Robert and I turned seven years old yesterday. It was seven years to the day that we first ‘got together’ in a bar in London. We knew of each other but that was the night that we kissed for the first time and we’ve been together ever since.
We moved quickly.
On the Monday after the Friday night I remember feeling very wobbly and excited as an email from Robert landed in my in-box. It suggested, as I’d hoped, that we speak on the phone and meet up again. We did. And then we met up again and again.
Four months later we took our first holiday together to Sardinia. That was where this picture was taken. When we look at pictures from this time now we think we look like babies. So young, fresh and sun-burnt!
We continued to hang out. Getting to know each other, testing each other (well, me testing Robert) and occasionally bickering but never really falling out for any length of time.
We were always going places and discovering new things together. We wanted adventures and we were certain that we wanted to have them together.
It was when I introduced Robert to Yosemite National Park in 2005 that, unbeknown to us at the time, we had found the place that we would one day be married in. It suited us in as much as it was a celebration of the outdoors, it was in California and we could almost guarantee that the sun would shine on our big day. It also had a small wooden chapel where the ceremony would take place. To those that knew us that felt like a typical place for us to choose.
And so on the 1st of August 2008 we tied the knot in the sunshine. Robert made me laugh that day and continues to do so.
And I think I made him laugh when I waddled around with twins inside of my belly. Swearing if it rained, eating ice lollies on the sofa and becoming obsessed with Keeping up with the Kardashians. Pregnancy will do that to you you know!
They pulled Ned out first. Red and cross. Not happy that he’d been disturbed from his cosy nook.
We currently called Ned ‘Ned’amame Bean because he looks and feels like a little light soy bean when he’s being held.
And Anaïs, when they pulled her out she promptly went right back to sleep in her daddies arms. Very well behaved.
Which is little more than I can say for her now as she’s rather fond of playing rough and tumble with Ned when he’s clearly not in the mood. The Headlock is one of her favourite moves.
So much has happened in seven years.
We have less hangovers than we used to and a great many less lie in’s on a Sunday.
Our time is not our own anymore but it’s richer and happier.
The last seven years has given us a great many stories to tell and an even greater number of nappies to change.
But looking back over the photos I collected for today’s post I don’t remember any of the bad stuff. Isn’t the human mind great for that!
All I remember are the butterflies I felt as I walked to meet Robert for our second date. And the joy that I experienced when I realised he was already there and hadn’t stood me up.
I have many P.O.G.’s in my house right now.
P roject
O n
the
G o
And this is one of them…….
A simple paint and print job.
With a sentiment that we’ll remind ourselves of when the rubber hits the road.
I’ll show you the entire project when it’s done, you’ll love it.
Robert and I are good pals. We’re partners and we have the same vision for a big life.
But at the same time we’re rarely happier than when it’s us, two babies on the floor, banana bread on the table and two fresh cups of tea sitting nearby.
Is that a big life?
Yes, I do believe it is.
What is your ‘Big Life’ definition? I’d love to know.
I love you and thank you so much for reading today.
Cherry x
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What a sweet tribute to your relationship with Robert. My family is my “big life” too. All of us at home, playing games, watching a movie, it really doesn’t matter what we’re doing, but I love it when everyone is home. We really are blessed.
Sweeter as the years go by! No matter what life throws at you, it’s always good to know you have a partner to walk with! Happy seven!
Cherry–it’s beautiful that you have found this special person to share the journey of life with. Your babies are beautiful and you have so much talent. The best part is that you are so willing to share your talents with others and teach others tricks and tips in so many areas. You are simple, elegant, fashionable, chic, cute, sweet, and darling all in one!! I wish you both all the very best—
xx
Joann
Congratulations! What a lovely post. And perfect reading for me today. My husband and I have been together for almost 5 years, married for 2 1/2 and I’ve just found out I’m pregnant. I am feeling terrified and overwhelmed about the way my life is going to change – is already changing – but reading your blog entry today has made me feel calmer and happier. When you have each other it’ll all be alright in the end. x
Yay! Congratulations!!! Cx
what a lovely post.. happy anniversary!!..
This is such a beautiful post; a happy family at its best. So very rare these days and quite refreshing to see. We live two hours away from Yosemite and yet it’s been years since I’ve gone. Must remedy that this spring when the falls begin to run with the massive amounts of snow this year. Your question has had me thinking quite a bit this morning. Serious thinking. It seems through different ages of my adulthood, I’ve had a fire lit under me to do this that and the other thing. I’ve invented things and had corporations take them because I didn’t understand the ways of the corporate world. Now, being quite older and more tired after caring for two parents through their end of life journey with Hospice, I haven’t much energy left. My big plan these days is caring for my granddaughters and seeing my daughter enter the next phase of her life. The one thing I see clearly with age is the family home matters the most. No matter what else goes on, and there’s so much these days, the harmony in the home can see everyone through. With that said, I would like to somehow develop a way to help parents teach their children to read who are failing. We in the U.S. still have a massive problem and there should not be. It’s the one thing I’m good at. Thanks for making me remember it’s good to have a Big Plan.
Where you was in Sardinia when taken Robert picture? I live in North west Sardinia, and I think to know Alghero.I’m mistaken? I love it! Silvia
Congratulations on your anniversary Cherry! Silvia
Oh Cherry… such a beautiful post. Your little family indeed looks happy. I met and married my husband 37 years ago. While the road has had some rough patches, it is smoother now and slower. We savor each day we have with each other. And I can say that I am so happy we have stayed together as the unit we are. I did a little post about us on my blog … called Love Day.
I love your ‘big life’ and my husband and I had a similar conversation on our way to work (we are 5 years married in December and 9 years together in October) this morning as to where we are heading on our life adventure together, we like you have our moments but my husband is my best friend and life’s rich tapestry wouldn’t be the same on a solo journey!
