spontaneity.

 

april twenty fourteen.

This was one of our most needed vacations. 

Just moved to a different state.

And we needed to get away. And fast. 

It was the end of the semester. 

We were both starting new jobs. 

We decided that very day that we'd rent a car, and drive to California.

we're spontaneous. i know.

the drive.

We packed our bags, and headed to the rental place. The car guy was very friendly, and handed the keys right over. I found out that spouses drove for free. even better. I was used to him in the driver's seat as I sat along for the drive on the passenger's side. i don't drive stick. This beautiful car was automatic. Did I want to drive? Yes. Well it had been a while--so I thought. He started out driving, being the man in the relationship... he insisted. 

The first portion of the trip was mainly hills. Car after car continued passing us on the freeway. These hills were killing us. At some points he would complain the car couldn't go any faster. Oh silly, you just don't know how to drive an automatic. Let your wife show you how it's done. After finally switching seats, I thought I'd show him that it wasn't the car. He just didn't know how to keep momentum up on the hills. After 6 hours, I finally concluded, he was right. Something was wrong with our car. 

We honestly could only go 45 on the freeway. The car was very inconsistent, even with the pedal to the floor. Well, we were already in the middle of nowhere. We had just passed Vegas... and nothing is passed Vegas. So we pulled over where we could find some reception and called the service hotline. The guy told us to drive back to Vegas and switch our car... 

Excuse me sir, I don't know if our car will make it. We have no gas. 

Somehow we made it to Vegas. I have no idea how. But we dropped off our car, and the lady told us.. get this.. It's a good thing you came when you did. Your car has no oil. The car could have blown up at any given time. Thank you. Thank you for telling me I almost died. Give me a better car at no extra cost. So they did. And let me tell you. It made the rest of the trip so much better. 

And we didn't get blown up. 

c a l i f o r n i a .

We arrived in California after 12 long hours of music blaring, loads of laughter, and a little passenger side sleeping. We pulled up to his sister's apartment just out of Los Angeles. Amy, his sister, has the cutest kids, and an awesome husband too. But man, those kids... the cutest chunky cheeks and most adorning eyes. We just wanted to stay home all day with those little ones, even if they did have a runny nose. Amy and Ryan were the greatest hosts. They showed us around town and advised us of the many activities we could participate in. 

stop number one: Our first stop was the Santa Monica Pier. We went with Amy and her two little ones. After playing in the sand at the park and walking along the water shore, we went out to the edge of the pier and just breathed. It was nice to have fresh air, by an ocean none the less, instead of being in a cramped up little car. There were fisherman everywhere. Lots of cute little shops, and of course "pier performers."

isn't he dashing...

stop number two: Our next stop was America's Got Talent. That's right ladies and gentleman. We were gonna be on TV. How much better could it get? none. What could go wrong? nothing.

We rummaged through our tiny suitcase to see if there was anything that fit the dress code for the occasion. You plan on a week at the beach, so no, he didn't pack a suit and tie, nor did I pack a dress. Let alone anything dark. They wanted to make sure the audience was well dressed, because they'd be on TV. We decided we'd be "okay" in jeans and a nice shirt. Even though they were not "permitted." 

After way too much time in traffic and waiting in a forever long line, we handed our ticket to the ticket checker.

We handed him our printed paper, and he gave us nicer looking ones. I don't know why. But, after looking us up and down, he said, Ask for Mike when you get in.

Why do I want to ask for Mike? Who is Mike? How is anyone in this entire place supposed to know who Mike is? Unless... ya know, he's a cool guy. Then everyone knows who Mike is...

We ignored his suggestion and waited in another enormous line.... however, along the way we saw some cool signs (poor lighting mind you)... letting us know how awesome it was to be as close to the cast and performers as we were. Maybe we'd even see the judges...

As we finally approached the doors by the seats, we finally found out what was taking soooo long. There is one man, at one door, looking at each person as they come in. He looks at you and then tells you where to sit... crazy. I did not recognize that they put so much effort into placing people in certain seats. We finally got to the door and we looked us up and down, once again, and then directed us to the second row, center section, right behind the judges. No complaints. This is awesome. 

About five minutes later, we heard the name Mike. Mike approached us, looked at us, and then decided to place us first row, right behind the judges. There is no better seat in the house. Not one. 

I'll take that as a compliment. 

