Happy 46th Anniversary Mom and Dad!

August 17, 1968

I wish I had the words to adequately express my thoughts on this topic, but no matter how long I thought or how many times I rewrote sentences, the words just never seemed right.  I'll keep this fairly brief so as to not sound trite.  Today my parents celebrate 46 years of wedded bliss.  Okay, okay.  I know it hasn't all been blissful, but I do know for sure that if they had it to do all over again, they would still choose each other.  I am so grateful that they found each other to love.  From that love, they had 4 wonderful children and one really, super, duper amazingly wonderful child.  I'll let you decide who that one is!  ;)

My parents have taught me so much about love and sacrifice.  They've argued.  They've laughed.  They've nagged and criticized.  They've forgiven.  They've loved and supported one another, even when it was difficult.  I'll never forget what my mom once said to me about relationships.  She said that relationships aren't always 50/50.  She said sometimes they're 90/10.  For example, if your partner is sick, you might have to be in charge of 90% of the household responsibilities while they only handle 10%.  It's not unfair or unequal.  It's the natural give and take of a relationship as it follows every day life.  This has always stuck with me, and I remind myself of this when I feel like I'm the one giving more.  

I hope one day I can celebrate a 46th anniversary with J.  I have a couple of pretty good role models, don't ya think?  

Here are some pictures I dug up.  I sure wish I had more!

Before Marriage

Wedding Day - August 17, 1968

Christmas 1987

May 1993

September 1996

2001 or 2002 (Ed and Jenna Haller's wedding)
My dad was blowing bubbles, and my mom was swatting at them and laughing hysterically.
I think she had one too many black Russians. 

November 2003? - Grand Canyon

March 2006

June 2010 - Peoria, IL
Enjoying pork tenderloins

June 2010 - Peoria, IL
Outside of my grandma's residence

June 2011
This picture speaks volumes about my parents' relationship.
My dad was clearly teasing my mother, and my mother is going in for the strangle.
I've seen this many times.

November 2013 - Jeff and Jill's wedding
They clean up well.  Such a nice looking couple.

November 2013 - Jeff's wedding
There is always one sibling missing. :(
L to R: little brother Nick, big sister Rachel, Dad, Mom, big brother Jeff, Me

March 2014 - Genevieve's 2nd birthday party
Again, a sibling is missing.
L to R: Dad, little sister Emily, Me, big sister Rachel, big brother Jeff, Mom