2011 We All "Do"

We are so excited to have three new members of the family. Steve married a beauty inside and out Kim and she has two amazing children. We went to AZ and were able to be present as they tied the knot. It is so fun to see how in love they are. I can't remember ever seeing a couple so in love. It was neat to see Scott be best man and try to top Neal at embarrassing toast with quoting the wedding singer. Evan Leah and I danced tons. The decor was out of this world and Kin did it all. She is patient brilliant an artist funny warm beautiful and we just love her.

Kim flew up here months ago and stayed at our new home and Aunt Sue taught she was just precious and loved that her and Steve were all over each other. They both have troubled vision and she said. They are blind as bats and only have eyes for each other. They had both had challenges in their first marriages with spouse who wanted out and we are happy to see them with such peace and happiness and confidence. It was great to meet Kims dad and brother who are just awesome.

While we were in Arizona my Uncle Olaf had been close to death and Scott's parents were kind to let us borrow the car and go to him at the hospital. It was awful to see him on the Virge of death. He is tall strong and handsome and he seemed so tiny and fragile with barley a speaking voice. He told us that he prayed for the first time ever for his sweet Ilse. It was an hour each way to the hospital each day and the hospital was a zoo. It took a 1/2 an hour to get up the elevator and there was scary people all over and traffic and parking a nightmare.

Plus they are two buddies that love being together. So we are happy to know that as of July he was feeling better a miracle.
It was also great to meet my nephew Jared's wife who was the epitome of elect lady. Kind beautiful funny smart. I sure am glad that all my married nephews have married these amazing women. I got to see my brother and his wife who I adore Scott and Karen and my cute Teddy who is named after my dad. He is a handsome guy and very smart. Jared is a selling machine which my honey Scott predicted the moment he meet him has a young boy 17 years ago.

Another fun thing was seeing all Steves old buddies from college they were super happy for him and it was a great wedding.

2009 Sparkly Wedding

To spend the day with friends at the temple at a luncheon at a wedding at a reception is pure bliss. The bride whore a sparkly fest of a dress which made it almost impossible for me not to faint. The chandilers were sparkly. Everyone glowed. How great to see her so happy and to spend time with Laurie. Did I mention the dress? WOW. Her family is so nice I loved talking with them and getting to know Scotts family.

Why

With this being Valentines week I have been thinking about love. In fact I gave a talk about love in church. I received very sad news this week about some dear friends and the break up of their marriage. Did you know that there is a 60% chance of first time marriages ending. However there has never been a higher remarriage rate. How come love starts with boxes of chocolates and ends with fighting over the empty box? My one friends reminds me we each came to earth with the great gift of agency. So even if we love our spouse and do our best they still get to choose whether to remain true to the marriage or to use their agency for selfish pursuits and hurt those that love and depend on them. I know there are 100s of reasons but I was thinking about the big picture. I really believe that if we could only see a glimpse of what we will be like in the next life after we have learned more, grown and been perfected we would just adore and worship our spouse. Not that we would place them above God, he is always first. But we all have such greatness inside and when we are further along on the road of refinement imagine the possibilities. I am so sad when I think of all my divorced friends, they are unhappy and lonely. Most if asked if they could do it over say YES. I understand there are exceptions to every rule and it is a personal thing but I just ache for my friends. My parents had a hard marriage, it was not perfect, but they stuck it out. I am really grateful to them for that. I know in the end they started to really love and care for each other again. I have also learned that just because a couple doesn't act like Scott and I that doesn't mean they are not in love. There is a wonderful talk about marriage I wish everyone could hear called "the Awesome power of Married Love" by Truman Madsen. I also wonder if some major unexpected event happened if any of these wanting to end their marriages would have a change of heart. I know that after 9-11 most of those who had filled for divorce changed their minds. I guess many things in life come down to perspective. I think that in life often people are tempted to place short term gains in front of the long term wins. This same principal destroys businesses and it is cheating us out of the the things that matter most... our forever families. Plus we have the atonement of Jesus so we can repent and come walk with God again, he loves us so much and wants us to be happy.
http://www.mormon.org/learn/0,8672,1149-1,00.html (happy family site)
http://www.mormon.org/mediapopup_hr/0,8857,8388-1,00.html (cute movie)
http://www.divorcemag.com/statistics/statsUS.shtml (sad stats site)

Hearts

I love hearts. In the 5th grade I started to dot my i's with hearts. My teacher marked me down a grade when I would not stop. I just love-- love. Scott and I made lists of the things we most love about each other they are fun to look at and read for Valentines!!! I can still remember the first time I saw him, our first kiss, and a 100 other memories I cherish. I am so excited to grow old with him by my side, how does the saying go... the best is yet to be. We had a whirlwind romance and still do. When he proposed he promised everyday would be Valentines. It has.
Scotts list for me...

The crinkle in your forehead when you are confused
That you are my happy girl
Your childlike qualities
Adorable laugh
That you try to cook for me
Your cute smile, our jokes
Your beauty
That you love and want me
Your Passion for animals
Your Love for people
How you Fight for the underdog
How You like to try new things
Unique magnetic personality
Your light inside

My list for Scott...

noble Spirit
unwavering loyalty
how I feel when I'm around you
courage to stand for what you believe
work ethic and honesty
handsome looks, adorable eyes
how I fit in your nooks
passion for living life in the present
confident and humble
fix it skills and determination
how you carry yourself and look in your clothes
laugh and genuine smile
watching you in action
love for me, Arbonne, dogs and the outdoors
your vision and no matter what attitude

Happy Anniversary

It is the second anniversary for Anth and Salina. It was one of the best days of my life to see them so happy and that it can be forever. I love them. It was a treat to go with Salina to her dress fittings and be with her in the Temple. Salina is selfless and thoughtful. She is witty and really fun to be with. She makes everyone feel at ease. I always dreamed of having a sister like her for a best friend. I'm proud to be friends with Salina and Anthony. I'm grateful he brought Salina into our lives. Anthony is so in love it makes me laugh. He can't get enough of Salina. CONGRATS!!!! Here is to 60 more years!!!