what's not to love?

what's not to love about conference weekend?


sleeping in
pajamas
no obligations
yummy treats (staple in this ashby household)
and hearing from an amazing, inspired group of individuals.


I love it. love love love it. 
Devin and I slept in right until conference started (no surprise) and spent the morning lounging around, and doing a little cleaning. 


I love President Monson. What a HAM! He cracks me up. I wish I could think of the words to describe him. He is just so real. He doesn't sugar-coat anything. He is honest, and he easily one of the most respected individuals. I don't understand how people can find something wrong with that. With him. He is an incredible, inspiring Prophet. I remember the first time I met him, when he was in the Presidency with President Hinckley. My family and I were attending a wedding for my dad's cousin (Elder D. Todd Christofferson, our Uncle Todd), where he was also attending. We waited with a small group of people to shake his hand. I can only remember thinking he was extremely tall, and how he absolutely lit up when he saw my younger brother. He told Kyle that he would make a fantastic missionary one day. That's always stuck with me. What a humble, friendly man. He is truly a messenger of God. There is no doubt! 


I was also ecstatic when he announced the new temples. What a perfect way to restore the Tabernacle! It has always been a huge part of the Provo community, and I was totally surprised to hear it will be restored as a temple. Also... Star Valley? That's where Grey's is! A temple up there will be amazing! And Paris?!?! All the more reason to make a trip across the pond! I love hearing about new temples being built. It is all the more assurance that this work is moving forward, that the church is growing, and that the members are faithful and strong.


After the first session was over, Kelli and I went out to lunch at Winger's! Dev hates Winger's, so I knew i'd never get to go with him. Taking advantage of Kelli's day down from Layton was ideal. We had an awesome time! I'm more and more glad that we were married only 2 weeks apart. We're in the same point in our lives right now, so we can share the joys and woes together. It's perfect! 


After lunch, Devin and I headed back up to Salt Lake (my 3rd time in 2 days!) for a Bridals shoot. We went to Garden Park Ward. Devin had never shot there before, and I'd never even heard of the place, but it's absolutely beautiful! It's just an LDS Chapel, but the grounds are amazing! The history has a lot to do with Brigham Young (I think...). The photos are going to turn out great, I can't wait to see what Devin does with them! 


Once we were done with the shoot, we decided to go to Ikea and came home with a garlic press (handy), a can opener (much needed. ours was awful) and a chair. Literally. We got an awesome leather chair for our living room! We've had our eye on this chair for at least 6 months and finally just bought it. It surprisingly matches our couch perfectly. It completes our living room and occupies that awkward corner that didn't have anything in it. Ta-da! 


We got it home and had Costa Vita for dinner to satisfy Devin's craving, and are now relaxing watching some football. 


I'm anxious for tomorrow, to be able to listen to more conference (watch for my Uncle Todd! ;) haha), and eat all the food i've been making for this weekend! We're having homemade guacamole and salsa, oreo truffles, pulled pork, and some other treats I couldn't pass up at the grocery store. Also? My conference activity? Making Christmas Ornaments. I decided I'm going to make all our ornaments for our tree. I cannot even begin to try to explain how excited I am for our first christmas together. It's going to be the best!!! Already anxious for December? So unlike me...


One more thing: Devin and I planned our 1 year anniversary! Okay, okay, we're like 8 months away... but it doesn't matter. 


We're going to Boston for a week! I am sooo excited! Maybe it's cliche to go to where your husband served his mission for your first anniversary.. but not when it's Boston! 


We'll fly into Boston on a Saturday or Sunday (we're using standby buddy passes. my aunt works for jet blue and is getting us the tickets! pro? it's only $90 round trip per person. con? we have to wait for available standby seats. which doesn't always happen on the flight we want to get on. hence the sat. OR sun..) and spend 2 days doing things in that Area (like go to the boston temple, go over the bridge to Charleston, go to Cape Cod, see fenway park... all that good stuff) and then spend a few days in Manchester, New Hampshire, where I'll finally meet all of the amazing people Devin got to serve. People I've only skyped! We'll spend time in Vermont (Joseph Smith memorial, covered bridge, etc), and Maine... and I think that's it! I'm anxious to visit Salem (witch trial central!) and to try an authentic whoopie pie! I definitely want to see tons of lighthouses! Also? fresh lobster. I've never had lobster before. Don't even know if I'll like it... but how can I go to New England, and not have a lobster roll? I can't. That's how. 


We've been looking up hotels and rental cars, and trying to keep track of all the things we want to do. Which is a lot. I told Devin that I want to do absolutely everything! If we ever go back, it will probably be in several years with a few kids in tow, and we won't have nearly as much time and money, so we've gotta do it ALL! I can't wait!