7 years!!

That's right!! We made it!! Vance and I have been married 7 years.  We have had are ups and we have had our downs.  The best part of our marriage is that I can say we have made it out of ugly times and our love has grown 100 times more than the day we got married.  

The more you live your life with your spouse you come to realize and confirm why you married them.  Of course we love each other, but when you go through times, that you wonder if you'll make it out or not, you realize why you were meant for each other.  

Even though I'm many pounds heavier, two kids later, crankier than ever he still looks at me the same way he did when we got married.  I love knowing he loves me no matter what.  I love knowing I love him no matter what.  

When we first got married we were that goofy couple that just floated everywhere we went.  A year later we realized, hey this person drives me crazy, but we knew we had to get over that.  Now I love everything about him.  

Vance and I were married on June 24th 2003 in the Salt Lake Temple! 

It sprinkled a little while taking pictures at the temple.  

We had our luncheon at the Spaghetti Factory in Trolley Square in Salt Lake City. 

Our reception was later that night at my parents house in the backyard! We went home to get things in order.  I recall standing in my mother's dining room next to her looking out the window.  I saw my dad and his friend sitting under the canopy they were constructing, waiting for the rain to stop.  

As I watched the down pour I started to laugh! 

My mom said "I can't believe you are laughing as it's raining on your wedding day.  We have no back up plan and we can't use the church because it's booked" 

I replied with "If I were to cry my make-up would just run all over. Plus it's just one day and the best part of my day has already happened. If we have to we'll do it inside." My mom sighed and we just prayed it would stop raining.  

One hour before the reception began the rained stopped the sun came out and I had the most amazing reception ever.  I loved every moment of it.  Many people came to see us and I was the happiest bride ever.  

At the end of the reception we cut the cake.  I shoved cake in Vance's face and Vance shoved my face into the cake!!! Yes he seriously did and it was the funniest thing ever!! 

We went to San Diego on our honeymoon and had the best time.  

Here are a few pictures my friend took for us.  

We look like little kids!

Now 7 years later, we have two boys, Ethan, 5 and Aidan, 3.  We live in Olympia, WA near my parents.  We love it here and are excited for what lies ahead.  Vance has one more quarter till he gets his Associates and will start to look for a job.  I'm going to school as well to figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life.  

To my dear husband! You are my best friend and you are the most wonderful person in my life.  You love me for me and for ALL of my faults.  You treat me like your queen and always do things to make me happy.  Thank you for the seven years we've had and thank you for the many more to come.  I love you dearly. 

Your wife, best friend and eternal companion.