"Cutting Cake" since 2010

    It's our fifth anniversary today. Ever since we've moved and started this new phase in our lives, I've been reflecting a lot on where we've been and what we've done. I feel like anniversaries, new years and birthdays are check points, once you get there you look back and see all that you've accomplished. Each year I've made lists (because who doesn't love making lists!) of all we've accomplished, this many jobs, this many promotions, kids, degrees etc. I think its so good to remember our accomplishments and see all we've achieved in another year together, but as I approached our anniversary, I had no desire to make a list. (gasp).  Graduating and leaving Rexburg has taught me something important, our progress as a family/couple can't be quantified, it can't be made into a check list or increased in value by the number of kids I have or our financial standings or the sqft of my house.

I'm madly in love with my husband. I mean that in every sense of the word, I'm crazy for and because of my husband. A million times more than the day we got married. We work hard at it, it definitely doesn't come naturally (to either of us) but through the gospel, we're learning and we're starting to see the eternal potential of our relationship and it's exciting! We both genuinely want and work towards an exceptional marriage daily. We want it for each other and most importantly for our eternal family.

We have accomplished a lot together this year but to save you from another list, I'll make it simple and just tell you what matters. Chad and I choose every day to love each other better, serve each other more selflessly and have the most fun we can in the process...and guys, we're gettin good at it!

This series of pictures is my favortie from our reception. It says so much more to me now than it did 5 years ago. It teaches a lesson I hope my kids learn from Chad and I through our examples.

I remember this moment so clearly, the DJ said, "Its time for the bride and groom to cut the cake!" we went over there and looked at this amazing cake. It had so many layer, ribbons, flowers and corners, we wanted to cut it perfectly as to not ruin this flawless cake but we didn't know how to approach it. We looked at each other with perplexity. Then we laughed!

 Everyone was wating to see what we'd do, so Chad picked up the knife and started sizing up the cake, pretend cutting in a few directions to try and visualize how it would be best divided. I looked at him and said "Shouldn't we be doing this together?" All that i knew what what i had seen in movies, the guy and the girl holding the knife together and cutting the cake. SO i grabbed his hand and together cut into the unknown.

 I know its a cheesy metaphor, but just like the cake, when it came to marriage, we didn't have a clue, all we knew was that we were married and everyone was was watching and waiting to see what we'd do. Cutting that cake together was the first of many decisions we've made together and we've learned that that symbolism is one of the greatest strengths to our family. No matter how unknown the territory or unsure the circumstance, we go into it and get out of it together! We make mistakes together, we triumph together and we build together. We've found that life's just better that way, helpmeets and companions forever.

 Love you Chadillac, You make colors brighter and everyones laughter louder, you calm the storms inside me (always), you're creative, persistent and unwavering in your love for me and you've taught me things about family that all those marriage and family textbooks I read in college couldn't. You're my greatest treasure. Thank you for our beautiful, crazy, hilarious, exciting and full marriage.