The BAR!

James' older sister Katie is one of the smartest women I know.
Besides just being brilliant on her own...
she just graduated from BYU Law
(although she was a visiting student at UCLA).
This week she is taking the California Bar Exam.
I know she has been studying like crazy!
And while I know she doesn't need it...
I thought I'd pass along a little blogger good luck wish!
(pictures from her graduation via La Dolce Vita.)
Katie and her hubby Vonn.
Both attorneys.
Both brilliant!
And both extremely fun!

(my cute future fam.
From left to right - Jim, Ann, Allie, Nana, Katie, Vonn, Lizzie, and James)
Sure are proud of you Katie!
Go get em!

What do you get when...

A girl whose family consists of 6 girls + 1 boy + 1 amazing sister-in-law
Falls in love with...
A boy whose family consists of 3 girls + 1 boy?
LOTS of bridesmaids.
We put these little packages together to ask them to be bridesmaids.
I am posting this for Melissa.
Who is over in J-RU.
Her box will be awaiting her at home.
And the rest are on their way.
A little poem to each of the bridesmaids...

You are invited to set your maritime navigation

For James and Karly's wedding celebration

Join the bridesmaids crew that will set sail

With colors that match the map coordinates even down to the nails

Enjoy a little bite of colada

Because your stress is going to be nada

With a nautical theme

That will set the scene

Step aboard to launch your friend towards her new life

That will make Karly the co-captain as James' wife

I thought this would be a good way to give you a little sneak peak into our wedding.
I don't want to give TOO much away of course.
I hope all of you can make it!
It's going to be a blast
(or at least I hope so).
Since James and I met on the beach we decided to go with a Nautical theme.

Planning is in full force these days.
It seems to consume my life.
And my Moms.
She's a wonder woman.
So is my future mother-in-law Ann.
Yes, they are both Ann's!
Thanks to my wonderful Dad who is always making great things possible for me!
I am loving every second of it!

I am THAT girl...

I am 100% the girl that is mocked on seriously so blessed.
You know the type, the ones who only post about how fab their fiance is.
I know it's pathetic..
but...
Oh well, here it goes.
I got flowers for no reason tonight.
James had to run a quick errand while I changed before going to a movie.
I accidentally locked myself out.
James came running around the corner of my building with these puppies in hand.
The Staples girls have this little thing for prince charming moments.
It was totally one of them......
.....
For about 30 seconds.
Then I was rushed to change cause James was SO excited to see Inception.
But I didn't really mind.
It's amazing what flowers can do.
We were pretty much the first ones in the theater and James was still stressed about picking the right seat.
I wasn't super excited to see it.
I must admit.
It was pretty incredible.
In fact, during the middle of the movie people applauded.
It was just that good.
Go see it!
Back to my original thought...
When you are engaged you should be THAT girl.
So for right now I am going to relish in being cheesy.
Because I can.
Thanks for training him well Barker girls.
Thanks for the flowers James!
Love ya!

2 Months

2 months from today I get to marry this boy.
We may be counting down the days.
I couldn't be more excited to spend forever with my very best friend.
Keep practicing that model face babe.
We may or may not have lots of pictures ahead of us!

Home Sweeet Home..

We're making progress on our little life plans here in P-town!
Check out our future home.
(not this exact unit)
Thanks to Colie and Blair we found this beauty.
Besides it being super affordable and clean...
We will be neighbors with the Frei's and the Bledsoe's!
We couldn't be more excited.
We've driven past it at least twice cause we are kind of proud.
Still lots to do...
But we are moving along!

30 Hours And Counting...

After nearly a year away these two are making there way back to the USA.
I know they didn't want to leave their new Swiss home yet but I am sure glad.
And when opportunity calls - you jump on it.
Or at least Derek does.
Sure proud of that boy and his new job.
He's kind of a big deal.
Or at least I am told he is.
Don't have a clue what he does.
All I know is he's super smart.
And I am glad he is coming back here so I can be with two of my best friends again.

