Yankee Candle Factory!

So, when we first moved to Virginia I asked one of my new friends what "baby friendly" things there are to do in the area. The first thing she mentioned was the Yankee Candle Factory! She told me about the room where you make your own candle, and the candy shop, and the Christmas Village that is open year round and the indoor snow machine. We were sold!
Since we have finally settled in, and things with Riley's exams and our new orders have all settled down, and with the Holidays upon us, today was the perfect day.
Again, our child was an angel. He slept for an hour or so. Then woke up and looked around and smiled. As usual.
There were zillions of candles to smell, some weird, some yummy.
Afterwards we went to our Stake Christmas party. They had tons of different Nativities from all over the world on display, and outside they had a live Nativity. The youth from each ward took turns posing for an hour and they had tons of live animals for the kids to pet. It was actually pretty cool. and as an added plus, there was a kid tree that looked EXACTLY like Josh from the movie Heavy Weights... We were dying!
It a lovely afternoon looking through the shops and smelling Christmas smells, and spending time as a little family. I really should have taken more pictures, but enjoy the ones I did take!
Xoxo

The Wedding

Riley and I got married on June 8, 2010. 6/8/10... clever eh?

It truly was our perfect day. 

I woke up that morning around 8:00, and we were supposed to be at the Temple around 9:00, so I was running a little late! After eating some breakfast, and brushing my teeth, my mom and I got started on my hair and makeup. Riley came to pick me up around 8:30. I remember him walking through the door in his suit. He looked so handsome, I couldn't believe today was the day and we were finally getting married! I was still sitting on the floor in my pajamas doing my hair, and I remember him saying something about "Dont rush. We have to be there soon. Ill just have something to eat. We should probably go soon. Dont hurry though..." 

I finished getting ready, grabbed my dress, my bouquet, and a water bottle and we got in the white truck and headed to the Temple.

We arrived around 9:15, so already about 15 minutes late. There was no parking ANYWHERE! I remember thinking it was weird, since it was a Tuesday morning. After driving around for another ten minutes or so, we finally just parked at the end of a row of cars (illegally), and RAN across the street to the Temple. I yelled to Riley my concern of getting a ticket on our wedding day, and his response was "The universe wouldn't do that to us! RUN!"

We went skidding into the lobby of the Temple, and walked up to the recommend desk. My mom and Dad were already there (apparently they found a parking spot, no problem...) and looked relieved that we had made it before our scheduled sealing at 10:20. When the old man at the desk asked for our recommends, I turned to Riley and asked him to get them out of the garment bag holding my dress. He unzipped the bag and looked around for a second, then informed me that they were not there. "Very funny babe, but we are already late. Grab them and lets go!" His face went a little red and he quietly said "No. They really aren't here." I remember my mom's Aunt Penny and Uncle Jim walking in right at that moment and it suddenly occurred to me that the ONE THING I was in charge of, I had messed up! All I was supposed to remember was the recommends! Big tears filled my eyes. My mom put her arm around me, and Aunt Penny reassured me that this happens all the time and the Temple workers would take care of it. 

After another ten or fifteen minutes, and at least a dozen phone calls to the Bridesmaids to do whatever necessary to find the recommends, a sweet old woman came up to me and said "I assume your Bishop will be attending the sealing? Why dont we just have him sign new ones?" For a brief moment, I wanted to yell "Why in the world didnt you say that earlier instead of letting me agonize and my poor fiance stress?". But I was just so happy there was a solution and I would, in fact, be marrying my sweetheart on that Tuesday morning after all.

We went into an office and the Bishop came down to sign our new recommends, then I went with my Mom, Riley went with my Dad, and we headed to the dressing rooms to get dressed.

Just before the sealing, we were taken into the Celestial Room. Just the two of us. And three other couples. But they didnt count. As far as I was concerned, it was just the two of us. We sat on this little couch and I remember Riley and I talking about how calm we felt. I can honestly say that never once, not one time, had I been nervous about marrying Riley. I just felt peaceful. And excited. He looked down at my hand and saw his ring on my thumb, then looked at me with a look of absolute panic. 

"I forgot the ring!"

"At home? Or here? Its no big deal, I have my engagement ring, we can just use that one."

"No, its in the locker room. Im going to go run and grab it. Be right back!"

And just like that, he went running out of the Celestial Room. Five minutes went by. Then ten. I tried to stay calm, but I remember thinking "What if he got lost? How can you get lost here? He knows his way around, right? Maybe he is as hungry as I am. Maybe he found us some food! Or someone he knows was in the hall?"

