Thirteen Reasons

Today marks thirteen years since Gary and I said "I do."

What happened to those young kids?

It's been a GREAT thirteen years, and I can honestly say that I can't think of anyone better suited for me to do life with.  It's been a fun thirteen years, but not easy all the time.  But we know that marriage requires work and effort, and I think it's knowing that and doing that that has made it work.  We've been rewarded with so many blessings from God, and a ton of fun through the years.

Long story short:  we started dating, got engaged on our 3-month anniversary, and got married 4 1/2 short months later.  Not exactly a recipe for success!  But we've been committed since day one and have never, ever looked back.

I LOVE THIS MAN!

Thirteen reasons I'm glad I married Gary:

1.  He's ridiculously cute.  C'mon!

2.  I knew he'd make a great Daddy one day.  And it turns out he's an awesome one.

3.  He loves Jesus and wants others to also.

4.  He regularly takes me to Kauai.

5.  He works so hard for our family - a responsibility he takes very seriously.

6.  He embraces and supports my crazy ideas.

7.  He's good with numbers.  Me?  Not so much.  I'm good with words.  He... has other strengths.  :)  We balance each other out and make a good team!

8.  He's adventurous and pushes me to do crazy things.

9.  He's from California, so we have a pretty sweet place to go on vacation!

10.  I love his family - I have awesome in-laws!!!

11.  He makes me feel safe.

12.  He's good at EVERYTHING.  No, seriously -- e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g.    It can be intimidating, but mostly it makes me so proud.

13.   He makes me think through things, and pushes me to be better.

I can't imagine life without this guy.  I'm the luckiest girl in the world.