As the show began, the judges came out and we all cheered. Great start. However, what they don't tell you when you are part of filming things live, is that there are a lot of breaks. a lot. Like so many breaks that the one hour show you see, is a six hour time commitment for us. AND we have to smile and clap as they want us to... Makes it less fun. But, among all the technicalities and breaks, we were able to have real conversations with all the judges... Mel B, Howie, and Howard. Cool. 

Oh, and of course, Heidi Klum... who was cold, so guess whose vest got offered as a sacrifice? mine. He offered her my vest. Did she take it? no. But he thought he was funny.

note: non of these are zoomed in. not even a little. i even had to back up. haha. oh, and you may want to turn your sound down.. there was a rather loud "ahhhh" in the row behind us due to excitement. 

Even though were were there wayyyy too long, it was still cool being able to see ourselves on TV when it finally aired. Would I do it again? Probably not. But you totally should!

stop number three: magic mountain. He had told me about this place forever. This place is full of magic, that he thinks is better than any other park out there... I naturally disagreed, growing up with Busch Gardens in Virginia. I don't know if you'll be able to handle the roller coasters, shay. They're kinda intense, and I don't think you're prepared for this. oh please. I've been on plenty. Granted, it had been a while. 

We got to ride their newest roller coaster. and even got cool little stubs for it too!

Coaster after coaster, I began to understand what he meant. Not only did we have to run from one to the next, but we couldn't take any breaks. I knew how to ride a roller coaster, just not Jensen style. And to be honest, I wasn't that good at it. I was so terrible, that I blacked out on Tatsu. Yeah, I guess hanging upside down and being tossed back and forth just wasn't my jam. 

So, he rode the rest by himself... 

and I was perfectly content with that.

stop number four five, six, and every other stop possible: the beach. This should explain how crazy my sweet husband is. No matter the weather, temperature of the water, or questionable substances that might be lurking, if he sees water--he will swim in it. 

California in April, isn't the warmest. And the water isn't either... nor is it very clear. So for those two reasons alone I didn't want to get in. And, after watching a lot about sharks, I wasn't exactly excited about murky water and bull sharks attacks, especially if it was only he in I in the water. Seeing as no one else would be crazy enough to swim in it either.

a highlight at the beach consisted of these two cute little chunkers throwing cheetos at the seagulls. 

Wrong. yes. But also funny. Especially because they would throw it as they jumped, and it was the most adorable sight to witness. Cute little kiddos. 

Despite the overcast on most days, there was one beautiful sunny day that we were able to spend there. All I needed was one. 

The weather was just perfect, so perfect, I didn't even need my jacket for the bike ride along the coast. Most likely one of my favorite parts of the trip.

Even though the car almost blew up, we had to sit and smile for six hours straight hours, I passed out on a roller coaster, and my shoulders got burned, it was still such a great trip. It's always fun making memories with family and friends. Especially when it's in California.

six months of love.

hot water and frozen toes.
February 14-16, 2014

For our six month anniversary, we decided we wanted to go on an adventure. We had just gotten a tent from my in laws and were eager to use it. We decided we'd go winter camping. That's right. Winter. Camping. Who goes camping in the winter? Apparently we do. But that's only because I found a beautiful natural hot spring in the middle of Idaho that I wanted to go to. It was a three mile hike in, three miles out, but had the most beautiful water. He's obsessed with water. Any of it. You name it, he'll swim in it. 

All we needed was to find some friends that were willing to do this with us so we didn't die. It's a good thing Matt and Kelli were there, and eager to join us... after a great sales pitch of course. We began our preparation. We bought all the candy available at WinCo, and set up our brand new tent for a test run.. and left it up for a few days. We were just a little excited.

The day finally came, and we packed up our belonging and were on our way. 

Here are some of the moments we were able to capture on our weekend escape.

We were honestly separated from everything.
It was a beautiful experience getting away, and enjoying nature. 

Even if we ended up frozen, sore, and blistered.

It was still pretty amazing if you ask me.

Except for unpacking... that's never fun.

why we said i do.

We were madly in love.
I was nineteen. He was twenty-two.
Some said we were too young. Too immature. Too naive.
They told us to see the world. Travel. Experience life a little more.
To wait until we got a degree. A job. A home. Then maybe we'd be ready.
I never understood why those, of all things, were the qualifications for marriage. 

I wanted to see the world, travel, experience life, start a family, and grow old. 

Except, I didn't want to do it alone... I wanted to do it with him.
If I needed anyone during this life here on earth, it was him. 

