August in Rewind: Thursday, August 3. (temple)

Thursday, August 3 (temple)

I was nervous about my nephew being late to the temple since he was going to be Levi's escort.  Slim texted me to tell me that he was already there while we were about 8 minutes away.  That made me even more anxious.  I was doing my very best to be calm.  Levi just wanted to make sure we got there on time but I knew that since it was a Thursday, it wouldn't be busy at the temple.  PLUS, it's not like they could start without us.
We pulled into the parking lot and found a great parking spot. Close to the entrance and close to the front of the temple where we would be taking a lot of photos afterwards.  As we started to walk away from the truck, I wanted to take a photo of us.

I wanted to send a photo to my parents so they could feel like they were included in every step.  I was excited and was also trying to take in every single moment of the day.  It was quiet on the temple grounds, barely anybody in sight.  MAYBE there were 2 other people on the grounds.  It was quiet and peaceful, unlike the usual hustle and bustle of a Saturday.  This was another reason why I'd always wanted to be married/sealed on a Thursday.
We walked in and there was my nephew and his wife. My nephew's wife didn't have her temple recommend w/ her, so she could only hug us at the reception desk and had to wait for us during the ceremony.
The temple seemed different that day.  I felt like I was looking at it through new eyes.  I went into rooms that I had only been in once or twice before.  We first walked into the waiting room and my old roommate, Sestra, was there.  I gave her a huge hug and I got choked up hugging her.  I haven't seen Sestra in about 7 years, and we were roommates over 12 years ago.  Sestra was the best roommates I could have ever had (upon moving out for the first time).  She is kind, sincere and genuinely goodhearted!  I think I squeezed her so tight because she I was over the moon to have her here, in person, celebrating this beautiful experience.  Also because I never knew if I would ever get to this point in my life; being married & sealed.  I wish I could have spent all afternoon just catching up with her.
Reed was next to Sestra and she would be my escort for the day.  Unfortunately, my sister's recommend also expired without realizing it til that day, so I needed someone I was close to; Reed.  I love Reed just as much as I love my sister.  I've known Reed since the day I returned home from my mission  I love her children and couldn't be more grateful to consider her family.  More and more of our guests were showing up, Auntie Sue, Mike & Julie, Buzz...all our dear loved ones.  My heart could just burst at the seams.
We needed to go over paperwork stuff, so they took us to a side room.  I could see more of our guests walking in and I just wanted to greet them all!  We were sitting in a room about 20 feet away just watching them all.  They were all there for us.  I had to fight back the tears many, MANY times.
We went over paperwork stuff, and then the temple president called us into his office.  My heart just wanted explode!  I wanted to cry because this was all becoming a reality.  He explained what was going to take place and my heart was full of love for the man next to me.  He learned about this gospel and joined this religion so that we could be a forever family and it was all coming together.  I wanted to just slow down a bit, and sit there on that couch a bit longer because I wanted to take it all in. Plus it was so dang hot and I was tired of being a hot sweaty mess!
We went back to the waiting room and more guests had arrived.  Our missionaries (technically Levi's missionaries), Jordan & Travis came all the way from Idaho.  I wanted to just cry.  I love these two return missionaries.  We were then ushered to go upstairs to change.  Slim walked over w/ Levi to rent some clothes and I had my brand new temple dress in my bag.  We headed up the stairs and over to the bridal room.
I hadn't been in the bridal room since I was endowed 15 years ago.  It was nice to be back.  It was just as beautiful as I remember and today I was to be the bride.  I was sad that my sister wasn't there with me, but I was grateful for Reed.  Can I just say that I LOVE my dress?!?! It is so comfy and soft and ooooooh so pretty!  I got all dressed and I felt so beautiful.  This was it.  I was going to be sealed, to my sweetheart, for time and all eternity.  We walked up the stairs together and everything seemed to look different.  It wasn't the temple I had known all my life (since I was 12).  It just felt different that day.  Good different, but almost foreign.  I don't know why, but I was alright.
There were beautiful parts of the ceremony that are seared in my heart, forever.
We were able to sit in the Celestial Room for a tiny bit, which gave me time to teach my first name to the temple sealer.  Of all the things I wanted that day, I wanted someone who could pronounce my name.  After about 10 minutes of talking with him,  it was time.  I was friggin' hot and sweaty, so was my poor Levi.  It was just so dang hot and humid that day!!! Wearing layers upon layers of clothes doesn't help a situation.  Then it was time.
I tried to remember every single word spoken in the ceremony.  Although I can't discuss it all, I remember how I felt.  My sweetheart was going to be mine, forever.  I wanted to cry.  I was happy and over the moon about it.  I wished with all my heart that my parents could have been there with us.  I wish my sister was sitting by me.  I wished my Kuku & Tutu could have had front row seats for it all.  But that's ok, the most important thing was that we were being sealed for time, and all eternity.
It was the most exquisite and most serene ceremony I had ever been a part of.
Afterwards we were able to hug everyone that came.  I absolutely LOVED that part! I loved embracing everyone who came.  I wish I could have had at least 5 minutes with each person because they all meant so much to me, and to us.
After we hugged everyone, we were talking with our witnesses, Jordan & Travis.  I expressed to them, with all the love in my heart, how truly grateful I was for their missions.  I will forever be grateful for their missionary service because they helped give me eternity with my sweetheart.  Their eyes were wet and there was just so much love in that sealing room.  My heart was full.
And just like that, it was over.  It happened so quickly.  I wish I took a moment longer to really look at everyone in our company that day.  I know I didn't because I was already so close to crying so many, MANY times and I was trying hard NOT to be a bawling, bumbling mess that day.  As for our actual wedding day, 3 years prior, I was a mess.  I was crying from the second I walked down the aisle to the second I walked out of there. I was a nervous, anxious mess.  I promised Levi that I would do better this time around and I think I did him proud. Nonetheless, thank heavens for water-proof mascara!
Wow, it was over in about 20 minutes.  Something so lovely, and grand and just awesome was over before I knew it.  My heart wanted to just stay in the sealing room.  Eternity was given to us and I just wanted to relish in the wonder of it all.
My beautiful, selfless best friend of a husband was and is mine for eternity. My cup runneth o'er.

