22 years

So today is the big double duece and I feel immature as ever (it keeps me young) but I think I'm a little more wise that I used to be (wise or wise crack...whatev). Today is not only my birthday but its also the 2 year anniversary of meeting Cody. I don't think I've ever written the story down so I'll take that opportunity today.

My old roommate Sean Schofield and Kalie Farr knew a guy named Dave Hatch and they all knew Cody. They decided to set me up on a blind date. I was excited and was just waiting for his call. Finally the phone rang and it was an unknown number and my stomach was all butterflies. He asked me out on the date and I said yes. Two days before our date a friend had passed away so I was really really sad and didn't want to go anymore. My parents came down that day to cheer me up and spend time with me. I was glad to see them & glad they supported me getting out and going on the date. I never really knew the plan because 1. I never pay any attention 2. I was having an awful week and 3. I had been on 2 previous dates and both guys had brought along other girls. Yeah I was cool. Anyways, Cody came and picked me up and Sean insisted on a picture. We then went on the date to a haunted house but like I said, "I never pay any attention". Well we were walking up the path to the haunted house at Discovery Park and I saw a little guy hunched over on the side of the path so I asked if he dropped something and needed help. He then looked up at me and started talking to me in a Smeagel's voice from Lord of the Rings. I totally jumped back and screamed so loud. (Still haven't caught on that its a haunted house). I was grabbing Cody's arm and trying to run away. They were just laughing at me and I was still scared because by then the Smeagel guy was following me and was right next to me. I could feel him breathin down my neck. Yeah creepy. Cody says I didn't figure out it was a haunted house until he went to pay and said, "two for the haunted house" but Cody isn't telling the story I am so anyways I really figured out what was going when stupid Smeagel wouldn't leave me alone and there were other scary creatures around. After the haunted house which was more like a horror movie...blood, gore, and satanicish...we went to Dave's house and made blue berry cobbler and sat around a fire. I thought for sure Cody thought I was a pyscho (and maybe I am a little) but he has admitted to me that he was trying to get close to me all night but I was a tough one...Just how I've always been. When the cobbler was done, everyone made up a story about not having plates and ice cream so we loaded up and went back to my apartment. There were cars everywhere. EVERYWHERE. Do you think I caught on to what was happening? Nope. I opened the door and everyone yelled, "SURPRISE!" "Holy sh...crap!" is what I said. I was so happy. They totally surprised me and it totally made my day. It couldn't have been better timing to feel loved. Some of the guys at the party thought it would be a fantastic idea to spank me hard with a wooden paddle. It hurt so bad. I even had tears come to my eyes but they didn't stop! 20 swats! After everyone left, we played cards and had a good time. I was so glad Cody stuck around during the party because he could've easily left...or he could've easily brought another girl like my previous dates. But he didn't. He has been the nicest and kindest guy ever since. Yeah sure we've had our hard times but I just can't believe how perfect all the timing was for everything. I think after about 3 dates I knew I was going to marry him. I even called and told my mom. She told me I was crazy but look at me now. Married and all growed up haha. I continue to learn so much from Cody, family and friends and am so thankful that everyone I know has such a wonderful impact on my life.

I want to write 22 things I've learned in the past year...no particular order

1. Marriage is expensive, thrilling, comforting...every emotion really

2. I miss my family more the older I get. I can only imagine next years birthday. Maybe I'll cry for 3 days instead of 2.

3. Its probably not the best idea to call your boss an S.O.B. even if he is

4. Taking life serious is too boring and sad

5. My favorite decorations are country/antique style and its what my eye is drawn to

6. Neices and Nephews are very special to me and now I notice children everywhere I go

7. Church, music, quotes, scriptures mean more since I've experienced life a little more

8. I want to be a mom more than anything. I would rather have a huge family than a degree. And I know thats stupid to some people and they might look down on it but thats what I want.

9. Living in a city is a lot more convenient for shopping but its not where I want to be forever

10. Dishwashers aren't that special cuz our sink is always full

11. Its ok to take pride in the things you own such as my parents 30 year old couch, a dodge stratus who bumper is coming off and controls are shoved into the door, clothes from sophmore year in high school. serious.

