WAHOOO WE MADE IT TO 5!!!

I can't believe it has been 5 years since we were married already. The past 5 years have had its ups and down just like normal, but I don't think we would trade it for anything. The last few days I have been thinking about all that we have done in the last few years and can't help but be overly excited to see what we will do in the years to come . Since I know that my kids will be reading all these little excerpts one day I am writing a little more then usual just in case they have a few struggles like mine that maybe they will be able to benefit from!
So far we have:
1. Made it through the 1st year. Sadly it was rough, but with time it all worked itself out thankfully. After we were married it was a rough adjustment, mostly for me! Granted it didn't help much having the old hormones all out of whack, but it was hard feeling like much of my freedom was taken. Not that Doug ever would or has kept me from doing something that I wanted to do. I just had a hard time knowing that I have to be home at a certain time, and I now have to make dinner, and share my space, and pay lots more bills etc. but it truly was worth the struggles.
We never really have been the arguing type of people, but we have had a few mixed in there, and I have learned that it is okay, but never drive off and leave. You can leave the room, but don't leave that just makes the other person worry and doesn't resolve the problem. Change definitely isn't an easy thing to adjust to, but sometimes it is just what we need to help ourselves grow.
2. Every year except for 1 we have had some sort of medical issue come up. Gallbladder, Appendectomy, Karston, and now Jayden!
3. We have done a bit of traveling: Florida, California, New York, Western Caribbean cruise which was also where I had my first blessing over a toilet, due to being pregnant with Mr. Karston.
4. We did the world's longest zip line over an ocean which was so fun and SOOO Beautiful, and was something technically I wasn't supposed to do due to the fact that I was pregnant, but hey Karston you survived!
5. We have been camping lots and have enjoyed four wheeling, snowmobiling, hiking.
6. We welcomed our little man Karston Douglas in April of 2009, which was such a happy time. He as I have mentioned before is our pride and joy. We can't remember what we did without him.
7. We are preparing to welcome our 2nd little pride and joy Jayden Kevin sometime soon! We can't wait to meet him and get to know his sweet little personality as well. I love being able to feel every little move he makes although it is weird I must say to see a little outline of a foot/arm or leg when he pushes up against me REALLY hard. But at least while he is in there I know he is safe and that makes me so happy!
8. We have lived in an apartment, and then fixed up a cute little farm house which we have loved even though it is kind of small. It makes us feel safe, close, and has provided a place for many memories made. It is amazing how much better you get to know someone when your fixing up a house.
9. I have learned more farm lingo then I ever thought I would. Most people say that I have turned into an actual farmer's wife, which really I don't see. But hey I do love being able to go ride in the tractor and talk. We truly have our best conversations in the tractor. Kind of nice getting away from all the stuff and just ride back and forth in a tractor for awhile. Well that is unless you have a baby pressing down on your bladder then its not all that enjoyable!
10. We have made it through school! It isn't easy, but having the assurance you have knowledge to do SOMETHING is a great blessing, and relief in and of itself.
11. Most importantly we have done all this and more together. Granted we aren't together every second of the day we would probably kill each other if that was the case, but we make it work. We are happy and when it comes down to it that is all that really matters.

So for my kids... Enjoy life, enjoy the joys that come with each new stage. All will help make you whoever you want to be. When the time comes to find a special someone that you will spend time and ALL eternity with make sure they want to lift you up. Make sure that they respect you, and your feelings, and most importantly make sure that they have a testimony. The gospel is so important especially when it comes to raising a family. The world isn't as scary when we are trying to do the right things, and follow what we are supposed to.

Thank you Doug for EVERYTHING you have done for me the past few years. You are a great man, and I couldn't ask for better. You always support me no matter what, you are an amazing dad, and a great example to our kids and me! Here is to many many more years!!!