Can Opener

In 2004, I made a wedding time capsule.

Yes, a wedding time capsule. Let me explain:

I vaguely remember putting together this time capsule at an all-girls church activity. I thought it was completely ridiculous. We assembled a few crafts and filled out some surveys, put them in a large can, glued on a label, and sealed them up. I then threw the can in my closet and didn't think about it again.

Since moving home after graduation, I found the time capsule can, but chose to ignore it.

About a month ago, Josh was in my old room and noticed the can. He was excited to see what was inside, however, I was sure the contents would be super embarrassing and I was horrified by the idea of him seeing them.

Now that we're engaged, I decided to bite the bullet, pull out the can opener, and we ventured into the can together.

The contents:

A list of my future husbands MUST HAVE qualities-- the first attribute on the list was "return missionary" because they are "HOTT!". I also included faithful, patient, lovable, fun, cute, and a faithful church goer. Josh has all of these qualities AND he's hott, so lucky me!

A list of my future children and their names--I will be having two boys with ridiculous names and a daughter named Natalie.

It also included a selection of wedding colors, a picture and sketch of a wedding dress that I liked (it looks nothing like my actual dress), and a few articles on making a marriage successful.

The best part of the time capsule was a letter from my bishop at the time, which included current events from the year 2004 (gas was $2.15 a gallon!). He also sweetly articulated the importance of the milestone I am now embarking on, and expressed his love for me. On Friday night (two days ago), Josh and I saw this former bishop at the temple. I was so excited to show off Josh and share our plans to marry in that very temple in a few short months.

Now that I've opened the time capsule and read the letter he wrote me, that encounter seems so much more significant. I feel as though I have accomplished a major goal that I set for myself 8 years ago, and I am so grateful that Josh is the one holding my hand as we take the next steps into the unknown.

This wedding time capsule seemed so ridiculous at the time (and still seems pretty ridiculous now), but I'm glad that I kept it and that I got to have the fun experience of opening it with Josh!