Tuesday, September 1, 2009

My paramour...

JohnnyMac and I celebrate our wedding anniversary today. We leave Litte Man with Grammy and spend the next two days at one of Seattle's jewels, The Alexis Hotel. JohnnyMac set this up. And he has some other suprises up his sleeve. His sleeve is notorious for holding great surprises. I love his sleeve.

Of course, I have set him up for multiple rounds of golf this week. And I have surprises in store as well. Our wedding day was truly amazing. To have so many people we love in the same place, at the same time, was an incredible, incredible gift to us. This picture is from the minute he slipped my wedding ring on my finger. I have not taken it off since.


It is moving to know that for most of us, at the core of who we are, we do believe in love.

Not only the love found in family, or friends, but the type of love in which you look at someone and say, I honestly feel as though I can not live with out you.




I have always believed I lived a full life. And I did. All of the memories in my portfolio of experiences led me to where I am now. But I had not lived love as fully as I have since meeting JohnnyMac. When when you meet the right person, something inside you that did not exist before is suddenly illuminated. And I do feel illuminated.



Marriage is one of the most important jobs I will ever have. On our wedding day, we wrote our own vows. I promised that when I look at him, I will look to see him clearly. And that I will never assume I know everything about him. I also promised to spend my life participating in this relationship. And to treat his love and presence in my life as a gift.
And marriage is also about challenging yourself. To be patient when you want to be impatient. To be silent when you feel insistent you are right, or your point is more valid. It is hard, and it is easy. It is raw at certain crossroads. At times, it is holding a mirror to yourself. And at other times, it is shows you what you are missing, and makes you a better person. It is honest. And sometimes it is overwhelming. And it is by far the most complicated and rewarding relationship you ever have because it is the one you picked.

Love is a gift. And I hope I am fully living my promises. Sam Keen said Love isn't about finding the perfect person. Its about seeing the imperfect person perfectly. 

And so, in the minutes I may not be living my promises, when I feel that distractions, or other priorities are valid excuses for making my marriage second tier, I want to keep in mind: that both of us, with our imperfections, are better as a team than we could ever be as individual. 

And now, as we are raising a son, a little man who is proof that goodness that is pure and true exists, what we strive for as his parents is that everything good about him is not only a reflection on us, but a reflection of us. And this is another really great goal to have.

Sometimes love misses it mark, but not the day we got married.
Happy Anniversary JohnnyMac. I am celebrating all we have done, and all still in store for us.

122 comments:

The Savage said...

This post should be on the Lifetime network....

Unknown said...

Usuually you make me laugh out loud.....today you made me cry.....real proper tears....this was beautiful.

Happy Anniversary JennyMac and JohnnyMac.....enjoy your time alone.

Your wedding dress was beautiful....gorgeous photos :)

Sami said...

What a lovely, heartfelt post. Thank you for writing it! There is nothing better than finding someone who is just that perfect person, that makes you happy and compliments you wonderfully, and you've found him! HURRAH! :D

(Gorgeous photos as well, I love the last one - are those little pink/red flowers on your train?? Awesome!!)

Badass Geek said...

Happy Anniversary, JennyMac!

Beautiful post, and beautiful pictures.

vanilla said...

Happy Anniversary!
Your outlook bodes well for many, many more.

The Peach Tart said...

Happy Anniversary JennyMac and thanks for sharing your thoughts about love and JohnnyMac.

You're lucky to have found each other and to find so much love together and with the little man.

Vodka Logic said...

Happy Anniversary JennyMac. That was a touching post.

And that dress is beautiful. I have never seen one like it.

L x

Mesina said...

What a beautiful post, so honest and loving, you should be proud of your marriage and family. Sounds like you've got things wrapped in the right direction!

Enjoy your anniversary!! xx

Alyson said...

That was absolutely beautiful. ;)

And so is that dress!

Eve said...

Oh JennyMac this is worded beautifully and perfectly and I love your vows. Seeing people clearly is so true. And this is something I need to work on more.

Congratulations. :) And the pictures are beautiful.

Alyson said...

Oh, and Happy Anniversary to you and JohnnyMac!

f8hasit said...

