Feeling the Love

I feel immense love and gratitude for my husband, Carl. We have been married for about 15 months, and they have been the best months of my life. I can't imagine my life without him. I feel like I would still be searching for something if I didn't have him today. My simple secret today is "love who you love with all that you have." :) Below are some favorite pictures of us throughout our time together.

Connections

This weekend I have thought a lot about the relationships we have with people and the connections we make with others. This started at about 1 am in the morning with Erin and Caitlin keeping Carl and me up way past our bedtime ;) We got into a deep discussion (probably because it was 1 in the morning!) but Carl mentioned that we will just naturally make connections with some people, while there will be no connection with another. We didn't know the reason for this, but it made me think about the various relationships I have made during my past 22 years. I have always been described as a person who meshes well with others, and I generally get along with everyone. But who have I made those deep connections with?

My Grandpa Day lost his wife almost a year ago. This was the first death I had experienced, and it still gets me sometimes. Yesterday we received a graduation card from him and he mentioned how proud my grandma would be of me and I just started crying. One of the biggest connections he made in this lifetime is gone and now he is alone until they meet again.

I have only had a few true best friends and I always thought that my connection with them would outlast time. And then I got married. I can't believe how connected I feel to Carl; he is my one true love and my absolute best friend. I never want to lose that earthly connection with him like my Grandpa did, which is why I think I am so terrified that one day Carl will be taken from me. But then I remember that we, just like my Grandpa & Grandma, were sealed in the temple for time and all eternity. I am able to have this connection, this marriage, with Carl for ALWAYS. I can't think of a greater happiness.

Sweet Summertime

There is something about the longer days, warm nights--though not always warm in Rexburg ;)--and the beauty of nature basked in the sunlight that cause my soul to stir. I have been anxiously awaiting the end of the semester so that I can more fully appreciate summer and the wonderful qualities it has. In Idaho, we don't receive much attention from the sun, but when it does grace us with its presence, I am wholly thankful. There is also the different music that is associated with summer that gets my heart and soul pumping. A few of my  new favorites include I Do by Colbie Calliat, Good Life by One Republic, and (sadly, but truly) Super Bass by Nicki Minaj.

We'll be leaving Rexburg for good in a few weeks and though admitly I will miss part of the atmosphere here, I am looking forward to the summertime represented in the east. This picture made me extremely anxious to pick up my bags and head for home.

"Let me count the ways"

I recently read some of Emily Browning's poetry (specifically "Sonnets from a Portuguese"), and I didn't realize how romantic she was, especially during the time period she wrote in with so many political changes with women's rights. "Sonnets from a Portuguese" was written for her husband, though she never indicated his name. Browning's poetry made me think about how much I love my husband and how grateful I am to have in my life. Without him I think I would be completely lost. We love to tell each other, also, that we are each other's best friends :)

Today in church we had an older couple speak to us about marriage. When they introduced their topic, I rolled my eyes and thought, "Here we go again." Yet, I walked out of the meeting extremely enlightened. The whole time they were giving their lesson, I just felt so excited to one day be like them, a bit aged and rough around the edges, but to have learned and grown with my husband. They gave us some tips from couples who are now in their 80s on how to keep a marriage alive. It is my pleasure to share their secrets of a happy marriage to you :)

1. Men need to know why women are different and women need to know why men are different. If we understand the other gender we are more likely to comply to requests or understand why they need something. (EX: Women need to talk A LOT!)
1. Make lasting memories together and do not miss important events. They estimated that we will have at least 60 Christmases, birthdays, New Years, etc with our spouse. When you think about it that way, that is a lot!
2. There is no such thing as a perfect marriage, just perfect moments. This was my favorite :) It makes you realize that you don't need to sweat the small stuff, just enjoy each other.
3. Quantity of quality time is crucial to a marriage. Even when life gets busy, it's important to take just 5 minutes of quality time together.
4. Do not be offended. Many times we don't mean to offend; it just comes out the wrong way or the receiver takes it the wrong way.
5. Infuse your marriage with Christ. Enough said!

This is such a beautiful list and has so many ideas that I hope to incorporate throughout my married life.