Miracles

It's finally happening!

We are getting sealed for time and all eternity in the Mesa, Arizona LDS Temple at 6:45 on Friday, October 26. 2012.

We have waited a long time for this...David even longer than I.

Our planned wedding day of October 12th came and went without happening and we were devastated. We thought for sure our temple clearance would come through. But it didn't and we were puzzled. Hadn't we had enough faith? Weren't we worthy enough?

But, as He often does, Heavenly Father had a different plan...and His plan was far better.

In just one week (October 8th-13th) I got offered a job teaching at Mesa Community College in the Spring, and we found a perfect place to live just blocks from my parents. With those squared away we were in ship shape to get married. But the clearance didn't come.

Then, Monday the 15th I went to my substitute teaching assignment and was suddenly offered a long-term substitute position at Mountain View High School until December. This was an amazing miracle: we had been wondering how to make ends meet until January when my job at MCC started. We decided to go ahead with faith and move into our little town home hoping that God would provide for us. And He did. Teaching at Mountain View means that we will have enough money for our needs and then a good amount to save for rainy days.

We were still anxious about our sealing clearance though. Why hadn't it come through? It had been nearly 5 months! David called Salt Lake, and our Bishop, and our Stake President. We discovered that our paperwork hadn't even been given to the office of the First Presidency yet! We still don't know why. However, in just a few days, the paper work was on The Prophet's desk and then in my hands. It was signed in record time.

We have a temple date now and are making preparations for our new life. We feel blessed to be able to look back on the last year and see God's hand in our journey. We had it all planned out...but He had other plans, and His were actually better! We are so glad that He does things His way and not ours!

It's Been a While....

Oh, how the follies of procrastination bind us. It has been a while indeed. So, allow me to bring you up to speed...
Aimee moved home. Soon after her settling, she ran off to institute for TFA (Teach for America, for those of you who have NO idea what that means). Institute, or as I would like to call it, prison, kept her quite busy. It was difficult for her, but she stuck it out like a champion. (Note: this woman works harder than any other human being I have ever come across.). Though it wasn't my first choice to have her so incredibly busy, I was amazed by her dedication and hard work. She never stopped working so hard despite the long hours and constant stress. Once that had ended, she almost immediately started working for PCA (Phoenix Collegiate Academy..... there are a lot of acronyms.... I suggest taking notes). This turned out to be a trial for her. Stress, long hours, and CRAPPY leaders to the school (crap emphasized for effect) started to wear her down. Yet, through it all, blessings were abundant. It really brought us closer together. I had the opportunity to give her blessings, and that really bonded us. There really isn't much more wonderful things in the world than bonding spiritually with the person you love. Well, it got to the point where her leaders began to criticize her teaching. That was the straw that broke the camels back. She ended up quitting her job. And I couldn't be happier with that decision. I kind of wanted it all along, but I didn't want her to feel like I didn't support her. But once she made that decision, I was so happy. And she is so much happier! That is all I ever truly want.

So, our original date to get married was October 12th. Unfortunately that isn't going to happen now with Aimee not having a job, and us still waiting on paperwork. If I am to be honest, this situation saddens me. A lot. There is nothing more I want in this world than to marry her. But I want to make it clear that this sadness and frustration isn't geared towards anyone (especially Aimee). However, I can still not be fond of a situation. My wonderful mother has reminded me of a biblical story of a man waiting to marry the woman he loves: Jacob and Rachel. Jacob was madly in love with Rachel, so much so that he was willing to work 7 YEARS for her! What's funny is, thats almost exactly the same amount of time from when I came to the realization I wanted to marry Aimee. When I saw her and I in front of the temple. My favorite verse reads (Genesis 29:20):

"20 And Jacob served seven years for ^aRachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the ^blove he had to her."

Now, I would be safe to argue that my love for Aimee is rather strong. However, it's opposite for me. Because of the love I have for her, a few days seems like 7 YEARS. I guess I still have a few things to learn from the lord :). (Note: I am begrudging to learn them... grrrrr....) Yet, I would wait 7 more years. And 7 more years on top of that to be with her. Would I want it to be like that? Not in the slightest. But if it came down to that I would. The reason being that there is no one else in this world I would rather be with. I am a far cry from perfection, and I am selfish and impatient. Though, she still loves me and I wonder why at times. I would give anything to be able to be with her, including my patience. I have a lot to work on, and perhaps I need to feel like 7 years are more like days. But I'd still be counting down the hours :)

Ten Years

Ten years ago.
Me, a little boy, and her, a young girl. We met at a salsa contest. She was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. I never Imagined I would have the privilege to be with such a stunning person. Talented, funny, smart, beautiful. I was anything short of fully intimidated. Yet she talked to me. She named me Pedro, and I named her ChaCha. Little did I know I had just met the girl who would change my life forever.

