Our Wedding: the luncheon

After all the picture taking, Jantz and I had to rush over to Johnny Carinos for our luncheon (we stayed behind everyone else to finish taking pictures). It was so surreal getting into our car for the first time, being married. And driving around town in a wedding dress sure is exciting, especially walking into a restaurant haha.

Anyway, once everyone was settled in, our parents each said a few words (filled with lots of tears ;) 

Then Jantz and I said some things. It was sweet.

Then we dug in and ate lunch. It was delish.

After the food came costco cake. 

Not only cheap but soo good . . . in fact I want some now haha.

Here's some more shots from lunch :)

After we were done, Jantz, Jacob (one of his groomsmen), and I had to pick up our cake. Talk about awkward sitting in the car as the boys went in to get it. Haha. Then we rushed home to get ready for the reception.

probably the best news ever! (well except for getting married - that was pretty great)

I defended my thesis! And it was a success!

That's right people, I am 90% finished with my master's degree. The hardest part is over and the end is in sight!

I was super nervous and I was asked some scary questions - they were expected, but that didn't make them easier to answer. But overall, I was proud of myself for my responses and for (hopefully) sounding like I knew what I was talking about.

My wonderful parents came, along with Jantz and a friend from my program, to watch. I seriously was so grateful to have so much support - it made me a lot calmer (although once the questions started, I didn't notice anyone in the room except for my committee). 

I thought after it was over that I would be less busy, but that has just not been the case. I still have corrections to make and lots of papers to grade. But not having to worry about defending has certainly relieved a lot of stress. It's just a relief to know that all the hard work really has paid off.

Just wanted to share :)

cotton candy

I was looking through some of our Disneyland pictures, and I'm so glad I did because I almost forgot about Jantz's first experience eating cotton candy. We were in California Adventure by a big hot dog place. I begged Jantz to buy me some cotton candy, and he obliged (because he loves me like that). We were all sitting at a table next to this big hot dog place, some of the fam eating hot dogs, others turkey legs, and others corn on the cob. We just had our cotton candy haha. It was so funny watching Jantz take his first bite. I took a whole series of pictures to capture the moment, but this one is by far one of the best:

He looks so worried. haha. I don't think he hated it because he ate more...but he wasn't too fond of the stickiness and the "dissolving in your mouth" feeling. So precious, and so funny to watch haha.

Other than looking through pictures, there isn't much else to report. I've been grading papers, looking for jobs, and preparing for my thesis defense. Jantz has been working, getting in the occasional game of fifa, looking for potential apartments, and of course making me laugh all the time.

April 9

That is the date of my thesis defense. 2 1/2 weeks. Whoa. These past couple weeks have been full of re-writing and re-reading. And I think/hope I finally have a great paper :)

I'm super excited, but also scared to death to defend (and to do everything comes after that, ie. move to another state, find a job, find a place to live). It's kind of funny. I've been waiting years to be done with school, to get a real job, to have no homework at night. But now that it's slowly about to come true...it's kind of really scary. I'm not qualified to be in the real world! haha, ok I guess I am. But looking for jobs is quickly becoming one of my least favorite things to do. Not because I can't find jobs, but because I hate applying for them. Readjusting my resume and rewriting cover letters is just no fun. But I know I have to do it, and I really am excited to start something new.

Sorry for the lack of posts...although hopefully our wedding pictures make up for some of it. haha.

That's most of what has been going on at our house. Oh, and Jantz and I are going to the museum today to see what is supposed to be an amazing Islamic exhibition :)

Our Wedding: the ceremony

I should preface this with a clarification...once I posted pictures of our invites, I realized I left out the best part of marrying Jantz (ok it's definitely not the best part). I didn't have to change my last name. Apparently I'm pretty lucky - I don't know what that means since I didn't have to go through the process haha. Don't worry, I didn't marry my cousin (that would be gross). We're not related (i mean, just look at us. opposites), just a weird coincidence :) And if your thinking I'm now going by "Gardner-Gardner", well, your pretty funny, and original ;)


Everyone made there way out the door and then it was my turn (yay!). And it was looking to go perfectly.....until my dad and I left the front door. Just as we rounded the corner where everyone could see us, I realized I had. forgotten. my. bouquet. How you ask? I honestly have no idea. I guess I was occupied with something else...like getting married. haha. I stopped mid-walk and whispered to my dad that I forgot my flowers, to which he ran back in the house to get them, and I got to stand there awkwardly as everyone watched (and filmed). Somehow we didn't get any pictures of it, but the video's pretty great. Once I had my beautiful bouquet in hand, we kept moving :)

