Anniversary Year 8: The Best One Yet

Happy Tuesday, friends!  Today is a day for celebrating in the Baker household – Jerard and I are celebrating 8 years of marriage!  I love any reason to celebrate, and anniversaries are certainly one of my favorites.  8 years ago, the weather was very much like it is today – beautiful and perfect – and we became husband and wife in front of our family and closest friends.  To this day, it was still the best day of my life.
Fast forward 7 years, and on this exact same day last year, anniversary year 7, I was experiencing tremendous sadness as I looked back on the past year – it was by far the hardest year of my life. Losing two babies. Life looking nothing like what we had planned for our family. It was a really hard pill to swallow to feel helpless and not in control of what you want.  Last year, I learned what promising to love each other through the good times and the bad ones REALLY meant.
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5

But joy. Year 8 looks absolutely nothing like it did last year. And the joy we’ve experienced this year is truly indescribable.  And while the joy doesn’t take away from the hard times we had to go through to get here, they sure did make us stronger. This year has been the best year yet. I can truly say our marriage has never been stronger, and I’ve never been happier.  I can contribute that to (trying) to trust in God’s plan for our family, even when it didn’t look like I wanted it to.  And to having the absolute best life partner – someone who is strong when I am weak.

Jerard, it is my greatest honor in this life to be your wife. And while it hasn’t always been easy, it’s always been worth it. Having a front row seat in watching you become a parent this year has made me fall in love with you in ways I never knew were possible. Thank you for choosing me 8 years ago and continuing to choose me every single day. And while this year has absolutely been the best year yet, I have not doubt that the best is still to come.  I love you so much!