A lot can happen in 10 years. Most of the major technologies we know of today either had just gotten their start, or hadn't even existed. WiFi, Hybrid cars, touch screen smartphones, even the Ipod didn't exist. Trends, clothes, movies, and music have all come and gone! Yet, one thing I find curious for myself is the sheer fact that the feelings I had for that little girl I met, in an ordinary school, at a silly little contest, on an ordinary spring day, have never ceased to exist. In a world of shifts, changes, variation, for the good or bad, those feelings have never faltered. A constant in a universe of change.

Aimee and I have experienced much over the years. Good, bad, and even ugly.... but I find myself looking at her and realizing that the level at which I adore her is beyond anything I have yet to experience, nor will I ever. My feelings for her will only deepen with age as we experience the good, the bad, and even the ugly.... together. Partners through the universe of change. Constants in a world of shifts.

I know there will be hard times to come. There will be times I am so angry at her. I'm not nieve. I know there will be a day where she is so fed up with me she will be on the verge of screaming. I hate to say it, and I'm reluctant to utter the words. Though, if I am honest with myself, we all know it is rather inevitable. I do know this: every time I'm upset, every moment she is unhappy, every pain that is experienced by our partnership, we will remain constant. I will just walk up to her, kiss her on the lips, and tell her that I love her. This is because of that constant love that we have. Yes, there will be hard times. Yes there will be bad days. Yes, there will be sad moments. And yes, there will always be love.

A lot can happen in 10 years. There can be weddings, there can be divorces, there can be heartache, there can be stress. Contrary to that, there also exists commitment, happiness, adoration, and most of all love. I met a girl, 10 years ago, at a salsa contest, at a school, on this planet. Though, it may not have much of an effect on most people in this world, it sure had an effect on my world. I fell in love with a girl 10 years ago. I still love that girl today. And I will love that girl through the eternities. No matter what.

Blessings

Sometimes the reality of what you are doing slaps you across the face. Sometimes, it is a good slap! Sometimes, not so much. (I said sometimes a ton just then) Sometimes, you realize you are doing something stupid, and I was doing just that. I want to marry Aimee more than anything I know of. Yet, sometimes you can get so caught up in the future/ what you desire you lose sight of what's really important. I lost the ability to "live in the moment" and as consequence, I didn't appreciate Aimee. And I didn't honor her wants & desires. Yesterday I realized this. I was so caught up in the future, I pushed what Aimee wanted aside for myself. I also just didn't appreciate her like I should. I feel at peace with the future now. Aimee and I will get married, and I look forward to that day every moment. However, I am so happy with every moment we have together now. I appreciate all that she does so much! she really is such an incredible person. I don't know what I ever did to deserve her.

Aimee moves home in TWO WEEKS! I am excited to say the least. We will never have to say goodbye for more than a few days, and not only that, but she will be right here! I love her more than anything!

I'm not really sure why I felt so inclined to post this... future record I guess! I mostly just want the universe to know that I appreciate Aimee being in my life at THIS moment. right here in the present. The past is just that, and the future is to be created. And Aimee loves me now, and that means more to me than anything.... ANYTHING in this world. I love her more than she will ever understand. She is my penguin, my friend, my Eve, my Aimee. I love her so.

I met a girl...

“Love, as defined by the Lord, elevates, protects, respects, and enriches another. It motivates one to make sacrifices for another”

-Elder Richard G. Scott

“Perfect love is perfectly patient”

-Elder Neal A. Maxwell

“Be quick to say, ‘I’m sorry.’ As hard as it is to form the words, be swift to say, ‘I apologize, and please forgive me,’ even though you are not the one who is totally at fault. True love is developed by those who are willing to readily admit personal mistakes and offenses”

-

Elder Joe J. Christensen

“This respect comes of recognition that each of us is a son or daughter of God, endowed with something of his divine nature, that each is an individual entitled to expression and cultivation of individual talents and deserving of forbearance, of patience, of understanding, of courtesy, of thoughtful consideration. True love is not so much a matter of romance as it is a matter of anxious concern for the well being of one’s companion”