12. I'm more hard headed than I really thought.

13. I secretly like being noticed

14. I blame my clumsiness on being left outside as a little 4 year old. When really, I think I'm just clumsy and skip steps which lead to gettin hurt...unless of course its your older sister flinging you across the front room or daring you to slide down the stairs head first

15. The world's view of marriage is down right sad. Its man + woman. Not man + man. Not woman + woman. Not man + multiple women. And divorce shouldn't be so easy to come by. Is everyone really that selfish?

16. The Lord provides and somehow things always work

17. Cooking really isn't that cool when you HAVE to do it

18. I shouldn't tell bad jokes to people I don't know because they could possibly end up being LDS as well and thats a world of embarassment. It was an awesome joke tho.

19. My wedding was amazing and I realize that now more than ever

20. I'm a little OCD

21. I have friends I can call anytime and it seems like we've never moved away from each other

22. I am looking forward to this next year

Show Low Trip

I decided I absolutely love going to Show Low for my birthday. Its what we did last year and this year and I hope to do it every year. Its my favorite because I'm with my family and they spoil me...like I deserve jk. I actually told Cody that I'm not too pleased that I've been replaced by Brody...but after this weekend I decided I'm still just as spoiled as I ever was.

I was able to get my hair cut and colored...it needed it so bad and I'm totally in love with myself now. Cody even sat there for the full hour and a half and listened to the girl gossip. I was glad he came with me tho. My mom provided me with a craft day at the church with my favorite young women leaders and one told me, "yep you're still Danica" after I told a bee to "get the hell out of here" at the church when it camped out on my piece of wood I was spray painting. :D And later Buffy Nikolaus asked a few to tell of their holiday traditions and I was totally caught off guard and I just said, "well we eat alot." My mom was probably thinking...."serious Danica? 22 years of life and you couldn't come up with a real answer." Yep I'm still me.

I loved helping mom redecorate a little in her house. I totally insulted her and realize that now by saying we needed to buy new things because I just couldn't work with what was there. What a brat. *Irreguardless, it looks great now and I hope she likes it. I know I do.

Then going to church with my parents and listening to the primary program and laughin at the little kids expressions that they make but still feeling the spirit and being uplifted by their sweet testimonies. Then ditching after Relief Society to go shopping while dad stayed at church. He was then known as Mr. Righteous instead of Mr. Reidhead. By the way, we found some great buys.

I loved that everywhere I looked in the house, there was a picture of one of us kids or Brody. I guess as I get older I realize more how amazing my parents and siblings are and I hope to teach my kids one day that life is the best when you laugh, have fun and make it enjoyable.

I wonder on pretty much a daily basis, what would I have turned out like if I never would've had such an awesome family and didn't have the young women leaders I had. I love that I can still joke with each of them like I never moved away. The Nikolaus's and the Richardson's will always be special to me. Every time we leave Show Low I fight the tears and I was getting pretty good at "see ya laters" but for some reason this trip was a little more special and my heart a little more tender (yes I guess it was possible) because I cried till I fell asleep in the car when I woke up I started crying some more. They weren't sad tears really but they were thankful tears that we were able to go up there and have such a great time...and "well we eat a lot". haha.

Mom, Dad, Ryan and Cody thank you for making this weekend one of the best I've ever had. I absolutely loved it and I love you all.

*as we were doing a craft yesterday and listening to the football game, someone said "Irreguardless" and mom went on to tell me how that isn't even a word. I had to throw it in there.

ah....

