Monday, October 6, 2008

Still The One

Then

18 years ago today, I married my best friend. To some, that may seem like a cliche. But to me, it is the truth and it is my every day reality. He knows all my faults and my weaknesses and chooses to love me every day any way. He knows all my fears and my insecurities and never exploits them or exposes them. He rejoices in my strengths and allows them to be stretched and used, not just in our home and in our parenting, but also for our church and our community. He encourages my dreams and even makes great sacrifices to help them come true.

We've walked some crazy paths together these 18 years. But as long as we are together, I don't really mind the craziness. He is the anchor of our home, the calm in the middle of the storm, and the reason I can keep walking where ever the Lord calls us to walk. Because I know he will always walk there with me. Even if it means pushing me from behind or pulling me along for a season. He's my best friend, my lover, and still my favorite person to travel this adventure we call "life" together!


Now
(special shout out to Brittany for the great shot!)


Happy Anniversary, Babe!
I love you more with each passing year
and I consider it a joy to walk this road with you.
You are STILL The ONE!

19 comments:

Salzwedel Family said...

Happy Anniversary!

Beverly said...

Ah... that is so sweet! Happy Anniversary -- now eat an Almond Joy Cookie to celebrate!

heidi @ ggip said...

Happy Anniversary!

Hands-Free Heart said...

Happy Anniversary!

Amanda said...

Happy Anniversary!

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary!! I remember your beautiful fall wedding. We celebrated our 17th anniversary yesterday - we watched our wedding video - our kids thought it was funny!! That's okay - they'll look different in 17 years too. :) Congratulations! Love, Betsy

Ron Smith said...

Happy Anniversary. Though I have only known you a short time, your love is clear for all to see. May you have many more happy years together.

Great pictures both then and now!

Take care,
Britt

Anonymous said...

i remember yall looking like the first picture but there's not much difference between the two! Happy Anniversary.. Todd is such a stud!

My Little Nest said...

Happy Anniversary to you both!

Amelia Antwiler said...

Now I have that song stuck in my head.

Happy Anniversary!!!

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary!!!

You guys are absolutely adorable! What an awesome time to celebrate 18 years.(is it really 18? Wow!)

Love ya!
AMS

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary!

Anonymous said...

I love you too and am glad that we have each other to walk the rest of our lives together. It's been a great 18 years of marriage and very fulfilling. Thank you for being a wonderful wife and mother!

The Boss

Aus said...

Way to go guys - been saying the same thing for the last 25 years!

Great joy -

aus

Livin' Life said...

I love, love, love the picture. You are such a great and amazing couple!! Blessings upon many more years!!

Andrea said...

Hi there!
I just saw that you "friended" me on Facebook. Thought I'd tell you that I've been following your blog for a couple of months now. It's an inspiration to me! I just became a foster parent of 2 little boys (3 and 1) 5 weeks ago. So my life has turned upside down. It's a huge adjustment, but one that I was very ready to make. I know this and adoption...and mothering in general is one of the things that I'm created to do.

So congrats on your little beauty! I hope to adopt internationally one day.
Blessings,
Andrea Bean

The Literary Gourmet said...

You two are INSPIRING!
I was particularly blessed by your description of marriage as a choice to promote the other's dreams and callings and not expoit her/his weaknesses. That's life, isn't it? I can even put that to practice with my coworkers!

The Landes Family said...

Happy Anniversary. Oct. 6th is also my hubby's birthday. Hope you had a great anniversary.

JMCS said...

Happy 18 years my friend. You guys are still just as beautiful as the day you were married.

Hugs,
Jonni