Wedding Update

I realize I haven't posted in awhile but getting everything together for a wedding is really, really, time consuming...and the only reason I have time to write this post now is because well, I am feeling under the weather, so other than online shopping for Christmas and things for the wedding, I figured its bout' time I updated this blog of mine (:


I get married in 19 days! well actually according to my wedding countdown its 18 days, 18 hours, and something like 45 minutes.

Honestly everything is coming together really well, I was at first really nervous about having a month and a half engagement, but looking back on it I wouldn't want it any other way, if anything a month and a half was too long! However I know for a fact I wouldn't have been able to get any of this done if it wasn't for my soon to be sister-in-law; Emily. She has been a life saver beyond life savers, heck if it weren't for Edna from the incredibles, I would strap a cape to her back and call her a wedding super hero! But no capes! We have everything out of the way: venue, cake, dress (which I love!) catering, florist, etc..now its all about those little decorative details. I am just so excited to see everything come together the day of. We are doing our bridals this thursday and Im so in love with my dress, I honestly cant wait to see my sweet Zac's reaction when he sees it (:

We also have found a place to live! Its a condo in Orem and its close to UVU and close to where Zac works, its an ideal location for us! Its a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo and it has a fireplace, cant you picture the stockings on the mantle? I can! I am honestly really excited about it, and slightly nervous about having to furnish and decorate it and truly make it our home...but thats also the fun part!

Sometimes I think about how crazy I am... no seriously. I am almost 22 years old (yes I round up) and I am about to get married, thats kind of a scary thought, especially in todays world thats riddled with divorce and regret, don't you think? I cant begin to tell you how many times people ask me "are you sure?" or "are you getting nervous?" To answer your questions; Yes, I am 110% sure I want to marry this man. And to top it off, I really can't wait to either. I saw this on Pinterest today, and shoot me for being a woman and connecting with something on Pinterest, but it said "Youre one of the people I never asked from God, but still He gave you to me. I asked Him why, He said, "Because He can fill your life like no one else can." I feel like our relationship is just like that, we both say that we would not have picked each other out for our eternal companion-for our forever. We are so different, our pasts and our lives are so different! However I am beyond grateful that God put Zac in my life, because I know I wouldn't have been able to find someone better on my own. Its kind of a massive comfort to know that in a way, Heavenly Father plopped my husband right in front of me and gave me a few nudges in his direction. But seriously, I haven't felt the Lord's hand in a relationship more than in ours, Zac was placed in front of me because he is seriously the best person for me. I know without a shadow of a doubt that the man I am about to marry is going to make me reach my fullest potential, and he will love me fiercely but gently and he will fill my life better than I would know how. I know I am making the right choice and the best choice.  (:


Zac and I have chosen to get married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple, we believe it to be a sacred experience and it will be a blessing in our lives because we believe that instead of our marriage ending at death, we will be together forever, even after this life.  It has been hard explaining this to my family, who are not members of the LDS church, I so badly wish they could be in the temple with me on my wedding day and I know it has been just as hard on them. I found a video that discusses LDS temples that is incredibly thorough, I really loved this video and wanted to share it with my family and friends who are generally curious about LDS temples and the significance of the step I am about to make by being sealed in one. Enjoy!

Also here are some pictures from our engagement session with Ashley Morgan Photography, she was so much fun to work with and I really loved how they turned out (:

P.S. This blog will soon become a Mr.&Mrs.Baxter blog, my hubs to be is a writer and so I offered him to join my blog. He said "id love to if you want me to." my response was this; "whats mine is yours....except for any and all chocolate that will be in our house." ;)


Until next time!

The Proposal (:

Hey Everyone!

I have some big news...I AM ENGAGED! ah I am so ecstatic, happy, excited, giddy, and anxious! Really, I wish it was already January 4th. I can't wait to marry the crap out of that man. haha

Give a big warm welcome to my fiancé; Zachary Baxter. He is the bees knees.

Anyways, I know everyone has been asking for two things; 1) "How did he propose?" & 2) "goodness girl, let me see that ring!"

