"I Love You"

There was a point in our life that I didn't think that we would make it to this point in our lives. Life is a true struggle sometimes and yes, you may see many pictures of our family with these big smiling faces, but trust me, it's not always like that. 

We have our struggles. Struggles within our marriage, struggles dealing with the kids, struggles with being away from family and friends. 

This military life is hard, really hard. It's hard feeling like a single parent sometimes because Courtney is having to go here or there, having to work nights and weekends. It's hard having the kids being sick and I am doing it solo. I can't just call family to see if they are able to help. Everything is soully on us for it all. 

But even through all of that, I wouldn't change it. Because, with this life that we lead, it has made us, as a family, stronger. We love each other deeper and support each other in everything we do. We have each others back 100%. 

Through our struggles, I have found that the little things mean more to me then all the big things. 

That's why when Courtney took us back to the place, I immediately got tears in my eyes. The place is where Courtney said "I love you" for the first time. We hadn't been together that long at this point, but it didn't scare me away. Every day after this, we were together. Things went fast with us, but there was no problem in that, because I knew that this is where I was suppose to be.  

The best part of this stop, was showing our kids and my sister where everything seemed to fall together for us. 

A couple days later and without me knowing anything, I was surprised by Courtney. He surprised me with getting all our family and friends together to celebrate our 10 year anniversary by doing a vow renewal. 

I am not big on surprises, especially having all the attention on me. Not a fan at all, but dang it felt good to see everyone, but even more so, standing next to the love of my life. 

I have said since we got married that I wanted to do something back in Holland with all our family friends because we had to get married so quickly before he left to BMT. We always had dates in mind, but I would get pregnant and those plans would go out the door. So, I always said I wanted to do something for our 10 year anniversary. Life got ahold of me and that all slipped my mind really, but I guess it didn't slip Courtney's. 

He thought of everything. He even was able to get my ring from the jewelers, which was being cleaned. But, he also got Baja Grill to cater. It was at Baja Grill that we had our very first date. 

It was a perfect surprise and I wish I got pictures of everyone that was there, but a huge thank you to everyone that showed up. We love you all!!

Life, it gets you sometimes. It's hard, it's good, but to have someone that you know truly loves you and is by your side through thick and thin, makes everything worth it. 

And then you add 3 kids to the mix and 2 dogs and a cat, life is pretty dang good!