We're Home!

Jarom and I just got back from a family vacation with my family in Cabo. I needed a break, especially from this cold wet, snowy weather. The weather in Cabo was perfect. 70's-80's and sunny everyday. We had a great time, but we are excited to be back home. I can't remember the last time I was this excited to sleep in my own bed! Almost a year ago, Jarom and I went to Cabo for our Honeymoon (I mention this partially because well lets be honest our anniversary is on my mind, and I never get sick of this place). I love the people, the culture, the weather, the ocean views, and the food is amazing. This year we decided we wanted to drive up the coast to Costa Azul to try out one of the most popular body boarding and surfing locations for the locals. So we crammed all six of us into our tiny rental car to try it out. Long story short...everyone loved it. Even Jacie and I went out there time after time to hit the waves. My mom even gave it a go. The boys were a little more brave (but ended up with a bunch of salt water up there nose when they got tossed around and taken out by the bigger waves further out). Some of the waves were huge! We also went snorkeling at Santa Maria Beach and around Pelican Rock. Josh was able to barter with the locals to get us a great deal on some waverunners, so we took those out one day. And of coarse we hit up the local market for some shopping. We've been there enough that we either already have it or it's just junk...so we didn't really buy much this year. (sorry family) Just our usual vanilla. (I'm trying this new thing where I'm more frugal. I want to be able to save more and be more financially sound. And lets be honest, I don't know much about investing or retirement. I must say Suzy Orman has inspired me. I haven't read her latest book, but I want it. hint hint to the husband) Anyway, we stopped at Walmart one day and found a plastic bat with some balls and we took them out and played a game of baseball on the beach. It was seriously my favorite part of the trip. Just a couple pictures to share...

Sunday Jarom and I will be celebrating our 1 year anniversary! I can't wait to pull out our wedding cake and be all traditional and whatnot. Jarom surprised me with a trip to Vegas and he has some fun things planned. We leave Wednesday. I'm so excited! Road trip :)

I can't even believe it's been a year. Marriage is so fabulous, but I'm not going to sit here and pretend that it's been perfect...in fact I went into marriage with the famous saying that "The first year of marriage is the hardest" in the forefront of my mind...but it seemed everyone I talked to denied that statement all together saying it had been a breeze which left me feeling like I had failed to some extent...but the reality of it is, which I can look back and understand now, is that we haven't failed at all, but have infact gained much more than we otherwise would have. Jarom and I have had our fair share of challenges, trials, and disappointments, but we've always been by each others side and supported one another, even while we were dating.

I'm apologizing in advance for the tangent I'm about to go on, but let me just explain that I only asked for 8 days off for this vacation...and I got 12. Today was supposed to be my first day back...and I got put on call. So we are going on 13 days here people! I have had way to much time on my hands, and too much time to think. I'm not complaining or anything, and I love PTO, but sometimes it's just nice to come home and get back to life you know? Anyway...

I thought I knew what a perfect marriage was, because I saw a great example of it everday, until one day it was gone...just like that. I have since learned that marriage isn't about being perfect. It's about making mistakes and forgiving one another, because that's how we learn and ultimately how we grow. It requires sacrafice, hard work, effort, and more importantly marriage is a choice and a committment you have to make everyday.

Is it possible to have a "marriage that is too perfect?" I think so. In my mind, perfect marriages are dangerous. In a perfect marriage, there is little room for growth and improvement and it is easy to become comfortable. You are probably thinking who am I to say...I have only been married for a year. Don't get me wrong, I know I still have so much to learn, but I have also learned a lot. And isn't that what trials are for...to help us learn, and grow, and become better people? So, for me, I'll leave a perfect marriage for the next life, avoid taking the things that matter most for granit, and continue striving for a marriage that is even better today than it was yesterday...

I'll be the first to admit that I'm a little hopeless romantic. Occasionally I'll make Jarom sit down and watch a good chick flick with me...and I love quotes. So here's one for you:

"You only have three choices when it comes to love; give up, give in, or give it your all. You decide which one's worth it..."

Happy Honeymoon Anniversary Jar! ;)