[Image]My cousin is getting married and she has asked me to be her matron of honor. (Me on the left, she on the right.) I'm honored! I have never been a maid of honor for anyone. Let's see, I was in my older brothers' wedding line. That was nice. Didn't really care too much about how my hair was done in that wedding. It just didn't match me. That couple is still going; 10 years and 4 kids later. Also, I was a flower girl for my moms sister. She just divorced him this year after 25 years and 6 kids. Oddly, my hair done up as a little girl was the same way they had done it for my brothers' wedding. LOL...

I don't know if there's a secret recipe to the success of a marriage. My parents are still going strong after 37 years. I should ask them how they keep it together. With my fifth anniversary just passing this past Friday and my cousin getting engaged, I'm a sentimental mess.

Diligent visitors to my blog and really close friends and family know that I've been married before. My ex-husband really put me through the biggest heartbreak I have ever experienced. Nothing could compare to that kind of pain. I've blogged about it profusely. The subject has almost become monotone. However, I have gained many learning experiences from the heartache. I have also become very much empowered to have the courage to demand what I want and need in a relationship. No one will ever "walk" all over me again. Ever!

I am so in love with my husband. I have never experienced a more loving man in my entire life. Even though we get on each others nerves because we spend so much time together, I know he has my best interests at heart. He is my best friend and most times, I rather be with him than with anyone else. The success of our marriage has got to be our shared belief in God. He and I are always headed in the same direction. We worship the same way, pray together, and help to keep each other remembering all the sacred promises we made to each other. There's no secret behind that!


[Image]All of this talk of successful marriages has been my inspiration in figuring out what to say as a toast for my cousins wedding. I know I will have to say something, at some point, at the wedding reception. I am taking this responsibility very seriously. I want my thoughts to be meaningful and something the couple will always remember. I have a few thoughts simmering in my head about this.

What are your thoughts? What's a good wedding toast?

**Photo Credit for champagne classes