We had the most wonderful trip to the Columbia River Gorge to celebrate our 15th Anniversary and Grant’s 40th Birthday! I was in love with the water, greenery, rocks, trails, perfect weather, food, rest, time to read, but best of all the time with my amazing, wonderful husband of my heart.
In the three-and-a-half days we went on four hikes, I read two books while Grant attended some meetings with the school heads, we slept in, we relaxed in a hot tub overlooking the Columbia river with the rain lightly falling on us. We had delicious food including a brunch that was THE BEST brunch I have ever had where we ate for two hours. I got a massage during another of Grant’s meetings. We got onion rings and a milkshake after a hike just because they sounded good and we felt like it. We had so much time to talk and relax and slow down. We felt ready to come back to our children, lessons, work, callings in the church, house, yard, end of school demands, recitals, exams, projects…
I am SO THANKFUL for the Saxey’s for taking our children for the time we were gone. What amazing friends we have. Really and truly. Not to mention a kind sister who takes care of our farm.
Besides the trip I am feeling grateful for such an amazing 15 years with Grant. On our anniversary he said our nighttime prayer. It went like this:
“Dear Heavenly Father,
We are thankful for 15 wonderful years together. We ask thee to bless us with fifteen million more.”
To which I say, “AAAMENN!!”
We have known each other since 1995. In three more years I will have known Grant for the majority of my life. I was 20 when we met, he was 21. I feel like I have never not known him. I love that we can finish each others sentences and that we voice the same thought at the same time so often. I love being quiet with him and our long talks. I love that we compliment each other so well in so many ways. I love that we are growing more alike as we age. I love the deeper love and commitment that we feel as we sacrifice together. I love the bond we feel as parents of our four wonderful children even though we are such different kinds of parents. I love that I can advise our daughters to marry a man like their father and encourage our sons to be like him. I am grateful that he is constantly trying to help me be kind to myself and forgiving of my own weakness. (Why is this so hard?!?) I love his unwavering faith in a loving Father in Heaven and his deep and personal understanding of what the atonement of Jesus Christ means for him and for each of us, how it has a daily, hourly, influence on our lives and that we are good enough because of it and nothing without it. I love that he is willing to fight for important things even if it means less money, opposition, even persecution.
I love him for his selfless service as the Bishop of our church congregation. He puts in so many long hours at church and at work yet somehow has time for our family and for me. I can feel the Lord’s hand in this as he touches our life each day with tender mercies and feelings of patience and love for one another and others.
I love him for how handsome he is – shallow, I know, but he is aging so gracefully! Last weekend there was a Latter-day learning conference at the school for the community. There were many speakers on various education topics. Grant was one of the speakers. Each participant was given a booklet on the days’ events and class offerings. A friend of mine told me of a conversation she overheard at the end of the class prior to Grant’s. Two women were looking at the bio’s of the next class instructors and after seeing the picture of Grant said, “This guy looks just like Prince Charming! Let’s go to his class!” I would have to agree!I could say so much more, like that he is a hard worker, a great parent, a great basketball player and ballroom dancer, a good house cleaner, a pretty good chess player (I’m better), a man of faith, he has a wonderful humor and ability to laugh at himself when appropriate, a wonderful perspective… oh my… I better end since it is nearly midnight. One last thing though regarding his 40th birthday. I was talking to William about how fast he is growing up and that he his now (unbelievably) SEVEN, but that I will always feel like he is my little baby. He was expressing his own incredulity at how fast his dad is growing up with this statement, “He is getting to the age where he is getting old, wrinkly skin and will soon be 50 and the age of a grandpa! Sam and I were talking about how we were sad when dad grew up (turned 40). I wish he was still 39. He is just so nice, wealthy and talented.” (The wealthy part is based on many conversations we have with the children when they ask us if we are rich. We say yes as we have a comfortable home, enough to eat, clothes on our back, the gospel of Jesus Christ and love for one another.)
So to Grant I say, “Here’s to 15 million more years together (a.k.a Eternity). Thank you for your 40 years of being great. I look forward to getting ‘old, wrinkly skin’ together.” I love you. I love you. I love you.
Candice- I don’t even know where to start. Grant is amazing. YOU are amazing. Your writing is amazing. This entry is so tender and I’m so grateful you shared it. I look forward to my 15 year anniversary and will be stealing all those compliments for my own husband too! I love you guys and am so sad Grant will miss Ft. George.
As your Mother, my heart overflows with gratitude for your wonderful perspective, your perfect priorities and your mate, who is the perfect compliment to you. Many prayers were said, both here and in heaven, that you would have the love that you deserve – embodied in Grant. Reminds me of the time he had the nerve to bring his “girlfriend” to meet us in Park City while you were serving your mission and my relief and embarrassment to find that she was actually his sister. I love him, as I love you and my continuing prayers are for your happiness together for another 15 million years!