Happy 8th Anniversary!

Today was our 8th anniversary! Mike surprised me by having these beautiful roses sent to the door. They had a little "I love you" balloon attached, but I think they look prettier all natural, don't you?
We'll celebrate our anniversary with a weekend away later this month, so tonight we watched our wedding video with the kids and spent time as a family.
In some ways our wedding day seems so long ago and in other ways it seems like just yesterday. Of course neither of us look like it was just yesterday! ;) It's strange to think we've already been married 8 years, are the parents of 4 children, homeowners, etc. I'm sure we will always feel younger than we really are. The years are just going to keep going faster and faster. Older women at the grocery store are always telling me to appreciate my kids now as they grow up so fast. Another 8 years will go by and Weston will be 13 years old!
As we watched the wedding video Mike and I were saying we are so glad we've matured since June 10, 2000. Of course this is said with complete awareness that we have a looooong way to go still (2 steps forward, one step back). I'm so glad that God promised us in His Word that he continues a good work in us until He returns! (Phil 1:6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.) I know part of the way God will continue to grow and mature us will be through trials, but I take comfort in knowing He will be with us during the good times and the bad. I had a quick thought today that I could have been alone with 3 (almost 4) children if God had decided to take Mike home the day he was hit by the truck. I'm so thankful He didn't, but I know God would have met my needs and given me peace! I'll still pray that Mike and I will be able to celebrate many more anniversaries together!