Twelve Years

Tomorrow (January 16th) is our 12th Wedding Anniversary. It's hard to imagine that 12 years have already gone by. It's cliche, I know. But it doesn't make it any less true. In the last twelve years we have:

*moved 8 times

*earned (almost) three college degrees

*had five children and one miscarriage

*changed jobs (counting mine) 12 times

*visited (between us) 10 countries

*held more than 2 dozen callings

and

*owned 1 home.

Twelve years ago, I was nineteen years old. I don't regret being a teen bride --not even for a second. Even when I cringe at the thought of 18 and 19 year old women getting married (yikes!), I still recall with gratitude my readiness at that tender age. Did I know enough? Was I mature enough? Probably not. But God knew my heart; He knew I was ready. (You can read more about that subject here).

When we first met, Brandon was a cool, confident, intelligent RM (returned missionary). I was taken in by his love for Classical piano (he plays a great Beethoven!), nature, the Gospel, and good looks. I remember how he made me laugh --something that hasn't changed much over the years. He still makes me laugh.

Here's a secret I haven't told many people. My journal is dated November 11th, 1997 and it says: (ahem, ahem, ahem)

Oh! I also came to another conclusion about (so-and-so) and it is this: I can't marry (so-and-so) because he doesn't love me enough and I can't marry (awesome boy) because I don't love him enough. So, I'm hoping that I meet some RM from Australia or something. Maybe I'll wait for a guy my age. That would give me time to get over (so-and-so)!

Yeah, I was 18. Sue me. I love this entry because of the Australia part, dear reader. I wrote this nearly 6 months before I met my husband --who served his mission in Australia. Meant to be? I think so!

Memories from our Wedding Day:

Most of them are written in this other post, but some other include:

1. Advice from our Sealer to always remember the Number 6.

"I admit I made a Mistake" (6)

"You did a great job" (5)

"What is your opinion?" (4)

"I love you" (3)

"Thank you" (2)

"Us/We" (1)

2. Watching Brandon's eyes tear up during our sealing. He doesn't cry very often --I only remember him crying about 4 or 5 times since I've known him, and all of them have been because of overwhelming love in his heart.

3. Dancing with Brandon for the first time as a married couple.

4. Driving away knowing that we were finally married!

I love you, sweet Brandon. You make me a better person. Thank you for being so patient with me and giving me room to grow and learn. I love you!

Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be...

~Robert Browning