Happy Anniversary to Us!

This June we celebrated our 8th Anniversary! Every year has been better than the last and we are learning that we have much to look forward to.

Every year we try to get away for a few days to celebrate all by ourselves. We love this tradition and believe that it's a must for those married with children. This year Daryl (Russ' mom) watched our kids for a couple days while we went to Lagoon and spent some time in Salt Lake. There are a couple great restaurants downtown worth recommending, a New York style pizzeria called Rusted Sun Pizzeria and the breakfast buffet at the Garden Cafe was fabulous.

After 8 years of marriage here are 8 reasons that I love being married to Russ:

1. He is a wonderful friend. Russ was my friend long before anything else, he listened to me with sincere concern, understanding and without judgement. Over time he has only gotten better.

2. He has incredible work ethic. He gets things done, at home, work, school, Scouts or whatever is asked of him. I tried (and failed) to make him this great "Super Man" apron for Father's Day, I thought it would be a fitting gift for someone with supernatural-well-rounded-work ability. (Hopefully someday I'll be "Super" enough to be able to iron on a simple decal to a premade apron!)

3. He makes me laugh, and for some reason I think he's even funnier when jokes around in Visayan. (Sayang na dili na siya bisdok) ;)

4. Spirituality. He quietly maintains the inner peace that spirituality brings, and it inspires me.

5. I love the little things. He savors fine dark chocolate, gets transported into the emotion of novels and movies, gives me regular updates on "Tech News", he's a master of being both generous to others and living frugally, and he is genuinely happy to help family, friends and neighbors.

6. I appreciate his passion for learning and growth. He has a variety of interests that keep him reading and soaking in all he can.

7. Russ is a great dad. He loves to play with our kids, teach them, and counsel with them. They have a number of original games that I don't know how to play, including "Numbers", "The Rabbit Game", and "Mountain". He adores each of them and they reciprocate his affection.

8. I love the way he loves me. Cliche, maybe, but that is how I feel. It is so wonderful to have someone care so deeply and who manifests it daily in word and in deed.