7 Year Itch

 

Seven years is a long time. Some days it feels like an eternity but then I remember, "Wait, we still have an eternity. This is nothing." It's amazing how an eternity can put a marriage into perspective.  So what have we done in 7 years?

- Bought 3 cars, sold 2. Currently own (free and clear) two.

- Graduated with 2 bachelors degrees and almost completed 3 years of law school (only finals and the BAR left).

- Had 2 beautiful little girls who are the funniest kids on the planet (but we aren't biased here.)

- Lived at 5 different addresses and in 2 states (Utah and Colorado).

 

That's just the major stuff. We still love each other. We still annoy each other. We still fight and still make up. We still talk about important things and stupid things. I guess if we can still do these things and continue doing them, we will be just fine no matter what life throws at us. 

 

 

I'm glad I married my best friend. I am grateful that we have eternity together and even more grateful that one day we won't have to deal with the trials and hardships that this mortal life brings. And despite our occasional disagreements, I love Jake more and more everyday. Here's to an additional 7 times 77 years. 



Happy 6th Anniversary!

Ever started a post and then got so distracted that it almost didn't get posted? Ya, that's what happened with this one.

Back at the beginning of April, Jake and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary. Only 1 more year until we pass the 7 year itch. By then, we should almost be done with law school as well so life will be a breeze, right? So far, everyone has told me no.

We had a fun night. Since things are a little hectic, Ellie came and celebrated with us and the night would have been great except for the awful traffic driving to the restaurant. We had a lovely dinner at Olive Garden then picked up a red box.

Once Ellie was in bed, we watched Breaking Dawn, part 1. I know I will take a lot of slack for this, but neither one of us had seen it. Still part of the cheesey movie series but definitely better than the others. We liked the added fight scene.

Sometimes I can't believe how long we have known each other or how long we have been married. Even with the tough times, I wouldn't have it any other way. Even when I am bothered or annoyed with how life turns out, I wouldn't have it any other way. Even when I am upset or annoyed with Jake, I wouldn't want to be married to any other man. Even with his shortcomings (and mine), I am glad we found each other and decided to be married for time and all eternity.

Love you babe!

Happy 5th Anniversary Sweetie.

 

5 years ago on April 6th, 2006.

Last week, Jake and I celebrated our 5th Anniversary of being married. Unfortunately, law school kinda put a damper on any big celebrating but we can make do. Although, since we were in Denver instead of Utah, there wasn't snow for us on our anniversary unlike our wedding day.

The morning of April 6th, Jake's alarm went off at what I assumed was it regular time. After allowing the snooze to cycle once, he rolled over to me and said we better start getting ready.  He was trying to be sly and not tell me what he had planned but to ensure that I would exit the bed he had to share his plans of going to the Temple.  He had asked some friends from the ward to watch Ellie.  It was great to go to the Denver Temple to celebrate our anniversary, even though we had a miscommunication and started out in 2 different areas.

After Jake left for school while Ellie and I finished up a few things around the house preparing for my mom's visit. Just as I was leaving for the airport, there was a knock at the door. When I answered, there was a very well dressed gentleman. He asked if I was Emily and then handed over these flowers and said "Happy Anniversary." Jake had gotten one of his law school buddies to deliver the flowers.

 

One of my favorite bouquets. They have never been the same.

Since Jake had school until almost 5:30 that night, we went out the next night. Gratefully my mom was visiting and babysat for us. It had been a while since we had gone out just the 2 of us.  We ate at the Cheesecake Factory and even splurged on some cheesecake.  We drove around trying to find a movie to go see but there wasn't anything out that either of us were really excited to see. 

A few days later, my gift from Jake arrived. Neither of us are big into the traditional anniversary gifts. Besides why limit the gift to wood (traditional 5th yr) or silverware (modern).  This is what I got.

Bert, the farting hippo, as made famous by Miss Abby Sciuto on NCIS. It's one of my favorite TV shows, especially since Mark Harmon is my old man crush.

Looking back on 5 years (I'm using this idea I saw on one of my friend's blog), we have:

• Moved 4 times (Holladay, Holladay, Sandy, Denver).
• Sold 1 car, bought 2 (still trying to get rid of one if anyone wants to buy a Rodeo).
• Traveled to Durango, CO; Santa Fe, NM; Arches National Park; Bear Lake; Lake Powell; Yellowstone; Havasupi Reservation; Costa Rica; California twice; Phoenix, AZ; St. George, UT numerous times; random places in Idaho; and possibly a few others.
• Both have graduated college with Bachelor's degrees.
• Had a child.
• Started Law School.
• Held several church callings: me mostly primary; Jake Elder's Quorum President, primary, and Young Men's 1st counselor.
• Played co-ed softball for all but this last year.

We have seen and done a lot together. We have loved, argued, debated, had good times, happy times, sad times. But that's what marriage is about. Learning to work together as a family unit, leaving parents and cleaving to each other, sharing life. It is a process and with faith, prayers, luck and help from Heavenly Father and each other, our marriage will last forever (which some days seems like a REALLY long time).

I love you babe. Thanks for all you have been and will be in my life. It wouldn't be the same without you.

4 long years!

Had I started blogging earlier, I would have posted this so I will do it now. The picture at top was 4 years ago on April 6th, 2006. Yes, it was snowing. It was kind of fun to go back and watch our wedding video on our anniversary. It made me realize, "It will always snow on our anniversary." I know it snowed this year as well.

What happened to spring? Our anniversary also happens to fall close to Easter most years. Again, what happened to spring?

Realizing it's been 4 years since Jake and I were married made me think. Man, I am getting old. It's been quite an adventure though; living in our first apartment, me graduating, to spending 2 weeks in Colorado with Chad and Christy, to living in Grandma Lue's basement (and having a garden), moving to our current place, Jake graduating with his bachelors, and becoming parents. (For those of you who don't know, Jake is a huge push over when it comes to Ellie.)

There are days I wonder, can I continue doing this for "FOREVER" and others I wouldn't trade it for the world. Actually, most of the time I am glad I waited and waited and waited for Jake to propose so we could be married. Most of the time I love having him around and love doing things with him. Most of the time he is a help and blessing in my life. I guess as long as it is most of the time, I can deal with the few times that it isn't. That's married life.

Here's to forever!