8 Years

On the 25th of last month we celebrated our 8 year anniversary. Yes, it has been 8 years. I can't even believe that we have been married for that long, but at times, it feels like it has been longer. Also last month, we had 2 siblings get married (Congrats Adam & Leslie and Trisha & Ryan!). We thought back on the beginning of our marriage and just thought "Wow, they don't know what they are in for!" :-) Marriage is hard and every one has it's struggles. We have had our struggles and at times, really didn't think we were going to make it through. And honestly, a few times, we almost didn't make it. We survived them, and we've just become better and closer because of them. We still have a long way to go to get to where we want, but we are headed there and we have years of being together ahead to learn what we need to about marriage.

I love my husband very much. I am so proud of him and everything he is doing and starting to accomplish right now. I know a lot of it is hard for him. It is hard to put into words how I feel about him. Each day I look forward to him coming home from work. I'm glad he is in my life. We have our problems and our fights, but we make it through them. Thank you for staying with me for so long Jared. I love you!

(Hopefully Jared will add on to this later :-) )

Here is my add on! First, I say a huge "amen" to everything that April said! It has been a pretty difficult road for us, for sure. I'd be lying if I said that I never thought about giving up, wondering what it's all for. I'm glad for the struggles, though, and am trying to get to where I welcome the ones we'll have in the future. I'm not there yet. I know that I love my wife though. She has given me the two best gifts I have in my life in Devon and Ellie...I learn from them daily. She cares for them while I toil away at work everyday, and I believe that she definitely has the tougher job, and the more important one. My job puts food on our table, but hers puts direction and meaning into lives by planting seeds of faith in our two little crazies! All I have to say to April is thank you for putting up with me. For seeing in me what I cannot, or will not, for many reasons, see for myself. I know it takes a lot of faith in a person to look past shortcomings and see what they can become, and not what they are...I admire that in you. I do look forward to our many years together and struggling through whatever life throws our way, and doing it together....which is most important. I love you with all my heart!