Day 26: 17 years

YOU'RE MY BEST FRIEND: Tim McGraw

I never had no one

I could count on

I've been let down so many times

I was tired of hurtin'

So tired of searchin'

'Til you walked into my life

It was a feelin'

I'd never known

And for the first time

I didn't feel alone

You're more than a lover
There could never be another
To make me feel the way you do
Oh we just get closer
I fall in love all over
Everytime I look at you
I don't know where I'd be
Without you here with me
Life with you makes perfect sense
You're my best friend

You stand by me
And you believe in me
Like nobody ever has
When my world goes crazy
You're right there to save me
You make me see how much I have
And I still tremble
When we touch
And oh the look in your eyes
When we make love

You're more than a lover
There could never be another
To make me feel the way you do
Oh we just get closer
I fall in love all over
Everytime I look at you
And I don't know where I'd be
Without you here with me
Life with you makes perfect sense
You're my best friend

17 years ago today I married my best friend. 

And he is still my best friend.

" If you live to be 100, I want to live to be 100 minus a day, so that I never have to live without you...."

Day 25: just a quick note

this is gonna be short and sweet. Me and Kaleb are leaving in just a minute for an overnight getaway. I love having some one on one time with my best friend. 

As I have reflected over the last 17+ years that we have been together, dating and married, I am more sure today than ever that we were meant to be together.

We got married so young, had a baby so young, and over came those obstacles, and many others,

 to be sealed in the temple. 

People wondered if we would last.

People wondered if we could make it work.

I am so happy to look back and realize we both have worked hard to make our marriage what it is today.

Not perfect. 

Neither one of us is perfect.

But we are perfect for eachother.

I treasure what we have today, because dang we worked hard for it.

We have both changed and grown and luckily we have done it together.

3 kids, 17 years and a thousand memories later we are still going strong

And I am forever grateful that we are, indeed, FOREVER.

Day 24: a boy and his dad

These two have been buddies since the beginning. They hunt together, shoot together, play soccer together, camp together... I love seeing tage follow in his dads footsteps. He wants to be just like his dad when he grows up, and who can blame him? Kaleb is a pretty great guy. We used to call Tage Mini me. :) Kaleb has always been a great dad, he loves his kids so much and would do anything for them. I know that they think he is the greatest dad in the world. And they are right.

Driving through town just my boy and me
With a happy meal in his booster seat
Knowing that he couldn't have the toy
Till his nuggets were gone
A green traffic light turned straight to red
I hit my brakes and mumbled under my breath
His fries went a flying and his orange drink covered his lap
Well then my four year old said a four letter word
That started with "s" and I was concerned
So I said son now now where did you learn to talk like that


He said I've been watching you dad, ain't that cool
I'm your buckaroo, I wanna be like you
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are
We got cowboy boots and camo pants
Yeah we're just alike, hey ain't we dad
I wanna do everything you do
So I've been watching you

We got back home and I went to the barn
I bowed my head and I prayed real hard
Said Lord please help me help my stupid self
Then this side of bedtime later that night
Turning on my son's Scooby Doo nightlight
He crawled out of bed and he got down on his knees
He closed his little eyes, folded his little hands
And spoke to God like he was talking to a friend
And I said son now where'd you learn to pray like that


He said I've been watching you dad, ain't that cool
I'm your buckaroo, I wanna be like you
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are
We like fixing things and holding mama's hand
Yeah we're just alike, hey ain't we dad
I wanna do everything you do
So I've been watching you


With tears in my eyes I wrapped him in a hug
Said my little bear is growing up
He said but when I'm big I'll still know what to do


Cause I've been watching you dad, ain't that cool
I'm your buckaroo, I wanna be like you
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are
By then I'll be as strong as superman
We'll be just alike, hey won't we dad
When I can do everything you do
Cause I've been watching you

Day 23: What he puts up with

We all know being married isn't easy, living with someone elses quirks and bad habits ect..

these are the things that I appreciate Kaleb putting up with...

My organized piles of mess

Way too many shoes

books everywhere

always being cold

 my love of late nights and late mornings

my dislike of cooking

I get real grumpy when I don't eat

I want to watch every movie out there

not being a good "homemaker"

my down comforter that I can't sleep without

always bringing a blanket when we travel

being way too emotional

not cooking vegetables ( potatoes and corn don't count!)

my love of socializing

bunko

thanks hon for all you put up with and loving me anyways!

Day 22: Going to the temple

The most beautiful day of my life was the day we were sealed together, Me Kaleb and Celine, for time and all eternity. It was on our 3rd wedding anniversary, Celine was 2 and a half. I will never forget being in the temple with Kaleb, and knowing that we were going to be together forever. It was the best day. When they brought Celine in to us to be sealed, the emotions I felt are something I can barely describe. I was happy, no, I was full of Joy! I was crying and laughing and smiling and Celine was so confused. She kept saying: "Don't cry mommy" and she wouldn't come to me without holding on to the Grandma that was taking care of her. Her little hand on ours, being sealed together, I knew I was so blessed. Our sealer spoke of feeling like angels were in the room with us, and I knew that my Grandpas were there. There is no joy greater than knowing that we can be a family forever.

