Our 4th Anniversary!

If I could choose again, I'd still choose you!

Happy 4th Anniversary to my favorite person in the world!

Our Engage-aversary

Four years ago today, Trent and I got engaged!! It was an awesome day that still makes me smile to think about! It was just the two of us out there in the woods alone, newly engaged and on cloud nine! 

 

The proposal location

Soon after our engagement we each wrote our own version of that day from our point of view, so I thought I'd reshare them here today! If your up for some light reading...

Trent's Story

In all honesty, I had known for several months prior to our engagement date that I was going to propose. My mom had asked me back in May what I was thinking when it came to Kendra and I's relationship, and I told her that I was going to propose sometime in the fall after she had the chance to move to Omaha and settle in to her job. The date of September 18th came about because it was actually my late Grandma’s birthday. She would have liked that her birthday was the day we became engaged.

In August, Kendra and I went to the Adel Sweet Corn Festival, and I asked my mom to invite Kendra to a fake Birthday party for my uncle Jim and brother-in-law Russ on the 18th. Of course, Kendra said she would love to go. The week before the 18th, I had mentioned to Kendra that I would like to do some hiking at Dayton Oaks, a church camp that both my sister and I had attended as kids and I had actually worked at for a summer during college. Although Kendra had never really been hiking, she said she’d like to go. On September 17th, the forecast called for rain and a high of 55, really not ideal for hiking weather, so I gave Kendra the opportunity to skip the hiking (knowing she would still probably be willing to go if she knew I wanted to go) and she said she would. I packed up my backpack with some water, a camera, and of course, the ring.

We lucked out. When we arrived at Dayton Oaks, which is about three hours from Omaha, the rain had stopped. Wasting no time, we ventured off into the woods. The hiking wasn’t too bad, although some parts of the trail were pretty overgrown. Every once in a while the thought of what I was about to do would hit me and I would get a little bit excited. I didn’t really feel nervous at all… perhaps I was just pretty confident in what her answer would be! Finally, after thirty of forty minutes of hiking we came to the spot I had in mind called “The Top of the World”. The Top of the World is a point on the side of a hill where there aren’t many trees, so you can see the creek at the bottom of a ravine and across the valley to the hills on the other side (Very beautiful in my opinion). Since I had made Kendra carry the backpack (all part of my master plan), I told her I wanted to get the camera. With her back to me, I put the ring box in my back pocket and grabbed the camera. I had her go stand by the edge so I could take a picture.

The before picture!

I then had her come and stand by me and gave her a big hug. I told her how much I loved her and that I couldn’t imagine my life without her in it. I dropped to a knee and pulled the ring out of my pocket and asked “Will you marry me?”. She had such a happy and excited look on her face as she said yes and started crying. I got up and she was shaking. It was pretty emotional and very exciting for both of us.

The after!

After I had proposed we sat on the hill for a moment just talking and being excited together. I told her that the whole birthday party thing was just a rouse because I wanted her to be surprised (which she was). I had made plans to meet her parents and my parents in Boone for lunch so they could share in the excitement of our engagement with us. And we then went and told my sister and her family as well as Kendra’s family.

When we got back to Omaha, I gave Kendra roses (she’s the first girl to get roses from me) and I made us some pasta. As we ate, we tried to wind down from the excitement of the day, talking about what our future together will be like. As I sit here now, I don’t know exactly what my future holds, but I know it will be better with Kendra by my side.

Kendra's Story

I woke up on Saturday, September 18, 2010 and thought that I knew what was going on that day. I thought that I was going to be picked up by Trent at 8:30, we were going to drive to Dayton Oaks Camp, the camp that Trent spent a lot of time at growing up, to go hiking, and then we were going to go to his parents' house in Ankeny for a birthday party for his brother-in-law and uncle.

