It's May 7th!!

Hi all, guest blogger back for another sneaky entry into the blogosphere. Today is May 7th, which means that 18 years ago, Tracey and I were married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple at around 9:30 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time. Approximately.

Now, most normal husbands that live in normal circumstances would buy flowers, jewelry, clothes, etc., for their wives for their anniversary. However, our life in Shanghai does not quite fit the American definition of "normal" that we have become accustomed to over the years. So my problem right now is this:

A) We're going to Beijing tonight so no point in enjoying those flowers for 1 hour.

B) She already buys all the clothes she wants at the fabric market.

C) She already buys all the jewelry she wants at the pearl and underground markets.

And so, to publicly honor my wonderful wife on our anniversary, I proudly present this World Wide Web anniversary tribute for all to see how wonderful my T-R-A-C-E-Y really is.

T is for tasty, as in all of the delicious food she makes for our family. Even in China where the ayi cooks for us a lot, we can't wait for "western food night," and her bread, rolls, truffles, and other assorted goods have become famous here amongst our friends in Shanghai.

R is for racy. 'Nuff said.

A is for adventurous. The journey she has taken from "slightly scared American wife plopped down in Shanghai" to "travel veteran/master bargainer/can't wait to go see more" has been wonderful for me to behold this past year and a half. Can't wait for lots more in the years to come.

C is for children. Obviously the four that we have had together, and all of the time and effort and sacrifice she puts forth to make their lives as rewarding as possible. But also for all children who flock to her because she plays, she listens, she teaches, and she understands.

E is for extra, as in the extra "e" in her name that usually gets left out. Thank goodness she found a soulmate in Tracey Butters so that they can celebrate their bonus "e" together. E is also for eternity, which would be a measurement of how long we will be together as husband and wife. And on that note...

Y is for "yes," which is what she said when I asked her to marry me and then again when she was asked if she would formally agree to be my wife forever starting May 7, 1991. I'm so glad she did. I love you my darling, happy anniversary!!