Capture the Moment: Sister Kisses

5 Years of Married Us

Today, J and I celebrate five years of marriage.

Incredible to think it all started {officially} just five years ago.

{all photos by the Youngrens}

{here are their blog posts about us!}

 Everything was just right.

Little did we know what we were doing ;).

I love the growth we have shared together.

I love looking back on the experiences we never anticipated experiencing.

But we did. Together.

Every day for five years, we have walked through life hand in hand.

We may not always have been very happy.

But we have always been committed to one another and we have always loved each other.

I'm so thankful for my best friend.

I'm thankful I get to walk through today... and tomorrow.. and the next... with him.

I'm thankful for a Savior who never leaves and who truly has a divine plan.

Happy anniversary honey.

I love you.

Can't wait to celebrate in Maui with you... 3 days baby!!!

Capture the moment

"just cuddling, dad. we're best friends."

J's birthday extravaganza: Part 3

After all that, then came June 23rd. 

We both decided to take the {thurs}day off and make it count.
best. decision. ever.

The morning brought:
many fun cards to open (which were spread throughout the day of course)

puppy birthday smiles

birthday "26 ways i love you" signs all around the house

and some presents... a polo shirt, swim shorts,

and this one thing from that one store.

We continued the celebration with Starbucks [it wouldn't be J's birthday without it!]
and a fun maternity photo shoot and lunch date in Coronado with our life pals Mark and Katie.

they were so sweet to get our lunch and him a few types of yummy candy :)
this was my personal favorite!

so fun to celebrate with such special friends!

The afternoon brought a special treat from the kids

 (yes those are their paw prints... minus luigi, he refused)
"shorts for our walks... we love dad!"

 The evening brought an HOA meeting, filming an event at church, and packing.
{packing = start to finish, 3 loads of laundry and cleaning}
not quite as exciting... although the packing was exciting in an anticipatory way!
However, we did manage to squeeze in one more gift in the wee hours of the morning before bedtime.

I love you babe.
So blessed to be your wife. So proud to call you my husband.
Happy birthday!!!

Because I want to remember

John and I have had the best few days.
And I don't want to forget.

Friday night, I was feeling overwhelmed with the number of things left to accomplish.
I wanted to do them all, but didn't feel like there was enough time.
And J came to the rescue with a pen, paper, and a little encouragement.
We made a list of all the things I was thinking about,
and he helped me accomplish them, one by one.

Saturday:
we mailed our Christmas cards,
went out to breakfast,
cleaned out all our food in the kitchen,
and laughed a lot during that (J found all kinds of randomness I buy :)),
made a target list and conquered it,
planned our items to bake,
visited my family and welcomed my sister home
(and J put on his brillant hat to rescue mom's lost emails),
got Christmas stuff together,
lit a candle,
made muffins for our YMC Christmas party
as well as tons of sugar cookie dough yet to be baked,
cuddled and enjoyed the rain.

Sunday:
we got up early and went to church (gosh I love Sunday church)
and our YMC Christmas party.
we did lots of laundry,
planned meals for the week
and then conquered Vons,
but not before Mexican food next door.
we talked about our dreams,
played with our puppies and took a few rain walks,
laughed, hugged, and enjoyed each other's company.

Monday:
while I did some last minute Christmas shopping after work,
J fed the animals (twice!) and braved the storm to take them for walks.
We made dinner together while chatting
(mmm... wheat pasta with white sauce and asparagus),
and then J made us homemade vanilla lattes.
we sat in the living room together,
listening to Christmas music and worship music,
continuing to plan our future (we like planning)
while getting some more Christmas stuff together.

I love my husband.
I love to be with him.
I love when he does things with me and for me - the little things.
And I love love love when he smiles while doing it. :)

Thank you, honey, for this weekend.
I'm so glad I get to be your wife.

Sam and Valinda: Married!!

Well, only 2 days shy of a month later, the infamous Sam and Valinda's wedding post. :)

I mentioned J and I headed east (and I mean east!) to see my brother-in-law marry an amazing girl last month. And I mentioned a special birthday, and family we got to see. But I didn't mention the wonderful bride and groom!

She was beautiful. And he watched her so sweetly.

Together!! The moment when you can sigh with relief because you get to spend the rest of the day together. :)

Sam's boss/worship leader sang "Love is not a fight" while they lit the unity candle. Such a special song and time in the ceremony. [sidenote: if you are married or getting married, listen to the words of this song. it's perfect.]

Whoo whoo married!!!

Their first dance was pretty perfect :)

Sam's sandals might have been my favorite part of the reception. :) I love California.

And a final farewell to the Mr and Mrs ;)

Sam and Valinda, your wedding was so special. V, you were (and are) beautiful. I'm so excited to be sister-in-laws, and in the same state at that! Thanks for letting us share in your special day. We're so excited to grow together in marriage and friendship. And to come visit you and see your home you built together! Love you guys!!