Five Years and Counting

Five years ago on June 3, 2004 Joe and I were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity. What an amazing and crazy day. The years have flown by and as I look back have been just as, if not more, amazing and crazy too. I can't believe how blessed I have been to have Joe in my life and that our Heavenly Father trusted us enough to bring into the world and raise two wonderful WONDERFUL children. I am honored to be their Mom and Joe's wife and so happy with the life and opportunities I have been given!

I have a hard time letting go - grudges, those last couple of pounds, the grab bar on rollercoasters... but most especially of my kids. Joe has been so good to deal with all the issues that come with being married to me, but was firm when he told me we were going to spend time without the kids OVERNIGHT for our fifth anniversary! I know I should have done it before, and I don't know why the idea has always terrified me, but it has and so reluctantly I agreed and Grandpa and Grandma Hubbard got the kiddos for a sleepover on Friday night.

I was worried that Chloe would freak out, but after setting up and telling my Mom everything I needed her to know (as if she hadn't done this on her own six times previously) Chloe was practically pushing me out the door. The kids had a great time - although Noah would not let me out of sight the whole next day- and so did we.

Really, we didn't do much exciting, but that is almost what made it so fun! Joe worked Friday night until ten, so once I got the kids settled I headed off to go on a ride along with him. We didn't break up any drug rings, save anyone's life or get involved in a high speed chase, but it was fun to get a chance to see what a normal day is like. My favorite moment was when Joe responded to a call at the hospital for a 14 month old who had been bitten by a dog. The bite was minor and would heal on it's own, but it was so sweet to watch Joe interact with the little boy in taking his picture and trying to make him comfortable. Being a police officer is often a thankless job - no one likes them when they are giving you a ticket you may or may not feel you deserve, no one likes them when they are blocking off the the road that will save you ten more minutes of drive time, no one likes them driving behind you making your hyper aware of every driving move you make - but the things that police officers do for communities, the safety and peace of mind I have knowing they are around, and their willingness to give their lives if necessary make me so grateful for the sacrifices Joe makes (even if the adrenaline rush of running code makes it all worth it to him) - he's my hero.

Anyway I loved the moment watching him in his job and seeing him in his element with the little boy and it reminded me again our how much I love him for all the little great qualities he has. Joe is such a great friend, husband, and father and I am so grateful that I get the rest of eternity to have him as all mine!