40 years later. . . . Weddings, Anniversaries, Life, Love . . .

40 years ago today, and I’m still smiling at spending a life with this guy. Three daughters, a son, three wonderful sons-in-law/love and a lovely daughter-in-law, three oh-so-lovable granddaughters (one brand new!) . . . Four mortgages, five degrees, one or two big fights, three trips to Europe with kids (England ’84, France ’90, Italy ’14), 10+ trips to Europe as a couple, four second-hand cars and two purchased new, every one a stick shift. . . .the list goes on and on and the adventures continue. . . I’m hoping for another 20 years together, at the very least. . . .

Spending the day at home, happily taking it easy, with visiting granddaughter and her parents, our daughter and son-in-law (themselves having recently celebrated 20 years as a couple, 11 years of marriage); our son and his wife also celebrate the second anniversary of their beach wedding this weekend.

31 Comments

  1. Pondside
    24 August 2014 / 8:13 pm

    We're the same vintage – in life and marriage, though we beat you by half a year or so. What a happy couple you are in that photo, and lovely to know that with all that long list you gave us your are, most definitely, still a happy couple. I wish you the very best of the coming year – the next twenty years!

    • materfamilias
      26 August 2014 / 2:20 pm

      We really are still happy! Sounds as if you are as well. Thanks!

  2. Catherine
    24 August 2014 / 8:32 pm

    That is such an achievement but… only one or two big fights? Pretty good going I think!

    • materfamilias
      26 August 2014 / 2:20 pm

      Yes, well, I may have rounded down . . . 😉

  3. K.Line
    24 August 2014 / 8:57 pm

    Congrats! And those are some fine statistics.

    • materfamilias
      26 August 2014 / 2:21 pm

      Thanks! It was fun thinking them up — kept adding to the list, mentally, after I'd posted.

  4. givi
    24 August 2014 / 9:42 pm

    Congratulations! You are lucky.

    • materfamilias
      26 August 2014 / 2:21 pm

      Thanks Givi. I really am!

  5. Ceri
    24 August 2014 / 9:55 pm

    Many congratulations to you all

  6. Madame Là-bas
    24 August 2014 / 10:07 pm

    Congratulations! What a happy post! I hope that you enjoy 20 more.

  7. Anonymous
    24 August 2014 / 10:22 pm

    Happy anniversary to you both! I do so enjoy a good love story! May the next 40 years be as beautiful and rewarding as the 1st 40.

    • materfamilias
      26 August 2014 / 2:22 pm

      I don't so much think of our marriage as a good love story, but I guess in many ways that's what it is — thanks for the perspective and the good wishes!

  8. hostess of the humble bungalow
    24 August 2014 / 10:37 pm

    Congratulations! We also were married in 1974….obviously you have been fortunate as a couple anc havd a lovely family and many precious memories if your time togather as husband and wife.
    Enjoy your special day.

    • materfamilias
      26 August 2014 / 2:22 pm

      Thanks to a fellow 40-year-er. . . . 😉

  9. Patricia
    24 August 2014 / 11:31 pm

    Congratulations! What a lot of joy in your family! Happy Anniversary and enjoy the rest of your special day.

  10. High Heels in the Wilderness
    25 August 2014 / 1:10 pm

    Wow…what a milestone! Happy Anniversary. Love the photo. And it's very definitely the 70's…I recognize that sea green floppy hat in the background. I wore one just like it as the maid of honour at my sister's wedding. I've since forgiven her:)

    • materfamilias
      26 August 2014 / 2:23 pm

      Yep! I suspect more than a few women had these in a few colours . . . along with some delightful bridesmaid's dresses. . . 😉

  11. Duchesse
    25 August 2014 / 2:04 pm

    Congratulations and wishing you many more years of happy adventures! The photo is priceless.

    • materfamilias
      26 August 2014 / 2:24 pm

      Thanks, K. I had sharper photos but I think this one caught my mood so perfectly.

  12. pomomama
    25 August 2014 / 3:39 pm

    Happy anniversary, and thanks for the road map for those following along behind.

    • materfamilias
      26 August 2014 / 2:25 pm

      Aw, you're welcome. There are a few potholes, and a number of awkward detours, but there are some magical sights and some wonderful comforts and some fabulous adventures along the way. Enjoy the journey!

  13. Lorrie
    25 August 2014 / 3:53 pm

    Belated Happy Anniversary! Love your smile in the wedding photo, and the tallying up of sundry things throughout the years. I hope your day was simply lovely!

  14. That's Not My Age
    25 August 2014 / 5:33 pm

    Oh what a lovely post! Happy Anniversary, love that wedding snap. It was so good to meet you both in London this summer, come back soon.

    • materfamilias
      26 August 2014 / 2:26 pm

      We so enjoyed that dinner meeting as well, and we do hope to get back in the next year or two. Hope the book-writing is going well. Deadline and then rest soon, right?

  15. Miss Cavendish
    25 August 2014 / 11:35 pm

    Oh, happy anniversary, a day late!

  16. Brenda
    26 August 2014 / 1:54 am

    Hope your day was lovely. Congratulations!

  17. materfamilias
    26 August 2014 / 2:26 pm

    Thanks to all of you for your lovely wishes. . . . you've put another smile on my face!

  18. Mardel
    26 August 2014 / 7:42 pm

    Happy anniversary, a little late perhaps but the wishes remain the same. What a lovely post.

  19. LPC
    27 August 2014 / 11:45 pm

    <3 Happy anniversary!

  20. Annie Cholewa
    28 August 2014 / 7:09 pm

    Belatedly, a very Happy Anniversary to you both.

    In the news here at the moment are a couple who have just marked their 80th wedding anniversary (at the ages of 101 and 102) … may you live to be as old together x

    • materfamilias
      5 September 2014 / 11:43 pm

      Wow! That's amazing….and I would be 101 if I made it to 80 years! He'd be 103. Hard to imagine but thanks for the wish!

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