The walk to the altar began at the front door (around on the left) and wound down around the house

to stone steps (next to a waterfall, gorgeous) that led to the lawn, 

which then led through the chairs and up to the middle of four trees where Jantz was waiting. It was long, but it was a beautiful walkway. As my dad and I walked down the steps I could begin to see Jantz. He's not one who cries much, but I was hoping for at least a smidgen of tears on our wedding day. I watched him as we left the steps and I promise I saw him get a little choked up (I don't think he's denies it, but in case he does, I say that it happened), and of course I was getting all sorts of teary-eyed. It was precious.

Once we made it down the aisle, I hugged my dad and took my place next to my future husband. 

I don't really remember what the bishop said (except that Jantz should always be "dating" me, which is a-okay with me). Jantz repeated his spiel and said "i do" - or maybe we said "yes" . . . I seriously dont remember. and then it was my turn and I totally said "yes" before I was supposed to . . . I hope no one heard me haha. Then we kissed and everyone was happy.

The one awkward thing about the ceremony was that Jantz and I hugged several times. I mean, they were good hugs, but it was awkward because kissing just seems like more a "wedding ceremony" type of action. Plus, hugging in front of a big group of people who are all staring at you is just weird.

Anyway, after we were "man and wife", we weren't really sure what to do (i promise we walked through it, but it was really brief and we didn't so much pay attention to the end part haha). So once we walked back down the aisle we sort of just stopped and everyone came over for hugs and such.

Then we started with the pictures.

Catch up

Here's my real quick post to have something better than my last post at the top. haha

Being busy doesn't even begin to explain this week. My thesis (a real final thesis) is due on Friday. When I get it back from my advisor it will go straight to my second reader. And from there it will go to all my committee. And then, my friends, I will defend my thesis (and hope/pray that it's successful).

So.......yeah. That's why I've been MIA.

But just to catch up, here's some fun things we've been able to squeeze in these past few weeks:

-made dinner (chicken taquitos) and desert (lava cakes) with the bestie and our husbands (and their adorable little girl). It was mucho delicious (because taquitos are spanish?) and a lot of fun!

[speaking of taquitos...Jantz says tAHquitos, whereas I say tUquitos. I feel like tAHquitos sounds more...proper? snooty? I don't know, but I like when people say it that way and I did not expect to hear him say it like that. haha]

-Jantz's dad came to visit. We went to dinner at some steak place...I cannot remember the name...but it was delicious. The second time in my life that I've ordered steak - prime rib for that matter - at a restaurant...and both of those times have happened this year. I blame Jantz.

-I finally have sucked Jantz into the Food Network. Granted, he'll only willingly watch Restaurant: Impossible. but that's progress people.

-oh, and! two of Jantz's sisters got engaged in February! And we are SOO excited for them!

-we finally got Jantz a new wedding ring! He hasn't been able to wear his...ever really because it gives him a rash on his finger (tmi? haha). So we finally went into our jeweler and got him one that he loves and that he nows wears at all times. It's so weird now seeing him with a ring on haha.

-and most notably, Jantz has been incredibly patient and supportive this whole semester as I stress over and work constantly on my thesis. There have been many days (and there will be many more over this next month) when I have to "ignore" him while I research/type/edit/research/type, when all I really want to do is spend time with him. He has been such a loving husband through all this. And I feel so lucky that he's mine.

-and so I don't leave you with too much lovey stuff. I also made oreo truffles while Jantz's dad was here. (thanks again deb ;) They were way easier to make this time because I only did half a batch and I heated up the chocolate in the microwave instead of in a makeshift double broiler on the stove that always goes skiwampus (cheating? yes. way easier for me to manage? heck yes). I'm glad that after all the dozens of times I made them I've finally found an easier way.....But you know, we could just buy a double broiler. haha.

Sometimes life is so unfair. . .

but then your husband cheers you up. This weekend started out with a few rough patches, but we got out of the house today and things started looking up. Some things you just can't control.

Life in the next few months is so uncertain right now I think it's draining my ability to worry about other more pressing matters (like if my thesis will ever be good enough). But I guess that's not a bad thing because I get to focus on the future, like moving to Colorado :)

Speaking of, we were there over presidents day weekend and it was so nice. Great place, great family.

