When our 40th wedding anniversary rolled around last August, we were on Baby Watch and couldn't really plan ahead. Then autumn was busy and we used Ron's time off for Bekah's senior trip and then the holidays came and time got away from us. And so a couple of weeks ago, we took a few days away from the day-to-day, away from wedding prep, away from the job, away from senior year homeschool, away from the clock.
Forty years is a big deal, and we wanted to mark the occasion.
Forty years is a big deal, and we wanted to mark the occasion.
As we were planning for our little trip, I said something about it being crazy to take time away during this very busy season. Ron said, "Is it crazy? I think it's a good time to go away."
He was absolutely right.
He was absolutely right.
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| Selfie fail. 😉 |
We had three lovely days of reflecting. Of looking back through the years. Of remembering the good and the bad, the victories and the challenges, and God's faithfulness.
We had three lovely days for conversation. For no schedule. For meandering through antique stores. For relaxation. For putting aside the to-do lists. For coffee shops. For eating meals when we wanted them. For watching HGTV and a marathon of "Fixer Upper" (a treat for us, since we don't subscribe to cable TV).
We had three lovely days of looking toward the future, knowing that our lives are changing and feeling bittersweet about that, but knowing that the God who has been faithful over these forty years and seven months will continue to be faithful.
We had three lovely days of looking toward the future, knowing that our lives are changing and feeling bittersweet about that, but knowing that the God who has been faithful over these forty years and seven months will continue to be faithful.
We wanted some sort of tangible marker of our fortieth wedding anniversary. Although the traditional gift for forty years is ruby . . .
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, , , we thought that pewter was more "us." We are happy with our new sugar and cream set.
During this busy season of our lives, we are grateful for the days that we were able to stop and reflect and enjoy time together. We thank our God for these forty-plus years!
I remember so vividly a big 40th my aunts and mom had for their parents, our grandparents. I don't remember any rubies--pewter is far better in my mind. It reminds me of a burnished silver teapot we got at an antique shop to mark an anniversary--it may have been 35th. It's terrible I don't remember which but I do love it and what it signifies. Your pewter set is lovely and I'm glad you forced yourself to get away. Sounds just like what you needed, and very much like what we do when we get away! Happy 40th! And wishing you many more. "The best are yet to come."
ReplyDeleteIt was just what we needed! I'm so glad that we made the time to go. It does sounds like we do similar things . . . right down to buying a house-y thing to commemorate an anniversary! :)
DeleteCongrats to you both for your 40th wedding anniversary. It looks and sounds like you had a lovely little get away.
ReplyDeleteHappy Spring ~ FlowerLady
Thank you, Lorraine! A happy spring to you too!
DeleteOh how marvelous! So glad that you listened to Ron because he definitely was thinking right. In the beginning, it was just the two of you and, soon enough, it will be just the two of you again rambling about in the house together. Of course, with all your precious grands, it's going to always be a busy house. ☺ The pewter set is perfect for your anniversary gift. Who needs rubies? Happy belated anniversary...
ReplyDeleteI agree. "Who needs rubies?" I also agree that Ron was thinking right!
DeleteCongratulations! 40 is a big number for staying married to the same person! Glad you made the time to get away. And that pewter set is lovely for your home. We celebrated our 40th two years ago, and instead of the "ruby" we bought a small cedar box from our travels to Williamsburg...we have a couple of those style boxes from other "special" vacations/milestones.
ReplyDeleteOoooo . . . Williamsburg is a lovely place to celebrate an anniversary! I love that you have several cedar boxes to commemorate milestones! Great idea!
DeleteWe reach that in December. Congratulations on your anniversary, and what a nice time you had just doing things together.
ReplyDeleteForty years is a big deal! Happy anniversary in advance!
DeleteA very good idea indeed! Brilliant! I'm happy for you for your time away from it all. Pewter is a great choice for a keepsake of your 40th and time away. Loved all the selfies, too!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ellen!
DeleteHahaha . . . we (and our kids) laugh so much at our selfies! Maybe we'll get the hang of it after a few hundred tries. :)
Happy belated 40th Cheryl! How romantic for you both to steal away and reflect on your time together married. It's so important to mark special times and 40 years of marriage is noteworthy! I love your gift to each other--beautiful pewter sugar and creamer set.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Martha Ellen! I, too, feel like it is important to mark special milestones in some way . . . and yet it can be easier to let it slide away in all the busyness of life. I am glad that we were able to mark the occasion, even if it was a little late.
DeleteA wonderful and precious gift to getaway with your love <3!!! So thankful y'all had this opportunity and took it!!! Many happy blessings to you and your marriage!!! ~tammy
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tammy! It was truly a gift!
DeleteAw - happy 40th anniversary year. Worthy of celebrating for the whole year ahead.... I think pewter and pretty tulips are more my style too. Hugs and here's to many more years together. God bless you both as you embark on the busy but wonderful months ahead - planning for your beautiful daughter's wedding!
ReplyDeleteWhen I knew that we could not make special plans on our anniversary date, my friend told me that any time within the year would be fine! :) Thanks for your congrats and kind words . . . and the blessing on these last few weeks of planning!
DeleteWe reach 45 years in August! It has not been easy since my husband has a mental illness but it certainly proves the glory of God and His keeping us each day. You guys are so cute together!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Brenda! Isn't it amazing how quickly the years pass?! Congratulations on your upcoming 45th anniversary . . . by His grace and for His glory!
DeleteRon is a smart man and so glad you took his advice to get away for a few days! It will be 43 years for us in August and it is easy to let the years slip on by...too easy. Congratulations on your 40 years and 7 months! Love the pewter...we used to have a whole set of it, place settings, etc. early on in our marriage...very unique! Enjoy the busy weeks ahead!
ReplyDeleteHe is a smart man, Debby! Congrats in advance on your own anniversary . . . it should be especially sweet this year! Don't the years fly by . . .
DeleteBelated Happy Anniversary, Cheryl! Forty years is certainly worth celebrating. This year will be 42 for us. For our 40th our children threw a lovely dinner in the garden party with family. It's something I'll treasure. Pewter is a wonderful idea, full of warmth and gleam.
ReplyDeleteHappy 40th anniversary plus 7 months :) And what a perfect way to celebrate. As each year passes, the more I am assured that these little getaways are so important and valuable. We try for at least a day trip for our birthdays and anniversary but find an overnight or two really helps to refresh and refocus. You guys are the sweetest and always an inspiration. Now you have four months to plan something for your 41st anniversary, especially with all of the wedding plans :) We have been enjoying museums for our "mental health" days, as our kids call them.
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