Aric and I went out on our first date on September 12th.
Aric was supposed to propose on December 12th but he picked up my ring on the tenth and couldn't wait two more days to give it to me.
We were married on June 12th.
Today is our 12 year anniversary.
12 is good.
Our journey to 12 has been full of some pretty tough stuff.
Year 1...got pregnant, Aric started his career, we moved to Western Washington from North Dakota.
Year 2...had Maya, moved 30 miles away but it felt like we were starting over.
Year 3...started building our first house, I had a breakdown and started counseling. Tried to get pregnant.
Year 4...finished house but couldn't move into it, moved to Eastern Washington...had to start over again, finally got pregnant.
Year 5...had Eden, built a house and then nine months later built another house.
Year 6...moved into new house, started trying to get pregnant again.
Year 7...tried to get pregnant, Aric's mom got officially diagnosed with cancer.
Year 8...infertility
Year 9...infertility and the beginning of the adoption process.
Year 10...waiting and more waiting, then finally...FINALLY Camden!
Year 11...kidney stones, adoption drama and Aric work drama, lawyers and financial stress but finalization did come.
Year 12...bought a rental property in Arizona
These first 12 years have been H.A.R.D. but during the hardest of times we always turned to each other. We were able to still find the joy amid the sorrow.
As I reflect on it all, it really does amaze me that we made it through stronger than ever. I give the credit to Aric's patience, my determination, and our unwavering faith in God.
I feel so blessed to have Aric by my side. We are not a mushy, gushy kind of couple. On most days we annoy each other more than we please each other, but even on our worst days we love each other and have each other's backs.
We are pretty much the real life version of Phil and Claire Dunphy. I think that's why we love that show so much.
So here's to my Phil,I mean Aric...Happy Golden Anniversary! Thanks for being the calm when I am the storm.
I love you more now...
then way back then...
xoxo
j
18 comments:
Congrats Claire and Phil! Love you to pieces! You've made it through all the tough stuff-now the fun begins! Enjoy
Congrats! I had no idea it was your anniversary when I saw you yesterday ;)
That was lovely...and so, so, so, honest! Happy, happy, happy 12th anniversary. You are a cute couple and look like SO MUCH FUN!
Happy Anniversary! So glad you made it through all of that! I would be afraid to do a list like that. oy. Here's to being strong and 12 more!
Happy Anniversary to a wonderful couple! Loved the photos and the pose from your wedding day that you re-created. You guys are great and we are so glad we have you in our lives.
Love the flashback photos! Dying that you're piggy back in your WEDDING DRESS!!! Happy 12th!
Congratulations to you both!
You posed exactly like Phil and Claire 12 years ago??! That's the awesomest thing I've ever seen.
We are always lucky to witness that fun marriage up close. Congratulations!
Love the 12 theme! Congratulations!!
Was Aric a cheerleader too...we love our friends Clair and Phil
Happy #12 you two!! I feel so proud that I am friends with the real life Phil and Claire:)
Thank you for your comment, Jessica. It was EXACTLY what I needed to hear.
HAPPY ANNIE!!
I hope you had a hot date and a nice big bowl of "fro yo" to celebrate!! :) xoxo
Great post! Happy Anniversary!
Happy Anniversary. I am so glad that I have known you for all most of those years. Marriage is a really great thing. Mike and I just celebrated our 22nd anniversary on the 8th.
Wow. That was a great post. I should sit and itemize our years like that some time. Great idea! I love the old pics. LOVE the red lipstick. I looked just like that. Only white and red-headed. ;-)
Happy 12 year anniversary! It's fun to see your pictures through the years. You are an example of strength and determination!
Although a late post, it still made me misty. Hard to believe 12 years have gone by. I echo your description of yourselves and that that is why your marriage works. Your commitment to yourselves, your faith in the Gospel and your marriage will get you through everything and that is what will keep you in love forever. Congratulations you two! xoxo
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