Five on Friday: Anniversary Edition

Happy Friday everyone!! Thanks again to our amazing hostesses for this awesome link up! I love finding new blogs to read and connect to!

april natasha christina darci

In honor of TODAY being our 5th wedding anniversary, I am doing my Five on Friday about special day!

O N E
We were married outdoors.  I love a good outdoor wedding.  We choose June because, well, I didn't want to wait for July or August and May was too busy with college graduation.  June 20 was chosen because I simply love even numbers. Call it my inner nerdiness, call it OCD, but it had to be even.  It was a beautiful day but it was HOT.  That is one thing we hear, even five years later that we had a beautiful wedding but my goodness it was hot!

We had a large wedding party.  Our wedding party pictures were stunning. Not why we did it but definitely a perk.  I think every bride should have a picture of the groom when he first sees her.  I love the emotion in Andrew's eyes that day.  I love every detail of that day still: flower choices, dresses, all of it. I'd still pick outdoors. 

T W O

Our reception fortunately was indoors! We had it at a ballroom in Decatur.  It is used a lot for wedding receptions and other events.  We actually had our junior prom in that same ballroom, to which Andrew was my date.  It is a really pretty room and pretty much a blank canvas to do what you want with.  We had a sit down dinner.  One thing I hate is really long receptions..not time wise but as far as down time.  So Andrew and I greeted and visited guests during dinner and did a lot of the obligatory dances during dinner too.  That way we could get right to our guests enjoying the night! 

Andrew's best man had the best speech!

First Dance.  We danced to Book of Love by Peter Gabriel. 

T H R E E 

I think the details of the wedding are important.  I sure felt that way during planning.  I browsed magazines, watched wedding planning shows {I am sure those don't even air anymore}. I can only imagine what my Pinterest board would have looked like.  I would definitely say my style was very classic.  I didn't want a lot of fuss but wanted the flowers cake, and beauty of the setting (both at our wedding and reception to be enough).  But for the sake of fun, here is my Wedding Day Pinterest board if I were getting married now.

F O U R

Music. I wanted our songs to be ones I'd remember; ones I wouldn't hate in 5 years; and ones that weren't super typical.  My bridesmaids walked down the aisle to We Are Man and Wife by Michelle Featherstone.  Confession: I was {AM} a die hard OTH fan! The first time I heard this song was on the episode of Haley and Nathan's second wedding (the big ceremony before their limo went off the bridge with Nathan inside. Are you reliving that episode with me) That song still brings tears to my eyes. The lyrics-ah! Still ring so true.  I walked down the aisle to a trumpet playing the traditional bridal march.  I loved it.  It was different and I don't know.  I just loved it! During our ceremony, we had two really great people sing a duet to Big and Rich's "Lost in This Moment." Perhaps overplayed but I didn't care.  I loved the lyrics.  And since we had some special people perform that song it was even more special.  Our first dance was to "Book of Love" by Peter Gabriel.  I just love this song.  The lyrics are so true.  There seems to be so many rules in the Book of Love.  We sure don't get them all right but if anyone is going to read to me, or dance with me, I wanted it to be Andrew. 

F I V E 

We went on our honeymoon the day after the wedding.  We went to the Bahamas.  It was beautiful and we had the best time! Totally indulging in the things to do and just the excitement of finally being married!! If there was anything I could do over...it is take the day after the wedding to rest and relive the day.  Fly out on a Monday.  We were so tired when we flew out.  We both say we would change that!

I know that the a  marriage is about so much more than a day. So much more than an event.  It is wonderful to look back on that day but I love to look at where we are now.  It has been five years, a myriad of moves, two babies, a miscarriage, another on the way.  Learning how to live with another, accepting the flaws, forgiving instead of fighting, knowing when to say I am sorry, laughing at and with one another often, sharing each other's burdens and fears.  Being strong when the other is not.  I loved Andrew wholly and fully the day we got married but I love him so much more now.  We have shared life together.  I can not wait to share each and every day and year that is to come with the man that waited for me at the end of the aisle. 

And just for fun..here's a bump date. 30 weeks 

Grow Old with Me

Tomorrow is our actual anniversary and I will be posting about the wedding. Today, I wanted to post about the marriage.

I honestly can't believe it has been five years.  I know to some that is just a speck on the timetable of years of marriage.  But gosh, some days it feels like we were just getting married! Then I look around and seeing our two boys running around, my growing tummy and think of everything that has happened over the last five years and wonder how we have done so much!

