Happy 4 year Anniversary

Our Anniversary was on May 2nd. 4 years! At this point in life I really am surprised at what a small number that is. It feels like so much longer....in a really good way. There are a handful of days in my life that I REALLY want to go back and live again. Or even a visit would be great. My wedding day is quite possibly #1 on my list. I guess that may be the plan with the perfect memory we'll receive when we are all resurrected someday. I have the best, most peaceful, joyous memories of May 2, 2008. I would love to hear it all and see it all over again. It was a heavenly day. Everything a bride could want. And the most modest, humble, sweet, loving, gentle, patient and adoring husband anyone could ask for. I was recently contemplating on how different I would be without him. John truly helps facilitate a life and environment for me to improve and become my best self. I have a long way to go, but I'm grateful for a husband who supports, guides, allows, waits, envisions and loves me along the way. What joy marriage can bring as we both do and give each other our best!

There is a quote in our room that says,

"Love is, above all, the gift of Oneself"

I often have to check myself to see if I am giving the gift of myself to John. Whenever negativity arises I can always look at my own conduct, feelings, actions etc. Most of the time I see that I am holding back...that although he is not perfect, it is my imperfections, weaknesses, issues, choices and such that create my (and therefore OUR) distresses. I think that human nature moves us to place blame on others (which I'm all too guilty of). But the truth is, there is no one to blame but myself. I'm not being hard on myself...I'm just being honest.

Here is a quote from Pres. Monson who quoted Pres. Young that says it plainly and eloquently,

“No temptation, no pressure, no enticing can overcome us unless we allow it such. If we make the wrong choice, we have no one to blame but ourselves. President Brigham Young once expressed this truth by relating it to himself. Said he: ‘If Brother Brigham shall take a wrong track, and be shut out of the Kingdom of heaven, no person will be to blame but Brother Brigham. I am the only being in heaven, earth, or hell, that can be blamed.’ He continued: ‘This will equally apply to every Latter-day Saint. Salvation is an individual operation.’”

 Well...that is enough depth for now. Enjoy agency. Enjoy life. Enjoy love. Enjoy marriage!
Every year I like to post different pictures of our wedding.
This year is snap shots from Mom Barlow's camera. 

Covenanted

See that LOVE in my eyes? Who knew how much stronger it would get.
Or how much more it would grow and continue to grow. Awe...Love.

Daddy's Little Girl

Nice and clean--just the way I requested.

Our Wedding "Thank You" card 

Can you believe this GORGEOUS cake?
I had to make this pic big because I had forgotten how beautiful and detailed it was.
And the fountain...how fun was this?
The quilt in the background is from Aunt Sue-perfect!

You know...I bought this souvenir while I was in Hawaii and still single.
 I vowed that it would be the topper on my wedding cake. Vow kept.
It's just so stinkin' cute!

This quilt is from Aunt Kathy and Uncle Lynn.
Those pillow cases make me smile (& blush a little).