9 YEARS...AND COUNTING....

WOW! 9 years have already gone by that I have been married to the most AMAZING MAN IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD ! There is NO ONE that I would rather spend eternity with than with the man I have been so lucky enough to have married. Every time I think of Mark, I just can't believe that he chose me to be his wife. He was such an "eligible bachelor" and I was just some young, 19 year old sophomore at BYU--he could have chosen anyone to be his bride, but he chose me, and for that I am eternally grateful and feel so amazingly blessed!! Happy 9th anniversary babe! I LOVE YOU!!

This was our engagement picture--WOW! We were sooo young weren't we?

Did this adorable young couple have any idea of what life had in store for them??? Did they know that 9 years later, they would have graduated together from BYU, moved 8 times (and ended up living where they honeymooned), traveled a ton, had 2 of the most adorable daughters ever, faced some of the most difficult challenges they'd ever faced, enjoyed the happiest moments of their lives, and 9 years later would still be sharing the most amazing life together??

BOY WERE WE LUCKY!!

Mark, the stud--on our wedding day!

In honor of our 9 year anniversary, here is my top 9 reasons

Why the Sparks Keep On Sparkin'....

(in no particular order...)

9. You help me out with the chores around the house (cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc...)--even after a long day at the office--and NEVER complain! You tell me to leave the dishes for you to do, because "I like to do them--they help me unwind." You always iron your own clothes and you never make me do it because you know how much I detest it (and iron for me and the girls when needed)! And you put up with me even though I am not the cleanest or most organized or best cook--You love me for who I am, flaws and all.

8. Your daughters ADORE you! You are seriously THE BEST dad in the world! (How many guys do you know that grew up the youngest of 4 boys and play "Pretty, Pretty Princess", Cinderella, Barbies, etc... just because their daughters ask them to?!) They seriously have daddy wrapped around their little fingers!

7. You call me at least once everyday from the office "just to see how your girls are doing."

6. You take the girls in the morning and get them breakfast so that I can sleep in a little extra :)

5. You really take an interest in my hobbies (probably one of the only men I know who can set a mean eyelet and take their wives shopping and will sit with the girls while I run into a store!) and you actually encourage me to have a "girl's night out" from time to time and don't bug me when I am out until 3 am.

4. You let me talk and air my frustrations for hours on end--and honestly listen. We have very good and open communication skills.

3. You love to travel as much as I do and are always up for a fun adventure.

2. You are very driven and determined to succeed at whatever you do. You don't like to take on a job unless you can give it your full and complete attention.

AND...The number one reason I love my husband so much?! Besides that you are so danged funny, smart, considerate, a great diaper changer, never-in-9-years-left-the-toilet-seat-up stud muffin, making me feel special everyday, are thoughtful, caring, honest, selfless, romantic, etc...?

1. Simple--YOU ARE HOT!!!

This picture was taken right after coming out of the SLC temple. One of the happiest days of my life! (The picture was taken in the "Sweetheart tree", which unfortunately, was destroyed by the freak SLC tornado less than 2 weeks later!)

Some random shots of us over the years. I think for next year's anniversary, I am requesting some nice portraits of just the 2 of us! :)

I LOVE YOU MARK!!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!