

 Let the dancing begin. It was an absolute blast.

Bouquet Toss

 Mallory Wins.

 Sparkler Send Off.

That pretty much wraps up the most amazing day ever. Thank you to all who made our wedding day so special and wonderful.