Our Journey to Forever - Private: Anniversary

Showing posts with label Anniversary. Show all posts

Thursday, October 06, 2011

Anniversary Trip

Around our first anniversary (nine years ago) I got this notion that I wanted to go horseback riding. I had been as a child, and wanted to go again. Andrew considered that option as an anniversary gift, then wisely opted to get me something else: my first digital camera. Every so often the idea of horseback riding comes up and I wonder why we still haven't done it. After all - I've been asking to go (maybe once every year or two) since our first anniversary!

In looking at the calendar, I didn't know how we would possibly squeeze out the time to celebrate our anniversary. When my back went out, requiring me to miss school, Andrew to miss work, and our boys to get farmed out to family, I thought for sure whatever slim chance we had of a special anniversary had flown out the window. But as the day approached I decided that ten years is a BIG DEAL and even if it was simple, we needed to do something memorable.

I asked my sister to arrange for us to use her condo so that Andrew and I could get away for a night. Then I told Andrew that we needed to plan something to do on our getaway. And that is how it came to be that we went horseback riding! It was the PERFECT time of year for it and a beautiful area. We had a wonderful time!

Horseback riding kicked off our two days together. After that we enjoyed a great BBQ lunch, drove out to Strawberry, and checked into our "home away from home". We enjoyed Chinese food for dinner, played air hockey, swam and enjoyed the hot tub.

After sleeping in and lounging around the condo all morning, we drove up to cascade springs. My mom used to take me there when I was young. Even though it was a place I once visited regularly, I realized that I probably hadn't been there in more than 20 years! (When did I get old enough to have multiple memories of a place I haven't been to in that long!) I LOVED the fall colors. I kept telling Andrew it was a perfect anniversary trip because everything was SO fall! I wanted a fall wedding and have always been a little bitter that September 29 of 2001 was such a warm, summery day.

The entire trip was wonderful. Andrew and I have never been away together for more than a night at a time. I am always AMAZED at what a difference just one night can make. By the time we were heading home, I was glad to be getting back to my boys. But they are growing up and didn't seem to miss us at all. Maybe next time we'll stay away for a second night!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Burger King

Another flashback of the past. Continued from First Date.

Nine and a half years later, I am finding that remembering events from our dating life and recalling the cooresponding timeline are two different things. And so rather than continue "our story" in the order in which events transpired, I will write these memories more according to what is on my mind. And lately, what has been on my mind is, well, Burger King.

Andy was kind enough to sign up for a Physics class with me, which I had practically begged him to do. I needed a friend to pull me through it, and he willingly took the job. In addition to that, he became my main source of transportation and drove me to and from school every day. A couple of days a week, our friend Brian came as well, but most days it was just the two of us.

We usually got to school early enough to play a couple of rounds of Air Hockey at the institute building. As a general rule, I won. (smug grin)

We found that after school we still wanted to hang out together and so we logically offered to start doing homework together. That expanded into generally having lunch together as well - usually I would cook for him and then we would work on our assignment after we ate. One day, though, we unexpectedly ended up at Burger King where Andy treated me to lunch.

As we ate, Andy was particularly attentive to me. He kept asking me questions and seemed completely fascinated by my answers. He seemed to want to know everything about me - most especially my hopes and dreams and goals for the future. In some ways the conversation was almost unnerving - his interest was so intense. But I also got from him a strong sense of approval. He asked me questions that I hadn't considered - had me talking about dreams I didn't know I had. I knew, from that day, that Andy would never be interested in changing who I wanted to be, but that he would always be so eager and willing to let me develop myself. I knew that he could help me grow into the person I wanted to become.

I've been remembering this a lot lately, as I've been reliving the same feelings I had that day. I so appreciate the husband I have, who not only endures and accepts and helps out with my efforts in school, but who shows genuine enthusiasm in his support. He brings an energy and excitement to my small little accomplishments that makes me feel so blessed. He grew up with a dad and brother who program, so one would think that the small little computer programs I write would be no big deal. I could see how it could even become a bit of an annoyance to him as it sometimes takes me away from our family. But contrary to my expectations, he always allows me whatever time I need. When my silly little program is finished he is always quick to come see it in action and tell me how awesome it is. He cheers at my success and smothers me in compliments. And once again I find myself feeling like that twenty-something girl sitting in Burger King - feeling adored and supported as I chase those dreams that I didn't even know I had.

We were married nine years ago today. Happy Anniversary to my best friend! Thanks for all you do to help make my dreams come true.

To be continued in First Kiss

To be continued...

Monday, June 16, 2008

Seven Years Ago

Seven years ago I could not have guessed or imagined the way one simple word would shape my life. I had no idea of where it would lead me or what my life would be. I certainly didn't even conceive of the idea that I would be married to a Federal Agent, who carries a gun every day and that I would be living in the desert where temps of 105 are considered cool.

Seven years ago my sweetheart asked me to be his wife and seven years ago I said yes. These years have been an adventure. They have had their ups and there is no denying that they have had their downs. In seven years I find that my love has grown stronger, my devotion greater. I adore my husband and have never been happier in seven years than I am now.

I woke up today with a soft kiss on my lips and in my ear I heard the whispered words, "Thanks for saying yes." I am so glad I had the chance. So to Andy I want to say, "Thank you for asking the question in the first place! I love you with all of my heart!"

Family Proclamation

The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children.All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as an heir of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God's commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God's eternal plan.Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. "Children are an heritage of the Lord" (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.

This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah.