I realized this morning that I hadn't mentioned what I did for Brian's birthday present. So here is the story.
On January 1, I got on a cleaning kick. As I was working on deep cleaning and moving furniture around in my bedroom, I got tired of stepping over Brian's box of memorabilia and military stuff. I was going to shove it under the bed (where it belongs) but noticed some of the letters I had written to him when we were dating and engaged (there was no such thing as email back then). As I was going through letters, I also found a bunch of letters from his friends in the military. I wondered where some of them were and wondered if I could find any of them. So I decided that for his birthday, I would find as many friends as I could to surprise him!! He hasn't talked to any of them for 19+ years!!!
I got started by searching on FaceBook. Then, if that didn't yield results, I went to Google. I was surprised at how easy some of the people were to find! I spent several days searching and writing emails and even calling a couple of people. I asked everyone to email Brian to wish him a happy birthday.
On Sunday, when I picked Brian up, I wasn't completely sure how I was going to give him the surprise. I decided to let him read my journal entries. Which is totally unlike me. NO ONE reads my journal!! I opened my journal to the 1st and let Brian read that day and several more. His jaw dropped, his eyes got big and he was completely shocked!! Names he hadn't seen in years jumped out at him- Holly, Kim, Jose, Bob and more.
The best part was when he read about how I found his best friend (and best man at our wedding) Evan. We've looked for him over the past 18+ years without any success. With the help of a woman I don't even know, I found Evan!!! I chatted with him on Facebook for awhile. I arranged for him to call Brian while we were on our way home from the airport. So I was driving and the phone rang. I told Brian it was for him. They were able to talk for about 20 minutes and catch up a tiny bit. They'll have to spend a lot more time than that to really catch up!!
That evening (Sunday the 9th) he went on his email and found dozens of birthday wishes from family and friends. He was surprised again! He had no idea how many people knew it was his birthday.
I'm so glad the idea came to fruition and I was able to give him something that will last a lifetime!!!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
January 10, 1992
Dearest Brian,
It was so wonderful to be able to hear your voice again today. How I miss being able to be in your arms and look in your eyes. I miss your touch and your arms around me when things aren't going right. I long to be with you now. But I know the next time we are together it will be forever. You are always in my thoughts. I think of you all day long and dream about you at night. I love you so very much! It's hard to be away from you even for the 6 short weeks before the wedding. I know it's only a short time but time is dragging by so slowly it seems like eternity! My love for you is eternal and on February 15th my entire being will be yours FOREVER. That day can not come soon enough. How I wish it was tomorrow.
You are everything to me. I love you with all my heart, might, mind and strength. I miss you madly.
Love forever
Jane
My Dearest Love,
I hope all is well with you. I count only 38 more days left untill the best day of my life. I sit here and stair at your picture and want you to know of the hold you have on my heart. There have been missunderstood times in my life when I though I know love. I know now that you are, with no doubts inmy heart and soul, the only love I have ever known.
I receved your letter today, about you being sick, I wish I were there too. I'm glad to hear that you like the apt. better now that it's cleaned out. I'm also glad to hear that you are all moved in. That will make it alot easer for me to move up there. I hate moving! but would suffer anything for you!
Well today I got tired of worring about going and getting fireweed so I bought my mother and father a cord. I figured out that I would spend about the same amount going and getting it as I would bying it. Well I don't have much else going on here so I'll say good night for now. "Good night for now."
Love Always and Forever
Brian
It was so wonderful to be able to hear your voice again today. How I miss being able to be in your arms and look in your eyes. I miss your touch and your arms around me when things aren't going right. I long to be with you now. But I know the next time we are together it will be forever. You are always in my thoughts. I think of you all day long and dream about you at night. I love you so very much! It's hard to be away from you even for the 6 short weeks before the wedding. I know it's only a short time but time is dragging by so slowly it seems like eternity! My love for you is eternal and on February 15th my entire being will be yours FOREVER. That day can not come soon enough. How I wish it was tomorrow.
You are everything to me. I love you with all my heart, might, mind and strength. I miss you madly.
Love forever
Jane
My Dearest Love,
I hope all is well with you. I count only 38 more days left untill the best day of my life. I sit here and stair at your picture and want you to know of the hold you have on my heart. There have been missunderstood times in my life when I though I know love. I know now that you are, with no doubts inmy heart and soul, the only love I have ever known.
I receved your letter today, about you being sick, I wish I were there too. I'm glad to hear that you like the apt. better now that it's cleaned out. I'm also glad to hear that you are all moved in. That will make it alot easer for me to move up there. I hate moving! but would suffer anything for you!
