12-22-98

Ten Years Ago tonight . . .
Aaron and I were getting crazy on the dance floor with our friends and family. Everyone that was important to us was with on us on that special day. It started at 10 am. We met at the San Diego Temple. I remember as we drove through the gates that day, my Dad said "We can still turn around Danielle, it's not too late." I sure am glad I didn't turn around. Marrying Aaron on that day was the best decision I ever made.

After a beautiful sealing in the temple, we drove to my parents house for a luncheon. Then later, to the Mission Viejo Country Club for a gorgeous reception. We ate a delicious dinner ( I think, I was too nervous to taste the food!), ate cake, danced, took many pictures and celebrated a wonderful day. I can really say that I enjoyed myself and was able to relax and have fun. I can never tell my mom how thankful I am for all the work she put into that day. I know it was a crazy time of year- 3 days before Christmas- but she pulled it off and it was a day I will never forget!All day I have been reflecting on the last 10 years. I am so glad that I chose the man that I did. I had no idea at the time what a wonderful husband and father he would be. I hoped and thought that I knew- but I had no idea until we had our first baby and Aaron was heartbroken on that first morning when he had to leave us to go back to work. I remember that for months he tried to come up with some occupation that he could do at home so he could be close to us all day. That was when I knew. He would be a wonderful father.He makes my life happy. He takes care of me and protects me. He protects and provides for our family. He makes me laugh and holds me when I cry. He leads our family with his priesthood and teaches and guides our children. I really feel like we have accomplished a lot in the last 10 years. We have lived in 9 places, been pregnant 5 times, had 4 children, gained 2 college degrees, taken many, many vacations together, cried many tears, laughed more than I can describe-- and we've done it all together. He's seen me at my worst, and still loves me. I can honestly say that we love each other way more today than we did 10 years ago. Kneeling across from each other in the temple- we had no idea the things that would be ahead of us. But I am sure glad that we have walked down this path together, holding hands.We have no idea what the next 10, 20 or 50 years hold for us- but I know that whatever it is, we will be doing it together. And that's all I need to know.Happy Anniversary Aaron! I love you. I have loved you since we met at Ricks College 13 years ago. I can't imagine my life without you. You make my life complete and I am thankful that we are in this together- forever. XOXO (shmily)