The First Day of the Rest of My Life

I have been slacking really badly. I promise I will do better from now on...hopefully.

Well to say my life this last month has been crazy is the understatement of the century! Exactly one month ago today I married my best friend, the man of my dreams, the greatest guy ever. This month has been crazy, stressful, fun, enjoyable, intense, blissful, and the list goes on. I promise I will catch you all up on my life this past month, but seeing that today we have officially been married one month I figure I will focus on the day that started the rest of my life...

Saturday, September 28, 2013 Tony and I were married in the Salt Lake Temple not just for this life, but the life after, for time and all eternity. And it was the best day of my life thus far. The wedding day went flawlessly. Truly I cannot think of one thing that went wrong or I would have done different. Other than a few family and friends being unable to make it, it was perfection.

We started the day with our sealing at the temple. And it was amazing. Our sealer was former President of the Seventy Robert L. Backman, which was such a treat for some of my family who knew him as "the Elder Holland of their day".  He was amazing, gave such great advice, and words of wisdom to Tony and I. The spirit was so strong and I am so grateful that we made the decision to be married in the temple, and to be sealed to one another for all eternity. What an unfathomable amount of time that is and how I look forward to spending that with Tony.

After the temple we had a beautifully short and sweet luncheon with our families. I finally got to meet members of Tony's extended family and people that have been a huge influence in his life. It was amazing that so many of his family came to support us when none of them lived in Utah. I couldn't have asked for better family and friends to come be with us on our wedding day. I am truly grateful for my friends and family that traveled near and far to come support us. We are so blessed to have you in our lives. 

What a whirlwind this last month has been. But I wouldn't change it for anything. Our lives have drastically changed and it is so overwhelmingly exciting! I cannot wait to update a little bit more about our new life. But until then...here are just a few photos from the wedding day! 

 (Note...I have no idea who this man is...but I am sure he has some great photos of us as we were coming out of the temple...for he was snapping away with his camera as we came out...and isn't my mom a gem!)

Our Parents

 Tony's Family

Our Families

 My family

My cute sibs

 Tony and his brother Ryan

 I just have to brag a little right now...How freaking cute are my nieces and nephew?! Ethan is such a stud, and Brynlee and Avery are just the cutest things in the world RIGHT!? I am a proud aunty! 

30 days!

You'll all understand why I haven't spent much time blogging. 

I'm getting married in a MONTH!!!!

I cannot believe that we are finally down to a month. Just one. 

It really has been a long time coming and there are days where it doesn't feel real.

But you guys, I cannot wait to marry Tony.

It's going to be awesome!

LA Adventure

Apologies for falling off the face of the Earth. It has been a while since I last blogged. 

Let's just say I've been a little busy!

So I'm sure you all know by now...but...

TONY AND I ARE ENGAGED!!!

We are so excited to be taking this next step in our lives to get married.

It's been a long journey so far, but I wouldn't change it for the world. 

I cannot wait to marry this guy!

So aside from all the crazy wedding planning, Tony and I decided to take a quick trip to California to get away for Memorial weekend. Tony's dad and his family live in the Los Angeles area and we got to spend some time with them as well. It was such a great weekend jam packed with a lot of fun stuff!

The first night we got there we decided to head down to Universal Studios City Walk. I don't remember ever going there and it was a lot of fun. There are lots of different shops and restaurants. So obviously I did a tiny bit of shopping and then had dinner at Bubba Gump's! 

The next day we got up bright and early (I'm talking we were up at 5:30am) and headed to Disneyland with his dad, stepmom, and half sisters! Apparently once a year they keep the park open for 24 hours....so we got their really early to miss some of the crowds. 

We first hit up California Adventure and then went to Disneyland. At this point in the morning there weren't a ton of people there yet so the lines weren't too long. Our first ride was of course Tower of Terror and I loved it, (both times we rode on it) Tony not so much! Jk he had fun...but I will say he was more scared than I was! :)

We then went to Cars Land.

YOU GUYS!!! Cars land is the cutest thing I've ever seen! 

It is sooo well done, it's unbelievable! 

I literally felt as if I had jumped into the movie and was in Radiator Springs! So stinking cute! And the rides are so fun! If you haven't been there...totally go! It's so worth it!

We got to take pictures with Minnie Mouse, which was really cute! 

Tony, his half sisters Kelsey and Shannon, and his dad Julian.

It was so fun to finally meet his sisters and stepmom Kim, and to spend some more time with his dad.

They really are so great! And look how cute his sisters are! 

Well we left Disney land around 4:00, went back to take a quick nap, and then made our way to Dodgers Stadium!

