It truly seems like yesterday that I was walking down the aisle to see Jason on May 29th, 2004. I can't believe we are here ten years later with twin girls, in a new city, both of us having new jobs and
living our life like it's always been how it is right now. I still remember the days I sat next to him in English class as a freshman during college. I still remember that we decided to work on a research paper together and how funny it is that we were assigned the topic of mail order brides! It's amazing what one can find when searching for this topic! From the first day of class, we got into trouble. He made me laugh at the quietest times during Dr. Hovater's lectures and knew when my laughter would spill out with just a poke of the pencil. Whether it was that silly little project or looking at his illustrations during class or just the butterflies every time I saw him, I knew something was different about Jason from the minute our friendship started. I would be lying to say that we fell in love from the first minute we met as I was dating his roommate at the time (another long story), but I do feel like we were always supposed to be together and even though the roads that brought us together, especially in the beginning were tough, it has been worth every minute. I'm very thankful for my marriage and the guy I get to spend each day with. He is a better person than I am and he helps me see the lighter side of life each day. As I type this blog tonight and listen to the bath time splashes in the background and him singing to our girls, I'm reminded how just the small, ordinary times at home are extraordinary with him. He makes even mundane little tasks into adventures and is a happy, content person. That is a very unusual and unique trait to possess in our current world of looking for the next best thing or thinking the grass is greener in someone else's life . He's taught me that something as simple as a flower, card, hug, or smile, can make each day or moment memorable and I'm so glad I didn't end up with some of the crazies I dated! What a girl wants and cherishes at thirty-one is very different from what a girl thinks about at 18. I got lucky, blessed or maybe a little of both in finding and marrying my best friend. In ten years, we've moved four times, lived in three cities, had countless road trips, many laughs, a few tears, lots of adventure, and tons of fun. I'm so thankful to have you, J. I look forward to the next ten years! I love you babe!
This past week, we had a few visitors at our house. Mrs. Beverly and her husband, Mr. Stuart came to meet the girls for the first time. I met Beverly my first year of teaching in Henderson. Her classroom was right across the hallway from mine and we instantly connected. There was little to nothing in my first classroom and she gave me things straight from her room to put into mine. She taught me so much about teaching and loving children and I'll forever be thankful for her friendship. She has a gentle and quiet spirit that is a blessing to any child that entered her classroom door for the many years she taught. It was really neat to see her interact with our girls. I told her next time we would have to do a small group reading session with them so they are ready for kindergarten! Just kidding...trying not to rush it or be a crazy over-achiever parent! I do hope to instill a love of books into our girls the way Mrs. Beverly did for her students. She always made it fun, whether it was imagining a new ending to a book or encouraging kids to create their own tales, she truly has a talent for little people and literacy. I know she is still missed at East Chester, since her retirement, but I know the impact she had still continues on in the lives she touched in the classroom.
Jason's co-workers hosted a lovely shower for us on Tuesday this week. It was really kind and generous of them to do this since he's only worked there since October. Melinda, one of his co-workers has already adopted us and made us feel like we have family in Nashville. I really appreciate her and the sweetness she has shown our family. She cleaned dishes and bathrooms in our new house on move-in day. That says it all! We appreciate her example of servanthood and the Christian qualities she possesses.
We are excited about taking a little get-a-way this weekend to a bed and breakfast close by. Jason's parents agreed to keep the girls over night, so we will be able to have a real date night. I hope the girls behave and sleep well for Mimi and G-Daddy! I think it will be a fun way to celebrate and reflect over the past ten years. I know I'll cry pulling out of the driveway as I haven't been away from them for more than a few hours but it will be a good time for J and I to celebrate our anniversary and I'm very thankful they are willing to keep Elizabeth and Mary Charlotte. Thanks, E and G, for giving us this time!
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| May 2004 |
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| May 2014 |
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| Mary Charlotte sleeps while Elizabeth plots! |
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| No head touching, Mommy! |
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| MC and E ready for bed. |
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| "I have an idea," says Mary Charlotte. |
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| Just hanging out! |
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| "I found my tongue!" says Elizabeth. |
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| Love this smile! |
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| You are missing the laugh MC! |
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| Mary Charlotte discovers her laugh and tongue! |
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| Sweet sleep time |
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| Thank you, Mrs. Connie for our gray shoes! |
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| Finally some rolls!!! |
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| Mrs. Beverly, my sweet teacher friend and the girls |
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| Melinda hosted the work shower. She said it was her first time to hold two babies at once! |
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| Beautiful anniversary flowers from J, Happy 10th Anniversary! |
