10 Years

Tomorrow marks 10 years of being married to the love of my life. I honestly couldn't ask for a better husband, friend, lover, and father to our children. I thank God for choosing Jake to be my husband, and I thank God for the journey that has led us to this point - ten years, wow! So in honor of this milestone, I thought I would share some highlights of our journey together:

• Ten years ago (this past June) I stood by Jake's side as he swore in to the United States Navy. 
• Both Jake and I earned Bachelor Degrees with Honors from the University of Florida - Go Gators!
• I watched Jake get commissioned as a Civil Engineer Corps Officer in the US Navy.  
• We have lived in two apartments, three houses, one condo, and one hotel room (for 4 months). 
• We have lived in 4 states, but 7 cities. 
• We have owned two houses.
• We have had 6 different vehicles.
• We have driven cross-country from Virginia to California, (and back) - with two dogs and a 3 month, (then 7 month) old baby. 
• We have been blessed with 4 beautiful children. 
• We have survived one 7-month deployment (with the next one lurking right around the corner). 
• We have formed close friendships with people who now live all over the world. 
• We have swam in two oceans, visited national parks, hiked, camped, snorkled, and explored the outdoors together. 
• We have grown up, grown older, grown closer.
• We have watched our marriage grow stronger and richer. 
• We have laughed together, loved together, cried together, mourned together, rejoiced together, persevered together, and praised God together.

Our beautiful children:

Our blessed family:

It has been a wonderful journey, and I look forward to the many adventures that are sure to come. 

"... I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and I would not let him go..." 

Song of Songs 3:4 

*All photos were taken by Laura Matney at Laura's Focus Photography.