I keep meaning to post more wedding pictures/stories, but I get so exhausted by the end of the day that I can't seem to make myself sit at the computer and do it. Sitting on the couch next to Jantz sounds like such a better choice. Haha, so the desire is there, and several posts are half written, but the action is lacking. I have faith I'll get to it soon though . . . I hope, haha.

love

If you want to know what the best part of marrying Jantz is...well it might just be everything haha. But one of the main reasons I fell in love with him was that he brought out who I really was. You know how sometimes you "shift" a bit when you're dating someone? Not on purpose of course, but sometimes you keep things in or don't do things you normally do. Well, once Jantz came along and we became friends, I totally let my guard down and for the first time I didn't hold myself back (probably because I didn't seriously think we would ever end up together, so who cares if I say/do what I want right?). And after he made it clear that he was serious about being with me, well, I knew it was the real me that he liked. And I think that is why we were able to be together (and eventually become best friends and get married :). Because you know, you shouldn't be with someone just because you love them (although you should love them) - because love comes in all shapes and sizes - you should be with them because they bring out the best in you, and that kind of love is so very special.


So here's my quick little Valentines Day post. I hope you all had a great day today and felt lots of love :)

Our Wedding: the invites

This post so should have been the first...but better late than never right?

Jantz's dad designed and printed our invites (and took our engagements...he's basically a creative renaissance man). They turned out better than I could have imagined:

it's hard to imagine how this looked after it
was folded...but the top is the inside,
and the bottom is the outside :) 

his birthday

Jantz's birthday was two weeks ago (has it really been that long???). Here's some pictures from his big day:

His mom flew in and took us out to dinner at Red Lobster, naturally. It was so nice having her here. She even made us breakfast the morning she left (best mother-in-law? yes sir). We were really sad to see her go.

I made Jantz a (pretty dang amazing) cake for him to come home to. Two layers of scratch-made Hersheys chocolate cake. I was surprised at just how much he loved it. Needless to say, we did not throw any of it away.

(I may have forgotten to buy candles...so we improvised with these)

Watching him open his presents was pretty entertaining. His mom got him some new shirts - and they were exactly what I have been wanting him to wear! He just looks so good (as seen in our dinner pictures :).

 I got him the Transformers 3-pack, those shoes, and the watch, and of course his beats by dre headphones (which he just loves).

And then, Friday night we got all dressed up and went to Carvers (steaks and seafood). It was super expensive, but so delicious. I'm not the kind of girl who usually orders steak...I don't really know why, I like steak, I just, don't order it. haha. but Jantz insisted and so I got some prime rib. And it was amazing

We originally had plans to celebrate with both of my parents that week, but I was uber selfish and begged Jantz to let us continue his celebration the next week so I could finish a draft of my thesis. He graciously obliged. So my dad and stepmom took us to (where else) PF Changs last week. It was so much fun. They really are so adorable (can I say that about my parents? haha) and are always full of funny stories.


To my wonderful husband: I hope you had a great birthday and got everything you wanted. I hope you felt so much love, because we all love you so much! You have been such an amazing husband these past several months and I really do feel lucky every day that I get to be around you. You work so hard to take care of us and you never lose sight of our future. You make me proud to be your wife. I love you :)

Our Wedding: getting ready

While the days leading up to the wedding were pure madness, the wedding morning was pretty serene. Once I got to the house, the girls came into the huge master bathroom and we all got ready. Our photographer, Jessica, from Flourish Photography, was there to capture every moment. I have to say, I loved her. She was so sweet and took so many incredible pictures. Of all the many choices to be made in the wedding process, having her do our wedding was one of the best. (don't you love when the little - or big - things go right for your wedding?)

My amazing sister-in-law Brooke did my hair, and it turned out exactly as I'd pictured it (another thing that went perfectly!).

The one of many tender moments that morning was when I took a moment to look out the window before I put my dress on. Everyone was busy getting ready so I had a quiet moment to myself. People outside were arriving and getting seated. And then I saw Jantz. He was talking to the bishop. Seeing him all dressed up, knowing he was soon going to be my husband, made me totally tear up with happiness (and without knowing it, Jessica somehow captured that moment - even though my back is turned, and probably no one else would know what was happening, it will always be a wonderful reminder of my feelings that morning.

I did my own makeup, and my mom helped me into my dress.

 such a trooper

As soon as I was ready, everyone was whisked downstairs to start walking. My dad came up to get me and we waited until Jantz had started walking. Then we hurried downstairs and got to the door just in time. . .

