Big News!

Okay, prepare yourself...  Prepared?

I am getting married! I'm really excited for this huge life change and even more excited I get to jump into married life with my best friend by my side. I've known Riley since my Junior year of high school and we've dated for a good chunk of that time. Yet, when we got engaged the first week of October with a November wedding date things still seemed fast. Yet wedding plans are really coming together from scheduling the temple, booking our luncheon, finding the dress, and even getting to take our engagements so fast (pictured here, and photo cred: to Photography by Christel) it has all been working out so well. 

Many prayers went into setting our date and we both knew it was right. This has just been confirmed as things have been coming together so well.  I love Riley and truly am excited, but at the same time I'm nervous. Getting married is a huge step. It means leaving home and starting my own family. My own family!! Yikes! Don't get any ideas, we aren't planning on having children for a few years, but still Riley and I will become our own family. There are so many aspects of what a family is I often get overwhelmed thinking of what I "should" do. 

I have been extremely blessed this semester with the opportunity to take a class "marriage and family preparation" where we focus on principles found in The Family Proclamation and scientific studies. Through readings, lectures, and class discussions I've learned so many things that have brought peace to my soul concerning my future family. 

Aren't we cute? Why, yes, yes we are. 

Not everyone has the opportunity to take this class, so I just wanted to share a few of my favorite things I have learned in this class over the next 20 days. Hopefully you'll learn something too!

To start off I want to share with you this:THE FAMILY PROCLAMATION! Take a look at that link, it will take you to a proclamation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints made in September 1995. This was years ago before the family became a debated topic. It has become relevant now because of what it contains. Here they discussed the importance of the family as the fundamental unit of society, the importance of having a father and mother, and how to find happiness in life.

It is a powerful document.

It has helped me to gain strength and confidence as I prepare for my upcoming marriage. I know it is a proclamation from God. I know the importance of families is bigger than even I can fully understand. Families are wonderful. 

I am excited to share what I have learned with you in the next two weeks!