NINE

Wow, soo crazy to think it has been 9 years today that M and I said "I Do".

Nine whole years. It seems like it was just a few years ago that we were landscaping the farm for our outdoor wedding and picking colors, our wedding party, etc. And heck we were engaged for 2 years before we got married! 

What I will say is that in these last 9 years, we have had some of the best days of our lives and some of the worst. But together, hand in hand we have accomplished soo much and we couldn't be at a happier state in our lives. Life these days literally feels like our dreams coming true. Having not just one
child now, but two is such a blessing. I know, I say it a lot, but sometimes I wonder when I will wake up from this dream, especially having gone through soo much to get to this point in our lives.

I couldn't be a prouder wife than I am these days. To have such a supportive and helpful husband seems to be a rare thing these days. Mike puts in 150% into our family and it shows. I secretly love watching him with the kids and seeing them enjoy him just as much as I do!

In 9 years, I have watched my husband become such a amazing and stronger man and maybe I don't tell him enough how much I appreciate all that he does for us. Life is beautifully chaotic around these parts these days and in a blink of an eye the day is done and I find myself wondering "did I tell him I love him", "did I hug him today", "does he know how much I love and respect him" or "how lucky I feel to have him as my husband"?

I think that is one of the keys to our successful marriage is respecting each other, knowing each other's limits and stepping up when each other needs that break. We work well as a team and have the same goals. I'm not saying he doesn't drive me crazy some days, because we of course drive each other crazy, but at the end of the day it is a good kind of crazy.

It's crazy to look back and see how far we have come. To see how we have faced our hardships and came out on top. 

These are the best days of our lives and they just keep on getting better! 

Happy Anniversary to my love, my partner in crime, my best friend. I know that I will never be able to put into words just how my heart feels, because everyday it is growing fonder and deeper. I am so lucky to have you, our children - yes, OUR children are lucky to have you and I just hope you know how loved and appreciated you really are to me and I am going to work harder at making sure you know that. Here is to several more years together!! 

I love you like crazy - promise promise.

Ashley

A Special Letter

Today I am writing a special letter, to just one person instead of several today! Today I am writing to my husband!!

Dear Mike:

Tomorrow we celebrate 5 years of marriage!  5 whole years - where did the time go? How perfectly does it fall? A hot Saturday in July 5 years ago and now tomorrow!! To be honest, I would be willing to put my dress back on, dress you up in a tux with a pink vest, invite all our friends and family all back to the farm and do it all over again tomorrow!! There is just one thing missing and he can not be replaced - your Grandfather! I miss him. He will forever hold a special place in our hearts, but I know he is smiling down on us and would marry us again, but from heaven!

In 5 years we have been through soo much! We lived in a tiny little house and started our family there with 1 cat and 2 dogs, from there our family blossomed! Many people define family by the amount of children you have. We became a family as soon as we said I do, whether it be just you and I and all our crazy animals, it is perfect! Our kind of perfect! 

We sold our first house, leaving many memories behind, but we have moved into our HOME. We have poured love, sweat and tears into this house and we are both so proud of all that we have accomplished! I cannot thank you enough for all your hard work. 

We've been through soo much in the last couple of years and I am lucky enough to have you by my side! Our strength together can conquer more than I know. You have taught me soo much! You have given me the strength to stand when I have fallen. You have wiped my tears and put a smile on my face. You have found a positive in my negatives. You have held my hand and walked a journey with me, picking me up as I stumble, teaching me to dance in the rain. You have shown me that I can do things I never imagined. In sickness and in health, you have been by my side and have never failed me. You have made me smile when I cannot find a calm in the storm. You have shown me what strength is. You have taught me to look fear in the face and conquer it. There have been soo many opportunities where we could have just given up and we haven't, we push through, we find laughter in our sorrows, and we find strength in one another! We have fun despite the storms that pass our way.

I could not have found anyone better to have by my side! I will forever cherish our nightly argument of who loves who more and why. (P.s - I win!) My forehead lives for your kiss goodnight and good morning!

I "promise promise" to love you forever. I hope that I am able to give back to you what you have given to me! I hope that you feel as much love as I do. There are not words strong enough to explain my feelings. Without you, I would lost.

It has been a crazy 5 years, but I am ready and willing to take on another 80!

I love you,

Here is a video I have made to celebrate the past 5 years! The songs lyrics match my hearts.