So ill be honest, I was starting to get a bit irritated that he hadn't actually proposed, my poor boyfriend probably would be a millionaire if he got a dime for every time I asked when he was going to. Call me crazy, but we had set our temple date for over a month without us even being engaged, so you can imagine I was getting a bit antsy pantsy. Oh and the fun fact that he somehow made every date seem like he was going to pop the question, not funny. So it was 11.12.13 the day that he asked, (isn't that fun?) and me and my best friend; Nellie were at my wedding dress fitting and I was just standing there in my dress all mad that I'm in this beautiful gown, about to get married in less than 2 months, and not even technically engaged yet and so i'm letting this steam off at my girlfriend and she's like oh karlie...just be patient, and i retort..don't you think I've been patient enough?! little did I know she knew what was going to be happening later that day. So I get this text from Zac saying; "Hey Babe, lets meet at in n out at 6, you game?" And I'm like fo sho. Okay, lets be honest, I didn't say fo sho. Anyways so I head to in n out and walk in the door looking for Zac, but instead I see my two best friends; Chelsea and Nellie 

They go ahead and tell me that they are my escorts for the evening and proceeded to take away my phone, also telling me that we are going lingerie shopping and helping chels to find a dress to emerald ball..what a bunch of sneaks! haha. Anyways, the evening actually planned was a scavenger hunt, and it was so much fun! I'll go ahead and tell you the significance for each location because I didn't take pictures of all the "clues." So In-N-Out is significant because mine and Zac's second kiss was to the song "A whole new world" in the movie Aladdin; I was singing the Jasmine part and all of a sudden, Zac just leaned over and kissed me. It was great, and really cute. Anyways one evening we were hungry and it was midnight and we live in Provo, so naturally the only place open was In N out. So we drive to in n out, go through the Drive Thru and we are sitting in his car eating, and a whole new world comes on, I don't exactly remember whose idea it was but somehow we ended up on TOP of his car, with the windows down, singing a whole new world at the top of our lungs, all the while cars stopped and parked behind us to watch us sing. Which led me to this clue; 

His car was parked out front (how I didn't see it, is beyond me) and obviously the clue was on top 

Which then took me to where we first met, at work about a year and a half ago.

We both used to work at a company called Bluehost, and funny enough, in the first building we worked at, we used to share a desk, and I'd leave notes for him saying things like "have a good day" or "try to keep the desk clean." just funny things. He thought I was a flirt and I thought he was a major nerd; match made in Heaven, right?

Anyways, that clue took me to the spot where we had our first kiss. Let me just tell you, its a beautiful and romantic place...

The parking garage around the corner from country swing dancing. Told you it was romantic. 

Just some background information, my man can dance, however country swing is not his forte. He would come to see me, even though I wouldn't dance with him until the very last song but yet he would keep coming. Anyways he walked me to my car one night, and so I told him I could drive him to his, but instead we ended up talking and he kissed me right before he left. Also this magical and majestic parking garage was where one night, we hung out in my car till about 2 or 3 in the morning and I sang the entire Rascal Flatts CD to him...oh and by the way, I get so nervous about singing. I really have no idea how that happened and he continues to ask what compelled me to do that, but he says he loved every minute of it..lets hope he was being honest because sorry honey, now you're stuck with my singing for life! 

That clue led me to his old house in Provo

Where we would roast marshmallows in the fire pit behind his house, where I would murder him at Mario Kart and we would cuddle on the couch in front of his house while it rained. 

The next clue took me to my old apartment at The Branbury

This is where Zac first told me that he liked me...and then I proceeded to date two guys after that. However a lot of great things happened here. We would play games, watch movies, make dinner, where he'd nurse me back to health after being sick and going to the hospital, where he helped me write my first talk in church, and helped me pack for the MTC. This is also where I first said "I love you" to him. 

This clue then took me to the MTC

Well actually the Provo LDS temple, since you cant really just walk onto the MTC campus anymore. Its where we took pictures and spent some of our last moments together before he and my two best friends (my lovely escorts) dropped me off at the Missionary Training Center...here's a flash back to that day

That clue wasn't much of a clue, it told me to tell Chelsea and Nellie that they would know where to go from there...I was then blind folded..

