February 3rd is our one year mark. We have officially been married for a year and some days. Our anniversary was quite simple. Travis took me out to Tuscano, and we enjoyed stuffing our faces with cheese balls, and the endless taste of authentic Brazilian food. Although we were suppose to end the night off with a trip to the good ole' movie theater, we felt it would be more better if we just went back home and watched the baby first channel with our little boy, since he's become addicted to the television set. I swear that's the only thing that puts him to sleep....well, it's either the TV, or carrying him around to fall asleep....But, ain't nobody got time for that! LOL. Looking back through the year, and thinking, "WOOOW, that all just happened?!" I couldn't be any more grateful about what this one year marriage has established for my husband and I. We have learned to love a little more, give a little more, understand a little more, compromise a little more, laugh a WHOLE lot more, but mostly, just to be happy FOREVER MORE. I could've never guessed that I would be married to a Samoan at the age of 19, pregnant with a little boy, and giving birth at the age of 20. Let alone already stepping into the life of motherhood just 2 years after High school.
But, that's what I am known for, being totally random and unexpected. I had imagined and dreamed of what my future might've looked like when I was in high school, but it definitely wasn't anything compared to this amazing life I am currently in right now. And to think that this will soon be eternal? I'm speechless. Of course, who wouldn't want to be with their family forever and ever. But the commitment and the work that you have to do to keep it together, is..well, HARD! Just thinking about the hardship we faced in ONE YEAR!?! and we are just warming up, AHHH!
Well, who better to get advice from then the people who have done marriage for 54 years and still counting. My grandparents. Total opposites on so many levels, yet, still beating to the same heartbeat. My parents, grandparents, married siblings....and the free loader-future-missionary sila, had the opportunity to spend almost $100 per couple to dine at The roof, located on the top floor of the Joseph Smith Building. It wasn't so much the food, or desserts that made the night special, but the breath-taking view of the temple, and the priceless advice from each couple, especially our grandparents. Just to be together as couples, talking and giving advice about how to keep our family and marriage strong through all the worldly trials AND have an eternal perspective right outside the window was what had to be the most memorable night to date! We were especially focused on figuring out how the HECK my grandparents were able to still be truly devoted for this long, annnnnnd our grandpa gave us his secret. He brought up 5 golden rules when it comes to keeping a happy marriage.
1. PAY A FULL TITHING
2. ATTEND THE TEMPLE DAILY
3.MORNING AND NIGHT PERSONAL/FAMILY PRAYERS
4.FAMILY HOME EVENING
5.READ THE BOOK OF MORMON DAILY
I couldn't question it. He is right. I have seen him do each of these 5 things first hand, and seen the blessings that happens when you do put God first. They couldn't be any happier, and I am truly grateful that I can stand as a grand-daughter today, and learn from the two greatest examples of an eternal marriage. They are the people who I desire to become. This Valentines dinner was definitely was a night ill never forget.
And so here we are today, almost to another chapter in our life. Anxious and ready for our eternal bliss. one year to forever. It's worth giving up all of our worldly procession, to gain something higher, and ever-lasting. But until then...
Xo. Peni Fam.
