One whole decade!

Ten years. Sometimes I look at my marriage and can only see the now. We've officially been together long enough that many remnants of the past, and especially the beginning years, are starting to feel like a distant dream. I even often struggle to even remember many aspects of some of our memories. But one thing that I discovered while preparing for our ten year anniversary was that this blog was a life saver, and my moms need to take a million pictures at every event came in clutch for me a massive way. Pictures help bring up all those little moments you forget, and I was flabbergasted and also thrilled to find many photographed memories that I am now clinging onto so I can always remember. 

So I tried my best to take some pictures of our Anniversary, even though it was actually a hectic day. I didn't get as many as I would like, but I know I will look back on these and be so grateful. 

And ten years? Let's talk about that accomplishment for a sec. Erwin and I have been married an entire decade and yet it seems so much longer. But also, didn't we only just get married? It almost scares me how fast time has passed and I can't help but wonder where we will be in twenty years, because we certainly aren't where I thought we would be in ten. But I am so proud of us. Erwin and I are on a humble handmade boat that we built together, that was then dropped into the ocean of love and life. We realized quickly that we needed better support and structure for our boat in order to hold us both and survive. We also worked hard to find the tools to make this happen, and sometimes he and I had different ideas on how that should be done. BUT. We have always had the same end goal and desire to arrive at the same destination. This has offered calmness to our waters and shelter from the storms. By working side by side we have been able to create a strong infrastructure of our boat and appreciate the other and how hard they work and sacrifice. There is so much required in order to protect, guide and learn from the other. But we also have had to work alone in order to work on ourselves. We realized the importance of being able to understand more about our personal hearts, strengths, weaknesses, abilities and who we really are at the end of the day. 

"Love boats" will also have choppy waves on the ocean that make the course unnerving and difficult. There also might be some wear down in certain areas in the wood or a hole or two that pop up. I'm so thankful that I'm with somebody who is willing to continually repair and strengthen our boat. What immense gratitude and love you have for someone who never gives up while also making the journey enjoyable and adventurous. 

Erwin and I have endured quite a bit, and that includes my many health problems, a disabled child, many pregnancy losses, work stresses and future uncertainty. Again, I am so proud of us. We've conquered so much in ten years, have three amazing children and a testimony of the Gospel that is solidified. 

Our anniversary was one to remember. We didn't do anything crazy fancy or elaborate (thanks Covid...) but we had such a happy day with our kids and each other.

We ordered brunch at Black Bear Diner and went to eat it at the duck pond. The restaurant forgot our silverware and then the weather turned windy and cold. So we ate with our hands and shivered through the meal. Everyone also had to use the restroom and all of the public bathrooms were closed. We were laughing at how grumpy it was all making us, but also kept laughing like crazy about it. 

Tyler is terrified of all flying bugs. I happened to take this at the right moment when one landed on his arm and upset him terribly. 

It eventually warmed up a bit and we fed the ducks the kids' leftover waffles and pancakes. 

There were also so many fish that were visible. It was so fun.

Aren't we lucky? 

Stud.

Cute Chunty girl.

Erwin is the best gift giver. Everyone knows it. I often fall short in gift giving and bc funds were tight this year, I decided to create a festive dinner at home with decorations and a fun atmosphere. While Erwin drove the long drive to drop off our kids to my parents house, I scrambled to set everything up. There were some big hiccups, including the dinner I ordered from a wonderful restaurant being cancelled on me last minute. But the end result was still great and Erwin loved it. I also made a personal video and song for him that he loved, and he of course spoiled me throughout the day with a few things here and there. We enjoyed our time together and how we were able to surprise the other and then chat and reflect on life. 

This was the dinner set up. You can't see the glow from the strong lights, but it was so pretty when it got dark. I also had nice music playing.

I last minute ordered Sushi and steak and tempura. It was all delicious!

The dessert was lovely too.

Happy ten to us!

One of the gifts Erwin got me was a Minky Blanket. Pretty sure Clara keeps trying to steal it, so needless to say we all ended up loving this gift. 

Happy TEN YEARS to Erwin and me. Here's to TEN MORE! :)