Saturday, January 15, 2011

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

8 comments:

  1. i got tears reading this. Thanks for sharing some of your special memories. Congrats on 12 yrs! Gio and I will be married 21 on Thursday!

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  2. Happy anniversary!
    I always sort of thought I'd marry eight out of high school, but I, too, am glad god knew my heart and that I was NOT ready for such a thing. That I had opportunities to meet Stanton before my mission and did not until nearly the very end is one of my most treasured winks from Heavenly Father.
    You two are as cute today as you were then!! Happy Anniversary!

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  3. It's almost my anniversary too! But my wedding photos are not nearly as cute as yours.

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  4. Very sweet. Definitely meant to be!

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  5. Happy Anniversary!

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  6. Hope you had a very happy anniversary!!

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