Celebrating 10 years, and a few other things, too.

87 years ago today, Neil's Grandpa Don was born.

Happy Birthday, Don!  And Geaux Tigers!

73 years ago today, my Grandpa and Grandma Butterfield were married. 

Happy Anniversary, you two love birds!  Hope you're celebrating well in heaven!

11 years ago today, my best friend, Wendy got married.

Happy Anniversary, guys!

And 10 years ago today, Neil took me on our first date. 

First photo ever taken of us - on Valentine's Day, I believe, during our shift at Chevy's.  Awesome exposure, I know.

I love the significance of this day.  It has always been an extra special one to me, and it's no wonder! 
  
Thinking back to the events of February 9, 2002, here's what I remember:

• The 2002 Winter Olympics (in Salt Lake City) began.
• I attended Mindy Mickelson's baby shower.
• I worked an afternoon shift at Chevy's.
• When Neil came to pick me up (sometime after 8pm), he was wearing his green Abercrombie shirt - the same green Abercrombie shirt he still has and wears today.  Ironically, Neil also wore this shirt the day Chloe was born, and also the day Ryan was born.  Purely coincidental.  Needless to say, the shirt is terribly faded and has a few holes.  Yet, he continues to wear it without shame.
• When we first got into Neil's car and he turned the ignition, the song, "When You Say Nothing At All" by Alison Krauss started to play.  Turns out, Neil had a "date" CD that he'd play in the car whenever he was taking a new lady out on the town.  Well, I broke that trend.  :)  I didn't forget that song, nor did Neil!  By default, it became one of our songs, and the day he proposed, he, again, had it cued to start playing when he turned the ignition, on our way to temple square, where he popped the question.
• We ate dinner at Guru's in downtown Provo.  I had a burrito, I think.  We were there with Neil's roommate at the time, Jed, and his date, whom I don't remember at all. 
  After dinner, we headed to the movie theater to see a 10:00pm showing of Mothman Prophecies.  I honestly don't remember much about the movie, as I was focused on other things, like Neil's right hand, which took a hold of my left hand about a quarter of the way in and held onto it until we left the theater.  It was an unexpected and bold move on Neil's part, as I didn't feel like we'd really made a strong connection yet.  I was flattered nevertheless, with no complaints.  After the movie, and while we were walking to our cars, Neil and Jed ran up a grassy hill off the side of the parking lot, and proceeded to roll down it.  Not sure if they were trying to show off or if they were just being boys.  Probably a combination of both.
• When Neil took me home that night, he walked me to the front porch, gave me a hug, and thanked me for coming.   He was very polite and gentlemanly, and just made me feel well taken care of.  I liked that. 
  
  I honestly don't remember many other details, except that I was pretty much smitten.  It took Neil another 24 hours before we were on the same wave length, but once we were there, well, that was it.  We were Neil and Valeri. 
  
  Neil had a long work day today in Roseville, and called me the first chance he got, upon walking to his car at around 4:00pm. One of the first things he said was, "Happy Anniversary of our first date!" For him to continually remember this day - a day few husbands are obligated to remember - means so much to me. It's the day that marks the beginning of us, and that's kind of a big deal. I love it. And I love that it lands on my amazing grandparents' anniversary. What a privilege to share with them such a connection! Sometimes I wonder if they took part in the planning of Neil and me. 

I really can't say enough how grateful I am to have crossed paths with Neil ten years ago, and to have somehow convinced him to fall in love with me.  He is such a good person, so solid in his beliefs and ambitions, and such a wonderful provider, husband and father.  He has always, always put my happiness first, and I've seen it day in and day out for years.  We had a really nice time together tonight after the kids went to bed.  We talked about those early days, and about how incredible it is that an entire decade has already passed by.  We also talked about how fortunate we are to have found each other, and to be living a happy, healthy marriage, even ten whole years later.

Happy Anniversary of the beginning of us!

Flashback Friday: celebrating!

In honor of Brady and Sara, who celebrate two very special milestones this week, I dedicate this Flashback Friday post to them!

Brady is Neil's cousin, who I got to know really well back in 2006 when he was at the Air Force Academy and we were living in Colorado Springs. Lots of Saturday nights hangin' at the house, Sunday dinners, birthday celebrations, occasional sushi dates, talks about girls and life in general were all the norm with Brady.  I adored him, and was sad when he graduated and moved away.  The one quality in Brady that I spotted right off the bat and have continued to see as the years have passed is his giving heart and genuine concern for others.  He's just a really good guy.  I still remember when he called to tell me he was engaged.  He was so deserving of the happiness he displayed and I couldn't have been more excited for him.  It was really neat listening to him talk about Sara and how I was going to love her and how he was excited for me to meet her.  And sure enough, when that day did finally come (at Malinka's 50th birthday BBQ), I fell in love, insantly.  It doesn't seem like that long ago yet here they are today, celebrating two years of marriage!

