Seriously Spoiled

So I know I write a lot about how wonderful my Mr. Wonderful is. But I just can't say enough. He's not perfect, but he is truly perfect for me! We've gone through our tough times- marriage is hard work- but it's only made us stronger and more united as we've learned from our mistakes.

Jon has always had a serious tendency to spoil me- like almost overboard spoilage- (not that I'm complaining :)). Here's a quick explanation of how he went ALL OUT to make our recent celebrations special and memorable-

Anniversary:
Our anniversary tradition is to take a trip to a new temple each year to remember the covenants we made to each other and to the Lord. So we take turns selecting the temple and planning the accomodations. This year it was Jon's turn. So besides planning and executing a 5300 mile motorhome trip across the country (with 5 kids in tow), he also planned a trip to the Portland OR temple for us.

And he chose this charming bed and breakfast: Ok- it turns out it was originally a floating bordello (a whorehouse) that is supposedly haunted. Nice, huh? Haha! But we got a good laugh about it. And it was really was wonderful- no ghost sightings... a cozy room, fireplace, hot tub, and delicious breakfast, and we could actually sleep-in without being awakened by babies or the kids crying 'cause they wet the bed. It was just the getaway we needed to recharge our marriage and renew our closeness. Thanks to Nana and Papa Sasnett for watching the kids again to make it possible!


And here's the Portland temple surrounded by Evergreens. So beautiful, and clean, and sacred. I just love the temple and the serenity I feel there.

Then for my 30th birthday, he showered me with gifts- including a little light reading...

So I came across this article from Time magazine recently specifying the 10 greatest books of all time, and it inspired me to read all these books at least once in my lifetime. (I'm trying to become more well-read and more familiar with the classics, and I figured this would be a good start). So I mentioned my goal to Jon a few months ago- without expecting him to get them for me. It was a great surprise to unwrap them- and a little daunting.

Then he took me out to dinner and on a surprise birthday outing to see these guys perform their live improv tour!

This is Colin and Brad from "Whose Line is it Anyway?" They are absolutely brilliant! I really love clean and wholesome humor- it's hard to come by these days. I laughed so hard my cheeks hurt. I don't have a mind that works that way- so I really admire anyone who can think on their toes the way they can. A-mazing.

So if all that wasn't enough- on Valentine's Day this year, I got a special delivery- gorgeous fire and ice roses (my fave).

Then he took me out to dinner that night, and as we were enjoying a meal together, these guys surrounded our table and began to serenade me!! He hired a barbershop quartet to sing 3 romantic numbers for me! I mean, c'mon! How could I not be touched by that. It made me cry- big time.

Here I am just beaming. Love that man!!

The thing is, I really don't expect much at all. Honestly, I would be perfectly content with a card, or a hug or some small acknowledgement of our special days together. I feel seriously undeserving of his adoration- but it sure is nice!!! And I truly appreciate his efforts to make me feel special and cherished.

So Mr. Wonderful spoiled me as usual this year. Mother Nature however, wasn't so kind...

Mammoth Anniversary

In our faith, we don't believe that marriage is "till death do you part", but we believe that marriage is a sacred covenant that can last after this life, and that families can be united for eternity. So to help remind us of the covenants we made in the temple, we enjoy a tradition of going to a new temple every year to symbolically renew our commitment to each other, and to have a much needed getaway!

There are currently 128 operating temples in the world, and 17 others that have been announced or are under construction. So we certainly won't run out of temples to choose from! Part of the tradition we've established is to surprise each other with the temple we visit and also the accomodations. So this year, it was Mr. Wonderful's turn to surprise me... and SURPRISE me he did! We've been to temples in Washington, Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan and Illinois. So this year, I had absolutely no clue where he was going to take me. He had me convinced we were flying somewhere, but just as we were about to take the exit to the airport, he abruptly swerved to the other lane and kept driving south all the way down to... Nashville, Tennessee! Here are some pictures of our adventures from our annual getaway. THANK YOU again, Nana and Grand-papa for taking care of the kiddos!!!

First stop... Grand Ole Opry Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes! It was really an amazing show. I especially enjoyed the last scene called, The Living Nativity. They played traditional Christmas Carols and ended the performance with the Hallelujah Chorus. It was absolutely stunning and I was thrilled that after such a glitzy and secular show, they actually emphasized the reason for the season.

Then Mr. Wonderful took me to a gorgeous place called Brentwood Bed and Breakfast outside of Nashville. It was a nice surprise because usually when we travel we'll stay in the cheapest motel we can find. So it was a real treat to splurge and enjoy a special night together.


Check out this romantic room, complete with sparkling cider, flowers, and cookies. I highly recommend this charming place!

Then to the best and most sacred part of the trip. It was so special to be together in the temple and reflect on the last 6 years we've shared together so far. To think about all the love, all our triumphs, all our mistakes, and to plan ahead for the future we hope to create together.

And the final stop- On our way home, we had the opportunity to explore this AMAZING National Park in Kentucky to complete one of my goals from my list of 100 life goals.

This is Jon feeling apprehensive about entering "Fat Man's Misery"... a section of the cave that was especially cramped (ha ha!)

This park was even more incredible than I had imagined. It's the largest cave in the world, featuring over 350 miles of caverns with fascinating geological formations throughout. We were able to go on the "Historical Tour" through one of the caves. It was really an eye-opening experience. The tour guide took us to one of the lowest points in the cave and turned off all the lights and had everyone turn off their flashlights/cell phones, etc. so we could experience true and complete darkness. He said our eyes would never adjust down there, because there was simply NO light. It was pretty terrifying.

Later on, it hit me that on the very same day, we had gone from what I believe to be the lightest place on earth in the temple (where enlightenment and personal revelation come so freely)... to the darkest place on earth. I started pondering about the meaning of light and I developed a greater appreciation of our Savior, Jesus Christ through this experience. I truly believe that He is the LIGHT of the world. He is the one who gives us enlightenment and hope. He is the one who illuminates our path in this life through His teachings and perfect example. I am grateful for His sacrifice... that he decended below all things, and suffered all things, so that He could know how to succor His people in their trials and afflictions. During this season of light and celebration, I testify that He is truly the light and the life of the world.

(Yes, that's a bow on my butt. What was I thinking??)

Thank you, Mr. Wonderful for this amazing experience. I love you... forever!

Happy Anniversary!