30 hours and 18 minutes...
But who's counting?

At It Again...

Kourtney never stops.
I tell you what that girl is like the Enigizer Bunny.
She just took off to Belize for two weeks with two of our incredible professors.
They are doing a documentary and scuba diving down there.
This girl is incredible.
I am sad to report I missed her call from the airport.
But Kourt if you read this in Belize know that I am so proud of you and wish you the best of luck.
Go get em'

Suzie Q!

After a year apart I have moved back in with Suz.
I just want to thank her for being such an incredible roomie.
We are a good team I feel.
Since moving back in with her I have noticed big changes with Suz.
She is a different person than she was a year ago.
And I mean that in a good way.
She has taught me a lot of good lessons in life.
She was definitely placed in my apartment for a reason.
Poor thing probably wishes she wasn't placed there.
For some reason every one of our heart to hearts brings her to tears.
But I sure do love and appreciate her.
Love you Suz.

PS -
McCall...
we are missing you this summer!
Come visit soon!

PPS -
Please excuse those braces.
It was a rough few months with those puppies.
Sure glad James saw past them on our first date.
Ick.

Facebook Stalking.

As I am waiting for James to get out of class...
I decide I am in need of a little break from wedding planning.
So I decide to stalk my fiance.
I pretty much make the rounds on his pictures a few times a month.
I kind of think he is the cutest thing to ever walk this earth.
But I never really noticed his mission ones.
I would just like to point out how darling my fiance is.
Serving in Montreal with one of his fav. companions Brian.
Wasn't he just so cute as a little missionary?
Last night as we were watching this movie...
James realized he just past his three year mark from returning home from his mission.
My response.
NO WAY!
Let's throw a party.
Any excuse I can get to throw a party...
I take it.
James just rolled his eyes and smiled.
Which describes perfectly why we are just like this couple...

We even have our own little adventure book started.
My favorite line from the movie,
Ellie: You don't talk much.
Carl: {silence}
Ellie: I like you!
Cry every time I watch it.
If you haven't seen it...
it is a must.
While most of the time I think my fiance is very similar to Carl there are a few FB pictures I have found that really throw me off my rocker.
Like this one...
hahaha every time I see it I die of laughter.
This is so going in the wedding video.
Babe you are just so wanted.
While you think it's lame to celebrate 3 years.
I think it is absolutely incredible.
I couldn't be more proud of you...
And you know your mission story melted my little heart from day one.
(Along with you pretending to know how to play the guitar - stinker!)
PLUS
I think every day should be a day to celebrate.
Which is why after you are done with class we are going to celebrate by going to register at Pottery Barn.
Registering, your favorite past time.
I know, I know.
I am just too nice.
(Please sense the sarcasm)
Love you!

P.S.
Please no registering for things behind my back this time.
Really, we don't need fluffy puffy matching slippers and a quesadilla maker.
But thanks for trying!

We Are So American.

About a week ago James and I were invited by his ol' Lanai
(housing complex where James lives)
buddies to go camping in Sigurd, Utah.
Yes, there is a town named Sigurd.
And naturally it would exist in Utah.
His friend Adam said that if I didn't want to rough it I could also sleep in the cabin.
I was deeply hurt.
I told him despite the fact that I want to be the Queen of England and save the world one day I still know how to rough it.
And off we went.

Adam's Grandpa owns a bunch of land in Sigurd.
(I will try to say that as many times has possible)
The whole group arriving in the mountains of Sigurd.
The group included:
Ronnie
Trent
Dan
Adam
Sam
Harold
Kelly
Moroni
Lindsay
Drew
Kimmy
Shawn
Mike
Sable
and of course the dog Charlie.
James and I volunteered to make tinfoil dinners.
16 of them to be exact.
It was quite the project.
But also very fun.
They turned out a little bit bland but other than that they were delish!