The day at least started off as I thought it would. Trent came and picked me up. It was a pretty gloomy and rainy day, but we weren't going to let that ruin our plans. And you can bet that Trent gave me enough chances to get out of going hiking, but I knew he really wanted to go and I was really excited about sharing my first real hiking experience with him. It was a pretty fun three hour drive there, just talking and singing with Trent. 

When we arrived at Dayton Oaks Camp, we got out of the car and went to the trunk to get the backpack out that had our water and the camera in it. I was kind of surprised when Trent held out the backpack for me to put on, but didn't think anything much of it because he pulled out an umbrella and said he was going to carry that. I thought that it would be better to carry the backpack on my back rather than have to carry an umbrella in my hand. So off we went.

We walked hand and hand down the path to get to the trail we were going to take. We passed different cabins as Trent told me about which ones he'd stayed in, what they were like on the inside, different maintenance he had done to them as a counselor at the camp, and a few memories he had of going to camp and staying in those cabins. We walked up to a circle around a campfire, and it was at that point Trent told me that that was the place where he gave his life to Christ. I was so happy and honored that I could be at that place with him and that he could share that part of his life with me. It was at that moment that I really realized how much this place meant to him and it crossed my mind that this could be where he asks me to be his wife. But, as Trent would tell you, I think about that he could propose to me pretty much no matter what we're doing, so the thought passed, and we started off onto the trail for our hike.

We walked down steep hills, around trees, and over creeks. I am very impressed with myself that I didn't slip and fall down a hill in the mud or anything! Trent told me about how he used to know the trails really well and how he and a friend of had even marked some of the trail that we were following. We hiked a while and ended up at a very beautiful creek. It sounded like the creek setting that you would have on a nature sounds alarm clock. After we left the creek we hiked up a really steep hill, and when we got to the top of the hill, I walked up to the ledge of the hill and couldn't believe, despite how wet and gloomy it was, how beautiful it was. We were on a very high ledge overlooking the creek we had just been at, as well as, trees as far as I could see across on the other side of the ravine. The place where we were at was called "The Top of the World." There was a sign nailed to a tree that said just that, so Trent told me to turn around so he could get the camera out of the backpack to take my picture (I didn't know at the time that that wasn't all he was grabbing out of the backpack).

I went and stood by the sign and Trent took my picture. I then went to try to grab the camera from him so I could get his picture by the sign, but he didn't hand it to me. Instead he put his arms out to hug me and told me to come over to him. He hugged me and told me he loved me and then he stepped back to look at me. It was then he told me that he knew for a long while that he wanted to marry me, and he might have said something else, but at that point I realized for sure what was happening and I think that I blacked out from the happiness for a second. Next thing I know he is grabbing something from his back pocket and getting down on one knee and the words "Will you marry me?" came from his mouth. And of course I said YES!! We hugged and I cried and I was so excited I was shaking. It was amazing. I then looked at the ring he had been holding and couldn't believe that it was mine! I put the ring on and couldn't stop smiling. I couldn't believe what had just happened, and that I was now engaged to the most wonderful man, the man of my dreams!

First picture as an engaged couple!

I went back down by the tree that I had just taken a picture by moments earlier and took the 'after' picture. I couldn't have hid my happiness if I tried. Trent and I then sat down and looked at the beautiful place we were in. I really wanted to just soak the whole thing in.

Trent then told me that the birthday party that I thought we were going to that evening was made up and that we were meeting the in-laws for lunch. (We were both getting in-laws!! lol) That was such a great surprise and I was so happy that we were going to see them and could share this great day with them.

It wasn't until we got to Boone for lunch that I really realized how special this day was. Trent's mom then shared that the 18th of September was her late mother's birthday. I was so incredibly honored that Trent and I could bring happiness to their family on a day that is usually a bit sad.

Engagement lunch with our parents!

After lunch, we had a fun time getting to go see our family members and share the good news with them. We went to Adel to surprise his sister and her family to tell them the great news. Trent's 3 year old niece filled us in on the fact that when Trent and I get married, I will be 'Aunt Kendra'. That was something that I hadn't thought about yet, but just another great thing that comes along with marrying Trent. We then drove to tell my grandparents, aunt and uncle, sister and cousins. It was great to share that news with them all!!

