9th Anniversary Blessings

For the past 9 years, we have celebrated our anniversary dinner at the Melting Pot. I have a book that I'm able to keep up with all our anniversaries and a picture of the year. Brandon asked me why I like the Melting Pot so much tonight. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love the food but the best part if just sitting and talking for 2 hours. It makes Brandon put away his phone and just talk!
This year the AC was out at the restaurant but we decided to go ahead and brave it. It really wasn't bad until about dessert when it started to get hot! Good memories though!
At our anniversary we always talk about memories for the year. We have had so many changes this year!
- Youth ministry events: Missionfuge, Endless Summer Retreat, Unity Retreat, meeting our new youth and beginning work with them
- Leaving Springfield Baptist and starting at Rock Springs
- Leaving my job and starting with Dr. Browning
- Paityn turning 2, Britton turning 5
- watching our kids grow and develop
- family trips to Destin in September and then Mexico in March. Both of these vacations were incredibly special to us!
This past year has been exhausting and yet fulfilling. We feel like we have lost but also gained. We had to rely solely on God for His provision and direction. Change is hard and so this past year has been tough. Brandon and I have grown together but also at the same time allowed some of our frustration to pull us apart. Each and every event has strengthened our relationship and our love for each other in different ways. Marriage is hard! I love Brandon with all my heart and know he is the only one for me. I'm so blessed that God allowed him into my life. In college I remember thinking if I had had to go through my parents divorce and the move to TN just to meet Brandon then it was all worth it.
These part 9 years have had their ups and downs. We have been blessed so much- two beautiful kids and we know we are doing what God has called us to do. So very blessed. I love you Brandon and look forward to the years on the this earth with you and anxious to see what this next year will hold!