Bridal Shower Fun

So. One of the many adventures that comes with getting engaged, are Bridal Showers. I've been to many, I've seen all the girls, and the embarrassing gifts -I've just never been on the receiving end!


My cute friend Kelsie Cook Yeoman decided to plan a fun bridal shower with all of our friends from our previous singles ward, as well as any other random friends I wanted to invite. I'm not going to lie, I was nervous about people actually showing up for me. I know I have many friends, and I love them. I guess I just didn't picture a bunch of girls taking a night away from their lives to come be with me and celebrate Bryan and I. Well, I shouldn't have been nervous!

I arrived at the party and all down the street were cars parked for the shower! I walked in and saw some of my very favorite faces. The place was decorated and cute, the food was darling and everyone was SO sweet. All of the people that were there have been there for me for the last few years, and I'm so grateful Heavenly Father placed them in my life because I know they will be lifelong friends. The list of people whom were in attendance was McCal Takos, Kelsie Yeoman, Katie Berry Tall, Kayla Jacobsen, Lacey Edwards, Angela Thomas, Cassie Marshall, Linsey Pickup, Jessica Atkinson Campbell, Callie Varner, Breana Linton, Meagan Reginio, Sister Diane Bartlome, Sister Debbie Kakola and  Sister Janel Frost! How amazing are they?!?! Seriously, all of them are dolls.

Kelsie had set up this milk and cookie bar with darling glass milk jars, platters with cookies, pictures of Bryan and I, balloons ah. SO cute. She also had everyone write little "love notes" for Bryan and I and hung them with clothes line pins over the gifts. Kayla talked to Bryan and asked him a series of questions for me to answer and if I was wrong on any I had to stick a big fat piece of bubble gum in my mouth. I think I did pretty well at that game! My favorite was her question of "When did Bryan know he loved you?"... I just sat there. I had NO idea. I know WHEN he told me he loved me, but I didn't know when he actually knew. His response was "When she made me a better missionary". I'm not gonna lie, I was getting some happy tears there.

Now, the gifts. Holy cow. I've never seen so many weird games and lubricants. ha. They made me all nervous for this marriage thing. But! I did get some beautiful lingerie and some fun home essentials and gift cards! Those girls are just so sweet!

I seriously needed a night like that. I night to catch up with some amazing, amazing girls. I felt loved, and just so happy. They are just showing me how truly blessed I am. Heavenly Father really does know us. He knows who to place in our lives. He knows what we need, and WHO we need to helps us get what we need. I couldn't have asked for a better evening and shower! I wish I had gotten a picture with all of my girls. Instead, I'm just going to post some of my favs from the years I have spent with them.

Engagement Love

Our Favorite. Ps. He's my Favorite.

For those of you who know me, you know that I have a serious obsession with pictures and documenting everything, and I mean everything! Engagement pictures have been something I have looked forward to for years. I had this image in my head that I would look perfect, he would look perfect, the location would be perfect and our outfits would be perfect. That isn't too much to ask for is it...?

Because I had these expectations in my head, the day we had scheduled for our engagement pictures was drawing nearer and nearer and I had NOTHING. I could not think of one outfit that I already owned that I could live with. I decided it was time to shop. The week before I began my search.

Wednesday - no success.
Thursday - even worse.
Friday - painfully worse. I cried.

And...... the next few days were the same. I would walk into a store already knowing they would not have what my little girl heart had imagined. Way to go Chels - setting yourself up for failure! Thankfully I have the most amazing Fiance who let me cry it out, and continued to tell me that no matter what we were wearing, they would be great because we would be in them together.

Classic Utah County BYU Couple pose.

I began to be stressed about the location as well. I had pushed our pictures out to March thinking that the snow would be gone, and We could take pictures up American Fork Canyon at Tibble Fork  Resevoir. Well guess what? There was still snow. Obviously I cried again and made it into a bigger deal than I needed to. Bryan again, was a sweetheart. He spent 4 hours on the Saturday before our scheduled appt (March 15th) driving ALL over the Utah County with me trying to find a place that would live up to my expectations. How does this boy put up with me? He is seriously amazing. I feel bad for being so dramatic about the whole thing, but I just love that he is willing to do whatever he can to make me happy even when my expectations are impossible.