It will always be one of the most amazing days of my life.

Day 21: engagement picture

For the very rest of my life, I will NEVER stop wondering WHY I chose this to wear for my engagement picture. Could it be more horrendous? Why didn't someone stop me? Even Kaleb, as handsome as he looks in anything, Why? A plain white tshirt and creme colored cords?? Oh dear. :)

There are definitely things I would go back and redo from our past, and this is at the top of the list.

Could we look more like little kids?? Oh geez, we were so young. I look at 17 year olds now and about have a heart attack that I was getting married at that age. And having a baby. 

But, the nice thing about life is that it works out the way it is suppose too. I wouldn't change one thing that led me to where I am today. Kaleb put a song on the playlist he gave me for my birthday, and everytime I listen to it, I think how perfect it is for how I feel about him.

All my Roads: by Collin Raye

Looking back from where I stand tonight 
I wouldn't change a thing about my life 
Wrong turns I had to take back in those crazy years 
Could not have been mistakes if they brought me here 

'Cause all my roads have led me to 
This night, this love I share with you 
And though the road was never smooth 
Life has made me someone who 
Could be the right someone for you 

I don't regret a single broken heart 
That taught me what love is and what it's not 
Someone must have planned our two paths would cross 
I couldn't see it then but I was never lost 

'Cause all my roads have led me to 
This night, this love I share with you 
And though the road was never smooth 
Life has made me someone who 
Could be the right someone for you 

Detours, dead ends, endless explorations 
You were my only destination 

'Cause all my roads have led me to 
This night, this love I share with you 
And though the road was never smooth 
Life has made me someone who 
Could be the right someone for you

Kaleb: I am so glad I could be the right someone for you. 

Day 20: Sadie Hawkins

Celine went to her first Sadie Hawkins dance yesterday, so of course I had to revisit when me and kaleb went. Back in those days Sadies meant wearing matching plaid shirts. Me and my best friend Brianne took Kaleb and his best friend Nate. We ate lunch at wendys, then went rock climbing at the Rock Gardens( I honestly have no memory of this!) then we went and sat on the temple grounds for a few minutes. For dinner we went to Tony Romas, which was my fav place, then to the dance, then up to my cabin after to watch movies. The best part about Sadies back then is that you would "get hitched" at the dance. I still have me and kalebs marriage certificate. :) I love Kalebs bright blonde hair. My fav pix of us of all times is the one where he is strapped to the cutting bench. I remember laughing so hard. I am so glad I took pictures of all these events, I treasure them!!

p.s. this dance was the first time I had ever seen kaleb in something other than sweat pants or pajama pants. It wasn't til after we were married that we bought his first pair of jeans. 

Day 19: runners

In June I started running, not hardly even being able to run a mile. And Kaleb has been my biggest supporter. Watching him run a half marathon is what inspired me, and then watching him run a marathon was an even bigger inspiration. He bought me new running shoes, he gives me advice when I need it, he signed me up for a 10k when I didn't think I could do it. He ran with me when it was too dark to run by myself, him not even breaking a sweat and me huffing and puffing. Today was the big day. 6.2 miles. And he was there cheering me on at the finish line. I wanted to do this for myself, but I also wanted to do it for Kaleb to be proud of me too. It was one of the hardest things I have done. I wanted to run the whole thing, not walking once. The last mile and half I didn't know if I was going to be able to do it. I was exhausted, my hips and ankles hurt. I kept praying for help, and I kept thinking about Kaleb and Celine waiting for me at the finish line. And I did it. 6.2 miles not walking one step of the way. 

Kaleb will always be my inspiration. And my biggest supporter.

Day 18: 15 year anniversary cruise

It was almost exactly 2 years ago that we left on our cruise. 2011 was going to be our 15 year anniversary and Kaleb was the one who said, lets do something fun. So we looked and looked and found a 10 day cruise in the Mexican Riviera that was such a good deal, we couldn't say no.

This was one of my all time favorite trips. We had a blast together. 10 days of nothing but playing, eating and just the two of us. I just chose a few pictures, because in 10 days we took a lot of pictures!

I am so glad we took this trip together. People asked us all the time if we could really be together for 10 days strait. I am saying honestly it wasn't even hard. I was with my best friend. What more could I ask for?

Day 17: my 2nd wedding ring

After we had been married a few years, I had decided that someday I wanted to get a flat wedding ring. I was always gouging my kids with my wedding ring so I stopped wearing it.

in 2003 when I was pregnant with aliah, on my 24th birthday, me and kaleb were headed down to st. george. While we were in the car he handed me a book and a card and said happy birthday. Well, I love books. I opened it and something flew out of it! It was the most beautiful wedding ring!  Even though I had never come right out and told kaleb that I wanted a flat wedding ring, he listened more than I thought he did. I loved that he carved out the pages in the book to put my ring in. And to this day, I absolutely love my wedding ring. It is perfect.

