Five Years Ago...

Five years ago today was a day of celebration.  It was a warm, sunny day in Montgomery, Alabama; a day full of nerves, smiles, friends, and family.  It was the best day of my life, the day that I married my love. 

I have always heard that your wedding day goes by in a blur.  This is so true!  I remember several key moments from that day, but I know there is so much that I will never recall.  I do not really remember the ride to the church on that day, the process of getting dressed, or who came to visit me while I was nervously waiting in the Bride's parlor.  The pre-wedding photos seemed to pass by in a blur.  I do remember, however, one sweet moment when my husband-to-be and I held hands, hiding from each other on opposite sides of a doorway.  That moment stands alone, a moment of sweetness and calm in the midst of the hectic day.  It didn't last long, and he was soon whisked away to the Groom's waiting area. 

The rest of the day was equally as blurred.  For as much time and effort that we put into planning the day, the food, the decorations, and all of the festivities involved, most of my "memories" are based on our pictures. 

To my family, thank you for everything that you did to prepare for that day.  I know that you put much more into that day than I know or remember.  It was an image of the marriage feast of Christ and his Church, and a wonderful way to start this marriage. 

To our friends, bridesmaids and groomsmen, thank you for being there.  I am so glad that you were with us to celebrate, and I look forward to celebrating life and love with you both on earth and in Heaven. 

To my love, thank you for asking me to marry you.  Thank you for showing up at Trinity Presbyterian Church five years ago, and committing to love me as Christ loves his Church.  Thank you for spending the past five years with me, in both the good times and the bad.  Thank you for being a source of joy, love, patience, encouragement and sanctification.  You point me to Christ.  I look forward to spending many, many years with you.  Oh, and thank you for eating anything that I put in front of you.  Je t'aime.

My family put a tremendous amount of time and effort into planning our wedding.  I am so grateful.  Although I couldn't even begin to tell you everything that they did, I will share one little sweet memory.  My grandfather made his signature cheese straws.  They are quintessentially southern, and are often found at gourmet stores and groceries and many, many southern kitchens.  They are all good, although I do not think I have ever had a cheese straw quite as delightful as these. 

Southern Cheese Straws

1 pound New York extra sharp cheese
1 stick butter, softened
2 cups flour
3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (use a full teaspoon if you like them especially spicy)
dash of paprika

Preheat the oven to 350°. Grate the cheese. Then, using a food processor, mix the cheese and the butter. Add the flour, pepper and paprika a little at a time to the mixture and pulse until well combined and very soft. Place the dough in a metal cookie press fitted with a flat disk and squeeze onto an ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake for 10-15 minutes, until they just start to darken. Sprinkle with kosher salt when they come out of the oven. Cut into pieces when they are still warm.

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