Anniversary

Fifteen years ago I said 'I do.'  But I didn't say 'submit'.  Sorry, bit of an inside joke.
I married well.
Anika has been begging to see my wedding dress, so the anniversary seemed like a good idea to take it out of its sealed box and see if the zipper would close or not. It didn't.  They say it could have but I'm fairly certain I would have had to exhale way too much and then not have breathed at all while it was zipped.  For fear of risking my life or a broken zipper, we just left it part way up.  But it was fun to try it on again. I hadn't worn it since the reception we had a week after our wedding.
It was a great day.  The sun was out in the morning, it rained during pictures, and then cleared up for the trip to the reception. Aunt Kathy played the piano. The church was full. Friends sang a few songs.  We still have the unity candle somewhere I think. The pastor mentioned something about wrestling.  We had been told that this was not a joke, so we were both very serious, something we regretted later - we are not serious people.  The youth group had a great time dancing and playing in the pool at the reception.  The kissing can was a huge hit.  Our car was sabotaged with Vaseline.  We got free drinks at the bar! And had a fun trip to the cabin afterwards.
Matt is an amazing guy.  I can't tell you how many times in my life I see people and I hear, 'Hi Carla, where's Matt?'  He can talk to anyone and everyone.  He gives great hugs and back rubs. He can fix or build most anything.  He can paint a room in moments as long as I pick out the color.  He is a fashion statement all of its own, I just haven't decided what the statement is yet.  Its a joyous occasion when I can beat him in a board game or athletic event - he's just so stinking good at that stuff. He has a job, which in today's economy and in MI is saying something, but more importantly, he loves his job and is good at it. He loves talking with people and finding out their story.  He is an amazing husband, father, and man of God.
I had no idea we would be where we are - with four kids - fifteen years ago.  I'm not even making a guess where will be in fifteen years - Anika will be 26 YIKES!