Did I mention Sara had a baby last night?  That would be the second reason we're celebrating.

Meet Jack, who made his debut at 7:22pm (a short 4 1/2 hours shy of his parents' anniversary), weighing a whopping 6 pounds, 6 ounces and measuring 20 inches.  From what I hear (and see on Facebook, where I stole this picture from), Jack is perfect and has already acquired quite the fan base. 

THEN (06 October 2009 - night before their wedding.  Look how little Chloe is!)

And NOW (well, sorta - June 2011, when Brady and Sara were in the area and stopped by for lunch and a short visit.  Sara has an itty bitty baby bump but it's hard to see in this picture.  What is NOT hard to see is that Brady is properly representing a team we all love.)

I really could not be more happy for Brady, Sara and Jack.  Although it's been years since Brady and I spoke regularly, I still hold a special spot in my heart for him and probably always will.

So Happy Birthday, Baby Jack!  And Happy Anniversary, to the new parents!

Happy Anniversary, kids!

Forty-five years ago on this day something pretty special happened.  My parents, then twenty-two and twenty-three, who were madly in love - and I mean madly in love - who had waited four long years, and who were more than ready to begin their lives together were, at last, married.

I had the privilege of seeing these two lovebirds this week when they came for their annual Fall visit.  As I was driving them to the airport Tuesday night, I asked them each to tell me what they valued most about their forty-five years of marriage.

DAD said the best thing was "having learned the truth of the last line from the song, "Nature Boy" which is:

The greatest thing
You'll ever learn
Is just to love
And be loved
In return.

"In order to understand the truth of that line you do have 'to love and be loved in return' - and I do think that's the greatest thing."

MOM said this:

"Though I have always cherished my time with Dad, I find that increasing more and more. We always loved being together, and since much of our courtship was spent apart, the "At Last" (pertaining to the song) for us applies not only to our having found each other, but also to finally being married, so we could be together all the time - "At Last." When we married and I followed him to California I didn't know a soul there except a few of his friends I'd met only briefly. But it didn't matter. All that mattered was that he was there. As the years go by, more and more I realize the value in just being with him. Though I enjoy the company of others and consider myself a social person, when I am away from him for any length of time I miss him, and I still cry when I leave him at the airport. We sit for hours after breakfast talking about many things, either the business at hand or reminiscing about old times. We talk as we take our walks, or sometimes don't talk, just walk hand-in-hand (and it's amazing how many people have commented on our holding hands as we walk). And he still makes me laugh - out loud - all the time. Being together is so comfortable, so right. And as time goes on, that only increases, getting better with each passing year."

The love these two share is a fierce, unbreakable kind of love.  The foundation they've built throughout their journey together is immovable and they continue to strengthen it each day through simple acts of kindness, affection and laughter.  The longer I'm alive and married the more I see just how much my parents' value of marriage has rubbed off on me.  In a world where it's taken less and less seriously, I am grateful for this confidence and level of sacredness they have instilled in me.  And there's no doubt in my mind that Neil and I will someday celebrate forty-five years too.



When I think about my parents I feel peace and comfort in my heart.  They love each other so deeply, know each other so well, and take care of each other with such tenderness.  Just as any parent finds joy in seeing his/her children happy, I find joy in seeing my parents happy.  I sleep better at night knowing they are taken care of.

Over the years my parents have talked about some of the things that initially attracted them to each other.  My dad has mentioned several times my mom's skinny ankles and her playful, vivacious spirit.  He's also mentioned more than once the lasting effect she had on him the night they met on her front porch when he and their mutual friend, Lynn Hemingway dropped in to say hello.  In a recent description he wrote about the movie, Legally Blonde for their annual Halliday Film Festival which they host each summer, he said this:

"You've gotta love Reese Witherspoon in this unlikely tale of blonde determination - and intelligence! - sticking it to academic snobbery and snooty elitism.  It may surprise you, but Witherspoon in this film reminds me of Jill back in her twenties.  Yup, the fun-loving confidence, the indomitable perseverance, the charming quick-wittedness, the life-loving exuberance, and the total absence of vindictiveness, even when maliciously wronged - the Jill I fell in love with over four decades ago."

My mom has talked endlessly about how handsome my dad was.  She told me that the first time her youngest sister, Valeri, who was nine at the time, met him, she raced into the kitchen announcing that Dick Van Dyke was standing in their living room!  My dad made her and everyone laugh, and that was a quality she'd always wanted and continues to appreciate and cherish to this day. 

A variation of courtship photos ranging from 1962-1966.

