Honey, We still Got it!!

Tonight marks 20 years of bliss... or at least true love! Rick and I were engaged 20 years ago tonight. He proposed down on one knee under a bridge overlooking the canyon in Twin Falls, Idaho on a cold snowy night. It was unexpected and so romantic... thus beginning the rest of our lives. :) I would like to say that every minute of every day since then has been filled with happy memories and sweet tender moments but it might be a slight exaggeration. There have been trials, tempers, children, house payments, church callings, hurt feelings, chores, sickness, more children, job changes, more sickness, sleepless nights, children (are ya following me on this?), home improvement projects, cars getting totaled, too many animals, too many dishes and lots of pregnancies with a puking, hormonal wife. But through it all we seemed to still like each other at the end of most days and can look back with fond memories and lots of laughter as we have held on, held hands and held to the promises that we made together. I am grateful for a husband who is forgiving, hard working, smart, loving, spiritual, funny (sometimes), committed, a super father and such a great leader and provider in our home. Here are some of the secrets and lessons we have discovered along the way:

• Never tell relatives where you are staying for your honeymoon, or they come visit. :P





• Take cover if Police run down the alley, followed by gun shots during your back-yard reception. It may serve as an indicator that your life will be full of adventure. Heed the Warning!





• Full motion water beds are better left drained when dealing with extreme morning sickness.





• Waffle Irons are not romantic 1st Anniversary presents to a wife... but perhaps would work for a husband who is hungry!





• Only put your cute little newborn baby in bed with you if you are willing to sleep with them until the end of Kindergarten. It isn't very romantic when you have a child's leg in your rib and an arm in your husbands face, violently thrashing every few minutes.





• Down-sizing beds is a great way to get children out of bed with you. :P





• It is best not to hang a rifle under a picture or statue of Christ on your fireplace mantle (again may work for the husband, proceed with great caution with the wife). Decorating should be left to the experts.





• While candlelight is very romantic, catching your husbands sweater on fire while he is still wearing it is not always appreciated. Handle candles with care.





• Celebrate the birth of a child with your dear friends and family... just don't invite them in the delivery area if it bothers you to see your husband flying across the room from your friend flinging them out of the birthing chair.





• A good wrestling match works better than a counseling session.





• Hearing your children say "Ewwwwww.... not again" while kissing in the kitchen is a good thing.

I look forward to many more Engagement Anniversaries sitting in a Chinese Restaurant laughing together and wondering how the time has gone by so quickly. Honey, we still Got it!