Eight years ago this is who we were. Just a couple of kids, trying to get out of high school and small town life, trying to make sense of the world.
Nowadays, we don't know why we rushed growing up so much.
We had the life then...and we still do now.
So much has happened to us, so much has changed for us, and so much has changed us in these past eight years. We aren't the same crazy, fly by the seat of our pants teenagers we were then. We have turned into crazy, fly by the seat of our pants adults...with a little less crazy and a lot more responsibility. We have been with each other for what seems like everything, supported each other, cried with each other, and most importantly laughed at and with each other.
Time doesn't change people. Time gives people opportunity to grow together more and form a stronger bond. Time gives people more time to love and develop that love for one another.
Our engagement came in the middle of hunting season in January of 2010. In the middle of the woods, outside of a box stand in Little Rock, Mississippi I answered one of the easiest questions I have ever been asked. I still get butterflies thinking about that day.
Can't stop smiling the day after the proposal at Kyle and Krisha's house.
We have been together through it all. Nursing school was definitely a test that God prepared for our relationship. It was a stressful time, and we had to gain strength from one another to get through it. If it weren't for Josh, I am not sure that I could have done it. He was there with me every step of the way, supporting me, encouraging me, and quizzing me (and making up harder test questions than any teacher on this planet would have ever tried to do to a student). He was my rock and helped pull me through.
We only thought life during nursing school was hectic. Life after nursing school became chaotic. I began a new job, and we had a wedding in the very near future. Life was moving at a very fast pace. Wedding parties and showers came and went. We had a blast celebrating with all of our friends and family. But the actual wedding day is one that we will never forget!
I remember the anticipation of waiting so long to finally see one another. And then, after we said 'I do', this is what I get...
But then he did this and made up for it all!
We had the reception of our dreams. Seriously that sounds corny, and I know everybody says that about their own weddings. But this reception was everything that we hoped it would be and more. We absolutely could not make ourselves leave. We had the best time dancing and visiting with all of our friends and family that were there to share our special day with us that we didn't want to be anywhere else.
With a wedding like this (click HERE to view a short video clip of that day), who would want to leave?
After the wedding of our dreams, the most amazing honeymoon ever followed. We still are able to go back and relive some of those days moment by moment. It was a week that bonded us stronger than ever before while we were having the time of our lives together. It was a trip that we cannot wait to take again!
It has been a year full of wonderful new opportunities, stress coming from more places than I ever thought possible, love that has grown more than I ever knew it could, sadness from the loss of loved ones, and strength that we have gained through one another.
Fishing trips were still abound. And neither of us will ever forget that day in the woods when I killed my first deer...or my second one! I have developed a love for the outdoors and a passion for things that I never imagined myself ever being interested in. Now Josh and I buy our camo together, I know how to throw an open faced reel, and I can bait my own hook. It is amazing the places that love will bring you!
This year has gone by faster than I ever imagined possible. I am sad to see it go but excited at the same time to see what the future has in store for the two of us. Almost exactly one year and seven days ago, Josh and I were driving home from our honeymoon. I remember it like it was yesterday, turning onto our street and letting out a deep sigh. All I could say was, "Well I guess the honeymoon is really over now, Boo." And without missing a beat Josh said, "No. It just started."
Happy anniversary, Joshie! I cannot wait to spend many many more together with you. You keep me grounded. My world makes sense because you are in it. I love you more than you could ever know, and I thank God everyday for giving me you.
We did it, Boo! Our first trip around the sun! Here's to many more!!
No comments:
Post a Comment