Derek and I celebrate 11 years of marriage today. Eleven years down the road, the vows that you made on your wedding day mean ever so much more. The couple we were then loved each other, but they hadn't weathered any real storms. They hadn't faced the daily grind of making LIFE happen. They hadn't walked the floor at night with a wheezing child praying for her lungs to clear. They hadn't struggled to make ends meet or experienced the highs and lows of Christian ministry. They hadn't grieved together over the loss of people they loved.
Today, we have done all those things. And undoubtedly we will do a lot more of it, along with other challenges we have yet to know. The BEST part is knowing that those vows do indeed hold true. I love my husband more than I can possibly tell you today. I am continually amazed at his creativity and talent. I am proud of him. So proud of his accomplishments in his education and career, but MORE than that I am so thankful that he is a capable and godly Head of this home. So humbled that God would bless our union and trust us with four beautiful children. Nothing could make my heart swell with love more than standing outside my son's bedroom door and listening to his Daddy pray with him that God will help him to grow into a strong WARRIOR for truth and righteousness.
Many of you, gentle readers, (always wanted to use that phrase, so indulge me: it's my anniversary!), were there on our Wedding day 11 years ago. How truly BLESSED we were and are to have such dear and precious friends to be by our side, to make beautiful music, and to share in our joy. Aren't you so glad that we have friendships and marriages that are all rooted in the same Foundation? No wonder our connection is so strong.
If we're lucky we may get to leave the kiddos behind for a little while at least long enough for a nice dinner. And there's no one in this world that I would rather spend an evening with. We have so much fun together, for those of you who know Derek best know that he's really good for a laugh! (think "I'm Fat", Marty!)
Happy Anniversary, Babe. You the Man!
14 comments:
Wow! 11 years. Was it really that long ago? Of course it was, you were there. I guess you should know. I was there too, but time gets away from me. You look so young. Kind of like the kids I see coming to college now. Were you really old enough to get married? :-) Great memories.
I do wish you both all the best in the world. It's good to know that your love has deepened and strengthened with testing. As a witness to your vows, I applaud you for keeping them sacred.
Happy Anniversary!! Love you guys and can't wait to see you!
Aw, how sweet. Happy Anniversary
I sooo want to hear Derek sing "I'm FAT!!!" I laugh just thinking about it!!
Oh yes...HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!! It is hard to believe that we have lived so long...Ha!
Your wedding has PLENTY of memories...ending with Matt J. and I driving back to SC...(two different cars) trying to keep each other awake!
I read your post but the pics never came...don't know why.
OHHH, the pics are slowly coming..must be my computer...Sorry!
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary! So happy for you both. BTW, I love the music background on your blog! I've been wanting to take the time to try that myself. Hopefully, it's not too technically challenging!
Wow, congratulations! Does Derek really deserve all that?! I mean... No, absolutely just kidding. Derek is a good man. So happy for you.
I LOVED what you said "Aren't you so glad that we have friendships and marriages that are all rooted in the same Foundation? No wonder our connection is so strong." That was beautiful and right on! I regret that I didn't get to be at your wedding but would love to see your pics/video.
I'm still not seeing words--or pictures this time. I'm sur it's our computer (it's a dino). I was able to click on the little red square and see the first picture. Pretty wedding!
oops...that would be "sure"
Happy Anniversary! Sorry I'm late. I had no computer yesterday.
We are old married women now. We had way too much fun planning our weddings together.
The recipe turned out wonderful. It was my family's turn to "rise up and call me Blessed".
Tara;
I waited until June 8th to say Happy Anniversary because that was your original dream date for your wedding. I can still remember trying to convince you that June EEEIGHTHHH sounded terrible.:) BTW, I always knew he was a great guy, that's why it's all my fault that you are so happily married. (Sorry, slipped into reception mode.) Congrats, my dear friends.
Jenny,
I think the music our dear friends put on their blogs makes dino-computers nervous. Mine will show photos and words, cause it's a young dino, but it hiccups the music and sometimes throws me an error message.
Congrats, congrats, congrats!!! 11 years sounds so long- doesn't it? Amazing how time flies by when you're having fun! Hope you got away by yourselves for a little while.
Love,
Nathan and Charity
Happy Anniversary! Sorry I am late, but I wouldn't be me if I were on time!
I do remember the times we sat in the dorm looking at wedding magazines! It is so hard to believe it has been that long ago!
Our 12th anniversary is tomorrow. So glad yours and our marriage have both stood the test of time. God is so good and has blessed us so much. It's nice to love and be loved so much after all these years !
Hope you and Derek had a great day!
Tara...Beautifully written post...I got tears in my eyes reading it. Every wedding I go to, I sit there and RENEW MY VOWS AGAIN!! You are sooo right that are vows hold true through thick and thin. Quoting ONE WHO MADE US AND MADE THE FAMILY..."Unless God builds the walls, they labor in vain that build it." Every year grows better...and our love grows stonger. I love it that we couples are a team. Him the "Life player" and me his "cheerleader". =) I just don't understand these ladies that are always putting their men down, and never letting them be themselves. My goal is to be a real HELPMEET to my man, which includes making him feel like the KING that he is! =) Your blog expressed the same. I think it's neat going through the rough times in life...not that the rough times are neat, but that we as a couple, along with God, make it through them, and keep going with a smile.
I'm sooo proud of all of my friends that are celebrating 9,10,11,12, 15, 17, 20 years together HAPPILY MARRIED! That is soooo wonderful and does my heart good! =)
Sorry this is late, I was gone to Medellin...but I trust that y'all had a WONDERFUL ANNIVERSARY! Loved the new white pic of the kids...adorable! My kids are praying for a brother too, in God's will. (If stress keeps you from having a baby, life on the mission field WON'T HELP! =)Thanks for your sweet comment on my Medellin trip post.
Have a wonderful weekend in Jesus,
Heather =)
Happy belated anniversary!!! Hope you all had a great day!
Also, the picture of your little ones is beautiful!!! I like the white outfits and background!!
Thanks for sharing!
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