James LOVES to camp.
He is such a Curious George and a Mr. Fix it.
I've always told him I will have no problem camping as long as there is a bathroom near.
The Soul Sista's can all back me up when I say it's not a good idea for me to camp without a bathroom near.
No bathroom near this time.
And I survived.
Let's just say I had some great girls to teach me a thing or two
plus the running boards of a truck that really helped me out.

I love it when I catch James in one of his model poses.
He is probably going to kill me for posting this.
But it's too priceless next to the fire.
There is nothing better than sitting on a summer night staring into a camp fire.
Loved every second of the campfire chatter.

James has the best friends!
I am so lucky they've allowed me to be a little part of their group.
They always have something planned to do!
And there is NEVER a boring moment.
How could there be with Drew around telling his hilarious stories.
I think this was during the story about how he was chased by a bear as a youngster.
He described himself as "Russell like"
You know - like Russell in the movie up..
Chubby little curious scout.
I died with laughter.
As everyone was sitting around enjoying Adam's dutch oven peach cobbler we noticed Adam had disappeared.
Moments later - kaboom!
One heck of a firework show.
I was thrilled since I didn't get to see fireworks on the 4th.
I think I finally feel like it's July now.
So American.


Besides a little rain in the morning the trip went off without a single hitch.
Thank you Lanai crowd for letting me tag along.
I can't wait to have all of you at the wedding.
I promise to make it a party for all of you.
I am loving all of the time I am getting to spend with James these days.
I don't think life gets much better than this!

Headed to STG for a few days to plan a wedding.
No big thing.
I am super excited about it!
Not to mention...
4 days until D + M are home.
Can't wait!

Calling All Abandoned Furniture!

James and I are on the search for anything that can furnish an apartment.
So far we have a china cabinet.
I don't think that is going to do us much good.
KSL classifieds are my new best friend.
If you have any abandoned furniture you are selling/trying to get rid of let us know!
We are free movers!

Take Me Out To The Ball Game...

Last night we went to an Orem Owlz game.
This is the second one we've been to this summer.
Brandon can get us all free tickets and it makes for a great summer night.

Yummy free treats because Brandon and Kim won a trivia contest.
And the big news of the evening was that we are the first out of the Barker Bunch to meet Mr. Jeff Larsen.
Lizzie's main man these days.
That's right all males in Provo are so upset that this little lady is taken.
But James and I just ADORED him.
Can't wait to double more this summer Lizzie!
Ok you two!
Ha these two are also engaged to be married
(You may remember them from the congrats post)
They get married just 5 days after us on September 23rd.
These little boys crack me up waiting for their ball!
Best buds.
They are one unlikely pair but somehow these two are best buddies.
James is always on Brandon's case about cleaning the house.
Brandon is always telling James to chill out.
It's great.
Currently Brandon has two dogs living with them.
Pancakes and Blondie.
Cutest things ever.
When I called James this morning I was informed he slept with Pancakes last night.
Little softy!
Fake engagement shot.
Gotta love the Utah County engaged shots.
We get a crack out of making fun of our little Provo culture.
Just lovin' life here in P town.

In other summer news...
My future twin-in-law just posted pics on her blog from Occoquan, VA.
Umm why did we not go there?I am so jealous and missing the Barker fam.
Happy 28th Anniversary to Ann and Jim Barker!They are currently celebrating in Charleston South Carolina!
Live it up you two!

Lovin' the summer life!

Summer Fun...

Back in P-town!
Ran in to a good friend yesterday.
Looks likes I forgot to mention on the blog that I am back from NYC and living in Provo.
Couldn't be more excited to live with Suz again.
Love that girl.
Excited for D+M to come home in t minus 8 days.
And more excited to be with my fiance in the summer!

The other night we had a few friends over for a BBQ.

Taking care of Mr. Wessley Musso for Missa Pooh.
That girl is all over the place studying the New Testament.
I thought I had finished everything I wanted to do before I got engaged.
But I think J-ru may be one of the things I missed.
Her study abroad looks like a blast!

James the grill master.
Thanks for coming everyone.
Sure glad to be back in town.