Tony and I decided when we first planned this trip that we wanted to go to a Dodgers game! I've never been to an MLB game before and it was really fun. I took everyone's advice and got myself a Dodger Dog (a hotdog) and it was great! The game was really fun (although the Dodgers lost). And then we got to enjoy fireworks after the game! It was a fun experience to be in such a cool stadium and to enjoy the crowd, the game, the hotdog, peanuts, red vines, soda.....ugh we were at a baseball game!!!!! We had to indulge ourselves!

The next day we decided to head down to Santa Monica! It was so nice to be by the ocean (something I seldom get to enjoy here in Utah) and to enjoy the perfect weather. After we ate at a mexican restaurant on the pier we just enjoyed the weather and took a nice stroll. 

We then took a drive up Highway 1 to Malibu to gawk at all the nice houses along the coast with their extremely nice cars parked in their driveways. 

After heading down to Hollywood Boulevard to check out the famous Hollywood stars and the Chinese Theater we made our way up to Griffith Park Observatory. Now that was a sight to see!

The observatory sits on top of the hills of Los Angeles and looks over the entire valley. It was so beautiful especially because we had gotten there right at sunset. We had a perfect view of the entire valley and a great view of the Hollywood sign! LA really is a beautiful city when you're looking over it at night. 

Sunday afternoon we headed home, but had the whole morning before our flight actually left. So we met up with Tony's dad and sisters for a little chicken and waffles breakfast. I'd never had that combo before...but I'll admit it was really good! After breakfast we decided to head to the California Science Museum at USC to see the Endeavour space shuttle. 

That. Was. SOO. Cool.

For some reason I was thinking it would be a lot bigger. I mean don't get me wrong, it's HUGE, but I was expecting this ginorm thing. It was almost unfathomable to think about what this space shuttle has seen and experienced. It went on 25 missions to space and traveled 123,000,000 (that's 123 million) milles!!! It was just crazy to me. I am so glad we went and saw that. It truly was so unbelievable!

So after a long exhausting , always on the go weekend I'll admit I was glad to be home and still have Memorial Day to spend with my family. But it sure was such a fun weekend. I'm so glad we decided to go spend the weekend together having an LA adventure. 

I am so grateful for Tony's family for being so extremely gracious the entire weekend we were there. They truly are great people and I'm excited that I will get to call them family soon. 

Thank you guys so much! 

What the Easter bunny brought to me.

"Each of us will have our own Fridays...We will experience those broken times.

No matter how dark our Friday, Sunday will come."

-Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

As I woke this morning, I woke to the thought of Easter. 

Will I have and Easter basket waiting for me?

I should have bought a new Easter outfit, what was I thinking?

And then I thought of my Savior. 

A thought that should have come first, for He is the reason for our celebration.

As we all go about our days, whether spent with friends or family, may we take a moment and bask in the glory of our Savior and Redeemer. Who on this day rose from the grave, three days after atoning for the sins of the world.

Atoning for me.

Taking on the things that I cannot bear. 

Feeling those heartaches and heartbreaks that life brings. 

Feeling those times of loneliness.

Taking away my sins and shortcomings.

There have been many moments in my life where I have felt like there was no hope.

Moments of extreme loneliness, many because of heartbreak.

Moments where the thoughts of the world tower over me, and I truly feel not good enough.

Moments that no one will ever truly understand.

Except Him. 

He knows my deepest sorrows.

He knows my greatest joys.

In the darkest moments, I have felt the loving and ever understanding arms of my Savior, embrace me as a mother would embrace her child. 

I have experienced His hope and mercy wash over me, bringing light to the darkness.

I have felt His atoning sacrifice take hold of my life. 

Taking hold of those things that would keep me from His presence. 

I have felt the peace that only true repentance can bring.

And I have felt His love.

I know in the deepest part of my soul that Jesus Christ, the son of God, lives.

Although He was crucified and laid in a tomb, three days later He arose.

And He lives.

He lives today and forever.

Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer.

He is my brother.

He is my truest friend.

How grateful I am to know the truthfulness of His gospel on this earth today.

How grateful I am for his love for me, that he would atone for my sins and die so that I may live again.

How grateful I am that He lives.

May your lives be ever blessed with the knowledge of the love your Savior has for you.

Regardless of your thoughts, beliefs, lifestyle.

He cares for you.

He loves you.

He knows you.

"Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:

I know that my Redeemer lives."

Hymn 136 

I Know that My Redeemer Lives

One Year. New Year. Our Year.

Happy New Year!

2012 was a big year.

