1st Update from New Jersey

Hello everyone I am sorry I have not written something sooner. However, we have been pretty busy training to go to this place called paradise! I have been told it is kind of warm and sunny there also! There is plenty of sand to build sand castles and stuff like that. In the mean time I have been training in this wonderful state New Jersey. I am sure you can tell that I have been drinking the Jersey water if I think this state is wonderful. Furthermore, we have been training everyday since we got here. We do a lot of stuff that reminds me of basic training. We will be done with the basic stuff soon and actually start training for our mission next week. However, most importantly I am looking forward to seeing the LOVE OF MY LIFE in a few weeks in New York. I am so excited to see her!!!!!!!!!!!

Bachelor's Gulch Ritz Carlton Weekend

My good friend Nikki invited Sharalyn and I to go up to Beaver Creek to the Bachelor's Gulch Ritz Carlton. She did not have to twist our arms much to say yes. Nikki works at the Ritz in Denver and can get great deals on rooms. We drove up Friday after work and went straight to the hot tub upon our arrival. Saturday we woke up and went down to the spa for the Jacuzzi and steam rooms. There was also an ice cold pool you are supposed to go in after the steam room and I was the only one brave to do it but it did feel good. After the spa we went to a yummy burrito place and went and got pedicures. After that we decided we just wanted to relax in our room. We watched Fool's Gold and ate junk food. That evening we went out for pizza and headed outdoors for the hot tub and fire pit. It was a great time!! Thanks Nikki:)

Mother's Day Fun

Here are some fun photos from Mother's Day at my parent's house. We had a lovely dinner together and are thankful for Colton and Torrey taking care of us with all the yummy food!!

Our Year Apart Begins....

Today is the day we had been dreading for the past week. I took Phil to the airport to start his year long mission overseas. He will first be over in New Jersey and then will be headed to Kuwait.
We started the morning in good spirits and know that this gets us one step closer to him coming back and us getting married for eternity. My mom was kind of enough to come with me and be my support so thanks to LouAnne.
I was given a gate pass to see him off and sat with him until he boarded. I was pretty under control until it was his time to board. I was a bit emotional. He kept tough (didn't want to be embarassed in front of his friends) until the end when I gave him the last hug.
We have been able to text a couple of times and he called when he got to Philadelphia. I am so proud of him for serving our country and love him so much and will miss him dearly. Two months until I see him in New York!!!

I love you Phil!!

Unofficially Engaged!!

So this past week has been a whirlwind of things happening in my life. Last weekend Phil and I spent a lot of time together up in Aspen, Glenwood Springs and New Castle. We had a wonderful time being together and talking.

During our many conversations that weekend, we decided we wanted to marry each other as soon as he gets back from his military deployment! I AM SO EXCITED!!

From there many things have happened to get the ball rolling. He asked my Dad permission after a lovely dinner at the Monterrey House. It is a pretty cute story. While Torrey and Phil were talking, Josh came running inside and had a big secret! He desperately wanted to tell Skyler that Phil loves Ali without me hearing it!! It was so cute. Josh finally spilled the beans and asked that I please not tell Phil that he told me!

We have decided that June 18, 2009 will be our wedding date in the Manti, Utah temple. We are so incredibly blessed to have found each other and look forward to our lives together. We have a year apart but know that we are meant for each other and will get through this together along with love and support of family and friends. Here are some photos of us!

By the way, I should get my ring when I visit Phil in New York before he ships out to Kuwait in a month or so.