10 years!

Last week, November 30, was our 10 year anniversary :)  In some ways it is hard to believe it has been 10 years.  I wonder where the time went.  Then, I think of all the things that have happened over the span of 10 years... and it's hard to believe it all fit in! ..  3 beautiful kids, 7 homes, 6 duty stations, so many trips visiting the surrounding areas of our temporary homes,  too many friends to count blessing us richly, deployments and various times apart,  and memorable homecomings!
We have learned to take life as it comes and roll with it.  I used to be so not flexible when life threw curves.. it really messed me up!  But between having kids and living a military life, I have learned to be "a willow and not an oak" (a phase that used to annoy me in grad school when my supervisor would say it).   I wish she knew how I appreciate that phrase now!
Last night Matt and I got to enjoy a night away thanks to some of those dear friends I mentioned...  they kept all 3 kiddos! Basically saints ;).  Matt arranged for a stay at the Bayfront Westcott House, an adorable little bed and breakfast right on the water in St. Augustine.. America's oldest city.
We had a great time talking to each other (wow) and not using a stroller!  And the weather was perfect to walk around till 11.. yes.. all kinds of crazy!

down town st. augustine

sipping some wine on the porch

the bed and breakfast at night

view from the porch during breakfast

9 years

9 years we've been married! kind of hard to believe. so much about our marriage has shaped me and changed me. i am not the girl i was 9 years ago. for the better i believe.
.... i would have never guessed that I would be able to say that
i've lived in 4 states and 6 houses
i've traveled to hawaii, across the country, and to Japan!
i've become flexible... i willow if you will (as JW used to say in grad school when i was so much more so an Oak).
i've become a Griffin in the "laid back, 'on time' is an option, less serious than i ever was" kind of way
i've learned (learning) to be independent. to make it through 8 months with only God sustaining me.
i've learned that there are not "wife or husband" duties when he is deployed. i've handled some
exceptional situations.. and i can say i'm proud of me! also, i'm happy to hand back over those "husband duties" :)
i've started the journey of being a wife.
i've started the journey of being a mommy.

so i'm not the same girl that said "i do" 9 years ago. i like me better each day because of my wonderful husband... i love our little life.