Happy 10th Anniversary To Us

Today is our 10th anniversary. In some ways it is hard to believe ten years have passed since we got married. And then again, so much has changed in ten years. Here are a few of the highlights --

We have lived in five different cities and three different states -- Arizona, Utah, Arizona again and New York.

We have lived in seven different houses.

We have owned five different vehicles.

We have had three dogs and four cats.

Between the two of us we have had ten major surgeries.

We have suffered through infertility and miscarriages.

We have adopted three amazing children. Each one has been a confirmation that adoption is a miracle and God sends the right children to the right family, no matter how they have to get here!

We have suffered the loss of Brent's Dad and we miss him every day.

Brent has had four different jobs.

We have watched our child suffer through leukemia and keep fighting. He is an amazing kid!

We have each had several callings in church.

We have traveled to many different places. Some of my favorites include the Oklahoma City Memorial, the Grand Canyon and Disneyland.

We have endured many trials and had many blessings. No matter what, I can't imagine doing this with anyone other than Brent. He is.....well, he's amazing. There simply aren't enough words to describe how much I love that man. He puts up with me through all my moods. That in itself is a miracle. He is kind and patient, loving and genuine. He is an awesome Dad and nothing makes me happier than watching him with our children. Is he the person I thought he was when I married him? No. He is far beyond what I could have ever hoped for. He has changed me in ways I never expected.

I love you, Brent! Thank you for making the last ten years the best of my life. I can't wait to see what's next!!

Back To School

I haven't updated for awhile.....So much has been going on. Most notably, though, is that Tyler went back to school today! They go for six weeks in the summer and we were so happy to get a spot at Mary Cariola, the same school he went to BC, (before cancer.) We were also very lucky to get the same teacher he had before. She is amazing and Tyler loves her!

I am both thrilled and terrified that he is at school this morning. Thrilled for him because he has missed it so much. He has also missed out on a great deal of therapy this past year. He loves being there, and the routine of it is so good for him.

Then the germ-a-phobe in me kicks in. We have had to be so careful this past year. We have avoided church, avoided the grocery store, avoided any possibility of him being in contact with other kids and germs. We have carried Clorox Wipes and Purell and made sure that we wipe everything down before he touches it. We have kept friends and family at bay, avoided play dates, kept Emmalee home from pre-school if she shows any sign of sniffling. We have been warned and we took those warnings to heart.

And now, here he is, with full permission to go back to school. I am trying not to be overwhelmed with concern, really I am. But the fact is, I do worry. I know I can't hold him back forever. I know that the doctors and medical professionals have his best interest at heart and would never let him return to school if they didn't feel it was absolutely safe. I know. But I'm his mom and I will worry none the less.

Tyler, however, was not one bit worried! He was thrilled! He was so excited to see the bus. His enthusiasum made me feel better. Only two and a half hours until he gets home. :)

Good Morning! It's time to go back to school!!

Headed to the bus with my bus driver.

All strapped in and ready to go.

And they're off!