Tuesday, June 28, 2011

That's a First.

Ah man...

Jon and I have very similar toothbrushes recently, as it was time to switch them out.

Too similar I suppose. At least I realized that after I used his last night, thinking it was mine. I know I kiss him all the time, but that really grossed me out. Excuse me while I go brush my teeth, again. And Listerine. And that's all I have to say.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Lately.

  • I love my job. I am really going to miss it after all the effort and time it took to build it as a resourceful asset to the community. It is my baby and will not be handed over easily to whoever takes my place. 


  • Out of nowhere, tears started falling yesterday morning as I thought about saying goodbye to my sister. That's just going to have to be avoided; I am only strong enough to say something more like "see you soon, Em."


  • I love Jon, still. :-)


  • We threw him a surprise birthday party last night and seriously tricked him. He had no clue it was coming. I know it meant a lot to him to have so many people he cares about in one room together. It meant a lot to me too.


  • We up and drove to Denver last weekend for a cousin's temple wedding. Long long drive, and every Penske, U-Haul, and Budget truck caught my eye. That road carries us to our future in a few short weeks.  There is officially another Rachel Ditto in the world now. And we can check another temple visit off of our list. 




    • Birthday boy's breakfast. 



    • Birthday boy's dinner. Yup, he loves buttery croissants and key lime pie. 

    • I am afraid of the big change ahead. But I think it's the good kind of fear. 

    Thursday, June 9, 2011

    Happy Anniversary

    One year later, and more love than ever.

    We had our usual early morning Wednesday this past June 1. Woke up at 5:30 so I could be at the temple and Jonathan at work to call the UK for sales. But once he picked me up at 11:00, he was all mine for the day. First, we had a picnic in the park where we had our first date, and even made time to toss a frisby around. Then Jon  came with me to my family center in Springville, as it was the kickoff day for our summer reading program. I love having Jon at work with me for a few hours. All my kids have heard so much about him, they're just a bit intrigued whenever he comes around. And it's fun for Jon to finally match so many names to faces. He hears me ramble on about my center patrons so often...

    As soon as we finished up at the family center around 2:30pm, it was time to run away!!
    I used to have a reputation for "running." Now we run away together. He has always been right there alongside me. Guess he just knew all along how to help me fly, so I never needed to run from this one.

    I came out to the car and there was a little present wrapped up and waiting on the seat - I love little surprises! It was the movie While you were Sleeping. Yep, we both love the classics. We're trying to build our library of wholesome movies. He also surprised me later with the new version of Pride and Prejudice. What a champ to buy me chicflicks that I love! And yes, he is willing to watch them with me, as long as I appease him and watch a good action film with him every now and again. He also planned a bike ride but unfortunately we ran out of time, something that seems to be a habit of ours lately...


    One year later and my rockin husband still listens to me. He remembered this nice Japanese restaurant that I mentioned I'd love to go to sometime. It's more of a cultural experience because you actually sit on the floor on pillows and pretty much everything on their menu is sushi. We loved it, talking about what it would be like to travel the world together some day. Wondering where we'll be called as senior missionaries in later years...
    e
    It was delicious. And that fresh taste takes Jon back to his childhood days in Hawaii.
    Katana Hibachi is located in South Jordan, so we made a quick stop to grab the top tier of our wedding cake that had been in my parents' freezer for a year!

     I know you're not going to believe it, but our cake was still just as yummy as ever! I hear it's the marzipan that keeps it fresh, and freezing it in a hefty duty freezer of course. We are quite pleased with the way this tradition turned out.

    It was a day full of surprises. Jon took me here in Salt Lake City and then took the entire next day of work off so we could play in the city! Luckily my summer schedule is an intense Monday thru Wednesday at the family center doing summer programs and Love and Logic classes, but I have Thursdays and Fridays off. :-) 

    Marrying Jon was the smartest decision I have ever made, and having him as my other half is my greatest accomplishment. To my friends who have yet to find the love of their lives, trust in God's timing and His plan for you. It will be so worth the wait when your turn comes. And it will. God always fulfills His promises.

    It sure was magical to feel the air last Wednesday, remembering my wedding day in Manti and our reception in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. Have we really been married for an entire year already? Thanks for my wings, Jonathan David. And for flying with me always. One year down, and eternity to go. 

    Wednesday, June 8, 2011

    ZIONS

    Jonathan and I are soaking up every moment we have with our families before we leave for Ohio in 7 weeks. 

    Have I ever mentioned how much I love Sara Ditto? I call her "My Sara" 
    Dittos and cousins 

    Neither of us thought to bring our suits on this hike, unfortunately. Maybe it had something to do with Jon's back suddenly spazzing out on him that morning, so we barely caught the last ride to the trail.

    Terrible timing, but nothing holds him back from a great hike.


    Or an intense family soccer game, for that matter.



    Uh...okay so I've officially played soccer three times in my life now, while some of these kids LIVE for it. Maybe we could try a dance off next time? 

    I'm so glad Jon's psycho muscle spasm decided to shape up, because all I really wanted to do was hike Angel's Landing. I have heard so much about it but never experienced it until now. This is a hike I highly recommend: I am in love with it. Probably not the smartest option if you have a phobia with heights, however. We woke up super early on Memorial Day so we could beat the crowd and the heat, which really is the best way to do it I think. 

     Finally we got to know Matt's cute girlfriend! 

    Don't fall off, okay? 

    I should have taken pictures of the chain and drop-offs ahead. Such a sweet hike. 

    My favorite pic of the day for sure.
    Don't mess with the Dittos.

     At the tippity top.




     And this rebel of a father-in-law who promised he wouldn't come because he blew out his knee playing soccer. He showed up a few minutes after the rest of us, stubborn as an ox that good man is! Matt and Dan were TICKED. 


    Oh how I'll miss the red rocks of Utah. Isn't it amazing how this national landmark is practically in our backyard? Just a few hours south awaits a land of wonder. Ohio, you better have some great stuff to compare to Zion's National Park. 

    Oh I am so nervous to leave both our families behind...