When we finally made it back to Omaha, Trent dropped me off at my apartment so I could shower and then I was going to go over to his apartment so he could "watch some of the Iowa game." But when I walked into his apartment, there were two dozen roses sitting on the counter, the apartment was romantically lit, there was music on, and he was making us supper. After a long and exciting day, it was great to sit with my now fiance and talk about the day as well as talk about what our future together will hold.

The whole day was just perfect. I was literally on "top of the world." I am so happy that Trent and I now have such an amazing memory together at a place that has meant so much to him throughout in his life. A place that was so important in shaping him into the man he is today. A man that I am lucky to be able to say will be my husband.

Happy 3rd Anniversary!

Happy 3rd Anniversary to my favorite guy!

The guy I choose every day. Who I pinky swore to love when we are side by side and when we are miles apart; when our lives are peachy keen and when things aren't going so well; when I'm pleased with him and when he really irritates me; when we're just hanging out and when we're busy. The guy whose ambitions and desires I respect and encourage and will always help him accomplish. From our wedding day to today and for the rest of our lives, he is my person, the one who I share everything with. I promised these things, knowing that it is God that is the foundation of our marriage, and it’s going to stay that way as long as we’re both here on Earth! 

I don't have anything "cool" to share this year. The last two years, our anniversary week has coincided with a big and exciting event. Our first anniversary was in the same week that we closed on our house, and our second anniversary was the same week as me finding out I passed all my CPA exams. This year, I don't have much exciting news to share other than the fact that we're still happy as clams, dealing with life as it comes at us, and we're looking forward to continuing to grow together during our next years of marriage and seeing what they have in store for The Fredericksen's!

Relationship Questions for Valentine's Day!

In the spirit of Valentines day, I thought it would be fun for Trent and I to answer the same questions about ourselves and our relationship and then compare them. We both answered the questions  separately without knowing how the other one answered and then I put them together below. My answers are in red and his are in blue. Some of Trent's answers really made me smile. It will be fun to go back answer these questions again in a few years and see how our answers have changed.

I hope you enjoy :)

What’s your spouse's  favorite food? 
I don't know if he has one... but I'll go with anything grilled...

Pizza… lasagna…

What's your favorite food?

I like melted cheese and bread :) I'm a big fan of pizza, though (most unhealthy things)

I'm not sure I have a favorite food... I like chips and salsa a lot... My favorite meal would probably be chicken breasts on the grill, baked potatoes, and a salad...

What’s your partner’s favorite band/artist? 
I'm going to go with Shane and Shane, but I'm not certain if he has a favorite...

I’d say Jeremy Camp

What's your favorite band/artist?
I have a few favorites... Jeremy Camp is at the top along with Casting Crowns and Rascal Flatts, of course!

I like Shane and Shane pretty well... but I don't know if they are my favorite... or if I have a favorite...

What’s the one thing (apart from you, of course) that they would save in a fire? 
Well, of course, Mattie... but other than that, his computer or guns...? I don't know lol

Mattie… our dog….  If Mattie was safe, I would guess her laptop since it has a ton of pictures and videos on it….  She really should back everything up…. 

What's one thing (apart from your spouse) that you would save in a fire?

Mattie, of course, but besides her, it'd probably be pictures (which are mostly all on my laptop) and my box of stuff that has to do with my dad. (Let's just hope the house never starts on fire. I'd never get out because I'd be trying to save too much stuff. I think I need to get a huge fireproof safe or something!!)
MATTIE!!! But, if she's safe, I would save KENDRA's laptop because I know she hasn't backed it up and there is a lot of important items on there! If she's already grabbed her laptop, I'd probably grab the box I keep a lot of things that have sentimental value to me in...

How many children does your partner want? 

