Happy 18th Anniversary Michael!

Happy Anniversary to my
amazing, fascinating, marvelous, handsome, clever, vigorous, brilliant, fabulous, phenomenal, manly, beloved (dearly loved), and cool
husband, Michael.

Today is our 18th wedding anniversary.

As I have heard many times from others, I truly do love my husband more now than when we were first married. At that time, I didn't think I could possibly love him more but I certainly do.

I am so blessed to be married to such a fantastic husband. I have so many things to be thankful for when it comes to my husband. One of the greatest (and very interesting) things is that he shops with me. He asks to go to the mall more often than I do. Isn't that funny? The up-side to that is he is not afraid to shop for me or my daughters. He goes with us and helps us by giving us advice. He will help shop for gifts for other family members/friends too. I understand a lot of husbands don't like to shop but I can't imagine that. LOL This also makes it fun to go to places like outlet malls in Branson, Eureka Springs, and other little shops we find.

Another great thing about my husband is that he can fix just about anything. He is super. He recently fixed our toilet (flushing is a beautiful thing!) and has fixed our dishwasher, washer knob, dryer, and next on the list is the garage door opener. I won't even go into his sensitive side, his great common sense, and logic. He is the package deal. I got all the perks in one man.

I love you, Michael!!!

Is anyone else amazed when they have another anniversary or is it just me? I marvel at each one. I am not sure why. When I began this journey, 18 yrs. ago, I knew we were in it for the long haul. We agreed that there was not going to be a 'get out of marriage free pass' (otherwise known as divorce) so what is the surprise? I am not sure. I am just so pleased and amazed every time we have another anniversary. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that so many in both our families have been divorced. We didn't want that....ever. We have seen first hand how hard that is on children and how complicated that makes things for everyone.

(A little side note coming up: It is funny. I have told both my girls that when we got married we promised to stay together forever. I thought it was important that they know that. We live in a world where living together, being separated, and getting divorced is a little too common. I wanted my girls to know that we would be staying together. I wanted them to feel confidant that their parents were staying together and therefore they could always count on their family always staying together. I can't tell you how many times my youngest has reminded me of that. She has told me time after time how we were staying together and that we had made a promise. I am pretty sure she has told other people that as well. It brings her a lot of comfort it seems so I am really glad I did that.)

You know, it really is true that marrying your best friend is THE way to go. When I first met Michael we were just friends. It was great to get to know him and to get to be my self all at the same time. I didn't have to try to impress him. I was just myself and surprisingly, he liked me just the way I was. I had many "boyfriends" that I tried to impress. It was terrific just to be myself and to discover he liked me. It took so much pressure off. When I started to realize there was more than just friendship between us it was great.

Well, this post is a lot longer than I intended. Thanks for reading my ramblings. I hope if you have been married very long ( or even not so long) you will take pride in whatever number you are on.

(Funny comment ahead: My oldest daughter just came in and said to me, "Mom, your marriage is an adult now AND it can vote! )

Well, Michael, my darling, if we are going to beat your grandparents (70 years and counting) we have to do at least another 53! Let's go!