You are Cordially Invited To....

Who is this couple with stars in their eyes? Hmmmmm, if I look really closely I can kind of recognize them! Yes, Rick and I celebrated our 20th anniversary on Wed. Aug. 20th. We had a busy day, followed by a dinner at a restaurant that seemed really loud with bad service (good food though!) and we were going to go out to a movie (he was going to see Mamma Mia with me) but we were too tired. We went home and I fell asleep before I finished my Starbucks coffee. Yup, sounds like an old married couple to me!!!

I look at our photos, and think back to August 20th, 1988 and realized that I had no idea what being married was really all about. We had never lived with each other and I had never shared a bed or a bank account with anyone before. How did we know we would stay together forever! After the first googly-eyed, lovey dovey month, and reality of sharing everything every day, I thought I had made a big mistake. Really, I did. Yes, Rick knows!!! :)

Month after month, year after year, baby after baby, etc. and here we are 2 decades later. When it comes to weddings, I think we have it all wrong. We should have some small official ceremony with no one but God and a minister or justice of the peace and then, IF you make it to 20 years or more, THEN you have the big wedding, with the big party and all of your friends and family that have helped you stay married for so long.

Really think about it. I look at our wedding party photo and realize that there are only 3 people in the photo that we keep in touch with on a weekly basis and one of them is my sister! There are 4 people that we haven't seen or talked to in at least 12 years or more. It doesn't mean that these people weren't important to us then and now but hardly any of them had an impact on our marriage. Thankfully, we picked our matron of honor and best man correctly. Thanks, Cindy and Andy, for all you've done to support us, our marriage and our family through ALLLLLLL of the rough spots. We love you guys!

If we were to get married again (yes, to each other) I would really KNOW what it means to take those vows and stick to them. I would have first hand knowledge of loving and cherishing, having and holding, in sickness and health. Saying "I Do" is something I try to practice every day, like when we have a disagreement and I choose not to call Rick the bad word that floats around inside my head. It means putting our marriage first, before my pride, or my desire to be right. This is what true love really is to me.

Our new wedding party photo: I would have people around that lift us up, love us in spite of our flaws and are true friends and family. These are the people who listen to me when I cry about my children's problems and then trust enough to have Lauren and Josh babysit their precious babies. Or how about the friends that cooked us meals and called to check up on me when I had my recent surgery. Or the ones that stay in children's choir with me because they know I'd be lost without them. How about the friends that cry or laugh with me when I need to, understand when I'm too upset or busy to return phone calls and are willing to meet me at Starbucks whereever and whenever. What about the friends and family that pray for and support us during these difficult times with my parents. They continue to pick up the phone and listen to me yell and froth at the mouth for the 100th time, in spite of the fact that they have caller ID!

Would I wear white at our wedding - hmmmm. While a comfy pair of Chico's jeans, my favorite shirt and bare feet seem perfect, I know that God washes away my sins and makes me like new. So, yea, I could wear white. Would I make my bridesmaids wear green dresses with green pantyhose (yes, they were a SHEER green, that was the trend then, okay?!!!), Heck no! Rick in a tux, I think not. He can wear whatever he wants (well, almost). I'd just make sure he had a better hair cut than he had 20 years ago. Oh, and short, clean fingernails.

Our reception - it would be one heck of a party. Hey, after all we've survived, we deserve it. Plus, anyone who has been our friends and close family through our Rainey kind of days deserves an open bar!! No ice sculptures or receiving lines, just lots of good food, funny stories, I'm sure there would be an impression or two from old Ricky Poo, hugs, a few tears, great music, singing and dancing. Maybe that's what it will take to get Rick to take dancing lessons with me!!

Last but not least, what about the honeymoon? Tropical, baby!! Somewhere with warm water, a cool breeze, delicious food, pina coladas, spa services but no service for cell phones or blackberries (ah hem - this is addressed to you, Mr. Rainey). And no, I would not be falling asleep by 9:30!!!!

Rick, I love you and can't make it through a single day without you. Here's to the next 20 years, my dear.