Well today I got tired of worring about going and getting fireweed so I bought my mother and father a cord. I figured out that I would spend about the same amount going and getting it as I would bying it. Well I don't have much else going on here so I'll say good night for now. "Good night for now."
Love Always and Forever
Brian
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Happy 43rd Birthday Brian!!!
Today has been pretty much perfect!!!!! I picked Brian up at the airport and we came home to our very excited children. Brian showered, got dressed and we all went off to Church!
After Church, we enjoyed a prime rib and crab leg dinner for his birthday. It was excellent!! He invited our neighbors over so we had a great evening with company. Our children all played together without any mishaps. That's amazing in itself!!!
Jet lag finally hit Brian around 8pm. We had prayers, sent the children off to bed and Brian took himself to bed, too. I'm not sure there is any possible way the day could have been better!!!!!
After Church, we enjoyed a prime rib and crab leg dinner for his birthday. It was excellent!! He invited our neighbors over so we had a great evening with company. Our children all played together without any mishaps. That's amazing in itself!!!
Jet lag finally hit Brian around 8pm. We had prayers, sent the children off to bed and Brian took himself to bed, too. I'm not sure there is any possible way the day could have been better!!!!!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
January 8, 1992
Brian sent me a card on this date.
The outside-
I wish I didn't think about you so much when we're apart...
(inside)- ...but sometimes, my heart won't leave my memory alone!
Dear Jane,
I had a nice suprize in the mail yesterday. I got my tax return, finily. So here is something for you do with it as you wish. I went and payed for our room down at the Gold Beach Resort also.
Me and Jenn went yesterday and got a little firewood. I did most of the work she did alot of watching. But thats all right I didn't take her to help anyway. I just didn't feel like going alone.
Well my love I do miss you very very much.
Love Always and Forever
Brian
The outside-
I wish I didn't think about you so much when we're apart...
(inside)- ...but sometimes, my heart won't leave my memory alone!
Dear Jane,
I had a nice suprize in the mail yesterday. I got my tax return, finily. So here is something for you do with it as you wish. I went and payed for our room down at the Gold Beach Resort also.
Me and Jenn went yesterday and got a little firewood. I did most of the work she did alot of watching. But thats all right I didn't take her to help anyway. I just didn't feel like going alone.
Well my love I do miss you very very much.
Love Always and Forever
Brian
January 7, 1992
Here I am 2 days into this project and I'm already a day behind!!! I've spent all day cleaning and trying to get the house ready for Brian coming home tomorrow!!!
Here are the letters-
Dearest Brian,
I got the pictures today. I like the same one you do. I think that turned out the best. I'm sending that one back to you. Am I supposed to send the others, too? I will if you need or want me to.
Classes started today. Boy am I going to be busy! So far no homework but there will be plenty soon enough!
You mentioned that you wanted to give me a New Year's kiss. Just hold that thought until the 15th and I'll be more than happy to let you give me a real kiss!! :-)
39 days!
I wish I could just go to sleep or something like that for the next 39 days so that when I woke up I could be in your arms again. I get so lonely and wish you were here. I can't explain how much you mean to me. I love you so very much!
Do you like Root Beer floats? I got some vanilla ice cream and root beer today. It just sounded good and both ingredients were on sale so I couldn't resist!
I like your poem. It's simple but the picture it creates in my mined is beautiful! We'll have to create the real picture together someday.
I'm still wondering what to do with quite a bit of stuff here at the apartment. I brought my plants home from class last semester. I have no clue what to do with them. They'll probably all die now!
I'm feeling much better today. I felt a bit sick during clogging but anyone would with all that dancing around!! But I'm completely better this evening.
Well, I need to do a few things before I head for bed and it's getting later than I thought it was. So I'll go for now.
I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!!
Love for Time and all Eternity
Jane
(there were two letters in the envelope. I evidently didn't get one sent before I wrote another.)
Dearest Brian,
Another day of classes is over. Just 38 more days and I'll be in your arms forever. I can hardly wait!
I'm going to go ahead and put a phone in. I go nuts without it. I promise I won't call you more than what we've agreed to! This way you can call me instead of having to wait for my call everytime.
I haven't done much with the apartment. It's kind of a mess but I just haven't been in the mood to finish putting stuff away. I also don't know where to put it all! Oh well one of these days I'll get into a frantic cleaning mood and everything will be spotless!!
How do you like our pictures? I think they turned out good. I like our portrait better thought. I mean for an engagement picture I like the portrait better.
