9 YEARS!!!

Well, nine years ago today I married this guy. We've been on quite an adventure ever since and I want to record just a few of those side trips. . .
We met at a mutual friends recital. I don't remember him but I do remember thinking I could never marry one of those loud music majors. He vaguely remembers me but the interest stopped there. A few weeks later we went on a double date. Him with another girl and me with his friend. I remember thinking what a cute couple those two would make. A few weeks later we were on yet another double date with different partners. Again no thoughts of us dating but I think someone was trying to send a message.
We had a year of seeing each other off and on as friends around campus and being at the same place at the same time. In December he asked for my email, sent me an email, then started dating someone else. I was having way too much fun to notice. Finally in April right before I graduated from BYU he asked me on a date. I wanted to date him but wasn't sure it was the right thing to do. I eventually gave in to his sparkling personality and wit but not without a fight. I made sure we dated for two months before I said "yes" to his proposal. Then made him wait a whole two months before I married him--I know I really played hard to get:).
Well, three states and almost four college degrees later we are still happy to be married to each other. It's pretty amazing to me how things work out despite ourselves. I love you, Ryan, and am happy to be stuck with a loud music, chaplain major after all:).

Summertime

I've had a great summer of family! I've been staying in Driggs while Ryan has finished up two terms over the summer. I've gone to weddings, funerals, birthday parties, new babies, and family reunions and it's been amazing. I just have to write down my feelings about my family and where I was able to grow up. It's pretty picturesque, even though there were times of feeling like it was too small or nobody liked me--(that whole nobody-likes-me-teenage-mentality). When, actually, I was related to most of the valley and they loved me because of my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. I still consider it home and grow more fond of it through the years. If the Air Force ever builds a base there, that's where we'll be.
This is a picture of my Grandpa Rammell. He always enjoys sharing his time and testimony with his grandkids. You can see the link on my blog to read a part of his thoughts that have always brought me strength and faith.

This picture is at my cousins wedding. Sitting in the temple with my dad, his siblings, their children, and Aunt Connie was very special. I felt so loved by not only those living but those who have passed on.

Here was a special two-year olds big day. I can't believe how fast these babies grow and soon turn into the bosses of it all.
We also got to celebrate Miss Lily turning 7! You can see the surprise on her face, too. Caleb turned into Barbie as a special birthday present for his cousin:)
My sister, Steph, had her sweet little Sylvia come to their home. It was my first time being with a sister after having a new baby where I actually got to stick around for a few days. What a huge sacrifice but also blessing a new baby is for a family. Number 6 at their home. Steph, you are amazing and it was so great to be with you this summer.
Cool Cousins just enjoying being together.
And going out with a bang! We got to go to The Gateway in Salt Lake with a good friend before coming home. If you gotta go, I say go out with a bang! Not sure if Soph liked it or not, but I had fun.:)