If you would have asked me a year ago where I thought my life was going to take me, I wouldn't have even known how to respond. I would never have guessed my life would have gone in the direction it has. And I couldn't be more happy. 

January 1, 2013 not only meant a new year, but it meant that I have spent one year with the most amazing guy I know. 

One year ago, at mile marker 160, heading home from Las Vegas, Tony and I decided to make it official! Best. Decision. Ever. :) 

This guy...he now has my heart. 

Tony is...

One of the nicest guys I know.

Genuinely kind.

Extremely smart.

Funny and silly.

Willing to go out of his way to help.

And always one step ahead of me. 

He...

Encourages me to try new things.

Supports me in my work.

Comforts me when I'm stressed, sad, overwhelmed, and mad.

Lets me be goofy and weird.

Makes me feel like the only girl in the room.

This year has been one wild ride. 

We have had some great adventures and I cannot wait to go on more great adventures with him.

Tony... thanks for the best year ever. 

You are an incredible person, and I'm extremely lucky to have you.

I love you.

Here's to the best year a girl could have asked for.

And here's to a million more.

Who would have known that a trip to Las Vegas for New Years would have been the start of something that will change my life completely.

Our first Jazz game.

Movie in the park.

The Hoover Dam!

Twin Falls for my best friends wedding.

Our Park City date.

The most fun day date to the Hogle Zoo.

(But you kept calling it the Hoble Zoo...cuz of my limp.)

Celebrating ONE YEAR at City Creek!

I love you Tony Bolony!

I'm lucky to call you mine. 

Until We Meet Again

It's been a while since my last update! But we have a new addition to the Cluff family! 

May I present to you....

Avery Lynn Cluff

Our cutest new addition!

So last week my family and I took a little trip to the good ol' Oklahoma!

We had been wanting to visit there for sooo long, because let's be honest, who wouldn't want to take a vacation there?

Ok just kidding! 

It wasn't so much a vacation, but more of a trip across country to see my brother graduate from Army basic training! After 10 1/2 weeks Kyle finally finished basic training, and us as a family wanted to celebrate this amazing accomplishment with him! But mostly we were going there so Kyle could finally meet his sweet baby girl. Yes you heard me right, until last week Kyle had not met his daughter. Chelsea has been so strong since he has been gone. She delivered Avery without Kyle, which was extremely hard for the both of them. I couldn't imagine doing that. 

So last Wednesday we all packed up and headed to Oklahoma. This was Avery's first trip and first plane ride, and she did amazing (aside from having her first blowout on the airplane....oops.)

Thursday morning we got up early to go see Kyle! Thursday was family day for all the soldiers. It started off with a demonstration of all the things they had learned and accomplished while at basic training. It was cool to be able to see what they had been doing. I couldn't imagine doing that...those guys are so tough! 

Chelsea had the cutest onesie made for Avery for her big debut! 

 "I'm here to meet my daddy for the first time"

The onesie alone brought tears to my eyes. 

So we were not aloud contact with Kyle before the demonstration, although we saw him outside the auditorium. 

So after that was finished we all rushed out to find our soldier! 

So with camera on and ready we searched and searched for Kyle. 

The anticipation was so intense...I can only imagine how Chelsea felt. 

As soon as we saw him the tears started flowing...

The overwhelming joy and happiness to see my brother after 2 1/2 months. 

To see his face light up when he saw Chelsea and Avery is a moment I will never forget. 

I am so glad I was able to capture this moment.
A moment I don't think Kyle, Chelsea, and our family will ever forget. 

I get emotional even now just looking back at that and recalling how I felt. 

Priceless.

I don't think Kyle took his hands or eyes off this girl the entire time we were there. 

We tried to take some family pictures while we were all together, seeing that honestly it unsure when we as a family will all be together again. So excuse the wind blow hair...and the sun in the eyes. 

It's the best we could do at the time. 

After spending all of Thursday together we had to say goodnight to Kyle and send him back to the barracks to spend the night. He wasn't graduated yet...so he still belonged to the Army, and had to spend the night in the barracks and not with Chelsea. 

So Friday we woke up early again to head to his graduation. 

This is such a huge accomplishment for Kyle and I couldn't be happier for him.

He has worked so hard to get where he is today.

I truly felt so proud of him for everything he has accomplished.

Being a great husband.

Now a father.

A soldier.

My brother. 

I love him.

So on top of celebrating Kyle's graduation we also celebrated my 24TH BIRTHDAY!

Holy cow I am getting old! 

Although I had to share my birthday, I wouldn't have changed it! 

The only thing that could have made it better would have been to have Tony there with us.

(He's been traveling a lot for work and couldn't miss anymore school.)

