I wanna grow old with you...

Did that picture make you laugh? Made me laugh! Did you see that hair? Jim's mullet and my piggy-back perm.

Yep, yesterday was Sunday September 14th and that is a special day for us... Jim and I celebrated 18 wonderful years of marriage. Where has the time gone? Some much has changed (especially the hair-dos!) yet, so much has remained the same (in a good way).

We didn't do anything special yesterday but today my man took me out for a lunch date. We dropped Jordyn off at her Humanities class in Richmond and off we went:

• took a tour of the new Whole Foods Market in Richmond. (I may have a new favorite grocery store. Sorry Ukrop's!).
  
• Lunch (thanks to my amazing secret sister who blessed my socks off! Whoever you are -- THANK YOU!!)
  
• a trip to...none other than....(drum roll please.....) MAGGIE MOO's. (If anyone knows the dude or dude-etts that own Maggie Moo's....I think they should consider me as a spokeswoman. It is the best ice cream EVER!!) Oh and get this...they had buttered popcorn flavored ice cream. Of course I had to try a sample spoonful (Elena, you'd like it...I think.) It was an interesting flavor however, I stayed with my normal. One scoop of Dark Chocolate and One luscious scoop of Better Batter. No mix-ins. Okay..I better stop b/c I am drooling on my keyboard.
  
• We walked around C28 (love that place).

In the past week Jim and I were reminded stronger than before how quickly this life fades. No guarantees. Every moment is precious. Sure, Marriage is hard work. Jim and I have had our ups and downs...no doubt. Marriage is not a 50/50 investment but 100/100 from each person. It is so worth the effort. Yet so many quit. Be sure to take time to carve out for each other and invest in your marriage. A wise woman once told me, "One day your kids will grow up and leave home and you don't want to be left looking at a stranger". Great advice. Don't quit. Keep loving with all that you have. Go the extra mile even when you don't want to do it. Be quick to forgive. And as our friend Ray reminded us last week, "never let the sun go down on your anger". Tell your spouse you love them. Leave love notes around the house, in their lunch, in the car. Surprise her with flowers (to any male readers of this blog....other than my husband). Go for a walk. Hold hands. Last but certainly not least: Pray together.

Happy Anniversary to my best friend! I love you!

I Will Be Here (Steven Curtis Chapman)

Tomorrow morning if you wake up and the sun does not appear

I will be here.

If in the dark, we lose sight of love

Hold my hand, and have no fear'

Cause I will be here

I will be here

When you feel like being quiet

When you need to speak your mind

I will listen

And I will be here

When the laughter turns to cryin'

Through the winning, losing and trying

We'll be together

I will be here

Tomorrow morning, if you wake up

And the future is unclear

I will be here

Just as sure as seasons were made for change

Our lifetimes were made for these years

So I will be hereI will be here

And you can cry on my shoulder

When the mirror tells us we're older

I will hold you

And I will be here To watch you grow in beauty

And tell you all the things you are to me

I will be here

I will be true to the promise

I have made to you and to the One who gave you to me

What a fun day!