Celebrating 10 years of a Love Story

Today marks 10 years that Jeff and I have been married!  It's crazy that 10 years has passed since I stood as a teenager and said "I do" to Jeffrey.  I feel like it's one of those things that should make me feel old but in reality I just feel so blessed and thankful that we get to celebrate such a sweet day together.  

Much has happened in our 10 years.  Our young love has withstood through 2 deployments, a surprise baby, 2 undergrad degrees, 1 graduate degree, numerous less than ideal jobs, couple of start up businesses, both finding our passion and dream jobs, 4 houses, 2 states, 2 countries, 2 miscarriages, the hoping and discouragement of waiting for another baby, the laughter in times of happiness, and the flowing tears in the midst of pain.  We have both made huge mistakes while hurting the other deeply, and both loved beyond our capacity at times for the good of the other.  All the elements of a great love story are weaved into the last 10 years of life together.  

When we were in NM we took a night and drove up to Ruidoso which is the town we got married in.  It's not a place we go to often especially since we moved to Colorado and then Costa Rica, so when we do get to go it's a special treat to stop by the magical little hacienda that we got married at.  Being the ever hopeless romantic that I am, we had to stop for a quick photo op and reminisce about the day our love story all started.  It was sweet to be there especially knowing how close our 10 year anniversary was.  

Off highway 70 on a dirt road in San Patricia New Mexico,

you will find a bridge

that leads you farther away from the noise of the world,

to a quiet hacienda nestled at the base of the rolling hills,

and to a doorway that was the beginning of an epic love story.

It was 10 years ago to the day that a young 19 year old girl stared down at this white gazebo thinking she knew what love was.

She walked down this stone overgrown path, arm in arm with her dad

thinking "life can't get any better this"

to meet her prince charming who was tearfully waiting to take her hand.

In the ten years that have passed, much has changed.  The ear to ear smiles that radiated that overcast Saturday in 2003 from these two, is now replaced with a settle comfortable smile that suggest the excitement of young love has evolved into a steady, unwavering love.

Their big plans to change the world and everyone in it, have matured into faith that God has them exactly where He wants them.  

Their ideas about what life is all about, have changed, as they added a son to their family, as they wait and hope for more kids, as they engage in adventures as a family, and as their heart is burdened more and more for other's to know and experience God's unfailing love.

Though they have been tempted and pushed to their limits, they have never let go of the young love that began on a rainy night 10 years ago.  While they would both say it was definitely one of the best days of their lives, they would also both agree that they are looking forward to seeing where the next 10 years takes them, because this has certainly been a worthy love story.

 Happy 10 year Anniversary Jeffrey.  I love you more than the day I said I do and we danced in the rain.

The rest of our night away consisted of Jeff working (good thing I have been working on setting realistic expecations over the last 10 years) cause our trip back to the States fell during a time when Jeff was in the middle of numerous projects.  I did manage to pull him away from the computer for some quality time together and it was great even if it was for one night!

Working away

Proof that he didn't work the whole time :)

We stayed at the place we spent our first night as a married couple!  

I am beyond blessed to be celebrating 10 years of marriage and couldn't imagine life without Jeffrey.  Thank you God for all the blessings you have given me especially for a loving marriage.