There has not been a day that has gone by since meeting the Cowboy, that I have taken for granted what a blessing it has been God brought this man, this family into our lives.

We married knowing we would face some uncertainties, challenges and frequent commutes .. for who knows how long.  We have always kept at the forefront of our decisions, doing what is best, as best we know, for our kids.

We simply wanted to commit to being together, to building our family, to combining friends, resources, lives and hearts.  This is one of the most incredible people I have ever met in my life and while the scenario may not look traditional or how some people feel it should look to take that step, make that leap..

They are not us.

At the time of our wedding earlier this summer, we were planning a wonderful celebration in South Dakota this weekend to celebrate.  There are still many in South Dakota I have not met.  That our families have not met.  We were so looking forward to all sides coming together for a beautiful day of family, friends and hopefully a lot of love and laughter shared.  But given some of the things happening right now, we decided shortly after the wedding, it was best to postpone.  Wait until spring or next summer.

That was, until a girlfriend about three weeks ago said to me .. “Hey, I already took that day off.  Can we still come anyway?”

That turned into a second.  And before we knew it, many more chimed in.  Two weeks ago, the Cowboy and I said .. what the heck, let’s do it.  And almost all who’ve decided on this impromptu gather (apologies to others we had hoped could/would come and we’ll have another party in the spring/summer, promise!)  have at this hour, already pulled their RV’s or trailers into the Cowboy’s drive.

We will be the last to arrive this evening.  And tomorrow we will unfortunately be without three of the most important little people we had hoped could attend .. to celebrate.  They will be missed terribly as their smiles and laughter are infectious.  But there is still so much to celebrate, as imperfect as it may look or seem to others.

And we couldn’t be happier ..

So love you, Cowboy.