A walk down memory lane...

8 years ago today, I was a 21 year old girl getting ready for my wedding.  I had all the nervous butterflies that a girl has and all the love that a woman hopes for in my heart.  I was very emotional about getting ready & about becoming Michael's wife, not because I didn't want to be married, but because I was apprehensive that I wouldn't be the wife he deserved.  I, as many young women, came into the marriage with expectations of him and of myself that were not correct.  Through the years the thing I have learned most is that the more myself I am, the more happy our relationship has become.  I do not take our friendship or love for granted and thank God daily for the wonderful man that I am privileged to call my husband.  Michael, if you are reading (& I know you are :), here is a poem that I found that I thought was fitting for the day & also a few pics of us through these 8 years together.  I look forward to many more together and all that life has in store for us as a family.  I love you!

God has said
That we should not
Live our lives alone
But to have someone
Close by our side
Together to make a home

He gave to me
Someone like you
So I could share my life
Together we stand
Whatever may come
With God’s love inside

Our wedding was at Gabrella Manor in Roebuck, AL on Aug. 17, 2003--I was a rising senior in college and Michael had just started his job in the Gene Therapy Center at UAB

The newly minted Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Passineau

Glad to be married & on our way to a wonderful honeymoon

For our honeymoon, we had the opportunity to travel to Ireland for a trip-of-a-lifetime.  We stayed in a different castle every night and had some of the best food in Europe.  It was truly a great way to start our new life together.  Although, we were very broke after our splurge, it was worth every cent & I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Overlooking the Wicklow gap, just south of Dublin

County Clare--view that we wouldn't have seen if I hadn't got us lost :)...hehe

Cliffs of Moher

For our 1st Anniversary (2004), we went to Dempolis, AL area and stayed in a lovely B&B called Oakmont.  We then had dinner at the Cypress Inn, near Tuscaloosa--it was a lovely evening & dinner, but unfortunately I don't have any photos of this time; however, I can still remember what the B&B looked like and also how tasty the dinner was.

2nd Anniversary: I had started dental school and we had just moved into our new home in Irondale, AL.  It was such an adorable starter home & after the move we didn't have that much money.  Despite this fact, Michael made us a reservation at Cullinard's restaurant--Mizan Plaz.  It was a great night & wow we look so young here. 

4064 Sherborne Rd.--our 1st home together

2005 at Cullinard

3rd Anniversary: We went to dinner at one of Birmingham, AL's best gourmet restaurants, Highland Bar and Grill.  

Highland Bar & Grill 2006 (yeah, I think I'm wearing the same outfit as I did the year before)

4th Anniversary: We went over to Atlanta, GA to the winery/spa Chateau Elan.  It was such a nice trip & we had a fabulous 5 course dinner with wine pairings.  This was our last anniversary in the South.

Beautiful fountain at Chateau Elan

Our typical anniversary pose at dinner...hehe, we love our food!

5th Anniversary: We had just moved from Alabama to Pittsburgh.  We spent our anniversary night at Monterrey Fish Grotto high on Mt. Washington and then traveled to NYC to celebrate some more over Labor Day weekend.

Atop Mt. Washington at the fish grotto in 2008

Celebrating some more at Broadway

At Marseilles restaurant in NYC

6th Anniversary: We traveled north from Pittsburgh to Cook's Forrest to stay at the Gateway lodge/spa.  They had a lovely dining room and although I do love to eat, this anniversary I was very sick due to my being a little pregnant with Jessica.  We were so excited during this anniversary trip & being extra careful due to my "delicate" condition.  We were still able to eat a great breakfast, despite my horrible morning sickness.

Gateway Lodge/Spa in Cooks Forrest

Our Anniversary Breakfast 2009

7th Anniversary: Our celebratory dinner was at Bonna Terra in Sharpsburg, PA.  A fabulous dinner with several delicious courses.  (Little did I know this time next year I'd have another baby :)

2010 at Bonna Terra

8th Anniversary: We celebrated this past weekend with a an overnight to Tara Inn....see my post from Monday for full details.

2011 Tara Inn

So much has changed in 8 years of marriage, but my love and commitment to being the best wife for Michael that I can be has remained the same.  At our anniversary last year (2010),  I had wanted to get a portrait done of me in my wedding dress with Jessica in a white dress also; however, soon after our 7th Anniversary I found out I was expecting again (actually to be honest, Gabriella was our anniversary gift--maybe too much information, but true!).  So this year when we had Gabriella's newborn photos done, I wore my wedding dress & had both my babies with me.  

We hope to set a loving example of marriage for our girls and pray that they would find happiness with their spouses as we have.  Hope you all enjoy our memories, it has been fun for me to see the pics today & remember all the great anniversaries we've celebrated.  Have a great Wednesday!