11 sleeps.

Sometimes, I wish I could go back to this night, 11 days ago. It was a wonderful, splendid evening. We were a bit crowded in my sister's backyard which made it even more cozy and intimate. I loved having so many loved ones in one space.

  

It was simple but it had good music and good food with great people, which is all I wanted. 

I love summer night dinner parties. But I loved this summer night dinner party the best.

3 Sleeps.

In 2 days, we'll be going to the San Diego LDS temple to be sealed. TWO DAYS!! My mind is constantly thinking of what we need to accomplish within the next two days. Sometimes I have to take a step back to remember what's most important. I don't feel stressed (yet?) because my awesome sister and best friend have been so tremendously helpful with planning and executing our dinner party. 

I'm looking forward to the temple and feeling the spiritual peace and safe shelter from the busyness and craziness of this world. I long to be there again with my sweetheart, to take it all in again. I feel like life slows down a bit there and I seriously crave that. 

I don't know if I'd say that I'm nervous for our sealing. Most new experiences would make me extremely nervous but for now, I feel relatively calm. Perhaps I will feel a tinge of sadness because my parents won't be in attendance. I wish with all my heart that they could attend but traveling would take a lot out of them. I owe so much to my parents and for all that they've taught me about the temple. Their love and dedication to temple service was engrained in me while I was a child and through my teenage years. 

Most of all, I owe it to my sweetheart. Embracing this gospel and being baptized into this Mormon religion & culture has been a tremendous adventure. I appreciate his faith and diligence to help give me eternity with him. I can't think of any better way to celebrate our wedding anniversary than to be sealed for time and all eternity, surrounded by our closest and dearest loved ones. 

I just can't believe it, I'm actually going to be sealed in the temple! I thought for sure this blessing wouldn't come until I had passed on. Thank you Levi for loving me so much to do this for us and our future family. I love you sweetheart.

3 years & General Conference.

Yesterday, marked 3 years since this wonderful man changed my life...

