3 Years

3 years ago yesterday, we were married for time and all eternity in the Bountiful Temple.

3 years??? How has it already been three years? It seems like no time at all. I guess time flies when you're having fun, huh?

In all seriousness, these have been three wonderful years. Yes, we've had our hardships. We've been through cross country moves, unemployment, financial difficulties, infertility, and the loss of my mother. We've had our struggles, as all people do. But in all honesty, having James by my side has made each of those things easier to deal with. We are a team - he and I against the world, and there's no one I'd rather have fighting my battles with me. Together we can get through anything! I firmly believe that.

I know we are still "newlyweds" in the eyes of many who have been married for much longer, but I feel as if I have learned so much in these last few years of marriage. I've learned a lot about who I am, the good and the bad, and who I want to become. I've learned how to sacrifice, and compromise, and love unconditionally (well, I'm still learning those lessons..and more, but I'm trying!). I've learned that I'm still learning, and will never be done. I've learned to enjoy the small and simple joys in life, as those are the memories I look back on most fondly.

I can't believe all that we have accomplished in three years! And having sweet Maddie in our family has only made it better. I love you, James. Here's to many, many more years together!

The Birthday Boy

Today is James' 30th birthday! I am writing a post in his honor since it's his birthday, of course, and I love him. And maybe I also like to embarrass him a little. :)

I am so proud of James. He has worked very hard his whole life, and especially since we've been married. Everyone he works with comments on his work ethic and his design skills - this man knows how to layout and design like no one's business! Even when things get tough, he still continues on, working hard to support our family. I can't tell you enough how proud I am of him for doing this for us.

He is sensitive, caring, and, of course, super handsome! He always supports me in everything that I do, and I love him all the more for that. We've got each other's backs, and that is a wonderful feeling! I love having him by my side and he and I work so well together - neither one of us would be good for anyone else! We're a little odd and a little quirky and it's fabulous.

And lets be honest here... the man can rock a pair of Wranglers and some cowboy boots! That's just a plus! :)

Happy 30th, honey. I'm so grateful for everything you do and I know I don't tell you that enough. I love you more than you'll know. Here's to many more birthdays to come!

I Miss You

In case you were wondering.

Cruise: Day 4 - Cozumel, Mexico

We loved Cozumel! It was like a Carribbean paradise. :) The water was SO clear and beautiful and the whole island was very pretty. We got to swim with a dolphin and then spent the afternoon at the beach. It was such an awesome day!

The dolphin cove. They won't let you take your cameras in. :(

Sketchy Mexican taxi to the beach!!

Puerta Maya (our port)

Cruise: Day 3 - Progreso, Yucatan

Wednesday was our first Mexican port. We absolutely LOVED this excursion!! And we recommend that, if you ever take a cruise, that you consider the shore excursions offered, because we loved having a schedule, transportation arranged, etc. We felt a lot safer. :)

The ruins at Uxmal were so cool! We had a wonderful tour guide, Patricio, who was just so knowledgeable about the Mayan culture - and part Mayan himself! I learned so much about the culture and the people - James knew a lot of it from past classes at BYU. And I was shocked at how similar their religious beliefs were to our culture. Well, not too shocked, but I was surprised. I guess I shouldn't be though, since Central America is around where the Nephites and Lamanites lived.

This was such a fun excursion!! We just loved it and had so much fun! Admittedly, it was hot and humid and a lot of exercise, but I still loved it. It was such a great learning experience!! (Only a teacher would consider a learning experience FUN on vacation!)

Oh and sorry for the picture overload. I couldn't help it!

Progreso Pier, 7:00 AM Wednesday morning. SO EARLY! haha

Our bus that took us to Uxmal. It was a little sketchy but not too bad.

This was the bathroom on the bus....no one used it, needless to say. haha

At Uxmal! Inside one of the chambers.

This was the main city center, where people would meet and market.

Handsome boy.

Climbing up the stairs.

The ball court. And some random people.

James at the door of the governor's palace.

Fat iguana. Super fat.

Climbing up the steps of the pyramid!! James climbed all the way..I started 1/4 of the way up. :)

Us at the top of the pyramid!!

James thought it was funny to freak me out by pretending to fall of the pyramid. I was less than amused.

We ate at the Yucatecan restaurant on the grounds of the ruins. It wasn't too bad! James missed his DP, though. ;)

Cruise: Days 1 and 2

We absolutely LOVED our cruise!! We had the best time! The first night and the second day were days at sea, sailing to Mexico.

It was very windy on deck!! This was a lower deck, not the highest one.

The view from our picture window. We forgot to take pictures of the cabin, though! Oops!

Lido Deck. This was where all the activities were during the day.

Laying out in the sun. We LOVED how warm it was!!

If you like pina coladas...

View of the ship from the top aft deck.

Beautiful sunset!!!!

It was soooo windy up there!

It was so weird to look out from the deck and only see the ocean everywhere we looked! We loved it, though. We pretty much spent all of day 2 laying out on deck. It was so relaxing and warm! Our favorite. :)

Engagements

Our photographer, Michelle, did a WONDERFUL job with our pictures! We absolutely love her and can't wait to see what she comes up with for wedding pictures. :) Go check out her website at

www.rustybucketphotgraphy.com 

Here are just a few of our pictures that were our favorites. Oh and it's also not our fault that there are a lot of kissing pictures...she took them!! and we happened to like them.