My Anniversary

Sorry for how dark this picture is!

Today, June 10Th, is our anniversary! Sixteen years ago today, Tim and I got married in the church I grew up in.

I love sharing how we met. We met when I was in the 8th grade; he was in the 9Th. Back then, we only had 2 Junior Highs in town. He went to East Cary, and I, West Cary. I happened to be attending a Valentine's Dance with a friend at East Cary. While there, Tim approached and asked me to dance. I told him no. He then proceeded to ask me... "Don't you know who I am?" Looking back, it was hilarious! I was hooked immediately!

We have not been together since 8th grade, but off and on until after college - when he proposed. He proposed on January 24 and we were married June 10Th. I was ready to live with him, but my mother would not stand for it. (I'm so glad she held to her guns, but at the time, it annoyed me)

For 4 months, I was consumed with "wedding." Looking back, I should have been more consumed with learning how to have a healthy marriage than "the wedding!" I do not believe that healthy marriages are automatic. Any time you have 2 people with 2 agendas, there is bound to be eventual conflict. It takes work and effort by both parties. It takes sacrifice and a lot of love, even when you do not "feel" like loving.

One of the things I've learned over these 16 years is that love is not a noun, but a verb. I hope my husband feels this way too!

A few years ago, my friend Suzi advised me to include our children in our anniversary celebration. This helps them to value marriage and commitment. It also establishes a tradition that they hopefully will one day practice as well. So tonight, Tim will cook a great meal (he's a much better cook). We will eat on the china that I rarely use, we will look at our wedding pictures and watch our wedding video together, and then, we will eat dessert! (My kids' favorite:)) Tomorrow night will be date night! My mother-in-law offered to have the kids spend the night with them. Woohoo!

I hope you have not minded the personal blogs this week. Next week, we'll continue where we left off as we battle for the hearts and souls of our children.

Have a great weekend!