We tried to think of so many different places to celebrate our anniversary but we couldn't agree on any one place...but we could agree on wanting breakfast. Hellooooo Denny's.  It didn't really matter where we ate, we could have gone to McDonald's and it still would have been fun.  

He didn't know I was taking these photos of him. I just love his face so much.  It's always so peaceful for me.

"Sometimes home isn't 4 walls, it's 2 eyes and a heartbeat"

That is what Levi is for me.  He is so patient when I don't deserve it, he makes any situation 1000x better and life is brighter having him by my side.  

I love this photo of us. I love his smile.  I'm so lucky and sometimes I don't appreciate it as much as I should, but I'll never stop trying. 

Levi and I watched a few talks during the Saturday morning session of General Conference.  Elder Maynes gave a beautiful talk.  It was so nice to watch General Conference again.  There was a beautiful spirit that could be felt from the talks that were given. 

I guess the talks affected me in such a way that I had a very vivid dream this morning.  In my dream, I was visiting my parents and my Dad asked me to say a prayer.  I remember the words of my prayer, I was expressing gratitude for those that attended my Dad while he was ill and for the safety & protection over my Mom in his absence.  Well, I think I caught myself talking and opened my eyes. My poor Levi was just staring at me. I think I mumbled something like, "I was praying in my dream" and then closed my eyes to finish my prayer.  It was so real, I remember all the details.  I think I've been thinking of prayer because last night, I thought of my Kuku & Tutu and how they used to kneel by the bed for their morning and evening prayers. It made me think of starting that with Levi.  Some of the most sincerest prayers I've offered up have been on my knees.  I think it would bring a sweet and humble element to our marriage.  With that said, it's late and I'm missing my sweetheart, I need to get to bed. G'nite.

August, in a nutshell.

I have no idea how quickly this month just flew by?!?  To kick start the month, we celebrated our first wedding anniversary on the 3rd...well actually, the weekend before, all through the week and that following weekend.  It was just so wonderful being able to spend so much time with Levi, especially after his summer semester.  I can't believe our first year of marriage flew by!  One whole year!  Wow.  It's been a wonderful year of learning, loving and growing together.  I couldn't be any more grateful to have such a loving, patient, funny partner.  

We didn't do a big exchange of gifts, since we enjoyed some pretty fantastic meals out.  On our actual anniversary we had lunch at Rei do Gado, a Brazilian steak house.  So super good!! It reminded us of eating at Pampas in Las Vegas for our wedding weekend.  The only gift I really wanted was a Peace Lily for my desk at work, in that pretty teal pot.  I didn't realize til now that it matched the burlap banner I bought for us on our anniversary.  I happened to see it when we went by Deseret Bookstore before going to the movies.  It's the truth...life is so much better when he & I are together. I love it. I LOVE him!  

Levi's Dad came in to town and it was nice meeting up with him [middle] and Levi's uncle.  It's nice seeing his Dad.  He's always been so nice to me, ever since I met him.  I remember meeting him, the evening Peej got married. We went by Levi's Dad's house and he was working in the garage on some wood pieces.  He took the time to explain all his toy pieces and the differences in wood.  I'm really quite lucky to have such a nice Father-in-Law.  

This is a recipe I came across that I truly love.  Seriously, it's so good!! I've recommended it to several people.  I thought I'd post it for safe keeping.  

In my last post, I mentioned going to FHE [family home evening] with my friend Odin. Oh man, it was a hilarious evening of lip syncing! I think the guys below were singing...excuse me, I mean, lip syncing to Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody.  Such a hilarious night!!

OH. MY. GOSH.!!! My friend NeNe sent me this and I was blown away--TOTALLY BLOWN AWAY! I never knew this!  CRAZY!

Speakin' of Nene, she invited me to a Padres game against the Braves!  We took a paid half day off, rode the trolley downtown and enjoyed a lovely Summer day watching some good ol' baseball! We were lucky to score seats in the shade and at one point, it got a lil cold.  But boy oh boy, we enjoyed some Hodad's burgers!! So delish!!

Mamacita [middle] moved to the good  ol' southwest.  I'm surely going to miss her.  It's been such a blessing being able to work with her again, this past year.  I wish her the very best in her next chapter of life.

