Who Knew 18 Was Such A Big Deal?

Last night NPayne and I went out to dinner with some of our good friends.....NPayne's best buddy and his sweet, tall, thin, beautiful wife....but I'm not one bit insecure around her! ;)

Anyhoo.....what we didn't know was that it was a ploy, a decoy, a distraction...so that many of our friends and family could load into our house with food and drinks and gifts and a CAKE and shout "SURPRISE" as we walked into our house after dinner. You see, our sweet daughter Addi, had been planning a surprise anniversary party for us for a few months now. With the help of her aunt Melinda and some of our friends, she pulled it off. NPayne and I were completely surprised! NO CLUE....NO INKLING....NO IDEA....NADA! Even when we approached the house and saw a big ice chest on our front porch full of cold drinks....I still had no idea. What a nice surprise....a wonderful surprise....a joy! After everyone left, I told Addi...."I can't wait to see what you do for our 20th" joking of course. She told me that she didn't want to wait two years to celebrate our anniversary, but she wanted to celebrate it now. I really mulled that over. I started to think about what NPayne and I did for our anniversary this year....and really it was just a regular day! We were busy with "stuff", so we really didn't do a thing. No celebration or gifts, cards, or even dinner out....we did dine out a few days later and call it our anniversary dinner....but really a "Happy Anniversary Dear! I love you!" in passing followed by a kiss was about it. What Addi helped me realize last night was not how much I love my husband....or what a great kid she is....or what wonderful friends and family we have....or how much people came for her sake as well as ours....but what she made me realize is that every anniversary is special! It doesn't have to be a "milestone"....each year is a "milestone"! What I'm about to say is by no means meant to be boasting; but our marriage has been easy. I've heard so many people say...."marriage is hard"....and it is for many, but for NPayne and I....it hasn't been. I'm not saying we haven't had our challenges and still do.....BELIEVE ME....we do. What I'm saying is that sometimes I think we get in a rut with our marriage, because it's easy. We always love each other, and we do try to make time for each other; and we are better than we use to be....especially as our children get older. But usually WE, US, HE AND I, HUSBAND AND WIFE, get pushed to the back of the list of things that need to be accomplished during a regular week! What Addi helped me really realize is that the WE, US, HE AND I, HUSBAND AND WIFE need to be at the top of the list of things that need to be accomplished during the week. Our union needs to be celebrated....not just on our anniversary but every day....or at least once a week! ;) Thank You Addi.....You are more of a blessing than you can imagine. Thank You Cal, Drew, Bryna and Elli....for helping Addi with everything. Thank You Aunt Melinda, Cynthia, Leslie, Jennifer. Thank You PW and Alicia. Thank You to all who came and celebrated our love and family. Mostly thank you Addi for reminding me what a unique, special, and wonderful marriage I have! Who knew 18 was such a big deal? Addi did, and now so do I!