Until your next post.
Congratulations on your anniversary!! No seven year itch for you guys that’s for sure!!
Hubby and I have been together 23yrs this year, married for 15. We met aged 15 and have been inseparable since. I believe that laughter is the key to a happy marriage!!
Today I have a cold and am hoping it will vanish before Thursday when I am travelling to Ireland for my best friends wedding (we went to school together and I’ve not seen her for 10 years!!)
I also have your Pork in Plum Sauce marinading for tomorrow, it always feels good to get ahead of yourself in the kitchen (although in actual face son #2 10yrs made the marinade for me as I am feeling under the weather with this blasted cold!!
As always, thank you for sharing….
S x
Congratulations to you both sweetheart. We’re almost 13…but the married years have been the best by a looong way. My definition of a big life is a life just as you want it to be…not longing for anything or discontented with your lot…and not emulating anyone else. Satisfied & happy to be you. It sounds as though you have all that…and I’m lucky to be able to say that I do too! Love to you 4 xoxo R
..Hello Cherry
So much I understand in your post today..and yes, Matt and I had a vision of a ‘Big Life’. We were going to see the world and for the last 13 years we have done just that. But now a new life will be coming to join our travels. Samuel will be born in 11 weeks and will add a new dimension to our visions of adventure, taking up the extra room in our small cottage and the rucksacks and completly turning on its head everything we have known before.
So here’s to the next stage in the Big Life. So different, but then again difference is so much a part of our vision of such!
Here’s to variety.
Love Lou xxx
Congrats Cherry! Ahhh, life is good. Even when it’s not-so-good, it still is kinda great! A little PND, and a increasingly demanding 7-month old but I wouldn’t change it. OH & I are 4 years & 3 months old and 3 years & 6 months of that have been married!! Love it. I look forward to being 7… and the rest. xxx
ps. my journey is being tracked on my blog. mrskthesecond.blogspot.com
Hey Cherry,
Happy 7th Anniversary to you.
my Big Life is to be … happy, healthy and having adventures with the ones I love.
Wishing you all a big life too.
Much love.
Martha (NY) x
Wishing you both a very happy anniversary with lots of love. xxx
My Big Life Definition is to love everyone I meet to the best of my ability. Of course I fail badly at times but I cried yesterday as I re read “Sovereign” by C. J. Sansom. The final sentence of the book talking of his man servant Jack Barak said, “Not all men betray.” It lifted me up to realise how necessary that quality is in life. It’s the difference between peace and war, love and hate etc. I’m sure you get the message. All I wanted too was a home and family and I got it. Thirty eight years later I have three wonderful children and four grandchildren and four more I care for in Bolivia. I,ve done it in bite sized pieces. Just taking on what I could do today and watching things grow. I will never be a star and I don’t want to be but I do contribute my little bit and that’s all that’s required of us, to do that to the best of our ability. Happy Anniversary to you and Robert Cherry for all the joy you bring into so many peoples ‘ lives.
Adorable post,Cherry.
Yesterday was a day that brought back lovely memories for M and I as well. We turned eleven and then, we also knew of each other, first kiss that night and we’ve been together ever since.
Congrats!
Cx
Happy Anniversary Cherry and Robert! Your ‘Big Life’ plan reads much the same as mine, although we haven’t got to the baby making stage (yet!) we do have lots of fur-babies making our lives that little bit sweeter. After eleven years we couldn’t be happier and more in love and it is a joy to know that there are plenty of other happily ever after couples out there too. Congratuations again!
Morwenna xo
Happy, happy 7th anniversary to you and your Robert xoxox
Enjoying my “big life” too. This week we are “38″…..Thirty five years married last August. It feels like yesterday. Although you didnt ask for advise, mine is “dont blink”, before you know it your lovely twins will be grown, like my wonderful 30,28, and 25 year olds. It seems like you have a good grasp on savoring every day.
Oh Cherry you are so sweet. Me and my hub’s have been together 30 years this year. We met at our local youth club back in 1981 when we were just 16. We have been married 24 years in September this year and have a daughter 21 and a son 19. We have been blessed with a wonderful relationship, we are best friends and can still talk into the early hours. I love this quote from Sleepless in Seattle, where Meg Ryan is in the attic talking to her mother while trying on her wedding dress…… “He asked me to take a midnight walk. I told you this a million times. He held my hand. I looked down and couldn’t tell our fingers apart. – And I knew. – What? – What? – It was magic”
Aww what a lovely post! It truly has warmed my heart as I sit here in the office doing mind numbing data entry.
I am such a romantic at heart and am everso excited about my journey with Lee at the minute. We are two years,two months and eight days into what I hope is a very long and happy journey together, and i know that this day-to-day job is only to make ends meet for the moment and one day things will be better and more fulfilling and not just on a weekend, we can dream I suppose.
lots of love x
just beautiful! Happy anniversary.
I always think of the words of Meg Ryan in ‘You’ve got Mail’ she says
‘I lead a small life. Small, but valuable’. And that’s how I think of my life. I don’t ‘do’ anything amazing, I don’t have any talents, I will never set the world on fire with my genius, but I’m here and I’m a wife and mother and that is valuable to me. It’s all I ever wanted, and I got it! Job done!
x
Such a sweet post
Congrats on your anniversary, and also the sweet little “Happily ever after” picture is adorable! I can’t wait for the finished project post xx
Beautiful words Cherry! as I sit here at midday still in my pjs, with two poorly (but still ever so slightly naughty!) toddlers, feeling a tad jealous that my bubbie is at work ‘escaping’, your words have made me realise that I wouldn’t change a thing about our life x