Sunday, September 6, 2015

It's a sappy love story!

engaged

married: August 4, 2000



I can't believe it's been 15 years already!  I am happy to say that I am more in love with Alex today than I was the day we got married.  It should be that way, after the experiences and time we have spent together.  I have to admit that I didn't really know Alex that well when we got married, having only dated for one year beforehand (and never living together until marriage).  Alex didn't have a car, so I didn't know what kind of driver he was.  I didn't really know if he was good with kids.  I didn't realize how stinky his feet were!  :)  On Alex's side of it, we had never even been hiking together.  He didn't really know if I could carry a backpack or not.  :)  Luckily for me, I proved that I wasn't very good at backpacking AFTER we got married.  Too late to turn back...Ha ha!  He didn't know that I talked (and sometimes hit) in my sleep.  I don't think he ever even saw me in a swimming suit before we got married.  There were a lot of things that we didn't know about each other.  

Alex still asks me sometimes, "Why did you pick me?"  I usually say, "Because you were a nice guy." But this is what I mean when I say that:

What I did know was how kind and respectful he was to me and to everyone else.  I knew how easy he was to talk to and how comfortable I felt around him.  I knew that he got along well with others and wasn't judgmental.  I knew that I was very attracted to his eyes and smile.  I knew that we would make cute kids!  I knew that he was just as awkward as me at dancing.  :)  I knew that he was genuine - that he didn't need to buy my love with gifts.  I knew that he was hard-working and smart and had an enthusiasm for his work.  I knew that he had a strong relationship with God and that faith and family were most important to him.  I knew that he was worthy to take me to the temple - to make forever promises there.  I knew that my life would be happier with him than without him.

It was a bit of a leap of faith to commit to and put my future into his hands after only knowing Alex for a short time.  Yet, I felt like it was right, and I trusted in the feelings I had ever since our first date.  Yes, I'm sure some of it was that giddy young love of a new relationship.  But there was that extra spark that left me feeling like this could be a forever love.  And I trusted in that spark of love, and I am so glad that I did, because that flame has kept growing stronger with time.  And what I knew then about Alex is still true today.  He still has all of those qualities I admired when we were dating, but I also know now that he is a great husband and father.      

We didn't start out with much in common or an extensive knowledge of each other.  We started out with qualities that we admired, a solid foundation of mutual trust and commitment, with similar goals, and shared spiritual beliefs.  I know that has kept us going strong.  We have been blessed with a great relationship - one that doesn't require extra effort to maintain.  I really appreciate the drama-free, easy-going aspect of our relationship.  I have enjoyed our 15-16 years together, and I look forward to many more.  I love you Alex!  

(You had me at "Do you want to go out for ice cream?")  :)    


backpacking debut, on our honeymoon


one...

two...

three...

 four...

five kids!

Look at this beautiful mess we have created!


4 comments:

The Purtle's said...

Love love love love. I feel blessed to have witnessed your relationship from the start. :) you both are wonderfully kind, loving, giving, unselfish people. Very genuine and you both have always been favorites of mine. Happy anniversary!!!

Debora said...

Agree with Michelle...lovelovelovelove. Love the first three pics. (Ron and I always seem to stand on the same side of each other too) Yep....cute kids...beautiful mess. Hang in there during those trying times like last weekend ;)

Jessica McKay said...

I love you two! I remember you before child number one! Weren't those great days? What did we do with ourselves? Happy 15! You have us beat by a year and a kid.

Sharon said...

Love this post! Congrats on 15 years!