I don't get sick that often but lately I've had a real bad sore throat. This is my new best friend. Pretty sure there's alcohol in it cuz after a few shots of it last nite, I felt a little hung over this morning. (not that I know what being hung over is like...its what I assume it would be like)

my heart is full

Today Cody is at work and I have been laying on the couch listening to conference. There were so many events that took place since last Sunday that have prepared me to listen today. It was one of those "AH-HAH" moments today while listening to President Henry B. Eyring's talk that made me realize that the Lord knew exactly how I felt and what I was feeling and that He doesn't just calm you down in a moment of despair (or several weeks of despair). But that He answers prayers when He knows we're ready to hear it. What made me get down on my knees last Sunday? What made me actually want to turn on conference and listen to almost every word? All I can say is that I'm happy I finally decided to listen to the promptings I was having and that I was able to turn to prayer. Then today as I listen to conference, I am thankful that my prayers are still being answered and what a sweet reminder it is to listen to the Prophet and Apostles bear testimony of prayer. I know the Lord prepared me to listen to conference today by the experience I had last week and that it wasn't just a coincidence.


Also my heart is full today for the love I have for my family. What amazing people I have been blessed with. First I have my parents who have always raised me in a righteous manner. I mean sure we aren't a perfect family but I never doubted that my parents hearts weren't in the right place. We've always supported, loved, teased, and helped one another. I don't think anyone of us has ever gone without because someone was always there to help the other. I have learned more from my family since I got married then I knew my other 20 years of life. I guess as a kid you don't really pay attention to the details of how hard a marriage is, money, or that everything is not a fairy tale and even prince charming has habits you do not like but I'm thankful that my family is together forever. The saying is so true. "We may not have it all together, but together we have it all." I agree full heartedly.

Cody- I feel closer to him now more than ever and thats the best feeling. We're getting through our trials together and making sure there's enough time for us. I love him and appreciate his hard work and his concern for me. He is a little pill at times but I appreciate the effort he has been giving in everything.

Dad- quite stubborn, but always there for advice and counsel, spoils all his kids and wife, worthy Priesthood holder, honest and the best Gospel Doctrine teacher I've ever had...and school teaacher for that matter Mom- tender hearted, believer, nevers puts herself first, always made sure us kids had what we needed, encouraging, and the best laugh one will ever hear, I always had the best braids in school, talented and will never get old. She'll always be young at heart.

Ryan- hard headed, yet hardest worker I've ever known, he's there for you on a moments notice (and it only takes him about 1.5 hours to drive from Show Low to Thatcher), can fix anything and everything and gets it done right the first time, a real gentleman, knows every country song out there


Rustin- go-getter (in life and when it comes to doing projects around the house haha), also-the favorite. he's so caring, honest, intelligent, and hilarious. He dances better than anyone I've ever met and can turn any awkwardness into the funniest moment of your life, knows how to work hard and when to have fun

Taralee- wittiest, prettiest sister ever. She can turn anyone's crappy day into the best, leaves long voicemails and says "and stuff" way too much but it makes me laugh, awesome mother and wife, faithful and true, the best sister I could've ever had
Trace- wisecrack but also very genuine, hard worker, loves Tara & Brody and supports them so well, very competitive...but if he wasn't Tara would have him whooped! haha


Brody- well he's just perfect the way he is. I cried the day he was born and was so excited when i got to see him for the first time. I think that is when I truly decided that I wanted to be a mom.

Today during President Eyring's talk about prayer and how he stayed with a family and was invited to say family prayer at night and the little boy was saying it, I thought of the Rapier Family. I imagined, Logan and Braden as if they were saying that prayer and mentioning everyone in their family. Before I knew it, tears were rolling down my face. I love those two boys and their sisters, Abby and Kate more than I can explain. At the mall I always see young families and just always think of the Rapiers and wonder what they're doing. I miss holding Kate and seeing her smile, Little Logan and his cute laugh and that he could make anyone feel like a million bucks, Braden and that he can seriously sing any song and do somersaults the entire time. I heard "I Love Rock and Roll" and "Joy Ride" the other day and found myself smiling. And I miss Abby and her cute sense of humor and that when I'm around I feel like I'm constantly being watched. That girl is so smart and knows it! The Rapiers will never really know what all they taught Cody and I when we lived in Thatcher. I miss living 5 minutes away and that if we want to watch The Office or Lost, sit and talk or get slaughtered in a game, we could go to the Rapiers and they would generally have some sort of cookies or cake or something.