Just then, a Temple worker showed up and said "Stewart, Andresen sealing?" I responded that yes, I was indeed the bride of that party. But my fiance had gone to get the ring he left in his locker. The man looked at me with these "you poor thing" eyes. Im sure he though Riley had bailed. But he told me he would go look for Riley, and he back in a minute. Another five minutes passed and finally, my handsome man and this old dude came walking through the door. Riley had this half smile on his face. I think he knew I had started to get a little nervous. He grabbed my hand, winked at me. The same wink he gave me at his bootcamp graduation, and right before we were taken back to the OR for Mason's birth. It is a wink I have come to know well, and it is my favorite! Its Riley's way of saying "I'm good. You're good. We are ready. Lets do it."

I remember walking into the Sealing Room and feeling somewhat embarrassed. I wanted to say "So sorry to keep you waiting! We are a bit disorganized this morning. Does anyone have a bagel? Or perhaps just a TicTac?" But instead I just smiled and we took our seats on the little couch. I remember thinking to myself "this is it. In just a few minutes, you are going to be married." It felt so surreal. But everytime I looked at Riley, he was smiling too. We were both so calm and sure. I loved it.

The sealing was perfect. We were surrounded by all of our family and friends, and it was so amazing to feel everyone's support. We knew everyone in that room loved us, and was excited for us to be married.

Side note: My mother is a genius. After the sealing, while we were touching up my hair and makeup, that brilliant woman pulled a Ziploc of Cheezits, and a banana out of her Mary Poppin's bag. She seriously thinks of everything!

After we took pictures, we headed to The Lion House for a yummy luncheon with our immediate families and grandparents. It was so good, and my cute friends at the House even thought to bring up a Diet Coke from the basement. MMMM.

Finally, it was time for the reception! The party! Riley had been super involved with the planning since day one. And as silly as it is, I was just as excited for him to see the fruits of our labors, as I was to see it myself. It was PERFECT! Just what we had wanted. Good food, good people. 

After a brief ring ceremony, Riley and I greeted guests for about an hour and then cut the cake. I danced with my dad, then Riley and I danced to one of our songs. Then, by Brad Paisley. We were laughing the whole time, first because I wasnt wearing any shoes. So I was on my tippy toes the whole time. And second because the song seemed SUUUPER long. Then, the party began!

From the very beginning, Riley and I knew we wanted dancing. His friends are a bit crazy, I like to think my friends can bust a move with the best of them. But I dont think either of us knew how fun it would be. I remember looking around and literally EVERYONE was dancing! It was honestly the best night of my life. Then, my cousin, who was the emcee for the night, took the microphone and announced that it was time to do the bouquet and garter. I sat on a chair at the front of the dance floor, and then Riley took the mic and started to talk. I can quote word for word what he said. "On our first date, Sara and I danced to a certain song. And I told her I was going to sing it to my wife at our wedding. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I would have been lucky enough to sing it to her." Then the music started. And I started bawling! Riley is not known for his singing, so first I was completely shocked that he would even do this! But then it hit me. Everything I had ever wanted had happened today. I had married this incredible man, who was truly perfect for me in every way. I was surrounded by all my family and friends. And it was really just a huge celebration. Everyone was so happy for us. I still get emotional thinking about it.

The night ended with sparklers, and a scooter ride. Then washing the truck before getting on the freeway because it was such a mess. Just as we started to drive Riley turned to me and said "That really was perfect."

Its crazy to me to think all of this happened almost three years ago! Time really does fly. But I can honestly say that I am happier today, than I even was then. Everyday I am thankful for the promises Riley and I made. And for the people who were so willing to give of their time and talents so selflessly to make our day perfect. 

Its funny. Looking back, I know Riley and I were sure of our decision. But since then I have gotten countless other reminders of why it was absolutely the right thing to do. 

Being away from family for these past two years, Riley and I have had to rely completely on one another. It has been such a good thing. We literally knew no one else, and it has been so fun to get to know each other on a whole other level. I can honestly say that Riley knows me better than anyone else.

We can tell each other a joke, and make the other laugh hysterically without even saying anything. We understand the other fully. I know how Riley is feeling and what he is thinking without needing to ask. Except what he wants for dinner. He rarely knows, how should I?

My favorite part of our relationship, is that we both genuinely feel we got the better end of the deal. I feel so humbled and blessed to have Riley, and I know he feels the same way. 