2 (but I'm hoping that he'll fall so in love with our children, he'll want to have many more!)

10 --- sorry Kendra, that isn’t going to happen… 

How many children do you want?

I don't know an exact number (because I don't know what it's even like to have one) but I'll say around 5 or so.

MAX of two. NO TWINS :)

What’s your partner’s nickname for you? 
I thought it was Buttercup until I found out that he calls everyone that!

If she isn’t happy with me she calls me “Dear”… otherwise she calls me Babe a lot… 

What is your nickname for your spouse?

I call him all sorts of nice names like Honey, Dear, and Babe.

I don't really think I have a nickname for Kendra... I call her lots of different things, but I don't have a go to nickname really.

How long have you been together?

Officially "together" for almost 5 years and married for 3 years in May. 

I think we started dating in May of 2009ish…. But we had been friends and knew each other for a while before that….

Who said "I love you" first? 

He did. I was kind of in shock when he did. But I loved it.

I did… and she didn’t even say it back right away… 

Who asked who out?  

I think he asked me out right after I told him that I loved him... we did it a little backwards, I guess!

I asked Kendra out first.

Who kissed who first? 

I think this was a team effort, too!

She kissed me first…. She couldn’t resist... jk… I probably initiated the first kiss. 

Who proposed? 
He did. :)

I did.

I was pretty happy with the fact that he did :)

Who eats more? 

Probably me... I like food.

I probably eat more, but I eat healthier! 

Who chooses the movies you watch? 

It depends... He likes to watch movies more than me and cares what we watch, so probably him. (He always says I can pick though cuz he's nice like that!)

ME.  Kendra is easy going and is willing to watch almost anything…

Who is taller? 

I think he wins by a nano-inch when I don't have shoes on. But if I have heels on, then me.

ME

Who sleeps more? 

During the week, he does for sure! But if we had a sleeping contest, I am sure I would win!

ME

Who sings better? 

Trent by a long shot! But I sure try my best!

Kendra sings more often… but sometimes she is a little off pitch. 

Who is smarter? 

We each have our own things we're "smart" at!

...It depends on the topic

Who can't take a joke? 

He would say hands down me... but we both have our days.

Kendra….  She is a little bit more sensitive than I am… not in a bad way though…

Who's temper is worse? 

Haha. I'd say it's a tie!

Kendra's!

Who does the laundry? 

I do it more, but he occasionally helps. And, no matter what, I always fold (or I refold what he folds).

Kendra does more often than I do… but I do contribute….  I never fold though… she makes fun of the way I fold clothes, so I gave up on it. 

Who does the dishes? 

The dishwasher... but I know he thinks he deals with the dishes more than I do. 

We both contribute… but I think I unload and load the dishwasher more. 

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? 

He does, since that's the side of the bed that the bad guys would go to first if they came into our bedroom.

ME

Who is better with the computer? 

Trent for sure!

ME

Who mows the lawn? 

That's all Trent! I stopped mowing the lawn right when I moved out of my parents' house. :)

I do. I don't think she even knows how to start the mower!

Who cooks dinner? 

Trent most of the time... (But to be fair, it's because he gets home from work a lot earlier than I do). I'm pretty lucky to get home and have supper waiting for me most nights!

I do more, but only because I typically get home earlier than Kendra. 

Who drives when you are together? 

Usually Trent, but I will drive if he wants me to!

I drive more… but Kendra is always willing to drive when I don’t want to… 

Who has the nicer vehicle? 

We are fortunate to have two nice vehicles, but he has the newer car, so it's nicer. My car has unfortunately taken a bit of a beating in the 3 years we've had it.
I drive our nicer car…. But she drove the nicer of our cars before we bought our most recent…

Who had more kisses before your relationship? 

Well we've never sat down and figured it out, but I know it's not me.

Like kissed more people??  What kind of questions is this?! 

Who pays when you go out? 

Well, the money is both of ours... but we usually use Trent's card, and then I add on the tip and he signs the receipt... it's a team effort.

