24. Every year, I always feel that I am way older than I am haha. This year I've really accomplished so much and for the first time I feel like a grown woman. Its been a year of the highest highs and the lowest lows. I graduated college which was huge for me. There were so many nights I broke down in tears to Taylor telling him I didn't know if I could do it. It was so exhausting coming home from work, taking care of Harper and then starting my homework at 10 at night. I really felt like I was living in survivor mode. I pushed myself the farthest emotionally and physically I ever had. Walking across that stage at graduation meant so much to me. This year I really didn't have time o take care of myself. That is definitely a goal this year. To spend some time doing what I love and becoming who I want to be. I want my life to be filled with more moments of laughter, happiness, adventure, long talks, close friendships, and precious moments. I want more moments with God, with Taylor, with Harper. Those really are the most important things to me. 

Also big shout out to Taylor for fulfilling my only birthday wish: hang out in a flower field. 

THIS IS MY HAPPY PLACE.

xoxo, Carly

We added the perfect new additions to our home this weekend. A desk & entry table. Taylor and I both agree they make our home feel finished and inviting. These two pieces will be with us for years to come. We lucked out and snagged these on the Facebook Marketplace for a killer deal. Taylor has been wanting a desk for about 3 semesters now & I finally decided to pull the trigger and surprise him with one this weekend. I am so happy he loves it as much as I do. I love surprising him with little gifts while he is away. Its a little tradition we have with each other. In other news: We also added 5 new plants to our family. Pray that we don't kill them all. 

xo carly 

I am cracking up, because I honestly don't look that blonde in these pictures. When I first saw it, it felt like a huge change. I haven't gotten my hair bleached this much in probably 8 years. It felt good to lighten it up & get back into the blonde game again. I was born blonde and pretty much maintained that color until high school. There, I experimented with every color out there: light blonde, black, chocolate brown, red, dirty blonde. I decided to call it quits around 2011 and let my natural color come through. Man it was wayyy darker than I thought it would be. After having Harper, it basically got 3 shades darker. The darker it got, the less like myself I felt. I am so happy to have light hair again and just feel like me! Plus a fresh cut can't ever do you wrong. I'm loving short hair & I don't think I'll ever grow it out again. Not sure what my next hair color will be. Lighter, darker? I'm thinking maybe 6 months from now to go lighter. Comment down below what you think. Also if I had it my way, I'd dye my hair pink. Taylor told me he'd disown me though soo... I might have to hold off until he owes me a favor ;) 

xo, Carly

This last weekend we were able to celebrate Taylor's sister Hannah's wedding. She was so gracious to ask me to be her Maid of Honor. I am so bummed I didn't grab any pictures with her on my phone, but regardless it was a total blast. She looked absolutely stunning & her wedding turned out perfect! Nicole & Kev were the best friends ever and came. Nicole helped set up the whole thing & Kev stayed later with Taylor taking everything down. I seriously love them both to pieces. I don't know what I am going to do if we don't live next to each other our whole lives. 

This trip was such a quick one. We flew into Burbank on Thursday night and flew home to Salt Lake on Sunday afternoon. It was BUSY! We didn't get to see or spend enough time with everyone we wanted to, but it was still such a special trip.

On the plane ride down, Harper held our hands during take off. It was so precious. She was such an amazing girl during all the traveling. I can't believe how much of a trooper she was. When we landed, we got to back to Grandpa Upton's house to go swimming. Harper had total blast. From then on our days were filled with setting up the wedding and running errands. Harper again was such a trooper. I can't believe how big of a girl she is getting. 

The wedding was absolute magic. Harper was prancing around like a little fairy smelling all her flowers and rolling around in the dirt. I am glad I got a picture of her in this dress before it got totally destroyed by dirt, leaves, and waffle toppings. It sure is hard being an almost two year old. During Hannah & Fischer's wedding, I kept having flashbacks to mine and Taylor's special day 4 years ago. I can't believe how lucky I am to have found him. He really is my whole world. 

Hannah & Fischer asked me to give a speech for their wedding. I was so nervous and had so much I wanted to share with them. Due to nerves and time, I didn't get to share everything I wrote to them. So I plan on sending it over to them. But I also thought it would be cool to share it on here so that every one would get a chance to read what I have to say about marriage. I don't know everything. But I do know a thing or two. Being married for a few years, growing my testimony in Christ, and majoring in Marriage Studies has taught me a lot. I hope you can take something out of it & apply it to your own life. So here it is: