Five Years

While Ross and I were enjoying our Anniversary on Monday, we talked about our five years of marriage and the different milestones and obstacles we have faced together. I was going to write about all of the best, worst, hardest, and most rewarding parts of each year, but I find that hard to do. That is not because I can't think of what they are- Ross and I discussed each of those on our lovely date, but rather that it is too hard for me to put a lot of those things in such a public forum. That is saying a lot for me, because I am usually fairly open and honest here, even amidst criticism about sharing too much and being too negative or personal for other people's comfort.

Instead, I have decided to share what Ross and I view as our favorite parts of each year of our marriage.

Year 1- 2004-2005

Amanda: My favorite part of this first year was reading The Work and the Glory series with Ross. It is one of the few times I have seen Ross so excited about reading. It was poorly written and it stretched the truth of history far too much for my taste, but it was fun to share that experience with Ross.

Ross: I really loved the Sunday routine we had during that first year. It brought us closer together and made me forget about all the other stress we had at the time.

Year 2- 2005-2006

Amanda: My favorite memory of this year was that first night in our apartment in Rexburg. It was the first time we had a home together with our daughter. I had Emma without Ross there, and then Ross and I lived in my parent's house for the first 2 months after he got out of the Air Force. It was so nice to be on our own bed in our own home. I remember holding Ross's hand as we lay on the bed with Emma sleeping between us and thinking that our nightmare of separation had finally come to an end.

Ross: I enjoyed when Amanda came to my Basic Training graduation in San Antonio. She was starting to show in her pregnancy and she was so beautiful. I was so glad she came out to support me.

Year 3- 2006-2007

Amanda: I loved all the simple things we did as a family for fun this year. We were strapped for cash and digging our way out of debt, so we spent a lot of our evenings and date nights having picnics in the gardens at BYU-Idaho. It was simple and free, but perfect.

Ross: Same as Amanda.

Year 4- 2007-2008

Amanda: The most touching memory for me this year was when I had Sara. It was such a different experience from having Emma. There was no stress, I was not lonely and depressed, my baby was not in danger, and most importantly, Ross was there. It was incredible to share that experience with Ross and to have him holding my hand and giving me sweet and undeserved compliments.

Ross: That is mine as well. It was so good to be there for every step of the way with Sara. I missed all that with Emma.

Year 5- 2008-2009

Amanda: This isn't exactly tied to our marriage, but I have LOVED seeing the developing relationship between Emma and Sara. They are such good friends and love each other so much. It has just completely validated the fact that we knew we wanted to have them so close together. I got a lot of nasty comments about how close in age they would be, but when I see how happy they make each other, I can't possibly have any regrets, even if it did take a toll on my body.

Ross: I have loved seeing the tide of my relationship with Amanda turn. We had so many stresses before, and most of them were my fault. It is nice to feel so close to her again and to feel a little more calm and ahead of things now.

Happy Anniversary Ross! I love you!