That was a beautiful homage to an obviously wonderful marriage. Congratulations!

I love the Sam Keen quote. Thanks.
:-)

Judearoo said...

Lovely post Jenny! :) (and can I be really girly and tell you I love your hair?!)

lisa and laura said...

Happy anniversary!!! What a great reminder to focus on the important people in our lives, regardless of all the distractions. Enjoy every second!

Ju said...

Congratulations Mr and Mrs Mac. What a beautiful love post (letter). To many years of happiness of this kind.
:)

debra@dustjacket said...

That was really beautiful JM. I really loved the pictures you included, thanks for sharing them.
xoxo

Unknown said...

How gorgeous is that dress!!

Happy Anniversary!!

Anonymous said...

Damn, girl, don't make me cry before 9 a.m.!!! So beautiful..the post, you, your dress, your marriage. Happy Anniversary!

Unknown said...

That was beautiful; happy anniversary and many, many more!

The Caped Tirader said...

Congratulations and Happy Anniversary!! Mrs. Caped and I will be celebrating our 2nd anniversay in November :)

Rita Templeton said...

Happy anniversary - and what a sweet post! Everything you said is spot-on. It makes me want to go hug my husband.

Hope that sleeve holds some awesome surprises for you! Have a great time! :)

Pretty Zesty said...

HAppy Anniversary to you both!

Southern Champagne Wishes said...

Happy Anniversary! This is the most amazing post! You could not look more beautiful on your wedding day - gorgeous dress!

I truly hope that one day I will find the kind of love that you write about (and have)!

Emily said...

What a wonderful post. I know what you mean...despite any sort of circumstances, I look at my husband daily and realize I would not be able to to be without him!
How great that you get a little couples vacation too...I didn't go anywhere on my anniversary, but hubs did give me something wrapped in a little blue box! ;) He knows how to keep me happy!
Happy Anniversary! (Beautiful pictures and dress by the way.)

Anonymous said...

First of all, can we just talk about how gorgeous your dress is? Seriously stunning! Congrats on your anniversary. Hope you two get to spend some quality time together.

Mandy said...

Just this morning when my husband (of 7 years) hugged me good bye, he said, "What's that smell?" Then he leaned in and sniffed my breath and said, "Oh, nevermind." LOL! Did he say, "Baby you better use some mouthwash first thing in the a.m." -- NO! Because like your post said, he was embracing MY imperfection (my stinky breath!) LOL!

Happy Anniversary JennyMac and JohnnyMac! Your dress is gorgeous! I've never seen one quite like that with the red/pink floral details on it. Stunning! As are you and your hubby as well. Enjoy your wonderful, special day. True love does still exist and I'm glad you're experiencing it.

P.S. - I find it interesting that you only show certain angles of you and your hubby in these photos. It reminds me of "Wilson" from the t.v. show - Home Improvement. You never get to fully see his face, just like we haven't seen yours yet. I guess you have to keep up your mystery though.... After all, you're probably an undercover agent. ;-)

McVal said...

Happy Anniversary! My sister and her husband celebrate today as well!

Scrappy Girl said...

What a beautiful post...I love your wedding dress...so pretty! Dr. Hubby has a great "sleeve" too! Happy Anniversary!

Lee said...

Beautiful post, beautiful dress, beautiful couple. Happy Anniversary.

Brittany Ann said...

Happy Anniversary!

ellen abbott said...

Congratulations. We just celebrated our 33rd and I still feel the same way.

MsDarkstar said...

Happy Anniversary!

leigh hewett said...

Oh...I love this post! You lead a charmed life Ms. Jenny Mac!

Samsmama said...

Happy Anniversary, J&J! Hope you are having a wonderful time!

AmyK said...

I love seeing married couplesl that are still "in love". You married your friend. I have been married for 27 years. There has not been one time that my husband walked into a room, that I was not glad to see him. We hold hands in the movie theater and walking in the mall. I am lucky and so are both of you. Thank you sharing your love story. It does my heart good.

lsnellings said...

Happy Anniversary!!

And I love, love, love your wedding dress!!!

Erin said...

