Monday, February 14, 2011

To my real valentine

A Recipe for Happiness

Take one tow-headed little boy:

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And one farmer-tanned little girl:
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Wait about 20 years, then mix in some awkward dancing, hand-holding, and head-over-heels falling:

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Combine it with a ring, a nervous proposal, and lots of kissing:

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Mix gently with an early morning wedding, newlywed bliss, grad school, and several cross-country moves:

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Let it simmer, bubble, boil, and cook for almost 17 years, and you will have this:

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Thanks, baby.

Thanks for loving me in spite of the very hideous perm years. And the pink gravy I made in our first apartment. And the pregnancy rage.

Thanks for helping me see what you see when you look my way.

Thanks for three beautiful children who are, as it happens, turning out to be quite a lot of fun.

Thanks for getting on planes very early in the morning, multiple times per week, and working into the wee hours so that I don't have to.

Thanks for not complaining when I am less productive than I should be.

Thanks for holding my hand, letting me cry, and hugging me tight this past year. I would never have made it without you.

Thanks for loving me anyway.

21 comments:

Tristan said...

I love all these photos! You guys are such a cute couple!! I love the train on your wedding dress! And of course, I adore the family photo!

Happy Valentine's day Christie! Love ya!

jessica said...

That train!!!!....Are you kidding me!!! I loved this post. Old pictures are the best.

Yay for real love!

kristen said...

this is such a cute/fun post!

Chatter said...

Love this!

Travelin'Oma said...

Every photo made me sigh, "Oh . . . they're SO cute!"

Juli said...

I personaly love the curling iron, roll o' bangs myself. ;) I had those too, used to spend hours getting it just right.

And, oh. my. train!

Seems to me you rocked the perm... it worked out just fine for you. Enjoy your day!

Rochelleht said...

Ah, that was really great. And you guys look really great.

Lauren in GA said...

We will be married 17 years in May. ☺

I loved this post, Stie. It was perfect.

I love the long train on your wedding dress. I got married in the the early 90s, too. I appreciate the style from that decade. Brings back happy memories.

Lauren in GA said...

...and no wonder you have such cute and fun kids...the two of you were darling.

Liz said...

You are a beautiful couple. I like the lacy shirt in, what I assume is, the dance picture. Mostly, I love the ear to ear smiles that light up both of your faces in each photo. Love you guys . . . I've got a bee in my bonnet to venture south for a portion of spring break this year . . .

Dalene said...

Seriously, you guys are way too cute. And that wedding dress? Hot damn!

melissa ( : said...

1994????!!

( :

Jaimie D said...

I hope that some day my family turns out to be as beautiful as yours.

Christina B. said...

I love this post also! It is fun to see your old pictures and the history of a happy couple. I think Josh is a very lucky guy too!

danandcindy said...

Oh brother...

Next time, why don't you slip your valentine to your husband into his briefcase, and he can find it on the plane, and smile to himself... Or you could just put it on the internet for all to see.

Unknown said...

Happy Anniversary? Happy Valentine's Day? No matter what it is, you've made it to 17 years (and I confess I don't know many who've made it that far). You both still look young and fresh as you did on your wedding day (Oh, that train is to die for, by the way). And you? You look gorgeous. Even without a perm. xx

mae said...

so sweet. you really have a beautiful family and- WOAH what a farmer tan :)

Becca @ My Crazy Good Life said...

SO sweet.

You're beautiful - I am sure your hubby tells you all the time, but it never hurts to hear it from a blog reading stranger, does it?

Ginnie said...

Loved this Christie! Your family is so beautiful!! And that prom picture?! priceless :)

brooke said...

I'm late to the party but I loved this!

Jessica Rodarte said...

Love this post! Love that has simmered for a few years is truly the best. :) Ok, I'm all done blog stalking you now. Bye.