I have so much to catch up on. Seesh! I should never put off doing it this long... so much has happened! I guess now is as good as time as any right? Ok...
On September 1st, Tom and I kicked off our anniversary week, with the Nickelback concert. My mom surprised us with tickets for our anniversary and it was freakin awesome! We went with Sara and her fiance Jim (Sara helped sooooo much with our wedding and took some of the best pictures that we had throughout the whole day)! It was Saving Abel, Papa Roach, Hinder and Nickelback. What an awesome night!
On the 3rd of September- Tom and I happily remembered our first date two years ago. I can't believe that it has been two years since this man was brought into my life. Little did I know that he would become my eternal companion as he met me at my front door wearing a pink and grey striped button up shirt, kakhi shorts and sandels- and he looked HOT!!! (I still love him wearing this outfit). Little did I know, he would change me for the better and help me realize so many things. He is (to say the least) amazing. He has helped me realize that the little things in life are what make life great- but not to get stressed over the smaller things. He has helped me realize that a lot of the time my emotions get in my way of rational thinking. He has made me fall in love with him more than once- and I can't imagine my life without him. He is perfectly imperfect. And he is mine all mine. And most importantly he brought the Gospel into my life- I am the luckiest girl in the world.
My grandparents arrived on the 3rd as well for the most important event of my life thus far. My sister and niece also flew in to help celebrate this day... how amazing that was! My niece has gotten so big since June when I saw her last- it amazes me how fast they grow.
On September 4th, at 2pm, I recieved my endowments at the Oakland Temple with my husband. I can't explain the feeling... no words would do it justice. It was overwhelming, joyous, breathtaking, awakening, spiritual and glorious. And if you would have asked me two years ago if I was going to be at the Temple- I would have said absolutely not. Yet here I was, with some of the most important people in my life- including Elder L (one of the missionaires who baptized me). My heart still leaps at the thought that we actually went there.
On September 5th, at 10am Thomas and I were sealed to eachother for time and all eternity. I remember just looking at Tom (I felt like we were looking into each other's soul) and feeling the most powerful emotion I have ever felt. True, unconditional love. I have never felt more love for someone. When looking into the mirrors, we could see forever, but only if we looked at our spouse. Ben (Tom's brother) told us to remember that- we always have to be looking at the other spouse, and put them first, and that is how we get to forever.
Afterwords, my mom, Peter, my sister, niece, Tom's family (grandparents, Ben, Stacy, Theresa, Warren, Quito, Audra, Lori), Elder L, Carl and Tom and I went to lunch. It was amazing! It was so nice to celebrate this day with so many of those that we love so very much!
On September 6th, after church and bearing my testimony of the past few days, Thomas and I celebrated our one year anniversary at my mom's. We ate a ton of food, played cards, made a stepping stone with my niece, played in the water with Moogs, and enjoyed having my family there. We cut our cake, had Martinelli's and remembered the day where we were joined together as man and wife. We had a wonderful day!
I am ever so thankful for my grandparents. It meant the world to me that they were there to share this day with us. They have left an everlasting impression on my life and I can't thank them enough for all they have done for us. I feel so very blessed to have them in my life- to have them as examples in ours lives. I loved having my grandma there to hold my hand and to show me how things are done. I am such a lucky girl. I am grateful that they could witness something they never thought would happen. I am blessed that they helped shape me into this person. I am happy that I was able to witness my grandfather cry tears of joy as Tom and I were sealed to each other. It really humbled me.
This whole experience has humbled me. To the fullest extent. I am such a small part of this world. I am no better than anyone else out there. My heart has been softened. I feel lighter, stronger, happier. I am happier than I have ever been. I feel... renewed.
I simply cannot wait to go back. We have promised each other- once a month to go... as it will only make us stronger. We are stronger and happier than ever. Thank you God for allowing us to have such a place that is so close to you. I can't explain the joy that I feel going into His home.
Then this month, Tom, Lee and I, decided it was time to buy a home- or a condo and stop paying for someone else's mortgage. So we started looking and we found this cute 2 bedroom 2 bathroom condo in Antioch. I LOVE IT!
Our offer was
accepted about a week and a half ago. We will be closing by October 31. We will paint, fix some little things and save $400 a month and that includes EVERYTHING! I feel so blessed that we are able to get into a home (with Lee's help of course) and now we all own something that is ours. And now I can get a puppy! :)
And last but not least. Tom and I are expecting to have a new neice or nephew here in the spring. Congrats Ben and Stacy!!!! We are so excited to have a new little one join our lives!!!