On Levi's first day of one of his new classes, he forgot his phone at home.  I tried to catch him before he left but I only saw the gate close behind him.  I thought I could catch him before he got to school, but I didn't...so there I was looking for visitor parking at his school.  I had just missed him by 5 minutes by the time I actually found his classroom.  Oh man, it was quite hilarious.  There I was driving around his campus, praying that I would see him walking to class.  I found an info desk, luckily remembered what the name of his class was, obtained a campus map and waited outside his classroom door.  I was so nervous! I felt like some sort of deranged ex-girlfriend stalking him down.  Since it was his first day in this new class, I didn't want him to not have his phone in case he needed something off his email or the internet.  Fortunately, I caught a girl walking towards the classroom door and kindly asked her if she could give him his phone.  When he arrived home that night, he was so amazed I could find him!! I was somewhat embarrassed that I would do such a thing and hunt him down like that.  So odd, yet so, so funny!!

Last weekend, we went to Pt. Loma Seafood Company. Oh man, some of the best seafood you can find in San Diego!! It was so scrumptious!! I loved the Shrimp & Cod!  Plus it was so nice down on the harbor. I surely love living in San Diego!! 

I had an old friend in town, this past week. She served her LDS mission here in San Diego, when I was about 18/19 years old....back around 1999. It was so great seeing her [middle] again, since it's been 10 years since I last saw her. Catching up with her was just so easy and lovely.  Plus, it was cool that she invited me back to their hotel to go swimming. I will NEVER turn down an opportunity to sit in a jacuzzi! She & her friend wanted to eat Mexican, so I took them to one of the best Mexican restaurants in San Diego; Old Town Mexican Cafe! Oh man, I love the food & mariachi music there!! It was such a wonderful evening!

To round out the month, Levi & I went to Hobby Lobby since we're blessed to live so close to the only one in San Diego county!  Originally, we went by to find supplies to make a jewelry hanger. We found this lovely gem!! Oh man, I LOVE it!! This was better than I could have ever expected to find!! PLUS, it was on SALE!! 50% OFF!!! WHAAAAAAA??!  Yeah, half off and way more efficient than I could have ever thought up!! Thank you Levi for my terrific early birthday present!! So wonderful! I can't wait to fill it up! ;)

I still can't believe this month flew by so quickly! I can't believe September is on the horizon...and you know what September means?!?! BIRTHDAY MONTH!! I can't wait! :)

18 months and counting!

Dear Levi,
You have made me the most happiest woman for the last 18 months.  Every day I fall more and more and more in love with you.  You are my best friend because you keep all my secrets but you also tell me what I need to hear over what I want to hear....although sometimes you do tell me what I want to hear, in which I'm grateful.  You listen to me vent, and you patiently wait til I choke out tears so I can try to express my deepest feelings.  Sometimes I wonder how you do what you do, but however you do it, I'm tremendously thankful.  I never thought I'd get this lucky, but I did... and it's more than I could have ever dreamed of!  I can't wait to be your wife...the best is yet to come!

I love you to the Chinese Space Station and back!

-Ehu.

#incredibooth

I love this photo of us. 

More than anything else, I love making him laugh & smile.

He truly is my bestest of best friends. 

I love him so much.

Happy 14, Sweetheart.

{it's probably my most favoritest app in the history of ever!} 

First anniversary... first date, pt. 1.

This past Thursday, October 3, marked our one year anniversary (of dating).  I can't believe it's already been a year.  Part of me wants to type some sort of sappy, lovey dovey blog... but I've been thinking a lot about our first date.  

Our first date was on Sunday, September 30, 2013.  I wanted to keep it simple and just grab some frozen yogurt in Coronado. I was going to have a busy day at church, and Levi's exact words were, "You've had a long day, I want to feed you."  I couldn't help but think, "Wow! This man wants to take care of my needs???" He was already SO different from the other guys I went on dates with, earlier that summer.  He not only wanted to see to my needs, but he actually had suggestions!  

