Taking a walk down memory lane, Dan and I met in a very interesting way! I went on a blind date- his roommate was said blind date- we had met online and agreed to meet. Come our date- he brought a friend! This friend was Dan- who also was his roommate!
Dan was funny- and the three of us had a great time out to dinner and then played karaoke all evening!
Dan started calling me to hang out- I always bailed on him! Once we started officially hanging out though, we became best friends. No romance, no relationship- honestly best friends. I wouldn't have it any other way because once the romance set in, we knew we wanted to be married.
I remember one of our first "big" disagreements was over making chef salad! It is amazing what you learn in the first few years of marriage- you learn to choose your battles wiser, and salad is not a battle worth choosing.
In 10 years, we have had 2 apartments, 1 house, 7 vehicles, 1 boat, 3 dogs, 5 cats, 10 chickens, 5 ducks, a rat, 1 cute kid, and a multitude of ups and downs including but not limited to: major weight gains, major weight loss, another weight gain, weddings, funerals, baptisms, in laws, sickness, callings, jobs, PARENTING....
I am truly grateful for our friendship- if I were to offer any relationship advice, I would say find someone you can be best friends with. There is so much more than attraction and kissing in a solid relationship- Dan and I connect spiritually, emotionally, physically, secularly, we connect every way we can because we are best friends- and because we have a marriage that is centered around God and the plan that He has for families.
It has taken me a week to sit down and write and rewrite what I want to say- and honestly I just can't capture my feelings in my own words.
We were married really young, and I have seen so much growth in myself and Daniel- and I look back and truly appreciate all our trials large and small- I can think of so many instances where we really learned something- or where it seemed we were falling apart, only to connect and figure things out and become stronger than ever before.
My love changes- it grows stronger and deeper with each passing year- and each role we play. I want to share some of my favorite quotes about the beauty and importance of marriage- as well as some thoughts of things to strive for.
Lastly- My dearest Daniel-
You are my whole world. You and Cameron. I would not be complete without you- and I wouldn't know what to do without you by my side. I am so grateful for all that we share. I would rather be doing nothing with you, than anything with someone else. You are my favorite. Happy Anniversary babe. Here's to Eternity!
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