Just a decade...

    So there's an argument between J and myself whether it's the 15th of January or the 21st. Regardless, somewhere this past week we hit 10 years. No not our wedding vows... But 10 years ago I convinced this guy to hang out with me. I wasn't even seriously thinking he would stick around. Good thing I am convincing and good thing he was more seriously committed than I was! I was a very guarded person (still am, mostly) but he waited and helped me climb over my walls and see the view.

    I'd known his family for quite some time. However, I think I can safely say most our family and friends shook their heads, and wondered what we were thinking then. I was thinking this guy was a good listener, and he was an encourager. I needed that. I was in a weird place and in lots of trouble! He was also in lots of trouble. So I reciprocated being an encourager. Our friendship was built on pushing each other to be our best selves. In fact, our vows stated marriage was not about looking at one another, but looking together in the same direction. He is pretty good looking though ;).

    In 10 years we've done a few things together. A few of the most note worthy are: almost buy a falling apart trailer, buying an actual trailer that was worth it, many vehicles, brought home many animals who needed loving homes, got into debt, got out of debt, late nights with friends, even later nights studying for classes, graduating with a degree or two, several jobs that have both stretched us and helped us grow tremendously, several tears, and so much laughter. 

    Even more remarkable is the family we've built. The friendship we have that pushes us to be our best selves has resulted in a beautiful girl, H, that we obtained custody of several years ago, and finally I adopted her as my own in 2015. Our handsome son, C, we also work hard to be passionate about life, and make him proud daily. We miss him with the greatest ache, but have learned so much through grief that makes us better people and parents. Our rainbow, M, has amplified the beautiful parts of life. She teaches us to slow down and embrace each moment. We are remembering to view the world with new eyes. We have this beautiful family, in this home that maybe is just a house that needs love to most... But is home to us. In a decade with this guy, we have come far, and it really shows me that we will go far if we continue together. :) 

    We still want to bring home furry children daily. It's a real struggle. We still are staying up late studying to accomplish our next goals. We are still just two people encouraging each other to keep going, to never let anything stop us, and planning the next decade the best we can to be the best people and parents as we can for our kids. We still are sharing tears and causing each other much laughter. 

It's just a decade... And it happens in a blink!