Love That Lasts
Posted By Cori on February 16, 2010
This has been a busy, busy week at our house. February 10th through the 16th is always busy at our house. We have several celebrations beginning with Garret’s birthday on the 10th and ending with our anniversary on the 16th. Somewhere in there is Valentine’s Day, right? And the week often includes President’s Day which produces a 3-day weekend.
Lovely, lovely time of life!
For Garret’s birthday we went to Costco for lunch. I know that sounds a bit odd, but it’s tradition. At the same time the three of us were having lunch at Costco in Utah, my Mom, Nikaela, Gid and Bela were having lunch at Costco in AZ. It was fun knowing we were doing the same thing at the same time.
“I see the moon (sun), the moon (sun) sees me, the moon (sun) sees somebody I’d like to see…”
Anyway, then we did a little shopping. Nothing big, just some time in town together.
Over the week, Amalie and I did a little baking/cooking. Of course, it’s not Valentine’s Day without decorated sugar cookies.
And the joy of having Amalie here to help me decorate this year was not lost on either of us. Or Garret. So grateful.
Then I got a bit antsy and had to experiment with candies. First I made Martha’s meringues from the February Living mag. There was a lot of rain the day I made these, so they didn’t ‘set’ as well as they could have. Still, they look really cute! And they were super simple and quick (except for oven time – overnight). They taste a little like cotton candy. Very fun.
Then I got to experimenting with Divinity. There is a reason these are called Divinity! Divine!!!
I added about a tablespoon or two of red hots to the syrup while it was heating so that I would achieve a subtle cinnamon flavor and a nice pink hue. So fun! And completely yummy. Definitely a do again!
Finally I made chocolate-dipped peanut butter balls. Always have to have something peanut butter and chocolate.
At this point I was thinking, “Who’s gonna eat all this???”
On Valentine’s Day we ended up doing something really fun after Church. We ate lunch and then settled in the living room. Garret got out our love letters from our engagement/newlywed days and Amalie proceeded to read them out loud for the next few hours. Every word on every scrap of paper. It was crazy! And a wonderful way to look back and remember who we were and where we thought we were going. Some of it was fun, some a bit sad, and some a little embarrassing to have your 20-year old daughter reading out loud! But it was so much fun and we decided it should be a tradition. Not every year, but on biggies like the 25th or the 30th, etc. Lots of memories and a good reminder of why we fell in love in the first place. We used to be pretty spicy! Time to bring it back.
And then today. The big 2 – 5. Silver. Quarter of a century. A long time to be crazy about each other.
Amalie woke us up to a lovely breakfast party with friends. We have so many blessings in our lives right now and one of my favorites is our friends. We have been embraced, loved, encouraged and accepted like never before in our lives. We have felt like we were ‘home’ from almost the first moment we were here. And our friends feel like life-long friends, not people we just met a year ago. Kindred Spirits. Dear Souls. It was so lovely to celebrate with these special people.
And so I will close with a little reminder about why it’s so important to love someone. Garret and I are best friends. And at times, that is what has gotten us through. There were times that weren’t so good. Times when we could have walked away and it would have been ‘easier’. There were times when it felt like the bitter would never go away.
But it did.
And now our relationship is stronger than it could have been without those moments. There is opposition in all things and we wouldn’t be able to recognize the good, if we hadn’t seen the bad. Or the wonderful if we hadn’t seen the terrible. If you’ve got a good foundation, it’s worth it to stick it out and see what each other becomes on the other side. As long as you’re both trying, trials really do make you a better couple.
And, I think, you get better looking as time goes by.
All I can say is…
About The Author
Cori,
That was so sweet. I loved reading it.
Happy 25th!! Congrates!! Nice post, isn’t it nice to be more in love now!
Well, first of all: Happy Anniversary!! I was thinking throughout the day where we all were 25 years ago. My only regret is that I wasn’t in the Temple with you – where I should have been….and, I wish the pictures had turned out better. Second: you’re brave to let Amalie read your love letters. I’m hoping no one reads mine and Ken’s until we’re dead
) ! And last, but not least, those are some AWESOME sugar cookies!!
In spite of the fact that I miss all you so much (I feel it in my heart), I’m glad you have been welcomed and loved as you should be. You’re both so talented and innately good – always trying to do the right thing no matter what – you deserve the very best in life. And while you’re not millionaires (as you should be!!) you’re cup runneth over….and over….and over!! We love you both tons and couldn’t ask for a better daughter and son!!
OH! and great pictures, by the way!
Sweet! No, really. Those yummies look luscious. But seriously, what a beautiful post, with engaging pictures sprinkled through the narrative. Lovely. Congrats on living past the pain and finding joy in today.
Awww… I sure love you guys! Thanks for getting married and staying married!
Love the pictures and the cookies look yummy.