13 Years Today

Today is our real anniversary. We celebrated over the weekend, but today is the actual day.  13 years.

Here we are--young and innocent!

Thinking back to when I met my Marcus, I realize how much I had to MAKE him like me.  He has a completely different version of the story, but I write this blog, so I get to tell it.

Marcus' sister, Julie, set us up on a date.  We went out on a double date with his niece and my brother.  The date was fun.....  Nine months later (yep, nothing inbetween) I tried to set him up with my friend.  In the process of the "setting up" he finally asked why I was setting him up and not just going out with him. Well, that was it.  I ditched the friend (sorry :() and went out with him myself.  (no big loss to the friend, she ended up getting married the day before we did, so it was a blessing I am sure)

Marcus was honest from the beginning.  He had a missionary out and was planning on marrying her (he didn't use the 'm' word but I knew).  He tried to not "date' me anymore until after this missionary came home, but I wouldn't let that happen.   Somehow I gained enough courage to tell him he had to date me right then because I wouldn't have a fair chance once she got home.  He listened (he still is a good listener).  We dated.

I am sharing a very shortened version.

Missonary came home; He went off with her; They were going to get married; I wrote a letter; Marcus knew I was a better choice; He came back;  We were married 4 months later.

I remember during those times how much I just wanted him to call me.  Its funny how that has never changed.  I still hate it when he doesn't call me at LEAST once a day.  He gets in trouble when he's out of town and lets a day go by without a call.

I remember knowing from the beginning of our dating that I was going to marry him but I had to be patient.  That hasn't changed either :)  Patience has never been easy for me.

I remember his sister telling me what an awesome dad he would be some day.  This is a very true statement.  He is an awesome dad.  My kids could not have a better one!  Don't know what we'd do without him.

 I remember thinking we had so much fun together.  We still do.  Even when it seems hard to have fun, we have fun.  We are seriously a party ourselves and have to work on having friends.

I have loved welcoming our little family into this world, one by one with tears each time. 

Parker was such a new adventure for us.  We couldn't sleep when he was first born because we thought he would stop breathing.  My mom had to sit us down and let us know it would be better for us to get sleep and know he would be okay, Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us. 

When Ethan arrived in this world, we were the only two in the room (unlike Parker where it was a family reunion :)).  Marcus insisted he wanted it to be the two of us.  This was the easiest labor ever.  No pain. 

When Ethan left this world, we were the only two in the room.  I have never felt closer to my husband as I did that day saying goodbye to our little boy.  This was the hardest time ever.  LOTS of pain.  Yet, Marcus was a rock.  He talked and sang to Ethan the whole time while holding his hand.  I just tried to hold myself together.

When Madilyn arrived fast and furious, Marcus was instantly in love.  His little girl.  She stole our hearts and she still has them.

When Brady entered this world, we couldn't have been happier.  For a family who needed a little happiness, he was the perfect medicine.

I couldn't have asked for a better person to spend these 13 years with...and more!  Our children are the most precious gifts we have.  These are the moments that have really shaped who we are.  We, as their parents, are so happy to have these children who teach us something every day. 

I am spoiled by a man who knows a woman should be treated like a queen daily.  I am.  I take it for granted some days.  I try not to.  I love this man.  He is awesome.  Hope he keeps me :)  I can be a little hard to handle.

Once again, Happy Anniversary!