5 years ago (March 22nd 2008) when Lucas and I said “i do” we could have never imagined the life that we have now. Two homes, Two kids, Two new businesses, 5 acres & one very full life later, we celebrate our 5th anniversary.

At our wedding reception we put out blank index cards & “advice envelopes” with future years on them. “The couple will open this packet in the year 2013, 2014, etc”  We made an packet for each year up to our 10th anniversary. On our anniversary each year we open the new year and read some great, and not so great advice.    (p.s If you’re not married yet, I highly recommend doing this at your reception)

This year’s packet was exceptionally special (we opened it early) I had to share some of our well wishes here: All of these were wrote 5 years ago making it all the more sweet.

“Never go to bed mad at each other”  Sherry Lynn & Marty (Sherry’s my name sake)

“Well I don’t think I can offer any advice on marriage, but I can say that I feel very blessed to have two amazing people, you, in my life and look forward to the advice you’ll be able to give me when I find that someone” Callie (Luke’s sister) p.s Callie also wrote captain jack sparrow on the back of the card 🙂

“So…you made it five years! (I even made it 5 once) Hope you’re loving life and each other even more then today”. David Grupa (our Friend-who recently got married this past summer)

“Good for one free drink on your masters night” unknown

“Remember Pastor Steve’s message, you are both very special people and we expect great blessings will happen in your life” Dad (Luke’s)

“Holy Cows! 5 Years! Its time to give your uncle another free meal” Uncle Bart

“May you still be as happy as you are on this day, kids and all! Love changes, deepens and grows. There are ups and downs, but faith sees you through, and the years go by fast. If we are still around, we will be nearing our 60th and would probably do it all over again.” (Grandma and Grandpa Schultze.) Who celebrated 60 years this past Jan!

“What a great surprise this was, meeting you for the 1st time and witnessing a beautiful wedding, Wishing you many happy and healthy years together, congratulations and love, Avis Mathis-Minot ND (I was named after her daughter, she surprised us by attending our wedding, a great surprise)

Two cards had hand drawn guitars on them-by bobby and andy schultze (luke’s cousin)

One card has a beautiful drawing of luke and I on a picnic blanket- cammy (luke’s sister)

One card has colored pencil drawings by Sam, luke little sister.

“Are you pregnant yet” asked one guest

Luke’s Uncle Stan wrote a sweet little confession to us, and then added ” I pray that you will have all the joy and happiness that you can stand and that you will be content in all the places that God leads you in the future”

“God Bless you both with all the love you felt for each other the day of your wedding, on the 5th anniversary and every one there after, Love Mom”(Linda)

And a big surprise…..was all the $1 bills someone(s) stuffed into the envelope, there was a note about me buying a round of drinks when I get my Master’s of Photography Degree, so I can only assume who was in charge of collecting the money (THANK YOU-photo friends)….except for my friend David Grupa who writes “IOU $5” in which I could only roll my eyes”

I am sharing this today, because there is so much power in written words. These little notes will get tucked away for me to rediscover again one day, and share again, and maybe even cry over. Maybe it’s not your wedding day, but if you can make the time today, write a letter to someone today, on paper and mail it. It’s important that we tell the people we love how we feel about them. (and if you can toss in cash in that envelope, that’s always as added bonus-as we learned today JK)