Happy Anniversary to Us!!! hehe 8 Years!

EIGHT years ago today....I married my best friend, my hero, my soul mate, the man who challenges me in EVERY WAY, a gentle soul, my opposite, my match, my prayer partner, my cheerleader, God's pick for me, the man that makes me feel cherished. Yes, even after a lover's quarrel (or 10.. LOL) I can still stand back and say all that after 11 years together total. We even play beautiful music together- haha!! I'm not kidding - him on flute, I on the violin.

Some would say our journey has gone downhill since June 2, 2001 in testing our vows (in terms of health and for richer for poorer). They have obviously seen what they've chosen to see - the thunderstorms and obstacles on our married path, a path that started before our wedding day with Hubby's health issues. That's a story for another post sometime - that health journey (quick version: one that has lead to a Sub-Total Colectomy and ileostomy. Yeah, I admire the guy). But he is so much healthier now, Thank God!!

What some sometimes fail to see I guess, or love us enough to worry about, is that the thunderstorms have yielded refreshing rain to replenish us, taught us never take health for granted, love more unconditionally, help us grow strong and tall, and created a LOT of rainbows to brighten our days. Besides, who else finds a rainstorm and thunder a bit relaxing - it sure helps us cuddle more!

The obstacles have only caused us get stronger, rise up, cultivate faith, and appreciate all we love - no matter how their love and concern for us manifests. We know they care and want the best for us.

We really have a great time together. When you are married for 8 years, you have left that honeymoon stage (or at least we have some days lol - but it's been replaced with a new maturity? I wish I had a word...). Add two kids, long work hours, stress, and health ups and downs - it takes more work to be on the same page, and lots of forgiveness. We laugh a lot, and love spending time with our little girls. They prove why God has a plan for us being together. (If one ever doubts their marriage, look at your kids - their beauty - and know they were meant to be here and it took you both and God to create them. Don't give up yet!) We love having date nights (even if we just have them in our house, but sadly we've done less of that lately), and spending time together. We communicate very well. Do we ever fight? Heck yeah lol! I'm great at it :) I doubt we do it any more than other couples. The important part is we never leave in anger and can sometimes laugh at the situation. We bring out the best in each other. He is more quiet and reserved, and helps me (the louder and talkative one) calm down, take life in, and be a better listener.

(above: the first picture ever taken of us - 1998 - being goofy as pals)

We know we have traveled a hard road at times - but we face it with eyes open, firm faith, and quiet determination. We try to remember on our wedding day we stated: "In good times, and in bad. In sickness and in health. For richer, or for poorer..." I think sometimes some (like celebrities) forget that unconditional loves takes work, and embracing that aspect in one's relationship makes it that much more wonderful and fulfilling. Plus, you have a partner to share the journey.

(Above - first college dance ~ 1998)

Some would say our ship has not come in, but we feel it already has (most days lol). Life isn't about what you earn or collect, it is about what you already have. So to the naysayers who are stuck on that "incoming ship" we say tongue in cheek: Our ship will come in, but until then, we'll enjoy the view of the ocean!!!

I Love You Hubby. I can only simply say, "Thank you."

Below are more pictures from our last few years.....

(Above: Yes, the glasses and matching shirts are real. We were stylin in 1999 on our way to a picnic!)


(Above: but we clean up well for college formals!! ~ late 1999)

(Above - after we were married - we performed background music at a local ball)


(Above - 2004, after Lovely's birth, we still love playing together!)


(above: reliving our wedding joy by being in a wedding of loved ones!)


(above: our family so far - our greatest joy ~ 2008)


(Above: going out for a little celebration of us - 8 years of marriage!
June 2009 ~ still my cherished prince, after 11 total years)

Hubby - did I say I loved you yet? Happy Anniversary!!
Much, much, much love!!