10 yrs and counting.....

Who would have thought I would be here after 10 years. I look back on the last 10 years and I can't help but smile and laugh.
10 years ago I told myself I would never be married and I would never have children. I was going to be SGM of the Army. I was going to be in charge and no one was going to tell me how to live my life....10 years ago I was a High School senior with the WHOLE world at my feet, at least I thought so anyway.
Funny how life has a way of changing things. I have been truly blessed in my life. I have a mother that I know would move hell and high water for me if she could. She has been my rock and my saving grace more times than I can count. I look to her for guidance, laughter and even a good scolding. She is my shoulder when I need to lean on something. In her I find strength I can only imagine. She has raised four children on her own. While my sisters still live at home and go to school, I know they will be successful adults.
My Soldier life was one amazing ride!! I got to see things most people only dream of. I have been to the DMZ. I have seen a different culture. Korea was a fun place to be at 19 yrs old. I have eaten some GREAT foreign cuisine. I stood at the base of the Eiffel tower (with the man I love, saw castles and drove 90 miles an hour. Hey that was the slow lane!! LOL I got to meet AMAZING people the various places I served at. There are WAY to many names to list here....all of you know who you are.
I am married to one of the greatest guys I know. (I know my Daddy Dave would have loved this guy) I love him more than he knows. He is truly my soul mate. He believes in me the way few others ever have. He has given me a life that I wouldn't change for the world. Although his job sometimes takes him far from home he is always in my heart. There isn't a day that goes by I don't want to call and tell him something. I LOVE YOU!!
The three kids we have had are my world. I am so thankful I had the choice; my family or my country. I chose my children. They are my moon and my stars. They light up my darkest day. I don't know how I would live without them....life would sure be boring.
Allyson, the oldest, is SUPER smart and VERY serious. She is the oldest child to the tee. She likes to think she is in charge and loves her role as big sister. She is a very emotional and intuitive child. She loves books and loves to sing and dance. She has a humorous streak that she keeps hidden, but when she shows it she will have you in stitches.
Abigail, the classic middle child!! This is my DREAMER, there is nothing to far fetched for her. She enjoys the parties in her head where they dance and eat cheese and crackers.....She is the peanut. Always happy, except when she is MAD!! Oh boy she has a temper!! LOL She marches to the beat of her own drum. She has truly taught me the meaning of patience.
Anthony, the baby....what more is there to say?? He is a charmer and has yet to meet a stranger. He will talk to anyone that speaks to him. He is cuddly and loving. Smothered in love by everyone that knows him, especially his big sisters. He loves his "Poop" (his pooh bear, he calls him "poop") LOL and his binky.
Allyson and Abigail are my stars.....they twinkle and shine with their huge personalities. Anthony is my moon he is a bright light all of the time. Amazing how kids can fill up your life. I truly could not imagine how my life would be as anything other than a wife and mother. My husband and children fill up everything I do.
The man I married has one awesome family. They have their quirks but, I couldn't have better in laws!! All of them are VERY special to me. My mother and father in law, for sharing their experiences and showing us that we can get through it all. For being there every time I call. For sharing their AMAZING son with me. My mother in law...for being there to catch the tears on the bad days and share the smiles on the good days. My brothers and sister for being there to hang out. I wish we could all be a little bit closer.... Linda and Troy for every time I call and you are there. For listening and being another shoulder to lean on. For just being there....Amy, Angie and Bret thank you for sharing your mom and dad with us, you guys are very lucky to have the parents you do. To Granny...she will get me if she ever reads this...LOL I miss you!! I love you as if I was born into this family. There is so much to say about you that I just can't put into words...take care of you...I will see you soon!!!
As 2010 kicks into high gear I look forward to the next 10 years. I am sure it will be another awesome ride......the highs and lows.......the every days and the once in a blue moons. I count my blessings and all I ask is that everyone I love be kept safe and may they be as blessed as I am....