Sunday, August 24, 2008

Happy 40th to Us~



I had such good intentions about blogging every day approaching, today, our 40th wedding anniversary. Well, you all know what they say about good intentions. Friday and Saturday turned out to be a whirlwind of activity around here.

There was last minute shopping, putting up the tent for our party, the arrival of our house guests, eating, imbibing, more last minute shopping, etc. etc. There just wasn't any time for posting on my blog.

As it was, I can't imagine getting everything done without the help of Jim's brother and his dear friend. We are so grateful to them for coming and pitching in.

The party was wonderful. The caterer outdid herself with the excellent food. My dear friend, Sandi, designed beautiful flower bouquets and the weather cooperated. If only we could have sent the mosquitoes on vacation, all would have been perfect.

Tracy, my precious next door neighbor, took lots of pictures. Her are a few of her favorites. I'll post more when I receive them.



I had kept my wedding gown, all wrinkled up, in a bag in the attic. I took it to my friend, Claudia, and she steamed it and put it on her dress form. Isn't it lovely?



We served the cake and coffee in our dining area. The appetizers and drinks were under the tent and the main course was served buffet style on our enclosed porch. The logistics worked well. Again, a big thank you to Cathy for her help.



The Brothers Wolfanger had a great time making fun of "The Gown". The women, of course, thought it was a lovely idea. As an aside, Laverne was in Viet Nam when we were married and wasn't able to be at our wedding. Having him with us this weekend was a real blessing.



Once again, Jim proved himself as a gifted public speaker combining just the right amount of sentiment and humor to put everyone at ease. His prayer before dinner was touching and sincere. For once, I said nothing.

BUT, now it's my turn to pay tribute the wonderful man I married forty years ago as I finish the "40 Fab Things About Jim".

21. He cherishes me.

22. He doesn't complain about my messy office.

23. He encourages my intellectual and academic growth.

24. He listens to my dreams.

25. He tolerates my whims - but adds a touch of reality.

26. He grieves when I grieve and rejoices when I rejoice.

27. He dusts my hippos.

28. He watches "chick flicks" with me.

29. He gives me a back rub, just because.

30. He taught me to drive a five speed.

31. He stops for coffee whenever I want.

32. He prays with me.

33. He treated my mother with love and respect.

34. He encourages my hobbies.

35. He is a cool father-in-law.

36. He loves Jesus.

37. He tolerates my clothing and jewelry obsession.

38. He is just generally fun to be with.

39. He has excellent taste in women.

40. Aside from salvation, he is God's greatest gift to me.

It's been quite a ride these past 40 years. We are hoping for more. As the writing on our cake said, "Grow old with me...the best is yet to be." From our mouths to God's ears. Happy Anniversary, darling.

11 comments:

camport said...

awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! That is so beautiful. I think the dress was a perfect touch. It is so beautiful! It makes me want to go have mine professionally cleaned. It's been sitting in a closet at my parents house with dirt still caked to the train{we had an outdoor wedding}.

What a beautiful post. Here's to 40 more years!!

:)

Nancy said...

Oh, Pam, what a beautiful post! I loved seeing all the pictures. That took a lot of planning, and it turned out beautifully! You looked so beautiful on your wedding day!!! I think that was such a great idea to display your gown like that, too!!!

Yes, you are one lucky gal!!! I'll drink a bottle of water with you guys to another 40 years! Much love and happiness to you both!

Love and Hugs!
Nancy

Cheryl Wray said...

Ya'll are the cutest couple EVER!!! What a fun, fun anniversary party. I wish I could have been there to celebrate with you!

And I just LOVE the wedding gown. It is beautiful, and what a wonderful idea to display it.

Jim sounds like a doll. I love your lists!!!

Nancy said...

Hi Pam!

I just had to come back and respond to your comment on my blog.....Don't worry about ole Nancy here. Remember.....we are Potter County girls and tough as nails!!! LOL

Loved looking at your wedding pics again today!!!!

Love ya!
(((((( HUGS ))))))

Dana said...

aww! So lovely! Happy 40th from me ;-)

Dawn said...

Your dress is beautiful. Congrats on 40 years and what sounds like a beautiful weekend. Looking forward to seeing more of the photos.

Renie Burghardt said...

Aww, Pam, what a beautiful celebration of your 40 years of love and devotion to each other. Everything looked beautiful, and your tribute to Jim is so sweet and touching.

Here is to 40 more great years together.

Big Hugs,

Renie

Michelle said...

No one deserves such happiness more than you Pam.


Congratulations to you and Jim and may you have 40 more!

Hugggsssssssss

Michelle

Midlife Mom said...

What a lovely celebration for your 40th! We are a little behind you at 37. Your dress is so pretty! I still have mine but I couldn't fit my big toe in it now. :o( Sigh.... Glad you had such a wonderful anniversary and hope you have many more! xoxox

Monogram Queen said...

Wonderful! Happy Happy Anniversary to you and your sweet hubby.
I'm excited to be rolling up on 14!

Faye said...

Happy 40th Anniversary!! What a lovely gown! Wishing you many more to come!