Number Nine

It seems like only a year ago I was writing this celebratory post of our 8-year wedding anniversary; yet here I am, just 365 days later waxing nostalgic on number nine.

Fred and I have done a lot in these nine years, and I'm not just talking about the actual stuff we have done. I am also amazed to look back and see how much we have grown as individuals and as a couple.

In nine years we have gone from arguing like cats and dogs; to owning a dog (actually two dogs), and sometimes petting the neighbour's outside cat. Oh, and instead of fighting, we actually discuss the issue instead of acting like two raving lunatics. For the most part.

In nine years we've realized that there is no "I" in team, but there sure is a "me". But you have to move the letters around and that's just a lot of hard work. So it's really best to let the team remain and work together as one.

In nine years we've gone from loving ourselves, to loving each other, to loving God. For some reason, we're not always good, and we find ourselves back on square one. But I'm glad to say we don't stay there very long.

In nine years we have discovered what it means to die to our own selfish desires. In doing that we were blessed with the most adorable, smartest, sassiest, and heartbreakingly beautiful child you will ever meet. And we are not biased at all.

In nine years we've come to realize that life doesn't always turn out the way you pictured it, but as long as we are in it together, we can always make it through one more day.

In nine years it finally dawned on us that stuff is just stuff, and it is not important in the grand scheme of things. Keeping up with Mr. and Mrs. Jones just doesn't matter and we have learned to be content with what we have.

In nine years we've learned that while we don't always get it right, we never let it get so bad that we can't come back from it. We have discovered what the word "commitment" really means.

Nine years has taught us that when you get knocked down, you help each other back up. Rinse and repeat as needed.

So to my wonderful husband, I say Happy Anniversary. Thank you for 9 mostly fabulous years. What? Anyone who says every minute of every day of their marriage is perfect, is full of lies. If I had to pick a number, I'd say we've had about 8.7 perfectly fabulous years.

What a strange way to end a happy anniversary post. Whatever... love you, Freddie!