I loved Andrew for a very long time.  And I honestly think he had those feelings for me also.  Neither of us admitted that our friendship held a special place in our lives for such a long time.  I am thankful for that in many ways.  It allowed us to develop a bond as friends first.  It gave us time to learn about one another, find ways to spend time with each other without the pressure of titles or other people's opinions. {I mean we did meet in middle school and really became close friends in high school.  We all know how dramatic high school can be!}

College 

A month before our wedding...the  night before graduation.

I remember our wedding day and seeing Andrew for the first time.  I remember walking towards him feeling completely at peace.  I knew that he was exactly who God had crafted to be my forever.  As we stood in front of family and friends, I never imagined loving him more.

But I was so wrong.  I loved Andrew the day we got married.  But the way I love him now has completely changed.  In a way that only time can change your love.  I'm an open book and always honest when our friends get married and talk about being newlyweds.  For Andrew and I, year one was ROUGH! There was so much to learn just from living with one another.  We were young. I was stubborn.  He was silently stubborn.  We clashed.  We fought.  We forgave.  We grew.  There were some times that I was so angry at him.  But as we would cool off I would think, "there is no one else that would love me like he does."

Over the last five years I have loved the man Andrew has become.  I fell in love with a boy.  A boy with lasting looks, an athletic strut, and a personality and way of treating others that I can only  hope to instill in our boys.  I know my love was deep then, but I could not have imagined back then how my love would change; would deepen.

Andrew and I made each other parents.  We have pushed each other in our dreams.  We have made big decisions together, not always agreeing, but always trusting.  We have shared loss and he has wiped away my tears.  We've seen each other at our worst and at our best.

I can only pray that God continues to bless our marriage, our years together.  These past five years have been amazing.  If it is any indicator in what the future holds, I can only wait and look towards our future with anticipation.  I love you, Andrew! Happy {early} Anniversary!

Weekend Recap: Father's Day 2014

How is it Monday already? I don't dread Monday's by any means.  It was just one of those really great weekends that I didn't want to end.

Friday the boys and I were in Decatur.  We had Beau's well-baby check (18 months, although he's 19) and then we were driving back.  We got home around 5:30 and the boys and I were super hungry! PTL Andrew had dinner waiting for us which was awesome! Even though we were only away for one night we had missed him so much! I will never tire of seeing how much my boys love their daddy!

After the boys went to bed, I opened all the packages that had arrived for the baby's room.  Andrew had painted while we were away and I loved the color so much.  It felt really cozy.  He worked on putting the crib together while I unpacked and did some laundry.  What a crazy Friday night, huh?

Saturday started early.  Our sweet Beau has started this darling little habit that, on some days, upon waking up, he stands up in his crib and shouts, "Mama!" repeatedly with just a slight pause between.

I have never watched this show but the clip pretty much sums up my wake-up call! Ha!

We had no official plans this weekend.  We wanted to get some more done with the nursery; the lawn needed mowing; we need a grocery store run; laundry (does it ever end??).  What is crazy is that I have come to love these weekends.  Weekends with no real plans except just being around the house and doing what needs to be done all while soaking up time with our boys.  They went with me to the store and then in between me doing chores, we were outside for the majority of the morning.  Bubbles and ride on toys.  Some neighbor friends came over to play.  It is so fun to be their mommy.  To watch them enjoy life.  

We had really great weather on Saturday.  It was actually cool early on in the morning and was supposed to be a cool evening.  Andrew had talked about camping out for awhile and we decided there probably wouldn't be another weekend with such great weather.  

After dinner, we bathed the boys (because even if you sleep outside I still don't want you to go to bed with all the day's dirt on you) and went outside to start a fire.  The boys loved it! We made s'mores. The tent was set up which they thought was coolest.  After awhile, I went in to put Beau to bed.  The camp out was just going to be for our big.  We knew Beau wouldn't miss it and also knew Hudson relishes one on one time.  

He and Andrew went to rent a new (to him) movie.  They had their movie and big boy snacks and flashlights.  I did what any right minded mama would do with a night in to herself.  Once Beau was asleep, I enjoyed a nice long shower and got into bed to snuggle in and read. It. Was. Glorious! 

Sunday I woke up before the {big} boys and Beau and I got started on breakfast.  I hope Andrew feels loved and appreciated every day  by us but wanted to spoil him on Father's Day.  I know how blessed we are to have him as the head of our home.  Beau and I made bacon and pancakes and set out his gift and cards. Just as I was finishing, he and Hudson came in.  Excuse the poor quality iPhone photos, but this was our morning.