-Elder Gordon B. Hinckley

“What is love? Many people think of it as mere physical attraction and they casually speak of ‘falling in love’ and ‘love at first sight.’ This may be Hollywood’s version and the interpretation of those who write love songs and love fiction. True love is not wrapped in such flimsy material. One might become immediately attracted to another individual, but love is far more than physical attraction. It is deep, inclusive and comprehensive. Physical attraction is only one of the many elements, but there must be faith and confidence and understanding and partnership. There must be common ideals and standards. There must be a great devotion and companionship. Love is cleanliness and progress and sacrifice and selflessness. This kind of love never tires nor wanes, but lives through sickness and sorrow, poverty and privation, accomplishment and disappointment, time and eternity”

“If one really loves another, one would rather die for that person than to injure him”

-Elder Spencer W. Kimball

"In the presence of the girl you truly love you do not feel to grovel; in her presence you do not attempt to take advantage of her; in her presence you feel that you would like to be everything that a Master Man should become, for she will inspire you to that ideal. And I ask you young women to cherish that same guide”

-President David O. McKay

Church leaders teach us so much about so many things in life. One thing I cherish the most that they teach is how one must treat their spouse. Leaders have unceasingly taught that man and woman are companions, equals, and friends. They have taught that we must love our spouse with a Christ-like love. Viewing them as one of Gods greatest creations. I know I am not the best at showing that to Aimee, however, the love I have always felt for her has always been deeper. She is Gods greatest creation. (hate to break it to anyone out there :) ) I hold her happiness as my top priority in life. I cherish her more than anything in this world, or the next. I love her so much! Aimee, I love you.

I met a boy...

If you meet a boy whose presence you feel a desire to achieve, 

who inspires you to do your best,

and to make the most of yourself, 

such a young man is worthy of your love

and is awakening love in your heart.

David O. Mckay

Time to catch up...

So it has been quite some time since Aimee and I have posted something substantial. Life is rather busy busy! Are you ready for this review of adventure!? If you answered no, please come back when you are ready. Thank you. If you answered YES, continue on!

Aimee came to visit for Christmas. Every moment was magical. She came off the plane and I stood there waiting for her as always, her smile lighting up the entire airport. I never want to let her go once I have her in my arms. I drove her home, and as always, I couldn’t keep my eyes off her. She is the epitome of perfection. Her gracious cheeks, her lovely smile, her amazing eyes. Wow! I will never understand how I got someone so amazing.

We volunteered at the Ronald McDonald house for charity. We took people around to shop for Christmas who normally wouldn’t have one. I personally didn’t like the clown too much… but that’s just me! But besides that, it was a wonderful experience. I personally felt the spirit and joy as I got to see the couples light up as they got to choose among hundreds of gifts. It was a wonderful night!

We then had family pictures! I was so fun to be part of that. I have never fully felt apart of another family. It was so fun to take part in the pictures! Aimee and I took just a couple “engagement” pictures. But they turned out beautifully! Aimee looked so amazing that she made up for where I lacked. I was incredibly fun. I felt like I was part of their family. And it made me so wonderfully happy.

We then went to forgotten carols the next night. It was so fun to take part in their family tradition. The carols are fun, but again, I felt part of the family. Truly accepted. Afterward we talked with the cast. I LOVE how outgoing and personable all the Blaus are. They can talk to ANYBODY. And I just love it! It makes me so happy that I will be officially part of the family!

Ah yes. The wonderful and joyful disaster that was the Christmas tree cutdown. We drove up that morning to go cut down a tree. The drive up was pleasant and we made it safely. However, once we got up to where we cut down the tree, we couldn’t find one. We drove all over with no luck! Eventually we got the car stuck. We had to push it out, but we eventually just gave up. We couldn’t find one! We drove home empty handed. We tried to go to a tree lot to buy one, but again, not much luck. A fine young gentleman carefully backed up into the car. The was the icing on the cake, and we went home empty handed. (but Aimee and I had something up our sleeves….)

