8 years...

...and I still love this man.

(and this boy, BUT...this post is NOT about him. Not today.)

We celebrated our 8 year Anniversary today. So, it takes me back to our wedding day...and I was hit with the conclusion that was true of me back then, too: I am more interested in being with the ones I love than I am in the details...we were laughing about all the 'little things' we didn't remember about our wedding day...'cause we didn't make those decisions. (thank you ANGIE and AMANDA for making so many of them FOR ME!!) we just wanted to BE TOGETHER...I beat myself up sometimes for my lack of attention to details...in some respects...in other ways, I am too anal, but...anyways. this is a post about my marriage, not my flaws, so...moving on.

I do not have a perfect marriage. Who does, though?! I am married to a man who loves me...who thinks I am beautiful and wonderful and good...he is, absolutely my soul mate and very best friend. I'm not kidding. He knows me better than anyone, and loves me more than anyone...so crazy. He is so good to me. We are poor. We really are, but...he is never stingy, and always encouraging me to buy things and do special things - never makes me feel bad about any purchases I make, or money I spend when I go out with friends. He works so I can stay home - He never makes me feel bad for staying in bed when he gets up at ridiculous hours to go to work!

He loves the Lord. He leads our marriage, our family, our HOME with Jesus as the Centre...He is an example of love and compassion far beyond the 4 walls of our home, with his love and concern for others, especially teen-age boys who don't have good male influences. I have sometimes resented the time he has spent with different boys over the years, but...really, I am grateful to have a man who has such love and concern for others...he has a lot to give, and I am glad he is not selfish in this area. My own boy is so incredibly blessed to have THIS MAN as his Dad. I'm grateful for that.

And he really is the best Dad. I love watching these two play together -- the minute Jason walks in the door, Jonah wants to wrestle and play with him...and he always seems to summons up the energy to do this with our very energetic 3 year old, who wouldn't understand that his Dad just might be tired after working for 10 hours...I love watching the man I love be a father. He's such a good one.

We laugh. We have the best time together -- and just 'get' each other and find each other hilarious, like no-one else would. We sing our hearts out - with Jonah joining us everytime we sing/dance/hug...we are 'that' family...the ones people might look at from the outside and think we were embarassing or nerdy or something, but...we love each other so much. And are so happy together...

He loves my family...and my family adores him...really. But, I love that...he's just such a real part of our family...I'm thankful to have a husband who is so close to my family.

I love that he loves his job. And his clients and co-workers love him. I know he's the favorite - of course he is!! He is kind and approachable and non-judgmental...

I love him. I am so incredibly grateful God brought him into my life as my friend over 15 years ago...and that we have shared life together in this sweet marriage for 8 years. I am blessed, indeed. He respects me, he thinks I'm great, he compliments me, he tells me every day that he loves me...he still makes me feel like I am the most beautiful girl in the world, and never gives me reason to doubt that is true...he is my biggest fan, and also not afraid to gently rebuke me when I'm wrong, or 'calm me' when I am out of control...he's such a perfect balance for me...such a PART of me...I am quite sure I could not breathe without this man, he is such a part of my soul and heart.

I look forward to sharing many more years with you, Jason Paulino....for...as long as we both shall live.