10 Years and I still Love You Just The Same

        Ten years ago today our family and friends gathered on the grass in my parent's back yard- I hurriedly threw on my wedding dress when I realized it was ten minutes before I was to walk down the isle- I heard you had arrived and poked my head out the patio door and there you were pacing around on the grass. I was nervous but not scared- if there has ever been one thing I was sure of it's you. I knew it from that moment standing on the street in Times Square- I knew it the moment you walked back into my life- it's always been you!

      So babe heres to ten more wonderful, crazy, frantic, broke assed years- I'm so glad you chose me to be in the fox hole with you! I love you!

Ummm also if anyone has seen Adam Hardy...

P.S. Thank you to our parents for all their love and support over the years- thank you to Pia and John for setting an example for us of what it means to be part of a team- thank you to Heather and Kyle for being our closest allies- the children may out number the adults at times but it's nothing we can't handle! Lots of love to you all thank you for being on this journey with us- missing you all immensely today and every day!

Date Night

My impression of a flamingo! Dress- J.Crew, bag- Clare Vivier and shoes- N.d.c

As was so widely advertised last week was the Mr. and my 8 year anniversary- in a shocking turn of events we actually had a babysitter which enabled us to go out to a real restaurant, have several drinks and take several hours to eat our meal! This never happens- but at Christmas we received a voucher for kid sitting as well as a gift certificate to the Cork & Fin located right around the corner from our house. We are so glad we saved it until the summer- we were able to sit outside and soak in everything that Gastown has to offer.

We started the meal out with what I have decided is my drink of the summer- a French 75- the classic cocktail that combines my favourite booze- Gin and Champagne.

        I had a delicious meal of steamed mussels in fennel and shallot broth as well as the C& F signature summer salad- strawberries, walnuts and goat chevre on a bed of spinach with balsamic dressing- and of course bread! Everything was delish and there are many things on the menu that I would like to go back and try.

    I think what made the evening so special is knowing our kids were at home having a blast with our friend Jenn- we don't go out often with out the Little's and knowing that they were probably having more fun on their own made me feel much better. As these kids of ours grow and create identities separate to ours I know the Mr. and I will have more special nights like this but for right now the memory from last week as well as a few French 75s will get me through!

8 Years and Counting...

    Eight years ago this invitation went out in the mail, in our typical style my Mr. and I decided to get engaged in May and have the wedding in July. I don't know how my mom pulled it off but she managed to put together a super special day for us including sewing my dress in under three months.

      July 31 2004 was a most beautiful Okanagan Saturday- clear skies and warm breezes- my parent's yard was in full bloom and we had need for very few decorations. I remember waking up in my old bedroom with my sister- we had a sleepover the night before, giggling way into the night, I feel we got very little sleep! The morning was fresh and new, coffee in my mug, surrounded by my mom, aunts, cousins and girlfriends. I remember looking at the list of things needing to be done and wondering what my Mr. was up to, missing him and looking forward to the party we were about to have.

My Bride's Maids- to my immediate right my sister Heather and next to her friend Stacey, to my left friend Michelle

     I remember thinking this day is going too fast- I wish it would slow down so I can hold onto every second. Then I was in my dress, Birkenstocks on my feet and walking with my dad towards my future.

The boys - from the left Brother in Law Kyle, Mark(my Mr.), Morley and Adam

     The ceremony is a bit of a blur- I do have it on good authority that I said "Fartner" by accident rather than "Partner" but there you go I was really nervous! I vividly remember hearing the song Sweet Home Alabama  and suddenly we are at the back door to my parent's house and someone is handing me a beer- and it was done! Let the party begin!

these guys- Tara,Don,Chris,Stacey and Adam- I think friend Heather took the picture

     In the eight years that have followed our wedding day I have learned to love this man of mine more than I thought possible. Watching him become a father to our babies, watching him work so hard in order for me to stay at home with those said babies- I have learned a marriage is not about the wedding day or the ring on my finger. It is so much more- our partner ship would have grown into what it is today regardless of a piece of paper. July 31 2004 was a perfect day with our friends and family but what has grown out of that day is even more perfect- a family that is so much more than my Mr and I.

    Next weekend my dear cousin Caitlin is getting hitched to her intended Kent. The weekend after that my sweet niece Kayla is getting married to her man Waylon. I can only wish for them to find a fraction of happiness in their marriage that we have found in ours. It is not always easy but really nothing worth while ever is! I hope they are content and happy with themselves so that they can bring a sense of confidence to their marriage. Above all though my wish for these lovely ladies is that they are loved and love back equally.

    For my dear husband- my fartner in crime- I love you still- madly- deeply. I always joked that I went to University to get a Mr. and although not evident at the time a Mr. is what I got! Who knew Art History would yield more than well art history? We have travelled around, then settled down, we became parents and now what- let's see where this adventure takes us next shall we?