Happy Anniversary!

Today is my anniversary! John & I got married 6 years ago today. On one hand it seems crazy that we've been married that long, but on the other hand it seems like even longer ago. So much has changed in our lives since December 7, 2002. John was still in seminary- his one exam was already finished because he had an understanding professor who thought of "no better reason" to miss exams than one's own wedding. I on the other hand was right in the middle of my exams & projects to get my masters/certificate at Samford. I actually had to take an exam the day we flew out! After our rehearsal dinner, my bridesmaids and I watched Father of the Bride together, and then my maid of honor & I went upstairs to tag-team-tackle a lesson plan unit that my dad then ran out & mailed before the wedding! Seriously. It was horrible. Most brides have sleepless nights due to nerves or excitement before the wedding. Mine was due to finals!

But we survived and had a beautiful wedding day. I actually think the stress of the semester was beneficial to me, because if I were able to devote myself totally to wedding preparations I might have been more of a bridezilla. As it was, I was probably more laid back than anyone might have expected, most of all me! So we forgot our toasting glasses, so what? We forgot to plug in the Christmas lights on the stage? Oh well. We're here, we're married & we're sharing it with all the people we love. Who could ask for more?

That was 6 years ago. We both graduated. We've been in at least three churches since then. I student taught, and then had my own classroom for two years. We made a home in Birmingham. We moved & made a home in Chattanooga. We had a precious little girl named Hannah. We had another precious little girl named Lydia. Time marches on.

I wish I could say I've approached the rest of our life & marriage the way I did our wedding day. The dog ate our entire screen door? Oh well. It's taking us three + years to get rid of the tacky wallpaper in our house? So what. Unfortunately, especially lately with all the pressure to have a picture perfect holiday season, I've been a lot more tense. But today, sitting and reflecting on that day not so long ago, I am thankful. We're here, we're married, and we're sharing our lives with the people we love. Who could ask for more?

To my husband- I love you even more today than I did then. Things might be less glamorous, but they are definitely not less interesting! Thank you for being a patient and loving husband, a devoted (and fun) dad, and a perfect partner for me. I look forward to many more years, many more changes, many more opportunities for me to see how blessed I am to have you. Happy Anniversary!!!