5 years!

Today marks 5 years that Tyler and I have been married!

He really is my very best friend, and can I just say, I am SOOOO lucky I found him!

I keep thinking of that Brad Paisley song, 'And I thought I loved you then...'

But I wonder, was I really in love with Tyler when I married him? Haha, Or did I just jump on the marriage band-wagon knowing that he was going to make me so happy for the rest of our lives, and take care of me and our little family? Of course, I loved him. But looking back, it's crazy to see how far we have come!

For those of you who don't know, I married Tyler when I was 18. Exactly one year after I graduated from high school! I met him around Halloween, and we got engaged on Valentines Day. I remember everyone asking me after I got engaged how my parents felt about their 18 year old daughter getting married-- especially my dad! But really, my dad was so happy for me! Probably because he was really excited I wasn't marrying the kid I had dated for forever before Tyler... Haha, but honestly he knew that Tyler came from an amazing family, he was a very smart hard worker, but most importantly he knew Tyler was a worthy priesthood holder that would take care of me for the rest of my life.

When Tyler and I got married, I can now say that we did not know each other very well... =) But really, but when I prayed about knowing if I should marry this boyfriend who I just loved spending time with, everything just felt good. I just knew that everything would be ok with Tyler. Even though we hadn't dated that long, etc... I knew he would take care of me, and that he was the best person for me. Today, that is SO true! Tyler really makes me be a better person, and he is the best example to me of hard work and dedication. Anyone who has seen Tyler with Lucy and Clara knows that he is truly the BEST father in the world. My girls are SO lucky to have him. Even if he will for sure be the favored parent... Haha. 

My very favorite thing about moving to North Dakota is Tyler. He is so happy out here to be in a job that he loves, and it is so wonderful that he gets to come home for lunch almost everyday and how close we have grown as a family. I love love spending all of my time with Tyler, and surprisingly enough, we've been together over 5 years, and I'm still not sick of him! I think that's true love right there! =) I am one lucky girl. I love you Tyler!

Here are some highlights from our years of marriage:

Year 1:

2007-2008

When I think of our first year married, I laugh a little. I had no idea how HARD being married would be. I was stressed out of my mind about money, I came into the marriage with exactly $0, and no car, or really anything at all-- seriously, and he married me anyway! So we spent that first summer in Merrillville, Indiana just outside of Chicago selling security systems. I was a stay at home wife. With no car, no internet, or no cable. I thought a LOT about baby names, and planned out my classes for the following semester-- Only to find out that we couldn't afford for me to go to school, and I'd have to get a job. I went on a family trip with my family back east, and I think Shawn's poor then fiancee, Melissa, was totally questioning marrying into the family. I was a beast the entire trip. =)... We finally moved back to Utah, and settled in our 4-plex down in Orem, where we had the incident of the 'Could have been King Sized bed'. I got a job being a Secretary at All American Gymnastics, and still taught classes there and at a dance studio- Jazz N' Place. I was working at their Halloween party for the kids in October when Tyler jumped on the tramp and attempted a back-flip, and landed on his head and broke his back!!! (are you seeing the comedy here yet?? =))

He insisted on not going to the doctor that night, but literally couldn't move. This was the first time I ever saw Tyler cry-- and it wasn't crying really. It was like silent tears of pain dripping down his face.

Anyway. He wore a turtle shell for a few months, and they called it good. 

2008 looked up a little, I started school again, we decided that we wanted to get pregnant!! (What the heck were we thinking- we were broke, and looking back and a pretty bad first 6 months of marriage, etc... again. Pretty comical!) We took some fun vacations, California with friends, Vegas for Tyler's birthday, Lake Powell in the spring, and for our first anniversary I insisted that Tyler surprise me and take me to San Francisco! (You are laughing, but I have no idea how Tyler really stayed married to Mrs. Crazy pants!!)

Right before we left to San Fran, I heard about the OHS job, dropped everything to go interview, and go the job! Tyler was less than thrilled, but still supported me 100%!

Oh, and little miss Lucy was made while in San Fran-- awesome right? =)

Year 2:

2008-2009

The rest of the years really aren't that eventful or entertaining... =)

We found out we were pregnant right after we got home from Lake Powell in June. I had a great pregnancy, and was obsessed with coaching my cheerleaders. Tyler continued to work for APX, I finished up my associates degree in December, and Lucy Jane was born in February!

I think having a baby early saved us-- Being a mom has totally chilled me out, like a Lot. Tyler has too, but I love love being a mom, and I feel it has made me more normal! =)

We celebrated 2 years at the Hotel Monaco. Little Lulu joined us! ;)

Year 3:

2009-2010

Lucy. Lucy. Lucy. Lucy. Lucy. 

She was our first baby, can you blame us? Our world revolved around her!

Tyler switched jobs and made a lot of money for the summer, we almost bought a house, then he went back to APX and focused on school! So glad we didn't buy a house! More Cheer for me!

Tyler finally went skiing with me, and we celebrated 3 years in Vegas!

Year 4:

2010-2011

We had a busy fun summer, Lake Powell, then Bear Lake with both families, and we found out we were prego with baby #2 in August- Yay! Tyler quit APX, and started a company with a friend. Then all at once.... I finished and quit coaching cheer at Orem High after nationals, we had little Clara Mae! Tyler finished school, we moved to North Salt Lake, and Tyler started a new job!

We celebrated 4 years at our traditional Cheesecake Factory!

Year 5:

2011-2012

I had the most amazing summer playing with best friends and family, NON Stop! Tyler had the worst summer working at a job he HATED.

Tyler finally graduated in August! Yay Yay!

And of course- we MOVED to North Dakota! I feel like maybe, just maybe now, we are finally adults. Not quite though. We are just a little more independent now, and I love our little family more than ever!

It will be fun to see what Years 6-10 hold! Wish us luck! ;)