I had many friends over the course of that week who spent hours with me at many different malls and in countless dressing rooms. Heather, Merrill, Kylie and Kate - I have no idea what I would do without you girls. You listen to my nonesense, you waste time you could use otherwise to help me out, you make me laugh and you help me feel beautiful. Thank you :)

The Thursday before I went to get my hair cut. Well, not MY hair, my hair extensions. Gentry Campbell Hone did an amazing job. She worked for 2 hours to make sure that I understood how to put the extensions in myself and to cut and blend the hair so that it looked SO incredibly natural. I love them :) That night Bryan and I drove up to the Outlet mall to buy him some clothes for engagements. We found him an attractive button up and a pair of nice slacks that would work well with my formal outfit. After that we ran to  South Jordan for me to finish up some of my shopping and then we went home!

Mmmmmmmm Pie. 3.14

Friday, I was able to work all day and then that night Bryan and I hung out, registered at Target!! Once we finished registering we went to Village Inn with Kyle, Mark, Shaylea and Colton for 3.14 (Pie day). Afterwards Bryan and I watched Once Upon a time while I painted my nails and toe nails. We even plucked his eye brows! ha.

Saturday rolled around and I was so tired. I had spent the night before washing and ironing and laying out clothing for the both of us until 3am. Around 11am I got myself ready and out of the apartment to attend Maegan Reginio's bridal shower. The shower was small, but very fun! I then left to go to Sephora to get myself some new make up and a make over lesson. The girl was so kind and helpful. She got my everything I needed to feel beautiful. I received a  text message from my photographer Aimee Crandall saying that she thought it would be best to reschedule because the wind was out of control. A good 20mph...... Needless  to say, engagement pictures were rescheduled.

Happy 1 Year HOME

That night, ended up being really good for me. Bryan picked me up  and we went to Dinner at Applebees. It was nice to be out of my apartment, away from work, and not worrying about finding outfits anymore. Bryan was sweet and it was just wonderful to sit with him. It was fun sitting there and realizing that we are really getting married, we are really getting sealed for time and all eternity. Who knows what I would do without that boy. I sure don't. We finished off the night by doing the rest of our registering at Bed Bath and Beyond.

Wednesday rolled around it was time for our postponed session for Engagements. The day was a bit stresseful, but everything came together! Our photographer asked to move it from 4:30 to 5pm to begin and that made a world of a difference because we were able to get the last things we needed and still make it on time! What a blessing.

As  we began driving up American Fork Canyon I realized what a blessing it was that our pictures had been postponed. Much of the snow had melted, there was hardly any wind and it was a gorgeous day. My skin was clear, and Bryan told me I was beautiful. Aimee stepped out of her car and she was just the most darling thing the whole time! She made us feel so comfortable, she let us have fun and I actually did feel beautiful. We laughed lots, we kissed and played around. I have to say, Bryan O'dell is the man for me!

Sorry future children, Mommy and Daddy like to kiss :)

Once we finished, Bryan heated up the car to get my cold little hands and feet to a normal temperature. We drove down the canyon and into Lehi for Rib City. After all, it was March 19th, 2014. My sweet boy has been home from his mission for 1 year! I'm so excited, for all the years to come. It amazes me how fast time flies! Bryan reminded me how I was freaking out this time of year last year. I can't believe how everything worked and is working out. For 2 years I dreamed that my sweet amazing best friend would come home to me and that we would magically feel the same about each other and live happily ever after! I'm so grateful that Heavenly Father placed this man in my life. I'm grateful that he is my very best friend and that he makes me WANT to be better. He will be my favorite forever.

Now that we are at the end of my rant, I have to say that I am incredibly blessed. Everything turned out as perfectly as I had imagined, actually better. I love that you can see how happy we are in these pictures. I love that you can see how much we love each other. I love that he towers over me. I love that he is adorable. Most of all, I love that he is mine. Our sweet photographer posted some sneak peak photos that evening, ENJOY :)

So happy, so in love.

