Eric and CJ Carter

I am a part of my favorite couple in all of history! My own!! Here's a little bit about us!
What are your names? 

Eric and CJ Carter

When did you meet?

Sept 2003

In 8 words or less, describe where or how you met. 

FHE group at BYU

What was your first date? 

BYU Homecoming Oct. 11, 2003

When were you married? 

MM

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DD

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YYYY

Where were you married? 

Seattle temple

How many children do you share? 

5

Getting to Know You!

When and/or how did you know you wanted to marry each other?

CJ-I was in the shower! And I needed a job that was better for couples, so that's how I started that conversation! Eric-Christmas break when I went hoe and I was compltelty miserable and I didn't konw why, then I was drviing somewhere with my mom and she asked if I wanted to go look at rings, and without even thinking I blurted out, YES! and that was it!

What is something that your spouse does (something they may not even realize!) that makes your heart skip a beat and brings you joy.

CJ-I love watching Eric teach! He is amazing! Eric-Its just when she looks at me with love in my eyes, and I can tell in her look and gaze that shes completely smitten with me.

What did you love about your spouse in the beginning that you still love about them now?

CJ-He was a master teacher then and now! He taught Sunday school in our ward, and the very first Sunday he remembered my name and called on me to read or something. He is still amazing with names and amazing at teaching! Eric-Her depth, her completeness, her wholeness

Other than your children, what is an accomplishment you are your spouse are proud of?

We ran a half marathon together to celebrate 13 years of marriage...13 miles for 13 years! It was awesome!

What is one of your favorite dates you've been on as a couple?

We love unique restaurant experiences! One of our favorites was Landry's in Denver Colorado, which came after a nice game of golf!

What's the best gift you've received from your spouse?

CJ-My husband threw me a surprise party for my 23rd birthday. It was THE PRICE IS RIGHT! No joke. there were 100 people, 6 contestants from the audience (me included!) vending machine candy bars to bid on to make it on stage, games with prizes for the winners and a showcase showdown. I won the double prize! A Jeep (jogging stroller) and trip to Paris (real trip)! BEST GIFT EVER! Eric-Letting me have one on one time with the kids to go on breakfast dates and movie dates to spend time with them one on one. Becasue really all we want to do is be together.

Why Marriage Rocks

What's one thing you love to talk about when you have nothing pressing to talk about?

Traveling.

Tell us about a trial you have faced together and how you feel you were successful in overcoming it, or what you have learned during it.

The changes that come from having children, either not having them when we thought we would, or the baby blues afterwards. Eric was able to be so patient with me and followed impressions from the Holy Ghost to move us forward together. We learned a lot of patience and how to really trust God and each other.

What makes your marriage unique?

Twinning is winning. Ever since we were dating we have been so alike in so many ways. It makes life really fun!!

What are advantages of marriage?

I think it is advantageous to have confidence in your relationship. We're more than just roommates. We know we have a partner to share life with!

What blessings have come into your life because of marriage?

Our children are a wonderful blessing. We have had great job opportunities and service opportunities that we've done together. Great extended in-law family support! On both sides! Eric-The assurance that I am loved as much as I love.

What miracles have you experienced together?

Being hired as seminary teacher was a miracle! Priesthood blessings to our kids, blessings of faithfulness to the law of tithing, protection and safety in our many travels, the opportunity to travel like we have!

Advice

What's a practice or routine you've established that keeps your marriage healthy?

Always telling each other everything! Another one would be making sure we have couple getaways-no-kids- fairly regularly.

What's one principle you think is important in a healthy marriage?

Delighting in the others happiness.

What is a positive influence on your marriage when things get hard?

The temple. Dating. Intimacy.

If you had time to talk to newlyweds, what would your greatest piece of advice be?

Selflessness and transparency!!

If you need a little marriage recharge, what's your trick?

Surprise the spouse, maybe its fowers, maybe a candy bar, maybe tickets to Celine Deon. Just find a little something extra and surprise them.

As you look into the future, what do you see that will help keep your marriage strong?

Focusing on the things that matter most and prioritizing elements of our faith.

What's the secret of a happy marriage?

Being all in, keeping it basic...I love you and I want to be with you everyday.

What is a simple marital practice you would share with a friend who may say they are facing challenges in their marriage?

Go on formal dates. Don't just hang-out, make a plan, get excited, go out for a night.

THANK YOU!!

If you have any other tips, tricks, testimonials or input you would like to share, please do!

We love marriage, and we always just want to be together.

"Marriage, in its truest sense, is a partnership of equals, with neither person exercising dominion over the other, but with each encouraging, comforting, and helping the other." (www.lds.org/topics/marriage)