And the book was really good too. ;)

Day 16: broken hearts

Kaleb broke my heart twice in high school while we were dating. Yes, you have my permission to punch him in the arm the next time you see him. :)

The first time we had been dating 8 months. He broke up with me, and I remember feeling like my life had ended. As a teenager, my emotions were SOOOOOO exaggerated, I think I cried for a whole day.

But then, 2 days later, he told me he missed me and would I take him back.

Duh.

But, three months later, he broke up with me again. This time it stuck. And again, I remember crying every day for like a week.

I started seeing him with other girls. And I would go home and cry.

But then we would still hang out and I would be on top of the world.

Its a little scary how much that boy ruled my world.

I don't wish that on any teenager.

I know this is why we are counseled not to steady date any one person.

As a teenager you are just not mature enough to handle those deep of emotions and feelings.

I read my journal and I was a hot mess over him.

I know in theory it was the right thing for him to do, to try to put distance between us.

But when you are in as deep as we were, its horrible, terrible, awful.

I don't recommend it for any teenager. Even though NOT liking someone that much when you are a teenager is almost impossible. Your heart loves whom it loves.

I wouldn't wish a broken heart on anyone, BUT, I know that everyone needs to go through it sometime in their life before marriage. It makes you appritiate the love you do end up with so much more.

P.S. me and kaleb never did get back together, we got married. ;)

Day 15: My shoulder...

It means a lot to me that the times that are the hardest, and when I need someone, HIM, the most, he is always my shoulder. My rock.

When a precious nephew passed away.

When my sister moved far.

When I felt more sad then I ever had before.

When I feel worthless.

When I feel lonely.

When I need advice.

When I need a push.

When I need a laugh.

He is always there.

Day 14: EFY

The summer of 1996, we ended up going to EFY the same week, not even planned!! The funny thing is, we were "broken up" at this time, but, it sure didn't feel like it. This was probably the last carefree thing I did as a teenager, as shortly after this our lives took a big turn.

All I can see when I look at these pictures, is how much I loved him then.

He wore his long hair in a high ponytail and he stuck a big leaf in it every day.

I think we had a lot of fun together this week. My best friend Jill was there with me and his best friend Nate was there with him, so the 4 of us hung out alot.

I am glad we made so many good memories together.

I love him even more now.

Day 13: bestest uncle, dad ect...

How could I not have fallen in love with kaleb when I saw how  stinkin cute he was with his little sister kwinci, who was just 2 when we started dating. Kaleb has a way with children, they always totally adore him.

Like today.

During sacrament meeting at church, a little 2 year old boy sitting next to us kept running away from his mom, she kept telling him to come here and he kept shaking his head at her. So I whispered to him, "go sit with that guy" and pointed to kaleb. He went and sat on kalebs lap, didn't even know him. And kaleb colored with him and that little boy sat on kalebs lap for the rest of sacrament meeting.

Yes, I fell in love with him a little more.

He is the favorite uncle, he is so great with kids, they all just love and adore him. 

I can't wait to be a grandma with him when he is a grandpa. 

We are going to have fun.

Day 12: soul mates

You know you have found your soul mate when he wears colored shoes just like you.

And also owns a pair of bowling shoes just to wear.

This is definitely true love.

Day 11: face swap

I don't know why, but Kaleb LOVES a good face swap. He would text people asking them to send him pictures so he could swap their faces. He got a kick out of it every time. It was hilarious.

If you want to make kalebs day, send him a picture and tell him to swap the faces.

He will love it.

Day 10: Kaleb and Aliah

Today is my baby girls birthday. She is 10 today. There aren't words really to describe how it feels when your baby turns 10, no more single digit kids? She is really growing up. But you know how it goes, she will always be my baby. 

Since I didn't want to skip a post about kaleb either, I decided to do one about the two of them. 

Kaleb has always been such a great dad, but aliah was a daddys girl through and through from the time she was born. Kaleb could not resist her anything when she was little. All she would do was look up at him with her big brown eyes and say "Please Daddy" and he would melt.

I blame part of the reason she is so sassy today on Kaleb. :)

I will never forget when she was about 2, we were in the parking lot by panda express, and aliah had run out into the middle of the parking lot. Kaleb went after her, me thinking he was going to get mad at her. Oh no. He brings her back to me and says " Meg, you have to get mad at her, I just can't do it."

Really??

She was his princess and he was her prince. She loved her daddy like nothing else.

Too bad she had to grow up and become stubborn, strong willed, sassy and a diva. :)

But those are all things we love about Aliah and make her who she is, and I wouldn't change a thing about her ( most of the time. :)

I love this little girl to pieces.