My life is PERFECT. HE IS PERFECT :)

Randomness

Sunday - Today was a really really good day! I woke up and was late for church.. but I got to talk with Staci outside while we ate breakfast. She is such a sweetheart. I love that she is so interested in my life, and so understanding. She really is one of my best friends. I missed sacrament because I woke up late... but the rest of church was fantastic! In sunday school we talked about doing work for our dead. The lesson was titled "The Prisoners Shall Go Free." I just think it's so interesting how the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers, and the hearts of the fathers will turn to their children. I remember singing primary songs about that, but I never understood it until the last couple of years. It is honestly so amazing how it all works. I thought it was interesting that this was one of the first things that was revealed to Joseph Smith - before the priesthood and before baptism.

Will you be my Forever?

              

HELLO!  Look at this BEAUTY 

          Well, it has been awhile since I've written, and this blog is missing a very important life event.

On Friday December 6th, Bryan and I had planned on going to see Catching Fire with our friends. He called me while i was still at work to let me know what the plan for our evening was. While on the phone he asked "What day do you finish your finals?" I said "Well, most likely the Wednesday or Thursday of Finals week". He then asked when I would go home for the break, and I asked when he would go. He said, "Oh I'm going home Friday night because I have to work that day", so I just told him I would be going home whenever he did! He ended up asking "Well would you like to go on a date with me that night to celebrate making it through finals week?" Now, I'm feeling a little surprised/confused because he has hardly ever asked me on a date in advance.. he then proceeded to say "And we could go to dinner at like Braza Grill or something, does that sound fun?". After that I was sitting there a little shocked. I obviously said yes, but called Brooke the minute I got off of the phone with Bryan. I told her all about how I was so nervous he was going to ask me to marry him, but I didn't wanna get my hopes up! Needless to say, the next two weeks I was incredibly anxious.

Friday, December 20th 2014

Wednesday night I went shopping with my sister. I had been so nervous and unsure of if Bryan would propose to me on Friday night. I wanted it oh so bad, so I finally just gave in and bought a whole new outfit. Thursday I was at Katie Holmes (Murdock)'s wedding and I just missed Bryan so much!  That night I called him and told him I really wanted him to come over. I had hardly seen him that whole week because between his finals, my finals, his studying schedule and his work schedule - it was impossible. He told me he had too much he had to do and I told him he was "the worst boyfriend ever" (obviously I was kidding if you had heard my sarcasm).  He didn't come, so I decided that I should paint my nails just in case as well. That day I went to work all dressed up in my new outfit, and really hoping I wasn't getting my hopes up. I just kept reminding myself that I hadn't seen Bryan much that week, and I should be happy because we were going to go on a a nice date!!

Bryan called me after he finished work, and we were both talking while he was driving to South Jordan and I was driving back to Orem to grab a few more things that I needed for the long break. We talked for a long time, and he seemed all nervous because he thought I wasn't going to make it back on time for our reservation. I got back to my moms house on two minutes after he go there to pick me up :) I'm a pro. SO off to dinner we went. I was still trying to calm myself down in my head, and he asked if I would tell him what his Christmas present was, of course I wouldn't tell him. He was going to get it after we got done with dinner! We arrived at Braza Grill and sat at our table. Oh you should have seen how excited that boy was when he saw all the meat coming around! Like a boy in a candy store. Dinner was really great! And I was super happy to just be with him, but then he was texting his dad! I asked him why he was texting him and he said "I love my daddy" I was like "really? We are on a date, what are you even talking about"?....."Sports"... "Well that's important!!" ha. Best conversation ever. He eventually quit texting his dad and everything was still fantastic. I was SO full. I still haven't admitted to him that Ron randomly decided to take us to Rodizio Grill that afternoon for lunch.... Dinner was much better with Bryan though! :)

So we finished eating and began to walk out to his car. By this point I'm hoping he's going to take me somewhere since he hadn't proposed during dinner. I asked where we were going and he said "to my house, to open Christmas presents"............ yup, not happening. He then said "I get dibs on opening mine first!!!".... "Wow mr impatient" I said.... Aren't I so kind? So I'm sitting there trying to pep talk myself in my head and I realize his hands are FRIGID. I teased him about it because his job is to keep my hands warm, not the other way around! Janet called and "asked" Bryan if we wanted to watch a christmas movie with them when we got back, and he told her no because we were going to open our christmas presents to each other. Don't get me wrong, I was excited to go to his house but I kind of assumed that they would be watching their movie downstairs which is where he said we'd be opening presents so to me that was another confirmation that a proposal was not coming. I knew he wanted it to be a private thing.