When I got home late from church, I was EXTREMELY NERVOUS!!! I tried asking him if he was nervous, but with his happy-go-lucky attitude and chipper voice, he replied that he wasn't.  I wanted him to be a LITTLE nervous, so I could feel justified in my extreme nervousness!!!  I don't know how else to describe my nervousness, except to say that I even thought about cancelling our date because I had never been this nervous for a first date! Even after he pulled up, to pick me up, I was still thinking about "rescheduling" because I was nervous out of my mind!!

"Would he like me?" "Would there be enough chemistry to gave a good conversation?" "Would he think I was cute?" So many questions filled my mind!! 

As I walked up to him and his car, he was waiting outside of it, ready to greet me and open my door.  I didn't know how to act!  He looked so dashing and beyond cute!!!  I remember getting inside his car and thinking of how clean it was!  He got in and we headed off to Buca di Beppo, in downtown San Diego.  As he drove, I think he was wearing his sunglasses, which made him look super hot!! And made me even MORE nervous because I couldn't see his eyes. As he drove, I'd look over at him while we talked, and his arms were so manly--thick with the right amount of hair.  I just wanted to touch him, and feel his arms.  {I'm a touchy feely person, but I also like to touch those I'm communicating with}.  When we got downtown, it took a bit to find the restaurant and parking.  What really struck me about Levi was that he was SO patient in the crazy downtown traffic, one-way streets and lack of parking.  He was unlike any man I'd ever been on a date with!  We finally found an Ace Parking lot that was close enough and parked.  As we started to walk towards the restaurant, our hands brushed up against each others.  I would apologize and he made no big deal of it.  Just as we were going to cross the street, he grabbed my hand and held it.  For a split second, it startled me but then it just felt so sweet and comfortable, but most of all safe.  I felt so safe holding his hand and it was such a reassuring comfort  especially walking downtown.   As we rounded the corner, we surprisingly found ourselves right in front of Buca di Beppo!  We walked in, and our host showed us to our table.  We were then asked, "Are you two celebrating anything tonight?"

Several things came to mind....

{to be continued}

The October 2, 2013 Blog

-I couldn't sleep last night with stuff on my mind.  3 hours should kinda be sufficient for today.  

-I think tomorrow's a very good day to buy myself pink roses. I always see them when I go to Costco, but I never buy them.  Tomorrow's the day.

-My cousin Lela, whom I haven't seen since I was 7, is coming from Australia with her daughter and grandsons.  They'll be meeting up with her son & his gf that were here a few weeks ago.  They'll all be going to Disneyland, and I'm looking forward seeing all of them!   I just wish the rest of Lela's sons were coming with her.  I haven't seen them since I was a teenager.  

-My niece is spending the day in the office, with my sister and I.  She's growing up so quickly!  She's already planning her 13th birthday party, that won't be here for another 6 months.  

-I don't really have much more to blog about.  I'm still thinking of deactivating my Facebook, this month.  I'm just tired of nosy "friends" who like to gossip and spread vicious stories.  It's even more annoying that some of these "friends" are those from my church congregation.  

-Since I signed up for my birthday certificate at Benihana, I've been receiving email notifications for all their specials.  It makes me want to go there, more and more and more!!!  All of their foods look so dang good!!!  It's been a while since I've been there, so I'm anxious to eat there again!! 

-Ok, so maybe the 3 hours of sleep aren't going to hold me over today.  I think I see a diet Coke in my near future, especially if I'm to go to dinner with a friend tonight. MUST. WAKE. UP.!!! 

-I'm kinda stoked that this month kick starts the holiday season.  I can't wait to break out our panda costumes again!! Seriously, my favorite Halloween costume EVER!!!  

Ten.

