Wednesday, March 10, 2010

My Story, Your Candy ;)

One Memorial Weekend, a long long time ago, I arrived home from work and saw the most gorgeous guy sitting in my apartment. He was a friend of my roommate's boyfriend, and just arrived in Hawaii to begin his military career.

I dare not say it was love at first sight, but I was smitten.


We talked and hit it off immediately. I even ventured into the kitchen to cook homemade dinners when he visited.


He came from a good family and had so much more life experiences than the college guys I knew!
I made a note to myself:

He is the one.
Apparently he felt the same way too. We saw each other whenever it was possible, although he had to drive 45 minutes in traffic just to see me. Even through periodic overseas separation and all of his training in the field, we kept in touch and left messages on each others' pagers. Yes. Pagers. ;)
He eventually popped the question, so we chose a beautiful Spring day to get married.


And on March 18th in front of friends, family, and my wonderful Mother In Law, we exchanged rings.


Many thought we chose shades of greens for our wedding to embrace the natural surroundings. Truth be told, it matched his Army Dress Greens which helped us save money by not renting tuxedos.


Now don't get me wrong, it wasn't the white horse/castle/knight in shining armor sort of beginning. I was a young college student still in school and he was a low ranking enlisted soldier. We had a lot to learn!
We got through the hard times but celebrated all the good times even more.

 

And yes we even held true to our decision to have 6 kids: 3 boys...

 
and 3 girls.


Somehow we find a way to make each other a priority: a phone call, in-home date night, doing each others' chores, an inside joke that we laugh about in front of our kids.
While I don't have any of the answers for the perfect marriage, I do know that he and I strive to celebrate 40 years together as his parents just did, and 50 years together as my mommy and daddy would have if he was still here. What we do know is that God put us together and we have so much to learn from and with each other.

And that's the story...


 of how I met my Soldier.

Now you can celebrate our wedding anniversary with us!


Leave a comment here for your chance to win everything (plus some that I couldn't find a way to incorporate into the story) that was shown on today's posting, including Hula Anya and Soldier Ian who are on their way to jump into your box. You have until April 3rd to enter, I will randomly select one person on Easter to send this blog candy to.
*Please note: Due to postage and handling, if an international friend's name is picked (outside of Canada and the US) I will compensate with an online gift certificate to their store of choice. Thank you for your understanding!

{If you would like to post this in your sidebar, please take the picture above OR the Hula/Soldier Ian picture. :D}

Thank you so much for letting me share my story, have a wonderful and blessed day!
♥ and Aloha

119 comments:

terriavidreader (IN-USA) said...

What a great story, and so clever to get those items incorporated into it too! Happy Anniversary!

Eri said...

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww...thats so cute! One day, one day I will be able to write a cute story like that in my scrapbook, except I don't know if arguing over computers is quite as romantic, but it totally fits our personalities. But congratulations on your anniversary! I hope you have many more wonderful years ahead of you!

Rhonda Miller said...

What a sweet story. I love happy endings. Happy Anniversary. We just celebrated our 11 year mark on Saturday.

Amy said...

Happy anniversary! What a unique way to share your blog candy. I love it! Thanks for the chance to win!

fairie said...

Oh what a lovely story to share with us all. I'm so happy for the both of you. Happy Anniversary and for the many great years ahead of you and yours.

xoxo hugz
Sheng

Sunny said...

This is such a fun way to tell your love story. I really enjoyed reading it along with the yummy's you showed us. Happy Anniversary to you and your husband. Many blessings and joys to you.

MiamiKel said...

Omgosh, Joni! What a sweet, sweet story! I was getting all misty eyed as I read your "chapters" which are perfectly matched to your colors and gifties! What a charming story - I'm so happy you met "the man" and now what a beautiful blessed family you have! Happy Anniversary!!!

Maylee said...

Joni, that is the sweetest story and so well written! May God continue to bless your marriage! Happy Anniversary!

{{hugs}}
Maylee

Crafty In Carolina Stamper said...

Awwww, as a fellow Army wife, I loved your story, especially the part about using green to match his uniform =) Congrats on your anniversary!!

Mimi said...

What a sweet, heart-warming story. You are an amazing wife, mom, and crafter! Happy Anniversary!! and God bless you and your family!!

minerva said...

What an amazing story - even though it didn't happen for me, I'm a sucker for a happy ever story. May you blessed with a diamond anniversary life together, love your work, your blog and your inspiration both crafting and otherwise.
xxx

1LuvnMama said...

Awww . . . that is so sweet! Wishing you many more years together! I luv your story and so clever to add the CANDY to it. Mahalo for a chance to play!

bumblebee creations said...

