10 Years Ago

Ten years ago today,

I was at my sister's house with my dear friend Jenny.

She did my hair, and we left for the temple.

I was nervous & excited all at the same time.

We laughed at the fact that I forgot your wedding ring.

Uncle Jim was happy to loan his.

(I guess we got the 'something borrowed' in)

You stepped on my train right before we went to meet our family to be sealed.

The old ladies scrambled to bustle it back up.

It is amazing what a bunch of safety pins can do.

We finally were able to join our family and friends.

We knelt across the alter.

I tried to stifle laughter when I noticed my mother had fallen asleep.

We committed ourselves to each other.

I entered those doors a single woman...

and left a married one.

It was one of the happiest days of my life!!

Thanks for choosing to love me each and every day!

I can't wait to see what the next 10 years hold for us!

I love you!

Stay tuned for more of Our Love Story...coming soon

8 Whole Years!

Yesterday Shawn and I celebrated our 8 year anniversary! I still can't believe that so much time has past. Since we have gotten married, we have done schooling, gone through countless jobs, moved once, added 2 almost 3 children, and have created so many memories together. I love this man so much, and I am so thankful that he has been part of my life for these past 8 years. My life would truly not be the same without him in it.

We didn't do anything really big. I didn't really want to plan much of anything because I was hopeful that we would have our baby...but of course this babe is still cookin'. We dropped the kids off at my sister Nancy's to spend the night. (Thanks Nance) Then we went out to dinner and a movie. Yes...somewhat cliche, but it was nice to spend some time with my hubby, and then go home without being greeted by our children.

Shawn is a wonderful man, friend, and I love him with all my heart. I am truly blessed to have him as a husband. Happy Anniversary Babe!

Wordless Wednesday - The Napali Coast

For more Wordless Wednesday Participants go to W.W. Headquarters!

Beautiful Hawaii

We are finally back from our week long get-a-way! It was so much fun, and a great refresher from the kids. I loved being able to spend time with the one man that I love most. Shawn is wonderful, and I could not have asked for better. It was a great anniversary. Now I am just trying to get back into the swing of things. I have so much to catch up with. I just thought I would post this little slide show to give you an insight of the things that we were able to do!

I also had to add this because we heard this song everywhere we went in Hawaii, and we just loved it! So enjoy!

I hope to catch up with all the party goers, and can't wait to meet new people! Thanks for stopping by!

The Countdown

In a little over a week, Shawn and I will have been married for 7 years! I can not believe how fast time has flown by. A couple of months ago we were trying to figure out what we wanted to do. In the past we haven't done much...usually we would go out to dinner, or I would make something special, but it was never anything really big. Ever since we got married I have been dying to go on a cruise for a few reasons:

• I have always heard how much fun they can be


• I say that my husband has "post partum money depression" (once he makes purchases he totally worries about it, and gets "depressed" because things cost so much)
  
• My husband's 'condition' makes it hard for him to enjoy a vacation because he is constantly adding up the costs of things - going on the cruise alleviates this because the majority of the vacation cost is paid for!


• They seem romantic

I "work" for an airline (I say "work" because I bid a full line every month, but then give all my trips away so I can stay home with the kiddo's). The beauty of working in the airline industry is you get a lot of discounts with all travel related things. I get weekly emails from a web based travel agency that negotiates discounts for hotels, cruises, and other things for airline employees. I started keeping my eye out for the "deal", and then one day it arrived!

A seven night cruise in HAWAII for $299!!!!!!

So yes, Ladies and Gentlemen, I jumped on that bandwagon and started lobbying for hubby's agreement that we just HAD to book this cruise! I had to make many phone calls to line up family to take care of our babies while we were away...and then we booked it!!! Yippee!! I was so excited! We get to go on a cruise for our anniversary -- without the kids! I have been floating on cloud nine for months just waiting for when we get to go!

Now it is around the corner, and some reality has set in. Since Caden has been born (he is now 3 1/2) we have never been on a vacation with out them. We have always taken them everywhere we go. Part of me knows that it is long overdue...I need a break. The other part is going to miss my babies so much.

I was reading Dandelion Mama the other day. I was able to relate to her post about Sleeping in Seattle. I sometimes daydream of days without fulfilling the constant needs that my children have. Being able to have adult conversation without having to chase my kids in the process. Yet at the same time I grip to the very thing for dear life. It is a constant tug of war.

I know that it will be a good thing to get away from the kids. To rejuvenate as a couple, and make memories alone like we did before we had kids. All the books say how vital it is to define yourself as a person...not just a mom. I want to to that, but being a mom is who I am. I have been with my babies since the day they were born. I am there when they need food, diaper changes, when they hurt themselves, I tuck them in bed, and tend to their every need. I do everything for them. Yes, they have been taken care of by others to go on dates, appointments and such, but never for days at a time. The thought of someone else being able to provide that for them when I am gone makes me a little sad. I think that is what is hard. Admitting that there are others out there that can fulfill their needs, and they can survive without me.

I think I sometimes have a hard time identifying myself without my children. To think of going somewhere without having to make sure the diaper bag is stocked is such a foreign thing it almost scares me! I also feel somewhat guilty admitting that I actually will have a good time because in someways it makes me feel like I am betraying the love I have for my children. I will ask myself, "If you really loved your children why would you WANT to get away from them!?"

Since the day Caden was born, I knew my life would never be the same. I would be forever changed by this little baby that I held in my arms. My life has gotten so much fuller. My heart is brimming with love and gratitude for my children. I would do anything for them to be happy. There are days when life is perfect. Then there are days when craziness sets in. Lets face it..we all need a break from time to time.

That is why we need to go on this cruise. Yes, I will miss my babies. Yes, the thought of someone else taking care of them scares me. Yes, I know they will be fine. If I admit to having more fun without my kids...does that make me a bad mom? I don't think so. I think that it means that I love my kids enough to find out who I am with out them. I think every mom deserves that. I will forever be a Mom, but I will also forever be Crystal. I think it is important to remember who we are...let our children see that we love life, and that they can too....without us.