Anniversary #8

That wonderful day - 10-29-2010

The day one gets married is supposed to be and usually is, a fantastic day that leaves lasting memories on the bride and groom. This was the case for us and we still look back on the day with joy and fondness. 

Being married is a wonderful thing and I do really enjoy it. I am especially blessed to be married to someone so wonderful as Cherilyn. 

May 2018 DM concert Tulsa

Over these past years we have been able to do many things together that have been fun as well as strengthening  for us.

In 2014 we got to go zip lining on our anniversary to have a celebratory date.

This year, our eighth anniversary arrived knowing we were nearing the end of a VERY busy time with the business and family activities. We were unable to plan any sort of getaway but we thought we might be able to at least take some time to ourselves and if nothing else, go out for lunch on our actual anniversary. We had been so busy between our business, Cheer for Carissa and Marching Band for Brittney that we knew there was little time this year for any big celebration. 

When the day of our anniversary rolled around, we planned that we would take half the day for ourselves. In the morning we had to get the girls off to school, do the morning chores and prepare two puppies to go to their new homes, the latter consisted of bathing the pups and doing some paperwork. I was hand delivering them across the country so I had to pack as well. As the morning rolled on, it came time to bathe the puppies when I noticed an issue with the washing machine. Fortunately it was not a fatal issue, nor was it an issue that required a professional to be called out who wouldn't arrive for a couple of days either. However, it was an issue that would take over an hour to fix, the hour I had set for bathing puppies. Once the machine was up and running again I got the pups bathed and dried. [-PLUG- In case you were wondering, we use a line of breed appropriate products by Crown Royale. They are great products!] While this was all going on, Cherilyn was dealing with more potential clients as well as the ones expecting their puppies the next day.  .......... 

We never went out for lunch - no time. A later than usual, shortened lunch at the house would have to do. The afternoon chores turned to be more involved than anticipated and took longer than usual. The children came home from school and time with them was to be had. Before we knew it, dinner time was upon us. Then, after dinner clean up and the nightly ritual of trying to keep the kids on task with showers and getting ready for bed. After all of that, time for nightly chores and getting packed. All in all, we did end up finished with the day 2 hours earlier than usual which was good because I had a 3:45AM wake up call. So that was it, our eighth anniversary. The busiest day we had had in a while, non-stop from morning til night. No day off for fun, that would have to be another day. Perhaps in another week or two LOL.

As I was gone for the next two days on pup delivery duty, I had time to reflect and enjoy the memories of the past and look forward to new ones in the future. We may have, in essence, canceled our anniversary this year but we have many more to look forward to and I'm glad of that! Sometimes you just have to look back and laugh. Not everything turns out the way we want or plan and that is OK. We need to try to enjoy what is and look forward to what is to come. 

As I was driving the three hour drive back from the airport after my puppy delivery excursion to Providence and Manchester, I played my tunes and looked forward to seeing my beautiful bride. I still get the warm fuzzies and excitement of being able to see her again after being gone. I enjoy that! So, to my sweet wife who cares for me in spite of my shortcomings and whom I am glad I get the privilege to love her too - 

Every time I see you something happens to me
Like a chain reaction between you and me

My heart starts missing a beat
My heart starts missing a beat
Every time
Oh oh oh, every time

  

Happy anniversary! I look forward to many, many more! I Love You!

Krystene Gets Married

It was a small affair attended by a select few. It was exciting and enjoyable. The private ceremony was held outside in Raleigh, NC on a hot and steamy afternoon on the campus of NC State. The clouds broke and a little sunshine shown down on the blessed event.

It's an interesting day as a father, to see your little girl all grown up and getting married. Somehow, even though you have witnessed the growing up, it's hard to not think of your little girl as just that. Your little girl was just yesterday growing up, enjoying good times with friends and participating in sports and band etc..... How could she be grown up now?

Yet, there she is! All grown up! Graduated from college, working full time in the profession she chose living on her own in a different city. Then one day she meets a nice young man and dates him and eventually marries him. - All Grown Up -

To quote a great 80's movie “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” I have enjoyed watching my little girl grow up and I am so very proud of her. It is a joy to be her dad!

DM - The Second Time Around

For the first time I was able to see Depeche Mode twice on the same tour! The only other group I had that experience with was Aerosmith on the Get A Grip tour.

This time around, it was date nite with DM. Cherilyn and I booked a room in Tulsa directly across from the venue. Best trip into and out of a concert ever!

View from our room. The BOK Center

It was pretty fantastic to have to just walk across the street. I don't think I have ever parked as close at a venue even considering my mom and I use to get handicap parking.

The show was just as awesome as it was nearly nine months prior. The show had a slightly different set list than the earlier show we had seen, which added to this shows experience. The show was spectacular as usual!! Cannot wait for the next one!!

Back in our room we could see that there were still people leaving the show. I think I like being this close. :-)