Awhhhh... I love the way you have told us all your story! So Sweet too!! And what a candy to add to the story!! Congrats on your anniversary! I would love to be entered into your drawing! Thank You!

Annie said...

Joni you made me go all soppy and teary (yep I cry and happy stories as well as sad) again. what are you like.
I sincerely hope that you make to 60 years together or even more. What a lovely tale beautifully presented. sheesh I'll have to go and get a tissue now.
Thanks for chance to win, but the story was so lovely who needs a prize.
Ann xxx

**CrEaTiNgWiThAlOhA** said...

Love your story...thank you for sharing....Happy Anniversary to you and the hubster....blessings for many more...aloha my friend...Liann

Precious Memories Scrapbooking & More said...

Love, the way you incorporated the goodies to fit your love story! Happy Anniversary!

Michele's Hobbies and Interests said...

I love this story as it is a great LOVE story! Incorporating the items was aneat way to present it I did not expect it. Happy Anniversary!

Kimberly S said...

What a totally sweet story Joni, Happy Anniversary! What a clever way to mix your yummy blog candy with your lovely history together. I do have to say...Wow, 6 kids, you look so young! :)

Lelia Pierce said...

Awww, Joni...that was the sweetest candy story I ever heard!!! Happy Anniversary to you and hubby! May you have many, many more happy years together!

Hugs,
Lelia

Roni said...

Amazing Story! Happy Anniversary! Perfect way to share your special day! Thank you!

joni h said...

love how you incorporated your love story with crafting goodies! I could feeeel the LOVE!! Here's to many, many years of love and marriage! Kanpai! Okole maluna! Cheers!

WickedPixie said...

What an inspired, creative way to share your story! Congrats on your anniversary and I wish you many more in the future! :-)Traci

Melyssa said...

Aaaaa what a beautiful and creative way to share your story! You are so wonderful Joni and I bet your husband is just as wonderful! Congrats on your anniversary!

Jenny V. said...

Awww . . . what a lovely story. Happy anniversary. Thanks for sharing these goodies with us and your story. Please e-mail me your mailing address you were winner #2 on my blog candy. Thanks!

RiNNE said...

This is so sweet and creative! Your love story is amazing!! Happy anniversary!!!

Larisa said...

Happy wedding anniversary!!!
Many thanks for the chance to win this nice candy. I linked it on sidebar
http://larisa-raznosti.blogspot.com/
Many hugs from Larisa

Anonymous said...

What a sweet story! I love hearing others stories on how they met. Gives me hope! I have yet to meet my special someone yet. But still have hope!!!! Many more years of happiness to you both! :)

Rachel said...

OH HAPPY ANNIVERSARY.... AND MANY MORE!! What a sweet story!

☼ Cheryl* said...

AWWW Joni! That is such a beautiful story and you told it so well :) The candy looks fab, it's such a shame I am in the UK. I kind of hope someone in the usa and canada wins so they do get all the goodies!

Courtney said...

What a great way to share your story. I love it! I myself am married to a Soldier as well! You are offering some great candy. I have linked you to my sidebar. Thanks again!

JenRaff said...

That is the absolute cutest way to give candy ever!!! I am all teary eyed -- and that's not easy to do to me. Congratulations and blessings to you and your family!

Crystal said...

What a sweet story!!! Fate is a wonderful thing; it brings people together in some of the most unusual ways..... Hugs!!!!!

Country Mouse said...

What a wonderful story!!! Thank YOU for sharing, it made me smile!!! Love! (sighing)!! Thanks for the chance to win some awesome candy!!!!
Happy Anniversary to you both and I wish you both many more wonderful years together!!!

Melissa Craig said...

Cute cute cute! Happy Anniversary to the greatest couple.

Ardilla said...

Hi!
Nice to hear your story!!

Congratulations in your aniversary!!!!!

I put your candy in my site, so people can participate.

Chrissy's Creations said...

Awwwww what a cute and clever way to tell your love story. Congratulations. Wishing you both all the best. Hugs, Christine

Ashley Newell said...

Happy anniversary!!! How cute is your post!?! I love it! You're adorable!

Cara said...

Hi, Joni! Happy anniversary and many, many more years of joy I wish to you both! What a sweet story!!
Hugs,
Cara

Jennine Chambers said...

That is the sweetest blog candy I have ever seen! I too met my now husband in an interesting way. We had a long distance relationship for 2 2/1 years. He traveled most weekends 6 hours to see me. I love hearing about a good love story! Congrats on everything, the marriage, the kids and loving your life!

Sheri Gilson said...