I couldn't be more proud of the military background in my family. It has instilled a greater appreciation for this country and for those who fight for our freedoms. 

I am so extremely proud to say that my dad and now my brother are military men! 

I feel so lucky!

It was such a fun weekend to spend with my entire family celebrating something so exciting!

I love my family so much. 

Couldn't have asked for a better group of people to spend eternity with! 

Managing. Goodbyes.

Let's start by saying...I FINALLY FINISHED THE B.O.M.! I totally slacked this time and it took me about a month and a half to finish. Little did I know when I started the challenge that the next month would be totally crazy...

So about half way through July I was made the manager of the salon I work at, SportClips! 

I've been working there for about 3 1/2 years, and finally I'm the manager.

Being the manager is keeping me super busy but it has been great so far!

The last month or so has just been super busy and a little overwhelming. 

Working.

Managing.

Small vaca's.

Weddings.

Goodbyes.

August fourth was a very bitter-sweet day for me.  My roommate for almost three years, Zandrea got married in Twin Falls Idaho, and I had the privilege of being her Maid of Honor. It truly was an honor for me seeing that she and I have been through a lot together and she has helped me through a lot of things. It was an absolute beautiful day and she looked absolutely stunning. I am so happy for her and her now husband Donnie. They are amazing together and compliment each other in all the right ways. I am just a little sad that she isn't my single girl anymore! 

Before heading to Idaho and while my dad was home for the short time he was, we finally had his retirement ceremony.  He served a good 32 years in the Army National Guard and it was only appropriate that he was thanked and honored for all of his hard and amazing work that he put in during those 32 years. 

I will admit I learned a lot of things about my dad that day. Nothing that surprised me, but things that I just never knew. I learned how respected my dad was, not that I didn't know that already, but the men that stood up and spoke about my dad had only the highest regard for him. They looked up to him and respected him. They enjoyed working with him, and had learned a lot of things from him. My dad was truly an inspiration and a mentor to a lot of men in the Utah National Guard.  He took each moment as a learning opportunity, and only wanted the best for others. He put doing what was right before doing what might have been easier, and I think that is amazing. He was never concerned about what people thought about him, he made decisions based upon what he knew needed to be done, and what he knew was right. I can guarantee that the men that had the privilege of working with my amazing father, have had their lives changed because of him. 

I am extremely grateful for my father. He has taught me so many things that I will never forget. He has helped shape me to be the young woman that I am today, along with my amazing mother. I couldn't have asked for a better father, he is my hero. When I think of someone that I admire, respect, love, and look up to I always think of him, because he is all those things. If you have had the privilege of meeting him you will be able to agree. For the next couple years he will be in Afghanistan for 2 months at a time with a month home in between. It will be really hard to have him gone for those 2 months, but I look forward to the month that I get to spend my time with him.

I love you dad.

The day after I got home from Zandrea's wedding I had to say goodbye to my big brother.

Kyle joined the Army August 6.

It was a long time coming and a long process for him and I am so proud of his decision to follow my dad's footsteps and join the Army.  

He has been in basic training now for 3 weeks and after that will head to officer school and then him, Chelsea, and baby Avery will head to Alabama for flight school for the next couple years. 

 

As with my dad I could go on and on about how much I love my brother. He has always been there for me (even though we do a lot of "fighting" in between). He has always been someone I look up to and someone I know will always have my back. He is such a strong person and has had to go through some difficult things. I am so proud of the person he has become. He is an amazing husband to his beautiful wife, and as soon as baby Avery gets here I know he will be the most amazing father to that sweet girl. 

I love him with all my heart and I know he will be such a great soldier. I am so proud of his decision to do this, and cannot wait until I see him in October when he graduates from basic training. 

I can't say enough how grateful I am for my family. I have amazing parents that have taught me all the things that will help me get through life. They brought me up in the true Gospel and have raised me to know that living the Gospel is the only way to happiness. 

I have amazing siblings. A sister who is such a great example to me. With the two cutest kids I know. She is such a great mom to those sweet kids. I have a brother who is such a great person. Who is taking a huge step in his life, and will do it successfully. I am grateful for their spouses who fit them perfectly, and truly complete our family. 

Although our family might be splitting up and taking on different path and going different directions, I am so happy to know that I have strong enough connections with them that distance doesn't matter. And at the end of the day I am so extremely grateful that we are an eternal family. Our family togetherness doesn't end here on earth when we die, it continues on after this life. I know that we will spend eternity with each other, and some days that doesn't sound too fun, JUST KIDDING, but there are no other people I would rather spend my eternities with than them!