Happy Two Years.... kinda

I decided that every year of our marriage we would take pictures. We took these back in July while on our big family vacation to Kanab. It's beautiful down there and we always have a blast. How could I pass up pictures in this area? 

2 Years

I know, I know! We're basically marriage pros at this point!

(wink)

Michael and I just celebrated our 2 year anniversary! 

I'm happy to report that we are more in love than ever before. A certain country song is coming to mind right now....

I can't wait for our love to grow like this.  Through kids, gray hairs, grandkids, and so much more! 

For our 2 year anniversary, we were in Texas visiting his family. (More on that trip later)

We took some time on Saturday night and went out for an amazing dinner at The Melting Pot. 

It was so good! If you've never made it to a fondue restaurant, save some money, and splerge on the whole experience! 

This is the way to do it: 

Course 1: Cheese Fondue

Course 2: Salad (this one is optional 

but at the Melting Pot it's included in the full experience)

Course 3: Main Course - This is where you choose the liquid that your

 meat and seafood is cooked in and what types of meat/seafood you want. 

We went with the classic which includes 2 types of beef, 

3 types of chicken, and shrimp. It also includes a bowl of veggies. 

Course 4: Dessert! Chocolate Fondue at it's finest! Choose a chocolate 

variety (we got the turtle with milk chocolate, caramel, and pecans!)

Seriously, find a Melting Pot location by you because it's amazing! 

Moral of this story, I love chocolate, but not nearly as much as I love this guy!

Thanks for 2 unforgettable years and countless more to come! 

Marriage {my views}

Gay marriage is the hot topic these days and you can easily read posts, articles, etc. on both sides of the table.

This topic is something that I have concerns about so I decided to make my feelings known on my blog. It's not written out on my Facebook feed so it's your choice to read it.

First of all, this needs to be understood: I have friends and family who are homosexual. I love them all dearly. They will always have my love. That does, however, not mean that I support or condone how they choose to live their lives. Just like I do not support a drug user. I still love them, but I don't support the way they've chosen to live their life.

Marriage is not a civil right. It is a contract and agreement that people make. Specifically a man and woman.

Religious
Many of you may, or may not know that I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS or Mormon). I deeply love my religion and my relationship with God and Jesus Christ. If you really know me you know that I never push my religion on others. I am however, an open book if you ever have questions about what Mormons believe. I have MANY close friend and family members who are of other faiths and I have always loved learning about what they believe.
The LDS faith teaches that marriage is between a man and a woman. It has been that way since the beginning, and is ordained of God. Any other form of marriage is not acceptable to God. Many people know that stance because it is often thrown around in the media in an attempt to belittle the LDS faith. We are not the only religion that believes marriage is between a man and a woman. The LDS church does not condemn same-sex attraction, rather it has done a lot to help it's members understand same-gender attraction and remain worthy members of the faith which they chose.
"We join our voice with others in unreserved condemnation of acts of cruelty or attempts to belittle or mock any group or individual that is different – whether those differences arise from race, religion, mental challenges, social status, sexual orientation or for any other reason. Such actions simply have no place in our society." - taken from a statement of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints given in October 2010. Continue by watching or reading here..

For a great story of a LDS man who is homosexual please visit: Josh Weed

Non-Religious
Although my religion is a large part of why I believe the way I do I want to point out some non religious aspects of my defense of traditional marriage.

First of all, I think that when this door opens up, many other doors will open too. Such as someone who wants to marry their pet, or have more that one marriage partner (polygamy), or other types. These consequences will in turn reduce the value of marriage and what it means.

Marriage isn't just about being in love. Look at every arranged marriage out there. It's not about love. It's about posterity, preserving a blood line or inheritance, uniting families, kingdoms or any number of other things. Now I'm not saying that those are all right reasons to be getting married but what I'm getting at here is that marriage is not just about love. It is a contractual agreement between a man and a woman wherein the primary purpose is to create a family and have children.
Look at nature and (regardless of religious beliefs) how men and women are created or designed, it is for the purpose of procreation. That can only occur naturally with a man and a woman. It is the natural arrangement for things. Men and women are made so as to create children so life can continue.

