10 Years

Ten years ago today, Chris and I were married in a large, beautiful church. The church that we attend was in a small building, so we had to find a church the could accommodate our guests. I remember it like it was yesterday. Chris, 23 and I, 22 stood in front of just under 200 people to exchange our vows. It was a beautiful ceremony, with so many special memories. My great-grandmother passed away just months before. She is my namesake (middle name) and her wedding band was passed from her to my mom and then to me. Engraved, on the inside of the band are her initials and year of marriage (1920), as well as my mom's and mine. Melia who carries on the middle name, will receive the ring on her wedding day. During the ceremony our parents joined us at the alter, and we gave them back our purity rings, a vow we made to them as well as each other when we were dating. We spent a few moments in worship to the Lord, shared of vows, and then took part in communion together. Our youth pastor and Chris's Uncle both officiated our special day. We have been together for sixteen years, as we dated for 6 years through high school and college years.

Two weekends ago, Chris and I were able to get away for the weekend to celebrate. I planned a trip to a mystery location that was revealed to Chris once we got to security at the airport. We had an incredible time. Just as with our wedding day, so many little details made the getaway so special. We spent so much time talking, reminiscing, and just enjoying each other. We spent time reflecting on the last ten years and all the accomplishments, a few disappointments, and highlights from each year. The first night we went to dinner, I wore the pearls that I wore on our wedding day, and that night I wore the same lingerie that I wore on your wedding night (I was shocked it still fit).

We went to Hilton Head Island. Neither of us had been there before and we both enjoy golf, so it seemed like a great spot. I wanted to be able to fly there quickly since it would be a quick trip. It was chilly and overcast when we arrived, but we made the best of our time. We rented a tandem bike and rode on the beach. We collected sand dollars....I've never seen so many. That night we had an incredible dinner. As I was getting ready for dinner Chris asked me if I wanted to where these...

WOW!!! These were a complete surprise, something I was secretly hoping to get one day, as they match the diamond in my ring. I was beaming with glee. Who needs other earrings when you have those. We walk in from dinner and as I am changing, Chris set up, his MP3 player and a small set of speakers (that I was unaware got packed) with the song that we danced to at our wedding and another one of our favorites from our dating years, and we stood in the middle of our hotel room and danced cheek to cheek (I had my tall shoes on :). What an incredible man I have. I love you Chris...you are the best...could not ask for a better, husband, father to our children, or friend. We have been together (dating and married time) half of my life. I look froward to many more incredible years with you. I love you more today than I did the day I walked down the aisle into your arms (did not know that was possible). Our love runs deep. When I think about marriage today, 10 years is a long time. I had someone say to me at 7 years, "Wow, that is a long time". I remember thinking, "really it does not seem that long". But, thinking about marriage in the eyes of the world, 7 years is a long time. It is relatively easy to become "unmarried" these days. A covenant that is incredibly sacred in our eyes, is not taken lightly, and is one that is entered into for a lifetime. I would not want to spend my life with anyone else. Two houses, three kids, 10 years...life could not get any better.

Look at how handsome my guy is...

Madly in love...

The view from our room...

Our room...