Bloom where you are planted

17 years ago I entered the Salt Lake City Temple a young girl who was naive in many ways about the world and what it held, only to join myself with a boy who had stolen my heart, swept me off my feet and made me feel like nothing was impossible as long as we were together.

In the time that Scott and I have shared we have had many learning experiences, some speed bumps, some small hills to climb and some Mountains so steep that you literally pray everyday to just have enough energy to get to the top so you can coast down the other side.  In these years I have learned a few things about Love, myself, Scott and the things that really matter.  I used to think that Love was it, it was all you ever needed, well that and a good sense of humor.  But Love is just the seed you plant for your marriage to grow and it is within the roots of your seed wherein your marriage blooms. 

Respect - I have a profoundly deep respect for Scott as a husband, father, son, grandson, brother (in-law), friend, priesthood holder, business owner and so many other ways.

Friendship - When Scott and I were dating I knew I had something special because of the deep connection we shared, one thing for sure is that no matter how long we have been together we never run out of things to talk about. 

Listening - No matter who is talking if there isn't someone willing to listen all you are doing is blowing hot air.

Commitment - Whether it is a big commitment (house) or a small one (what to make for dinner) we both are learning to be comfortable with our choices, even when we make bad ones, we learn, we grow, we move on.

Fighting - I know, I know, this should not be a root in any marriage, but really when you think about it, it is essential to know how to fight fair.  Scott and I have our "disagreements" but we have always been really good about working through, keeping to the facts and sometimes even daring to admit we were wrong *gasp*.

Protection - Is there nothing better in this world than to feel safe, in our marriage we have had to learn how to protect our family, our values, our hearts, our feelings, ourselves and each others self-worth.  Even with Scott as my husband I don't need his vault of guns to feel safe, I just need his arms wrapped tightly around me.

Sense of Humor - Sometimes all you can do is laugh because if your not laughing your crying, and you all know Scott so you can imagine how important this is for me ;)

Over the course of the 17 years we have shared there have been many more roots to our marriage, and I am very fortunate to have a good foundation in which to continue to build our relationship on. So until next year ---Happy Anniversary to you Scott, thanks for being the protector of my heart, for keeping me grounded and for still being the one I dream with!--- 

There is nothing better..................

THAN MY KIDS!!!!!

So Scott and I took off for a week to go have some fun and sun in Mexico and believe me when I say IT. WAS. INCREDIBLE!!! (Look for a post about that soon, I have to get some pics from our friends)

But man I have not seen my kids since the 19th when my Mom and Dad took them home with them, I know the kids have been having so much fun and I am sure that they even barely notice that we are not there but I miss them sooooooooooo much.  I miss their faces, their smiles, their voices, their laughs, their quirky sayings, and yes even their fighting ( I know crazy huh!), I can barely talk to them on the phone right now without crying and longing to see them and hug them.  I am so lucky in the fact that my Mother-in-law and Scott's step-dad aka Grandma and Pappy will take the kids for a week every summer they call it "Week with no Parents", I feel the kids are so lucky in so many ways because of this tradition.  It all started with Scott's Grandma King, she would take Scott and his brothers every summer for a period of time and Scott has so many memories of the time he was able to share with her and his Grandfather (before he passed away), when Robin became a Grandma she wanted to help out and do some of the same things that had meant so much to her when she herself was in the throughs of motherhood, so thus Week with no Parents was a tradition she upheld.  I know the kids probably don't really grasp the full impact of this time spent with their Grandparents but I do and I know that one day they will look back with great fondness for the relationships that were formed and the special moments that they shared with the wonderful people they have as Grandparents.  They have been able to spend alot of time with both sets of Grandparents on this trip and I have enjoyed listening to all their tales of the never-ending fun they have had.  Thank you, thank you Dad and Mom and Robin and Everett for being ever so willing to take on an extra 4 kids, well really 5 since I will claim Katie too.  I don't know how to convey how much I appreciate all you do for them, I am very spoiled to have such wonderful parents and in-laws!!!


Now.................please; GIVE THEM BACK!!!