Well! We arrived at the Frandsen household and the first thing I see is his family chillin up in the family room watching a movie. They never watch upstairs! We then went to the basement. As we were walking down the step, Rick was coming up as well with a HUGE smile on his face. We continued to the basement and I sat on the couch near the tree. Bryan asked me to scoot over more, so I did. I gave him his present and he opened it. I had given him two BYU hats that were throwback colored hats. He seemed to really like them! Well, he got up, walked to the tree and grabbed my present. A thin rectangular box.... the first thought I had was "candy box"???? I began to open and he stopped me to tell me that he needed to explain a little bit. He reminded me of how I had told him a few times that obviously having him home is better, but sometimes I really missed getting letters from him. So I continued to open the box and there was a stack of envelopes numbered off in order. I took the first one out, it said "August 2009 - We Met" There was this upset emoticon face and I just laughed a bit when I realized he put there face there because we did not really like each other when we first met. The envelopes each had a date and a picture of some important milestone we had reached throughout our relationship: first date, first handhold, first kiss, The night I knew I loved him, his mission, coming home, becoming his girlfriend, until the very last one.... "December 20th, 2014".... no picture. At this point I like know what is going to happen, but it honestly had not completely connected that he was really about to ask me to marry him!

Bryan stood up, and asked me to stand up too. I just kept asking "why"? ha. Duh Chelsea. Way to be blonde here. So, Bryan pulled me up and reached around the tree, and grabbed a box. I kept asking "what are you doing?!" and he got down and one knee and asked me...."Chels, will you marry me"? I freaked and couldn't believe that the ring in the box was the ring I had wanted SO badly. It was BEAUTIFUL!!!! He then said "Chels, you still need to answer.." so then i said "YES!!!". Colton had popped out of nowhere and was taking pictures. Holy brain overload. Bryan, asked me to marry him, he had the ring, AND he had someone taking pictures. I couldn't believe how perfect it was, and then Colton points down at a video camera! The WHOLE thing was recorded. So perfect. I love this man. I really do.

Colton left us alone for a minute and i just could NOT believe what had just taken place. Bryan.. me.. proposal... marriage...together... forever... AH! :) Obviously we had a few people upstairs waiting for us, and so Bryan said it was time to go up. We go on up and Rick says "Sooo..." and I say "I feel silly!" I feel silly? Who am I! But oh, Rick just gave me the longest hug and I just about cried. It was all starting to feel real. Janet hugged me, Erica and Sam hugged me, and Erica said "I'm getting a sister!!" They pulled out Martinellis and gave us a sweet little toast. The rest of the night was a blur. But we visited my family to tell my mom! And then we announced to the world that Bryan and I were going to seal the deal!  So here is the Facebook relationship status I have been looking forward to for so long!!

May 9th 2014 here we come!!!!

Mr. Bryan and Chelsea Frandsen

We help the Homeless

August 11th - 17th

Well, on sunday I found out Merrill was going back to SUU a week earlier than everyone :( So I decided to go play with her for awhile. I hate when everyone goes back to school. I am really happy that Heather, Mandy, Merrill and I went to New York because it was really the last BIG thing we could do together before everything would change. I still can't believe Mandy and Tanner worked out. I'm so happy for the two of them! Anyways, tangent over. I went to Bryans house for dinner and then we watched episodes of Duck Dynasty and Top Gear with everyone.

So, on tuesday I decided that it was time for a "me" night. I hung out at home, I watched Charlie and the Life of Pi. Super lazy, but hey! Sometimes those nights are necessary. I feel like I am always going from one thing to the next ya know?