I got my work schedule today. I have 12 hours a week scheduled so far. My schedule is-
Mon.- 4-6pm
Wed.- 5-10pm
Thur. 12-2pm
Fri.- 4-7pm
I'm happy with that schedule. I'll have to get someone to work for me Friday the 14th since I'll be in Portland but that should be no big deal. We're always trading hours with each other. I'm glad I don't have to work Saturdays! My boss asked if I wanted to work on Sat. and I said no. I also don't have to work mornings which makes me VERY happy! Now we can stay in bed until 8 every morning!! Sound like fun? (oh, calm down!)
Anyway!
I got my paycheck today. I didn't pick it up before vacation. So that was a forgotten and unexpected $100+ to put in my account. I still haven't been able to pick up my financial aid money but it should be ready by tomorrow. I hope it is. Money is getting tight without. it. I haven't even bought my books because I don't have enough money. Sad situation! But like I said I should get the money tomorrow so no worries!
Well, that's about all the news for today.
I miss you a lot.
I love you even more though!
Love eternally,
Jane
Dear Jane,
I Love You!
Today was a very long day, as are all the days going to be this week. Today I got a nice thing in the mail. Even though it wasn't from you. I got the Living Scriptures first package. We have just finshed the first two tapes of The Golden Plates they are great!
Me and my mother had a long talk with your mother today, things are not well in your familys home. I just wish there were more that I could do to help. If you haven't spoken to your mother by the time you read this please call her. I would tell you but its not my place to say. I want you to know that no matter what I do that you don't like, I would like you to tell me. Anything. I want us to be abel to talk to each other about anything at all. Weather it be small or large, dumb or smart. And most of all I would like us to be each others best friend for always. You are now my best friend, my love, my light, my hopes. my dreams, my everything. my always.
Love Eternal
Brian
Here are the letters-
Dearest Brian,
I got the pictures today. I like the same one you do. I think that turned out the best. I'm sending that one back to you. Am I supposed to send the others, too? I will if you need or want me to.
Classes started today. Boy am I going to be busy! So far no homework but there will be plenty soon enough!
You mentioned that you wanted to give me a New Year's kiss. Just hold that thought until the 15th and I'll be more than happy to let you give me a real kiss!! :-)
39 days!
I wish I could just go to sleep or something like that for the next 39 days so that when I woke up I could be in your arms again. I get so lonely and wish you were here. I can't explain how much you mean to me. I love you so very much!
Do you like Root Beer floats? I got some vanilla ice cream and root beer today. It just sounded good and both ingredients were on sale so I couldn't resist!
I like your poem. It's simple but the picture it creates in my mined is beautiful! We'll have to create the real picture together someday.
I'm still wondering what to do with quite a bit of stuff here at the apartment. I brought my plants home from class last semester. I have no clue what to do with them. They'll probably all die now!
I'm feeling much better today. I felt a bit sick during clogging but anyone would with all that dancing around!! But I'm completely better this evening.
Well, I need to do a few things before I head for bed and it's getting later than I thought it was. So I'll go for now.
I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!!
Love for Time and all Eternity
Jane
(there were two letters in the envelope. I evidently didn't get one sent before I wrote another.)
Dearest Brian,
Another day of classes is over. Just 38 more days and I'll be in your arms forever. I can hardly wait!
I'm going to go ahead and put a phone in. I go nuts without it. I promise I won't call you more than what we've agreed to! This way you can call me instead of having to wait for my call everytime.
I haven't done much with the apartment. It's kind of a mess but I just haven't been in the mood to finish putting stuff away. I also don't know where to put it all! Oh well one of these days I'll get into a frantic cleaning mood and everything will be spotless!!
How do you like our pictures? I think they turned out good. I like our portrait better thought. I mean for an engagement picture I like the portrait better.
I got my work schedule today. I have 12 hours a week scheduled so far. My schedule is-
Mon.- 4-6pm
Wed.- 5-10pm
Thur. 12-2pm
Fri.- 4-7pm
I'm happy with that schedule. I'll have to get someone to work for me Friday the 14th since I'll be in Portland but that should be no big deal. We're always trading hours with each other. I'm glad I don't have to work Saturdays! My boss asked if I wanted to work on Sat. and I said no. I also don't have to work mornings which makes me VERY happy! Now we can stay in bed until 8 every morning!! Sound like fun? (oh, calm down!)
Anyway!
I got my paycheck today. I didn't pick it up before vacation. So that was a forgotten and unexpected $100+ to put in my account. I still haven't been able to pick up my financial aid money but it should be ready by tomorrow. I hope it is. Money is getting tight without. it. I haven't even bought my books because I don't have enough money. Sad situation! But like I said I should get the money tomorrow so no worries!