On the agenda this weekend:
Crafts with Suz
Camping with James' crew
Owlz game with Lizzie
Wedding planning
Bridesmaid dress hunting ($&I*)
If anyone has any suggestions for a good place to find those dang things please let me know.

Mr and Mrs Snow

A couple of weeks ago I went down to STG for one of my best friends weddings.
Kelsee Clements just became
Mrs. JK Snow.
The two couldn't be more perfect for each other!


This past year our apartment was a complete blast.
It was never ever clean.
There were always at least 5 girls there.
And usually boyfriends coming and going.
Breakups.
Hairs makeovers.
Wedding planning.
Bottle saving.
Penny pinching.
And not pinching. (oops)
But it was the best way for a girl to go out of single life with a bang.
224 will never be the same.
(And yes our landlord did withhold a hefty fee from our deposit for the damage we had done)


I love you girls!
Kelsee, Could you look any more beautiful?
Her wedding was probably one of the best events I have ever been to!
It was perfectly put together and plotted.
Good work Kels.
Sure do love ya!

PS
Photo credits thanks to Jessica McCallister and Flourish Photography.
Isn't she fab?

Save the Date...

We are tying the knot here:on September 18, 2010.

A reception will follow that evening.
We'd love for you to celebrate with us!
Leave your name and home address and we will send you an invite.
Save the Date!

Sunday Din Din and Staples baby #13

James and I were lucky enough to have Katie and Scott cook for us last Sunday.
Can you even believe this dish?Don't ask me what the foods were...
I don't know how to pronounce them.
Too fancy for my vocabulary
but just right for my taste buds.
It was DELICIOUS!

Check out that baby bump!
Can't wait to find out what it is!

Sink or Swim...

For one of my all time favorite holidays the Staples family headed to Lake Powell!
We sure did miss most of the fam but we made it fun with just Katie, Scott, Mom, Dad, and James.
It was James' first time at the lake so we really gave him a run for his money!
But at the end of the weekend he told my Dad,
"In 20 years we will be taking you out here on our boat."
Now I am not quite sure if he was just sucking up to the new father-in-law
BUT
I will take it!


The first day James and I had to ride the wave runners out because we are the two of the few able bodies in our fam.
(Katie = prego, Dad = chest sawed open 6 months ago, Mom = Shoulder sawed into a year ago)
Poor James really had a sink or swim moment on the wave runner in the channel as a first timer.
As long as we went Grandpa speed...
he did just great!
(Love ya babe!)


I had to learn that my fiance was going to disappear for part of my life when the boys in the fam are around.
Luckily there aren't many of them!


We had a great time at night on the boat this trip.
We would grab dinner at Antelope and bring it on the boat with us while we explored coves and enjoyed the sunset.


My Dad insisted that James walk across the bridge to see the Glen Canyon Dam and the gorges red walls that open up to the start of the Grand Canyon.
When you've been going to lp your whole life you forget how magnificent this really is!Larry the all time best boat driver!

On Sunday we went up to Rainbow bridge and my parents favorite secret cove.
James was obsessed with the cove.
I never knew I had such a curious george on my hands but seriously this boy could not sit still this whole trip.
I loved it!
He insisted we bring the boat in so everyone could see his little underwater bridge he found.

The boys on the bridge.

Checking out rainbow bridge.
It was a gorgeous day!


Sure am glad I got to have LP and this boy together for a weekend.
And we didn't even talk about the wedding once.
Poor James is bombarded with all of this girl talk.
Luckily his darling sisters raised him right.
He just nods and says,
"It's super cute Kars."

Thanks to my parents for an incredible weekend!
You are always so willing to pack us all up and provide an incredible trip!
We sure are blessed to have such wonderful parents.
Love you!

On a depressing note..
I didn't see a single firework this year.
I a really banking on the 24th to fulfill my patriotic desire!
The Barkers on the other hand had a super patriotic 4th.
How can you not in that great city?
Check out Allie's blog to see more!