On Wednesday baby Bryan was sick, so I went to his house to keep him company. I finally got him to watch Les Mis! He actually liked it too.

Thursday was the most RANDOM day. We decided at work that we were going to make a video to promote helping the homeless. We bought clothes from the D.I., Little Ceasars and Gatorades. We litterally drove around Salt Lake City looking for homeless people to pass everything out to. I will say, it was a bit awkward, but then there were some people who were so grateful that it made up for it. When we got done, we went to Tucanos. MMMMmmmmmmm yummmy. Sometimes I just absolutely love my job!!

My grandma was in town that night, so I went to see her for awhile! I love seeing her, and I'm g lad she came out to take care of my mom. Grandma helped her set up the house and make it feel more like home by hanging pictures and organizing everything. Vern, my step grandpa asked me to come outside, apparently they had china for me from my Great Grandma! She passed away earlier this year, and there was just so much stuff that they didn't know what to do with. When he started talking to me about them, I found out they actually belonged to my Great Great Grandma and they were being passed down to me! How cool is that? I don't think I have ever gotten something like that before. The china is SO beautiful. So, that night I went back to Bryans house and we watched the Truman show. I have to say, not my favorite movie. The strangest story line, and it was just one of those movies that frustrated me the whole time. However, I got to cuddle and take care of sicky. That makes up for the strange movie.

So saturday I went out to look for bridesmaid dresses for Jessicas wedding. Brooke came with me, and we couldn't find anything at all in her colors. turquoise is such a tough color to find, and it isn't really a fall color. Bryan and I were texting, and I found out randomly that we were going on a double date with his parents? I'm so down, but he hadn't told me anything at all! He's a planner for sure ;) We went to dinner at Johnny Carino's. Dinner was really good, Bryan and I got two different meals and shared. I like how we usually share things. Dinner was really great with his parents. Janet and Rick are so entertaining to me, and I like talking with Janet.

After our date we drove to my moms house to celebrate Laurens Birthday early with my Grandma Sherry. We had Root-beer Floats and cake. We even watched some home movies, and then the beginning of Monsters University. Later we met up with friends down by the Jordan River to have a bon fire. Colton, Garrett, Daryl, Brooke and Kyle. The best part of the night, is that when I got home, I realized I had left my phone in Bryans car!!! Left my phone in Bryans car....... I rushed inside, got on Facebook and messaged him right away. I felt so silly! Thankfully he doesn't live to far because I had to drive back to pick it up! I am a special human being. I'm glad that we were able to fit everything in that night though, because I wasn't sure that we were going to be able to!

To Fairview We Go.

Tuesday

Well tuesday was a fun day. I went to work of course, and after work I got to go to a  drive in movie with Merril and Heather. I wanted to invite Bryan, but he had to do fantasy football with his boys. Apparently the only time they could all get together to do it was that night at like 10pm. Anyways, I got girl time, so that was great :) We went to Despicable Me 2 in Merrils fun little white truck. We had blankets and that movie was SO funny. Those minions get to me. Too cute.

Thursday

Bryan and I went to a Wedding Reception for  The Loveridges. The wedding was cute, but oh how it makes me want to be with Bryan forever. I know I will, just not yet :) When the reception finished we drove over to Brandon Warners house. He also served in Ukraine, and since we had so many missionaries all in one pace we had to go play and talk more. I really do enjoy seeing all of those missionaries because they were so much apart of him for the last two years.

Friday

Ah FRIDAY. The day I was waiting for all week. I worked for most of the day, and when Bryan was finally off of work, I drove up to the point of the mountain to meet up with Bryans dad. Then it was off to Fairview. The drive was great, except I felt dumb because I told Bryan about Angela and Ron wanting to promote me and have me stay with them after I graduate. I guess I felt silly because I have been going to school for ASL and to teach, but now I'm not sure what I want. There is part of me that would love to stay with the company for a long time. I love them, it is a safe environment and I have room to grow there. I can just see myself staying there. At the same time, I've been planning on being a teacher, and I don't want my education in Deaf Studies to not be used. We'll just have to see what feels right.

