I've shared these pics before on our blog. But.... I thought I'd share them again. :) Just because.
Today it is bitter cold. When I took Lex to drill this morning, the car's temperature indicator read -3 degrees. Brrr.....
The morning of our wedding was cold as well. Not as cold as this morning was, but I was COLD. Ryan's brother, Jeff, let me borrow his suit jacket for in between wedding shots with the photographer. My nose was red in almost every picture. Whose big idea was it to get married in the dead of winter? Oh yeah. Ours! Ryan had returned from his LDS mission in June of that year. Our real anniversary of our first date was October 20th. We should have picked that day. But, since we were poor college students, we decided to wait until December in order to get married over the school break and to save money. We let my sister, Julie, and BIL, Nate have our day instead. :)
We look crazy young in these pictures. Don't we?
Fast forward 19 years and here we are. Still in love, but not feeling quite as young. In fact, some days we wonder if we are falling apart. One day, we'll be one of those old couples lying in bed, waiting for our joints to wake up each morning. Oh wait.... that was this morning. :) Let's just say we are not aging gracefully. My body is determined to fight me each and every year.
For our anniversary, Ryan surprised me with flowers, a treat, and a thoughtful letter. He wrote down 19 of the reasons why he loves me. I share these not to be self serving, but to show how special my guy truly is. He notices things and appreciates things about me I don't even acknowledge about myself. It goes to show you that we are a lot harder on ourselves than we should be.
1. On Saturday, in the dance recital, I looked over at you while the little girl with Down's Syndrome danced. You were beaming from ear to ear and you were in love with a girl you had never met. I love how you love and serve these special spirits.
2. I love your attention to detail and in the way you dress. You have an amazing sense of style that adapts with the times but is also classic and beautiful.
3. I love watching you interact with Lexie. You have an ability to deal with drama and teenage girl hormones that at times, leave me in stunned silence.
4. I love your dedication to me and the kids. You rarely get to do things that are only for you. But, you also rarely make us feel bad about how much we need you.
5. I love how you love me (wink, wink)... :)
6. I love how you continually develop new talents. When we were first married, you didn't love to cook and now you regularly crank out unbelievably gourmet meals.
7. I love how you continually encourage me in a way that makes me actually want to do what is needed. You get me and my personality and you understand what motivates me to be a better man.
8. I love the partnership we have created together over the past 19 years. We are truly united and one in purpose (most times)... :)
9. I love your depth of loyalty to your family and friends. You are one of a kind and someone who can be depended upon to help at a moments notice.
10. Even though you are prefect, I love that you will say you are sorry in a way that truly shows you mean it. The huge box of nerds (I (Jennie) screwed up big time) brought an immediate feeling of affection and love in my heart towards you.
11. I love seeing you smile. It is not really your pretty, white teeth and soft beautiful lips.... It is really the way your whole face beams, in the way your eyes smile, and in the way your whole demeanor encourages others to share the joy you feel.
12. I love the depth and strength of your testimony of the gospel. You radiate your belief in God, His Son, and the gospel that has been restored on the earth.
13. I love your ability to quickly build meaningful relationships with others. I am excited to be able to serve a mission with you one day and see what we can do together to bring the gospel into others' lives. You love others and you have genuine concern for them makes me marvel. Sometimes, I just don't care about others, but you always do.
14. I love the example of compassion you show towards others. I find myself always departing with my change or a dollar when asked. Since I have been working downtown, I want you to know it is because of your example at quickly departing with a dollar and actually knowing some of the names of the people you help, which encourages me to do the same.
15. When I say I am smart and often feel like I am the smartest one in the room, I am lying when you are there. You may not be great at math, but you have brilliance about you that I recognize and love.
16. I love that you care about your health. The way it makes you look is secondary (...and really great), but I love that you will try any remedy to stay healthy and have energy for me, our children, and for you.
17. I love that you keep an open mind. I referenced your witch doctor remedies, but there are so many other areas where you are open to others' opinions and thoughts. It encourages conversation, builds relationships, and shows great depth of humility.
18. I love your curly, thick hair. I love the way you look in your tight jeans. I love your curves, in your yellow and black Sunday dress. I love you in any pair of jeans and boots. I love your cold toes and cheeks (yeah... those ones). I love your Christmas village, your decorated tree, and all your little touches in decorating our home. I love your look that tells me you are with me now and for eternity.
19. I will forever be grateful and love that you didn't quit asking me to go on a date with you when we were young and that you held my hand back when I reached out across the back seat of Josh Watkin's car. Thank you for loving me even when it is hard.
I love you, Lady. - Ry
We've had an amazing courtship. I say courtship because marriage is a process and one that requires constant work and care. We have been blessed over the years to have not only a romance but a friendship. I'm grateful every day that you chose me. I'm grateful you were the one that was persistent in the end and didn't give up on me. You knew what we could become. I'm grateful for the beautiful life we've created and look forward to many, many more years and years to come. - Love, Jen
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