A Thousand Times, YES

Some of you may know that Keri and I went up to Seattle right around our 18 year anniversary last year and got legally married. It seems like I must have written a blog about that, but just in case I'll give a brief little refresher because it's a sweet little story, and one of my favorites.

Gay marriage became legal last year in Washington and it happened right before our 18 year anniversary. Keri heard about it before I did. She sent me a little text referencing the legalization of gay marriage in Washington and in that text she wrote, "What do you say we go up north and make this thing legal?". I responded, "Are you asking me to marry you?" and that little bubble popped up on my phone screen, so I knew she was texting right back, "Yes, I guess I am". One of the biggest smiles you've ever seen stretch out across my face as I replied, "Well, then yes. A thousand times yes, I will marry you".

Quickly, I wondered if she was trying to get out of the big wedding I was wanting to plan, and just as quick as I wondered it, she clarified that she still wanted me to be able to have the big party that we had already started planning. She delivered the best of both worlds. We have enjoyed so much being married and calling each other wife, really that's more me on the use of wife, but I know she likes it too.

Well, our plan was to have a ceremony around our 20 year anniversary and then go on a honeymoon. Yippee!!! Well, that 20 year mark is coming up fast and so we decided to get serious about finding a venue. Keri stumbled upon a blog that featured our venue in one of it's articles. I can't remember the blog now, but we scheduled a tour and the minute we walked in the door it felt so right.

It was busy, hustle and bustle, as there was to be a wedding there that day. We asked around and met up with the coordinator, Megan, she was very sweet and very helpful. Once we finished the tour and let her know this was the place for us she said, "I knew it when you walked in the door. I'm not sure how, but I always get a feeling about people when I know they will be married here and I got that feeling about the two of you as soon as I saw you."

My Mom is a Keeper

I am not sure why some people cry when they are overwhelmed with joy, but I am one of those people. I get cold chills all over my body and it feels like I get goose bumps on my face and tears well up in my eyes. Every single time my dad told me about the day I was born and how he cried tears of joy he would cry. Then he would say "tears of joy, baby girl, tears of joy" even when I was in my 30's. My mom still calls me baby girl. I like it.

Why am I writing about tears of joy again? I'll tell you why. My life is so full of joy right now, it seems I have been crying tears of joy everyday. I just had a wonderful text exchange with my mom and I am so grateful for her love and support.

I don't know how many of you know this or not, but when I was born my mom and dad decided to name me Angela Rene, which by the way I am very grateful for, because I understand at one point Olga was on the table. My dad thought it was a strong name. Thank you Mom for dissuading him from that option. Let me just say, Whew!! Anyway, I never ever went by Angela. I have been Angel my whole life and I have always wanted to change it legally to Angel. So, guess what I did. Keri printed off the forms and I drove myself out to the courthouse and filed a petition to change my name. I can not tell you how good it feels.

I didn't know exactly how my mom would take it. I told her I was going to do it maybe a year or so ago and she seemed ok with it, but today when I told her via text that I had actually gone to the courthouse, her response was, "no problem, does one letter change my baby girl? I think not. I understand.... let nothing stand in your way". My response to that was this, "Nothing will. My path has been cleared". I love that momma of mine. She's a keeper. So I think I will. Keep her that is. :)