What a beautiful tribute to your marriage! Happy anniversary to you!

La La La Leah said...

LOOOOVE it!! that is one beautiful dress! That hotel looks amazing! Happy Anniversary!

confused homemaker said...

Happy Anniversary. Beautiful wedding and marriage, not always easy but always worth it. Enjoy the future laid out before you.

The Four Week Vegan said...

Happy Anniversary! Enjoy your special time together. What beautiful pics of your wedding.

Anonymous said...

Great Post! I came by from our mutual friend's place, One Sassy Girl (I love her!), and I'm following your blog now. I was here an hour ago, and there were no comments and now there are 38! Looking forward to more of your posts! - Georgina

Tara said...

Your dress, beautiful.

Happy Anniversary.

Kelly said...

Congrats! Your dress is beautiful. Enjoy your time in Seattle.

foxy said...

Beautifully written, JennyMac!

Man, sometimes I feel bad for my friends that don't share the kind of love that my hubby and I share... the kind where he really is your best friend and you really couldn't imagine your life without him. I feel lucky to have found it, because it seems like few people really do. It is obvious, however, that you DO share that same awesome love with your JohnnyMac. It is truly a blessing and a beautiful thing, isn't it?!

Enjoy your day!!

Chief said...

Beautifully written posts like this make me really nervous for my anniversary in a few weeks. I think I had better start writing it now, or maybe I could just cut and paste yours.

Lucia said...

Happy Anniversary! We should all be so lucky! I truly mean it.

Angie said...

Awesome post! Happy Anniversary!!

Elyse said...

you are a wonderful writer! that was a beautiful post. congratulations on your marriage and happy anniversary!!!

B.o.B. said...

Happy Anniversary. How very sweet is this post. Hope you all have a great little getaway.

Kristina P. said...

This was beautiful! Happy anniversary!

Char said...

Happy Anniversary - enjoy your getaway.

Your wedding photos are fab.

Simply Mel {Reverie} said...

The evidence is solid through your words and the photos you shared - you share a very special love with your beloved. This warms my heart! There are so many out there who will never experience such deep passion, love, and bliss. Love is a very special gift, and it is obvious you cherish it with every cell of your body.

Here's to many more wonderful years of marital bliss!

Stereos and Souffles said...

That was so beautiful, you made me tear up! Love your dress and Happy Anniversary to you!

Cathi said...

What a lovely post! Happy Anniversary!

Jen said...

I loved this post. I have been doing a lot of thinking about marriage too. You have inspired me to write my own post.

Happy Anniversary.

Grand Pooba said...

Wow, that was so beautifully written! Happy Anniversary to the both of you, what anniversary is this btw?

Your dress was gorgeous!

lislynn said...

Happy Anniversary! Beautiful post, couldn't have said it better myself :)

Intense Guy said...

This is a truly beautiful and moving post.

Happy anniversary - and may you have many many more.

Holly said...

Happy Anniversary to the Macs! I hope you to lovebirds have a wonderful celebration. ♥ ♥

ladytruth said...

Maybe this is the happily after ever :)

Unknown said...

your gown is beautiful
i want to get married like yesterday
getting married in 2010

so will need tips from ya
happy married life
be happy

Rebecca Knight said...

This is wonderful :). Many blessings to you and JohnnyMac! Have a great anniversary celebration!

Meg said...

Ugh, I've never loved you more JennyMac!! And what a doll that JohhnyMac is. I love a guy with silver in his hair - dead sexy. I'm so happy to see such an example of IT working. Everywhere I look, I see people screwing up the good things in their lives, but you are an example of how to value and nurture the good. Ick, did I just say "nurture"??
Enjoy the anniversary get-a-way!! I must say, I'm a bit romanced at the moment :)

(p.s. glad MamaMac (she has another name, I am sure) liked my blog. tell her she's welcome by any time!)

Ally Wasmund said...

What a beautiful post!

Your dress was gorgeous, just like the bride wearing it!

Happy Anniversary!

A New England Girl said...

Happy Anniversary! :) I am so happy to hear that your marriage and relationship is filled with the truest and most precious kind of love. I am excited you get to spend this time together celebrating.

