Day 16: Happy 9th Anniversary Sweetheart

I was going to make this a big blog with pictures of us through the years. So you can see us when we were skinnier and when Bob had more hair! But I just haven't been able to get my act together so this will have to do.

First of all, how did I celebrate my 9th Wedding Anniversary? I went and did Baptisms in St. George with my sister and then I went to an Institute class on Eternal Marriage. Over all I think I did a pretty good job of remembering my covenants today. And the break away from home was really helpful! I feel like a new mom.

I can't believe it has been 9 years! Time flies when your in love. I have said this all day and I will say it again, I made the BEST decision of my life 9 years ago. I wouldn't trade it for ANYTHING.

So here is our story, I have done some journal searching so this should be fun:

We met in the hills of West Virginia. He was a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and I moved out to live with my Dad for a time. It really was one of the best times of my life, I grew so much while I was there. Bob was serving in our area (Elkins, WV) and I remember thinking that he was cute, but missionaries are "HANDS OFF". While I was there we were able to work together in the Nursery and to have spiritual conversations. I was impressed by his knowledge and our ability to talk to each other, but that is as far as it went. When I returned to school, SUU, my Dad (Papa) told Bob that I might like a letter. Well, I got one! And I was shocked!

7/9/01: "Today I got a letter from Elder Bob Gedebourgh. (From WV) I was jumping up and down! He sent me pictures and everything! Man, he is cute! hehehe!"

We wrote until his mission was finished. I enjoyed talking to him but I thought he was too "good" for me. And that I was too "wild" for him. That December he called me while I was visiting my family in WV. (I was the first girl he had called)

(One of Bob's letters to me) "Keep in touch and I'll do the same. If I get your phone number I'll give you a call after I get home! (Dec 15)"

Well, before I left WV after Christmas break, my Dad tried to talk some sense into me. I love my Dad, he was very inspired at this time. (This is about a therapy session Papa and I had together)

1-3-02:" Somethings coming. I will find him! Yes, my mate. My soul companion! VERY soon! And I will know without a doubt. Like I've never felt before. I will live in a place similar to Elkins but with a better spiritual environment! Small town here I come! My husband will be on a high spiritual plane, equal or slightly higher. But we will raise and grow together. Could this really be Bob Gedeborg? I am happy even when thinking of him. All worries wash away and Papa helped me to see that he's one of the only people that I could truly be myself around. Only time will tell. But I anxiously away seeing him later this month. I know it will be great....When I told Papa I was ready to go home he said his first thought was 'of course, someone is waiting for you.' Bob?...I have a strong feeling I will recognize [the spirit] in Bob. If I can get over the name I will be okay. Bob....but the more I say it the more it grows on me. But I need to be prepared that it might not be Bob. But I can see myself happy, eternally happy with him."

1/6/02: "Later when I was relaxing Bob (Elder Gedeborg) called me back. It was so great to hear his voice and laugh. We shared old memories and I learned a lot about him... I found out that he likes to snowboard and ski, he has been skydiving, and he likes to cliff jump! That was such a smack in the face! I was dumbfounded! My only flaw for Bob no longer existed! So far he is perfect! Did you hear that! PERFECT! Kinda Scary! hehehe I asked him about the 'Little Mermaid' thing and he laughed. He was actually 15 years old and snuck to the Nursery to see it! Wow, what a rebel. Funny thing is that I have this urge to say 'That's my boy.' He's not my boy! I haven't even seen him yet. Way too ahead of yourself Amanda. He seemed to be flirting with me and it was so cute. We were talking about how if a girl likes a missionary and flirts, he will get transfered but if she is cool about it he will be around a while. Without thinking I was all 'that works' so I had to cover it up or hint more, not sure which, with a 'not like I would know'. I wonder if he could tell I had a thing for him? Then we were talking about college wards and I was all 'Yeah, now tons of girls will pick up on you' or something like that and he's all 'if it makes you feel better. I went to a college ward last week and didn't like it. Too much of a meat market. I got molested by all the eyes.' Did you catch that 'if it makes you feel better.' :) That has gotta mean something. Like that he's interested. Oh I hope so! He's everything into one! Good with kids, sweet, funny, respectful, totally spiritual, cute :), adventurous, likes small towns! Woo hoo! I hung up the phone and cried. All of my worries were gone. All my questions answered. I had to tell Papa too. He just laughed. Maybe at my lack of faith. Well, only time will tell! :) I can't wait for him to call me again and I can't wait for Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend!"

I look back and these entries and think, what a goob! But it is funny to look on it with hindsight and see how much of this was true.

1/7/02: "All day all I thought of was Bob Gedeborg and how happy I am that he's perfect."

1/18/02: "Well, today was the day. I got into the car and I drove to Logan....I get to Logan and Bob's sister, Sarah, appears later and we talked for over an hour before the guys got home. Their little boy, Joseph, is so cute! Lars and Bob finally came home at 1:30 am! I got really nervous! He came in said 'Hi' and opened his arms for a hug! That was nice. Sarah and Lars stayed up with us till 2 and we told stories and laughed. It was great. They are so nice to me. I am worried about impressing them but I need to be me and the same time. They wend to bed and me and Bob talked for a while. I ransacked his wallet! One time when we were talking I just looked at him and thought 'this could be the man I spend the rest of my life with.' I have a hard time looking him in the eyes. Maybe I am scared of what I will see. My goal is to face my fear and look to see. He gave me a hug again before he went to bed. He is such a sweet guy. He looks good in real clothes too! :) He still has that really cute childish sparkle in his eye when he gets excited. We will see how tomorrow goes! I am kinda scared to meet his family@ And I am scared of the high dive and 'the log'. I need to be myself and not try to impress. I thank the Lord for giving me this chance. And I pray for his guidance. And His presence to be known. Papa last night kept making comments like 'Anson's favorite picture is the one of him and Uncle Bob.' (We later realized it would be brother in law) Papa thought I had said I had slept with him but I assured him I did not intend to and Dad added 'YET!' I blushed soooo bad! Papa says that he feels like he is pushing this one on me and he kind of is. We both agreed I need to find out on my own. I will admit that the spirit is there between us, I just need to figure out what it means."

What's funny is I read all of these qualities, like the sparkle in his eyes, and these are things that I still treasure the most. I love to see him genuinely smile, it makes my day!

I need some sleep so part 2, tomorrow.