The Top Nine



Today, Kevin and I have been married for nine years.  Nine years ago today, I woke up, ran 10 miles, fit nicely into my small wedding dress, danced over my parents pool... and packed a bikini for vacation. 

Today, I will get up, entertain three kids with oatmeal and cartoons, try on five outfits until one actually fits, hopefully remember to brush my teeth, and continue work on a bath remodel during nap time.

A lot has happened in nine years.  Four of them are kids.  Which is a major blame for my clothing issues at the moment.  However, instead of looking in the mirror (or pictures) and quickly listing the top nine negatives that nine years has had on this 5'2" mom... I'm going to list my favorites.  My top nine favorites of why I like being married to Kevin Mitchell.  In no particular order.

1. He's still got the best hair ever.  Still jealous of it, and still love it.  Nothing says "we've made it so far" like a full head of hair.

2.  He drove a white Corolla for 8 1/2 yrs of the marriage, and never complained.  At best, it could have been described as a cute car... for a woman.  At worst, it was plain embarassing, and loud.  And yet even though today he has a sweet Saab, he would still trade it in for another Corolla, or even a bus pass, if that was what the family needed.  He's just not a material type of guy. 

3.  He still writes me love notes, like a professional writer.  And they would still be embarrassing for anyone else to read.  Love that.

4.  Even though he holds a professional job, is a dad, and has a lot of pressures, he will blast the latest and greatest pop sensation music likes he's 15.  It keeps us young.

5.  He makes me feel smart when I get one out of 20 Jeapardy questions right.  Even though he knows most of the answers, he keeps them to himself to make me feel better.

6.  He works extremely hard and long hours, but is still the best dad our kids could ever ask for.  Which is why when I worry about having one more, I remember who my husband is, and then I calm down.

7.  He is generous with me.  We like our budget, but he has always understood that stay at home Moms need to feel special.  And he knows how to do that, and where the closest mall is.

8.   He took me out of the Johnson's, but doesn't fight to take the Johnson out of me.  Meaning... he has learned over the past nine years that I like to redo, reuse, and re-paint.  We are re-habbers to our core. And he gives me the freedom to be the creative, crazy, multi-tasking loony that I am most days.  And usually, all I get is an impressed eyebrow arch or a nice smile. 

9.  He still thinks I'm pretty.  Even though I'm pregnant.  Even though I'm currently pushing a + 15.  You gotta like that one, even after nine years, and no bikini in sight. 

It's been a busy and memorable nine years.  We may not look like babies anymore, and we might be a bit more stressed out most days than we were sans kids, a mortgage; and a life.  But every day is worth it.  And every day I'm delighted when he comes home.  I would say that's a good start to the next 50. 

Happy Nine Years Kevin.  I sure am glad that I was a Fool, and rushed into You. 

(Enjoy some old wedding highlights)...

The Brothers: Before



The runner back then... even in heals, always striking a racer pose



The Dance Floor.  Just so my friends here can see it.

Our "Father of the Bride" backyard reception.  It was amazing.