SANTA!!!! (well, almost ;) ) We went to get pictures with Santa at Bass Pro shop. It was so fun to see Layla enjoy her first experience with Mr. Clause. Santa didn’t seem as jolly as he could be! But it ended up being a joy to take part! We walked around afterward and enjoyed the shop. I loved every moment. That night we elfed! We took presents to a needy family. We carefully drove up to the house and placed the presents so carefully and quietly. We were like covert spies! (ok, not that well, we were giggling and dropping stuff… yea…) we got caught too. The woman who lived there walked around the corner just as we rung the bell. ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE. We were running, her dog barked, someone fell… it was a beautiful disaster! And so much fun.

Christmas Eve we took part in all the traditions. We made the most AMAZING penguin themed gingerbread house. (no seriously. It was like the coolest thing we ever made…) we made penguins from scratch even! We had a devotional and got pajamas. It was so wonderful to feel part of the family. To be in with their intimate family moments. I loved every moment.

Christmas day we opened presets. I gave Aimee her picture of Audrey Hepburn. She loved it. She gave me a watch that is SO gorgeous. I will say that before I gave Aimee a typewriter and she gave me the most amazing gift I have ever received. It was a picture of the Up house on top of paradise falls. It made me tear up. Aimee is so amazing. I know I keep saying that. But still. We then had Christmas day with my family the day after Christmas. It was so fun to have Aimee be part of my family. She took part in all that we did. Whenever she is with my family and I, I get this feeling that this was always meant to be. That Aimee and I had always been destined for each other. I just know it.

Aimee and I then had our fancy dinner date. We first had a picnic on the temple grounds. It was simple, we had crackers and cheese. The weather was absolutely perfect. Sunny and cool. We sat in awe at the beauty of the temple, and contemplated the day we will go inside to be sealed together. We then went to the art museum. We walked around and enjoyed our favorite pieces, among some new pieces and some rather strange ones…. We took many pictures! And Aimee touched the butt! (a little inside joke) after we enjoyed our time looking at the creativity of others we went and ate at the melting pot. It was so fun and delicious. Our waiter kept catching us kissing, but we weren’t really all that embarrassed. Again, we got asked if we were celebrating something special. Aimee and I just smiled and said: “just each other.”

We then had a dinner with our parents so they could meet. We enjoyed us some good ol’ Chinese buffet! They laughed and had fun. It was a great experience for Aimee and I to see our parents get along and enjoy one another’s company. I know that Aimee and I had this sense that this was meant to be. We would look at each other and smile. It was a lovely weekend.

New years was a joy. We went to a baptism in the morning of a friend of Aimee’s. it was so great to feel that spirit. We then went to Schnepf Farms for Josh’s party. It was so fun for Josh and Chelsea to finally see her. We walked around and enjoyed the grounds and the friends we knew. We rode the train around and just held each other as we rode through the farm. We decided we want to take our engagement pictures there! We then went to a reception (at 10 o’clock at night on new years!? Crazy.) It was so fun to see a lot of Aimee’s extended family. I enjoyed their company so much! We chatted and laughed, and just had so much fun. After that, Aimee and I went to her house and lit off fireworks. It was so fun to take part in that. And Aimee just smiled. It was so amazing.

The next few days Aimee and I just spent time together. And basically any gaps in the time above was filled with Aimee and David time! (the best time there is BTW) eventually though, she left. It is always so painful to see her go. I kissed her so passionately as I held back the tears. I gave her flowers, and as she walked away one dropped. I picked it up and kept it. I watched her get in line and I had to walk away so she wouldn’t see me tear up. She wrote me a letter. I read it when I got I the car. I cried. It was so perfect. She told me how special I am, how much I mean to her, and how much she loved me.

To be honest, this past week has been fairly difficult. I have been stressed, Aimee has been stressed, and worst of all, we can’t hold each other and kiss each other better. It has made things difficult. I miss her more than I know how to handle. I love her. I know we were meant for each other. She brings me so much joy in my life. I really believe if we can get through this hard time, Aimee and I can handle anything together. And I know we will be fine. She is so perfect, I cannot find the words. I will spend every day of our life together thanking her and showing the amount of love I have for her. I will never cease telling the Lord he has blessed me far more than I deserve, and that I am thankful for the greatest blessing He could ever give me. I seriously will never stop thanking Him. The Lord blessed Adam with a woman. And really, besides life itself, that’s the pinnacle of the greatest gift a man could ever receive. A woman named Eve that he would have as a companion through the amazing and hard times of life. Aimee is my Eve. She is my penguin. She is my one true love.

Aimee, I love you.