                                                 straight cheesin'

I had no idea where we were going. But I love surprises, and the fact that I hadn't ruined this one due to my own stupid curiosity impressed me...I was really excited, obviously. And I was just really anxious to see Zac.

which I did! Funny thing was I didn't know it was him at first, and in my head I was like his poor friend, I am squeezing his hand to death! And then he said "Do you know where you are?" and I was like Oh thank goodness its you! haha.

He had this wonderful dinner set up, with salmon, broccoli, potatoes, and bread with lemonade and ice cream. We ate dinner while he played a picture montage of our relationship, it was adorable.  

My favorite part of the entire proposal was when he said "I know how much your family means to you and I wanted them to be a part of this..so you have some important messages waiting for you on your phone." He then gave me my phone and inside there was texts from each member of my family telling me how much they loved me and how happy they were for me and Zac. I immediately started bawling.

He then got down on one knee and told me that he wants to spend the rest of forever with me and asked me to marry him. I told him it was a stupid question and I wouldn't have it any other way (:

WERE ENGAGED!!!

Yes I was crying haha

Oh and heres the ring! I am absolutely in love with it. Its rose gold, has a halo, and the band is ornate but not overdone and the profile is pretty to look at too. From every angle it is perfect. (:

I am one extremely lucky girl to be marrying this man. I can't wait, only 1 month, 19 days, 1 hour and 25 minutes left...

but whose counting? (:

                              
                                          The soon-to-be Mrs. Baxter

Post Mission Life

When I promise, I deliver. So here I am! Another blog post. I know what everyone really wants to know but are too scared to ask, what is my next step and whats been going on in my life?

 dun. dun. dun.

Well for all of those who didn't know or chose not to read my entire blog (its okay, I don't blame you!) then let me give you the short version. Before the mission, I was engaged, then we called off the engagement so I could go on my mission, went on my mission and had wonderful experiences but then was sent home due to health concerns, and have been home ever since. If you would like to read the extended story on each, you can do so here:

engagement-> http://sisterkarliedonohue.blogspot.com/2013/07/allowing-myself-to-feel.html
coming home->http://sisterkarliedonohue.blogspot.com/2013/09/i-left-my-heart-in-minnesota.html

Anyways, after coming home I was pretty depressed, I will not deny that. The fact that I also did not have a phone, or my laptop, or even my car...made it even worse. I couldn't get out of the house and I could hardly contact anyone, plus most of my friends who are from Sacramento moved away or got married. I quite literally felt stuck and trapped in a box of four walls. I felt so alone. Thankfully Heavenly Father answers prayers because he blessed me with my boyfriend, Zac, being able to fly out to California from Minnesota a few days after I got home. Yes, you read that right, my boyfriend was in Minnesota, aka my mission. He was offered a job in Minnesota and moved out there when I was in the MTC, and from what President told me, he was 20 minutes away from my area. Also the really cool thing was he was having missionary opportunities right and left that I as a missionary were hearing about from other missionaries, it made me quite proud. I was also able to see him the day I flew home from the mission, he called the mission home to ask if he could see me and my mission president called him back and apparently they had a good conversation because all I remember was sister mansfield and I coming out of an appointment and getting a voicemail from President Clements saying; "Umm Sister Donohue, Zac called me and he wants to see you before you leave tomorrow, so please be at the mission home at 9 and he will be there at 9:15. You will be allowed to talk with him for 15 minutes in a well supervised area, I also made him promise me not to hug you. Sister Mansfield you must be gone with your new companion by the time the boyfriend arrives. If for some reason you wish not to see Zac, please call me back." Lets just say that Sister Mansfield and I repeated the voicemail about 3 times to make sure that we heard it correctly, and no, we did not call president back! I was so nervous! I just remember President greeting him first and then him letting Zac join me in his office. We awkwardly sat across each other and exchanged pleasantries and then Zac leaned across the table and said, "Can I just tell you how beautiful you look?" and I blushed and told him he cant say that because I was a missionary. He was like are you serious? and I was dead serious. So we laughed at my awkwardness, and then conversation started flowing, we hardly skipped a beat and then 15 minutes came and went far too quickly. However, I'll let you all in on a secret, I remember how handsome he looked.
I was so grateful that Zac flew out to California to be with me, having him at home with me really did make all the difference, He broke me out of my awkwardness by having a full out pillow fight with me in the living room, he was there when I had my breakdowns about the mission (bless his heart) and he was there to be my emotional support every.step.of.the.way. After a week of being in California, we drove down to Utah for his cousins wedding which was beautiful and it was great to spend time with his family and for me to see my friends.  Look! I even snuck into their family photo :)