Well, that's about all the news for today.
I miss you a lot.
I love you even more though!
Love eternally,
Jane
Dear Jane,
I Love You!
Today was a very long day, as are all the days going to be this week. Today I got a nice thing in the mail. Even though it wasn't from you. I got the Living Scriptures first package. We have just finshed the first two tapes of The Golden Plates they are great!
Me and my mother had a long talk with your mother today, things are not well in your familys home. I just wish there were more that I could do to help. If you haven't spoken to your mother by the time you read this please call her. I would tell you but its not my place to say. I want you to know that no matter what I do that you don't like, I would like you to tell me. Anything. I want us to be abel to talk to each other about anything at all. Weather it be small or large, dumb or smart. And most of all I would like us to be each others best friend for always. You are now my best friend, my love, my light, my hopes. my dreams, my everything. my always.
Love Eternal
Brian
Thursday, January 6, 2011
January 6, 1992
I don't know why I'm nervous about posting these. It's a fun idea but I'm a little leery about what people might think. For the most part, my letters are chatty, every day stuff. Brian's are very romantic and poetic. I look shallow in comparison. I think that's what bothers me the most.
Oh well, here it goes.
I sent Brian a birthday card on this date along with a letter. As I try to keep this a "G" rated site, I'll not post the card. It's probably about a "PG-13". :-)
Dearest Brian,
Here it is Sunday already! School starts tomorrow. I'm really glad about that. Now I should have plenty to do. I'll be calling you later but I have a few minutes before I have to leave for church.
Do you like your birthday card? I liked it. I think I'll give you money next year. How does that sound? :-) I didn't think so!
Anyway....
It's time for me to head for church so I'll write more later.
I LOVE YOU!
6:25pm
Well, I meant to call you by this time of the evening but I got sick during church and have been worshiping the porcelain god in the bathroom every time I try to crawl out of bed. I feel a bit better now so I borrowed a neighbors phone and called Tami. She's going to pick me up so I can call you and tell you what a miserable day it's been.
Wish you were here.
8pm
It sure was good to hear your voice again. I miss you so much!
I'm feeling a bit better but I don't know how long it will last. I'm going to head for bed as soon as I'm done with this letter.
I need to be in your arms right now so much. I don't like being sick because I don't like people hearing me throw up but it's even worse when you're all alone with no one there to comfort you.
I am so in love with you! Have I mentioned that lately? Well, I'm sorry if I haven't. I should have!
I know things will all work out. Maybe not the way we expect them to but somehow they will.
I need to head for bed so I can get up for classes tomorrow.
Write soon.
Love Forever,
Jane
(Note- I've left spelling and punctuation as written in the original letter)
My Dearest Jane,
How I would love to feel your touch right now., How I would like to here your voice wispering in my ear. How I would love to look in your eyes. You are my one and only everlasting love. And soon you will be my lover devine. Time seems to pass in the slowest of motion. I can only wish that today were the fourteenth and tomorrow we are to start a new life together.
It seems as though every thing I do and everything I think has you in it. So there is still nothing that I do that I don't think of you. you are and always will Be My Eternal Love.
Today is Sunday and I had hoped to get this letter out two days ago, when it was started. I will give my testimony today in church but first I though I would give it to the most important person to me (on Earth) first.
I know that God lives and that Jesus is the Savior of my soul.
I know the Book of Mormon to be also the word of God.
I have very much to be thankful for most of all you.
My Father in Heaven loves me and I love Him.
My Mother has never let me forget who I am and for that I am forever greatful.
I Love you today, tomorrow, and forever.
I write this in the name of Jesus Crist, amen.
Love Always and Forever
Brian
I wrote you my testimony befor I went to church this morning. Now after getting up and bearing it to the branch I have this great feeling of calmness and spirit in my soul. I want you to know how much you mean to me you are my everything. I Love You! And will forever. I've decided that to write you a letter every would mean some letters only a page long, Or a long letter every few days. I think you would rather have a short letter everyday. So that means that befor I go to bed every night I will write you a letter. Good news there is a genral Priesthood meeting on the 22nd of Jan.
Love Always and forever
Brian
Oh well, here it goes.
I sent Brian a birthday card on this date along with a letter. As I try to keep this a "G" rated site, I'll not post the card. It's probably about a "PG-13". :-)
Dearest Brian,
Here it is Sunday already! School starts tomorrow. I'm really glad about that. Now I should have plenty to do. I'll be calling you later but I have a few minutes before I have to leave for church.