Further, I firmly believe that in the best situations, it is vitally important to have a husband and wife, man and women, in the home to raise the children. As much as people may want to discount this, there are things that a woman can provide to her children that a man simply cannot and there are plenty of things that a man can provide to his children that a woman simply cannot. I do understand that sometimes a home with both a mother and a father is not achievable due to divorce or death. My parents were both single parents at one time, but I understand and support that the very best situation is to have a mother and father present to raise children.
Please read this article on the matter, I find it very enlightening.

I share these thought because I firmly believe that marriage is to be between a man and a woman and is ordained of God, that it is the natural state of life designed for creating life and raising children. Please read The Family: A Proclamation to the World.

You may decide to think of me differently for expressing how I feel, and if so then that is your choice. Or you can read this, take it for what it is, MY OPINION, and enjoy everything else I post about. I love each of you, regardless of your beliefs.

Please enjoy this quote:
“Our culture has accepted two huge lies. The first is that if you disagree with someone’s lifestyle, you must fear or hate them. The second is that to love someone means you agree with everything they believe or do. Both are nonsense. You don’t have to compromise convictions to be compassionate.” - Rick Warren

I guess I'm pretty violent! WATCH OUT!

Mike woke up yesterday morning and said that I was *hitting* him A TON in the middle of the night. Straight up punches to the face! Sorry babe! Like spring training isn't hard enough, he has to dodge his wife in his sleep.

Later, after my workout, I posted this:

Turns out that it was a good idea! You go AMANDA!!

As I'm about to leave for class I got this text:

I was so excited but he was KIDDING! WHAT? You can't play that trick on a tired girl!

This little gem has been my life saver! My poor little mouth is KILLING me! I still have my wisdom teeth and it's terrible because they are fighting through!

I'm so excited for my workout in March! Join me on instagram (@kelseyyeck) and do #6packmarch with me!

{source}

I hope you are all having a fantastic Thursday and get ready for a fun post because Mike and I are heading to BOISE!!! I can't wait to be home, even for a short trip!

Is this seat taken??

2 years ago today, January 10th, I walked to class while most likely cursing the cold, biting weather. I walked into the Martin Building and up to room 455. I saw a seat with lots of leg room and asked the guy sitting next to it if it was taken. As most of you know, it wasn't. 

We got to talking, introductions and how I forgot to take the quiz. (Maybe that should have been his first clue that I wasn't in love with school.)
After class we stood up and I realized that this cute guy was pretty dang tall. So we kept talking as we walked from the building. We went our separate ways and I wasn't sure if anything would come of it. (I mean I kinda hoped -- Did I mention how tall he was?)

(First BYU Athletics event - there were so many more to come!)

I can't believe it's been 2 years since I met the man that would change my life. It's even crazier that I've been married to him for 18 months of these past 2 years. It's been a whirl wind of ups and downs but I look back on this day and thank the Lord that I added that class, that I sat next to him, that I was outgoing enough to talk to him, and that he kept saving me a seat.

(First Valentine's Day)

Mike, thanks for always leaving a seat open for me. I've loved being by your side for these amazing 2 years and I can't wait to see where the rest will take us. I love you!

(one of the first married kisses!)

Life is busy, don't let love lose!

As I look at the life of most people my age I see girls dating and having fun with roommates. I do all of that too but maybe a little bit differently. My dates are all with the same sexy man and he doubles as my roommate.
Michael and I got married about 9 months ago on July 7th, 2011.

We are having a blast learning how to be married and STUDENTS! It's proving to be a difficult task but we have fun laughing at all the mistakes we make.

I'm a firm believer that no matter what stage you are at in marriage you need to be constantly dating your spouse! Weather you are newly weds or 85 years old, dating or courting is always important.

So put away the phones, video games, tablets and all other electronics and have some quality time together!

Here is a list of some of our favorite activities that don't break the bank:

Indoor Camping: Open the windows and turn on the fan to make if cold just like outdoors. Turn off the phone, light some candles, make foil dinners and bake them, get all of the s'more fixins out, climb into the tent and let the night take you away. Talk together, maybe do a little more. ;) Share this time and make memories of your own. You won't soon forget!

