Where did the time go?

This past Friday was my anniversary. Emil and I have been married 20 years! It's so hard to believe. Kirstin asked me the other day if it seemed like a long time and I said "it seems like forever". And it does, in such a good way.

Me & Michelle (my best friend) 1991

When Emil and I met I was working 3 jobs trying to earn money to go to school at Southern Utah University in the fall, (to find my husband). (Ok, there may have been some serious tanning sessions and beach days with Michelle sprinkled in there as well as dating guys too...)Emil was just working and surfing. Always looking for that perfect wave. We were both working at a grocery store called Food Lion. I was a cashier and he worked in the produce department. His friend and roommate,  Pokey, actually noticed me first. He told Emil he was going to ask me out so Emil came through my line to check me out.  When a couple of days had passed and Pokey still hadn't asked me out, Emil told him he was going to ask me out if Pokey didn't soon. As his name suggest, Pokey was slow to act and Emil asked me out for the 4th of July. We went to a party and watched the fireworks from the beach.  Sometimes I joke about how I saw fireworks on my first date with Emil.

We saw each other every day until I left for Utah a month later. (I was great at multi-tasking!)

It wasn't long before I was homesick for both North Carolina and Emil. 2 months later I got a quick trip home when his school had Ring Figure. (A big dance and ceremony when they get their class rings.) I got to see VMI and Emil in uniform!

That held us over until Christmas...

When he came to see me and go skiing. We started referring to each other as "Love" as in "Love, can you get me a glass of water?"

It wasn't something we decided to do it just happened. 

We were, and are, each others definition of Love.

The next summer found me home at the beach again and Emil and I got married....

I thought I knew what my life would be like when we got married....

But I was never prepared for the laughter and tears we've had over the years.

Summer 2007

The different jobs.....

June 8, 2008

The changing hairstyles....

 2008 

The different homes we've lived in....

Spring 2012

May 6, 2012

Our friends and families have given us a well of strength to draw from as well as support through our toughest times. 

I always thought I was the luckiest girl to have landed a cutie like Emil. 

And I am.

I'm just glad he's not just a pretty face, he's just as amazing inside as he is out. 

I think everyone thinks their love story is the best as do I. I wouldn't have had it any other way.

I love you, Love.

In August we go for a week long trip to Belize to celebrate! I'll take lots of pictures for you and make sure I squeeze in a serious tanning session just for old times sake!