Grati-

Today we celebrate our 20th anniversary.

We joke with one another that we've had 18 happy years. Our first two years were difficult. For us, trying to blend the two different cultures of our families, into our own family culture, didn't go smoothly.

We actually came from very similar backgrounds. We were both raised in christian homes of the same faith, both families were in the military, both of the same socio-economic status, and the same amount of education. Why was it so hard? My guess-- I'm stubborn and strong willed (shh...I'm not admitting that to him.)

It's perfect that our anniversary is on a GratiTuesday. I'm grateful to the Lord, for my husband, who He made especially for me.

I'm in love with him more and differently than when I met him. I respect him more each day as I watch him grow in his walk with God, as my husband, and as a father.

I still hate to be away from him, even for a few hours. I still can't wait for him to come home at the end of the day, or a trip. I'd still rather be with him than anyone else.

He knows my deepest fears and heartbreaks, and protects them as if they were his own.

He's always been the kind of man who would do anything around the house. He's done everything from dishes, laundry, toilets, grocery shopping, diapers, read to the kids, cooking and anything else I've needed done.

He worked hard, doing all these things, just this last week so I'd have less to do in his absence over the next two and half weeks. I nicknamed him my House Honey.

He NEVER misses an opportunity to let me know where I stand in his life, I'm second. I'm okay with that, God is first!

If the Lord wills, I'd love another 20 years with him, and that won't be nearly enough.

I love you House Honey! Happy 20th...

Join Gratituesday by visiting HeavenlyHomakers.com or just review the Gratituesday purpose.