12 Years!

Yesterday, Richard and I celebrated our anniversary.

Twelve years.

I wouldn't believe it's been that long, but we have an 11-year-old to prove it! We basically took the entire weekend and dedicated it to ourselves. Well, sort of. I mean, we still had to take care of the kids, and keep up on our chores, etc. Okay, so it was kind of like every other weekend, but better because we had our anniversary on our minds. We reflected a bit more on our last twelve years together - where we were, where we are now, and everything in between. It's a lot to think about. Twelve years is no small amount of time. Twelve years ago, I thought couples who had been married for twelve years were OLD! Yet, in some ways, I still feel like we are newlyweds. (Until I look at pictures and compare...)

Then:

Now:

I would say we definitely look more tired in the second picture.

We were able to go on a couple dates which was nice. The nicest thing was we didn't need to get a babysitter. I can't even express how liberating this is! On Friday we went to dinner and the movie, Blindside. (Great movie.) On Saturday, we went through a temple session for some ancestors, thanks to my Granddad. Then we ended the date with a stop at Craigo's for a Cookie Monster. hmmm... This just reminded me that the leftovers are in the freezer, and that maybe I should go eat them all up before Richard remembers this as well. (Isn't he just so lucky to have me? Can you tell that I always put him first in the relationship?)

In all seriousness, he proved his worth on Saturday morning. I decided to hold a little family meeting to talk about how we could work together to get the house cleaned up. Their (the kid's) attitudes weren't the best, and after feeling like a complete failure at getting their cooperation, I just gave up and went to my bedroom to pout. While pouting away, Richard took the kids and got to work. Once I realized I was pouting over nothing, I got up and helped. The entire house was clean by lunch time! Of coure, it didn't last until evening, but what can one expect?

He saved my day!

Richard doesn't buy me flowers. In fact, he has only bought flowers for me once in the past 12 years, and that was just a few months after we were married. BUT, when I have someone who takes over while I am busy "pouting", does the dishes with the kids every night, gives me a (I kid you not!) world class back rub and scratch EVERY NIGHT, keeps me laughing on a daily basis, and can fix just about ANYTHING - I don't need flowers! Not to mention, he is always serenading me with his beautiful music. I am convinced it couldn't get any better than this. I am one lucky woman.

On Sunday, I made meat fondue with mashed potatoes, asparagus, and hot rolls for dinner, and then we went to Richard's parents to visit. It was such a pleasant day and wonderful weekend. Thanks, Sweetie.

This picture was taken ON our anniversary by Thomas. It's a little fuzzy, but I can't blame him for it. My camera was on the "sunset" setting, and it has to be perfectly still for the picture to come out clear. I can't even hold the camera perfectly still. But, the sunset was pretty.

And, actually, I think the "sunset" setting kind of made US look like sunsets too. I think it's just supposed to be for sunsets, not people. Oh well.

12 years down...eternity to go!