Friday, August 28, 2009

Old Pictures That I Love

I am operating from Ross's computer because mine died. It's all very stressful, sad, and expensive- but we are making it work. Anyway, these are some treasures I found while looking through some old files. They made me happy, made me very, merry happy!

Ross and me at Sundance, April 2004. Engagement Shots from my roommate, Kate.
This is the shot I wanted on our invitations, but Ross said no. We agreed on another shot that was not nearly as flattering. Later, when we were looking through the pictures he saw this one and said, "Oh, this is a really good one. Why didn't we use this for our invitations?"
BYU-Idaho Preference. December 2003
August 24, 2004 Bountiful, Utah Temple
We were so skinny. . .

Five Years

While Ross and I were enjoying our Anniversary on Monday, we talked about our five years of marriage and the different milestones and obstacles we have faced together. I was going to write about all of the best, worst, hardest, and most rewarding parts of each year, but I find that hard to do. That is not because I can't think of what they are- Ross and I discussed each of those on our lovely date, but rather that it is too hard for me to put a lot of those things in such a public forum. That is saying a lot for me, because I am usually fairly open and honest here, even amidst criticism about sharing too much and being too negative or personal for other people's comfort.

Instead, I have decided to share what Ross and I view as our favorite parts of each year of our marriage.

Year 1- 2004-2005

Amanda: My favorite part of this first year was reading The Work and the Glory series with Ross. It is one of the few times I have seen Ross so excited about reading. It was poorly written and it stretched the truth of history far too much for my taste, but it was fun to share that experience with Ross.

Ross: I really loved the Sunday routine we had during that first year. It brought us closer together and made me forget about all the other stress we had at the time.

Year 2- 2005-2006

Amanda: My favorite memory of this year was that first night in our apartment in Rexburg. It was the first time we had a home together with our daughter. I had Emma without Ross there, and then Ross and I lived in my parent's house for the first 2 months after he got out of the Air Force. It was so nice to be on our own bed in our own home. I remember holding Ross's hand as we lay on the bed with Emma sleeping between us and thinking that our nightmare of separation had finally come to an end.

Ross: I enjoyed when Amanda came to my Basic Training graduation in San Antonio. She was starting to show in her pregnancy and she was so beautiful. I was so glad she came out to support me.

Year 3- 2006-2007

Amanda: I loved all the simple things we did as a family for fun this year. We were strapped for cash and digging our way out of debt, so we spent a lot of our evenings and date nights having picnics in the gardens at BYU-Idaho. It was simple and free, but perfect.

Ross: Same as Amanda.

Year 4- 2007-2008

Amanda: The most touching memory for me this year was when I had Sara. It was such a different experience from having Emma. There was no stress, I was not lonely and depressed, my baby was not in danger, and most importantly, Ross was there. It was incredible to share that experience with Ross and to have him holding my hand and giving me sweet and undeserved compliments.

Ross: That is mine as well. It was so good to be there for every step of the way with Sara. I missed all that with Emma.

Year 5- 2008-2009

Amanda: This isn't exactly tied to our marriage, but I have LOVED seeing the developing relationship between Emma and Sara. They are such good friends and love each other so much. It has just completely validated the fact that we knew we wanted to have them so close together. I got a lot of nasty comments about how close in age they would be, but when I see how happy they make each other, I can't possibly have any regrets, even if it did take a toll on my body.

Ross: I have loved seeing the tide of my relationship with Amanda turn. We had so many stresses before, and most of them were my fault. It is nice to feel so close to her again and to feel a little more calm and ahead of things now.

Happy Anniversary Ross! I love you!

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Wallace Camp-Out 2009

I decided to go to the full camp-out with the girls this year even though Ross couldn't join us until Friday night byou ecause of work. I am glad that I did even though I got sick. I am alse very grateful to my family for helping out with Emma so much while I was pre-occupied with Sara and with my need to be within hobbling distance of the restroom. Thanks guys- you rock!

This is Grandma Wallace. There are few people in the world I love more than her.
This little girl got so dirty! no matter how many times I crubbed her down, she still found a way to be consistently covered in dust and dirt.
I don't even want ot tak about how onery this girl was. She decided that sleeping and smiling were highly overrated unless Mommy was right with her at all times. Very clingy! Very obnoxious!
Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Heather. She's single. Date her if you are male. She is funny and gives one heck of a spongue bath. ;)

Mom and my cousin, Micah.

Dana and my cousin, Madison.
Goose Girl and Caulene. She is single too- you should date her if you are a single male. She cooks.
Emma likes the tent. She didn't want to cme out.
Pinkbunny had a relaxing weekend as well.
Campfire time. My favorite!
Jay got scared during the Millicrab story, so Pinkbunny comforted him.
This is my cousin Spencer and his harem. :) Those little girls really love him, and he is always so sweet and patient with them.
Grandpa let Caulene drive the boat. She is wearing the shirt I left at my house years ago and thought was lost. I WANT IT BACK! Aslo- she is single.
Emma and Dana
Emma got to drive the boat too, but she was a little nervous about the whole thing.

