Many More

This week, 6 years ago, Matt and I were on our road-trip to Texas. Matt had agreed to pull a trailer and help his Mom move and I was asked to ride shotgun. I remember almost everything about that trip. I remember the sound of that diesel truck, the George Strait CD we wore out, learning just how awesome Gary Allen really is, seeing the Arkadelphia water tower and thinking "Arkadelphia is really a place", driving down a long dirt road in the middle of nowhere looking for something to eat and finding the best BBQ I've ever had at some road-side joint in Arkansas. I remember our conversations, the way he looked at me, I remember the excitement of not knowing where we were going to stop or where we were going to stay - and not caring! I remember playing darts in this little hole in the wall place that we had, pretty much to ourselves because it was like 9pm on a Wednesday night. I remember Nashville and how much fun we had - just the two of us. We laughed, and talked and started falling in love.

In July, 5 years ago, I moved to Indiana. I was excited, nervous, anxious and totally oblivious to anything except that I loved Matt and wanted to be with him. I was on a new adventure. I was stepping out of my comfort zone, away from what I had known, away from my mountains and most of my family and taking a leap of faith because I just felt like this relationship was meant to be. I was going to give it everything I could to see if my feeling was right!

4 years ago, on a Thursday night, I was anxiously awaiting our wedding day! I was so excited to finally be Matt's wife. I was so excited to walk down that isle and for him to see me in my dress. I was praying that it would stop raining and that we would have a perfect day - and a perfect day it was! It might have been 97 degrees and humid as all get out, but the day was perfect!

3 years ago, Matt and I had an up and down year. We moved into a house in the country, we were pushing our boundaries and finding out each others limits. I feel like that year taught me a lot about who I am, how strong I really am and who we were together. That year showed me that we were meant to be together because when push came to shove, we were one! Our highs were great and our lows were almost tragic - but we made it and we are stronger because of it.

2 years ago, we moved back to Tennessee - ready to start a new chapter in our lives. Ready to start fresh and shape our lives in the direction we wanted to go as a couple and to prepare for a family! This was a HUGE year for us. I was challenged mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. This was the year we found out that we were going to be parents! I remember the emotions I felt when I saw those 2 lines and the anticipation I felt in waiting to tell Matt the news. It's almost like it was yesterday. God blessed us with a fresh start and without His hands on us, we would not have gotten through this year.

 

Last year, we welcomed our bub, Colton into the world. I got to see Matt transform from just my husband to the father of my son. I was so proud when he held him for the first time. The look he gave him - the look he still gives him - is so full of love. This is the same year that we bought our first house as a family and we were once again on a new journey!

This year, one week ago, we celebrated 4 years of marriage. I celebrate much more than that. I celebrate my husband and how far he has come emotionally. I celebrate his tobacco free success, I celebrate the fact that he gets up every morning and works hard so that Colton and I can eat and have a roof over our heads. I celebrate the fact that my son has an amazing Dad who loves him, teaches him, corrects him, plays with him no matter how late he gets home and does it with a positive and caring attitude. I celebrate the fact that Matt is continually growing and learning. I celebrate in knowing that God is blessing us because we are trying to be the best "us" that we can be!

Things are not like they were 6 years ago. The new, the fresh, the anticipation of the unknown have all worn off. Some people lose interest. I have gained interest. I'm so eager to see what the future holds for us! I will say, I sometimes get caught up in what's not like it used to be and sometimes forget to say how much I appreciate how things are now! But I am so appreciative, humbled and thankful for all that Matt sacrifices for Colton and myself. I appreciate a husband who is always trying to better himself financially, emotionally and most of all spiritually! I'm so thankful for 6 awesome years and I'm looking forward to many more!!!