One Year... or Five?

I seem to be feeling super nostalgic tonight. It all started when I wanted to finally have a contact photo for Jake on my phone. I jumped on Facebook to just use one we already have and found myself skimming through pictures of him throughout the years. I know I've seen all these pics several times, but it just re-affirmed to me how strange it is that he had a life before meeting me. It's weird for me to think about my life before him, let alone his life before me. There were pics of him with his arm around his ex-girlfriends and it just seemed SO strange. He looked so natural and comfortable there. I guess I suddenly have a greater appreciation for people who are high-school sweethearts and never review their "previous life."

Jake and I had realized a couple weeks ago that we've known each other for five years now. Hard to believe time has gone so fast! Here are a few of my favorite moments:

Our first picture together! We were at a Singles' Ward Campout, the first night we held hands. :)

Our first official date- Colonial Kitchen Sink and and Eve 6 concert, followed by building Lego's and playing battleship.

Our Chicago Singles' Ward went on a trip to Nauvoo. I love this pic 'cause it captures how goofy we can be.

In 2010, we went four-wheeling with my brother and sister in law. We found this amazing spot and took this pic. One of my faves for the longest time.

Bein goofy at the ugly sweater party around Christmas 2010.

Burzlaff family photo session in 2010. He cracks me up!

One of my fav engagements. It was actually taken THE DAY we got engaged. He had taken me out on my parent's boat, played and sang songs to me on his guitar and got down on one knee. It was amazing. We had to rush home, shower and get ready for our photo shoot. So fun to do it that same day while we were on such a high! 

And finally we were married! I knew I wanted to marry Jake like 3 days after I met him. It was a long road, but we are now so so happy.

A couple weeks ago we celebrated our first anniversary! With the move to Denver fast approaching, we decided to forgo gifts so we could eat at some of our favorite restaurants: Hermm's Inn and Pizza Plus. They were absolutely delicious! The night before we went to a Demolition Derby, which is always fun to see cars smashing and blowing up in smoke! The night of, I made some home-made Sweet Pork Salads and we enjoyed some Martinelli's. We even broke out our year-old wedding cake! Which was the first time I had really tried it, considering on our wedding day I only tasted what had been smashed into my mouth. 

The following Saturday, Jake and I were sealed for Time and All Eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. We are so grateful to have the opportunity to be a forever family, to have each other through all the challenges of this life and the blessings of the next! 

I never expected this kind of love to be real in my life. I have struggled trusting that someone could love me as purely and fully as Jake does. I am continually amazed at how our love for each other has evolved over these five years. Words cannot adequately express how full and grateful my heart is for this man! I cannot wait to see what more life has in store for us, for I know I will have a strong, understanding, faithful man of God by my side through it all.