Our Wedding: pre-wedding

We've just crossed the 5 month mark, and I can't believe I still haven't posted any wedding pictures or given any recap. This past 5 months have gone by so fast. We got married, went on a mini honeymoon, moved into our apartment, suffered for 2+ weeks with a flooded/being fixed apartment, started school, had some great work changes, and in general have been having loads of fun.

So, to start off, here is my brief (or maybe not so much) recap of the few days before our wedding:

The Monday before our Thursday wedding, I drove out to Colorado. Jantz had to work until Wednesday, so he couldn't fly in until Wednesday night, which was a total bummer. He was still working the 2 to 10 shift, so we really didn't get to talk much that week. That was really hard. I felt so disconnected from him and so wrapped up in wedding stuff. I just remember feeling kind of lost those days leading up to the wedding. I knew I wanted to get married, but I was so scared about all the unknowns - I mean, I'd never been married before, so as far as I was concerned, it was like completely different from "normal" life. good thing i was way wrong haha. Looking back, no one could have said or done anything that would have made sense to me. I think getting married and being married is just one of those things you have to live through in order to understand it. Like getting your first kiss or your first boyfriend or having kids. No one can ever reassure you or explain it to you; you just have to go through it and find out for yourself. 

Anyway, I was in Colorado and spent the next few days shopping and getting things ready for the wedding. Jantz's mom helped me literally every step of the way. Best mother-in-law I could ever ask for. And sister-in-laws, for that matter. Ok, and in-laws in general. I married into such a great and loving family.

Wednesday night Jantz (finally) flew in. One of his groomsman picked him up from the airport. I think we saw each other for a few minutes before all the boys went off for a bachelor party. When they got home, it was pretty late and I was getting ready to head over to my parent's hotel to spend the night there. All I wanted to do was talk to him and kiss him and get excited for our big day. But of course his friends were still over so we had a rushed goodbye. I just remember thinking, it's already time? Everything was so crazy that it didn't seem all "fairytale" like (hopefully I'm not the only one who thought that...haha). I don't think it had really sunk in that I was getting married until the morning. I drove to the hotel, talked to my stepmom for a bit, and then went to bed like it was any other night. And I slept great. haha. Then I woke up, took a shower like it was no big deal, and drove to the house.

To get married. 

the husband's birthday

The husband's birthday is coming up fast. But am I worried about finding presents for him? Oh no, they are already bought and tucked away in our closet. It's being proud of the little things that really matters isn't it? While I did pretty good for Christmas, I'm super excited for his birthday. What did I get him for Christmas you ask? Well, I don't really remember now haha. I know I got him a football, because he has like every other sport ball except a football (and ironically he got another one with our sibling Christmas exchange, so, double score). And then I got him a comb - it seems silly, but he hasn't been able to find his since before we got married, so he's been using my girly pink comb for months, and I figured maybe he would like a manly black comb instead (I think he misses the pink one though because I've noticed he still uses mine sometimes...). Oh yeah and then I got him the new Drake CD. He really wanted it over Thanksgiving, but I wouldn't let him get it for some reason. So obviously I had to get it for him. I think he loved that present the most, haha - he listens to it all the time.

Since our Christmas budget was so small, I kind of went crazy with his birthday. I think I got him some really top notch presents (...I've been saying top notch recently and it weirds me out every time - who says that??? and yet here i am writing it haha). Plus he's getting himself some dream headphones (half off, mind you), so no matter what I know he'll be so happy on his big day. We've got some fun plans in the works, and I really can't wait!

just when you think...

...that your thesis has made great progress, your advisor brings you back to reality.

This past week has been really rough, I'm not going to lie. After working on my thesis all last semester, I really thought that things were going well. Sure there were a lot of changes to make, but overall I felt pretty proud of myself. Until Thursday. I met with my advisor, who kindly told me that I had to rewrite everything. Yep, everything. And in only a few weeks if I had even a smidgen of a chance to graduate in April. Somehow I didn't have a complete meltdown in her office. I felt like what needed to be done was just impossible (and I think I still do). But, I wasn't going to just give up after all this time. So I sucked up all my anger/fear/sadness and began rewriting. And it has been really hard. and slow. I sent some progress to my advisor, again feeling proud of what I'd done. Total letdown - still not good enough. If you're thinking now is the time a meltdown happened, well you'd be right. I saved it all for Jantz Saturday night. And even though I'd been keeping it all in for days, and I wasn't acting normal, and even though it was well past 1:00 a.m., he talked me through it. He let me cry and complain, and then gave me some advice. And it was really helpful advice, not just the usual "you can do it" that everyone else offers. It was like he knew what I needed to hear beyond the fluffy stuff. And even though now that I've been working really hard and still feel like I'm going nowhere fast, I don't feel as hopeless, because I know it has to be done, and Jantz isn't going to let me give up (even if I want to - and trust me, I've begged).

