He's a Keeper

Today is our 7th Wedding Anniversary.

If you follow the traditional "guidelines" for gift giving, the Seventh year should be celebrated with either copper or wool.

According to about.com:

Copper has long had a traditional meaning of prosperity, good luck, and good fortune.

Couples who celebrate their seventh wedding anniversary can indeed celebrate their good fortune in finding one another.

The gift of wool represents the comfort, durability, security, and warmth that couples married this long give one another. Roman brides touched the threshold of their new home with wool. 

The Old Testament has a passage (Proverbs 31) describing wives of noble character as women who select wool and spin yarns with eager hands.

Yes! To all of that! Indeed, I should be celebrating with Copper because I am utterly blessed to have this man as my husband. And I should also celebrate with Wool because Michael is all those things -- comfort, durability, security and warmth -- and well more than that.

Most days when Adam and I get home, Michael has a baby in his arms and supper on the stove (and often spit-up on his shoulders). Seriously. As if being Mr. Mom all day and working all day wasn't enough, he provides a hot meal for us, too, that is practically already on the table when we walk in the door. (And this ain't Hamburger Helper either, ya'll.) He does all of the grocery shopping, all of the cooking, cares for Sam all day, is often the first one out of bed to get Sam in the morning, wakes Adam and feeds him breakfast and takes him to school, scoops me ice cream in the evenings, and takes care of the household and yard. And he's usually telling me to go relax in the tub or take a nap on weekends. Oh yeah, and he has a full-time job from the home office.

Pinch me, a girl can't be this lucky. What did I do to deserve all this? It kinda makes me wonder what all I do!

While I love my job and being back to work, I can't help to think that he is doing it ALL. Honestly, there are times that I struggle with the feeling that I don't give Sam enough attention but I am overwhelmed by Michael's humbleness, willingness, generosity and involvement to pick up where I may be lacking. But isn't that what love, and especially marriage, is all about? The give and the take, sharing the strengths, the copper and the wool... doing what is best for our children and our family.

I am eternally grateful that Michael chooses to do all these things for us. We have certainly built a beautiful life and have two gorgeous little boys to show for it.

Happy Anniversary, my love. Thank You for all that you are and all that you do. No one else I'd rather live this life with.