We work at our marriage every day, but I am so thankful. I am thankful for my knowledge of eternal families, and I am thankful that because of the promises we made that day, we get to be together forever. And have our little Mason, and whoever else may come along, with us!

The Proposal

Another post for the sake of journaling. I swear after this one, and the wedding day, I'll get back to our recent happenings! Again, skip away!
Riley and I got engaged on March 6, 2010. We had recently gone to St. George with some friends and had a pretty serious conversation about where our relationship was headed. It had become clear that it was time to move forward. We got back on a Monday, and went back to our regular routine. I was in hair school, Riley was at the LDSBC, and we were talking seriously about marriage.
Behind the scenes, Riley had been saving for a ring, and that Thursday he took my dad to Shiver's for "the talk". He bought the ring later that day, and both our families were in on the plot. I had no idea. Riley seemed distant to me, and unavailable. Turns out he was unavailable because he was ring shopping all week!
I started to get annoyed, and my family was no help since they knew a proposal was close at hand... No pun intended!
Friday night (March 5th) Riley and I were sitting in his truck, again having the marriage conversation. Riley was saying how our relationship had really reached a plateau, we were stuck in a rut, and no where near getting engaged since he had no money for a ring. Little did I know the punk had already bought it! I was absolutely devastated. Here I was, thinking we would be married by summer, and I had just been informed that was not the case.
The conversation ended like this:
R: I'd propose tomorrow if I could.
Me: okay.
R: I love you.
Me: Okay.
I was so mad! I went inside and even shed a few tears. I literally had NO idea what was coming!
The next day (Saturday, the 6th) we had made plans to go do baptisms at the Salt Lake Temple. I called Ri to see what time he would be picking me up to go, and he told me he was going sledding with his friends. At this point, disappointment turned to anger! Fine then, I'll do baptisms by myself!
I got ready to go, and when I went to leave, Riley conveniently showed up and said he would take me. We would just have to hurry.
He was SUPER chatty on the way to the temple. I could barely get a word in, but I thought maybe he was just super excited to go sledding. I realize now how ridiculously gullible I am!
We finished at the temple and Riley insisted we walk around Temple Square for a while. He said he didn't feel good and needed some air. Turns out he needed to stall, since the ring wasn't ready when he went to pick it up earlier and his friend Derek was meeting us on the Square to get it to Riley.
When Derek and our friend Lindsay showed up, I remember thinking it was a weird coincidence to see them there on a Saturday night, but still had no idea what was going on, and was very concerned with getting my "sick" boyfriend out of the cold.
We said goodbye to Derek and Linds and made our way across the street to the parking garage, when Ri informed me that he really wanted to take a tour of the Conference Center. There was a sign up that read "Roof Closed For Private Event"... You guessed it, we were the private event! I mentioned something about how a tour would be lame without going on the roof, but agreed anyway.
When we went inside, our tour guide was VERY eager to give us a "tour". Except she skipped the whole thing, took us straight to the roof, and shut the door behind us.
"Weird lady." I thought.
After stalling for a few minutes, Riley and I stepped up to look at the view of the temple. He grabbed my hand and said something like "Hey, who's that down there?"
I looked down and standing in the street were our families, and some friends, holding up signs that spelled "SARA WILL YOU MARRY ME?" At first I didn't process it. Just last night Riley had told me it would be quite some time before there would be a ring on my finger. But when I turned around, Riley was on his knee.
Our dear family friends, and two of mine and Riley's favorite people, Aunt Karen and Uncle Von were hiding on the roof and filmed the whole thing. You can't hear much on the video except me shrieking "YOU STINKER!". He had lied all along, and literally everyone knew. Except me.
After, we went to Hires for dinner with the family, and met up with all our friends for a party at my parents house.
I still get butterflies thinking about that week. It was such a roller coaster! I am so glad Riley chose to make it a surprise, and include our families. He picked my ring himself. And it's perfect. Three years later, I still love it and cherish it more because he chose it.
The proposal was perfect. riley knew exactly what i would want. And everyday I am so thankful I somehow tricked Riley Stewart in to popping the question!