Do you like your birthday card? I liked it. I think I'll give you money next year. How does that sound? :-) I didn't think so!
Anyway....
It's time for me to head for church so I'll write more later.
I LOVE YOU!
6:25pm
Well, I meant to call you by this time of the evening but I got sick during church and have been worshiping the porcelain god in the bathroom every time I try to crawl out of bed. I feel a bit better now so I borrowed a neighbors phone and called Tami. She's going to pick me up so I can call you and tell you what a miserable day it's been.
Wish you were here.
8pm
It sure was good to hear your voice again. I miss you so much!
I'm feeling a bit better but I don't know how long it will last. I'm going to head for bed as soon as I'm done with this letter.
I need to be in your arms right now so much. I don't like being sick because I don't like people hearing me throw up but it's even worse when you're all alone with no one there to comfort you.
I am so in love with you! Have I mentioned that lately? Well, I'm sorry if I haven't. I should have!
I know things will all work out. Maybe not the way we expect them to but somehow they will.
I need to head for bed so I can get up for classes tomorrow.
Write soon.
Love Forever,
Jane
(Note- I've left spelling and punctuation as written in the original letter)
My Dearest Jane,
How I would love to feel your touch right now., How I would like to here your voice wispering in my ear. How I would love to look in your eyes. You are my one and only everlasting love. And soon you will be my lover devine. Time seems to pass in the slowest of motion. I can only wish that today were the fourteenth and tomorrow we are to start a new life together.
It seems as though every thing I do and everything I think has you in it. So there is still nothing that I do that I don't think of you. you are and always will Be My Eternal Love.
Today is Sunday and I had hoped to get this letter out two days ago, when it was started. I will give my testimony today in church but first I though I would give it to the most important person to me (on Earth) first.
I know that God lives and that Jesus is the Savior of my soul.
I know the Book of Mormon to be also the word of God.
I have very much to be thankful for most of all you.
My Father in Heaven loves me and I love Him.
My Mother has never let me forget who I am and for that I am forever greatful.
I Love you today, tomorrow, and forever.
I write this in the name of Jesus Crist, amen.
Love Always and Forever
Brian
I wrote you my testimony befor I went to church this morning. Now after getting up and bearing it to the branch I have this great feeling of calmness and spirit in my soul. I want you to know how much you mean to me you are my everything. I Love You! And will forever. I've decided that to write you a letter every would mean some letters only a page long, Or a long letter every few days. I think you would rather have a short letter everyday. So that means that befor I go to bed every night I will write you a letter. Good news there is a genral Priesthood meeting on the 22nd of Jan.
Love Always and forever
Brian
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Real Letters
In my cleaning efforts lately, I have come across a lot of old letters. Yes, real, actual, written-by-hand, sent through the post office letters!!! It's just what we did before the internet. :-) I came across the letters I had written to Brian during our dating and courtship (all 3 months of it). Today I went and got the letters he wrote me during that time. I've been enjoying going through them and re-reading them. Some of them are pretty mushy.
In honor of our anniversary that is coming up, I thought I would type out the letters that correspond to the day (letters sent on Jan. 6, 1992 would be posted on Jan. 6, 2011, etc.). Some days there will be a letter from both of us. Some days there will only be one. Other days there won't be any.
Look for the first installment tomorrow!!!!!
In honor of our anniversary that is coming up, I thought I would type out the letters that correspond to the day (letters sent on Jan. 6, 1992 would be posted on Jan. 6, 2011, etc.). Some days there will be a letter from both of us. Some days there will only be one. Other days there won't be any.
Look for the first installment tomorrow!!!!!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
5 Days!!
Yep, just 5 more days and Brian will be home on leave. He arrives on his birthday!! We'll get to celebrate with him unless he's sleeping all the travel time off! His flights aren't so bad this time around. Last time he came home, it took a full 48 hours of flight time and layovers to get to the airport where I picked him up. And then we still had 4 hours of driving from the airport in Salt Lake!!! This time, he only has 22 hours of travel time and he gets to fly into the airport just 30 minutes away! So much easier!!!
I think I'm going to go get some prime rib for his birthday dinner. Put it in the oven before church to let it slow cook all day. Oh yum!!! I've been having so many great ideas lately!!! Birthday present, dinner, who knows what's next!!!!!
I think I'm going to go get some prime rib for his birthday dinner. Put it in the oven before church to let it slow cook all day. Oh yum!!! I've been having so many great ideas lately!!! Birthday present, dinner, who knows what's next!!!!!
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