Happy Anniversary Brown & Joni!!

bubbles32 said...

Happy Anniversary. I love the way you incorporated the items in your story.
I will put a link on my sidebar.

debbisdesigns.blogspot.com

Thank you

Debbi

Denimo said...

Hey Joni! What a great story! Sooooo sweet! Happy, happy anniversary and many more!!! And that candy of yours is pretty sweet too!!! Thanks so much for the chance to win it!

JPScraps said...

I love your story! So sweet. Wishing you many more years together. Hubby and I are at 21 years and we're in it till death do us part.

Valentina said...

Happy Anniversary and many more years together!!! What a wonderful story!!!
Thank YOU for sharing.

La Vikinga said...

Joni that's a very beautiful story!

Nice of you to make us participate in your bliss! I'd love to participate in your blogcandy and I'm one of thos foreign guests on your blog... Now also a follower and I have linked the picture of all the blogcandy on my sidebar.

La Vikinga

Jennifer said...

OmGosh Joni. that is a sweet story. It brought a tear to my eyes. With all the craziness that is happening in the world today it's nice to hear a beautiful story. God bless you and your family.

KymKreates said...

What a wonderful story! My hubby and I actually met on AOL 12 1/2 years ago and will be married 7 years on April 3rd. Happy anniversary!!!

Sarah Bennett said...

Joni- I absolutely loved reading of how you met your soldier! What an awesome tale of how your precious family started! If you don't mind my asking, how many years will you be celebrating? Hope you have a wonderful day together! Oh- and I LOVE your cute and clever way of telling your sweet story using your awesome blog candy! So fun!!

Big Mamma~ a.k.a. Mary S said...

How wonderful are you for such a chance. Happy Aniversary and many more to come. I have also shown your candy off at my place. Big Mamma's Stampin House.

gocanucksgo said...

Hi Joni! Such a sweet love story (plus it's true lol!!). Thanks for sharing it with us =) Keep up the amazing work =)

ails said...

Your story is sooo sweet and that's a very creative and fun way of sharing your candies! Your blog is inspiring!

I've linked your candy on my left sidebar to share the fun!

Thanks for sharing!

xo, ails

Tanya said...

Beautiful story!!!!Happy Anniversary Joni!!!!
Thanks for the chance to win this amazing candy!
Linked it on my sidebar.
Thank you!!!!

Debbi said...

Happy Anniversary, Joni! What a wonderful story--God is so good, isn't He?? How creative to incorporate your candy into your wonderful story!
I have posted your candy on my blog sidebar, and I am a follower, too.
*smiles*
debbi

Bobbi said...

Happy Anniversary! That was a beautiful story, thanks for sharing it with me. Thank you for the chance to win such great candy too.

Irena said...

What a lovely story. Happy anniversary.
Thanks for sharing these goodies with us and your story.
I've become your follower and posted your candy on my blog sidebar.
Thanks for the chance to win!
I wish you all the best!

Irena

http://fiferutka.blogspot.com/

Bumbles and Fairy-Tales said...

Happy Anniversary to you and your handsome soldier :) Thank you for sharing your beautiful story for us!
Sending lots of hugs and blessings to you and your family in celebrating such a wonderful milestone!
hugs, margie

Елена - Lepesto4ex said...

Congratulations!
Thanks for the chance to win! I will risk to participate... I have linked you to my sidebar on my blog Lepesto4ex

LORi said...

Oh Joni Girl!!! I LOVED reading that...you are so clever and you made me get teary eyed!! I loved your words, especially the part about God putting you 2 together!! I believe that too with Eric and I!! We celebrated our Anniversary on the 10th...I wasn't as clever as you to come up with an adorable way to tell our story!! Maybe next year!! All I did this year was make a little card!!

Happy Happy Anniversary and Thanks for the chance to win those awesome goodies!! Oh BTW, I loved seeing Anya and Ian...err you and your husband...Standing there together too cute!!

HUGS - LORi

BrendaLea, the Prpldy said...

Loved the story and how you incorporated the blog candy. I posted on my sidebar.

I also have a giveaway, stop on by and enter.

BrendaLea
http://prpldy15.blogspot.com/
prpldy (at) comcast dot net

Christy Carlson said...

Love your story! and Happy Anniversary! Thank you for sharing!

Sissi said...

Happy anniversary!
I'm a new follower and I posted on my blog:
http://blogcandychepassione.blogspot.com/2010/03/blog-candy-di-sticky-situation.html

hugs from Italy! :))

Anonymous said...

I love your story. My parents also met over Memorial day weekend, fell in love, and were married for over 40 years.

Happy Anniversary!