Dana was by far the most daring and exciting driver. I got wet. It was less than awesome.
I went water skiing for the first time in. . . 4 years? It had been a while, and that water was crazy choppy, so I was pretty proud of myself. Jay put me to shame later on though. That old guy can ski! I was also excited to see Spencer ski because that kid is incredible, but he cut his knuckles on the rope the first time and wasn't able to try again. Bummer!
It was really cold water. Also, I am very white!
Sara is asleep! Woot!
Grandpa told a new version of the Millicrab story this year in 3 installments- one for each night. I truly love this man!
Spencer had to leave to go pack up and head to college for the first time. I am glad he stopped in for a bit. I hope he enjoys his time at college.
Eve and Mom gossiping about something that they wouldn't tell me. I am sure it was about me, and I am still hurt! :(
Grandma always has lots of fun art projects for the grandkids.
This year it was figurines with hope, faith, family and love on them.


Sara refused to take that smock of for the rest of the day.
This little girl was spoiled rotten on this trip. She sure loves those aunts of hers!
Ross came up on Friday night, and I was THRILLED to pass off my mini-appendage to him.
Garrett got cold, so Jay channelled his inner Kangaroo. That Aussie blood is strong!
Grandpa tried to take Ross out on the boat on Saturday morning, but the wind was too strong and the waves were too big for his little boat. We didn't make it out of the cove.
It was a fun little trip, and I am grateful to my grandparents for funding and planning it.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Oquirrh Mountain Temple Dedication

Ross and I were not able to attend the temple dedication because of our little ankle biters, so we decided to spend our week off of church walking around the new temple and talking about why the temple is so important. We timed it just right getting there for the only hour that it did not rain up there.

Pointing at Moroni




This is just to remind everyone that I am, indeed the kind of mother who takes pictures of her daughters when the wind blows up their dresses and reveals their princess undies. That's how I roll! :)
Emma was feeling the love. She kept saying to other people, 'Jesus loves me.'
Emma picked these flowers. After scolding her, we put them in her hair and she felt more like a princess than ever.
Later that evening I got to go to my very favorite fireside of the year. Our Stake President does a question and answer fireside just for the women every year, and it is wonderful. I love it because President Draper does not operate under a sense of fear. He is kind and loving, but he is also very blunt and forceful. He does not say things to spare feelings, but rather lays down the law in a very straight forward manner- but always with the assurance that he loves us.
Here are some of my favorite quotes from this year.
"Put on you clothes, and then turn around and look in the mirror. If it looks like you are carrying two puppies in a rucksack, then it is too tight."
"Shoot him in the leg and drag him to the bishop!" (This was his response any time a question about a wayward or disrespectful husband was asked. He usually followed that up with meaningful and thought-out advice.)
"The garment is to be a protection to your body and soul as long as it is worn properly and respectfully. Let me make that clear. It does not say that the garment is a protection as long as you are not sweating! We have washing machines for a reason!" (This was in response to a question about whether or not it is appropriate to remove the garment while exercising.)
"If you want to put a sharper edge on your spirituality, then you should cut out caffeinated beverages of all varieties. My wife is laughing because she saw me drink a Pepsi this afternoon."
"If you are gonna have 'em, you are gonna have to pay for 'em and decorate 'em" (This was in response to a question about why scouting uniforms and girl's camp can be so expensive.)
I was not as touched this year as I was last year, but I think that was really because I had less questions in my mind and heart this year. Things are calmer now in my life than they have been in a long time, so I had much fewer areas of concern this year. That is not to say that nothing hit me. I came home with pages of notes and instructions and a lot of goals.
It seemed that this year the main message of the evening was that wives need to have consistent and meaningful counsel with their husbands. It saddened me to hear how many cases of infidelity are happening in our stake. President Drapes assured us that calm and consistent counsel with our husbands will renew our love and strengthen our relationships. I did this with Ross as soon as I came home, and we plan to continue it. We have been good about communicating with each other, but it made a lot of sense to make it a planned event.
I love my Stake President. I have never felt such personal love radiating from one of my leaders except for maybe one of my bishops when I was in young womens. He is a very sincere and loving man with an undeviating course to our Savior. I will strive to follow his counsel, even if it does mean I need to buy some nylons to wear to my church meetings. Yuck! :)

Dentist Pool Party

The dentist that Ross went to a couple of years ago invited us to a big pool party in Lehi. We had just returned from camping, and thought that would be a nice relazing end to our weekend. We were wrong. It was really crowded, and the girls didn't really want to swim. We only stayed for half an hour. Emma was excited about this though. She was cold so this is a bad picture, but she really was thrilled to meet these princesses.
After this, we got some Papa Murphy's pizza with a coupon (3 large for $12- we put 2 of them in the freezer) and went home to watch the next episode of Horatio Hornblower.