We were one tree and not two...

This morning I woke up feeling so thankful for all of this beautiful-ness in my world. My family. The love that surrounds me. Opportunity. The ability I have to make changes, to move forward, and to live how I'd like. Freedom. And I got to thinking about how this one go-round is all about relationships- the connections we make with others- and I thought about all of the people in my life I consider the closest. So naturally I thought about Hank. I thought about what a good man he is, how kind-hearted he is, what a good father he is. I sat there for a minute, thinking about this husband of mine, lost in these lovely thoughts...and spilled hot tea all down the front of my chest. Ow. All happy thoughts flew out of my mind as a few curse words came flying out...but for a moment it was a beautiful. ;) Somewhere in there though I remembered this quote. I came upon it a few years back and I revisit it from time to time. It's about true love, and to me, it's perfect. And I think you'll like it too.

"Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. That is just being "in love" which any of us can convince ourselves we are. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Your mother and I had it, we had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossoms had fallen from our branches we found that we were one tree and not two."

-Louis de Bernières

Readmore..

Seven years ago today

mementos from our first date- of course I saved the movie ticket! :)

Seven years ago today Hank and I went on our very first date. I still recall that feeling as I got ready for that evening- so much anticipation and so many butterflies. I remember pulling up to the Vegetarian House to meet him (he drove down from Prescott for it), and I'll never forget what it felt like walking up to him. That moment marked a distinct divide in my life. A before and after, and a part of me knew this; call me crazy but I felt l like I'd always loved him from the moment I met him, just weeks earlier at mutual friend's house. And even though I was shaking inside and so nervous, at my center I was calm, somehow knowing that this was it for me.

As the night went by we laughed and talked, we walked around Old Town Scottsdale, we went and saw a movie. We ended our night with a slice of pie and seeing some of our mutual friends at the Tempe IHOP, where we'd all often hang out after shows. The date was perfect, and as he walked me to my car I felt like tap dancing. And as he drove away that night, making the two hour trip back up north, something in my gut told me that I was very right about my feelings. I woke up the next morning to a long email, written at 4am when he got home, reassuring me of that. I still have this letter tucked away in a special place, because it's the true beginning of us.

And now seven years later we still celebrate our special first-date anniversary, and I think we always will. It's such a fun celebration of such an important day, and it's so fun to think back and remember how it all began. Seven years, and a million more to come.

If you'd like to read more, you can learn about how we met, our engagement story, or flashback to our wedding! Enjoy.


p.s. I just realized yet again how GRATEFUL I am for this blog and this space...to have all of this documented in such a way is truly amazing. Yay, blog! haha.

Readmore..

Memorial Day Weekend

This past weekend was nothing short of wonderful. I'm a big fan of birthdays, and I've never been to type to get bummed out at the start of another year. I actually really enjoy getting older, weird, I know. I don't know if I'll always feel that way, but for now I just really feel like life only gets better with every year that goes by. I always wonder what great things the next year will hold. So, as I turned 29 this weekend I was more than happy to usher in the last year of my twenties.

Hank, Henry, Madeline and I spent the weekend down in Mesa at my parents', and had the best time. Friday evening my best friends surprised me with a little dinner party and I drifted off to sleep that night with a full belly and a happy heart. Saturday morning my Mom and I had a great workout, then came home and we all went out to Chandler Fashion Center to shop. I ended up meeting the most adorable reader (hi Sarah!) and she totally made my day. While there Hank also got part one of his birthday present from me, an iPad!  He was so happy and surprised, and it was great to walk into the Apple store and let him know he could go ahead and pick one out. For months I'd been discouraging him from buying one, so he really had no idea. He was beyond happy and jumped around like a little kid. So awesome. Afterward we all went to Green for lunch. The rest of the day was spent relaxing until we headed out to North Scottsdale for Nate's 30th birthday bash at Greasewood Flats. We listened to country music, played horseshoes, and had such a great, low-key night.

Sunday was my actual birthday and it was kind of a dream day for me. To summarize without going into too much detail, it included sleeping in, working out, eating ice cream cake, a trip to Target, swimming and taking lots of photos at the park! My sister also gave us an amazing gift...tickets to see Britney Spears and Nicki Minaj with her. Believe it or not Hank really and truly loves pop music and especially Britney. Yup. So feel free to make fun of him when you see him!

I just feel so thankful for the past few days.  I have a feeling this year is going to be amazing, and I'm excited to see what it has in store for me. This past year has been filled with a lot of personal growth...and is it weird to say that I'm proud of myself? 'Cause I am. I hope I'm just as proud of my 29-year old self at the end of this year.

Here are some photos from the weekend:

Readmore..

Three years ago today... (image heavy)

Three years ago today I married my best friend, and started on the most beautiful journey. I feel so lucky to call Hank my husband, and not a day goes by where I don't find myself taking a step back and feeling so grateful to have this amazing love in my life. It's almost surreal to look back on these photos now- even though it's only been a few years I feel like we look so young, and it's incredible to think how much everything has changed.

Hank is a constant inspiration to me in so many ways- he's the most positive person I've ever known and works so hard to support our family. He makes me want to be a better person, love unconditionally, and get the most out of life. We've been together for seven years and married for three, and I can't wait for a million more! It's a great thing to be married to your best friend. I love you Hank, happy anniversary!

p.s. if you'd like to read more about the planning that went into a 300+ person wedding, you can read my feature over on my sweet friend Melissa's wedding blog, The Loveliest Day.  And to see more photos, visit my wedding set on Flickr. I've also previously blogged about how we met, and our engagement story as well!  Happy Tuesday. xoxo

Readmore..