15 years

15 years ago today, on a very hot-113-degree evening, I married Matt.  I was 21 at the time, he was 22, and everyone thought we were crazy to get married so young.  I was in the middle of getting my Bachelor's and unbeknownst to me, some thought I would not finish school (ha- little did they know!!).  It was a wonderful evening, one that went by way too fast, but one that I will cherish a lifetime.

So 15 years is a long time..... where have we been?  what have we done?

1996: At the end of our "wanna-be-a-cowboy" phase; living in a 400 sq feet apartment; still in school (ha!), and learning how to be married (the hard way).

1997: Both working at least 2 jobs each; both attending school (double ha!); and attending lots of friends wedding this year?!

1998: Look who graduated now (it never could have been done without the support of my hubby); a big move to Dallas to look for a career; saying goodbye to Illinois

1999: both found great jobs; meeting fun friends; and having fun travels thanks to dual incomes (whoo-hoo); we went to Mexico and Colorado that summer

2000: Our first house; our first dog; we're really the established married couple now; what's next?

2001: Parenthood!  Along came our sweet daughter and life has been forever changed for the better.

2002: And we added another Darling to the clan; parenthood times two was fast and furious.

2003: But we still found time to enjoy life together; Our first cruise (sans children)

2004: Again, a busy year filled with raising 2 kids the best we could; Summer included our first camping trip, a Wiggles concert, and a fun wedding

2005: 10 years! Wow!!  A special trip to the Big Apple for our 10 year wedding anniversary

2006: And we followed that fun with a family trip to see the Big Mouse!

2007: Our vacation destinations have improved, as we have been to Costa Rica, Cabo, France, & Italy; I have found a fantastic traveling companion in my hubby.

2008: A Big year for us with a big move, a European vacation, and a confirmation of our faith.

2009: Little Bubba completed our family.

2010: A busy year filled with all the energy of 3 amazing children!

15 years.  Wow. I am more in love with this man today as the father of my children and best friend, than I was the day I married him.  Back then, I never could have imagined how amazing these past 15 years would be.  So full of memories and sweet moments.  I am completed fulfilled.  Thank you God for being the ultimate matchmaker and mapping out the wonderful life we have had so far.  I can't wait to see what more there is to come.