Our Family’s Birthday

Like many other military spouses, my husband and I have two anniversaries.  One is a civil union date, and the second is the faith-based celebration.  I like to think we did the two marriage idea the correct way – it’s the exact same date every year, we just did the whole “JP thing” (also know as the “Justice of the Peace”) in 2008, and the church wedding (also known as a convalidation) in 2009.

On the eve of our 7-8 anniversary last night, I was tucking our two children into bed.  I asked my three year old if he would like to do anything today, and he muttered something about being Paw Patrol, and said something else incoherent before drifting off to sleep.  I then spent some time watching him, slumbering peacefully.

As we climbed into bed, my husband asked me if I had any ideas for a special day.  I told him what I had thought about as I watched our son dream.

Eight years ago today, we celebrated a marriage between my husband and myself.  We went to the county jail, since that is where the Justice of the Peace is located for that particular county.  It was a low-key affair – I wore capri pants and tennis shoes, and pulled my hair back in a ponytail.  Seven years ago today, we celebrated our wedding – the sacramental union between a couple, and with God.  We celebrated the wedding in style, surrounded by family and friends.

Our wedding day saw us surrounded by family – those that came from the same town, and those that traveled the world (literally) to join us for the special day.

One of the lessons the Catholic Church teaches about marriages is that we must be open to life.  We have been blessed with two little lives.  While we won’t be necessarily surrounded by our extended friends and family this year, we will be surrounded by the gifts given to us by God.  We will have our children, and at least one spiritual child (one Goddaughter of mine is Auntie M).

When my husband and I got married, we didn’t know what life would bring us.  We didn’t know what God would do for us.  We had faith in each other.

We still don’t know what else life will bring, nor do we know everything God has in store for us.  But, what I do know is that I still have faith in my husband.  I know God placed this man in my path for a reason, and I am truly blessed.

We have been blessed with two beautiful children.  These children serve as a reminder that my marriage is not “all about me.”  Instead, our marriage is about their father, about them as a future generation, and it is about God’s goodness.

I am so in love with my husband, and with the family and life we have created and built thus far, and continue to create and build!

So, I hope everyone has a joyous and blessed Sunday as our family celebrates a birthday – the birthday of our family!