Thursday, January 13, 2011

20 Years and Counting

Then
Now
I remember very distinctly moving into our 1st house and meeting some people who had been married... *gasp* 7 years! At the time Brad and I had only been married 3. I couldn't imagine how it must feel to be married 3/4 of a decade. And now, all of a sudden, we have been married for 2 decades. Yes that's right! 20 years! How does that even happen? It seems to me like we just got married fairly recently. If you ask Brad he will tell you it feels like an eternity, but he's just joking. I think... right Brad? Joking?

Anyway... Here are some things about us in commemoration of all those long years together.

Where did we meet?
At church. In the Young Adult Ward in San Jose, shortly after I had returned home from a mission. He was the Ward Clerk at the time and said he had to MAGNIFY his calling and get all my personal information for the church records. Hmmm... I didn't know brand of shampoo was one of the things that was on the official form.

How long did we date before we got married?
13 months. It wasn't continuous dating though (long story), there was a break between January and May of 1990, and I thought my life had come to a catastrophic end. I remember my dad telling me it would all work out mere hours after I'd finally gotten a clue Brad didn't want to date me EVER AGAIN. I wondered why he was telling me this. I guess parents are wiser than teens and young adults give them credit for (my children, are you listening?) We became exclusive July 4, we got engaged September 16 and married December 22, 1990.

What is my favorite feature of his?
Oh, it's definitely his eyes! For sure! Well... no I'd say his hands... I love his hands. No, his eyes. They are beautiful and deep and lined with long dark lashes. Ok, wait! I think it's his hands, just the right shape and size and picture of manliness (without being too rough or callused). Well, maybe it's his eyes, no, hands, eyes, hands, eyes...
ok I'm going with butt.

What is my favorite quality of his?
He knows how to make things fun. My life would be a lot more mundane without him. He's good at improvising and making things up on the spot.

Does he have a nickname for me?
Um, does Stef count? When we were dating he used to call me Stefanefani. Hmmm, I wonder why he doesn't anymore? I used to dislike terms of endearment somewhat. But now I kinda wish he had one for me. Maybe "Sugar Petals", or "Love Lamb" - yeesh, never mind. "Baby" might be alright though.

What's his favorite color?
For THE longest time I thought it was green. I would have sworn by it. If ever asked that question on the Newlywed Game, I would for sure know I had it in the bag, with my resounding answer of GREEN! Then about 5 years ago he told me it was Blue. Not that he had changed his mind mind you, it had always been blue. So there you have it, his favorite color is blue.

What's his favorite food?
I'm going with See's candy. Not that that is really considered a food, but I think sometimes he thinks he CAN live off of it for extended periods of time. Most specifically, Butterscotch Squares.

If I had to go with an actual food, I would say Salmon with Mango Salsa. But he gets really complimentary whenever I make things like Shepherd's Pie, or Stew (the kind with everything but the kitchen sink) or some sort of casserole, anything resembling the kind of food his mom likes to make. I guess that's what every guy likes though, the kind of food he had growing up.

Whats his favorite sport?
Hockey (Go Sharks!!)

When was our first kiss?
Weirdly enough I can't remember the exact date or even the month. I think it was either late November or early December of 1989. I remember it, it was at his house. He says I kissed him first. I'm not so sure about that. But maybe he deserved it.

What is your favorite thing to do as a couple?
What? Other than discussing money issues, stressing about the kids or coordinating schedules? There's not much else. Oh?? Wait! We're talking something bonding, that we both enjoy and brings us closer together!? Oh, well in that case, we both love the beach... going in the shops, soaking up the sun, eating chips and cookies, playing catch or paddle ball, digging in the sand, strolling along, looking for shells. Ahhh, the beach, it doesn't get any better than that.

Do we have children?
YES! We have six. Kelsi is almost 18, Afton turned 15 1/2 last Saturday, Brady is 13. Chase is 6, and Troy and Macy are both 2 1/2.

Does he have a hidden talent?
He is most excellent at figuring out what to do in computer situations. I don't even think he knows its a talent. He's not a programmer, but he know how the programs work and if he doesn't, he instinctively knows what to do to figure them out. I think it's frustrating for him to deal with those of us that don't come by it naturally.

How old is he?
Nigh unto a half a century old! YIKES!

Who said "I Love You" first?
That's easy. Me. Not that I remember the specific time but to this date I'm not actually sure he's EVER said these three words together. Wink. I'm kidding of course, but he prefers the term "ditto" and in order for that to make any sense, someone else (meaning me) has to make a statement first.

What is his favorite type of music?
7o's rock (Rush, Styx, Boston). He also likes the disco-ish-type music (Earth, Wind and Fire, Kool, and the Gang.) Along with jazzy R&B - type stuff (Toto and Steely Dan). Lately he's been into Tom Petty.

What do I admire most about him?
Did I mention his butt?
Ok, just kidding (well sort of). Really though if he didn't follow "proper wand safety" and kept his wand in his back pocket and accidentally shot off his buttocks (can you tell I've been reading Harry Potter?) and it didn't exist anymore I'd have to go with his innate concern about others and the doing things for grater good. He works hard in all he does because it just turns out better in the end if he does. He sees how things SHOULD be and presses for them to be that way. I am a better person today because of that very important skill he possesses. I'm not complete without him! This I truly believe.

I LOVE YOU BRAD!!


8 comments:

Janet said...

You guys are adore-able! (say it right, now). Fun to get the background on your dating year... I was around during that time (but only 12), so I guess that's a good excuse for my oblivious-ness! Happy 20th anniversaire!

Peter and Amber said...

Awww, so cute!!! I remember you moving into the 26th ward when you were pregnant with Kelsi! I can't believe it's been that long! :-)

Shannon B said...

Aww my sister is all grown up and has been married for 20 years! We have been married for half that long! Seems crazy huh? I was 9 when you got married. THAT is WEIRD! Happy 20! Can't wait to see what the next 20 brings for you! :)

Lindseys said...

I can't even imagine what it would be like to be married for two decades! Congratualtions guys.

Derek

Annette said...

This is so great! I loved reading about you guys in your humorous way Stef. Jealous that your hubby likes the beach as much as you do. Mine pretty much humors me when I have that need to hit the beach.

And I can attest to his computer skills. Remember that very large email that was tied up in our outbox and slowing everything down...he magically removed it for us!

I can't believe we've all been married for 20 years also. It really only does get better and better. Love you guys!

Carolina said...

This is so nice!!! Love that post and love you guys. 20 years, yeah we are heading there in like 6 months! Congratulations to a beautiful couple that we admire a lot!

Jennifer Miller said...

I love it when you comment on my blog you always know just what to say. Ps you and Brad are just as cute, if not cuter then when you were newly weds! congrats!

Caroline said...

What a sweet post:-)