Dawn

D said...

That is the coolest way to share blog candy I have ever seen. What a wonderful way to remember all those years of marriage. Thank you for sharing both the story and the blog candy with us :)

Shirl said...

Thank you for sharing your story with us and also a chance to win a blog candy! What an ingenious way to share! :) Thanks again!

~* steph :) *~ said...

what a wonderful love story!! made me smile. thanks for sharing this with us. i hope that all is well. have a great day!! thanks for the chance to win your awesome blog candy. *hugs* and much aloha, steph :)

nikilynn said...

I'm a NEW follower... you have some fantastic candy!! LOVE how you told a story while showing your Blog Candy... that was brillant!!! I loved it!!! Thank you for letting me enter for the chance to win your yummy candy!!

Susan said...

VERY sweet and CONGRATS!! your giveaway is MAAAAH VO LESS!! I am following, and I am linking your giveaway also.
Thanks for the opportunity,
Susan

http://piecesoffatesusan.blogspot.com/2010/03/even-more-giveaways.html

Unknown said...

AWESOME candy Joni!
An even more AWESOME story! I love how you worked the candy in. Very clever!
Your blog and creations are beautiful also!
I have posted your candy in my right sidebar Here and I am now a follower! ;)
Happy anniversary!

Thanks for the chance to win some "Sweets"

Hugs,
True :)

Jo said...

Congratulations on your Anniversary!!! It's such a beautiful story, it's so nice to hear a wonderful love story in today's world. Thanks for the chance to win your blog candy.

Ksenia said...

Thanks so much for all of the wonderful goodies that you are giving away! Someone will be happy to receive them!

I have popped you in my sidebar on my blog http://miawoo.blogspot.com/!!

...i will be happy to win gift certificate...

carlz said...

awwww that's such a sweet story!! awww it's like a real life fairytale!! hope your anniversary is filled with buckets of love!

thank you for the chance to win!
hugs carlyann xxx

Pink Heather said...

You are such a fun writer to read. Very talented and clever. And generous. I hope I win your goodies. Thanx for a chance at them. My daugher and I were looking at that punch just last weekend. I think we'd use it lots.

Tarnished Rose said...

What a wonderful story! Happy Anniversary!

Smiles~
Marilyn
www.DollsEtc.blogspot.com

Glo said...

Let's try!! I like them, but living in Italy....I will use the certificate :)

Elenkin said...

Joni! I heartily congratulate you on such a wonderful event! Very happy for you! and thanks for the chance to win candy!
Reference to sidebar http://elenkinstar.blogspot.com/

Stacey Brucale said...

Cute Story! Thanks for the chance to win!

http://scrappinsquiggles.blogspot.com/

juli (sweetpz) said...

awwwww, i love your Love Story!! so sweet!
thanks for the chance to win your blog candy!

hugs and Aloha!
juli

Anonymous said...

Aww...if we all could be so lucky with a love story like yours! Happy Anniversary! Thank You for sharing..;) And to incorporate your blog candy into ur story! Thank You for the chance to win!! :) Gina from Cali...

Christina said...

What a beautiful story. Thanks for sharing!!

Melissa S said...

I love how you did the story! I married my airman almost 10 years ago. I understand the ups and downs of a military family. God Bless you, your soldier and you family. Thanks for the wonderful blog candy chance!

michib said...

What a wonderful story - thanks so much for sharing it with us.

Unknown said...

A lovely way to celebrate your anniversary with a love story and blog candy x Happy anniversary x I have posted your candy on my sidebar x (www.charitycrafter.blogspot.com) thanks

HazelQ said...

Aww beautiful love story! I like the way you incorporated the candy to your story. Thank you for the chance to win, I've linked the candy on my sidebar :)
Hugs
Hazel

irinka said...

I LOVE the way you told your story. Do you realy have 6 kids? How do you find time to create? What a woman you are.
And thank you for giving me chance to win your candy

Carole RB said...

Hi Joni
Happy 40th wedding anniversary and congratulations. I love your story. Thanks for giving us a chance to win this great blog candy.

Rufus said...

That is the best story! To think that it's true and you've lived it. Well, congratulations seems to small. It was great how you managed to incorporate (more likely picked to order!) most of the candy items into the story line. Hope that your anniversary is absolutely magical!
Thanks for the chance at your candy,
R/

Nikki said...

Happy 40th Anniversary and your Story is just Fantastic like your candy :) thanks for the chance and I've linked you in my sidebar
hugs Nikki

Ewik21 said...

What a great story, and so clever to get those items incorporated into it too! Happy Anniversary
Hugs from Poland Ewa

Tammy said...