Not only did we attend a few weddings while we were in Utah, but we started talking about our own. So the cats out of the bag (I've never quite understood that saying, have you?...who really just shoves a cat in a bag? anyways...) we're talking about getting married! We are both so excited to start this next chapter in our lives, We have known each other for a year and a half and I can honestly say that I don't know a better man, he is perfect for me. Just so you know, hes the handsome fella i'm holding hands with in the above photo (: Anyways so now its a matter of a reproposal and planning a wedding which is in the works and then actually having one, so basically all thats left to do is...everything! fantastic. However while in Utah we looked at rings (were getting a new one, we returned the previous) so be excited to see whatever he picks out! and looked at venues and hashed out some wedding details. So don't worry, its coming together (:

He is so cute, He gave me these "tokens" throughout our time together in California and Utah before I left. My top 3 favorites are the kiss token (its how he got his first kiss post mission from me), the expect miracles token..I had written those two words all over my mission planner, and the forever yours token which he slipped to me while in the sealing room of his cousin's wedding (:

So I think by saying that also answers most people's question; Am I going back out on my mission?

No. Since I have been home I haven't had any issues with my back or kidney stones, or really anything for that matter. It was extremely frustrating to me in the beginning and part of me wished I was in pain because then it would make sense to me as to why I was home, as each day went by with no pain the more frustrated and angry I got, thinking, "well thats another day I could have been on the mission." I realized I needed to stop thinking that way. I don't know Heavenly Fathers plan for me, and Im blessed each time He gives me even the smallest of insight.  It took me awhile to realize that it wasn't Heavenly Father taking something away from me when He sent me home, but He was giving me everything that I wanted. Before I was on the mission, I was engaged, the only reason I called it off was because I desperately wanted to serve a mission and to learn the things that I needed to to be a better disciple of Christ, daughter of God and a better wife and mother one day. Granted, I wasn't there very long, but by the people I met and especially living with the Dobbins family, I was able to learn by their example and was taught by example on how to be a better wife and mother, and I learned how to be a better disciple of Christ every moment on the mission. I'm not one to live with regrets, and I refused to live in regret of not serving a mission, so I went forward with faith and served with everything I had. As bittersweet as it is, I received confirmation that I did what I was supposed to and He was pleased with how I served, and I fulfilled my purpose there. I cant lie and say I wish I still wasn't out there, I loved my mission, I love my companion dearly and all the sisters that I was able to serve with and I love the people we were teaching and that they're continuing to teach (oh yes, sister mansfield and I write every week, I keep updated!) but seriously, I miss it and if it was where Heavenly Father wanted me, Id be out there as soon as I was able, but its not, He is directing me down a different path and I am finally okay with that. 

So since I have been home from my trip to Utah I was able to see my cousin, Tiffany, get married to her boyfriend on saturday. It was a beautiful day and was well spent with my dads side of the family. It was bittersweet because my Uncle, Tiffany's dad, passed away two weeks ago. It was really hard on everyone, and I  miss him dearly. But Tiffany's brother was able to walk her down the aisle and they had a moment of silence for him. I am grateful that I know God's plan and that we will be able to see my Uncle Tim again after this life, that brings so much comfort to me. I am so happy for them both, Congratulations Tiffany and Colin!

Other than that, I've been able to have a few missionary experiences. On every flight home, and every lay over I made a point to talk to someone about the gospel, I gave out a few restoration pamphlets and pass along cards, and the day after I got home I went to a missionary activity in the ward and we were able to teach a potential investigator the restoration. While Zac was here, we had the elders over for dinner, the first time the missionaries have ever been in this house and I plan on going out with the sisters. I've also been able to share tidbits of my faith with family and friends. So those who are struggling to share our faith, pray for opportunities and they will come, but don't forget to do your part and open your mouth and to act on those promptings, no matter how quiet or small they may seem. 

