Remember
"Remember the first flush of love
that drew you powerfully together?
It still feeds the unassailable bond
that makes your marriage so secure.
Remember all the qualities about each other
you found so endearing?
They are still there,
and new ones create sweet surprises.
Remember thinking that this love
would last forever?
Your love has strengthened and grown
into eternal affection and admiration.
Years from now, you'll look back
at this anniversary
and realize you love each other
more than ever.
I know it sounds lame and cheesy, but I still vividly remember the very first time I saw Ray. I thought wow this guy is pale.I remember talking to each other on the phone for about a month before Ray worked up the courage to ask me out. I remember our first date, we went and saw " Big Daddy". Ted and Mark walked up behind us as we sat in our seats waiting for the movie to begin, Ted grabbed Ray at the back of the neck and said "Don't do anything I wouldn't do!". Of course I was super embarassed, Ray was surprised having never met either Ted or Mark. I remember all of our firsts vividly because they were all of my firsts with anyone, First time holding hands, first hug, first kiss, first "I love you!". I remember telling Rochelle that he said he loved me and asking her if she thought that I was in love with him too. Poor guy went out on a limb to say it and had to wait nearly 24 hours before I said it back. Then I remember Kimi saying " When did they start saying that?" I remember deciding that we were going to get married only 3 months after our first Phone call. I remember picking out our rings and then Ray confusing the crap out of me by taking me to riverton music for trombone lessons, I remember thinking what the heck am I taking trombone lessons for. The guy giving the lesson distracted me by telling me that I was doing better than most 4th graders, so I didn't even notice when Ray disappeared, to return minutes later holding a boquet of orange roses and my ring, getting down on one knee and proposing to me. I remember coming down the stairs at the reception center in my white dress, feeling very self concious and then seeing him, I forgot all about the other people in the room and only saw him. I remember him rubbing the back of my hand with his thumb as the bishop read the vows, I remember that my " I Do" was so quiet that the bishop had to double check that I said it. I remember Rochelle crying standing beside me as my maid of honor and I remember Roby saying "Kiss her again." when he didn't feel that the first one was good enough and being completely embarassed when Ray did kiss me again, for far too long than was comfortable in front of family. And then our life together began. In some ways 10 years has flown by in others it has seemed long. The trials in the beginning with Ryan felt like they would be neverending, and then looking back, we recognize how very, very blessed we are. We have the most beautiful children in the whole world (even if they do somewhat resemble Patrick Stewart). Life has definitely had it's up's and down's. We have had our struggles but we are stronger for them. I could not imagine my life any different than it is now. I love you Raymee, Thank you for a wonderful 10 years.
Another Year
Another year to create
precious memories together.
Another year to discover
new things to enjoy about each other.
Another year to build
a life rich in love and laughter.
Another year to strengthen
a marriage that defines "forever."
