Happy Anniversary!!!

9 years ago today, Gareth and I got married. (yes, Valentines day, believe me, not our first choice, but it just happened to work out that way)

The day started with Alex getting up at 6:15 and then proceeding to wake her brother up. You would have thought it was Christmas morning. She came running down all excited about her party at school and handing out her cards. Callum went along with it because he will go along with anything his big sister does. Over breakfast, we exchanged cards. Gareth has been working so many hours lately that to help him out, I picked out a new purse for myself so he proceeded to give me that. I Loved it:0)
I was pretty bummed because I ordered him a gift over 2 1/2 weeks ago and as of this morning, it hadn't come yet. I only had about an hour at home today, and as I pulled in to the driveway, there it was sitting on the front steps. I was so excited!! I got him a new watch from the Charlton store in England. (his soccer team) Very exciting!! I ran it by his work so that he could see it. He really liked it, but I knew that anything I got him with the Charlton logo would be a hit. He was supposed to work until about 9:30, so that was pretty much it for our day. We aren't ones to buy each other presents most years, so we did really good this year. Well, at 6:30, I get a call. I was at my parents house visiting with them when the phone rings. Gareth says, "I am getting off early and my car won't start. Can you come get me? Oh, and bring Alex." Ok, I knew something was up, but I figured if he was taking me for a surprise dinner or something, he wouldn't have me bring Alex, so I didn't think too much about it other than how much it may cost to get his car fixed. I left Callum at Grandma and grandpa's house, thinking we were going back there once I picked Gareth up.(mom and dad, thanks for keeping Callum) When I got there, he had booked me a massage. HEAVEN!! If you live in my town, go see Rhonda at Gareth's work. She is amazing. Gareth took Alex out to dinner while I was being pampered. Her poor husband will have big shoes to fill in order to live up to her daddy. Needless to say, I am the most relaxed that i have been in a very long time. I am hoping to get 8 straight hours of sleep tonight.

It is hard to believe that 9 years have passed so quickly. Over breakfast, we were talking about how it hasn't been easy. The last year especially when we have had more things thrown at us than any human should ever have to deal with. That certainly puts a strain on your marriage. I am so thankful to Gareth for always making sure that I knew that no matter how bad it gets, he is in this for the long haul. Life may be hard, but we will get through it and get through it together. We have grown so much as a couple and will continue to do so. I am so excited to think of what the next 9 years will bring us. Of course, I am hoping that it will ALL be good.(even thought I know that isn't realistic) I do know that I am very blessed to have the family I have. To have such a wonderful husband for the last 9 years, and beautiful children.

To those of you that celebrate Valentine's day, I hope you have a great one!! I am off to bed to read a book!!