Seven

Seven years ago today, Josh and I woke up before the sun, and took a short little drive to the Salt Lake Temple. The sun was just rising as we drove together along the empty freeway - not a cloud in the sky. At 7:40am, with recommends in hand, we gathered with dear friends and family and began our journey to eternity.

Seven years later, (this time not by choice), Josh and I found ourselves again up before the sun when all three kids wandered or crawled onto our bed and woke us from our sleep. In a matter of seconds, Josh and I went from peaceful slumber to complete chaos! Excited voices, whining cries and dozens of questions met our ears. "Happy Anniversary!," we said to eachother over the noise. All we could do was smile. Boo said, "What's a universary?" Love it.

We just returned last night from an excruciatingly long road trip, following a week's worth of fun family reunions in Utah. This morning, I couldn't help but think of the SEVEN family members we have both gained

Boo, Yaks, Diddles

and lost since we've been married:

Uncle Leif

Grandma & Pop

Bestamor
I know you can't see her face in this picture,
but I love this photo of them sitting together.

I'm grateful for the knowledge we have of Eternal Families, and the opportunity to be together forever. I'm thankful for each day we get (and need) to work on building our relationships both with one other, as well as with The Lord.

Our skies have not remained cloudless as they were on our wedding day seven years ago. We have had our share of challenges and setbacks. Thankfully, we have also had our joys and triumphs in our life together. I think of this wonderful quote by Jenkin Loyd Jones that says, "Life is just like an old time rail journey … delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.”

*Josh's parents have this wonderful tradition of having a brick engraved when each child gets married,
then placing it on the front walkway of their house.