The Happy Butlers

It is kind of a funny thing...time. You know I remember being a little kid with no cares in the world. I never had responsibilities nor did I even know what that meant. For me it seemed I would just wait for the next step. Elementary school, to middle school, to Jr. High, to High school, to the mission, to college, and to marriage. And to marriage. It took me awhile. I didn't get married until I was 28 years old. I never really dated anyone, I just knew if I was supposed to get married the opportunity of meeting someone would arise! During college I took a job at 24 hour fitness as a personal trainer. It was a great job. I met a lot of people, many of whom I am still friends with today. But I met a friend that became more than that...she became my wife! I have known Rachel for about nine years. In fact I kind of just knew about her for the first year. You see Rach is 7 years younger than I and I didn't want to be a "bubble gummer" and date such a young girl. She was 19 I was 26, but under some divine help we started dating. I say divine, because I was afraid to ask girls out and especially cute girls like Rach. However just before I was going to ask her out, she asked me out!!! She asked me to go to Lagoon with her. Of course I accepted. At the time I was just a poor college student and was struggling financially and was wondering how I was going to pay to go to Lagoon. I remember overdrafting my account to go on that date. The date was a lot of fun. In fact I still remember a lot of little things about that date, the rides we went on, the music we listened to in the car, where we ate...it is funny what your brain decides to remember. Anyway I think she liked me, so we decided to go on another date the next day. We went for a walk at Sugarhouse park if I remember...it was a lot of fun...The main thing I remember is that was the first date Rach and I kissed. After about a month or so we started dating serious. I remember always thinking that she would get sick of me and dump me... I don't know why I thought that, I just did. But every time I thought she hated me or whatever, she would do something that would totally show her love for me. Anyway I decided to ask her to marry me on Christmas eve at her house! It was a lot of fun. I wrapped up the ring in a present and then wrapped that box up and kept doing that until the present was a huge present with a lot of little presents inside it. Anyway she accepted and we decided to get married in the Salt Lake Temple on April 24 2003. Our courtship was really easy. Rach was my best friend. We did everything together and had a blast. Our wedding was awesome, and I will remember everything about it till the day I die. Our life starting out was so simple. I had just started Total Health & Fitness, Rach was finishing her nursing degree. We really just had the future to look toward. We were poor, but happy! Rach got her degree and THF was starting to make some pretty good money. We were lucky enough to live with her parents and rent her grandparents house for a couple of years so that we could save up to buy our own house. Anyway we were lucky enough that our first house...we built. It is a beautiful house and we are extremely lucky to have it. Anyway the next step for married couples is kids! It took us a while (I think God knew we weren't ready) But on March 16th 2007 Ava Elle was born. It was probably the second best day in my life.(and the first day of many sleepless nights). Ava was a very smart baby, it seems like she popped out and was looking around absorbing everything around her! It was definitely an adjustment for us like it is for anyone who has their first kid. It wasn't about Rach and I anymore, it was about Ava, which was fine...this is the price of parenthood. Anyway 6 months after Ava was born we found out that there was another baby on the way. On June 22 2008 Cash Michael was born. It is funny how the second child doesn't get the attention the first child did. Maybe it is because we had Ava to take our attention away from the new arrival. Cash was and is a blessing baby. He is such a good kid. Ava or should I say Avatude was not an easy kid, but she sure is cute now! We were blessed with Rach not having to work while the kids were young, however due to the current economic situation in the world, we felt it would be better for Rach to go back to work too just for a safety net! So I have been playing Mr. Mom and babysitting the kids while Rach is at work. It has given me a new understanding for what Rach and Moms in general have to put up with. It is hard work. I would much rather and think I am better at babysitting employees that are 20-30 years old than a couple of toddlers! Anyway our 6th year anniversary is coming up in a couple of weeks. I can't believe how fast time flies and especially how much you can age in 6 years! But I do know that I am a very lucky person, to have a wife that is like Rach. She really has a great heart and is a wonderful mom and is my best friend. Our kids absolutely adore her! Ava wants to be just like her. Rach has sacrificed so so much for our family, and I really really appreciate that! I want her to know how much I love her!
Rach I love you and I am excited to grow even older with you : )
Happy anniversary!
Here are a few pictures for old times sake!