Also, your dress is out of this world. Absolutely magnificent. So gorgeous!!! I have seen color details on some dresses, but yours is to die for. And it seems to suit you so well! :)

Enjoy your couple of days away. :)

Ela said...

Happy Anniversary!
This post is so beautiful, as are those photos from your special day. And your wedding vow...I'm speechless.

Wishing you and and JohnnyMac endless years of wedded bliss.

p.s. When you're done with his sleeve, do you think he can lend it to S? I've got a bday coming up...

mommakin said...

Happy Anniversary. Cupid CLEARLY did not miss his mark.

Unknown said...

Such beautiful words from such a beautiful person. He's a lucky man...but I'm thinkig you both are lucky to have found each other.

Mom in High Heels said...

Happy Anniversary to you and Johnny Mac! What a lovely post. I hope you enjoy your time away. Your photos are lovely.

Simply Colette said...

Happy Anniversary. Love those photos! What a darling dress. :)

Mira said...

So good you still feel this way. You keep making it work and your kid will thank you for it down the road. Lucky girl you are!

The Gman said...

congrats! and while you are away from from the little amn and only eat a places that DO NOT have kids menus!

Anonymous said...

Happy anniversary indeed. This is a beautiful piece of writing - thank you for sharing it.

Anonymous said...

Okay...I'm in tears! (Of joy, of course!) What a wonderful relationship, and what a loving person you are! Happy Anniversary!

Unknown said...

Happy anniversary!

Anonymous said...

GREAT quote! I feel the same way about Hubby! Congratulations on your anniversary! It sounds like you married a magnificent person!!!!! Have a wonderful anniversary!!!!!!

Liz Mays said...

Happy Anniversary! A love like that is a beautiful and rare thing! :)

Lawyer Mom said...

The Gone with the Wind theme song is playing in my head. Seriously, though, happy anniversary.

Alyssa said...

What a great post! Happy Anniversary!

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary! Your dress is absolutely gorgeous! It makes me so nostalgic!

Mrs Montoya said...

I LOVE LOVE! Happy Anniversary to you and your Love. Happily Ever After is awesome . . .

Claudya Martinez said...

Just beautiful!

Happy Anniversary! Live your love.

Farnnay said...

Happyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy Anniversary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anti-Supermom said...

Beautiful photo, beautiful wedding and of course, beautiful post.

Little Ms J said...

Could Mr. J borrow JohnnyMac's sleeves?

Happy Anniversary! Beautiful post.

Unknown said...

gah, your dress is GORGEOUS! Happy Anniversary...love is splendid!

brokenteepee said...

Happy Anniversary. Many more...it is truly a journey of challenges and joys.

Bossome Sue said...

Happy Anniversary!

Beautiful post. :)
~ AquarianJwl

HalfAsstic.com said...

Sweetie, that is a wonderful tribute to marriage and I know Johnny Mac is feeling just as blessed as you are. I mean how could he not after reading this!? :-)

marlynn said...

Happy Anniversary! LOVE this post -- and your dress! Thanks for stopping by my blog. Will be sure to visit here more often!

Sultan said...

Beautifully expressed. Happy anniversary.

J.J. in L.A. said...

Happy Anniversary!

I loved this post! Gorgeous pics, gorgeous you, and that dress is to die for!

One thing though - read very carefully...

"but the type of love in which you look at someone and say, I honestly feel as though I can not live with you."

Typo? Or Freudian slip? : )

Alicia said...

awww i love the softer side of jenny mac! hope you and your lovey had an awesome anniversary...thanks for the heartfelt words on the beauty of love....congrats on finding such a wonderful man!

the walking man said...

Thanks for the reminder...I got to figure something out for the old lady and me. The big 20 this year.

Ohhh and happy anniversary daze.

Mala said...

Congratulations! And I LOVE your dress. Breath-taking!!!!!! Damn, I got married just before colors on a wedding dress became vogue. Damn!

Anonymous said...

OMG!! you are so darn lucky!! and your wedding dress.... Gosh!!... *sobbing!*

sheila said...

