Thankful Hearts Won't Be Broken For Pure Love Is The Greatest Token...

There are a few things that come to mind as I look at the title and try to figure out where to go from here. At this time there are a lot of things going on in our lives and I'd like to take a few minutes to explain our thankful hearts and how we are so blessed to feel love in so many aspects of life.
This weekend, memorial weekend, is such a special time to sit back and ponder the time we have spent and lost with our loved ones. Whether it was accidental, unexpected, or their time to go, whether it was family, a friend or someone you barely know, we go through life being very grateful for the opportunity we had to spend with that person, even if it was for a short time. We take the lessons we learned and try to apply their teachings into our very lives, whether it be for our own good or for someone elses. As i was driving into work this morning I was listening to KBULL 93.3. Every year at this time they play a compilation of music and quotes that remind us of the lives that are lost for our own good and freedom. It's a very touching arrangement and brings tears to my eyes everytime I hear it. Gin and I couldn't be more thankful for the sacrifice and love these soldiers display on a daily basis. Gin and I, like everyone, have lost some very influential people in our lives and we would like to take a quick moment to thank them for molding us into the people we are now.
In an earlier post I had mentioned Geneal's pure love for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am so thankful for that. As we have dated I have loved watching every minute of her as she follows the footsteps of the Savior. How did I get so lucky? She is everything I have ever wanted and more. As we have prepared for the wedding in this short time it has been such a blessing to witness the very hand of our Father in heaven. Things have fallen into place when others have doubted. It's a true sign that there is a plan for each of us and fortunatly, for Gin and I, our plans are beginning to merge. Geneal is the keystone that keeps me from crumbling, the crutch that keeps me from falling and the and the missing puzzle piece that completes me. I want her to know how thankful i am for her. Her example has led me into another direction and I love her so much for that. Thank you Sweetheart.
Our thankful hearts wouldn't be complete if we didn't take some time to thank our parents for all they have done in making sure this wedding is a memorable experience. Mom and dad Cahoon, we know times are tough and want you to know that the sacrifices you two have displayed have not gone unnoticed. We are forever indebted to you and can't wait to display our thankfulness over the course of this lifetime. Mom and dad Smith, thank you as well, not only for your help in preparing for this wedding but for the parents that you are. I am so blessed to be a part of such a special family. I am amazed at your abilities and can only hope that I become the type of parent that you two are to me. Also, we want to give a special thanks to our sweet siblings and for the sacrifices they have made. There are a number of them that have taken the time to help prepare, whether it be the invitations, showers, dinners or the reception. There are also a few that have taken time off work and are willing to travel great distances to be with us. Thank you so much for your sacrifices. We love you guys so much and couldn't be more thankful for the people you are.

Somebody Pinch Me...

As I sit here and wait for the wedding countdown to reach 9 days I figured I'd write a quick something. It's 3 minutes til we reach single digets and I can hardly stand it! I'm so excited! It's been a few days since I've seen Gin and it's driving me crazy. So much to do and so little time. I can't believe this is real but at the same time it's becoming more and more real as each day goes by. Gin is getting ready to go to a slew of bridal showers in the next week. I just got done cleaning out my closet and dressers so we have enough space for her clothes, the closet is nearly empty and so is the dresser ;-). My living room is filling up with gifts - thank you - and it's constantly reminding me that I soon have to find space for them. Although there is a lot of work to do from here on out, it's such a pleasure to think to myself that it's all worth it. I love Geneal so much and can't wait to make her my everlasting companion. 9 more days!

Search and Ye Shall Find, Ask and Ye Shall Receive

Gin and I have had the privelege of knowing eachother for about 15 years. Our families are really good friends and we have them to thank in allowing this moment to unfold. It's been a long 15 years and minus the ocassional bump in the road, we have finally connected at the level we all stive to be on. On March 21st, 2009, i decided there wasn't another person, ever, that could bring me the same joy Geneal had and I wanted to make it last for eternity. It was during her family pictures that I decided to "pop the question". No one was ready and it was all catured on camera.

Life begins here...

Hello all and welcome to Our Story! I'd like to start with a quick intro of myself and Geneal to allow you to get to know us a little better. I, Josh, was born on July 10th, 1980 in Salt Lake City, Utah to the best parents one could ever ask for, Matt and Cindi. I am the oldest of 5 and have lived in Salt Lake all my life, apart from a 2 year mission stint in New Zealand. I have a tiny family that consists of a dog by the name of Dexter. He is a Shepherd mix and one of the joys of my life. Other joys consist of all kinds of sports, especially the Utah Jazz, nature, and animals. However, none of those match up to the joy that my beautiful fiancee, Geneal, brings me. She is the joy of my life and the endless love I have for her is the most amazing feeling I have ever felt. Geneal was born on August 2nd, 1985, the happiest day of my life! She too was born to amazing parents, Doug and Esther and is part of such a wonderful family that I am so excited to become a part of. Geneal is the 3rd of 5 kids. Maybe that's why she's so confident and stands tall in all she does, she has the help of 2 siblings on each side to make sure she never collapses and folds. She's spent most of her life here in Salt Lake as well. The time that she was away was spent in Dallas, Texas and Jacksonville, Florida, serving an LDS mission. Geneal has many aspirations in her life but none are more important then being a true example of our Savior, Jesus Christ. She has touched so many lives with her darling personality and is a friend to multitudes.