Nine years

Nine years ago today, we got married. I promised to love you in all circumstances from that day until the day I die. I feel like we have seen so much in those nine years.  We have watched loved ones pass away, pets pass away, held our new babies, adoption, raising foster children, moving four times, travel, new jobs, many arguments, postpartum depression, surgeries, personal victories, and defeats. 

  I can remember screaming at you, "Why can't you just be normal?"  In my frustration and exhaustion I saw the worst in you. I saw someone who couldn't be content with the status quo.  What was wrong with you? Why did you have to live in a different reality than the rest of us?  Then I remembered that was what I loved about you the most. That was what attracted me to you in the first place. You didn't think that normal was for you.  You had dreams and goals and planned to pursue them.  You are a change-maker.  You don't just sit back and let life happen to you, you go and make life happen.  It hasn't been easy, but it has been exciting.  In these nine years of marriage, we have grown so much together.  We have had our share of challenges but in the end we always end up stronger.  Our kids are the greatest gifts you could have ever given me. Being able to be a stay-at-home mom has been my dream since I was a little girl.  I will ALWAYS be grateful for you working so hard to support us. I know you have had made many sacrifices for us.  I also know that these next months in Kenya will be an amazing adventure for our family.  You are making our dream to take our kids to Kenya a big reality.  I was thinking a summer, while you saw bigger.  I am so excited to start this journey and watch what God has planned for us.  Thank you Phill for making all of our dreams a reality. I love you more than you could ever know. Happy 9 years of marriage!