The Big One Oh

Ten years ago today, I was rushing around completing all the finishing touches at the church:

and reception:

.  I was stressed out, nervous to be "on display" all day, and worried that I was forgetting something. 

There was one fact that didn't have me feeling any anxiety or nerves at all.  And that was knowing for sure I was marrying my soul mate, my best friend, and the (future) father of my children.  There was not one doubt in my mind that God had sent me the perfect spouse and we were ready to be married and start our family.  

We vowed to be faithful to each other and accept children lovingly and sealed it with a kiss:

In the limo on the way to the reception.  We were officially married then!

Taking pictures on the beach (Cape Cod):

Our yummy cake:

The first dance to "It's Your Love" by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill:

I remember thinking in that moment....I can't wait for our honeymoon!!

We stayed overnight on the Cape and then flew to Punta Cana in the Caribbean for a week of wedded bliss.  And you know what?  The bliss has not ended yet!  Ten years, five children, nine homes,  many degrees, a few jobs, tons of laughs and a couple of tears later...and we are more than ever in love.  Thanks be to God!

So my Philip, whose love I don't deserve but cherish every day, to you I say:

Happy Anniversary!

H is for your Handsome looks that knock me off my feet,

A is for your Attentiveness, my needs you always meet.

P is for your piety that shows in quiet ways,

P is for how you've Provided each and every day.

Y is being a Young dad in not just age but energy,

A is for Adoring babies, even those who made me weary.

N is for those Nightly wake-up calls you take without hesitation,

N is for Never wavering in your love and dedication.

I is for your Intelligence and prudence in all decision making,

V is for your Virility (and the fun procreating)!

E is for how Easy you are to please, no diva-like demands,

R is for Rarely worrying about the future, it's all in God's hands.

S is for Serving us with acts and deeds that go beyond and above,

A is for Asking me on a date, which started this thing called love.

R is for Running after the kids or alongside your wife,

Y is simply for You, the best gift in my life.

I know we had originally planned to go to Hawaii for our Tenth Anniversary, but God had other plans (we named him Alexander) and we'll roll with the punches. 

Besides anywhere with you is just another day in paradise :)