Check out that sweet card Hudson picked out.  It popped up and everything. :) 

We readied for church and then went on our way.  

After church we had lunch and our boys went down for nap.  ALL my boys! Andrew must not have slept super great at the camp out because he napped the entire time the boys did!! We played outside after naps for awhile and then headed off to dinner. Dad's choice= Buffalo Wild Wings.  He loves that place but I think a HUGE reason why is because it's noisy enough that our kids don't have to be super quiet and that the kids eat well there so he can actually enjoy his meal. ;)

We didn't get back home until after the boys' typical bed time so it was baths and stories and bed for them.  Andrew gifted himself Lone Survivor and set up on the couch to watch it.  I missed the very beginning and it wasn't really the feel good movie I would've picked on Father's Day but I do respect the story behind the movie.  We are forever grateful to the men and women who serve our country in this house and so it was a good reminder how blessed we are for those willing to sacrifice.

And that was our weekend.  Simple but filled with fun and family time.  Next weekend should be wonderful as well.  Andrew and I are celebrating our 5th anniversary with a long weekend away, kid-free! I can't wait!

.

Happy Birthday, Andrew!

Happiest of birthdays to my husband, Andrew!! I can not believe how long we have been a part of one another's lives! So in honor of his 27th birthday, I am going to list 27 facts about us/reasons I love him! And of course, some photos! ;)

1. We met when we were 12. Andrew moved into town so he started junior high with me.  We had reading together, I recall.  And some math classes. I immediately thought the "new boy" was cute.

2. I kissed Andrew first.  He was walking me to my car.  We were only friends, not dating at ALL, and he I assumed was going to kiss me but was only giving me a hug.  Overzealous much?

3. We attended Junior and Senior Prom together.

4. I love that Andrew is athletic.  I am not (at ALL) but he excels at every sport he played.  I dig it!

5. Andrew and I made a pact (although I don't think he whole-heartedly was as vested as me) that we would get married at 30 if we were both still single.  Looks like we beat that time clock!

June 20, 2009

6. Our first date was to O'Charley's. I got pasta and he got a buffalo chicken sandwich.  He let me snag a few of his fries. #truelove

7. Andrew is an amazing father.  Seriously. The way he loves our kids makes me fall for him harder each day.  He is an amazing example to our boys.

8. He did not officially start dating until two weeks before college.

9. We went on a break once during college. I called it quits and I was the one who wanted him back.  #IadmitwhenImwrong

10. Even though we didn't date in high school, I didn't want him to date anyone else either.  (This fact will not shock our high school friends.  Haha)

11. Andrew has always made me feel special. Always. Dating or not, he has always treated me with a respect and love that I can only hope I return to him.

12. He is an impeccable dresser. It was one of the first things that attracted me to him.

13. Andrew is a loyal and true friend.  I think he is one of the most liked people I know.  I think that is admirable.  I don't meet a lot of people like that.

14. He proposed on a boat with fireworks shooting off.  I was almost too busy with fireworks to hear what he was saying.

On the boat at sunset

15. He is my best friend.  He knows more about me than anyone else.

16. Our wedding was perfect.  Extremely hot, but perfect.  I will always remember seeing him for the first time that day.

17. Andrew and I are born two days apart.

18. I love that Andrew is outdoorsy.  As much as I complain about the camo, hunting supplies and hours in a stand with sometimes nothing to show, I love that he has a deep love and respect for the land.

19. I purposefully would try to make time to chat with Andrew before and after school in high school.  (I believe he will admit to the same).

20. Andrew is my favorite person to road trip with.  He seriously makes car rides the best.  We have driven to Tennessee (twice), Colorado, Alabama, DC, and to St. Louis and Chicago countless times.

Gulf Shores, Alabama 2007

21. In our four and a half short years of marriage we have moved 4 times.

22. I love that I still get butterflies when you walk in the door from work.

23. Andrew has always been comfortable with silence.  He and I have never had to fill the air with conversation.  He is someone I could always just "be" with.

24. We were engaged for two years.

25. I knew I could marry him July, 4, 2005.

26. His eyes are my favorite feature.

27. I love the way you have always loved me.  In a love that is selfless and sees past my flaws; that supports and uplifts.

Happy birthday, babe! I look forward to getting older with you each year!! Xoxo