I always try to post something sentimental for each of the months we've been dating.  I didn't quite get to it, last Saturday.  
I've come to realize, in a very real and sweet sense, that he's definitely my best friend.  I can tell him anything and everything.  Sometimes, it's rather difficult for me, but he listens and doesn't judge.  I trust him completely.
I rather do all the fun and not so fun things with him.  This past week, he had to wait in a long line for the buffet we usually go to together.  He texted me while he was alone in line and suddenly, there was no other place that I wanted to be.  Even in an hour long wait of a line, I would rather be by his side than anywhere else.  We just have the best of times together!! After years of dating, I never thought I'd find someone I thoroughly enjoy being with 24/7. Ok, so we've never been together 24/7, but I have been around him for about 50 hours straight and LOVED every second!!!!  
Today, we spent the morning walking around the Kobey's Swap Meet. I haven't been there since I was a teenager.  Oh man, SO much more fun, just walking around with him.  Even while we were driving there, I kept trying to make a pact not to make him laugh, or just laugh in general.  Yeaaaaaah, that lasted a couple seconds!  I just can't help but laugh and I LOVE making him laugh...which makes me laugh even more!! I just have the best of times, with him. 
I can't help but think of how incredibly lucky I was to find someone to love, and also laugh with.  

My cup runneth o'er ♥

A Nine Month List.

Why Levi B. is my very best friend....

1. There's no one else I would rather spend my time with!
2. He remembers ALL the important things & all the things that matter most to me.
3. He shows his love in a myriad of ways!
4. I trust him wholeheartedly; with my life & my heart.
5. I always have the best of times with him!!!
6. He never judges me.
7. He is my truest confidant. 
8. I can be my crazy, random, lame, overly sentimental/emotional self and he NEVER makes me feel less than what I am. He listens to me ramble, waits patiently til I stop crying and is sensitive at just the right times.
9. If something's important to me, he makes it important to him, as well.  
10. He makes me laugh...and laughs at 99.9% of my jokes--that's a big deal to me. 

{Thank you for the spectacular 9 months, sweetheart!!  I look forward to so much more, with you! I love you!!}

Fiancé & Fianceé

Wow...all I can say is, WOW!!!
My beloved and I returned back from our Disney adventures today.  As I upload all the photos right now, I just can't help but think of what an AMAAAAAAAAAAAAAZING weekend its been.  It's been PERFECT.  I loved it all, with this man.  There were small hiccups along the way, (like rides breaking down at California Adventure park) but nothing worth fretting over.
I'll just get to the VERY good part, the most memorable part that I'll cherish in my heart forever.
We spent about 8 hours at Disneyland, took a break for dinner and shopping, then headed back for the evening firework show.  A few minutes after we arrived and found a spot, it started. I LOVE fireworks! My eyes always glisten over just a bit and I'm captivated by the pretty sights and accompanying music.  Of course it was all Disney songs, so hearing lyrics like, "A dream is a wish your heart makes...", "I can show you the world...", and "Rest your head close to my heart" makes a sappy romantic, such as myself, blissful and euphoric!
We talked about possibly riding more rides, but just thought it'd be nice to take it easy. Sleeping Beauty's castle was all lit up and looked magical against the night time sky.  We made our way towards it, but it was roped off temporarily until the Disneyland "Cast Members" received safety approval from the firemen crews, following the firework show.  Levi thought it'd be nice to take some photos in front of the castle and I thought it was nice that he was nice enough to ask approval from one of the cast members.  We waited about 5-10 minutes and every so often a cast member would pop by to reassure us that it would be any minute and they'd let us through.
I kept wondering, "Why is Levi so calm about waiting? I mean, it's a great photo opportunity, but we could always come back after riding Indiana Jones...no big deal."  Yet we waited and entertained ourselves by taking our own photos in the meanwhile...

 

Still, we waited around and I wasn't sure what to really say because Levi was so cool about the whole situation.  Soon after a head cast member came over and let us in....just the two of us.  I was wondering how he was able to score such a cool opportunity, just us two in front of the castle.  It was rather dark, and the Disney photographers were trying to tell us exactly where to stand.  With everyone else roped back, there were A LOT of people waiting to also take their photos in the very spot we were standing.{..no pressure, right?!}.  Right when the photographers were about to shoot our photo, Levi said his shoe was untied, which I thought, "Again?? That's weird!"  and when I looked down at him, he was muttering something til I realized what he was really saying... {I'll try to get it right, but crying and in shock doesn't help my memory}...holding up a lit up box with two rings in it...

