Lucky Number 7

I still can’t believe it’s been 7 years since we said “I do.”

We recently found the tape our wedding was filmed on and watched it with our kids. They asked all kinds of questions like, why did we get married on the beach? Where were we? Where were they? They loved watching us in a younger version taking an oath to make a life together.

Our wedding was small and simple. We were married at a beach house in Destin, FL on July 23, 2011. Only our immediate family was in attendance and your dad married us. My dad was so nervous and forgot to walk me down the aisle. I literally had to call for him to come back to get me! My mom did all of the flower arraignments and I purchased my dress online for $90. It was perfect and I wouldn’t change a single thing about it.

We are officially celebrating our anniversary tonight with a little Staycation…sleeping through the night like WHAT?!? But I wanted to write a little note about the last year. Our 7th year together.

Truth be told, you and I both know it hasn’t been an easy year. Our relationship is stronger than ever, but exterior factors make it a challenge for us to spend time together. You are now working 6 days a week, many days you leave before the sun goes up and come home just in time to tuck the kids in bed. On your off day, you like to sleep or spend time with our kids…as you should. I don’t resent you. I know you are doing this for us, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find the time to spend together. I know we both miss that so very much.

In the last year, we have helped open a new business and challenged each other to set new goals. You’ve pushed me to work harder on my writing, blogging and public speaking, and I’ve pushed you to stay focused on our future regardless of how tired you are.

You already know what you need to work on in terms of spending more time with the kids, so I won’t harp on that. I already know I need to be patient and value the little time we do get with you.

Tonight we will sit down to dinner and spend the evening talking about us. Not the kids, or the mortgage…just about our goals for the next year of marriage. I’m curious how often other couples do this, or if they do at all?

Sometimes it’s hard to stay focused in the eye of the storm, no matter how calm or rough the winds are. I’m looking forward to setting new goals with you. 365 day goals, 2 year goals, 5 year goals and so forth.

Thank you for asking me to marry you all those years ago. Marriage isn’t easy, but it’s a lot easier when you marry someone who looks forward to the future as much as you do.

xx