Thursday, December 17, 2009

Five Years Ago...

Five years ago, I fought back the tears as I watched my bride walk down the aisle towards me. What a day that was, and we've had so many unbelievable highs and lows since then. We've welcomed two jaw-droppingly beautiful girls into our family and fought through a cancer diagnosis, a career change, and several moves. What I would LOVE is if you, our friends and family, would post a comment with your favorite memory of Cara and I as a couple. Or even a wish for us in the future. It would mean so much to us, plus serve as a surprise for Cara, who doesn't know I'm posting this.

Cara,
You and I have been through the gauntlet. I love thinking of our story together, that first night we hugged out at Avila, the night in the parking lot of Mustang Village I finally got up the courage to ask you out, the saturday afternoon you said yes, and five months later when we said I do and then I attack-kissed you. As amazing as all those moments are, the moments I love most are now--and our future is brighter than ever. You deserve so much more than I can ever give you, and I'm in awe of your courage, your commitment, and your ever-growing beauty. Happy Anniversary! I love you so much!

12 comments:

Joanie said...

Happy Anniversary! I remember when Pastor Tim announced your engagement and pointed out how we would know who you were because you were the deliriously happy couple sitting near the middle of the church. I think he mentioned your ring, too!

You've been through a lot - more than most folks, and you're still going strong. Congratulations, Keith and Cara!

Unknown said...

I still remember when I first got to know you two, before you were engaged. The sheer amount of "Where's my ring?" comments from Cara were astounding. I can't believe that was over five years ago now. Congratulations!

Carissa and I are so happy for you, and we love that we have you so close by now. Can't wait to see you and the girls soon!

Mama Mote said...

My favorite memories start with Cara. She and Liz were born 10 days apart. When they were young, we spent some time together. I remember birthday parties at our homes, the beach, and she and her family were the only ones who came out to our campsite for Liz's birthday. Went separate ways when we moved to our different SLO County cities through the years (and you still came to parties in those cities). Continued to keep in touch with Jan. Then Cara and Liz got engaged...and were married 5 days apart. Figured kids would come close, too. But not yet. Liz is finishing school and when they are ready, kids will come. I love your love for each other, for the support during the cancer, schooling, teaching and in raising your girls. You are a special couple and your girls are just a great blessing that has come from that love and support. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO YOU!!! Love you both very much. hugs, hugs and more hugs :)

2Badgers said...

Happy #5 Anniversary! Hope your internet works at your place soon. In the meantime, I have such strong memories of so many things of you both....all good. Besides the first wonderful Thanksgiving trip when I met Cara, and Dad had to call to make sure I would finish talking to my son's special sweetheart and return home with Keith! I remember how beautiful you both were the day of your wedding, and how excited Keith was to tuck you into the "get away car", Cara buried underneath her very full wedding dress as you drove off so excited to begin the adventure....your first of many to come! That same enthusiasm and persistence to live out God's calling together has been such a blessing to many! We celebrate with you and hope to talk to you soon:) Congratulations!!!!!

2Badgers said...

P.S. I know I already added my two cents, but your Dad might write about the very special memory of the phone call that came up to us at "Dinosaur Point" on July 10th (Saturday of The Proposal) when we were miraculously star-gazing together and just got done seeing the Ring Nebula before we heard you tell us on the cell that "She said yes, when she stopped crying!". Of course we could never get tired of hearing how you snuck around to get the ring or any of the great story of that special day. Maybe Dad will have to think of something else to write for his part....he could go on forever. We could crash your blog with all this!
I wish for your future to always cherish one another more than anything, but God Himself, no matter where you are directed together. Nuff said:) Mom

Unknown said...

First of all, it's been 5 years?!?!?

I basically have never known you before you were "keith and cara" I have so many fun memories, especially the one where cara kept calling me to get me to come to college group. Best decision I ever made! I miss you guys and Happy Anniversary!

Larissa said...

I have two favorite memories. The first is back when you swore you were just friends but it was so obvious your love was blossoming because you were perfect for each other.
And the second is watching you laugh together and enjoy a few moments of fun during our (way too rare) friday night game nights.
Love you guys!! We'll miss you but are so glad we'll still get to see you once a month.
Happy Anniversary.

Katie Lady said...

My favorite memory is seeing your faith become your own--each of you individually and as a couple--as Tim and I mentored you at Grace. Keith, it's no surprise you're going to make a great teacher. God has gifted you to make His Word known, both to the body and to the world. I saw you get comfortable up there in the front, unsure of your words, but certain of your passion. Now look at you!! Praise God for His faithfulness.

And Cara, the "unapproachable" one in charge of greeting visitors? You were stretched and challenged, but you followed His call and brought in some amazing people (i.e. Christal and Jen) with your love and contagious spirit. And now look at you--a cancer survivor and mom of two, and I'll bet you'd be willing to share your story if anyone asked! We pray you will continue to grow in your faith and use these gifts-- being hospitable to those friendly neighbors is a worthwhile effort in the scheme of eternity. Can't wait to hear about it! We wish we had more time together, but realize that when we do it will be sweet indeed. Oh, and another memory is your sweet helpfulness after our babies were born-you even washed our dishes!
Blessed by you guys!

Unknown said...

I remember sitting in Jan's living room on the night you two got engaged as Cara stared admirably at her gorgeous new ring and Keith dramatically acted out the proposal and the response... what a beautiful (and LONG awaited, *wink wink* Cara), event! Thank you for being an inspiration to Brennan and I. We love you guys!

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...

My favorite memory of you two is when you were leaving the hospital with Bekah. She was in this adorable fluffy pink bunny outfit and strapped into a pretty pink carseat. You were walking (well, Cara was being wheeled) down the hospital hallway tired, probably overwhelmed, and ready to go home. I remember thinking, “That is the most precious new family of three that I have ever seen!”

liz oelker said...

got this a little late and although i didn't post anything i was thiking of you guys and praying for you on your anniversary. i unfortunately wasn't around for much of your relationship but i especially loved watching you guys marry. it was a beautiful occasion and I love that we get to share anniversaries so close together. love you all~!