The Story of Us

I will not be offended if you skip this (or any other) post. In an effort to keep a somewhat accurate online journal, I have decided to write down mine and Riley's story while I still remember the dates and details. It may be long. It may be boring. So click the "X" on the corner of your screen if you feel so inclined. Here we go...
Riley and my brother Tanner had been best friends since 9th grade. So neither of us really remember when we met. I was probably about 13 back then, and the only pre-mission interaction either of us remember was my sophomore year when my homecoming date was over an hour late. My mom was convinced he had stood me up, an I'm sure I looked absolutely pathetic in my up-do and braces. Riley came to pick up my brother to go get their dates and my mom made Riley take a picture with me "since our outfits kinda match". We still have the picture. So random and hilarious!
Fast forward 5 years. My best friend Clara and I decided climbing Mount Olympus (at the butt crack of dawn) was a good idea, and on May 23, 2009, the Stewart's Story began. (P.S. this is how you know Riley and I were meant to be together... Why else would climbing Mt. Olympus be a good idea?) My mom had mentioned earlier that week that she thought Riley would be getting home from his mission soon, and wished she had a way to get ahold of him. To this day, she swears she knew Riley and I would eventually get married. I believe her.
Clara and I were on our way down the mountain when we saw Riley and his little brother Wyatt hiking up. I remember thinking how much taller and buffer he was since he had left. He had a great tan, and that RM glow, and I was hooked. Then, the kiss of death... "when does Tanner get home?". My suspicions were correct. I was still just Tanner's little sister. All I could think was "hurry up and get Clara's number. It's hot. You're hot. But not interested. So let me go home!". The four of us chatted for a minute, then Riley and Wyatt turned to continue up the mountain. And I RAN down to get enough cell service to call my mom and tell her I saw Riley. She asked if I got his number. I told her no and asked if I should go find him to get it. Her response still makes me laugh. "Yeah, Sara. Run up the mountain to ask a guy for his number... No!"
Anyway, somehow my mom got in touch with Riley and invited him over for breakfast on Memorial Day to show us his mission pictures. I remember walking up the stairs that morning in my PJs and seeing Riley at the kitchen counter. I knew I looked like a terror but I didn't care. I was positive Ri was either dating someone, or was interested in Clara. I was just Tanner's little sister. My mom kept texting me from the other side of the room to go get myself presentable. I like to think of her as our non-Jewish Yente.
Anyway, Riley hung out for a while, but showed no interest in me. And that was that.
Tanner got home on June 6, 2009 and when we arrived at the airport to pick him up, there stood Riley holding a welcome home sign. Still tan, still hot. Again though, no interest in me. I saw him again at Tanner's homecoming that Sunday, and once more at Meg's baptism. Nada. The guy was killing me!
Later that week though, I finally got my chance! Tanner and Riley had driven up to Idaho for a companion's wedding and Riley asked Tanner for his permission to take me out. Tanner agreed (thanks for sharing, T!), and since he had recently starting dating Clara, they decided a double date was in order.
I was at a swimming party at my friend Chelsie's when the call came. And it went a little something like this:
Me: Hello?
Riley: Hey, Sara?
Me: Yes?
Riley: This is Riley Stewart
Me: Hey Riley! I'm actually not with Tanner right now, but he finally got a phone. I can give you his number if you want?
R: No, I'm actually calling for you.
Me (thinking to myself): Keep it cool. Be COOL.
Me: Oh. What's up? (Not cool. At all)
R: Picture this... You, me... Wait, no. What are you doing tomorrow?
Me: I don't know. I don't think I have plans yet.
R: Well then, picture this. You, Me, Tanner, Clara, and the Lehi Rodeo Roundup.
Me: Sure. Yeah, that sounds good!
R: Cool. Well I'll call you later for details.
We hung up. And I about died! I was thrilled! Then, mad. I thought for sure Tanner had told Riley of my crush, and Riley took pity on my. Nothing like a good pity date, with your brother in tow.
When I got home that night, I confronted Tanner. What kind of weasel rats out his sisters crush? What is this, third grade?! Tanner assured me it was Riley's idea. And the conversation ended with "Janey, relax. This is a good thing." If only I had known then how good it was.
June 27, 2009.Riley showed up right on time in his cowboy get-up. I knew he did rodeo, and knowing that this outfit was authentic made it ten times more attractive. After the rodeo there was a dirt dance in the arena. Clara and I had been country dancing, and Riley knew how, so we spent a good portion of the night teaching Tanner some moves.
The last dance was a slow song. I Cross My Heart by George Strait. Riley sang every word in my ear and joked about how he was going to sing this song to his wife at his wedding. I felt a sudden pang of jealousy... Fine then! Why don't you go find her?!
When the song ended, he held my hand as we started to made our way toward the car. Now, This part is up for debate. Riley says I let go, I say he did. Either way, someone let go. And I was sad! Looking back, I was 100% in love from day one.
Two days passed and I hadn't heard from him. What the heck?! I thought it was the perfect date. What happened? Finally, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I texted Ri asking when he was going to take me out again. His response? "Is this Tanner?" Wow. Someone get me a rock I can crawl under! "No", I replied. "This is really Sara." He answered that he just wasn't used to girls being so forward. Someone kill me now! Why did I send that text? I was so so embarrassed. Then another text came. "How about Tuesday?" Done. Sold. I'm in.
And the rest is history. We saw each other every day after. I had a date with another guy that week, and even asked to go home early. And called Riley to come get me.
That following Thursday he came up to my family reunion, Rammfest. I had killer allergies, and called him to bring me some Benedryl. For some reason, three days after our first date, Riley drove the two hours to the reunion to bring me medicine. He ended up staying the whole weekend. And after Tanner and I established that Riley was there as my guest, not Tanners, it was smooth sailing! Even my extended family could tell there was something different about this guy. My aunt mentioned she had a feeling we would be seeing him again next year. Another asked him to consider joining the family. And my Poppy took it upon himself to have a little chat with Ri to make sure our plans were in line with one another's.
We got back from the reunion on the Fourth of July and went to watch fireworks at the old Holladay Elementary. We saw tons of people we knew, and I was so proud to be on Riley's arm at our first public outing as an item. Our first kiss was that night. Riley was reeeeal smooth.
It's crazy to me that all this took place almost four years ago. As I wrote this, that white truck that drove us on our first date is sitting in the driveway, and our baby boy is sleeping on my chest. If you had told me at the rodeo that night that in just a year, Riley and I would be getting married. I probably would have responded with something like "I know." And deep down, I think I really did.
Xoxo

