Yesterday, Kim and I celebrated our seventh wedding anniversary. As some may know, we have taken up the tradition of doing something childlike to commemorate each anniversary. I’m happy to say that the tradition is still going strong.
On Saturday night, Kim took it upon herself to surprise me with the events of the evening. First, we ate dessert, naturally. The Door County Cherry Crumb pie at LMNO’Pies made my mouth dance with joy. After killing time at Target (at which I got myself a sweet new superhero t-shirt featuring Spiderman, The Hulk, Wolverine, AND Captain America), we tried out a restaurant that came highly recommended by some friends. Specializing in New Orleans cuisine, Louisianne’s was AWESOME. (I had the Seafood Au Gratin, kicked up a few notches.)
On Sunday, we intended to go to a matinee (which we hardly ever do) and splurge on popcorn and soda and candy (which we never do), but were disappointed to find that the movie we wanted to see was only playing at night. So we did the next best thing. We decided to camp out in the living room and watch the season finales of our favorite shows, which we had collected on tape. I whipped up some homemade Twix ice cream, we popped up some movie-style popcorn, and cooked up a Papa Murphy’s pizza. Nothing too fancy, but after a busy week, it was like heaven.
Sometimes I feel the pressure that because we’re the “real” Kim & Jason, we have to do these wildly fantastic stunts of childlikeness. But then again, that wouldn’t be very real at all. It’s sometimes easy to forget that when we started dating 12 years ago, there were no prospects of business plans, comic strips, or our names becoming registered trademarks.
There was just a simple connection. A shared spark between two childlike spirits. We had a certain playful affinity for childhood, a common interest, if you will. We mainly kept it to ourselves, and didn’t really think too much about it. It wasn’t a big deal. I was just who were were.
I see now that this common childlike bond was actually a gift from God, transforming us, building us up, carrying us through the hard times and helping us to see the wonder and beauty of life. I think if we were apart, that aspect of each of us would fade a bit. But when we’re together, this childlike spark feeds off itself, giving us joy and making us better people. It’s a joy that seems to be infectious, and way too big for us to keep to ourselves. Which is why the trademarked version of Kim & Jason exists today.
But behind all the bells and whistles, it really is still about the simple idea that LITTLE things, like dessert first and a day spent vegging out with your best friend, are among the BEST things life has to offer.
Kim, thanks for the best seven years ever.
[tags]anniversary, traditions, cherry pie, Twix, Kim & Jason, childlike spirit[/tags]
Kim & Jason,
Best wishes for many more years together! I enjoy your website and have shared it with many friends. I love your childlike spirit! The following was written by a favorite of mine–Bob Perks. I think you will both love this one… ~Julie~
Color Together
By Bob Perks
Love is like a box of Crayola® crayons created by God. Before you, are the blank pages that are drawn through a lifetime of commitment and caring. Although my generation had set the pace for coloring outside the lines, my advice to you both in marriage, always color within the lines. Don’t look at them as barriers or roadblocks that limit, but guidelines to keep your love strong. You have seen the results of a generation without guidelines. Be creative. Use your own colors. Roses aren’t always red and sunsets are never the same. Marriage too, should be like sharing a coloring book. Decide together what page to work on and then share. Perhaps one is better at coloring the sky and the other the grass and flowers. Never criticize the other’s work.. If you both desire to use the same crayon, choose a different shade or wait until the other is finished. Compromise and patience is the backbone of a strong marriage. It is important at times for both of you to have your own page to color. A strong couple stands together but each casts their own shadow. In coloring, this is accomplished by first agreeing on two connected pages and sitting close together. Keep the crayons sharpened. The joy of love and marriage is in the details. At times when you are challenged by life or disagreements pull out the coloring book and sit at your kitchen table and draw. No words need to be spoken. The peace and joy that come from creating beauty will not permit the ugliness of anger to exist. Always be thankful to the God of all colors. He created you both in love and graciously brought you together. Finally. Always clean up afterwards. Marriage, like a crayon box, has a place for everything. You will discover that when one is missing the whole box seems incomplete. May your marriage be as colorful as you both have made our lives.
Written as a gift to my son Keith upon the announcement of his engagement to Sarah at Woodstock ’99 (Copyright Robert C. Perks 1999 BobPerks.com) Bob Perks is a professional speaker, author and vocalist. Member National Speakers Association. Visit http://www.BobPerks.com
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Happy Anniversary, Jason and Kim! It’s quite clear that you’ll have many more wonderful years together. I loved reading about your season finale and comfort food afternoon. At our house, we’ll have what we call movie marathons on weekend afternoons sometimes, watching at least 2 movies, and eating chips and salsa, and drinking margaritas (ok, that’s not so kid like, but it does remind us of college).
Happy Anniversary!
Thanks, you guys!
I loved that passage on crayons and marriage, Julie.
And Jen, I like to think that margaritas are like Kool-aid for grown-ups!
I read your blog all the time…i surfed in from “winding road” I dont usually post but had to this time. Sounds like you had a blast…its so important to do things like that…ALL THE TIME….im with my husband 26 years, and we still do that stuff even after a couple of kids…thats what makes it all worthwhile. Congrads on your anniversary!
Thanks, SalemsMom! I’m glad to have you as a reader, and thanks for taking the time to comment. Congrats to you on 26 years — that’s a BIG deal! Staying childlike is definitely the best way to keep the marriage alive!
Happy anniversary, youse guys! We love having days like that, although it never occurred to me to eat dessert first. That’s a new one I’m going to add to our “fun days.”
I highly recommend eating dessert first, especially since at most restaurants, by the time you get through the entrée, there’s no room for dessert!
Happy anniversary! May you always continue to share your child-like wonder and joy in life with each other. ♥
Thanks, French Toast Girl!