Six Years

Along with it being Jeff's birthday today, it is also our sixth year wedding anniversary. Jeff thought it would be a grand idea to get married on his birthday so he would never forget when his anniversary is. What can I say, he is a smart man!

In Six Years We Have:

6. Lived in six homes

5. Changed from a family of two to a family of five

4. We have lived in four different cities

3. Have three of the most amazing and beautiful children

2. We are two people more in love today than the day we got married

1. Have one long and happy eternity to look forward to

Here is a look back at how far we have come.

On February 15th of 2004 (the day after Valentine's Day) we met for the first time. After some convincing on Jeff's part (wink, wink) we were married that same year in September. Jeff always said when you know it's right why wait. I'm very grateful for his level head, because these past six years have been the best years of my life.

At the beginning of 2005 we moved to Morelia, Mexico. Jeff was working at a low cost medical clinic, through an internship program with Oregon State University. We had a fantastic time showing friends and family around when they visited us. It was a great opportunity to learn to rely on each other, and helped us become even closer.

2006 was filled with many ups and downs. We were living back in Oregon, and both of us were attending OSU. Our son Logan Miguel was born on October 22nd, we just didn't know it at the time. I remember this year learning just how strong our marriage was, when we were going through infertility issues and starting the adoption process. You learn a lot about a person when you go through trials together. I was reminded again, about how lucky I was to have such an amazing person by my side. Jeff really is my soul mate because everyday he fills my soul with happiness and joy.

The year of 2007 was magical! We finally got to meet our son, Logan, for the first time. In May we were matched (by God) to our little Logan, and booked the first flight we could down to Guatemala. It was one of the most amazing things, holding him in our arms for the first time. We had no idea the journey we were about to take in getting this little boy home, but we felt blessed to finally have our child.

One word I would use to describe 2008 would be, whirlwind. At the beginning of 2008 it was Jeff and I in our family, by the end we were a family of four. In March of 2008 we flew to Las Vegas to take our little miracle, Isabella home. Right from the beginning she was such a delight to have in our home. We felt blessed beyond words to have her as our daughter.

In June of that year Jeff graduated from OSU. Jeff accepted a job at the NIH, and we all moved cross-country in October. In November of that same year we were finally able to welcome our little Logan home. That is a year that I think we will always look back on, and wonder how in the world did we make it through all of those major life changes.

In 2009 one of the best memories I have was taking our family to the Portland, Oregon temple to be sealed together. It brought a lot of peace knowing that my family was a forever family. At that same time we unfortunately went through the process of having a miscarriage. I remember laying in that hospital bed with Jeff thousands of miles away thinking everything would be OK once I was back in his arms... and it was. Jeff is my rock and my support. He knows how to stop my tears, and always helps me feel the love of the Savior.

(Photo by Brenley)

So far 2010 has felt complete. I have an incredible husband, and the family I always dreamed about. In July we welcomed Lincoln into our family. He is just like his daddy ~ calm, happy, and perfect (at least in my eyes). Jeff has been busy preparing, and applying to medical schools. I'm excited to see where the next adventure will take us. That's one thing about being married to Jeff, is he always keeps me on my toes. One thing is true ~ I would do it again, and I wouldn't change a thing! All the ups and downs and roller coaster rides we have been on has made us the people we are today.

Jeff, these last six years have been better than I ever could have imagined. I look forward to the future because I know I get to spend it with you. I love you more than words can say and feel blessed to have you by my side.

I love you forever and always!

xoxo