We ran off to Wyoming + Montana to celebrate back in September to celebrate our 10 year anniversary early but 12-17-11 is the date we said I Do.

We had the best trip and really got to just be present and reflect on the last decade. Our lows, our highs, what we’ve loved, what we’d like to improve on. Places we didn’t get it quite right but tried to do it better the next round. We are still learning and growing daily.

Marriage. It’s a lot of hard work. It takes effort on both parts. It’s never 50/50. Sometimes it’s 90/10. But it’s worth it. It’s worth knowing that he has my back, and I have his. If today was our last together, I know his feelings about me, how much he loves me, and that his heart rests in our family and the home we’ve made.

That’s pretty special. Some people wait a lifetime for that and God blessed us to have it. I’ve prayed a lot of prayers for us. For us to weather the storms we’ve had or haven’t had yet. For us to be good parents and people when it’s not the easiest. For us to die to ourselves and live selflessly to one another. To be able to forgive when we are hurt and stubborn. To love like it’s our last day.

Several bet against us 10 years ago. That the two of us wouldn’t make it because young love doesn’t last anymore. But it can. You just have to live different than most.

What we have is rare, old fashioned, & it’s pretty incredible. I love this man. He’s my best friend. He knows and sees me. He values me. He made me a mom two incredible little girls. Those three are all I need this side of Heaven. Thank you for this life, ZO. I’m so proud of what we’ve built. I’m so thankful for you. You’ve brought me so much joy. You’ve set the standard for our daughters. You lead me and our home well.

Happy Anniversary, sweetheart. I love you forever. -Lou