Wednesday, May 30, 2012

25 Years of wedded bliss ...

That 'wedded bliss' part, is kinda Mark and my go to catch phrase over the course of our marriage. Always spoken with the ever present air of sarcasm that abounds in our home. You likely could insert most any number up to the current 25 years we are celebrating. Well, maybe not our first few. You know, young and oh so in love and looking at life through those rose colored glasses. And then life happened. Not in a bad way. Just not how you pictured it in your minds eye.






We have traveled a long road to reach this day. I could bore you to death and spout all the usual cliches about the twists and turns, peaks and valleys, mistakes and regrets and joys and sorrows that have been part of the journey, but I venture to guess, that most everyone that will be reading this, that is married or has ever been married, can relate to all that . You must know already, that to reach 25 years, has most likely not been easy in some moments. There have been times when the lure of the  path of least resistance, looked appealing. But here we stand. United when it has counted. Especially during Zoey's most difficult days. We have the most amazing children. Bar none. Good human beings with beautiful souls. And perhaps in the end, they stand as the greatest testament of our love.






On Memorial Day Mark and I and the 'little set', went to Descanso Gardens. A place that I cannot even begin to describe. It is beautiful and tranquil there. Truly magnificent piece of expansive land. We walked for hours. Thankful that Zoey is still so tiny and I could strap her on my back and hike and explore. Won't always be as effortless as it was with her that day.








 But I did not focus on the tomorrows. Instead was only grateful for the ease and peacefulness of the day. Ease and peacefulness isn't always present in our daily lives but that day was different. Mark and I soaked in the rare time spent together and although we were missing the older girls, we found beauty in where our life is today, with the gift and opportunity of raising 3 other children. Not necessarily better parents this time around, but different and hopefully wiser. And certainly we are not losing sight of how fleeting these days are. The last 25 have taught us that, and so much more.

23 comments:

Rochelle said...

Happy 25th, glad you were able to take in the beauty! I think your kids are so amazing b/c their mom is out of this world amazing!

krlr said...

Congratulations on your 25 years, a beautiful day outside, & your gorgeous children - present & not.

I loved this line: "twists and turns, peaks and valleys, mistakes and regrets and joys and sorrows"... sums up my 13 yrs of 'wedded bliss' too.

charity said...

congrats on being married for 25 years you don't hear of that now a days

The VW's said...

Happy Anniversary! All your family has encountered along the way shows a true testimony of your love for one another!

Love the beautiful pictures! Hugs!

Kristen's mom said...

Happy Anniversary!

Cammie Heflin said...

Happy Happy Anniversary!!! You are all amazing people and you know I love each and every one of you!!! I'm so glad that you had a wonderful day together, soo deserved!!!

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary you two!

And.... I was one of the truly "lucky" ones to be in the church when it all began! Wow! you know the saying: A LOT OF WATER has gone over the dam!! for sure :)))

Those Gardens look awesome!! That is a real Bluebelle kinda place. Maybe I can visit it the next time I'm out you way !! together

Love & hugs

Aunt Bluebelle

Victoria Strong said...

Beautiful post. Beautiful, peaceful images (especially that one at the top). Happy, happy anniversary to a beautiful couple!

Elizabeth said...

Happy Anniversary to you and Mark, again. The photos and words, as always were beautiful. I especially love the photo of all that green and the tiny speck of color in the background. There's something symbolic in all that monotone and the splash of difference, no? Love to you and your gorgeous family -- I love you so.

Shelly Turpin said...

A beautiful still day out of doors - sounds like a perfect anniversary to me! Happy 25th!

Runningmama said...

Happy 25th anniversary :-)

Becca said...

Happy Anniversary! 25 years is an amazing accomplishment! And trust me, after 20 years of marriage, I know full well how immensely difficult it can be. I've told you before, you have a beautiful, beautiful family, and deserve many, many more years of happiness together.

Summer said...

Happy Anniversary! I hope the next 25 years are as "blissful"! ;) xoxo

Joyce said...

The road to ecstasy, extreme happiness, contentment. I just looked up the definition of bliss to see exatly what it does mean. I can see it flowing from you two and your beautiful family. Congratulations!!! on the quarter century milestone. Cheers for many more.

Angi said...

Congrats! It's an awesome accomplishment :-)

My name is Sarah said...

Happy Anniversary!!

Justine said...

Happy anniversary! Beautiful pictures, especially that one looking up at the trees. Love it!

Two questions for you: what kind of a carrier did you have Zoey in? And how much does she weigh? I am needing to get a carrier for my newest addition who will be 2 1/2 when I get her home. She currently weighs 20 lbs. I am open to suggestions. She likely won't be walking yet (her special needs are DS, heart stuff, and g-tube fed) and I would rather do the stroller as little as possible for attachment and convenience reasons (and we love to hike.)

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary!! I remember very well that rather warm day 25 years ago. I am glad you had such a nice day with the youngest 3.
Lisa

Bea Braun said...

Congrats and welcome to the club! Time sure flies! Enjoy the next 25 :)

colleen said...

Happy Anniversary Heather... mine was last Saturday... (but a mere 17 years)... love this post and the pictures.. and the fact that the boys still let you hold their hands. Sounds like the most lucious day w/ the wonderful Zoey in a carrier.

blogzilly said...

Happy 25th. Closing in on my 10th and wondering how the Hell we've done it. Can't imagine 25. That deserves some kind of major award, and I don't mean a Leg Lamp.

Danette said...

OMG where does all the time go? 30 year class reunions, 25 years of marriage. We've been truly blessed to have you in our lives, whether near or far you're always close at heart. Wishing you many more years of happiness!

Jeana said...

Happy 25 years! That is amazing. What a neat way to celebrate. Remind me when we come to Cali that we want to go there. I'm seriously planning this trip in my mind for when we get Victoria home and settled in and a little money saved up, we are coming! I just can't take it any more :)