gratitude.

These days, I find myself reflecting more and more on how grateful I am. Life is so busy and slowing things down takes some serious effort. But I am so blessed and lucky to have such an amazing ride-or-die partner by my side to hold my hand through it all. Now I'm not one to sugar-coat things. It's definitely not always sunshine and rainbows over here, but I am so lucky to have a husband who has always valued the importance of laughter and joy each and every day. He is the one who grounds me when my over-stressing, over-planning self gets carried away with the chaos of day-to-day. He is the reason behind so many of our children's smiles and he's the one who is always leading the laughter. He reminds me to take time for myself and watches the kids while I escape to the gym because he gets that I just can't function, let alone take care of anyone else if I don't stop and take care of myself first. He is always reminding me to slow down, that the cleaning and planning and worrying can wait. He is always present. Always positive. Everything that I lack. We've been together almost 15 years and this year we will be celebrating our 10 year anniversary. It's something that I've been looking forward to. Something I am so proud of. We met as kids and have grown together as adults and continue to learn and lean on each other. This Summer, I desperately want to renew our vows in a small, intimate ceremony to celebrate just how much joy the last 10 years have brought us. I want our children to see how much love we still have for each other and to know that a love like ours should be celebrated.
So tonight, as I steal some quiet time that my husband has lovingly  carved out for me, I am grateful. Just grateful.