Happy Memorial Day!!

I have another post coming today...most likely. I've got quite the chore list to do today before Dan gets home from work.

I just wanted to take a minute and express my gratitude for this great land we live in and for the many great and honorable service men and women who have sacrificed their time and even their very lives to protect this beautiful land I call home. Memorial day has always been important to me, but it's also been the day that we were doing yard work and then swimming and BBQ-ing later in the day. My dad always put the flag up outside our home.

In recent years, (geez that makes me sound old!) it has come to mean so much more to me. Rewind a few months ago to April 1st. College of Nursing Professionalism Conference at BYU. We said the Pledge of Allegiance. I could never begin to count how many times I've said the Pledge of Allegiance in my life, but it's a lot. This particular day, the words really struck me, and I remember feeling so much pride and joy and feeling a little bit more of what the cost of freedom really is and how much freedom and living in these great United States of America has so richly blessed my life.

My grandpa served in WWII and was a POW after his plane was shot down (I want to say over Germany, but I may be wrong). I have few regrets in life, but one was not ever taking the time to sit down and talk to him about his experiences in the military. Granted I was only 12 or 13 at the time before his Alzheimer's disease had set in, but still.

I also have a brother in law serving in the military. I've been thinking about their little family more and more, and I'm sure I will in the coming weeks. I'm so so grateful for all 3 of them, but especially Brad, for making the sacrifices each and every day so that I can sleep safely and in peace. I'm so grateful for my sister in law and the huge strength and role model that she is in my life. I've never met a stronger woman and I'm so grateful she is my sister.

It's my hope that today, especially, we remember to take a moment and give thanks for the many people who have given the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of freedom and all those who have served our country so diligently past, present, and future.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands: One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for ALL.

Happy Memorial Day! and may God continue to bless America!!

TWO

Our 2 year anniversary was on Monday. Two years!!! Craziness I tell you, absolute insanity. Dan had to work and we had just gotten back from Nauvoo at 12:30 in the morning (another blog post: sister's wedding in Nauvoo/Nauvoo trip from last week!). So the actual anniversary day itself was fairly uneventful. And that's just fine. I needed some serious recovery from being in Nauvoo for a week.

I made a pretty delicious dinner (if I do say so myself). Pork chops with garlic mashed potatoes and a salad made of Romaine lettuce. Dessert was strawberry shortcake.

For a few moments during the day, I took the time to reflect back on where we've been/done in the last two years. It always makes me smile when I look back on the brief time we've had together so far. That makes me so happy though because it's always been one of my goals to live my life with no regrets and to be happy. I want to be 90 years old sitting on a rocking chair with Dan and reflecting back on the life we've lived and be able to laugh and smile about it all, knowing that we've lived a good and happy life.

The most memorable part of our wedding day for me was after we had been sealed in the temple. I've mentioned this before, but when I think back on that day, this is the moment I remember. Everyone had walked by and said their congratulations, and it was just Dan and I left in the sealing room. We were both grinning from ear to ear there was this intense joy and overwhelming feeling of peace that completely enveloped the room. As we walked out, I felt a weight lifted off my chest and finally felt like I could breathe. It was a feeling that has been imprinted in my mind and in my heart forever. I will never forget that moment.

The sealing room was so full, both physically and spiritually. I know that people on the other side were in attendance that day, especially my Grandpa Mecham and Dan's brother Kameron. I could feel them both so close that day.

In the last two years, I've learned that being married is so hard, and so easy, and so rewarding, all at the same time.

I  have learned that I am very quick to get irritated, but that Dan's not, at all. In fact, it takes so much to really even get him angry period. I'm learning to be more like that. Thank goodness he's so patient with me.

I have learned that just snuggling up next to each other in bed is enough some days, and that a smile when he walks through the door after a long day at work immediately sets the tone for the rest of the night.

I have learned to try many new recipes (thank you Pinterest!) and 90% of them are keepers, but you can never go wrong with some spaghetti and garlic bread.

I have learned that my mom doesn't have all the answers anymore, but that I still call her with most of my questions anyway.

I have learned to truly appreciate the quiet peace that accompanies temple service. When we were in Nauvoo, Caitlin went through for her own endowment. I remember uttering a silent prayer, pleading with my Heavenly Father to feel peace. He never ceases to amaze me. It was so quiet I almost didn't notice, but it was definitely there, and I'm so grateful for that.

I have learned that love notes are more memorable than any big fancy dinner. They are far more treasured as well.

I have learned that being happy is a choice I have to make every day, and that no one else can determine my happiness.

I have truly come to appreciate how hard Dan works to take care of us each and every day. It's something that I take for granted, and I don't tell him thank you enough.

I have learned that words are more often than not never adequate to express the love and gratitude that I feel for Dan each and every day.

I have learned that actions speak louder than words, but that words still carry quite a bit of weight.

I have learned to recognize my Savior's hand in my life, and just how involved He really is in the finer details of my life, in the simple, seemingly  repetitive decisions I make each day. He is always there.

Most importantly, I have learned that Dan is the perfect man for me, in each and every way. I could never ask for anyone better. He strives so hard each day to be better and makes me want to try harder to be better. We're going places in the life together, and I could not have wished for a better partner and companion through this life and eternity.

Happy 2 years my love. And here's to many many more.