Marriage thoughts

Yesterday one of my cousins was married. He and his wife were both a little older, early thirties. They had a beautiful dinner and reception, wasn't only the venue beautiful (the UofU MOA) but most importantly they took the time to mingle and visit with everyone one on one. You felt important and stories were told about them and their courtship, they both seemed so at peace and you could feel a beautiful spirit in the room, so happy they found eachother. He has a crazy job where he has been off in Siberia and a few weeks from now they'll be going to Indonesia for an adventure with his job. While he was in Siberia and Tulsa (for training) Sarah(his wife) has been coming to all the family activities and already feels part of the family, so down to earth, sweet, sensitive, loyal. I am so happy for them.

I thought of my marriage, I was so young, but I've grown and developed so much, our love has developed so much, we just had to do our growing up together, I wonder would it would be like to already be grown up when you get married like this couple? Yet at the same time I think I needed Gordon's strength and love and the trials we've been through to get where I am. And I still feel I'm just a child still always learning, so unaware, still trying to get a handle on things.

I also loved going to their reception because of the long drive, I know that sounds silly, but that is when Gordon and I talk the best is in the car, no kids to distract, just time to talk, we make resolutions, talk about things we need to in our life, and get on the same page. Our wonderful friends the Tenney's watched our kids, I feel I am always in their debt and though they are younger then us, they've already gone far and beyond and we can look to them as examples in so many ways.

I thought of all the girl friends I have and how Gordon's always been supportive of those relationships, smart really. He realizes I always am a happier person and less needy when I make the time for friends. I am so grateful for my marriage, for my husband, the examples of couples around us, and the support I feel and how we are constantly learning and growning through our whole lives.

To women

I'd like to pay tribute to so many wonderful women in my life, mothers and not-yet mother's. My little sister who my kids love, my mom's mission companion who has remembered all of my babies and brought sugar cookies, ornaments, wonderful things for us every Christmas. For my Aunt stuck between a bunch of brothers who is creative and thoughtful and helping with crafts and ideas all the time. Of my kids nursury leader who even helped me out watching my kids in a pinch the day after Christmas. To my writing group all of them friends and women I have only gotten to feel like sisters with. To my book group and including me in all of their smarts. Of a wonderful nurse in my neighborhood who travels, is full of wisdom and is an amazing teacher. To my sisters who now treat me like the little sister, they really do seemed to have more wisdom then me sometimes, to my sister-in-laws putting up with my brothers. Of many older women who are my friends, age no longer matters except in the fact they have lived life so much longer than me and I can just bask in their knowledge and wisdom. To my friends who I could talk hours to who I could call upon anytime if I needed help. My namesake mother, my mother-in-law who shares the same name and raised a son they can do laundry, cook, clean, work hard and provide and be so sweet with me and our children. My grandmothers who are now both past who I loved so much. My very own sweet mother who I will feel sucessful if I can be half as sacrificing, amazing and wonderful as she was to me as a mother and who now is a friend to me too.