Me Love You Long Time

Eleven years ago today, I was standing at the altar - at the ripe old age of nineteen.

I was of age, I promise.

It was a gorgeous April day; the weather was perfect. The church was decorated with Easter lilies and smelled heavenly (which I guess is an appropriate way for a church to smell). I was wearing a dress that was made by my grandmother's hands, the product of hours of work, a labor of love. And most importantly, I was standing next to the man I wanted to be with forever. 

There are parts of my wedding that I'd definitely do over if I could re-plan. (I mean, my colors were pastel blue and yellow. Ick.) And the reception had zero entertainment. ZE-RO. And Curtis popped a huge mint Lifesaver into his mouth seconds before walking down the aisle, which clacked loudly in his teeth while he said his vows.

But it isn't the wedding that's important: it's the marriage. And I'm relieved to be able to say that, eleven years later, our marriage has been a lot better than our wedding. Sure, we've had our ups and downs (way way ups and way way downs, to be real) but we have managed to weather every storm that has been tossed in our direction. We're boring and get on each other's nerves sometimes, but when it comes down to it, Curtis is still the first person I want to talk to when something goes horribly wrong or joyfully right. I still get excited when I hear his car pull into the garage (and not just because that means he can get the kids out of my hair for a few minutes). Yeah, so I might've secretly videotaped him slipping out a huge fart and then posted it on my blog (which he has since made me remove or I would TOTALLY link to it), but I love him. Like, immeasurably. He truly is - wait for it - my best friend. *insert groan at totally-overused-but-true-in-this-case cliché

So here's one link I will post: an anniversary slideshow. I made it last year, for our tenth anniversary, but just replace the ten with an eleven and you're good to go - the sentiment is still the same.

Happy anniversary to the man who gave me a husband, a family, and some of the greatest blog fodder ever!