With my grandparents, all of whom have passed away except Grandma Martha (second from the left), who will celebrate her 95th birthday this December.  Love these people so much.  Can't say it enough.

Shortly after they were married.  Can you tell they're happy?

I love this one.  Not sure what year it was taken but my guess is late 60s or early 70s.

You've still got it, guys!  Even after forty-five years, you've still got it!
And just look what you have to show for it!

{Mother's Day 2011 - Salt Lake City, UT}

We love you and hope today is perfect!
Happy Anniversary!

Remembering...

Neil:

"I remember that it was really hot out."

"I remember Holly's cell phone going off during the ceremony."

"I remember you looking pretty in your dress." (said with a wink)

"I remember walking around with you outside the temple and pretending we liked each other.  Except we didn't have to pretend."

Valeri:

"I remember just feeling really, really happy the whole entire day."

Neil:

"I remember feeling really, really happy when we were done with pictures."

Valeri:

"I remember the sincere expression on your face upon seeing me for the first time in my dress.  I'll never, ever forget that expression.  Ever."

"I remember sitting in the celestial room with you just moments before we were escorted in to be sealed."

"I remember saying, 'yes'!"

Neil: "It was a good day."
Valeri: "It was a good day."

Happy 9th to us! 

An Anniversary wish...

Before midnight hits, I just have to quickly congratulate my amazing parents, who celebrate...

...are you ready?

43 years of marriage today!

Just look at these adorable children, who wouldn't even exist if it weren't for you!



I say you have a lot to be proud of! We love you both and hope your day has been perfect! XOXO.

Seven years together

Neil once made a promise to himself that he'd never date a co-worker. And as far back as I can remember, I vowed to never date a guy who drove a Ford. If we were both that willing to break our own rules, we must have been meant for each other!

{February 2002 - Chevy's in Provo, UT}

Happy seven years, babe! Too bad we aren't in Provo to relive our first date.

42 years

Here's to two of the greatest people I know and their journey together.

Thank you for all you've taught me about what marriage is.

In the words of your granddaughter:

Happy 42nd "Anninersary", Dad and Mom!

Birthday and Anniversary celebrations

I celebrated my 27th birthday on August 24th. Neil and Chloe made it memorable with personalized cards and creative dinner menu options. :) No gifts were unwrapped, but I'll be placing my new Kitchen Aid on the counter soon enough. That evening we went to Patrick and Anna's for homemade German chocolate cake, which Patrick made in honor of Anna's birthday. This is the second year we've celebrated our birthdays together, and I must say, it's a lot of fun having a birthday buddy! Thank you everyone who sent wishes my way!

Our anniversary, which we celebrated four days later, was also low-key. After our 3D ultrasound, we dropped Chloe off with a friend, headed out to find a new camera, since mine died earlier in the week, and then enjoyed a late dinner at Wingstop.

I would have pictures to share, but as I mentioned, my camera chose just the right week to die on me. I stole the above picture from Anna's blog. :)

What's the best thing in life?

...Spending it with your favorite person. Happy 6th Anniversary, babe.

#1

Reason:
One of my greatest shortcomings is one of Neil’s greatest qualities: PATIENCE. It really takes a lot for him to fly off the handle. He rarely nit-picks or criticizes, explaining that some things are better dropping than getting worked up over. When expressing a frustration, he does so in a brief and direct manner. And then he drops it and truly moves on without giving it another thought. Sometimes it drives me nuts when I'm still dwelling on something that Neil has completely put behind him, but ultimately this quality has contributed to the harmony in our home and helped me learn to not take things so seriously myself.

Photo:

Our engagement picture

July 2002 - photo courtesy of Dad

Fact:
We share the same anniversary with Ken and Amy, a couple in our ward. Same day, same place, 40 minutes ahead of us. I keep meaning to examine our wedding pictures to see if I can find them in the background anywhere. :)

#2

Reason:

He never goes a day without asking me how I'm doing. Whether it's the first question of the day, during an afternoon phone call when he has a spare minute, or as we're kissing goodnight, he always makes it a point to say, "How are you?" and genuinely mean it. As simple and insignificant as it may seem, it's often what gets me through the day.

Photo:

The "Uncle's Talk"

August 27, 2002 - the night before the big day.

I can only imagine the "advice" Neil was given. That look of fear says it all!

{From left to right: Uncle Curtis, Dad, Uncle Don, Uncle Mike, and the groom-to-be}

Fact:

Our birthdays both land on the 24th of the month - his: January, mine: August.

#3

Reason:

Because of Neil, I have achieved my lifelong dream of becoming a mother.

Photo(s):

New parents - one of my favorites of us.

