Seventeen

Rick and I were married seventeen years ago today. We spent the weekend in Coeur d'Alene having dinner and a little time to ourselves. It was a little strange to not have the kids around. I have grown very comfortable with my action pack everywhere I go. The quiet was a little bit odd. It makes me wonder what we will do when they all grow up and leave the nest. Fortunately I have a few years before I have to consider that too seriously. I am very glad that we have chosen to take the direction in our lives that we have. We are not the average family by any means, but we do have a lot of fun. Rick has been such a wonderful Dad. He loves to spend time with his kids.

I'm finding it very hard to write about this anniversary without gravitating towards our kids. They have become so much of our marriage, which is the way it should be. We knew when we got married that we wanted a large family (four I think was the plan). God is good and blesses us more than we even hope for. There are days when I think Rick and I don't get enough time together. There are seasons for that kind of thing, and this is a busy one. This weekend gave me hope that someday we will be able to make a little more time for ourselves. It also reminded me that I need to think about things we can do together. He suggested that we could ride our bikes together. I reminded him that he likes to ride his bike in a very leisurely manner, while I like to focus on the destination and get there as soon as my flabby thighs will get me there. Oh yes, we are birds of a different feather.

This coming year should be more adventures, more time with kids, more traveling, and more living a deep life. Every year I learn new things about my amazing husband. He is more patient than I would have ever guessed. And lately has been more of a risk taker than I thought he could be. I am very blessed to have someone that will put up with me and my eight children. God has quite a sense of humor, and I am very grateful for it.