Seven Years!

Happy Anniversary to us! Yup, today makes it 7 years that Charles and I have been married. It seems like time has really flown by! Back in the day I never imagined how far we would come together, what adventures we would have, and best of all how much I could love one person! Charles is truly my hero. I love him so much sometimes it is overwhelming! He has been the best and continues to get better and better. We have found so much joy together and for that I am so grateful. We have become true best friends. I am so thankful that I get to spend forever with him. At least I know my forever will never be boring! I love CHARLES!!!! : )

One thing I remember that was said to us during our marriage ceremony (the only thing I really remember) was that we should always be forgiving of one another. At the time I did not think much of it but over time I have learn that being forgiving, and also selfless, is crucial to a happy relationship. I do not always succeed at putting his needs above my own but I always consider his feelings and how I can help him in anyway. He does the same for me. We get along so well, like old buddies and yet we still have a deep attraction for each other (too much information - I know). It was that attraction that threw us together in the first place!

I can remember our first dance. He took my hand for the first time and he held onto my waist in such a gentle way (some guys at the singles ward were pretty harsh!). I knew when we were dancing that it was it - I was in for it. It was as if a magnetic force was drawing us together (not hormones) but something greater and we both knew. We were so young and silly but we really did love each other. We were meant to be together and we knew it. We could not ignore it.

Now, seven years later, he still takes my hand and holds me in a gentle way. Now I know more than ever that we were meant to be together (not like Saturdays Warrior or anything) but we were truly meant to find each other out of the billions of people in the world. Charles was meant for me and I for him - How neat is that? I really love him SO much!

Charles is such an amazing Daddy. He loves the kids so much. I remember how his face looked after I gave birth to Sammi - that was my reward for all of the pain. I saw in Charles something I had never seen before. It was joy that was not of this world and it was all over his face. I will never forget that look and the many happy daddy looks to follow. It makes me so happy to be the mother to his (our) children. Children bring out new things in people that they never knew was in them. It has been so great to be apart of that with Charles. He get so excited about life and things - it is so refreshing!

The other day a lady came up to be at a Church function and she said, "I just wanted to tell you, I am so impressed with the way your husband talks about you being a mother." She said over time she has noticed how much Charles loves me and how he honors my role as a mother. I do not think I have ever received such a great compliment. I did not even know her, but she knew me and Charles. It is true though, because Charles honors me as a mother it makes my job as a mother so much more pleasant! He basically demands (in a good way) that I stay home with the children and love them. He refuses to have me work to provide for the family he insists he would take on 5 jobs before that would happen. He cherishes me and my motherhood and for that I love him so much. I do not know many men like him. He has truly astonished me over the years.

Did I mention, I love Charles??? : ) I REALLY DO!!!!