Go for a Drive: I'm partial to trucks but what ever vehicle you have will suit. Grab a coke and just drive. Take some back roads, even drive through neighborhoods and look at houses you will never be able to afford. Trust me, it's fun just to dream. And these drives sitting next to your sweetheart will spark great feelings and great conversations.

Dance: This may take you back to a favorite date together or your wedding day, either way you will be connected in a very special way. It doesn't matter what song is on or if you have two left feet. We prefer dancing after dinner in our tiny kitchen. It keeps us so close and there is just something about that spontaneity.

Go Dancing: This may be hard for some of you but for us it turned out amazing! I love to dance but my husband is a little shy in that area. He always promised to take me so for valentines he made a promise and the next Saturday we were at a country dance hall. At $4 per person I didn't feel too bad. It included a mini lesson which was helpful. He ended up loving it and we're planning our next time.
Check out this link and maybe find a place to dance around your home: USA Country Dance

Window Shopping: You don't really have to be looking  in the windows but just walking around a mall, preferably an outdoor mall can be very relaxing. Point out shops you like or even people watch. It's surprisingly fun!

Have Lazy Days: We love this. It's usually just a Saturday morning when we can lounge a little. Maybe the morning after your kids are sleeping at grandma's or the neighbors. Take this time to make breakfast and then get back in bed. Laugh together, reminisce about your dating days. Clothes are optional!

Go for a walk: Hand in hand, whether you have the kids with you or not. Just walk together. Let the kids walk ahead a little. This will be great family time, get you family OUTSIDE, and just holding you loves hand will bring you closer.

Read together: This can be before bed or on a Sunday afternoon. Find an interesting article, blog, religious materials, or anything and just read together. It will give you a good chance to discuss the topics and your feelings about things you may have never thought of otherwise.

Go Home Shopping: No, don't call a realtor, I mean for things inside the home. Go to Sears, Home Depot, RC Willey or any other stores and just dream. He will love looking at grills, lawn mowers, and all other things MAN! Then head over to the sofa section and relax on some of your dream seats. I think you will both enjoy the kitchen section with amazing ovens, stoves and dishwashers. Can you tell I love to dream?? Don't get me started on the washer/dryer section. My husband has to drag me out!

Make Dinner: Together! Pick a recipe and have fun sharing the kitchen. Put your husband in charge of parts that he will be great at. Chopping always makes them feel manly! Then maybe light some candles and eat together.

Board Games or Card Games: Get on the floor and play. Maybe invite another couple over and see what fun you can create!  New games and plenty of laughs will make this a repeat night.

Bowling: May get a little expensive but look for deals at your local alley. Sometimes they'll do a weekend date night deal.

TV Series: Find a series you will both like and get watching. You can find a lot of great instant shows on Netflix and you can even get a month free trial. Have fun watching and talking about the show. If you catch up then find out when it plays on TV and make that time a date time. You will look forward to that day every week.

Outdoor Games: You can take the kids for this one of you want. Grab a basketball, Frisbee, croquet set or any of your favorite toys and head to the park. Just have fun and most of all, laugh!

Go swimming: This can always add a little fun or steam to your relationship. Hit a pool that's open late on a week night when it won't be as crowded.
 
Now for those kids-- I gave you some ideas already but make sure you are getting time alone. Marriage needs constant attention and as your lives get more and more complicated it will start to take a back seat. Make sure that doesn't happen. Your kids will be a constant focus but your marriage should be too.
Tire the kids out during the day you have something planned and put them to bed early. On a weekend make fun beds in a bonus room with lots of blankets, some 'clean' snacks and favorite movies. They may still come running but you will get some time alone.
I know it can get expensive but spring for a babysitter sometimes. And when your oldest gets old enough teach responsibility and helping out by sitting the younger ones often.



The possibilities are endless but you only need to remember one thing! Get some time alone to work on you two and remember why you love each other! Never be afraid to talk about your relationship! Fall in love all over again! And over again and over again!