1st Anniversary

Happy Anniversary, Love!

Today Dan and I have been married for a year. To celebrate, Dan made quite the surprise for me. He told me to get dressed because we were going on an adventure. I got in the card and he gave me a handful of envelopes. I had to open the first, read it, figure out the riddle, and then tell Dan where to drive. It went something like this:

Riddle 1

""A hunt! A chase! Beware, this is not a race. Search for the places which you must find, and surely you will not be left behind. Focus on the events that led to the date when we became sealed as eternal soul mates."

 Riddle 2

"'Twas here that I first did spy, the cutest girl girl who caught my eye!"

If you know our story, you know that we were anatomy and physiology lab partners. It is were we met, and it is where everything began! So, we were off to the place were it all started: the Benson Building on campus!

Riddle 3

"A surprise! What a treat! Next to you I took my seat. Though we sat near while in our group, to be closer to you, I would jump through a hoop!"

I clearly remember the day that this happened. It was Valentine's and I needed to study for an upcoming anatomy test. The group that I studied with said that we'd meet in the library. About five minutes into our studying, my handsome lab partner walked in. Apparently, he was part of the study group and I had no idea. What a pleasant surprise! It was our first Valentine's together...studying at the library! 

Riddle 4

"'Twas the first place that we did 'hang'. We made those pool balls go 'bang'!"

This riddle made me laugh quite a bit. The first time that we "hung out" without studying was this occasion. After class one day I was sitting alone in my apartment. I knew that he was at his apartment, just a couple hundred yards away...(not that I was a stalker or anything). I wanted to be with him and I was feeling brave. I invited him to come to come over to my lounge. It was one of the most nerve-racking things that I have ever done. I was afraid that he wouldn't want to, but he happily came over! We played pool together for awhile. And, oh my, it was then that I already started to fall for Dan. That is a day I'll never forget. 

Riddle 5

"Quick! To the spot where we first kissed! I was so nervous, I practically missed."

And this one made me laugh, too! That night Dan told me that he couldn't go back to his apartment until he got a kiss. Of course, I couldn't leave him out in the cold! It was outside of my apartment at midnight. We kissed. Haha and let's just say that our heigh difference was something to get use to. 

Riddle 6

"It was as if a proclamation from above, when we first began to express our love. In this place I asked you a question. By the look in your eyes, I'd got your attention. To each other we promises made-to one day make cute babies ;)"

Shortly after we began dating, Dan and I fell completely in love. It really was not long before I knew that he was the man that I wanted to be with forever. One day, while we were sitting in the lounge I asked Dan what was on his mind. He brought up marriage. It was that moment that we decided that our relationship was going to be forever. 

Riddle 7

"Food without cooking, cause funny faces looking at fish that looks bad, but makes us both glad!"

And from there, we were off to eat sushi! However, once we got into town we decided that we wanted Texas Roadhouse. Haha but you get the idea: yummy dinner! To end the night, Dan gave me one last riddle. 

Riddle 8

"An eternity is seemed that I had to wait to behold your face gleam as my perfect (and eternal) soul mate! :)"

Dan took me to the place that we were married: the temple. It was such a special moment. It has only been one year together, but we have been sealed together forever. I cannot wait to spend an eternity with this man. He is my everything. This is just the start of our story.  

You know, since we have been married I've heard a lot of things. I've heard it said that the 1st year of marriage is the hardest, but when you are married to your best friend nothing could be easier. This past year has been filled with lots of love and joy! I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for us. Cheers to one year, and cheers to forever!

Something Worth Celebrating

Today my parents celebrated their 23rd weddings anniversary! I feel especially blessed to have them in my life to lead and guide me. They are truly wonderful people. Since the time that I could remember, my have been by my side. They have taught me what was right, and steered me away from the things that are wrong. Time after time, they have allowed me to make decisions, supporting me even when I was not making the best choices. They have allowed me to fail, and have picked me up to help me succeed. They have pushed me to be better, and taught me to settle for nothing than my best. They have given countless hugs and words of encouragement. And when I've had bad days, they have shared tears. But we have shared more than that. Together, as a family, we have shared countless laughs, good times, and memories. Without a doubt, they are some of my very best friends.

Ten Months Ago

Ten months ago I married my very best friend in the world. By the world’s standards, you could say that we married pretty fast: engaged after three months and married after six! Many shook their heads and wondered if it would last. And while it has only been ten months, I can confidently say that it will! It has been nearly a year and Dan and I are completely and totally in love; we have not left that “honeymoon” stage. In fact, I believe that our love grows more and more each day.

So, here ten months…and here is to eternity! CHEERS FOR FORVER!

Of course, Dan and I had to have the first look! Dan waited patiently as I tapped him on the shoulder and told him to turn around. I was excited, but I think he was even more excited. So, there I was: his bride!

We were married and sealed in the Rexburg, Idaho Temple on August 24, 2013.

And for our pictures, we went out to the sand dunes! It was so much fun to run around in the sand with a wedding dress on, and the sunset was picture perfect.

That day was a happy, grand day! And since that day, the happiest continues! We love each other. We honestly just LOVE each other!