In the early years of our marriage I think Jimmy and I were both a little surprised to discover that marriage wasn't always going to be sparkles and rainbows. Sometimes it was just plain hard work and that didn't seem like a whole lot of fun! For a while I think we both revolted against that idea and determined that we would muscle our way through the rough patches so that we could find our comfy spot and settle in for the next sixty or seventy years in perfect peace and harmony. After fourteen years we've discovered that isn't reality either. : ) We've learned that as long as we're breathing we'll have conflict, but we've also learned that God uses those times to smooth our edges and make us more like his Son. Our understanding of marriage is a bit more mature than it was when we said, "I do" fourteen years ago and I think the way that we love each other is, too. I chose very wisely when I said yes to my Jimmy all those years ago, but that was God's grace because I had no idea just how perfect for me he would be.

So in honor of our special day, my awesomely fun husband set us up with a cooking class at the new Upcountry Provisions, a bakery and bistro owned by our friends Cheryl and Steve Kraus. We arrived to find a lovely spot set up for us in the kitchen complete with appetizers, wines and a syllabus for our class. We made four different soups, Ciabatta bread, bagels and cake pops for dessert. Cheryl had wines prepared for each soup and the most delicious dessert wine I've ever had to go with our dessert. We were so impressed with all of the attention to detail that went into planning their first ever cooking class. Rolling out our very own bagels, eating the delicious soups and enjoying the friendly company made our anniversary evening so memorable. And our kids were quite happy to enjoy the fruits of our labor when we brought home all of the leftovers!

So here's to fourteen years of growing up together. I can't wait to see what the next sixty will bring for us.