One Year Down...

It's our first anniversary today.  One year ago we walked down the aisle in the room where we first met and vowed to spend the rest of our lives side by side.  It was a lovely day, full of joy, laughter and promise.  I can't think of many better days in my life.  No, I'll correct that.  I can't think of any better days. Some that equalled it in greatness, but none that can truly match it.

It's been a good year.  There have been challenges, to be sure.  Blending families is as difficult as they say.  There have been some tense moments, days even.  There have been days of annoyance, moments of anger, times of deep hurt.  But we have always moved through them and on from them, and I think I can honestly say that we have always done so while maintaining mutual respect.

There have been far more good days.  Days of celebration.  Days of showing the love that we have for each other.  Yes, good days.

And today, even more than a year ago, I truly love the man I stand beside.  He is a good man.  He is patient and kind.  He treats me well.  He loves me.  He loves our children - his, mine and ours.  Whenever I look at him, whether through my eyes or in my mind, I know that I have found the man of my dreams.  He is not perfect, but he is perfect for me.  He is all I need in a husband, and so much more.  He is my love.

As I look forward to the many years I hope we will have together, I have many dreams for us.  Some we will fulfill, I'm sure.  Others will remain as dreams.  We will have many adventures, though they may not be the ones we had planned.  What is important is that we stay as a team, standing strong side by side, ready to face whatever life may throw our way.  And at the end of the day, that we always choose to say, "I love you."

I love you, Darryl.  I loved you then, I love you now, I always will.

Happy anniversary, my love.

6 Reasons I Love Being a Mom

Mother's Day is coming to a close.  It has been a good day.  I came home with my hubby after spending a weekend celebrating our first anniversary (which is tomorrow) to a bunch of kids excited to see me and give me their tokens of love.  I always look forward to seeing what they have come up with.  It's a good feeling to know I am loved by the ones who are so important to me.  So let me tell you a bit about the six reasons I love being a mom.

1) Charisma.  She is, and always will be, my firstborn.  Charisma is the classic Type A personality, striving for perfection in everything that she does.  She is passionate, goofy and driven.  And an amazing source for information about Cody Simpson and One Direction.  Charisma challenges me to become a better person.  She also cares about people and will stand by and encourage anyone who is going through a rough time.

2) Hailey.  Hailey is my step-daughter and I'm still getting to know her.  Don't let the picture fool you though - she loves to laugh.  She has a sort of fun innocence that makes me smile.  She is creative and enjoys making things for her friends.  It has been neat seeing her come into her own in this family, and in life.

3) Caleb.  Caleb has a true soft spot for others.  He has always been sensitive to those around him, even though I think he sometimes tries to hide it.  It bothers him when others are upset, when he sees an injustice.  He is not afraid to speak up for others.  He also still gives me hugs, and I hope he always will.

4) Daniele.  Truly inquisitive, Daniele thirsts after all kinds of knowledge.  She simply loves to learn.  She is always willing to give you another chance, allowing herself to be vulnerable in the process.  She has a dynamic personality that draws people in.  An open, loving person who lets that shine through.

5) Justin.  My little monkey.  He makes me laugh with the things that he comes up with.  He loves books and cuddle time.  His never-ending energy astounds me.  Justin is always willing to help with any task, from baking to diaper changing.  And he definitely loves both his families.

6) Tessera.  My newest bundle of joy.  All she has to do is smile and my heart melts.  I cannot wait to see who she will become.

There they are.  Six amazing kids.  Six amazing reasons to love being a mom.  And I sure do love it.