Six Years Ago Today

we had planned our wedding in one week.

well, let me backtrack.

i had planned a big, traditional, BIG (can’t say that enough) wedding at west point.

i had the dress, the hotel and church booked, the florist and photographer booked.

jimmy was in ranger school and we were unsure of where we would be after we got married and if he would have to deploy.

our wedding was planned for august.

j came home from ranger school and pretty much told me he wouldn’t be around in august (he would be on his very first deployment to afghanistan).

so we said, what are we waiting for? and we decided to just do it.

i taught my second grade class the week of the wedding. monday through friday i worked. jimmy was on leave, so he basically planned the “second wedding”.

he found flowers similar to the ones i initially wanted,

he got my one of a kind dress (that was not to be made until june) made and overnighted (even got them to waive a massive fee),

he booked my church and my minister (who i LOVED dearly),

he invited friends and family to come in town THAT weekend.

so back to what i was saying.

six years ago i woke up to my wedding day.

i had a dress and a bouquet, we had a chapel.

no programs, no long line of bridesmaids, no music (except a pianist who played, among other things, america the beautiful), no first dance, no favors, no table settings. heck, we had no tables. the reception was at my parents home. they had already moved to waco, leaving the house in houston empty.

we strung up twinkle lights and bought lots of champagne.

to this day, some of my friends say it was the best wedding they’ve ever attended. that little chapel was full, some people even stood. but, from what i’ve heard, the love was palpable in that little room.

and that’s what it’s all about right?

since the day i met this man (how young do we look???)

he has  changed my life in a million ways.

some obvious, some much more subtle.

i always thought i wanted a HUGE wedding, martha stewart style.

but he has taught me to appreciate the little things, and to concentrate on the important things, like our love.

and i never ever thought i’d be where i am today. but oh, what a blessing it is.

james carr howell, thank you for loving me and for teaching me to love myself.

thank you for showing me the measure of a true man. the quiet strength you possess is the foundation for our family. you are our hero and the love of my life.

happy sixth anniversary, baby.

xo

i initially included this layout in yesterday’s jack and jill post. but i wanted to move it today’s post b/c it so accurately sums up the way i feel (and have a hard time putting into words sometimes.)