To me, marriage was not sacrificing the ability to live life;
it was the blessing that allowed me to live it to its fullest.

 Because I've had him through all the ups and downs, successes and failures, and during all the phases in between, by life has been richly blessed. I don't know why I would want to experience all of this without him. 

Marrying young has been one of the best decisions, and greatest blessings of my life.

August 16, 2013 was the day we made a commitment to each other. An eternal commitment bound by God. We promised to love unconditionally, forgive fully, and prepare our lives for eternity. We were in this together, and that's exactly what we wanted. 

Today, there are marriages that end in distrust, dishonesty and divorce. We were fully aware of the odds, but chose to fight against them. Not every marriage works out, but we made an everlasting promise to each other that ours would be one that did. There is comfort knowing that no matter what comes our way, he will be there for me. He will comfort me. Protect me. And love me. 

Marriage has been a beautiful journey, filled with love, kindness and compassion. We promised to forgive each other, to grow together, and change together. There have been many times that I have sought for his forgiveness, and understanding, in which he has gracefully given me his love. 

We both grew up with amazing examples in our lives that gave us the hope that we could accomplish this journey. Our parents have done it, we can do it, and we are. My parents have taught me many things, but most of all they taught me how to love. Even after all the stinky diapers, terrible twos, and the dreaded teens, my parents are still in love. Life has not been easy, but they have accomplished it all together. My dad will still come home from work and spin my mother around, only to dip her while giving her a kiss. My mom still makes sure that dinner is ready when he gets home, and they both make sure that they have time for each other among all of their other responsibilities. My parents have always put each other first. Always. And when it comes to love, time is most important.

He and I chose to live this life together, and we are loving every minute of it. I will never regret the un-bought plane ticket to Africa, the other men I could have dated, the degree I have not yet completed, and certainly not the the choice I made to spend my life with him.

Instead, we get to experience this crazy little thing called life, together.
And that's what this blog is all about.

our lives--from the very beginning.

one knee and a diamond.

Long distant relationships are hard.

During the summer, he lived in Arizona and I was in Utah.

There were many nights where I found myself on our nightly skype sessions, crying because I missed him. However, this night was particularly hard. It was a Tuesday in May, and I just couldn't take it anymore. I needed to see him. Being the caring, compassionate man he was, he comforted me as best he could. After settling my nerves, I was able to fall asleep in anticipation for my flight out to his home in only three short weeks... I could at least make it until then. 

The next night, he said he had great news for me. He bought a plane ticket. But not just any plane ticket, it was a ticket for this coming Friday, which was only two days away! I was shocked. Two days? What on earth was he thinking? I know I was crying the night before, but it wasn't the end of the world. He didn't have to spend all the extra money for a flight only two days away, I could wait just three weeks...

Regardless, I was very grateful and more than excited to say the least. 

how it all began.

Let me begin with a disclaimer: I love what I consider to be a little bit of background. With that being said, this is my little bit of background. And it's long. Because there is something that tugs my heart strings every time I share it and all the butterflies that come rushing back.

so sit back, relax, pop some popcorn, and enjoy.

the first encounter. 

November 4, 2012

I first saw him at a friend's apartment.

Who is he?? How come I have never seen him before??
He was tall, with blue eyes, brown hair, and the cutest freckles that ran across his nose.
I don't know what it was about him, but I was immediately captivated.
He sat down on the edge of the couch and I couldn't help myself from wondering who he was, where he came from, and what I could do to start a conversation with him...

So I did what every girl would have.

I scooched down to his side of the couch and asked him everything I could imagine. Who are you? What's your name? Where are you from? Where are you living at? What do you want to do with your life? Do you have any pets? What are their names? How fast can you run the mile? What are your deepest darkest secrets? Worst fears?

Ya know, all the important stuff.

I promise I wasn't that crazy, but I'm sure that's what he felt like; I might as well have proposed to him then and there...which is probably why after only a few minutes of chatting, he was gone. 

I knew I wanted to see him again, but refused to be set up on a date. If it was going to happen, fate would play it's role. My friend, certain to not let me forget about him, showed me this little video: 

If I wasn't swoon by him then, after watching this video I was head over heels.
Don't ask me why.