I pay, but Kendra usually figures the tip…

What is your partner’s most annoying habit? 
Leaving his clothes on the floor in front of his dresser!! It's like the limbo zone between him not wanting to put it back in the closet or dresser and not wanting to commit to putting it in the hamper!! Just put it somewhere that's not on the floor!!

She sheds…. 

What would your partner say is your most annoying habit? 
I'm sure his list of things that I do to annoy him is long, but I'll go with leaving dishes in the sink with water in them... 

I seem to leave a pile of clothes on the floor in front of the dresser… 

Who would play your partner in a movie?  
I'm basing my answer off of looks mostly. If it was just a normal person playing Trent in a movie, it would be this guy who was an assistant basketball coach at AWV last year. I always thought that they looked alike. I can't say if he's a good actor or not though :)
Just in case you were wondering, Trent is on the left!

And if I had to pick an actor. I might go with Chris Pine. He's in movies like the new Star Trek movies and Unstoppable. (And I guess I could play myself in this movie if they need me to!!)

NO one is worthy to play Kendra in a movie!

Who is most stubborn? 

We are both very stubborn...

KENDRA… she is WAY more stubborn than I am. 

Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? 

Me... Only because Trent is too stubborn and I get frustrated and just give in usually!

I would be… if I was ever wrong…. 

Who brings home the bacon? 

We don't eat much bacon... But I'd say whoever is getting the groceries is who brings it home.

Kendra is my sugar momma…. 

Who is more sensitive? 

Me - but he can be a pretty sensitive guy, too.

Kendra….  

Who is more likely to lose it in public? 
Heehee... Probably me! I'm not proud of that, though!

Lose what?  Kendra is forgetful, so she would be the one to lose something… 

Happy Valentines Day!!

Happy Second Anniversary to Us!

Today is Trent and I's 2nd Anniversary! (Insert cliché "oh how time flies" comment)

 

 

So much has happened in our short two years as The Fredericksen's and I'm so happy and grateful that I get to go through the ups and the downs of life with such a great man by my side. I am very excited about all that is yet to come in our future!

 

The week of our first anniversary we closed on our first house and the week of our second anniversary I found out I passed my final CPA test (not really an "us" thing, but it sort of is). I am looking forward to finding out what fun our third anniversary, and all the days leading up to it, will have in store for us!

 

Oh, Happy Day!

One Year Ago: Honeymoon!

This morning, my dearest husband reminded me that one year ago we were relaxing and celebrating our marriage together in Costa Rica. It was one year ago yesterday that we took off bright and early in the morning for our week long honeymoon. It was an amazing time and I can't wait to go on a nice, long, relaxing vacation like that again. We both definitly agreed that we would be perfectly fine with being there right now again this year!

Happy One Year Honeymoon Anniversary, Hunny! =)

Thankful: Day 29

29. I am thankful for my marriage. I know I was already thankful for my husband, but since today is our 6 month wedding anniversary (crazy!), I am thankful for our marriage today. I am so blessed to have found such a loving and wonderful man to spend the rest of my life with. It is so great to have someone to share my every day with and to also share the new and changing things that are happening. I am so lucky to have married a man who will put up with me and my not-so-perfectness and who has so much to offer. He is so hard working and confident and committed to what he's doing. He cooks and has supper made a lot of times when I get home from work, he cleans (even the bathrooms), he takes the trash out, vacuums and dusts, makes the bed, and he lets Mattie out in the middle of the night, all while loving me and being the best husband I could ever ask for. He is just amazing. I appreciate every little thing he does for me and I love him so much!
When I think of all that has happened in just this first 6 months of our marriage and all that we have already experienced and gone through together, it makes me very excited for all of the wonderful things that I know are coming in the next few months and years and even the little surprises that are going to pop up and catch us off guard. I know it's not going to be easy all of the time, but when I'm married to my best friend, it sure is worth it!