1995

13 years ago I was in high school (did I say 13? It feels like 3!) I had moved out and was living with two friends. I worked at a sports bar because that is where I could make the most money in the shortest amount of time. And lets face it, I felt cool working there when I was only 18.

I still remember the first time I met him. I was working Pub Crawl and felt really sick. I think I had taken too many No Doz, if you must know. I had to go home. My manager brought over the new guy to work for me. He called him Doubles. I remember the first time I saw him. My first thoughts were, this guy is kinda old to be working here isn't he?

Later I found out that he had a regular job. He was new in town and took this job to make some extra money and meet new people. He knew the manager's girlfriend. That's how he got the job.

I remember the first time I met his little girl. She was nine. Long blond hair. Really cute. I had just graduated. I was working a Saturday afternoon and the two of them stopped in for a pop after rollerblading. I remember thinking how adorable she was. She really loved her dad.

Had you told me 13 years ago that they would become two of the most important people in my life, I would have laughed. Had you told me that "Doubles" was going to be the love of my life. The one I can't life without. The father of all three of my children. I wouldn't have believed you.

Looking back on that day in May 1995, I never would have guessed that I had just met the most important person in my life. I never realized how life changing that moment was. I had no clue my life had just taken a new path.

When I met my future husband I was not the awesome person you now know. I would venture to say I was a mess. I had problems.

But he loved me anyway.

He has a lot to do with the person I am now. He has loved me unconditionally. We've had our share of hard times. We've certainly had out ups and downs. But we've never separated. We've always relied on each other. We've always been there for each other. Neither of us is perfect, but we are oblivious to each other's imperfections. I can not tell you how many times people have said to me, "I want what you have". He did not come out of a box like this, you know. It's taken a long time for us to get where we are now. But we've always stuck it out. And it was worth it.

Every important thing I've done in my life, I've done with him. He's been by my side every step of the way. I can not imagine my life without him.

Ten years ago today we got married. I was 21, he was 37. I think it's safe to say not many people thought we would make it, but I was oblivious to it. I still am.

Happy Anniverary, Honey. You are without a doubt the best thing that has ever happened to me. Thank you for my babies. Thank you for loving me the way you do. Most of all, thank you for giving me that ride home on November 26, 1995. Little did I know that ride was going to change my life.

And for your viewing pleasure. He's an oldie of us together.
New Years 1996

September 12, 1998

And us now!