Certain I would never see him again, I figured it wouldn't hurt make him my new golden standard. He became my Mr. Right and dream boy. Whenever I was asked who it was that I liked, it was answered with his name--except no one knew who he was. In fact, many began to think he was imaginary. 

the phone call.
December 4, 2012

It was nearing the end of the semester, and I was becoming frustrated with social life and studies. So frustrated, that I decided to turn off my phone so I could focus. At this point it had been off for three days. Best three days ever. 

The time came when I decided I should probably come back to the real world and turn it back on. My parents had probably tried calling their daughter, and I knew classmates were doing the same. 

Only seven minutes later I received a phone call. I was peeved. Seriously? It's only been seven minutes. I looked at my phone to see a foreign number.
It's probably sales--stupid salesmen.

It felt like it just kept ringing.

 I don't know what it was, but I decided to answer it.
And I would have regretted it, had I not.

It was him.

I hadn't expected a boy to call me, especially not him. What was I supposed to say to him? Why was he calling me? How did he get my number?  My mind was running rampant. I was completely unprepared for this. Feeling so flustered, I was certain I sounded like an idiot. I was such a mess--such a mess that I told him I saw his video! That's right. How stupid could one girl be! Why did I tell him that. I was lucky he even called me considering the conversation we had when we first met... now he thinks I'm a stalker too. 

Great.

Well little did I know that on the other side of the phone call was a just-as-flustered boy. How did she see the video? Who showed that to her? Great. Now she thinks I'm a weirdo.

As we chatted back and forth, trying not to sound completely stupid, he told me he had gotten my number from a friend so he could ask me on a date for this coming Friday.
Why? I have no clue. But of course I said yes! 
My dream was actually coming true. 

I hung up the phone and honestly, quite honestly, allowed my heart to start beating again;
then let out a huge scream and fell to the floor. 

Friday couldn't come soon enough. 

the date. 
December 7, 2012

So the day finally came, ya know just three days later. And here I was sitting in the sink with my roommates surrounding me, and I was throwing myself a pitty party. Seriously? Yes, yes I was. I was about to go on the best date of my life, with the man of my dreams, and I was upset. 

Why do I have to go?

Knowing me, and what I do, I tend to freak out. This was me freaking out. 

What if he's not what I thought he'd be? What if it's the worst date ever? 

I would much rather save my dream from being crushed, and my expectations from not being met, than I would to go on a date with a one-of-a-kind gentleman. 

So what did I do?

I did what every idiot would do. I didn't get ready.
Didn't put on makeup, and didn't do my hair. 

Mind you, without both of those things I look like a beast. 

We were going to a trampoline park. 

So I dressed in a t-shirt and running pants. Can't go wrong with that. We'll be jumping around and have having a fun time--not like we're eating at a five star restaurant, right? 

I finally heard a knock at the door. It was him. 

At about this time I regretted a number of things: not doing my hair, not putting on makeup, wearing a t-shirt and running pants, and of course not being excited. Because honestly, he was one hundred times more attractive than I remembered. 

Let me tell you ladies. I went on a date with a gentleman--and it was one hundred percent worth the chance of crushing all my dreams. He was kind, polite, interested, a great listener, and had an amazing smile. What I would have done to see that smile everyday. 

On our way to the trampoline park, I noticed he had the most adorable hand-drawn map for directions. Mind you, this was still the era of the smart phone and GPS. With that as our first topic of conversation, we started out with innocent teasing and laughter. Conversation grew into dreams of the future. We had so much in common--mainly he had done everything I had always wanted to, like Zion's National Park. We talked about Angel's Landing and The Narrows and how much I dreamed about going, along with a huge list of other adventures. Thirty minutes into the drive, I noticed we had missed our stop... We were so captivated by each other and the conversation that we got lost. We found our way, don't worry. But I remember then, and I still remember now, that he had shown me he was really listening to me, and he cared about what I had to say. 

And it made me feel special.  

Once at the park, we began jumping; and man, did we have a blast. Many more instances did he impress me with how attentive he was and much he heard everything I said. Even after an extremely awkward and pointless story where I coined the phrase ...and then I found five dollars.
 Despite all the embarrassing moments and crash landings that night, it was still absolutely perfect,
and definitely worth it.

Especially because of what came next.

And so it goes...

To spare you the nitty-gritty details, which I adore, I'll just add this:

From that night on, we saw each other everyday. Every. Day.

I would make excuses to see him on campus.

He would make excuses to come see me at eleven o'clock at night.
So despite the lack of makeup and ruly hair, everything just seemed to click.

Every free moment we had, we spent it with together. 

And nothing has changed.