Seven Years

I wish I could say that I got all crafty and made this anniversary gift for John.  But I didn't. 

I also wish I could say I had waited until our actual anniversary (today) to give it to him.  But, I ordered it back in August, and managed to wait until, well....August. 

(Clearly, I'm the very picture of patience and restraint.)

(By the way, the gift ISN'T the weird old gasoline/oil/I'm not really sure what they heck they used to put in that can.  Nor is it the drinks bin, or the wooden (sadly leaning to one side, and therefore unusable) table.  I hope that narrows things down for you.)

When I saw this sign on etsy, I was minding my own business, looking for fun pallet creations.  (Clearly after a session of stalking pallet ideas on Pinterest.) 

I didn't actually intend to get my husband an old pallet for our seventh anniversary.  But the words resonated with me immediately, and I just KNEW.  Knew he would love it.  Knew he'd much rather have this than a new watch, or some cuff links, or, oh who am I kidding? 
I would never buy him cuff links. 

When I gave it to him, I had all these plans to write a really meaningful letter about why I chose an old piece of wood as our anniversary present.  But since I basically ripped off the shipping materials and ran into his office with it, that plan didn't really happen.  It was more like, "Hey babe, here's your anniversary gift, yes, I know it's August, yes, I know our anniversary is in October, but look how cool this is, and aren't you glad you have it now?!"

Obviously.

If I had managed to not be myself for a minute, exhibit some restraint, and actually write the letter, I would've told him that it represents exactly how I felt on our wedding day. 

But it also represents a lot more than that.

It represents.....

The day we met.

The day he told me he loved me, and knew that I was going to be his wife.

The day he actually asked me to be his wife.

All the days of our honeymoon.

The day he surprised me with a little puppy we named Jackson.

The day we found out I was pregnant.

The day we watched our daughter come into the world.

And then a whole collection of days in between, spent doing nothing at all, spent acting like total goobers, and spent doing some insanely fun things.  But most importantly, just spent together.

It represents the gift of a life full of "best days I can ever remember." And today I am unbelievably thankful.

Happy seventh anniversary, babe!

Disclaimer: It's no secret that I can really get my mush on, particularly when it comes to my husband.  Sorry for that.  Feel free to go throw up now.