Other than planning a wedding and spending time with my family, I hope to move to Utah this weekend. I am anxious to pick up the pieces of my life and get a job and start school again, I cant sit idle for long. 

Sooo until next time....

xoxo

Sister Missionary Packing List

Hey everyone! I know I have been kind of, okay, really MIA lately as far as the blog goes...and I apologize! I promise to write on a more frequent basis, I plan on making a post soon after this one, so don't get your undergarments in a bunch! However, I have been thinking oodles about the mission, and I remember how frustrated I was trying to figure out what I REALLY needed to get and purchase for the mish. They tell you 6-8 outfits, but really sisters...do they REALLY mean 6-8 outfits, and how are you supposed to survive off of that? So Im going to break it down and tell you what you really need, and if you're going to the MMM then you just got even luckier, you dog, you! Also remember, each mission is different and so the needs of each mission are different. I served in a cold weather mission that got very hot and humid in the summer, so my list mirrors the needs of that. So take this as a general guideline, hope it helps and happy packing! (:

Study Supplies:

-scriptures & a scripture case (seriously, get a scripture case, I didn't and it was annoying and then i'd occasionally and accidentally drop my scriptures, which we all know for each set of scripture dropped adds 10 lbs to your future husband, so if you drop your quad..thats an added 40 pounds, nobody got time fo' dat!)

-small PMG, also they give you a free large PMG in the MTC, GRAB IT. Although its bulky, I can promise you will want it for personal/companionship study in the mornings.

-patriarchal blessing

-4 Generation Pedigree Chart

-Personal Journal

-Study Journal

-Pens

-pencils (plans change, you don't want to be marking up all over your planner in a pen)

-Black sharpie, mark your clothes!

-post it notes (great to write out lessons and they are perfect size for your planner) 

-colored sticky notes (if you're an organizational whiz, you'll want this because you can color code each lesson in your scriptures) I didnt do this, but there were moments where I highly considered it.

-colored pencil marker

-stationary; envelopes, stamps

**I recommend TWO suitcases, instead of 3. Its a pain in the airport and in your apartment. however, make sure to bring a duffel bag for when you go on exchanges.

Clothing:

-6-8 outfits, seriously! I overpacked. (I'll explain in further detail down below)

-3 flats (black, white, and whateva' you like!), 1 pair of sneakers (pday and working out), and boots/ snow boots. You do NOT need to buy the expensive & not so cute clog like shoes that people encourage you to. I got my flats from sketchers and they worked perfectly and I got 3 pair for less than the price of one of those clog like shoes from sister missionary mall. Nor would I recommend high heels, you can if they are conservative, but I wouldn't recommend them.

-socks, regular socks for working out and the socks you wear with flats..trust me, you will want them, get nude and black.

-2 pairs of black tights

-2 pairs of exercise clothing, no this does NOT include tight spandex, you're a missionary.

-Pday clothing; 1 pants and 2 shirts

-a hoodie

-PJs

-cap sleeve undergarments (not meant to be worn alone, nor allowed to be) but they are great under shirts, get black and white. 

-garments (10-15 pair)

-Scarves, winter headbands, gloves

-A winter coat and a light jacket for fall-ish winter. 

-4-5 cardigans, my most worn ones were: gray, yellow, blue, tan/white. You have to wear a cardigan or a dress jacket to ALL meetings; i.e. church, zone & district meetings, interviews, baptisms, etc.

-Accessiories, keep jewelry simple and get a simple watch, watches should not be white.

*I would get 6 skirts; plain but fun colors. I wouldn't go all out with prints like I did because it limits the versatility of it. 

make sure to get a: black pencil skirt (but not too tight, youll be walking all day, I got mine from Target and it worked great), a dress, and a maxi skirt (cant be any longer than your ankles). Don't be afraid of the basic gray missionary skirt, you will end up loving it because it goes with so much. Also, you will want to try and get skirts with an elastic band, theyre just more comfortable. Second, if you find a skirt with pockets, you'll love it all that much more. Finally, I know its a rule, but some sisters overlook it, make sure your skirt covers your knees when sitting, you will feel more comfortable that way.

