Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Without question...






Chip was down on one knee asking me to make him the happiest man on earth and say yes to being his wife about this time- 14 years ago.
I said "yes...but you have to understand..."
And then I went on to tell him how I was so opposed to having kids- ever- I made him promise me that he never, ever wanted kids either. He did. He said he could live without kids, but he couldn't live without me, and with that, we were engaged. It was a really wonderful time in both of our lives. The photobooth pictures here are some we took, I think, on the day or within the week we were engaged. The last set of pics we took on that winter on one of our dates out at the Mall of America.
I love seeing how happy we look, how much fun we had together, and I love that even though I had my heart set against falling into a relationship at that point in my life, that I couldn't help myself when it came to Chip. I was smitten from the very first date. He was the smooth...or otherwise we were just 'that meant' to be together. {We were married about 14 months later.}
I regret over and over that I was so selfish though at that time in my life, that I made him agree to 'no kids'. I really was that set against having kids consume my time, my life, my money, my agenda. I was so selfish that at the time, it didn't even sound ridiculous to me when I made him promise me such a thing.
But God was already at work in my heart and in our lives. I am so glad that He was. I am so glad that He was willing to have me angry and hurt and depressed at Him for allowing me to get pregnant {we found out the morning of our first annivesary weekend that we were expecting a baby- Teagan..} and yet He knew what was best for us in our lives at that time. Even if it didn't fit my agenda.
I am so glad that God, through Teagan and through Chip, softened my heart and made me "see" my selfishness. I am so glad that I have grown and changed and lived and learned and followed a path that I never would have even been on had it not been for many events in my life. I am so glad that I said "yes" to Chip fourteen years ago. I am so glad he even asked me to join him in this life journey we are on- even when I needed a change of heart.
I would say "yes" again to him. Without question.
It has been one of the best things decisions of my life.
I love you, Chip and I thank you a hundred times over for asking me to be yours. Forever.

13 comments:

.Tom Kapanka said...

Congratulations on that wonderful choice!

Don't you just love photo-booth pictures. Julie and I have some somewhere, too, but I haven't seen them for years. Hmmmm... I need to look for those.

Hi, Chip! Congratulations to you, too, on 14 years with the love of your life!

Catherine said...

Congratulations!!! What a gift to have the relationship you have with your husband. That is what marriage is all about, growing and changing...and it makes it so much nicer when God is at the very foundation and head of the marriage. I love that you are so candid with your life stories and I enjoy reading your posts. It's funny that you said you would like to sit with some of us and drink a cup of coffee with a piece of carrot cake because on my blog I have links to blogs I like to read under the title, "people I'd love to have coffee with" and you are one of those people. I'm anxious to hear the name you pick for your new little one. Blessings to you and your family.

asnipofgoodness said...

Isn't it wonderful that God nows better then we do, and also that he already holds the future in his hands! No surprises for our God, oh how comforting I find that!

Erin Merryn said...

Congrats! I tell my parents I want between 6 and 8 someday...the problem is finding a guy who wants that many too! tehe!

Tabitha said...

That is lovely ~ the pictures are just great!! I am glad you said yes too and so glad that you had your gorgeous children!! I firmly believe that everything happens in life for a reason ~ and you too seem to be just meant for each other,
Hope all is well with you,
love and hugs ~ Tabitha XXX

Anonymous said...

Wow! Chip sure looks like his grandfather in those pictures.

And we are very glad that Jody changed her mind about having children. How would we live with the experience of those grandchildren.
Love,
Grandma Karen

jeck said...

That is exactly how I felt at that time in my life too... God had other plans... 13 wonderful years later and 1 amazing son, God is good isn't he!!

I am so glad that I am not in control of my life...what a mess it would be!

Red Door said...

Oh my gosh Jody, those are hilarious! I love the photos. We have to get together sometime soon... maybe we can hit Starbucks!!

Britney said...

Happy Anniversary Jody.

What a wonderful change it heart that He made. :)

have an amazing day.

Jenny said...

I wish there were more photobooths around. I honestly can't think of more than one that I know of around here...and it might be gone too. I love photobooth pictures!! :)

14 years...I can't wait to get there with my hubby. :)

Bohemian chic said...

God is real. This I know for sure!! I am so glad I found you.

Bohemian chic said...

Thank you for your sweet words on my blog. I am so happy to have found you. That young man on my site is gorgeous is he not! He also has an amazing love for the Lord. His name is Kevin. I am glad to have made a new friend. God is good, isn't he.

kristi said...

Sweet post!