14th Anniversary

14 years ago, I married my best friend.  And why did I choose Brandon?  Well let me tell you.  

When I turned 20, I knew I’d have to start making grown up decisions.  And in order for me to do this I was going to have to know what I wanted.  In the marriage category...this is what I wanted and wouldn’t settle for anything less:

WANTED: A tall, handsome, good humored young man who loves God, family, and me.  Must have a strong testimony and knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ and a desire to do good.  Must be willing to forgive my faults and help me be a better person.  Must want a family and be willing to help around the house.  Must be willing to do most of the cooking.  Culinary talents are a plus.  Need to be patient, loving, and kind.  Hard working is a must.  Much sacrifice will be required as you choose a career that allows me to stay home with our children.  Must finish college.  Must take me to the temple to be sealed for time and all eternity (and all that entails). 

Brandon fit the bill.  But he also came with many other desiring traits.

Knowledge - from books, college, employment

Helps around the house - Brandon does dishes, laundry, toilets, baseboards, paints, cooks, vacuums, bathes and grooms our kids, takes out the trash, washes windows, mows lawn, waters grass, goes grocery shopping...just to name a few of the things he does around the house.

Gives Service - to anyone he is aware of.  Magnifies his YM’s calling and all other callings he’s had.

Temple - he takes me to the temple once a month.  Especially when we’re in a different state.

Sarcasm - this was not in my ‘Wanted’ ad but he has it and sometimes it makes me laugh.

Love of Sports - basketball, baseball, tennis, racquetball, football, golf, skiing 

Willing to try new things - mountain biking, experiencing Spain with me, relocating for job, new and sometimes experimental dinners

Enthusiasm and Excitement - loves to get gifts for his family. 

Loyalty, Charity, Honor, Honesty, Compassion, Responsibility - these are just some of Brandon’s attributes.  Through his words and deeds, I am privy to these attributes on a daily basis.  Through working to support his family and so that I can stay home with our children...he shows Responsibility.  By giving blessings to our family and others, passing the sacrament, attending the temple...he shows Honor for the priesthood, God, and Jesus Christ.  And by showing this honor...he is showing Loyalty, Charity, Honesty.  Brandon loves his calling with the YM in our ward.  And has a desire to serve them to the best of his ability.  He loves them unconditionally which shows his Charity for them.  He has Compassion for those he has a stewardship over.  Whether they be members of our family or not.  Brandon has shown compassion for family members on various occasions and has taught me that this compassion enables us to have Charity for others...the pure love of Christ.

Unconditional Love and Devotion - I think this man has more love for me than I know or realize.  He shows this by simple acts of kindness like: 

chic-flick movies 

new york cheesecake ice cream 

kisses every morning

wanting to watch ‘Chuck’ with me 

asking about the daily schedule before scheduling something fun for him 

gifts for the kids 

rough housing with the kids

smiling at me just because

reading scriptures in bed before going to bed (not together but side by side) 

monthly temple trips 

family home evenings spur of the moment 

eating dinner together as a family (most nights)

driving to church together

sitting in church together 

watching a movie whilst folding clothes together 

taking family pictures with a good attitude

slowing the car down so I could take pictures out the window 

going to crowded places like Disneyland/Legoland with us (he hates crowds) 

making sure we have everything we NEED (new sports bras) and many of our WANTS (too many to list)

juggling work so that he can help me juggle kids and their sports 

not ever forgetting our anniversary, mother’s day, birthday

asking if I’m happy

vacationing with me

having a desire to do activities with me (tennis, mountain biking, racquetball)

encouraging me to try new things (mountain biking, vinyl lettering, photography) so that I can learn and grow

getting me gifts even when I tell him not to (He says this is his ‘thing’. He like to do it)

taking an interest in our kids (school, sports, church, friends, interest)

taking Adam golfing

being involved with kid’s sports (keeping time, coaching)

father’s blessings (new school year, illnesses, blessings of comfort for me, too, baby blessings)

baptizing 2 of our children, so far (2 more to go)

doing the dishes

getting the kids to do their chores

helping kids patiently with homework

taking my van through the carwash

going to Costco with me

flowers

calling me on the phone in the middle of his day (for a reason or not)

holding my hand in public (even if it means people will think we’re together)

supporting me in my callings at church

helping to make our marriage work...one day, one month, one year at a time.

Happy 14th Anniversary, Brandon.  You make me happy every day of my life.  I am so thankful for you.