*I would bring 8-10 shirts..and I mean shirts that you KNOW will match ALL of your skirts or the majority of them. I probably wore my stripped shirts the most as you can see below. Also I would get a collared dress shirt..I got a light blue one, it just looks nice and you can wear it with mostly anything, but make sure its comfortable and not stiff feeling. As far as shirts go..If you have plain skirts, then you're more open to fun/different shirts..Just make sure they coordinate with your skirts and they are durable and comfortable. Do NOT get that sheer thin stuff, it will rip and you will not be happy. Make sure that the shirts you get look good tucked into a skirt because that is how you will be wearing them. Also no cap sleeves, its not appropriate for a missionary.

Where I got the majority of my mission clothes:

Stores: Walmart, Target, Mikarose, Asos.com, ShopRuche.com, Modcloth.com. Also don't be afraid to check out your local thrift stores, seriously. 

Personal:

-2 towels and a wash cloth, don't bother with a microfiber towel, they're expensive and you would only use it in the MTC, not worth it.

-bedding

-blanket

-makeup, the funniest part of your MTC experience will be your first sunday in relief society, they go over make up guidelines and they encourage you to wear make up and I do too. You're representing Jesus Christ, don't do it looking like you rolled out of bed!

-toothbrush, toothpaste, tongue scrubber, and floss, ACT mouthwash (:

-shampoo&conditioner

-feminine hygiene products

-deodorant

-lotion

-soap

-band aids and tape for blisters

-lint roller

-shaver

-face wash and face lotion

-hair brush and round brush

-blow dryer and straightener

-hair clips

-Chapstick

-nail kit, if you're bringing nail polish...keep it simple colors, like light pinks, nudes, etc.

-hair scrunchies and bobby pins

-dry shampoo

-medicine; if you have any prescription medicine or anything outside of the norm of ibuprofen or tylenol, call up your mission home and ask if it is allowed before you take it.

Miscellaneous:

-Purse, make sure to get a good purse, backpacks are no longer allowed. I got my purse from macys for $50. Well worth it, the brand is Tyler Rodan..it has plenty of pockets to put your wallet, camera, pens and pencils, maybe some make up, your planner, mints (because gum is NOT allowed) etc. The biggest thing was that the strap was sturdy. Heres a picture of my bag, It was probably my favorite, most used purchase for the mission:

-photo album(s), I made mine off of prinstagram.com..if you use instagram then this is perfect..seriously I got the mini photo albums made and they are PERFECT. 

-lanyard

-umbrella

-flashlight

-camera and flash drive/memory sticks
-cortizone or anti itch cream
-insect repellant
-rice/corn bag heating pad

-alarm clock

-laundry bag

As for the MTC; you get like 7 bucks a week to use in the bookstore, which is enough. I would recommend you get the following things: the clip for your badge, you will regret it if you dont, a mission T-shirt (for us state side missionaries they often run out or dont have them..so if they do, grab it while you can!), the Hi-Glide high lighters..they really are amazing for your scriptures and dont bleed through as much as normal high lighters

Also, if youre put on West Campus, dont be bummed..honestly be excited, its better then the main campus (yes, I spent time on both) and the food is better too!

*Also in regards to your bike, if you're in a bike mission, spend the extra 20 bucks to get a basket on your bike, it is killer to wear your purse or to figure out how to wrap it around your handle bars, plus it will often times cut up the bottom of your bag..and again, nobody got time fo' dat, especially a missionary!

*Important* Pack a willingness to serve with all your heart, might, mind and strength, to love and leave your companion better than you found her, a desire to act with 100% obedience, to love everyone, to never fear to open your mouth and share the gospel,  and to always have the faith to try.

If you have any further questions about clothing or grooming guidelines, comment below or just check out the website that The Church provides for you, it is great and tells you everything you need: https://missionary.lds.org/dress-grooming/sister/?lang=eng




Thank you for serving! (:

all my love,