Fourth Anniversary

I think that my heart cannot grow to love you any more than it already does, and then I am surprised when I discover a deeper commitment than ever before.

Happy fourth anniversary, my One and Only.

First

Second

Third

At least I called them on time

I meant to post my congratulations yesterday for my wonderful parents' anniversary (though, ever a diligent daughter, I did remember to call them!). Not that they read my blog or anything. My mother's comprehension of computers stops just short of the "power" button. However, my father is savvy enough to figure out and become enamored with Google Earth. I particularly loved the phone call that I received, when he stated, "I'm looking at your house!"

Adorable.

So, happy anniversary, Stella and Stanley*

Love, Tiny

*No, not their real names, but, uhhh...you had to be there.

Third Anniversary

Three years today, Husband and I wed. Surely the honeymoon phase must be over by now, but it still feels like we joined hands and bowed heads and made our promises only yesterday.


Because you still make me laugh until I cry; Because you always surprise me with your talents and intelligence and kindness; Because I think you're still just about the cutest thing on two legs...

I love you, my One and Only. Happy anniversary.

A Quarter of a Century

Once upon a time, there was a slender, blue-eyed woman who had all but given up on the idea of ever getting married. She was contracted to shampoo the carpets in the home of a local farmer, a bachelor thirteen years her senior.

They found common ground. The bachelor's father had taught the woman history during high school. Their families lived in neighboring small towns, and they realized they had once even attended the same party with their parents, though he talked with the adults in one room while she sat at the kids' table in the next. She thought he was very shy, but kind. He thought she looked nice in jeans.

So they went on a date. One date. And then she left for California for a month, journeying with her sister and brother-in-law to his Army Reserve base and gazing at towering redwood trees along the way, all the while figuring that the bachelor would have completely forgotten her by the time she returned.

But he didn't.

They got married in her church with just their immediate families in attendance. And then they had a daughter. And they showed her how to love quietly and generously and completely.

And a quarter of a century later, after years of laughter and tears and pain and joy, the little family celebrated the marital accomplishment together.

Happy 25th anniversary, Mom and Dad.

Second Anniversary

Today is Husband and my second wedding anniversary. Two years ago today I was already awake, showered, and driving to the hair salon to meet up with the rest of my bridal party. Two years ago today Husband was...probably still sleeping. It takes so much effort to be a woman.

This past year has not been the easiest, but it has been filled with joy and laughter and new experiences. The first year of our marriage we lived in a one-room dorm. The second year of our marriage we lived with my in-laws. I'm not sure if this is a step up or down, but we can at least now call ourselves homeowners. Maybe the renovations will be complete and we'll actually be living in our house by our third anniversary. We both settled into our jobs, me as an editor and Husband as a systems administrator. Our immediate families struggled with health issues, and continue to struggle. We celebrated many weddings and birthdays and milestones with beloved friends and family and mourned the loss of others. But most importantly, we continued to grow as two individuals and also as one complete unit. Our relationship expanded and developed in new, fresh ways while remaining blessedly familiar.

My life would not be complete without Husband. I am a better person for knowing and loving him, and my hopes for the future are bright. With him, I can continue to get up in the morning and go to bed at night; I can continue breathing and my heart can keep beating. With him, I am happy as the moments slip away.


This image was taken by Amanda Duchemin Photography at my redhead cowgirl's wedding in April. Please visit Amanda's site, view samples of her amazing work, and book her for your next event, because she is such a wonderful person on top of being fabulous and talented!

First Anniversary

July 14 signifies Husband and my first anniversary as a married couple. We made it through an entire year without one suffocating the other with a pillow as he or she slept, without any police intervention whatsoever, and without seriously contemplating divorce. Many people say that the first year of marriage is the hardest. Others disagree and say that they hit their rough patch several years after that blissful honeymoon period. I don't know if a difficult time of disagreements is coming, but it certainly has not been during this past year.

During our first year of marriage, Husband and my living situation was quite unique and a bit sadistic: we were forced to spend almost the entire year locked together in a one-room home. If he was playing Grand Theft Auto IV, I was three feet away watching television. If he was pounding away on his oversized, loudly whizzing computer, I was three feet away watching television. If he was sitting on the bed playing his DS...well, you get the idea...I watched a lot of television and our room allowed for about three feet of personal space... Still, he commuted about an hour to work both coming and going and I didn't feel I got to see enough of him until we started working at the same Big, Fancy University.

We don't always agree, but we can always come to a compromise. He doesn't always complete tasks on my time schedule, but everything always gets done. I am not always calm, cool, and collected (okay, I'm rather anal about...everything), but he can always make me laugh and remember to breathe deeply and enjoy the moment.

So thank you, Husband, for making me feel like the best wife in the world, even when I'm not acting like it. I love you very much; here's to a countless number of years that are ahead of us. I can't wait to experience them with you.