Three Months!

At three months Mason does not like:
Tummy time (unless Dad is there)
Burping
Sleeping
Getting his nails clipped
These new teeth he is working on
The sound of the kitchen sink draining
The dark

But he loves:
Smiling (melts me every time!)
His binky
Bath time
Standing up and looking around
Making noises
Kicking his feet
Very dramatic fake crying
Sucking on his hands
His reflux medicine
Hiccups
Chewing on Mom or Dad's finger
Bouncing
Singing

I really can't believe how fast time is passing. Riley was walking around with Mason last night trying to help him calm down for bed, and for a minute I flashed back to when he would pace with our tiny little bundle in the middle of the night. Now he is not so tiny!
Mason is getting more and more active and vocal. He is almost constantly wiggling, and is starting to discover his hands and reach for things. He makes tons of noise too! Riley can really get him chatting. The two of them will just sit and have a conversation forever. Mase really only makes noise for me if we are singing.
He is getting a tooth on bottom too! I swear its super early, but you can feel it popping through and the kid is a drooling machine!
We are so in love with our Mason. It is so fun watching him grow and get his own little personality. We are looking forward to his blessing next month, an letting our family and friends enjoy him over the holidays!

Practically Perfect in Every Way!

This morning I woke up to a phone call from Riley at work, notifying me that my birthday celebrations would be taking place today (my birthday is not until Friday), and that I would be need to be ready by noon. He gave me a few clues. We had to dress nice, it was a place where you sit down, and we had never done it together. I was stumped. Finally though, when I asked if Mason was allowed to attend or if Riley had arranged for a sitter, he gave in and told me we were going to MARY POPPINS ON BROADWAY!! We did some googling, and found out babies were allowed, and set out on our way.
It truly was my perfect day. This guy knows me well! The show was darling. The costuming was so so cute, the set was awesome, and cast was fantastic. How could it not be? Mary Poppins is my fave!
Mason was a champ! We put cottton in his ears, and wrapped him in a blanket, so I'm really not sure he heard much. He actually slept through most of it, but woke up for "Step in Time" and then went right back to sleep. Riley loved it too. He had never seen anything on Broadway, and his first experience did not disappoint.
After the show, we went to eat at a place called Cookout. We drive by it all the time and it always has a line out on to the street and a police officer directing traffic. So we thought we would go see what all the hype is about. The food was pretty good, and the shakes were amazing!
Thank you to incredible husband for planning my perfect day for me! It has been awhile since I got dressed up, and spent a significant amount of time in public. He really is the best, practically perfect in every way! I'm so lucky!
Xoxo