The next few weeks (heck the next few months) are probably going to be the hardest I've experienced yet. But I can do it....right? Wish me lots of luck as I attempt the impossible task of completing my thesis :)

Christmas, Disneyland style

Home again

Welp. We made it back safe and sound from our adventures in the land of Disney. We got home around 12:30am Tuesday morning, then slept in until 11:40! I think that's the latest we've ever slept in since we've been married. haha. but it was much needed sleep. As soon as we got up we (meaning Jantz) made us a delicious "Christmas morning" breakfast. We already did Christmas on Christmas, but we still had a few more to open at home. So we opened our presents. Jantz seemed pretty surprised/excited about what I got him (yay!). We spent the rest of the day just relaxing and unpacking, with a tasty dinner from In & Out. I say every vacation needs to be followed by a day off at home to recoup.

We took a bunch of videos and pictures, but mostly videos since the rest of the fam was taking lots of pictures. I'll have to figure out how to post some....

I'll be back soon with said videos and then I'll get right back on track with wedding pictures! maybe no one will ever see our wedding pictures but us. haha.

Christmas shopping for the husband

Welp, I did it. I bought my Christmas presents for Jantz. And I even half stuck with my original list...I must admit, I'm pretty excited. I think he's actually going to be surprised (pleasantly surprised I hope). Truth be told, we each already have half of our Christmas presents for each other. haha. We decided since we're going to Disneyland for Christmas this year, that we wanted to spend very little on each other and save the rest for the trip...ok plus we may have bought a new video camera for ourselves as a way early Christmas present (which we used during Thanksgiving and are soo excited to use over our trip!). We each sort of gave each other an idea of what we wanted/needed. I've wanted some flat boots for winter and some new black flats. And I knew Jantz wanted a certain video game (yes my husband plays video games. he thinks when I tell people this they'll think he's a child, but, um, I can't name you one guy I know who doesn't play video games occasionally. haha. or for that matter who isn't just a grown up child haha. i kid.). But then we went to Colorado and I found some darling flat boots AND black flats at a nice store, for basically nothing (thanks to my sister-in-law's discount. one more reason I love her). And then like a week later Jantz found that video game on sale, so he bought it. So, here we both had what we wanted, before Christmas, for less money than we had said we would spend...not so fun for present opening. So now we both have to use the rest of our allotted Christmas present money and surprise each other with new presents. I was worried at first, but I think I got some good ones (plus one for his birthday coming up!). As for Jantz buying for me, I don't think he's got anything yet (I win!), but he has yet to give me a "fail" present, so I have complete faith in him.

We're heading up to my parents house Wednesday night for a "slumber party" of sorts before we leave for the airport at the crack of dawn on Thursday for our adventures in the Disneyland. So in case I don't check in before then, I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas, filled with lots of relaxing, eating (especially eating), present opening & giving, and of course lots of love :)

it's Friday

I don't really have much to say, but today is the last day of the semester, which means I only have one semester left. one. that's it. I'm so excited to be done and to move on to something else (hopefully a full-time job...).

Christmas is next week. I feel like it should still be December 1st, maybe the 2nd, NOT the week before Christmas! On Thursday Jantz and I will be off to California (with my side of the family). All twelve of us will be gallivanting through Disneyland for Christmas. I blame this whole trip on the one granddaughter in our family. I can't even imagine what vacations they'll take us on when there's two. or three grandchildren. haha, they'll probably just give money at that point. haha. anyway, we're real excited :)

Speaking of Christmas, I still have not bought Jantz any presents. Am I a horrible wife or what? In my defense, he hasn't bought any for me either. haha. I blame that on not wanting to go shopping without him...we like doing everything together ok? haha, ok not everything. I have been building up a list of things to get him for months (I'm a terrible present-buyer, remember?), but looking at it now, it just doesn't seem good enough. Nothing totally surprising and fun. So basically I think I'm back to square one....What do people buy their husbands these days?