10 Years and Counting...

I have to take a few minutes just to dote on my sweet husband a little bit. Yesterday was our 10th anniversary. I honestly can't believe we have been married for that long, and it has definitely been one crazy ride!
We spent yesterday morning in a walk-through of our new house in preparations for our closing on Tuesday. Every time I look at our new house I am so overwhelmed with gratitude for our blessings. I feel so blessed to have a husband who works so hard and is able to provide such a wonderful home for our family. I had always hoped that he and I would be taking a trip to Hawaii for our 10th anniversary, but our life took a different turn, giving us another set of twins, and instead of Hawaii, I'm getting a great house for my anniversary. I think it's a pretty good trade off.
Looking back on our life together, neither one of us would have ever guessed we would be where we are today. When we met we were only freshman at BYU. I can't say that it was love at first sight, but after dating for a little bit, I definitely knew there was something special about him. We only dated for a few months before he went on a 2 year mission for our church to Belgium and France. Those 2 years were invaluable to our relationship. Although we weren't allowed to call or see each other, we were able to stay connected through writing letters. I can honestly say that it was during that time that I fell in love with him. I have saved every one of the letters he wrote to me and cherish the opportunity we had to share our personalities with one another so openly and honestly. It was also during this time that my sister Katie passed away. Needless to say, it was a very difficult time for me, and although he was half a world away, I could feel his tremendous love for me as he comforted me through his sweet letters. He had known Katie and personally knew of the great loss I was suffering. When he finally came home, I can't even tell you how excited I was to be near him. I was finally able to spend time with this amazing man who knew me inside and out, and had already shared so many of life's ups and downs with me. He came home from his mission in July of 1999, and by that December we were engaged.
I absolutely love this man! Life has thrown a few unexpected curve balls our way and he has been my anchor through it all. He is a sweet father and very involved with our children. He is very thoughtful and attentive to me, and always tries to make me happy. He is responsible and dependable, and I have never once worried about our family's well-being with him by my side.
After Gavin and Kaden were born, it took us a few years to decide whether or not to have any more children. Mike was very concerned about the health issues I had experience with the twins and was worried for my safety. Finally he gave in to my emotional pleas and we decided to have one more child - which as you know came as a set instead of just one. When the same health issues and risks were realized, he never once gave me a cross word, or an "I told you so", but just went to work taking care of me and our family. When things fell through with the sale of our home he wasn't the angry or emotional one, but the steady calm that picked up the pieces and moved forward. He takes every hurdle we face or trial we bear in stride, and does what is necessary to overcome the situation and take care of his family. He is my rock, my confidant, and my best friend. I've even called him the "best wife ever" since he is never too busy to help around the house. There really is nothing this man won't do for me and our children! I love him more than I can say and feel so blessed to share my life with him. It will be exciting to see what adventures the next 10 years hold for us, and just maybe we'll be able to get that Hawaii trip in there somewhere!