Eight Years

Today is the 8th Anniversary of our wedding day. Eight years ago, we became husband and wife. A mere 8 years ago, I got to stand before all of our friends and loved ones and marry my very best friend. Eight years ago today my life began.

Chris and I actually dated for 3 years before we got married, so we've actually been together ELEVEN years! For those of you who are not quick mathematicians, that is ONE THIRD of my life that we have spent together.

We met in a bar when I was in college at ECU and Chris was in the Marine Corps. (Side Note: We plan on telling our children we met in church. J/K!) We met in a lovely (sarcasm insert) place called the Texas Two Step. (For those of you who remember the place, don't be jealous!) We feel like it was fate that brought us together because neither one of us wanted to go out the night that we met. One of my girlfriends, Melanie, came to my apartment in Greenville and told me we were going out dancing. I tried everything I could to talk her out of it, but finally to appease her, I put on some lipstick and went out the door with her. (Note: No shower to get ready, no other makeup, no special outfit.) Chris, who had been recuperating for a couple of months from surgery on his ACL, was not in the mood to go out either. He had not really been off of the base much since his medical procedure and did everything he could to convince his friends that he was staying in his barracks. Luckily for me, they talked him into going at the last minute.

Melanie and I had been at the club for about an hour before I met my future husband. We had danced with a few people and talked to some more and I was really starting to feel like it was time to leave when a cute red head approached and, smiling, asked if we wanted to dance. From that first smile on, I never wanted to dance with anyone else.

I could never have imagined that first night all the joy that Chris would bring into my life. The thing that I love the most about him is the way he can make me laugh from the depths of my soul. We never go to bed without saying I love you and I never have to worry about whose side he is on...it is always mine. :) He is my biggest cheerleader and he loves me for me; He is loyal to a fault and would walk through fire to make me happy. He is the greatest thing to ever happen to me and the love of my life. And, he's a hottie! (Sorry, had to put that in here!)

Here's a picture of us on our wedding day, November 4, 2000.

Eight years has gone by in a flash. And, I still can't believe how lucky I am to have him as my husband.