Lucky 13

 Andy and I have been married for 13 years. THIRTEEN years, people. I know for some it might sound like forever. For others, it sounds like we are barely starting out on our road to eternity. For me, it feels like I have been with this guy forever.

Our actual anniversary was on the second day I was running Ragnar. I got home at 11:30 PM that night and was completely and totally exhausted. I came in, dropped my stuff, gave him a kiss, and collapsed into bed. I sleepily asked Andy to drain a giant blister on my toe. As I drifted off to dreamland, I felt him tenderly draining my toe and wrapping it up, and then covering me with a sheet. Oh my, how I love that man. What a guy.

 Because we missed our actual anniversary day, we went out a couple days later. We like to mix it up with our anniversary. Some years we go big. Some years we do something small and meaningful. Some years I am in charge and some years Andy is in charge. This year we went very simple and casual. We rode Andy's motorcycle to In N Out Burger and ate outside in the sunshine.

Afterwards we went home and grabbed the car because we had to pick up kids from soccer or something. Then we headed to our favorite Leatherby's for ice cream. We got it to go and went home to watch a movie. That is one of our favorite dates. And it was fun, and I loved it. I was trying to get just one good photo of us on our anniversary celebration, but Andy thought it would be funny to be a nerd instead.

Even though I love this man with all of my heart, being married is one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life. I am a very selfish person by nature and it is so difficult for me to try my hardest to not be selfish. I am also fully aware of how mean I can be when I don't get my way, or even when I am just having a frustrating day. This guy is my exact opposite. Kind, caring, and forgiving. I really don't know how he puts up with me and I ask him that question often. I mean, don't get me wrong--he definitely has his flaws. Neither of us is perfect.

BUT 

 When it is good, it is REALLY good. But when we are struggling, it can be REALLY bad. Our marriage has been interesting that way. Luckily we are committed to one another and have agreed that no matter what, we will stick it out and do what it takes to make it work. We have been to marriage counseling at various times over the years. I used to be slightly embarrassed about this fact and did not advertise it at all. As I have grown and matured, I realize that it shows just how committed we are to making it work, not matter what. I am proud of us and our marriage. We have both grown and changed for the better (hopefully) and have come out on top through so many different trials and crazy things that have happened in our marriage. 

Throughout it all, I feel so lucky to have found this man. He is perfect for me. He is tender and loving, and kind, and funny. He is patient and sweet, and a good listener (although that was not always the case.) We have grown so much together. And I'm sure we will continue to grow together. I am grateful for him, and our marriage and our family that we have made together.

Happy Anniversary, babe. I love you so, so much.