Well, the cabin that night was fun. We played lots of games, and we ate snacks. I love how being with them is the best thing in the world. I'm not bored ever, and life just feels good.

Saturday, we got up, Rick and Janet made us breakfast and we just hung out! Bryan and I went four-wheeling a few times, and we even went on a fun ride with his parents. Oh how BEAUTIFUL it was. I love how peaceful it is up there, and how the world just goes away and everything feels perfect. On top of that, I got to be with the boy I love more than anything.

That night when we got home, I was not ready to leave at all. However, I was happy because heather asked me to come over and we had ourselves a  girls night. What more could you a girl ask for. Hershey's chocolate milk, fruit snack and hot tamales. Heathers house is the best.

Boating sun and fun.

July 28th - August 3rd

Well Wednesday was beautiful, and I went to work. Nothing much to report of here. However, work is still going great. So, after work Bryan and I decided to cross off another adventure from our summer list! We drove up Cottonwood Canyon to hike up to Doughnut Falls. I love this hike because it is short, easy and pretty. I would call this a perfect nature stroll. Nothing like being able to breath and not want to throw up when I'm hiking (memories of good ol' Mt. Timpanogas). The hike was great, lots of good conversation as always with my boy. We got up to the little falls and it was very pretty! The only thing was it was already getting dark because we started our hike a bit late. Anyway, I really enjoyed getting to spend some quality time with my best friend.

Friday - May I say, I had a great start to my morning :) My thoughtful boyfriend forgot to mention that his family decided they would be picking me up at 8am..... He calls me like 10 minutes before picking me up to let me know they are on their way. I know I was going boating, but I REALLY needed a shower. So I jumped in so fast, washed my hair and yes - I blow dryed my hair so they wouldn't know I washed my hair right before I was about to jump into a dirty, dirty lake. It is magic  that i was ready on time. Well, they arrived and off we went!

After we picked up the boat from his Uncles house, we drove down to Utah Lake. Saturday was seriously a beautiful day! We began  taking turns for water skiing and oh how nervous I was for my turn because I had only skied once in my life and it had been 4 years since. Surprisingly, all went well and I popped right up! I actually think I may like it more than wake boarding. I didn't think I would. Uncle Gary showed up later and he is an insane boat driver. He is a really funny man as well. Anyway, we moved onto wake boarding and we all seemed to do well on that. I'm so glad I got up though, because I had told Bryan in so many letters how I was getting better at it each time I went with my ward. I still can't go in and out of the wakes very well, but hopefully I will be able to someday!

So naturally, I'm always afraid I won't look very pretty at these kinds of activities. Especially as the day goes on and there is not a bit of make up left on my face. But of course Bryan saved  the day when he got home from boating and he told me I am beautiful and the most gorgeous girl ever. Ah. Serious butterfly moment right there. We all went home and showered and got back together for a good old fashioned American summer night dinner. Hamburgers. Yum. Bryan and I went to Walmart to buy 42 and then we all watched it together as a family.  While we were watching, I just had this overwhelming feeling of how much I love Bryan. The blunt little girl in me told him "I know I say this too often, but I really really really love you". He then told me I really know how to give him butterflies :) So we ended the night by reading scriptures with his family and me going home. I'm kind of grateful for my life.

Saturday was pretty dang great as well. Heather, Merril and I drove down to Seven Peaks for a girls day. It was packed, but we still got to go on a few slides, chill in the wave pool and get our tan on. These girls are just the absolute best. I'm sad Merrill will be going back to school in a week.

Later that night I met up with Bryan and we went to his Mission Reunion! There were so many people there. We had food, talking and a talent show. I love meeting all of these people and seeing others that I have already met. Oleg, Fitz, Warner, Tautkus, Harris and so many more were there. They are just kind loving people. They make me feel welcome and part of their group. I'm happy that Bryan served with such a good group of people, and that they all became such good friends. They work hard to see each other often which is something I don't think most missionaries experience. I am pretty sure we will end up being friends with many of them for a long time. Well, I guess  that is the end of this week. But I am so incredibly blessed.