5 Years!

Friday, May 30th, marks 5 years for the hubs and I, and boy has it ever flown by. Seems like only yesterday the hubs proposed, and I walked down the isle (er, backyard THEN isle!). Actually most of you probably don't know our unique wedding story (we actually had 2 weddings!). We got engaged around New Years of '03. The wedding was set for August 9th (right before returning for our last year at Bethany Bible College). The wedding planning progressed nicely, but there was a slight monkey wrench in the works. I left spring semester '03 and therefore didn't see Justin at all until May-ish. After being apart for close to 4 months we thought it would be literally unbearable to be apart again for another 2 while I planned the wedding alone. I was invited to live at Justin's house for the summer. We jumped at the chance to be together, but neither of us thought it wise to live in the same house for the entire summer without being married, so as soon as we got there we called his grandfather (a pastor at the time) last minute (I kid you not) and asked him to marry us the next weekend. And he agreed!! We were thrilled!! But being last minute that meant all my prior wedding plans were out the window, which actually made things A LOT easier. I already had the dress so at the very least that part was taken care of. All we needed was a tux, and did we ever get a fine one! We only shared the news with close family and friends since it was so last minute and we held the ceremony in Justin's beautiful backyard. Little-known interesting fact: Justin was late for his own wedding. Big surprise? I think not. And while the day held so much hope and promise, it was also a very sad day for me. I missed my family and friends terribly and had no one with whom I could confide in or to share my special day with. Mix that in with a few other interestingly disturbing details and it made for a very interesting day! All in all, I am glad that I married the man of my dreams when I did and Justin's grandparents were absolutely wonderful and so understanding. The actual ceremony was beautiful, albeit VERY windy *picture bride with veil in grooms face during most of it*. We were even serenaded with a beautiful song from THE Benjamin Spear himself (which he wrote and framed for us as a wedding gift!). It was an absolutely beautiful song and we have the lyrics hanging in our bedroom where we see them often. Fast forward to the second wedding...Justin proposed all over again (again, I kid you not) and he surprised me with another wedding in my home church, with family and friends!! Everyone knew about this but me, that is until about a week before hand. It was SO perfect. My dad was able to walk me down the isle, my mom, grandparents, dear church family, and friends were all there AND my sisters were able to be my bridesmaids like originally planned. I had flower girls, and rose petals, organ music, and people stood when I entered the church and walked down the isle. It was truly one of the sweetest things my husband has ever done for me. I couldn't have asked for more. Both weddings were truly special and were spent with friends and family we both loved. Since that day, we've had our ups and downs. Marriage is hard, but so beautifully rewarding. I am a blessed woman and I thank the Lord every day for the blessings he's given me. I love my husband so much more then I ever thought I could, and I know that love will only grow with time. AND to top it off, we're celebrating, baby!!! We're going to NYC for a week without the kiddo's (thanks so much family~you are all angels!) And while I will most likely be worried crazy about the kids, I am going to enjoy my little fanny off (starting with sleeping in until as late as I darn well want, going to the gym as much as I darn well want, and eating as much as I darn well want). Look for us on Good Morning America...you just might see us! Seriously. Now, off to pack!