20 November 2005 - Admiring our new daughter of 3 days.

Fact:

In the short ten months we lived in Oklahoma, we had a couple memorably scary experiences. One in particular stands out to me and I'm quite positive I'll never forget it. It happened in the middle of an ordinary night when I was suddenly awakened by a loud, yet muffled pop. It was a single "POP" but startling enough that it jolted me awake! I remember laying in bed still feeling delirious, but terrified all at the same time. I wondered what on earth it could have been and if I'd just dreamt up the sound or if it truly was as real as it seemed! Either way, my heart rate did eventually slow down to a normal rhythm again and I was able to go back to sleep. The next morning I went into the guest bedroom, which faced the front of the apartment and immediately noticed a small pile of feathers on the floor just underneath one side of the bed. Upon a closer look I realized there was a tear in the down comforter, which explained the feathers. Following the tracks I soon discovered a hole in the wall, a hole in the closet door and a hole in the box spring of the bed! We ended up taking the mattress off the bed and pulling the box spring up to see if something was inside. Sure enough, a bullet! Someone had shot at our apartment! I don't even know how it got out, but I remember the local news contacting us that evening to see if they could come do an interview. Talk about freakish! Anyway, I still have the bullet - I like to call it my Oklahoma souvenir.

#4

Reason:

Neil waited until our third date to kiss me. On our second date we drove up to Sundance, sat in a snowy parking lot, and talked into the night (if you can call that a "date"). At one point Neil confessed that he normally didn't hesitate kissing a cute girl, often on a first date, even if he had no intentions of pursuing her. Yes, shallow, but hey, at least he was honest about it! And while he further confessed that he really really wanted to kiss me, he had decided to hold off because casual kissing (and dating in general) was getting old for him and he was ready for something deeper and more meaningful in his life. He then told me he was already having very different feelings for me than anything he'd ever experienced, and sensed it was something real and special, but wanted to be 100% certain of his suspicions before making that move. I wanted him to kiss me, and initially felt slightly rejected. But as I thought about it, I realized he was actually paying me a compliment in expressing his honesty. Further, I knew when he did finally decide to kiss me, it would be a confirmation that he was serious and secure in his feelings.

He did make it through the evening without giving in. :) However, the next night when we got together after work, he didn't last more than a few minutes before leaning in for that first smooch. Apparently he'd made up his mind! And I guess that's really what it boils down to. When Neil knows what he wants, he is ABSOLUTELY certain of it, and will persevere until he achieves it. Makes me feel pretty secure about our marriage.

Photo(s):

Here we are as kiddos

Fact(s):

I'm cheating tonight, but I can't mention one coincidence without including the rest:

1 - My bishop growing up (Scott Haynes) went to medical school with Neil's uncle Curtis over twenty years ago in New Orleans. To this day their families are still in touch.

2 - Neil taught a girl on his mission who I graduated from high school with (Nicole Gonzales). She was a student at UC Santa Barbara when he was serving in that area. He actually has a picture of him and his companion with her.

3 - One of my brother's former girlfriends was once married to Neil's uncle Mike's cousin! This was discovered at our wedding reception when she and Mike just happened into each other.

#5

Reason:

In the nearly seven years I've known Neil, he has never tried to be something he's not. He doesn't care what others think and makes decisions in his life based on what is best for him and his family, not what will impress or appeal to everyone else. He is who he is. Take it or leave it!

Photo:

Our first Christmas

December 2002 - Provo, UT in our first (tiny) apartment.

I was absolutely adamant about getting a tree, and while it was a royal pain to maneuver it down the stairs and into our 400 sq. ft. basement apartment, it made our first Christmas together all the more magical and romantic.

Fact:

I have never seen Neil cry. I seem to make up for it though - I'm quite the bawl baby myself.

#6

For each day leading up to our 6th wedding anniversary, which is next Thursday, I am going to:

• list one reason I'm glad I married Neil
• post a random picture &
• share a random fact about us

Reason:
We laugh together! A marriage void of laughter isn't a healthy marriage, in my opinion! Growing up when envisioning the qualities I wanted in a husband, the ability to make me laugh was always near the top of the list! And from the day I met Neil, I knew without a doubt he carried this quality. Whether it's over an inside joke, my absentmindedness, an old memory, our daughter, a classic line from a movie or tv show, or something we can't even explain, some of the best moments spent with Neil have been in the company of good, hearty laughter!

Photo:
This is the very first photo ever taken of us.
February 2002 - Chevy's Restaurant in Orem, UT, where we met as co-workers.

Fact:
Neil's very first gift to me was a Kim Anderson "Forever Young" water globe/music box that plays "Puppy Love" and has a boy handing a girl a rose. Neil gave it to me on our first Valentine's Day, less than a week after we'd started dating. Chloe loves it and frequently asks me to get it down from the shelf in her room to play the song and look at "Mommy and Daddy".