"Ehu....(my full name), I've had an amazing 9 months together with you and I would like to spend forever with you..."
I just remember correcting him on the number of months, and I remember him saying "forever"...  I remember responding with a "YES!", but I think with all the people cheering, he couldn't quite hear my response.  He was still down on one knee and I wondered why he didn't get up, so with A LOT of tears streaming down my face, I ecstatically exclaimed "OF COURSE!! YES SWEETHEART!!!", then he got up and we hugged and kissed...

I just couldn't believe it!!! I kinda had a feeling it was going to happen sometime in the near future, but I never would have dreamt that it would take place at such a perfect place and  time! I was in shock!! I wanted to cry, so much.... this man asked ME to marry HIM!!! Wow!!!  I cried....We hugged...I cried...we got our photo taken....

Please excuse my face, CRYING + ECSTATIC does not equal PHOTOGENIC.  Whereas he looks wonderful, as always.  We walked around for a minute or two, but between shock and wanting to bawl, I needed to sit down.  My head and emotions were all over the place.  I just couldn't believe it!! This man, who loves me and overlooks my imperfections, wants to spend the rest of his life with ME! He reassured me and I cried even more.

I was in such disbelief that I could (and DID!) find a man that would be SO perfect for me!  He's strong when I am weak, he's patient when I want to unravel, he wants me to live up to my potential and always be myself.  How incredibly lucky am I?!?!? We sat on that bench behind us for about 30 more minutes, til we had to celebrate by doing something! So off we went to Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blaster ride...then Autopia.  Yep, we do it upright!  :)  We grabbed a mint sundae from Dreyer's and scooted off to the Disney photo shop for our pictures.  The nice cashier gave us pins to celebrate our engagement:

I'm still in shock.  It hasn't even been 24 hours, and I love this man more than ever.  Sometimes, when I look at him now, I can't help but think, "This man is going to be my HUSBAND!"  How lucky am I, that I get to love him forever and what a blessing it is to be the one loved by him.  I never dreamt that I'd get this lucky....but I did!! 

8 is GREAT!

Happy 8 months of wonderful, blissful, hilarious dating, my sweetheart!!!  

I love you more and more with each passing day!!

51 years.

 

For years, I had no clue what my Dad was doing in the photo above, til my nephew came home from his mission in the South Pacific.... But that's my Dad, the jokester.  

 

 Happy 51st Anniversary to my parents.  I hope they have a spectacular time celebrating their marriage today!! They teach me a lot about marriage.  I'm grateful that I still get to learn from and be loved by them.  I'm truly grateful that they were married 51 years ago in the Laie LDS temple, so that I can be sealed to them for time and all eternity.   What a beautiful blessing.

LUCKY #7!!

Today's our seventh month anniversary.

I can't believe seven months have flown by.  Well...maybe not flown by, but it surely has gone quickly.

I've been thinking lately of how much Levi spoils me.  It's not necessarily just tangible things, it's in the way he loves me.  

To anyone else, it wouldn't be a big deal....but he waits til I finish ALL the ice in my cup, whenever we eat out.  He doesn't complain about it or try to rush me.  To me it's completely thoughtful and kind.  I couldn't be more grateful for his patience.  He's incredibly patient, which has been such a huge blessing.  I love him dearly and I'm grateful to have been loved by this wonderful man for the past seven months.  

Wowzers!

To my best man and favorite panda....

Happy 6 Months!

Wowzers!

I feel SO incredibly lucky!

A letter to Levi

Dear Levi,
Happy 2 Months! I wish I could do something more special than this, but unfortunately I'm in Seattle and you are in San Diego....1,269 miles apart {yep, I mapped it}. I hope we don't spend our next anniversary apart, especially since it'll be your birthday! 
I am immensely grateful that you are patient and do so well at communicating, with me.  I tend to fail at those, but I'm glad you pick up the slack.  I always hope that I make you as happy as you make me. 
I can't wait to see you on Sunday! You will be the very best part about coming home! I've always wanted to be picked up from the airport, by someone special and I'm so glad you could be that for me.  Prepare to be smothered, because I don't plan on letting you go for a very long time!  
I love you so much.  You reassure me when I feel inadequate and make me feel special on so many levels.  I know it's only been two months, but I'm thankful for every single minute that you are mine.  

XOXO!
-Ehu