Next to me

We had the best time this weekend at our cousin's (Matthew & Sarah's) wedding! It was in Rogers, Arkansas which was just as pleasant as they said it was. Rogers is a smaller town, relatively speaking, with the cutest square, great shopping and beautiful scenery.

As I watched Matthew & Sarah say their vows I couldn't help but remember our own. Being with Michael in the chapel at our church in front of all of our friends and family, while saying our vows, was the hands down the sweetest and most intimate experience of my whole life. How wonderful is God and his gift of marriage?

We will be married 8 months this week. Life has never been sweeter. Yes, we have definitely had our share of ups and downs, believe me... there are times when I want to ring his neck for being on his phone all the time and leaving his golf stuff in our dining room and I know there are times he'd like to ring mine (although I have no clue what for... :)) but I do know this much - God gives you little glimpses of what heaven must be like when you find that one who your soul loves. Saturday night reminded me of just that. Although we were in the middle of his family celebrating Sarah and Matthew, we were also in our own little world... on the dance floor, at the bar, wherever we were at the reception. We had such a blast together! Sometimes you just need to dance and laugh and God knew exactly what we needed. I am so thankful for this gift of marriage and I thank my God for him.

On the dance floor. :)

As we were driving home and holding hands one of my favorite songs (as of late) came on. I couldn't help but smile as I looked down at his hand in mine as he was so sweetly rubbing my hand. In that moment I didn't want to move. I really just wanted to freeze in time and remember how much fun we had. It's hard to explain unless you've been there. Anyway, I want to remember it and want our future children to know how this feels, how their parents felt about each other and how love is supposed to feel... so I'm blogging it. :) The days of pen and paper are long over!

Without further ado... I'll let Emeli take it away. Click here for the music video of one of my favorite songs lately & the song that reminds me how blessed I am to have Michael next to me!

Love,
R&M

My biggest blessing.

By far the biggest blessing God has given me (besides my salvation) is my husband, Michael. Words can't begin to describe the special relationship we have. He is truly the one that my heart longs for, the one that I love to laugh with, the one I need when I'm sad and the other half of my heart and soul. How beautiful and amazing is God's gift of marriage? The Lord has provided me with exactly who I needed. Someone who understands me like no one else. My rock and my best friend in the world.

I am so incredibly thankful that God gave me you, Michael. I hope you know how much I love you with everything I am.

Okay, in true Michael fashion I'll wrap up the mushy stuff and get to the fun stuff. Let me tell you, we take birthdays very seriously around here. And I have to admit, it is mostly my fault as I have always been a birthday diva... so naturally some of that has rubbed off on Michael in the past 6 birthdays we've spent together. Here's a little birthday timeline from age 22-26... 27 pictures to come!

Age 22 (look how young we look... and to add to our age I'm pretty sure that this picture, judging by the quality, was taken from a disposable camera!) We celebrated this birthday at Blue Monkey with his friends. My, how times have changed!

Age 23, I threw him a big birthday party at Cozumel's (former Mexican restaurant that is now shut down). We had the big party room and went downtown after. A really fun night!

Age 24, again we are aging ourselves... this is him and Chip's combined birthday at Reedmiester's, yes its the shady bar on Park and Highland. Not even sure if it is there anymore. This was the birthday that me and Amy almost killed Michael and Chip. And Betsy, if you are reading this, just remember I love you! lol

Age 25, by far my favorite and I'm sure he would say it's his favorite too. His Bar Golf Par-tee. We rented this party bus, behind us, and bar hopped in our golf attire. Such a fun night! Highly recommended. :)

Age 26, this was actually a low key birthday. I'm pretty sure we met friends up at Dan McGuiness. I must have been busy wedding planning and not party planning.

And to keep true to tradition, here is birthday diva # 2's fun-filled 27th birthday week!

Sunday, 2/24: To celebrate his birthday we started this past Sunday at my grandmothers with some of his favorite foods & gifts from my family.

Tuesday, 2/26: Today, his actual birthday, we ate Flood Cake for breakfast (after me and Bella worked hard in the kitchen the night before, see pictures below) and are going to his parents for dinner and presents tonight.

My big helper making daddy's cake.

We've had this up since February 1st! The birthday is finally here. :)

Me trying to get the birthday boy to smile and Bella's attention away from the cake. It didn't go quite as planned. :)

Wednesday, 2/27: Some of his friends are taking him to golf tomorrow & guys night at Buffalo Wild Wings.

Friday, 3/1: I'm throwing him a High School Flashback Birthday party with all of our friends! Think dress code as your favorite high school stereotype, old music, and more.

Saturday, 3/2: Dinner with my parents (we always go out to eat with just my immediate family... and he's part of that now!)

Let the fun begin. I told you, we are major birthday people! :)

Happy birthday Michael! I love you sweet husband and hope you have the best birthday yet!

Love,
Rachel