Beautiful post! Happy Anniversary! My hubby plays golf on our day too...WHEN he can (it's in February, lol)

A French Cloud said...

*lifts a glass of bubbly* and here's to a lifetime of more memories and happiness.

EmFabulousFunshine said...

congrats!!! and dang, your dress was absolutely GORG!!! i heart red

Keith said...

Congrats. I hope you two have a wonderful time. Great photos.

A Cuban In London said...

Truly beautiful post. Just came back from my holidays in Spain and it's nice to see that the good quality in writing is the same if not better.

Happy wedding anniversary!

Greetings from London.

S3XinthePantry said...

Congratulations!!

Hit 40 said...

Congratulations!! You have some wonderful plans to celebrate your love. Enjoy

I love your wedding dress. The flowers on the back are beautiful and unique.

Alexis AKA MOM said...

Congrats! I've always wanted to say there, yup has nothing to do with sharing a name ... LOL :). I've walked by it and pretended but so out of my league.

Love teh pictures they are wonderful and so beautiful. I love B&W they are always have a wonderful feel to them.

Sending a shout out from T-Town ;)

Carma Sez said...

You guys are a perfect fit. *insert romantic sigh* And you looked absolutely spectacular.

leigh hewett said...

I just was award your "You give good Blog" award. Thanks for creating such an astheticly pleasing button.

XO
Leigh

Leah Rubin said...

Um, sweetie, you know I love you, but could I possibly be the first to notice that you said you could not possibly live with him, when I'm positive you meant you could not possibly live without him?

Love the photos, love the sentiment, love the whole honkin' blog! Truly, madly, deeply!

Mommy Mac said...

You are just the best.

Beautiful.

Intricately made: your words and your love for Johnny Mac.


Get it on in style.

Literally and figuratively.

M'kay.

.mac :)

Unknown said...

Stays together is the best thing that couple ever had, that’s the essence of mirage. Happy Anniversary Jenny and Mac may your relationship much stronger.

Deboshree said...

You sure are lucky to have someone you love sooo much. I wonder how marriage actually is..guess I will find out later anyway..!
You have beautiful hair too btw and I absolutely love seeing couples in love!
Happy Anniversary dear friend!
God bless both of you and may you get all the happiness life can offer.

Love
Deboshree

Green-Eyed Momster said...

Happy Anniversary you two!

::sniff::
::sniff::

I need a tissue. That was one heck of a great post! You two make a beautiful couple! I hope the years ahead are filled with lots and lots of joy!

Hugs!!

Shop Girl* said...

I'm sorry I'm late (The Hubster and I are on vacation) but HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!! This post was beautiful... your husband is lucky to have you! And words can not express how much I am loving that dress right now. Seriously.

sarah @ life {sweet} life said...

Happy Anniversary!! Beautiful pictures. :)

Life, Love And Lola said...

What a beautiful post! And your dress is gorgeous!!! Happy Anniversary!

Miss E said...

Such a very sweet, sweet post. Makes me want to run home and smooch my own paramour. Hope your anniversary is spectacular and that you fully celebrate your amazing love for one another.

Miss E said...

Oh and PS...your dress is to die for!

Cocaine Princess said...

What a beautiful post, pictures and especially title. I've always loved and still do for some reason adore the word: Paramour

Kathy B! said...

Love is a gift and this is a beautiful post.

But.

Your dress is fabulous :)

Vivienne @ the V Spot said...

Promising not to assume you know everything about the other person is brilliant. I'm going to have to put that in an addendum to my own marriage vows, which we'll celebrate a bit later this month. I loved this post only slightly more than I loved your dress.
:)

PinkBow said...

beautiful, you're very lucky

Audrey at Barking Mad! said...

Happy belated anniversary!

What a gorgeous dress. It really is stunning.

I have been sitting here for the last 35 minutes, absorbing your blog and I am having the best time. I will definitely be back and will add you to the asylum blogroll so I don't forget!

Thanks for stopping by the asylum! I'm really glad you did.

Audrey at Barking Mad!

Unknown said...

This was such a lovely and beautiful post. You were a gorgeous bride. I am glad you are so committed to making your marriage work. Very wise and wonderful!