Happy Best 8 Years EVER!

That's right, we have survived 8 whole years together!  :)  Ok, Patrick survived... I have had it pretty easy!  ;) I LOVE HIM SO MUCH!  I don't know what else to say... or even that it could be put into words!  I just love him! 

We were married on April 25th, 2003 at the Salt Lake Temple.  One of my favorite memories of that day happened right before we were married.  We were waiting in the Celestial Room and Patrick was having a.... moment!  hahaha. 

I had had my moments too, nerves, fears, panic... whatever you want to call it.  But I had found my inner calm... the day I went through the temple... with him there, I knew he was my forever.  My worries were gone.  I had absolution. 

But his... chose to manifest themselves at that moment, minutes before we were supposed to be married.... in the form or hyperventilation and possible vomit!  hahahaha.  He was breathing so heavy and loud that people were staring!  (If I hadn't been the bride in our situation I would have been laughing my butt off!  ;))  But instead, I was wondering if he was trying to figure out a way to bolt! haha. 

I asked him if he was ok.  He responded with "I think I might throw up.".  Just what every girl wants to hear her groom say moments before his wedding.  I was so flattered!  hahaha.  I replied "Well if you are going to puke, this is not the place to do it!".  He looked at me and smiled. Squeezed my hand and reassured me he was fine.  I almost believed him. ;)  But he did calm down... and obviously, he did get married... so I chose not to take it personally!  hahahaha. 

It's funny how much of that day was a blur.  There are parts I literally don't even remember!  And then there are moments, like that one, that are clear as day! But I still remember how I felt, there in that room with him and our family and friends.  Forever.  That's all I thought about.  I could see it with him.  I trusted him completely.  I loved him endlessly.  And I couldn't wait!  I never thought I would feel that way about anyone. 

When I met him, I remember being instantly comfortable, like I'd known him my whole life.  Like we were old friends, just getting reacquainted.  It was so easy.  We were married 6 months later.  Marriage hasn't always been that easy, but it has been the adventure of my life! And the adventure just gets better every year!  :)

  

I love you, Patrick!  Forever and Ever!  

(Pictures are from our official "Anniversary Date Night" courtesy of Jackson and Harrison Swain Photography.  hahaha.  It you squint your eyes and lean back, the one of Patrick and I almost looks clear!)  ;)