Joni
This is the sweetest story!
In thinking of my own upcoming events I can only wish for a wonderful marriage like yours.
Congratulations Joni - Big Hugs

Lorus! said...

Happy Anniversary! May you be blessed with many, many more years of marriage! What a fun way to share your story. This will be a good memory for you and fun for us, your blog readers!

AP said...

Witam jestem Ada,która z e-mailem tutaj wpada
wara@poczta.forward.pl

kandistar said...

Happy Anniversary what a nice blog post to tell the story! Thanks for the chance to win this blog candy! *Candace*

Ira said...

What a wonderful candy.
So I wanna say thank you for the chance to win this!!
I linked you in my sidebar

Cindy N. said...

Wow! What a beautiful story. So happy for you both. Happy wedding anniversary! Wishing you so many more. Thank you for offering us some blog candy (and for the chance to win). Hugs.

Mary said...

What a sweet story! Happy anniversary to you both. Thanks for the chance to win the candy, too.

Anastasija said...

http://anastasija-cybina.blogspot.com/2010/03/3_9486.html

Create With Joy said...

Dear Joni

Happy anniversary - what a wonderful story you've posted!

Please enter me in your drawing - I've shared your candy with my readers on my sidebar at Create With Joy as well!

Today is the last day of my Good Eggs Giveaway - please stop by if you have a chance, would love for you to enter!

Hugs
Ramona
http://create-with-joy.blogspot.com

Gwen Crowell said...

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! Great post! Love the blog!

Sarah said...

Great story and great candy! Thanks for sharing :)

Sarah
untenuredteacher at yahoo dot com

Claude said...

I loved reading your story, thanks for sharing it with us. Happy anniversary!
I added your candy on my sidebar, thanks for the chance to win!

majsan said...

What a lovely story about you and your husband. True love!! Happy anniversary, and good luck with the rest of your life together... Hugs from Norway majsan

gandi said...

Happy Anniversary! We have been married for only 9 years, and we have "only" 3 children: 2 girls (3 and 5 years old)and one boy (2 months old). You have done really a great candy!!! Thanks for the chance to win!
Greetings from Hungary:
Andi

MoMo sprnany said...

Such a cute way to tell a wonderful story! Thanks for the chance to win!

Anonymous said...

Hi! Wonderful candy! Thanks for the chance to win!
http://kreadri.blogspot.com/p/candy.html

grandmalee said...

Congrats on your anniversary! Now you just need a finish to the story...One of the visitors to my blog loved my story enough to put on her blog: http://stampingwithgrandmalee.blogspot.com She loves the color green like I did for my wedding. Although she didn't marry a soldier, her daughter is serving in the CO Army Nat. Guard 220th MP Unit. She didn't have 6 kids like me, but she IS one of six kids. She also loves paper crafting as much as I do, so I know she will enjoy this awesome blog candy!!!!

Hope this story comes true!!!

Tindaloo said...

Happy anniversary! I absolutely loved reading your story :) Thanks for the chance in your candy, I got some too (small one) if u wanna enter :) I live in Norway, so if I should be so lucky, I'd choose greetingfarm shop - I love those cuties! ♥

Christy Carlson said...

Happy Anniversary! Loved your story and I'm linking your blog candy on my sidebar!

Sandra said...

Hi Joni,
wonderful Story and happy Anniversary to you!
Thanks for the chance to win some Candy!

Hugs, Sandra

Unknown said...

How fun! Thank you for sharing!

KarenB said...

What a fabulous love story. Congratulations on your anniversary. I've linked you up in my sidebar to share the love around :)

paperscissors said...

you have a real talent for storytelling in addition to your other creative papercrafting skills, what an enchanting way to post about your love and your anniversary ...trally 6 children! congrats on all your accomplishments. i am a follower!

rejoice said...

wow wow wow, how sweet!)
i'll take a chance, though i'm from Russia)))

WendyP said...

happy anniversary
what a wonderful story !!
hugs and smiles from Wendy in Australia

~Paola~ said...

Wow..what a great,sweet love story!!Happy Anniversary to you and hubby...
DH and I celebrated our 40th wedd. ann.
almost 4 months ago...and I still get butterflies. Love is a wonderful thing.
God Bless ,and thank U for the wonderful opportunity to win this great candy.

Paola
(SCS = Sama)
e-mail:allegra@shaw.ca

Melissa said...

What a wonderful love story, and such a fun way to tell it! I hope you had a wonderful anniversary, with many more to come!

~*Joni said...

THIS BLOG CANDY IS NOW CLOSED! :D THANK YOU EVERYONE!

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