Nineteen and Counting

Nineteen years previous to this very moment, Derek and I were married in the incredibly beautiful Manti Temple for time and eternity. It was the perfect day... at least for us. I've thought often of all the friends and family that had to get up super early that morning in order to travel the multiple hours required to be in attendance at our 9:15 ceremony. You may not have thought it so perfect:) We loved you for your sacrifice to be there. We still remember every person that was with us at the temple, at the luncheon, and at our reception that made us feel loved and special.

Because my memories of that day are so vivid, it seems like it could have been yesterday. But as I think of all the friends and family that were not with us that day because we hadn't met them yet, or they hadn't joined the family yet, it's amazing to me that more time hasn't gone by. Our lives are so much richer because of the friends we've made over the years and the siblings that have been added to our family through marriage... they are all awesome! Thanks for being part of our journey!

We're especially thankful for the six kids that have joined us here. When I see my big kids doing big kid things, I know that nineteen years really have passed. How else could we have a house full of teenagers?! Tanner is starting his senior year in a couple of months... soon to turn eighteen. He is anxious and ready to serve a mission for our church and be out on his own. He's a great helper to me and a fun brother to his younger siblings. He's paved a nice path for them to follow with his involvement in many things. He and Matthew took out most of our old deck yesterday, which was hard work, but I think they may have even enjoyed it. Destruction apparently breeds feelings of manliness:) Matthew is running Cross Country again. He loves that and is enjoying his break from school. He would love to be working but hasn't found a job yet. The boys and Haddie will be attending a Pioneer Trek this week at Martin's Cove so they are looking forward to that. Haddie just returned from a fun girls camp and is counting down the days until her friend from Colorado comes to visit. She is officially fifteen now and is hoping to get her driving permit soon (argggh... three teen drivers!). Austin will be thirteen this week and just got back from a youth leadership training scout camp yesterday. He enjoys hanging out with his friends and finding fun things to do. Savannah and Normandy, too. We're hoping to spend many more hours at pools and water parks as the summer months continue. All of the kids, even Savannah and Normandy, have been volunteering at the Literacy Center for a couple of hours each week, and I think that has been fun for them. I'm pretty sure none of them need me around anymore, but they let me hang out with them once in a while anyway!:)

Derek is doing great and feeling good. He's recently had to deal with a bit of a water crisis at work... always fun when the city you manage is getting major news coverage!? The Lehi Roundup week is this week so we will be busy with that as well and he started framing the shed yesterday. Happily his most recent tumor marker count had gone down, which was a bit surprising, truthfully, but awesome news since the last three had been steadily climbing. I sewed some window treatments for my kitchen and hope to recover some throw pillows this week.  I'm also still enjoying the digital scrapbooking, when I have time. Life is good and I'm so grateful for the nineteen years I have had with Derek. Happy Summer to you all!